Immerse yourself at
Taste of Derby™
Presenting Taste of Derby, an exclusive culinary experience curated and operated by Derby Experiences. Savor an exquisite selection of dishes crafted by renowned celebrity chefs, each representing a key stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of gourmet flavors, live music, and top-tier entertainment— all setting the stage for an extraordinary Derby weekend. Kick-off Derby 152 in style with this one-of-a-kind celebration!
2025 Featured Celebrity Chefs Included:
Dylan Dreyer
Dylan Dreyer
NBC Co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today and Cooking with Cal Segment Host
Representing Location: New York
Featured Dish: Melt in your mouth meatballs, featured in Todays food Cookbook
Aaron May
Aaron May
Television Personality, Executive Chef and Restaurateur
Representing Location: Florida
Marc Murphy
Marc Murphy
Television Personality, Executive Chef, and Restauranteur
Representing Location: France
Featured Dish: Terrine De Foie Gras on Toast Points with Port Shallot Marmalade and Smoked Salmon on Blinis with Crème Fraiche and Salmon Roe
Maneet Chauhan
Maneet Chauhan
Indian-American Chef, Television Personality, and Restauranteur
Representing Location: England
Featured Dish: Pork Vindaloo Frito Pie w/ Tamarind chutney with Pico de Gallo
Shota Nakajima
Shota Nakajima
Japanese-American Chef, TV Personality, and James Beard Semifinalist
Representing Location: Japan
Akira Back
Akira Back
Celebrity Chef, TV Personality, and Restauranteur
Representing Location: California
Damaris Phillips
Damaris Phillips
Food Network Personality and American Chef
Representing Location: Kentucky
Todd English
Todd English
Celebrity Chef, Author, Restauranteur, and James Beard Award Winner
Representing Location: Ireland
Robert Lopez
Robert Lopez
Award-Winning Event Culinary Engineer and Current Churchill Downs Senior Executive Chef
Representing Location: Churchill Downs
Your Taste of Derby Experience
Signature Dishes from Elite Chefs
Savor exquisite creations from these top culinary masters, each showcasing their signature flavors and craftsmanship in dishes inspired by the legendary stops along the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Tasting Sample and Wine Pairing
Enhance every bite with a curated tasting sample and wine pairing, expertly designed to complement the rich flavors of Derby cuisine.
Premium Open Bar
Raise a glass and toast to the Derby with a premium open bar, featuring an extensive selection of beer, wine, and top-shelf spirits. Sip on classic Derby cocktails like Mint Juleps and Oaks Lilys or enjoy refreshing sodas and gourmet coffee as you revel in the night’s festivities.
Dessert Stations
Treat yourself to a decadent dessert station, where an irresistible array of sweets awaits, offering the perfect grand finale to your evening.
Trophy Photo Opportunity
Pose for a once-in-a-lifetime trophy photo opportunity with the iconic Kentucky Derby Trophy, creating a lasting memento of your Derby experience.
Red Carpet Entry
Step into the spotlight with a red carpet entry, setting the tone for an exclusive evening of elegance and excitement.
Live Band with roaming Master of Ceremonies
The night comes alive with a live band filling the air with electrifying energy, while a roaming Master of Ceremonies keeps the festivities flowing, ensuring an engaging and dynamic atmosphere from start to finish. Also, enjoy an exclusive performance from a Churchill Downs Bugler!
Complimentary Valet Service
Arrive in style and leave your worries behind with complimentary valet service, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this spectacular event.
Get Taste of Derby Access
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