Taste of Derby 2016 Sponsored by 14 Hands Wine

In the heartland of horse racing, where the thundering hooves of champions echo through the lush greenery, Kentucky is not just known for its Derby races but also its vibrant culinary culture. The Taste of Derby, held in 2016, brought together the best of both worlds, celebrating the rich flavors of Kentucky and the thrill of the Derby. Adding a touch of elegance to the event, 14 Hands Wine, a renowned winery, graciously sponsored the festivities, making it an affair to remember.

Taste of Derby Chefs

Chef Tiffani Faison

Chef Faison is in her fifth year representing Top Chef at Taste of Derby, was the first runner-up on the first season of “Top Chef,” fan favorite, “Top Chef All-Stars” and finalist of “Top Chef Duels.” Chef Faison prepared caviar-topped Maine Lobster over salt-baked Dutch Yellow Potatoes. This amazing dish was paired with 14 Hands Chardonnay.

Chef Jeremy Ford

Chef Ford of the Matador Room at the Edition Hotel in Miami, FL, is the 2016 Winner of Top Chef Season 13. Chef Ford prepared a mouth-watering Hamachi Sashimi with crushed Olives and Lemon Snow. The dish was paired with 14 Hands Riesling.

Chef Michael Gulotta

Chef Gulotta, 2016 Best New Chefs Food & Wine, dazzled the crowd with his Nuoc Mam glazed Manchester Farms Quail with Cucumber, Mint, and White Barbecue Sauce. While it was a little difficult to maneuver eating the quail leg while standing, it was nevertheless delicious. Paired with 14 Hands Hot to Trot White Blend.

Chef Johnny Iuzzini

The Chef with the most personality for sure is Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini of Sugar Fueled Inc. in NY. Chef Iuzzini was a Judge for ABC’s Great Holiday Baking Show and was a 2014 Nominee for America’s Best New Restaurant, Bon Appétit. He also has two popular cookbooks: Sugar Rush and Dessert Fourplay. Chef Iuzzini, dressed in what appeared to be a fabulous American flag designed Elvis cloak, as he prepared Cordillera Los Andes Chocolate Sorbet with Espresso and hazelnut. Paired with 14 Hands Muscato.

Chef Sean Thompson

Chef Thompson of Chops Lobster Bar, Boca Raton, FL, prepared a very flavorful Prime Beef Carpaccio with Smoked Vidalia Onion Aioli – – a very popular dish at the event. Paired with 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chef Cory Bahr

My favorite dish of the evening (and believe me with all of the wonderful dishes it was a difficult choice) was prepared by Chef Cory Bahr of Restaurant Cotton, Monroe, LA, and 2015. Chef Bahr was the Spokesman for the Louisiana Tourism Culinary campaign and 2014 and 2015 People’s Best New Chef Food & Wine. The Jurgielewicz & Sons Duck Wrap with Bacon, Creole Cream Cheese & LA Honey appetizer was a flavorful combination of sweet and succulent and was perfectly paired with 14 Hands Merlot.

Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation

Through the Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation, a portion of the event’s proceeds benefited Louisville’s Dare to Care Food Bank and the Sullivan University Hospitality Studies Taste of Derby Scholarship Fund.

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We hope you enjoyed Simply Amazing Living's “Taste of Derby with 14 Hands Winery” post.

14 Hands Winery graciously hosted us as their guest at the 2016 Kentucky Derby. This once-in-a-lifetime experience was amazing! We are so thankful.

This article originally appeared in Divine Lifestyle Blog on May 27, 2016. 

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