Any hope for Oaks and Derby evening procrastinators?

[Robin Garr]

Let's start up the annual discussion: For out-of-towners, and for locals who've procrastinated and failed to get reservations at local favorites for Oaks and Derby after the races, is there any hope?

Let's assemble the group's best tips and advice for hot local spots that may still have room, which places don't take reservations (and how bad the wait for a table is likely to be), and alternatives - in the metro and beyond - that may not be full up.

This would also be an appropriate place for restaurant representatives to post the info if you still have room or other suggestions for last-minute Derby-time decisions.

Diamante is one of my favorite fly under the radar places. Not sure why the word of mouth has not got out and they are not busier for the quality of food they serve. I've never seen it crowded there, much less had to wait for a table.

If the usual restaurant areas are packed, I would suggest people try out various restaurants in the South End. We don't bite down here.

There's a very good Thai place on Preston, Thai Smile 5. There's a very good Vietnamese place in Iroquois Manor, Vietnam Kitchen. Several decent Mexican places (two across the street from each other on New Cut). Buckhead Grill on Outer Loop. Lots more that don't immediately come to mind.

These will generally not be the swanky, to-be-seen-at places, but if you're looking for good food, there *are* choices down here.

I'd also direct people to New Albany for possibilities.

A quick check at http://www.opentable.comshows several good to very good restaurants with openings for 7 p.m. for both Fri and Sat.

Melillo's has 3 open tables for Oaks and 2 open tables for Derby. $55 5-course meal. Give us a call at 540-9975.

Mojito is taking reservations for Oaks and Derby. For more info please call (502)425-0949. Thanks Fernando.

Mojito Tapas Restaurant. 2231 Holiday Manor Center. 40222.

Mojito

We are taking reservations for Oaks & Derby.
$50 per person
Oaks & Derby Menu

1st Course: Ensalada
Choice of:

Ensalada Mediterránea – Lettuce, Marcona almonds, pine nuts, shaved fig bread, feta cheese, olives, grapes, raisins, cucumbers with a muscatel dressing.
Ensalada de Palmito – Spring mix, hearts of palm, tomatoes, roasted peppers, red onions, topped with crumbled queso fresco and avocadoes.

2nd Course: Entremes
Choice of:

Cocktail de Camarón - Plump shrimp served with a spicy salsa campechana for dipping.
Guacamole and Chicharritas – Avocadoes, tomatoes, cilantro, mild roasted Poblano chile, lime juice, red onions served with plantain chips.


3rd Course: Appetizer
Choice of:

Pincho Moruno – Pork tenderloin skewer topped with a Spanish port reduction sauce.
Pincho de Pollo – Chicken skewers topped with saffron garlic butter.
Pincho de Solomillo – Beef tenderloin skewer topped with Crumbled Cabréales blue cheese and Spanish port reduction sauce.
Pincho de Vegetales – Veggie Skewer with mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, squash, red onions, bell peppers topped with saffron garlic butter.

4th Course: Entrée

Paella Valenciana - Spanish Valencia Rice, cooked with chicken, Spanish chorizo, grouper, shrimp, mussels, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, green peas, saffron, olives and wine.

5th Course: Dessert
Choice of:

Churros Con Chocolate – Home made Cuban doughnuts served with chocolate ganache for dipping.
Goat Cheese Flan – Our delicious vanilla and goat cheese custard.

[Robin Garr]

Melillo's has 3 open tables for Oaks and 2 open tables for Derby. $55 5-course meal. Give us a call at 540-9975.

Thanks, Michelle! I'll bet those sell out fast!

[Robin Garr]

Mojito is taking reservations for Oaks and Derby.

Sounds great, Fernando. That flan is absolutely addictive!

Basa Modern Vietnamese has quite a few openings for Oaks/Derby as of this past Saturday night, but I am sure they will go fast

For specifics, you can contact Mr. Steven Ton at (502)896-1016
Basa is located at 2244 Frankfort Ave.

When making recommendations please include an address or at least a street that the restaurant can be found on. Remember , folks from out of town find it handy since an up to date phone book is seldom current where restaurants are concerned.
Thanks

Westport General Store-
7008 Hwy 524 Westport KY 40077
222 4626

We have several openings right now. We are also showing the race- so for you guys who want a nice ride out to the country and a pleasant Derby Party, please make your reservations now.

Bison Rib-eye - Locally produced range-raised Bison rib eye, grilled to your liking, and topped with bourbon demi-glace and fried onion strings, and served with your choice of two sides

Tournedos of Beef Oscar with Asparagus and Hollandaise

Sautéed Red Snapper in a walnut crust with a saffron cream sauce topped with fried basil with rice and vegetables

Bourbon Street Scallops- Blackened Scallops, angel hair pasta tossed with sauteed onion, mushrooms, red pepper in a lobster sauce.

Chicken Breast Saltimbocca – Our Signature Dish! With thinly sliced Finchville country ham, provolone cheese, and fresh sage-lemon butter, served with "dirty rice" and seasonal vegetables

Grilled Vegetable Plate- Weisenberger grits, zucchini, squash, asparagus.

Let's start up the annual discussion: For out-of-towners, and for locals who've procrastinated and failed to get reservations at local favorites for Oaks and Derby after the races, is there any hope?

Let's assemble the group's best tips and advice for hot local spots that may still have room, which places don't take reservations (and how bad the wait for a table is likely to be), and alternatives - in the metro and beyond - that may not be full up.

This would also be an appropriate place for restaurant representatives to post the info if you still have room or other suggestions for last-minute Derby-time decisions.

Bistro New Albany has plenty of room (damn, it's like were in another State or something....) We are 10 minutes from downtown and 15 from Churchill Downs. Oh, did I mention that we have arguably the best patio in the metro, live music, private dining for 35, and a full bar with groovy wine and beer to boot?? We will be doing our normal dinner menu (no prix fixe) and some cool specials for Oaks and Derby. No waits, no crowds, no headaches, just damn good food and sustainence!

Are there any higher end places out there that have anything available? Basically, there needs to be a good wine list. Even if it's not right downtown.

Really, check opentable.com. Asiatique, Morton's, BLU, Primo among others.

When making recommendations please include an address or at least a street that the restaurant can be found on. Remember , folks from out of town find it handy since an up to date phone book is seldom current where restaurants are concerned.
Thanks

On the other hand, many of these restaurants have been around for a long time and are listed. I agree with you with regards to new restaurants.