Selena's In Anchorage (Willow Lake)

Donna and I attended a wine dinner tonight at Selena's Restaurant (The old Willow Lake Lodge) on LaGrange Road in Anchorage. It was a great time. While the wines did not impress me all that much, the food, atmosphere, and collegiality was fantastic. This might become my regular hang out. The bar was warm with a great selection of liquors. The restaurant is family owned and run, with the kids in charge of the bar. The food was more sophisticated then I expected, and although I didn't get a chance to thank the chef, he has some hidden talents. You have to try this place. It reminds me so much of the warm, unpretentious, good supper clubs of Wisconsin. The fireplace was crackling and the people were laughing. This is what it is all about.....................

Phil, Thanks for the kind words. I very much enjoyed meeting the both of you, and look forward to seeing you again. You are correct with the hidden talents of our Chef Dan Thompson. He was responsible for all the dishes that night. Thanks again, and I have added you to our email list for upcomong events. We are working on a Woodford Reserve dinner with an inclusion of some excellent cigars for Derby Week. Will let you know how this plays out. Chris

Phil, I just thought to remind you that since you two love to eat in nice places, you should pick one or two soon and go ahead and make a reservation for Oaks night (that's the night before Derby) and Derby itself. No, I am not kidding. Don't get too far into March without nailing that down, if you want to rub up against some beautiful rich and famous out-of-towners. You're going to love Derby!

Phil, I just thought to remind you that since you two love to eat in nice places, you should pick one or two soon and go ahead and make a reservation for Oaks night (that's the night before Derby) and Derby itself. No, I am not kidding. Don't get too far into March without nailing that down, if you want to rub up against some beautiful rich and famous out-of-towners. You're going to love Derby!

Marsha speaks the truth......you can't get into anyplace "Top Drawer", even with Dynamite.

The city literally shuts down Thursday afternoon, and sobers up on Sunday. My usual plan of attack is head to Kroger on Tuesday, stock up, and don't leave the house all weekend (unless I get invited to a Derby Party)......it's safer that way.

Wow! What's Oak's night? What dates are we talking about? Is it best to "get out of town." When Milwaukee has its "Harley Fest," Donna and I either headed down to Chicago or holed up in our house as if we were hiding from the Pinochet led fascists in Chile! What should we do? Help!

Dude, either you embrace Derby or you shun it. You're new to town, so you should try the hug for one year, at least.

Oaks is one of the series of races at Churchill Downs the day before Derby. It's actually more popular with natives than Derby itself, which is largely populated by a combination of tourists and old families that own their boxes at the track.

Uh, it's a little bigger than "Harley Fest", we promise.

Dates please. I am very out of touch with this Derby thing. Are there parties we should go to? What is available? I am lost on this matter. Phil

Okay, people - Derby primer for Phil. New thread. Meetcha there.

I made a new thread in the All About Louisville forum to split off the Derby Primer for Phil and Donna. Here it is!

First brunch at Selena's this past Sunday. I love, love, love brunch and this didn't disappoint. We were a party of five and were sat instantly. It appeared as if the section we were in didn't yet have a server. After a lengthy period of time, we notified the owner and he remedied the problem immediately. We were served complimentary beignets- which were to die for- for the error. Not needed, but very much appreciated. I enjoy a restaurant which has excellent management.

On to the food... I had the eggs benedict. I can't help it, I'm traditional. It was fantastic. The eggs were perfectly poached and the canadian bacon was high quality. It was served with hashbrown casserole which was good but maybe a little heavy with the dish. (I always appreciate having the choice to get fruit as a side) The hubb had the french toast, and I was jealous. Six or seven pieces of baguette with syrup and cinnamon butter. So yummy! Others had the creole omelet and mediterranean omelet and both looked great although I didn't try them. And the greatest part-- the reasonable prices.

We are excited to try out lunch and dinner as well. What a nice place to put into the rotation!