Best Place to take Derby Visitors for a Hot Brown

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Where is the best place to take my Derby entourage to sample a Hot Brown? I would automatically say the Brown Hotel due to history and the Castro brothers, but I can imagine that the place will be mobbed.

Any other suggestions factoring quality and convenience?

Depends when you go . . . if you go at an odd time or day - like early Sunday morning, I'd take them to J Grahams (the Brown's ground-floor casual restaurant). If you're talking about Saturday at 11:30, forget it. If you're having/going to a Derby party instead of the track, then hit the Brown Saturday around 2:30-3:00, and have a great Hot Brown before the party.

By definition, it's the epitome of a Hot Brown, afterall . . .

My second choice would be Lynn's Paradise Cafe........

Easier parking, more "freestyle" atmosphere.......oh, and wonderful food

The Brown. And the crowds are just part of the Derby "experience."

If you just cannot get to the Brown, you could try Jarfi's.

Not a place you would think of for a hot brown, but O'Shea's on Bardstown Road has a great hot brown.

While I do feel it has gone down hill somewhat over the years, Claudia Sanders still serves a good Hot Brown. Plus you get the bonus of a nice scenic drive, and may be able to avoid inner city crowds though Claudia's can get quite busy from time to time. If I recall correctly (haven't had one at the Brown for about 5 years) the Brown's is made with turkey, bacon, toast, tomato, and a white sauce. Claudia's is made with turkey, country ham, bacon, toast, and a yellow cheese sauce (I prefer this variation over what is served at the Brown).

All things being said, I believe you can make a better one at home than can be found at any restaurant around. I have created a progressive version using french baguette instead of toast (holds up much better when smothered in cheese sauce), Boars Head Rosemary and Sun-Dried Tomato ham instead of country ham (flavors are remarkable, and country ham can be a bit salty for my tastes), Boars Head Salsalito turkey (fresh turkey is good as well but this replacement adds a distinctive flavor). I whip up the sauce with butter, flour, salt, pepper, whole milk, and a nice Vermont cheddar. Assemble with a good pepper bacon, fresh parsley, a few dashes of Parmigiano-Reggiano, bake, and you have a fabulous creation. Because I use deli meats the entire thing can be done in under an hour.

We really enjoyed the "Hot Brown" at Captain's Quarters.

Boc, try this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4448&p=42731&hilit=hot+brown#p42731

The Whistle Stop in Glendale, Kentucky (south on I-65).