FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

bill.clary@ky.gov

CHURCHILL DOWNS PREPARING A MEAL FIT FOR A QUEEN

FEATURING KENTUCKY PROUD INGREDIENTS

     FRANKFORT, Ky. — When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attend the 133rd Kentucky Derby on May 5, they will enjoy a meal fit for a Queen.

     In honor of the British royal family’s visit, Executive Chef Gil Logan of Levy Restaurants, the official caterer for Churchill Downs, will showcase authentic Derby cuisine made with the finest, freshest ingredients, many from Kentucky Proud producers right here in the Bluegrass State.

     “By incorporating so many locally-grown products into his Churchill Downs menu, Chef Gil Logan has become a leading goodwill ambassador for Kentucky Proud,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, who heads up Kentucky Proud, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing program to promote Kentucky-grown farm products.

     ”More and more people in Kentucky realize that the food here tastes better,” Commissioner Farmer added. “Thanks to Chef Gil, the Queen of England and the world are finding out, too."

     In preparing the menu, Logan visited farms in the surrounding Kentucky countryside and hand-selected the ingredients to ensure the highest quality.

     “We really want to provide Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with quintessential Kentucky Derby cuisine, done regally,” said Logan, who personally will prepare the meal. “The Queen will sample the fan favorites that will be enjoyed by everyone, and with the phenomenal ingredients from Kentucky farms, the flavors and freshness will be at their peak.”

     The Kentucky-inspired classics on the Queen’s menu include:

• Kentucky Bibb Salad, featuring sliced strawberries, almonds and feta cheese, and cider vinaigrette served atop Bibb lettuce;

• A main course of roast chicken breast, topped with wild Kentucky shiitake mushroom cream sauce; and barbeque shrimp;
• Side dishes of western Kentucky-style pole beans, flavored with onions and ham hocks, and country cassoulet, a mix of chicken, duck, country ham, black-eyed peas and vegetables;
• For dessert, silks cookies and mint julep strawberries with spring biscuits.

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