My Race To The Kentucky Derby: Amazing food and a fun reenactment

Since I have so much to talk about in this blog, I’m going to post a table of contents so you can

skip over a section if you feel so moved.

1. Starbucks/Coffee

2. Horse Rides

3. Seabiscuit Reenactment

4. Fine Dining

5. Photos

1. I would like to start this blog off with thanking a very close friend who has been extremely generous to me and shares my passion for great food. She recently gave me a bag of coffee beans from her trip to Ethiopia. This coffee is the best I've ever had. It has such a smooth bold taste that isn't too strong or too sweet. I have never tasted anything like it. It is absolutely marvelous. As I entered the Starbucks this evening, a fantastic idea sprung into my head. Since I've been reviewing their tasty treats, I haven't been able to indulge in their lattes. Then it hit me; why not just eat half the pastry and then I would also have enough calories saved up for a latte as well? I went with the petite hazelnut tart (180 cal.) and vanilla bean scone (140 cal.). The first couple of bites into the scone where very dry and the dough stuck to the roof of my mouth. It was not a pleasant experience. But once you added the drink, it was wonderful! The scone was delicate and delicious while the hazelnut tart had a rich smooth hazelnut cream inside. I highly recommend eating these two items with a drink; otherwise you’re in for a great disappointment and a very dry mouth.

2. This past week was a fantastic week of riding. It was my best week since I've been back. Every day I had two good rides and on breeze day I had the 2nd fastest time. I was overjoyed that I finally completed a week without any problems! Things are going great. What made it even better was the fact that I rode on some of the tougher horses.

3. On Tuesday, I participated in a reenactment of Seabiscuit for 900 kindergartners as a part of a literacy project. I was honored with the opportunity to play Charlie Kurtsinger, War Admiral’s jockey, while Mr. McCarron played Seabiscuit's jockey. The show opened with Sea Biscuit's trainer doing a brief overview of the story. Then the press announcer welcomed the owners of Seabiscuit and War Admiral who arrived on scene in period time cars and costumes. After interviewing the owners, the horses' trainers and jockeys (Chris McCarron and me) entered the arena to be interviewed. This was all impromptu, so I had to come up with my own lines on the spot. When I was asked: "What do you think of War Admiral?" I replied: “He’s big, fast and knows how to win. You're looking at America's champion, War Admiral!" The press man then asked: "Do you think the Biscuit has a chance?" I cockily replied: “You think a horse that small and named after a cracker will win? (laugh) War Admiral will be America's Champion!" It was an awesome experience and very fun to dress up in jockey silks and have a mock race. I can't wait until the day comes that I'm actually participating in a real race. It was great fun riding in front of the kids and hearing their cheers and screams. I loved the atmosphere and can only

imagine what it will be like riding in front of thousands at an actual race.

4. Easter Sunday was my first Easter away from the family. I decided I had to do something special. I knew my family would be hanging out with my uncle, aunt and cousins enjoying an awesome meal and the annual family Easter egg hunt. Since I wasn't going to be able to participate in these activities, I decided to do something I've never done, but always have wanted to do. I went to a fine dining restaurant, ready to drop as much money as needed to get the full experience. When I arrived, I was warmly greeted and seated in the outdoor enclosed patio. When the waitress came to take my order, she gave me a funny look like “You have the money to be eating here? I sure hope you tip.” I started my meal off with salmon topped chibatta with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. The flavors blended together in an exquisite way. All of a sudden, it got quite cool on the patio, so I requested to be moved inside and I was seated at my personal 8 person booth. The waitress removed all the place settings to make it feel like my own private dining area. For my entree, I couldn't resist the temptation to order the lamb chops even though it was on the pricy side. Once again the waitress gave me the "Are you sure you can afford this" look. When it came out I was in shock. It looked very beautiful. I've seen things like this on TV, but never in real life. I have never tasted a more tender, juicy, melt in your mouth piece of meat in my life. The lamb was seated on a pool of rich demi glaze that was so sweet and rich with flavor I could have drunk a cup of the stuff. Although I was filled to the brim, I had to complete my experience with dessert. I was sort of disappointed with the choices they had, but I went with a very berry bread pudding with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The bread pudding was great but nothing to get excited about, but the ice cream on the other hand was very smooth and velvety that just melted away in a sweet vanilla flavor. The only thing that could have made this experience more complete would have been a specialty wine, but I'm not 21 so that wasn’t an option. It was a fantastic meal and I tipped the waitress quite well. The meal plus tip cost…. well, let’s just say it was the most expensive food outing I had ever experienced. I enjoyed it so much, I am now saving a portion of my tips each night towards another fine dining experience :)

5. Seabiscuit reenactment photos