I really mint it.

The Kentucky Derby

official starts tomorrow.

I plan on celebrating

the Churchill Downs

all weekend long.

And to really celebrate the derby,

what better way than with a

Mint Julep?

We can all be winners together

for scoring the coveted recipe for

The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans,

Traditional Mint Julep.

* 12-15 fresh mint leaves, reserve one sprig for garnish

* 1 ounce peach syrup, like Monin

* 2 1/2 ounces of Bourbon

* superfine sugar

Step 1.

Place mint & 1/4 ounce peach syrup in julep cup

and gently crush leaves with a wooden muddler,

working them up the sides of the glass.

2. Loosely pack the glass with finely crushed ice,

then add bourbon.

Drizzle remaining peach syrup on top.

Sprinkle fine sugar on the mint leaf, and garnish with the mint leaf.

Yield: 1 cocktail

I have never made one for myself. Have any of you? Any "special" tips you can share?

recipe courtesy of the New York Times/ photo from Southern Living

Formal Apology:

I hereby issue a my sincere apology

to the city of

Louisville, Kentucky,

as I now realize:

You are awesome.

It's always hard to describe in words an experience,

but after a day in Louisville

I feel incredibly patriotic.

Unlike many southern towns where the

spirit of the heartland is so obvious...

Louisville's combination of

incredible American architecture,

idyllic landscape,

and subtle hipster vibe

mixes to create an effortlessly beautiful picture

of the American Dream.

Dinner was at Proof on Main

where I dined solo.

(I really don't prefer this,

but when I'm on business,

I''ll make the trade over room service.)

Who knew Louisville could get gnocchi so right?

I couldn't say no to a side of their grits,

and I'm quite glad I didn't.

The service was unassumingly friendly,

and the atmosphere was of

a sparkling metropolitan hot spot.

Compliments to Chef Michael Paley for

directing an amazing menu.

As if the spring weather wasn't

the perfect setting for my day,

I hit the jackpot

by running into this little beauty

while walking along Bardstown Road.

If not divinely timed to my recent realization

of this American's city innate ability

to bring southern history into today.

I think this picture says it best.

The owner tied up his steed,

and walked straight into a tattoo parlour.