These local spots are hosting Kentucky Derby parties with mint juleps, Hot Browns, ornate hats and all the action surrounding the “fastest two minutes in sports.” Parties on Saturday, May 2, unless otherwise noted.
>>Confetti! 393 Farmington Ave., Plainville, hosts its first Derby Day party at 4:30 p.m. The event features hors d’oeuvres and traditional Derby fare, raffles, a cash bar with Maker’s Mark juleps (with souvenir Derby cups) and prizes for most elegantly dressed gentleman and most elegant, wackiest and most creative ladies’ hats. A suggested donation of $10 as well as proceeds from the raffles will go to Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center. 860-793-8809, idineconfetti.com.
>>Heirloom at the Study Hotel, 1157 Chapel St., New Haven, hosts a Derby brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with country ham, shrimp and grits, hot browns, pimiento waffles and mint juleps. Hats are encouraged. The lounge menu will be served all day. 203-503-3919, heirloomnewhaven.com.
>>Max Restaurant Group hosts Derby parties at Max’s Tavern in Springfield, Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford and Max Fish in Glastonbury with an a la carte-priced Kentucky-inspired menu and bourbon mint juleps. Derby attire and large hats are encouraged. At Max Downtown in Hartford, the party, starting at 4:30 p.m., features Woodford Reserve bourbon cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner and a best hat contest. The first 60 people to reserve will receive a commemorative Woodford Reserve julep cup. Tickets are $39. 860-522-2530, maxrestaurantgroup.com.
>>All Plan B Burger Bar locations will host Derby Day parties with bourbon mint juleps, Kentucky-inspired food, contests for best hat and best-dressed and raffles. planbburger.com.
>>Grants and Restaurant Bricco in West Hartford and Bricco Trattoria in Glastonbury will all host Derby parties from 4 to 7 p.m., with special Bulleit bourbon cocktails and happy hour specials. billygrant.com.
>>Hot Tomato’s, 1 Union Place, Hartford, offers Derby-themed specials, like baby back ribs, stuffed pork loin, mint juleps and other Knob Creek bourbon cocktails. 860-249-5100, hottomatos.net.
>>Bobby V’s, 11 Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, hosts a Kentucky Derby party with prizes for best hat and best dressed. Parties need to arrive no later than 3 p.m. 860-627-5808, bobbyvsrestaurant.com.
>>Zingarella, 84 West Main St., Southington, hosts its third annual Kentucky Derby party from 3 to 6:30 p.m., with drink discounts and a $15 unlimited Derby dinner buffet (the full menu is also available.) The party also features a hat contest, lucky horse shoe game, prizes and a 50/50 raffle to benefit H.O.R.S.E., a rescue organization in Washington, Conn. 860-628-9464, zingarellas.com.
