Filet with seared foie gras and butter poached lobster tail.
THE MANE EVENT
Located in the heart of Millionaire's Row, Matt Winn's Steakhouse is Churchill Downs' first year-round restaurant. Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung Even amid the emptiness, you can still sense it: the rhythmic click-clacking of high heels on the pavement, the lingering aroma of spilled beer and bourbon accented by the memory of mint, uproarious laughter, and calls of vendors hawking their wares. Since it opened in 1875, the storied grounds of Churchill Downs have borne witness to countless tales of happiness and heartbreak, and many of us were heartsick when the difficult decision was made to run the 146th Kentucky Derby sans fans. Still, in the past few months, I've been treated to two red carpet moments at the historic track, escorted along the same 66 slmag.net
path trod by celebrities and VIPs on their way to Millionaire's Row. Best of all, it's an experience open to anyone who dines at the recently opened Matt Winn's Steakhouse. A multi-year labor of love for Rich Sutton, Vice President of Hospitality Strategy for Levy Restaurants at Churchill Downs, Matt Winn's is the track's first restaurant to operate on a year-round basis. In pushing for the project, Sutton likened it to fine dining venues open to the public at other iconic landmarks, such as Le Jules Verne restaurant in Paris' Eiffel Tower. "We are providing a high-level experience worthy of the top floor at Churchill Downs," he explained.
