The Table Louisville, Kentucky — Unbridled Spirit
Louisville is pronounced “L u evel” or as most of us say (in the French manor) LOUIEVILLE. It is the largest city in the state of Kentucky. Founded in 1778 and named aft er King Louis XVI of France. It is this king who sent troopers that aided in the American Revolution. In 1780 it received its town charter. It is the oldest city west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The growth of Louisville was influenced by location and geography of the area. It is situated on the Ohio River which flows down to the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the rapids of the Falls of Ohio, river boats had to be unloaded andmoved downriver overland.
Kentucky was firmly rooted in the Union during the Civil War. The slaves worked at trades related to the area. It was known as a point of escape for the slaves to the north into Indiana which was a free state.
Louisville was not directly attack during thewar. Returning Confederate veterans quickly took control of the area. To the point of Louisville joined the Confederacy after the war.
Crossing over the Ohio River on Route 65 leads to the Ohio River Greenway, near Jefferson, Clarksville and New Albany. The Ohio River is located within Kentucky borders.
Kentucky is well known for its Bluegrass Region which is the center for breeding high-quality livestock – especially horses. Horse Racing had and has a strong tradition. The first Kentucky Derby was held in May of 1875 and continues to this day. The first derby was at the Louisville Jockey Club, later to be named Churchill Downs. Each year on the first Saturday ofMay crowds gather for this race for three-year old thoroughbreds. The tradition of the ladies wearing large ornate hats and the sipping of mint julips is common place.
Louisville city architecture is a blend of old and new. The “Old Louisville Neighborhood” is the largest historical preservation district, solely featuring Victorian homes and buildings in the U.S.
Over the years major damage to Louisville and Kentucky has been caused by tornados. In 1890 the city was devastated by a F4 tornado. In 1974 another F4 struck thirteen states, including the Louisville area. Significant growth in the 1990’s begun and continues to grow – especially with conversion to the waterfront area.
Since its earliest days shipping and the cargo industry has directed the economy. The shipping industry continues as the world port hub for UPS is located in Louisville. Three out of Kentucky’s six Fortune 500 companies are located in Louisville. The building of the LouisvilleNashville Railroad in early days and expanded to approximately 6,000 miles going through thirteen states.
Various religions can be found in this diversified city – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism to mention a few. Louisville is a mecca for religions and their related holdings. Downtown houses the Catholic Archdiocese, most of the Roman Catholic community is of German descent.
One out of three Louisvillians are Southern Baptist which increased early in the 20th century with migration from Tennessee and rural Kentucky seeking work. Major Lutheran and Evangelicals settled in Louisville along with other religious entities.
EveryMay the Festival of Faiths, an interfaith gathering is held. Five days are dedicated to dialogue and events to strength the ties between the different groups.
Louisville is a booming center for the arts, music and business. It is known for cultural diversity and local trade. Downtown the West Main District is a mecca for museums and galleries. Along with the performing arts and the Louisville Orchestra (a cornerstone) of the cultural community. Parks and outdoor activities attract locals and visitors alike. Louisville is considered to be a humid subtropical climate with four seasons – hosting a wide scope of activity.
Higher education plays an important role. There are six 4-year colleges, two community colleges, as well as numerous business and technical schools. The Health Sciences Center, an expansivemedical research market is in the process of adding 10,000 high paying jobs to the market.
According to the Americanwhiskey industry – Louisville supplies one-third of all bourbon produced in the U.S. Not only a popular drink, it is used in cooking and preparation of food. The cuisine of the area is traditional Southern. Barbecue is quite popular and prepared in several different ways. Also, chili is a popular fast food at home and eateries.
Derby Pie was originated at Louisville’s Brown Hotel. There is a copyright attached to the recipe, so it is difficult to share in print. Check online for
the recipe. The Brown Hotel was first to serve this recipe.
LOUISVILLE HOT BROWN (Makes 2 Sandwiches) ¼ cup butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups heavy cream ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese + 1 tbsp. for garnish salt & pepper to taste 1 lb. sliced roasted turkey breast
2 slices of Texas toast (trim crusts)
2 Roma tomatoes, quartered
4 slices crispy cooked bacon or ¼ cup bacon bites paprika parsley To make Mornay Sauce: melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined to form a paste or roux. Continue to cook for 2 minutes over mediumlow heat, stir frequently. Whisk in heavy cream over medium heat until simmers, 2-3minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in cheese. Whisk until smooth, add salt & pepper.
Place one slice of Texas toast on its own oven-proof dish and top with half of turkey. Take tomatoes and place them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Pour one-half ofMornay Sauce over the top of each sandwich, completely covering. Place entire dish under a boiler until sauce begins to brown and bubbles. Remove from boiler – cross 2 pieces of crispy bacon strips or sprinkle bacon bites over the top and sprinkle with paprika and parsley, along with remaining one tablespoon of Mornay sauce. Serve immediately.
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