(Photos by Jenna Lane except where noted, by JW Walthall)

This weekend we hosted our annual Derby Day party, for the first time at Rainlily Farm. Bulleit Bourbon Mint Juleps were poured in abundant quantities.

We harvested the mint just a few steps away from where we were serving the juleps
(JW)

Bulleit Juleps in Bulleit glasses

The bar was staffed by Austin cocktail notables Bill Norris (left) of FINO, Mindy Kucan (right) of Hilton Downtown, and, when I wasn't too busy talking, myself.


Hollis Bulleit, daughter of founder Tom Bulleit, was in attendance.

Paul Michie of Alamo Drafthouse was generous enough to serve up his interpretation of the classic hot brown. Hollis proclaimed Paul's hot browns the most attractive she'd ever seen--and they tasted as good as they looked. RJ Spade of Blue Star Cafeteria rounded out the Derby Day table with Benedictine sandwiches and Burgout, the latter made with local grass-fed lamb from Loncito Cartwright, and venison from Mary Louise Butters.

Everybody looked so fabulous! Nicole Eeds and Charles Glenn
(JW)

Gals in their Derby Day hats
(JW)

Paula Angerstein of Paula's Texas Spirits with Paul Grosso, left, and Graham Wasilition, right

That is me on the left with my friend and colleague Jessica Maher of Spoon & Co

Rainlily proprietor Stephanie Scherzer (center) in the field with legendary organic farmer Larry Butler of Boggy Creek Farm

Paula with Addie Broyles (center) of the Austin American-Statesman

Amidst all the cocktails there was actually time to watch the race

At the end of the party, miss Hollis signed the leftover bottles
(JW)