Part of what makes me a terrible Kentuckian is that I’ve slept on the Hot Brown sandwich. It’s hard to believe, but in my 31 years of living I have never had one before! I’m woke now though.

The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich made-up of turkey, mornay sauce, bacon and cheese. It’s a culinary classic and a coronary nightmare. I didn’t go just anywhere for this time-honored treat. I bellied up to the bar at the hotel where it all originated, The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

Here’s the skinny on this fattening sandwich. Many moons ago in the 1920’s, The Brown Hotel was swarming with dapper-dans and dainty dames looking to cut a rug, drink some giggle juice, and end the night with some light necking. 


The mastermind behind this iconic sandwich is Chef Fred Schmidt. I’m of the belief that Fred thought necking was for nincompoops. I think this wisenheimer said to hell with the traditional late-night eats and instead created something more lavish… and way more filling.

It was the 1920’s, ladies acted like ladies back then. I think Fred thought the way to punch your ticket to some backseat bingo was to make a sandwich that makes your main squeeze feel so bloated she’ll be dying to get out of her dress and trim down to her skivvies.

And thus, the Hot Brown was born. 

This isn’t a random theory. This week my taste buds were courted by an acclaimed Hot Brown. And boy was I wooed. It was incredible! I ordered a half portion and split it with a friend. It was still a ton of food. And as a result, I drove home from Louisville with my pants unbuttoned and a food baby. My gut looked like I swallowed a balloon artist.  I was dying to get home and strip down to my unmentionables. 

So well-played, Fred. You sly little rascal, you. 

If you haven’t had a hot brown yet, bust out your calendar and plan a date night! Brown Hotel is located in a great area where you can bounce around for drinks and entertainment afterwards.

 

To Do List: Eat a Hot Brown Image result for check mark