Kentucky may have a worldwide reputation for fried chicken, but the Hot Brown deserves some respect, too. Its unique textures and flavors make it a beloved choice for many residents and visitors to the Bluegrass State.
Unfortunately, its name isn’t too revealing regarding its ingredients. So, what exactly is this signature treat?
Today, we’re biting into this messy meal to help you decide whether or not to try it.
Let’s dig in!
What Is a Hot Brown?
A Hot Brown is a regionally specific dish from Louisville, Kentucky. It’s a multi-layer open-faced sandwich with several key ingredients. These include thick slices of roast turkey, toasted white bread, Mornay sauce, and bacon. It’s often served baked or broiled so the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
Some versions add tomato slices or top it with Parmesan cheese. The additions create contrasting flavors to the sauce and meat.
In addition, some regions have altered the ingredients to include ham or pimentos. However, despite the slight changes, many hungry people find it’s the perfect comfort food.
While it’s become a staple throughout the Louisville restaurant scene, it’s gained attention outside Derby City. You can find it in hotels and eateries across the United States.
Who Invented the Hot Brown?
The Hot Brown originated at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in the early 1920s. Affluent guests flocked here to dance the night away and worked up an appetite. The chef, Fred Schmidt, wanted to offer patrons something more exciting than a boring old breakfast.
Word quickly spread throughout the city, and the demand for this item went through the roof. It didn’t take long for other local establishments to begin serving their versions of the popular dish.
Today, it’s a staple at diners and eateries in Louisville. However, the American South loves comfort food. It’s not uncommon to also find it on menus throughout the region. They may take creative liberties with it, but the basic principles remain the same.
About the Hotel Where the Hot Brown Was Invented
As mentioned, the Hot Brown is a product of the Brown Hotel. This iconic Louisville landmark has been operating since 1923. The elegant 16-story building combines Georgian and Renaissance Revival architecture. With its marble floors, fancy chandeliers, and intricate woodwork, it’s the definition of luxury.
It maintains high standards throughout its restaurants, ballrooms, and shops. As a result, it’s earned the AAA Four Diamond Rating. This award reveals the quality of service and style staff provide. You can expect first-class treatment, whether you’re enjoying a meal or booking one of the 294 rooms.
Thanks to a recent renovation, the hotel features many modern amenities and remains a historic landmark for the city.
It’s hosted numerous famous guests, including Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali, and multiple US Presidents. Hollywood used the structure to film Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst’s blockbuster hit, Elizabethtown.
Today, it’s still a prominent piece of Louisville’s history. If a trip to this beautiful city is in your future, consider calling the Brown Hotel home during your stay.
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What Is Mornay Sauce on a Hot Brown?
A Mornay is a creamy and savory white sauce. It gets its name from the French city of Mornay, which has a reputation for cheese. So, it should come as no surprise that those flavors appear in their signature gravy.
Chefs often use it with baked pasta or chicken recipes to give them more depth. However, it’s also great for dipping bread and vegetables. Its rich undertones complement a variety of dishes.
Aside from sitting atop a Hot Brown, it has a variety of uses. Many add it to macaroni and cheese, stuffed crepes, pies, and quiches. It’s especially delicious with comfort food. After all, creamy sauce tends to make everything better.
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Where Can You Try the Best Hot Brown in Louisville?
The Hot Brown is now standard on menus throughout Louisville. So, which one reigns supreme? We have yet to taste all the city offers, but here are a few popular options.
J. Graham’s Café at the Brown Hotel
If you plan to try the Hot Brown, why not go where it all started? J. Graham’s Café is one of several restaurants inside the Brown Hotel. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a guest to nosh what they’re serving. They’ve been churning out this incredible comfort food for over a decade, but that’s not all.
J. Graham’s has an extensive array of American and Southern classics. The charming and elegant atmosphere helps to set the mood. Many customers love the staff’s Southern hospitality, which adds to the experience.
The Derby Café and Bourbon Bar
You probably already know that Louisville is home to the most famous spectacle in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby. The museum located at Churchill Downs houses the Derby Café and Bourbon Bar. They offer many menu items, including Kentucky burgoo stew, chicken salad sandwiches, and, of course, the Hot Brown.
They prepare everything from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients. No matter what you order, save room for dessert. Their Kerns Derby-Pie features bourbon, chocolate chips, and nuts. It sounds like the perfect way to end a meal.
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D. Nalley’s
D. Nalley’s has been dishing out home-cooked fare since the 1960s. It’s a family-friendly environment that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In addition to the Hot Brown, they offer a range of tasty options. Some fan favorites include the country-fried steak platter, the Mighty Dee, and their quarter-pound patty melt.
Again, don’t leave without ordering dessert. D. Nalley’s has ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and a banana split that’ll make your mouth water. With more than 60 years in the industry, they’ve learned a thing or two about serving up quality food.
Would You Eat a Hot Brown?
We think everyone whose diet permits it should try the Hot Brown. The Mornay sauce binds everything on your plate together into culinary excellence. The bread absorbs the flavors and compliments the rest of the meal. It makes it easy to get every drop of that delicious sauce.
So, the next time you’re in Louisville, give this staple a try! We don’t think you’ll regret it.
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