The lovely state of Kentucky is highly known for its Bourbon, famous horse racing, and mama’s down to Earth cooking. What more could a person yearn for, am I correct? And no, our grass isn’t blue! I just had to pinpoint that one before we continue.
For many years upon years, Kentucky has established some remarkable recipes that still to this day, will carry more than just a meal and steal. Hot Browns of Kentucky holds quite the prestigious reputation for being one of the top sandwiches of the state itself. Today, we are going to be discussing the history of Hot Browns, how they are made and why they are significant to Kentucky.
What Exactly Are Hot Browns?
This amazing sandwich dates back all the way to 1926, when it was first created at the Brown Hotel by a man with the name of Fred K. Schmidt in Louisville, Kentucky! That sounds outstanding, doesn’t it? The Hot Brown is a sandwich which is fashioned with sliced turkey on an open-faced white toast sandwich! The sandwich will also include Mornay sauce, accompanied with a slight scattering of Parmesan cheese, which will be broiled in regards of making a slight bubbling on top of the Hot Brown. To top everything off, bacon strips and Pimento will then be added on top of the Hot Brown sandwich for a most tasteful accent!
What Is the History of The Hot Brown Sandwich?
The Hot Brown sandwich has quite the fascinating history, to say the least, but then again, most anything that comes out of Louisville, Kentucky will almost always have a story to tell! So, the history of this sandwich begins at the Brown Hotel, which is located in Louisville, Kentucky! The sandwich itself was formed by the cooks right there at the Brown Hotel and was created regarding an alternative to the ham and egg late-night suppers for the starving dance clienteles! How lovely does that sound?
A lot of the times, the greatest inventions occur so haphazardly and casual, and that alone is the gorgeousness in memories and great story-telling! Keep in mind that the original Hot Brown sandwich was created as an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a subtle Mornay sauce, parmesan cheese that must be served hot. Mornay is a Béchamel, or white sauce characteristically generated with two types of frayed, or grated cheese. This perfected formula will also call for heavy cream, Pecorino Romano cheese, Texas toast, sliced baked turkey breast, crispy bacon slices, Roma tomatoes, paprika, as well parsley.
Why Is the Hot Brown Sandwich So Famous to Louisville, Kentucky?
Amidst the long-lived tradition spanning back to the 1920’s, the taste of the Hot Brown sandwich is by far, one of the most authentic, rich, and filling sandwiches Kentucky could ever bring forth. I mean if you think about it, why wouldn’t a sandwich stick around with high popularity for almost one hundred years? The taste is absolutely out of this world! The cheese unquestionably melts inside your mouth, simmered by the hot temperature of coming right out of the oven.
It’s no secret that Louisville in itself is a very authentic and creative city! A lot of locals, as well optimistic tourists have noted that they can definitely taste the high content of buttery immensity in the Hot Brown sandwich, which is always a plus, am I right? Who doesn’t just adore butter, especially on a sandwich?
A Little More on The Hot Brown Sandwich
A lot of people that are not accustomed to living in Kentucky have no idea, but one of the top reasons as to why this dish is so famous in Kentucky is because Hot Browns are accustomed to the Derby! Every year since 1875, Kentucky has held the Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. So, you can already guess that any type of “traditions” or customs that come along with the Derby atmosphere will definitely be popular for years to come. The funny component with the Hot Brown sandwich is the fact that not only is it a very prevalent Derby food, but the taste of the sandwich alone is so comforting and buttery, which makes the experience of Kentucky all the better; hence, comfort food! There’s something so special when the mouth and heart can connect.
Keep in mind that the Hot Brown sandwich has even made it outside of her home state of Kentucky! This dish has been featured with high reputation on the Food Network from the episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay! The chefs of the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, John, and Joe Castro competed against Flay in a cookoff and won, which was broadcasted on the Food Network! That’s not all this astounding dish has completed either! The Hot Brown sandwich has even been featured on The Rachel Ray Show and Southern Fried Road Trip! It’s no lie to say that Louisville has placed Kentucky on the map! It’s so amazing to be widely known for a dish that was accidentally thought up while trying to replace another dish! Funny how accidents can sometimes lead into unbelievable creations! This dish has also made its appearance on a lot of internet cooking shows over the years.
A Little on The Brown Hotel
As you already know, the Brown Hotel was where the amazing Hot Brown sandwich was created back in the 1920’s, but have you ever wondered about the hotel, itself? This hotel is home to one of the most prestigious and historic hotels in Louisville, Kentucky; better known for boarding the high-class during the Derby! Pretty neat, right? This hotel has been established out of legend and definite high-class! In fact, a recent $12 million renovation has taken this already remarkable, older hotel and turned her into a hotel with more of the modern and current provisions. Keep in mind that not only will a person be able to enjoy that laid-back, Southern charm that Kentucky always has to offer, but a person will be able to experience all these things under new lighting, upon new furniture, new carpet and so on! The Brown Hotel even has hand-woven throws at the foot of their beds! Talk about a hotel for the royal!