Churchill Downs News Release: Churchill Downs Announces Star-Studded Culinary Lineup for 2025 Taste of Derby

Apr 04, 2025

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) today announced the lineup of renowned chefs set to participate in the 2025 Taste of Derby, the annual culinary celebration that kicks off Kentucky Derby® weekend at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

This year’s theme, The Road to the Kentucky Derby, sets the stage for a culinary journey inspired by the cities that shape the path to the first Saturday in May and showcases an impressive roster of nationally recognized chefs and food personalities for a night of exceptional cuisine. Each chef’s dish will be thoughtfully paired with a selection from Jackson Family Wines, enhancing the flavor experience.

The 2025 Taste of Derby will feature dishes from the following chefs:

Akira Back
Maneet Chauhan
Dylan Dreyer
Todd English
Robert Lopez
Aaron May
Marc Murphy
Shota Nakajima
Damaris Phillips
In addition, the evening will include special appearances by culinary icon and television personality Guy Fieri and Co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY, Dylan Dreyer.

Guests can also enjoy curated experiences and offerings from event partners including Woodford Reserve, Longines and Q Mixers, who will be on-site to elevate the evening’s celebration. Kentucky Derby 151 Artist Tyler Robertson will also be on-site signing Official Artwork of the Kentucky Derby.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this extraordinary group of chefs to the 2025 Taste of Derby,” said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “This event continues to bring together the best in food and sports.”

Taste of Derby will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center on Thursday, May 1. VIP entry begins at 6:30 p.m., with general admission opening at 7 p.m. The event will conclude at 10 p.m. ET. For more information and tickets to Taste of Derby, visit TasteOfDerby.com

Tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 2-3 are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com, or call (502) 636-4447 to be a part of the most extraordinary Kentucky Derby yet.