The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival.  The race is known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.

In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in the Derby atmosphere.  The mint julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup, is the traditional beverage of the race.  This event attracts the rich, the famous and the well-connected and the women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats.

Ruth's Chris Steak House is celebrating all things Derby with their annual Big Reds & Bourbons Dinner.  This elaborate dinner occurs in 74 locations across the country on May 2nd (May 1st in Houston, Texas).  To make this special dinner truly amazing, Ruth's Chris has partnered with cookbook author and celebrity TV show host, Joey Altman, to create a southern-styled menu that will make anyone's mouth water.

Just look at the delectable drinks and 5 course menu that awaits at the Ruth's Chris Steak House Big Reds & Bourbons Dinner:

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Orange-Ginger Beurre Blanc
Festival of couscous, roasted red pepper coulis
Bulleit Mint Julep 

Spring Mix, Roasted Pear & Bleu Cheese Salad
Spiced pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Sterling Vineyards Pinot Noir, Carneros

Pan Roasted Salmon
Horseradish whole-grain mustard sauce, bacon-onion jam
Bulleit Rye

Southern BBQ Mixed Grill
Filet Mignon with bacon BBQ butter, 
New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp, 
Peach Glazed Stuffed Chicken Breast 
Southwestern mac'n'cheese
BV BeauRouge Red Blend, Napa Valley

S'mores Cheesecake
Toasted marshmallow, chocolate graham cracker crisps
Bulleit 10 year, small batch bourbon

My husband and I can't wait to attend what promises to be a fantastic night of delicious Kentucky Derby inspired fun at Ruth's Chris Steak House.  Nothing says "southern hospitality" like a scrumptious meal with a smooth sip of Bourbon, so be sure to visit this May 2nd, and indulge in 5 classic courses, paired with Bulleit Bourbon and exceptional red wines.

You can visit the Ruth's Chris Steak House site to learn more about the event as well as find a participating restaurant in your area.  Stay tuned because after May 2nd, I'll be sharing everything I learned and experienced from the Big Reds & Bourbons Dinner at Ruth's Chris!

Disclosure:  My husband and I will be attending the Big Reds and Bourbons Dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House free of charge in order to facilitate my review.  No other compensation was received.  This product review will be based on my own personal experiences with this restaurant and is always completely honest and objective.