Official 'spokeshorse' named for Hot Brown Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 24, 2022) – Louisville’s inaugural Hot Brown Week is off to the races with a week-long celebration of the city’s official sandwich, taking place October 24-30, 2022. Foal of Kentucky Derby Winner Big Brown and Marilyn Monroan, Somelikeithotbrown has been chosen as the official spokeshorse for the savory celebration.

Currently residing in Louisville at the Churchill Downs Training Center, the crowned champion is taking time out of his busy fall racing schedule to promote the iconic Louisville dish. The Thoroughbred encourages locals and visitors to dine at over a dozen participating local restaurants that will offer $10-$12 Hot Brown specials throughout the week.

“Much like horseracing, Hot Browns are a distinctive part of Kentucky tradition and we are honored to be named the official spokeshorse for the inaugural Louisville Hot Brown Week,” said Skychai Racing. “With a name like Somelikeithotbrown it is obvious that this partnership was truly destiny for the six-year-old racing champion.”

A Hot Brown is a hot, open-faced sandwich made with Texas toast, thick-sliced turkey, cheesy Mornay sauce, crispy bacon and tomatoes, all baked until bubbling hot. The Hot Brown may be native to Louisville, but the dish is known around the globe, garnering recognition in Southern Living, The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. It’s also been spotlighted on the “Today” show, “Good Morning America” and the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.”

For those unfamiliar with the Hot Brown, the iconic dish was invented at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel back in the 1920s. The hotel would regularly host guests for dinner and late-night dancing, and after kicking up their heels in the luxurious, gilded ballroom, would head to the restaurant for a bite to eat. It wasn’t long before they grew tired of the traditional late-night fare, so Chef Fred K. Schmidt came up with a new, mouthwatering menu item – and the decadent Hot Brown was born. The Brown Hotel will celebrate the 99th anniversary of its opening during the week on October 25.

“Louisville Tourism is proud to support and launch the inaugural Louisville Hot Brown Week to bring local, regional, and national awareness to a true Louisville original,” said Michael Fetter, Director of Marketing for Louisville Tourism. “The hot brown story and dish is iconic in Louisville and deserves this dedicated week to showcase the city’s culinary talents - giving visitors and locals an extra reason to dine out and experience Louisville’s unique, independent restaurant scene.”

Participating restaurants include Agave & Rye locations in the Highlands and New Albany, Biscuit Belly in Nulu and St. Matthews, Brasserie Provence, Cask Southern Kitchen, Corner Flavors of Kentucky, Dundee Tavern, Gorilla Bob's Grub Shack, Louvino Douglass Hills, Louvino Highlands, Napa River, O’Shea’s, Parlour Downtown Louisville, Parlour Frankfort Avenue, Parlour Jeffersonville, Parlour New Albany, Rubbies, The Brown Hotel, The Village Anchor and Uptown Café.

Additionally, an official Louisville Hot Brown Week app is available. Navigate your way through the city and reward your APPetite with the app— available in both the Google Play and Apple Store. Check-in at four or more locations to be entered to win $250 in gift cards. You can download the app at qrco.de/bdLswJ.

Dining participants will also be able to earn points throughout the week towards a second grand prize of $200 in gift cards by checking into participating restaurants. Diners who accumulate 150 points during the week will receive a special ‘Get Down with The Hot Brown’ t-shirt as a bonus gift.

For details and most up-to-date list of participating restaurants visit www.hotbrownweek.com or follow @hotbrownweek on Instagram.