Louisville, Kentucky is known for many things – its bourbon, horse racing, and most notably, its cuisine. The city is home to a unique dish known as Hot Brown, a hot sandwich made of turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce and a variety of toppings. This iconic dish has been a staple for over 90 years and can be found in many restaurants around the city.
Hot Browns are an important part of Louisville’s culinary history and have become a symbol of the city’s food scene. Many restaurants compete to put their own spin on the classic dish, incorporating unique ingredients and cooking techniques to create their own signature version. If you’re looking to experience the best Hot Browns in Louisville, read on to discover some of the top restaurants that serve this beloved dish.
The History of the Hot Brown in Louisville
The Hot Brown is a signature dish of Louisville, Kentucky, with a history dating back to the 1920s. The dish originated at the Brown Hotel, a historic hotel in downtown Louisville, as a late-night meal for its guests. The Hot Brown was created by Chef Fred K. Schmidt, who was tasked with creating a new dish that could be served quickly and used up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The dish was an immediate success and quickly became a local favorite.
The Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich made with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is traditionally served on thick slices of toasted white bread and topped with tomato slices and parsley. The dish has become a staple of Louisville cuisine, featured on menus at numerous restaurants and hotels throughout the city. Its popularity has even spread beyond Louisville, with Hot Browns being served in various restaurants across the United States. Despite its widespread popularity, the Hot Brown remains an iconic symbol of Louisville’s culinary heritage.
The Best Restaurants for Hot Browns in Louisville
When it comes to finding the best restaurants for hot browns in Louisville, you’re in luck. The city is famous for this delicious dish, which includes turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and tomato on top of bread, all baked until golden brown. There are several restaurants in Louisville that offer hot browns, but some stand out for their exceptional taste and service.
One such restaurant is The Brown Hotel, where the dish was first introduced in the 1920s. They offer a classic version of the hot brown, along with some variations like a vegetarian option and a seafood hot brown. Another popular spot is The Bristol, where they prepare the dish with smoked turkey breast and Gruyere cheese. Other notable restaurants serving hot browns in Louisville include Café Lou Lou, Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse, and The English Grill at The Brown Hotel. No matter which one you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this iconic Louisville dish.
Exploring the Different Varieties of Hot Browns in Louisville
Louisville is known for its famous local dish – the Hot Brown. This delicious and decadent open-faced sandwich consists of sliced turkey breast and bacon which are smothered in a rich Mornay sauce before being baked to perfection. Hot Browns have been a staple of Louisville cuisine for over 90 years and can be found in almost every restaurant in the city.
While the basic recipe for Hot Browns is the same, every restaurant in Louisville adds its own unique twist to this classic dish. Some top varieties of Hot Browns in Louisville include vegetarian options, grilled chicken versions, and even a Hot Brown pizza. With so many different variations available, exploring the different types of Hot Browns in Louisville can make for an exciting food adventure.
The Secret Behind Making a Delicious Hot Brown
The Hot Brown is a quintessential Louisville dish that has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for over a century. At its core, the Hot Brown is a hot sandwich made with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, all on top of a slice of bread. But what makes a Hot Brown truly special is the attention to detail in its preparation.
The secret behind making a delicious Hot Brown lies in perfecting the sauce. The Mornay sauce is a critical component, made by combining butter, flour, milk, and cheese (usually Parmesan). The sauce needs to be made with care, not too thin, nor too thick, and must be infused with flavor. The result is a creamy, cheesy, slightly nutty sauce that blankets the turkey and bacon, all resting on a bed of toast. The final touch is a sprinkle of paprika and parsley, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise. It’s not rocket science, but the details matter in creating a Hot Brown that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Hot Brown Alternatives: Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options
For those who prefer a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, there are still plenty of options for enjoying a delicious hot brown in Louisville. Many restaurants in the city offer alternative versions of the classic dish, such as substituting turkey with vegetables or tofu.
One popular vegetarian option is the Veggie Hot Brown from The Cafe, which features roasted red peppers, avocado, and house-made hummus on toasted bread, topped with cheese sauce and a Parmesan crust. Other restaurants, such as Bistro 1860 and The Game, offer gluten-free versions of the dish using substitutes like rice flour or potato starch. These options provide a tasty and satisfying alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Ordering a Hot Brown for the First Time? What You Need to Know
Ordering a Hot Brown for the first time can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry! The dish is simple, but it has a few variations to it. The traditional Hot Brown consists of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce served on a piece of toasted bread. However, some restaurants may add their own twist to it, like adding ham, avocado, or even swapping out the bread for waffles.
It’s essential to know that the Hot Brown is served open-faced, which means it’s not a sandwich that you can easily pick up and eat. We recommend using a knife and fork to cut the dish into manageable bites. Additionally, some restaurants may serve their Hot Browns with a side salad or fries, so check the menu or ask your server. Overall, ordering a Hot Brown for the first time is easy and enjoyable, so go ahead and give it a try!
Hot Brown Traditions: Celebrating Louisville’s Culinary Heritage.
Hot Browns are not just a dish in Louisville, they’re an integral part of the city’s culinary heritage. This iconic dish is named after the Brown Hotel, where it was originally created in the 1920s. It has since become a Louisville classic, with several restaurants and cafes serving their own unique versions of the dish.
Many of these establishments have been around for decades and have their own rich history associated with the Hot Brown. The dish has become a part of their culture, and often their menus reflect a deep respect for the culinary traditions of the city. Hot Brown traditions are celebrated every year in Louisville, with food festivals and events that bring together the best of the city’s cuisine. These events are a tribute to the role that the Hot Brown has played in Louisville’s culinary heritage, and serve as a reminder of the city’s deep roots in Southern cuisine.
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Hot Brown is an iconic dish that has remained popular in Louisville for nearly a century. While many restaurants now offer their own take on this classic dish, there are a few establishments that are renowned for their Hot Browns, including The Brown Hotel, Porch Kitchen & Bar, and Café on Brent.
Whether you’re a resident of Louisville or just visiting, the Hot Brown is a dish that should not be missed. With its rich history and unique blend of flavors, it’s no wonder that this dish has stood the test of time and continues to be a celebrated favorite among locals and visitors alike. So next time you’re looking for a delicious meal, head to one of the many restaurants in Louisville serving up their own version of the Hot Brown and experience this iconic dish for yourself.