Paula Deen says fashion is her favourite Kentucky Derby tradition
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 1
Paula Deen says fashion is her favourite Kentucky Derby tradition
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 1
Ahead of Saturday's race in Louisville, the celebrity chef said she prefers watching hats and outfits at Churchill Downs over focusing on food and mint juleps.
Speaking from Savannah, Georgia, Deen recalled a muddy past Derby visit and said mint juleps remain the event's signature drink, while recommending Kentucky Hot Browns as a lesser-known local favourite.
Deen said her ideal Derby menu includes Hot Browns, fried chicken, fruit and cheese dip, and dismissed any suggestion there can be too much butter.
How have Kentucky Derby fashion and food traditions evolved, and what do they reveal about Southern culture in 2026?
Does the emphasis on Derby style and spectacle overshadow the significance of the race itself for modern attendees?