The Brown Hotel is one of Louisville, Kentucky’s most iconic landmarks—an elegant, Italian Renaissance–style hotel that opened in 1923. It quickly became a social and cultural hub, hosting everyone from Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland to multiple U.S. presidents. Known for its grand lobby, Southern hospitality, and old-world glamour, the Brown is deeply tied to Louisville’s identity, especially during the Kentucky Derby season.



The hotel’s most famous culinary contribution is the Hot Brown, created there in 1926 by chef Fred K. Schmidt. Originally designed as a late-night dish for guests who wanted something more substantial than a sandwich, the Hot Brown became a Louisville classic. It’s an open-faced turkey sandwich topped with crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, and a rich Mornay sauce, then baked until bubbling and lightly browned. Decadent, savory, and unapologetically rich.



Mornay sauce is a classic French cheese sauce built on a béchamel base—butter, flour, and milk—enriched with cheese, most traditionally Gruyère, Parmesan, or a combination of both. The result is a sauce that’s smooth, velvety, and gently nutty, with enough richness to coat food without becoming gluey.



The hot brown can be enjoyed at either of the hotel's two restaurants: Lobby Bar & Grill and J. Graham’s Café. I dined at the former at the bar in ordered the petite version of the hot brown.



"THE HOT BROWN - Roasted Turkey Breast, Toast Points, Mornay Sauce, Pecorino Romano Cheese. Baked Golden Brown, Finished with Bacon and Tomatoes. A Louisville legend, invented here at The Brown Hotel in 1926! The Hot Brown…a Louisville tradition with worldwide appeal has been featured in: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, NBC’s Today Show and Travel Channel’s Man v. Food as well as being a regular entry in many of the finest cookbooks."

This is a belly-filling, soul-warming dish if I ever had one. The Hot Brown is pure comfort on a plate. Toasted bread piled with turkey and crispy bacon gets drenched in that creamy, cheesy Mornay sauce. It's rich, savory and a bit heavy.



Grade: A

Pana Donuts is a family-owned donut shop and tea house with multiple locations in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. They’re known for handcrafted donuts, a variety of coffee, teas, smoothies and boba drinks, plus some breakfast sandwiches and deli options.



I ordered a mango smoothie, which has become a go-to of mine. This mango smoothie is bright and clean, with ripe mango flavor front and center. It tastes naturally sweet and slightly floral, balanced by a gentle tang that keeps it from feeling heavy. The texture is smooth and thin without being icy, finishing fresh.



I also ordered a jalapeno ham & cheese croissant. Soft, buttery, flaky layers give way to a core of salty ham and creamy cheese. The jalapeños add a bright, lingering heat that cuts through the richness without overpowering it.



Next time, I'll have to try the actual donuts.



Grade: B