The Hot Brown is a beloved dish that has been a staple of Louisville, Kentucky’s culinary scene for nearly a century. This open-faced sandwich, consisting of toasted bread, turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s. In this article, we will delve into the origins of the Hot Brown, its evolution over time, and what makes it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Louisville.
A Brief History of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown was created in the 1920s by Fred K. Schmidt, the chef at the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville. At the time, the hotel was a popular gathering place for the city’s elite, and Schmidt was tasked with creating a dish that would satisfy the late-night cravings of the hotel’s guests. The original Hot Brown consisted of toasted bread, turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, all served on a silver platter.
The Inspiration Behind the Hot Brown
According to legend, the Hot Brown was inspired by the hotel’s guests, who would often return from a night out on the town and order a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, soups, and salads. Schmidt, looking to create a dish that would satisfy these late-night cravings, began experimenting with different ingredients and eventually came up with the Hot Brown.
The Original Recipe
The original recipe for the Hot Brown, as created by Fred K. Schmidt, consisted of the following ingredients:
- 4 slices of toasted bread
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 slices of turkey breast
- 2 slices of bacon
- 2 tomato slices
- 1 cup of Mornay sauce
The Mornay sauce, which is a key component of the Hot Brown, is a cheesy bechamel sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
The Evolution of the Hot Brown
Over the years, the Hot Brown has undergone several changes, with various chefs and restaurants putting their own spin on the dish. Some variations include:
- Adding new ingredients: Some restaurants have added new ingredients to the Hot Brown, such as ham, roast beef, or mushrooms.
- Using different types of bread: Some variations of the Hot Brown use different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
- Changing the type of cheese: Some recipes use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, instead of Parmesan.
Despite these changes, the core ingredients of the Hot Brown have remained the same, and the dish remains a beloved staple of Louisville’s culinary scene.
The Hot Brown Today
Today, the Hot Brown can be found on menus throughout Louisville, from high-end restaurants to casual diners. The dish is often served as a specialty item, and many restaurants offer their own unique twist on the classic recipe.
Where to Try the Hot Brown
If you’re looking to try the Hot Brown, there are several restaurants in Louisville that serve an authentic version of the dish. Some popular options include:
- The Brown Hotel: This is the birthplace of the Hot Brown, and the hotel’s restaurant still serves the dish using the original recipe.
- Jack Fry’s: This Louisville institution has been serving the Hot Brown for over 80 years and is a must-visit for anyone looking to try the dish.
- The English Grill: Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, this restaurant serves a classic version of the Hot Brown using high-quality ingredients.
The Cultural Significance of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural icon of Louisville. The dish has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Southern Living, and has been named one of the best sandwiches in the country by USA Today.
The Hot Brown as a Symbol of Louisville
The Hot Brown is often seen as a symbol of Louisville’s rich history and cultural heritage. The dish is a reminder of the city’s past, when the Brown Hotel was a popular gathering place for the city’s elite.
The Hot Brown in Popular Culture
The Hot Brown has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and the film “The Great Gatsby.” The dish has also been referenced in literature, including in the novel “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt.
Conclusion
The Hot Brown is a beloved dish that has been a staple of Louisville’s culinary scene for nearly a century. With its rich history, cultural significance, and delicious flavor, the Hot Brown is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Louisville. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a unique dining experience, the Hot Brown is sure to satisfy.
Final Thoughts
The Hot Brown is a dish that is deeply rooted in Louisville’s history and culture. It’s a reminder of the city’s past, when the Brown Hotel was a popular gathering place for the city’s elite. Today, the Hot Brown remains a beloved staple of Louisville’s culinary scene, and its rich history and cultural significance make it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the city.
A Recipe for the Ages
The Hot Brown is a dish that has stood the test of time, and its recipe remains largely unchanged to this day. Whether you’re a chef, a foodie, or just looking for a new recipe to try, the Hot Brown is a dish that is sure to satisfy. With its rich history, cultural significance, and delicious flavor, the Hot Brown is a recipe for the ages.
What is the Original Hot Brown, and where did it originate?
The Original Hot Brown is a signature dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Brown Hotel in the 1920s. It is an open-faced sandwich consisting of toasted bread topped with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, which is a cheesy bechamel sauce. The dish was created by Fred K. Schmidt, the maître d’hôtel of the Brown Hotel, as a late-night snack for partygoers and revelers.
The Original Hot Brown quickly gained popularity among the hotel’s guests and soon became a staple of the Brown Hotel’s menu. Over the years, the dish has undergone some variations, but the classic recipe remains the same. Today, the Brown Hotel still serves the Original Hot Brown, and it has become a beloved culinary icon of Louisville, attracting visitors from all over the world.
What inspired the creation of the Original Hot Brown?
The creation of the Original Hot Brown was inspired by the need for a late-night snack that would satisfy the hunger of partygoers and revelers who would gather at the Brown Hotel’s lobby and ballrooms. In the 1920s, the hotel was a popular spot for social gatherings, and the maître d’hôtel, Fred K. Schmidt, wanted to create a dish that would be easy to eat and would appeal to the guests’ late-night cravings.
Schmidt experimented with various ingredients and eventually came up with the combination of toasted bread, sliced turkey, crispy bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce. The dish was an instant hit, and it quickly became a staple of the Brown Hotel’s menu. The Original Hot Brown was not only a delicious snack but also a convenient one, as it could be easily served and eaten in the hotel’s lobby and ballrooms.
What is Mornay sauce, and how is it made?
Mornay sauce is a type of cheesy bechamel sauce that is a key component of the Original Hot Brown. It is made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and cheese, which are cooked together to create a smooth and creamy sauce. The sauce is typically flavored with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and it is often served over the top of the toasted bread and turkey in the Original Hot Brown.
To make Mornay sauce, you will need to start by making a roux with butter and flour. Then, you will slowly add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce has thickened, you can add grated cheese and cook until it is melted and smooth. Finally, you can season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
Can I make the Original Hot Brown at home?
Yes, you can make the Original Hot Brown at home using a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. To start, you will need to toast some bread and top it with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, and tomato. Then, you can make a Mornay sauce using butter, flour, milk, and cheese, and serve it over the top of the bread and turkey.
To make the Original Hot Brown at home, you can use a variety of ingredients, including leftover turkey or roasted chicken. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped herbs. With a little practice, you can create a delicious and authentic version of the Original Hot Brown in the comfort of your own home.
What is the best way to serve the Original Hot Brown?
The Original Hot Brown is typically served as an open-faced sandwich, with the toasted bread topped with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce. The dish can be served at any time of day, but it is often served as a late-night snack or as a brunch item.
To serve the Original Hot Brown, you can start by toasting some bread and topping it with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, and tomato. Then, you can spoon the Mornay sauce over the top of the bread and turkey, and serve the dish hot. You can also garnish the dish with chopped herbs or chives, and serve it with a side of fruit or salad.
Is the Original Hot Brown a healthy dish?
The Original Hot Brown is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in calories and fat. The Mornay sauce is made with butter and cheese, which are high in saturated fat, and the dish also contains crispy bacon, which is high in sodium. However, the dish can be made healthier by using lower-fat ingredients and reducing the amount of sauce used.
To make a healthier version of the Original Hot Brown, you can use lower-fat cheese and reduce the amount of butter used in the Mornay sauce. You can also use leaner meats, such as turkey breast, and add more vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the dish. Additionally, you can serve the dish with a side of fruit or salad to balance out the meal.
Can I find variations of the Original Hot Brown in Louisville restaurants?
Yes, you can find variations of the Original Hot Brown in many restaurants throughout Louisville. While the Brown Hotel still serves the classic version of the dish, many other restaurants have created their own unique variations using different ingredients and cooking techniques.
Some restaurants in Louisville offer variations of the Original Hot Brown that use different types of meat, such as roast beef or ham, while others add unique ingredients, such as fried eggs or avocado. You can also find vegetarian and vegan versions of the dish, which use plant-based ingredients instead of meat and cheese. With so many variations to choose from, you can try a different version of the Original Hot Brown every time you visit Louisville.