THE DERBY

We are at the Santa Anita Park soaking in the history and splendor of this grand race track. One can only imagine the era when Sea Biscuit was the top news story of the day. There was no ‘March Madness’, ‘Super Bowl’ or television reality shows to entertain. George Woolf was a jockey who rode Sea Biscuit to victory. In 1938 he purchased ‘The Derby’ restaurant to hold court with race fans, celebrities and jockeys. We could not resist to partake in this piece of living history. We also heard they served a great steak too.

Parking karma was left to the valet tonight. Once inside it took several moments to adjust to the dim lighting. We then were treated to a warm and glorious trip into past dining elegance. The booths were of leather, massive ceilings with chandeliers, and walls adjourned with horse racing themed paintings. There was racing memorabilia at every turn of this elegant setting. We were seated in a plush booth in the dinning room. I scooted my toosh around the slick seats to find the well worn comfortable spot that so many before had occupied. I settled in to enjoy the show.

Are your ready for this? A twenty four ounce, chipotle dusted Porterhouse topped with scallops, shrimp and ‘pico-de-gallo’ salsa was my dinner choice. Perfectly cooked prime rib for Ms. Goofy did not disappoint. These offerings of beef were just what the doctored ordered. I finished every bite and wanted to knaw on the bone but I needed to save room for some decadent cheesecake.

If you are in the Arcadia area, you must stop and dine and experience ‘The Derby’. The Derby restaurant serves great steaks with old school ambiance.  We experienced a trip back into gastronomical history. Eating some great steaks is my kind of history lesson.

The Derby
233 Huntington E Dr.
Arcadia, Ca. 91006