Tasting Arcadia

Episode 35 of Season 3 - The World Famous Derby

• Karen Mac Nair • Season 3 • Episode 35

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A restaurant doesn’t last 104 years by accident, and The Derby in Arcadia is proof. On Tasting Arcadia, Karen Mac Nair CEO of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce sits down with Tyler Zikuski , The Derby’s now Director of Operations, to talk about how a historic space can stay timeless while still evolving. From its early roots tied to Seabiscuit jockey George Wolfe to the fine dining steakhouse experience it’s known for today, we dig into what makes The Derby a true San Gabriel Valley landmark.

For more information and tickets to the Taste of Arcadia visit TasteOfArcadia.com. 

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Taste Of Arcadia Event Details

John Villa Announcer

Welcome to Tasting Arcadia, the official podcast of Taste of Arcadia. Taste of Arcadia is an inclusive event featuring food and drinks from the San Garo Valley restaurants, all for one price. Come and sample food, wine, beer, and spirits, check out our brand new cars, visit our business showcase booths, smile at our photos, and take it on the dance tour with me, Johnny Via from Dance Syndicate DJ Entertainment. Taste of Arcadia is September 19th at Stephanie Depart. The fun goes from 2 to 6 p.m. with a special VIP entrance at 1 p.m. Don't forget, this is a 21 and over event. Get your tickets today at TastOfArcadia.com. Now let's hear from our host, Karen Mac Nair.

Meet The Derby And Its Roots

Karen Mac Nair

Thanks, John, and welcome back everyone. I'm Karen Mac Nair, the CEO at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. This is Tasting Arcadia. We are on this episode with one of my favorite restaurants, the Derby. Sorry, my bring up so sidetracked because I forgot to tell you where to buy tickets. You go to tasteofarcadia.com to get your tickets today. Now, on to my favorite restaurant or one of them on the list. Here in Arcadia is the Derby. Welcome, Tyler.

Speaker 3

Thank you. Thank you for having me.

Karen Mac Nair

You I we're so glad. Now, Tyler, I was gonna um say what your title was, but I understand you have a new title.

Speaker 3

I do. I am uh the director of operations over at the Derby.

Karen Mac Nair

Yay! Yay, round of applause. Good job. I'm excited. Thank you, thank you. The staff is growing and um it's just nice to see all the friendly faces, but it's nice to see management change and develop.

Speaker 3

Absolutely. We have a great team behind us.

Karen Mac Nair

Yay, good job. Okay, so now we're gonna talk about the derby. Um, let's pretend people don't know or that I'm not there once a week. Let's start there.

Speaker 3

Let's go.

Karen Mac Nair

Definitely a pretend world. Where is the world famous derby located?

Speaker 3

We are on Huntington Drive, uh, between 2nd and Gateway. Um, we have been in Arcadia for 104 years and in that location since 1938. So if you haven't stopped by, it is about time.

Karen Mac Nair

It's true. And if you were there originally, just roll on in.

Speaker 3

Absolutely.

Karen Mac Nair

Okay, so um history-wise, you've been around around for so long. Is there any story in the history that we should know?

Speaker 3

Absolutely. So we were started in 1922 by George Wolfe. Um, he is the jockey who rode Sea Biscuit. Um, so George started the restaurant as a place to hang out for him and the jockeys after the races. So it was originally located closer to Santa Anita Park, um, opened in 1922, and then in 1938, like I said, we moved to our current location where he expanded a bit. Um, the restaurant used to serve a lot of chicken. There was a chicken coop right on site. Um, and it's it's definitely evolved over time. So we are now a fine dining steakhouse, and we pride ourselves on amazing quality meat and amazing dishes.

Karen Mac Nair

So I know when you walk in, there's a lot of history pieces in your waiting area, a lot of historic. Um, have you seen any of the original menus? Like, is that how you know that there was that much chicken with the chicken coops?

Speaker 3

Yes. So they actually said that the Derby was like the original subway, that it was a quick sandwich type shop. Um, they would do higher-end things on the weekends. Um, but there are some original menus in our showcase where lobster is, I believe, $2.75 for a lobster meal. So it's oh my goodness. It's definitely old.

Karen Mac Nair

You're gonna have a throwback?

Speaker 3

I hope so. Someday that'd be pretty cool.

Karen Mac Nair

Throwback pricing day? Let me know. So um on to your if I want to make a reservation, let's start

Reservations, Hours, And Takeout

Karen Mac Nair

there. Yeah, how can I make a reservation? How can I come see you? Tell me a little bit about that.

Speaker 3

Absolutely. Uh, our website is thederbyarcadia.com. Um, we have a reservation link right there. Everything's powered by open table. Um, nice, quick, and easy. You're also welcome to give us a call. Um, we answer our phones live and in person and are always happy to speak with you.

Karen Mac Nair

Are you open every day, same hours or different hours, different times?

Speaker 3

So we do fluctuate a bit. So we are open for dinner only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We open at 4 o'clock. Um, Thursdays and Fridays, we have lunch and dinner. So we open at 11 30 and then serve all the way through dinner. And then Saturdays and Sundays, we have brunch and dinner. So brunch goes from 10 30, the last reservations at 2 30. Then we do a little break in between and then reopen at 4 o'clock for dinner.

Karen Mac Nair

If you haven't been to your anyone's out there, haven't been to l brunch yet at the Derby, you really need to go by. Um, that is one of my favorites. It is so good.

Speaker 3

Yes, it's a newer program for us.

Karen Mac Nair

And the menu, it just has a variety of things. So great job on the brunch menu. Really excited. Now, here's another twist and turn. I'm home. I really don't want to get dressed up to come to the derby. Can I pick up a to-go order?

Speaker 3

Yes, you can. We have takeout available. Um, we're gonna get uh online ordering up and running soon. But as of now, call in and place your order. You're welcome to pick it up. Um, delivery options will be available in the future as well.

Karen Mac Nair

Ooh, love that.

Prime Rib, Fillet, And Tableside Flair

Karen Mac Nair

Um, most popular things on the menu. Do you have anything that you feel like is real popular?

Speaker 3

Hands down, it's between our prime rib and our bacon wrapped fillet. Um, the bacon wrapped fillet has been on the menu since it's the only menu item that has remained on the menu since the restaurant opened.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh, wow.

Speaker 3

So it is definitely a big mover. Um, we call it the steak that made the derby famous. Um, and then our prime rib is phenomenal. Um, we have people that come in all the time that go to other restaurants that are famous for prime rib and tell us that ours is better. So it's it's a cool spot.

Karen Mac Nair

One of my favorites, it's kind of um a little dinner and a show, the Chateau Brian, still available on the menu. Can have it anytime.

Speaker 3

Yes, our Chateau Briand is available every day. Um, it's 24-ounce center cup filet, it's flambée table side, it is dinner and a show. Um, and we also have our baked Alaska flambade table side as well. Um, a lot of restaurants don't have the ability to flambée, um, but because we are uh so old, we we have that ability.

Karen Mac Nair

So it we've this is probably the third year you've been on Tasting Arcadia with us. Yeah, definitely have multiple episodes. You can go back and listen to those. Anything exciting this year? What's happened? I feel like there's always a lot of talk of the town about the derby. So can you share a little bit what's going on?

Remodel Teaser And Kitchen Expansion

Speaker 3

There is. So, as many people know, over the last few years, we uh had been working on a development on the property um that was mixed use. Um, things have changed a little bit, but there are exciting things ahead that we are very excited to share. Um, we will be remodeling the current derby, expanding a little bit. Um, and the most important thing that we're doing is preserving what has kept us there for a century. Um, the restaurant has expanded over the years, our seating capacity has expanded, our kitchen has not. So, my folks that are in the kitchen, they're absolutely amazing in what they get done every day, but they don't have enough room. So, with this remodel, we're able to expand the kitchen, expand our dining space, add a little bit of banquet space as well for larger events. So it's very exciting, it's looking beautiful, and we'll have more to share soon.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh, good. It's this is exciting news to me because it just shows um how you and the owner and the staff, they've all taken the time to make sure that these decisions are done wisely to preserve the legacy of the derby from historically in the past and also the future. I think that's a part that people forget that is really important is I want my grandkids and great-grandkids to still be able to come to the derby. So I love that this remodel is kind of a snapshot of what it is, but also takes it in the future and doesn't everyone doesn't have to freak out. It's not gonna change it as drastically as it would have before with these adjustments that are made. Correct.

Speaker 3

I think everybody will be very happy with what we what we have going. So I'm very excited to share. And as soon as we are, we're almost at that point, but as soon as we are ready, we will get something out to the community because we have been here for 104 years because of everybody, and we can't wait to stay here for 100.

Karen Mac Nair

So this is the official teaser, more info coming soon. Yes, more to come. You have to go by the derby and talk to staff to see what's coming, see what see what the scoop is happening. Any awards you won this year? Any you guys are award-winning. I feel like just walking in is wonderful, but um, anything special?

Speaker 3

Yes, the wonderful Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Um, we got restaurant of the year this year, um, which is absolutely phenomenal. Um, last year we had best savory dish at Taste of Arcadia. Um, so be sure to check out our booth this year. Um, and then with Beacon Media, we also have best steak in the San Gabriel Valley. So a lot of awards, a lot of happy people, and a lot of amazing food. Gosh.

Karen Mac Nair

Just makes me excited. Um, earlier, I'll just make sure I make my reservation for tonight.

Speaker 3

Perfect. We got a space for you at any time.

Karen Mac Nair

Thanks. I'm so excited.

Awards, Happy Hour, And Private Parties

Karen Mac Nair

Um, another thing I enjoy is happier. Talk to me about happier and the menu. Is it a little bit different? Tell us a little bit about that.

Speaker 3

Okay, so we offer happy hour in our bar and lounge Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Um, it is from four to six on Tuesday and Wednesday, three to six on Thursday, and then again four to six on Sunday. Um we have one-third off appetizers, so 33.3% off all of our appetizers, as well as drink specials. Um, so it's a great spot to stop, get a sip, and get a great bite to eat as well.

Karen Mac Nair

Any um special events, things happening coming up that we could come attend, talk about?

Speaker 3

You can definitely see us at Taste of Arcadia coming up. Oh, yeah. Um, other than that, we have some wine dinners in the works and exciting events as well. Um, believe it or not, but the holiday season is fast approaching, so we are already booking holiday events, office parties, family parties. Um, we have spaces of all sizes that can accommodate parties of all sizes. So be sure to reach out to us. Um, availability is is limited in the month of December, so definitely reach out sooner rather than later, and we'd love to host too. Um, one thing to note on that side too is uh we do not charge rental fees for our spaces. Oh, nice. So essentially, when you book a banquet with us, you are only paying for the food and drink you consume versus a lot of places we'll charge for the room

Dine LA Menu And Festival Strategy

Speaker 3

itself.

Karen Mac Nair

Nice. And now Dine LA is coming in the area. Are you guys participating?

Speaker 3

Yes, we love Dine LA. Dyne LA is coming up August 14th to the 28th. Um, we have a great three-course menu. The good thing about the Derby is that you don't have to wait for Dine LA to enjoy our Dine LA menu.

Karen Mac Nair

Yay!

Speaker 3

Um, we have three courses for $69. Um, there's some upgrades available on there as well. It's a great menu, it's a great sampling of what we have to offer. Um, and if you haven't been in, it gives you appetizer entree and dessert to give us a shot.

Karen Mac Nair

So um I'm excited about Taste of Arcadia. I'm excited that you guys are gonna be here. You and I were talking earlier. We couldn't even come up with a date about how many the Derby, how many Taste of Arcadia the Derbies has participated in? We know it's well over 10 years. It's probably I don't I don't even know.

Speaker 3

One of the first events I worked with the Derby was Taste of Arcadia at the Arboretum. Um, so yes, a distant memory, but it's we've been participating for a long time and we look forward to it every year.

Karen Mac Nair

I'm excited for you and your staff to be there because you are award-winning at Taste of Arcadia, so it's exciting.

Sponsor Message From Arcadia Perio

Karen Mac Nair

But we're gonna take a commercial break. We're gonna come right back, we're gonna talk about what you're gonna have there, and then we're gonna taste some. If you could if you're watching on YouTube, wonderful wines and whiskey, at least talk about it.

Dr. Andrew Peterson

We'll talk about the whiskey.

Karen Mac Nair

It's early in the day. I can't open it up yet when we're recording this, but we will try some wine. Um, it's gonna be a great uh tasting. So listen to this commercial and we will be right back.

Dr. Andrew Peterson

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Tasting The Famous Bread Pudding

Karen Mac Nair

All right, welcome back everyone. Um, it's time for some tasting, Tyler.

Speaker 3

Yes, I'm ready.

Karen Mac Nair

What what should we start with? Guide me through this.

Speaker 3

Let's start on the derby side. Let's start with our world famous bread pudding.

Karen Mac Nair

Okay. I'm gonna show the camera. Smile, smiles, smiles, everyone. Okay, the bread pudding, tell me about it.

Speaker 3

So there is our bread pudding, has been a derby recipe for over 50 years. Um, it is world famous, and that is not a joke. Um, there is one event that I went to that I did not bring bread pudding to, and it will never happen again. Um, I did not have too many fans that day. So um, we will be having our bread pudding at Taste of Arcadia. Um, it makes our line the longest, but it's definitely worth the wait.

Karen Mac Nair

Okay, so good. Um ingredients in the bread pudding. Anything I should know about?

Speaker 3

So the bread pudding itself, it's a vanilla bread pudding. Okay. Um, the ingredients a bit of a uh secret, but we do have bread and we have some eggs in there, some sugar.

Karen Mac Nair

Um thanks for the bread part.

Speaker 3

You got it. Um and then the sauce on top is a whiskey cream sauce, a Jack Daniels whiskey cream sauce.

Karen Mac Nair

And then fruit on the side.

Speaker 3

And then some berries on the side for some color.

Karen Mac Nair

Yeah, it's that's always my fartest favorite part is the fruit. Okay, I'm gonna try it. I've had it many times, but I have to tell the truth. It is delicious. It is it is so good. So this will be at taste again.

Speaker 3

This will absolutely be at taste. We'll also have a savory dish. Um, it'll be our fillet mignon with a blueberry port wine reduction sauce, which we've also had before at our networking at noon events that we hold every month at the Derby.

Karen Mac Nair

If you are a local business and like to network and come to the Derby, we have networking at noon there once a month. So go to the chamber website, you'll get all the info. This is delicious. I always love it. Gonna have a berry.

Speaker 3

You really can't go wrong with it. We really can't. We have awesome desserts at the restaurant. Um, we have the bread pudding, obviously, our cheesecake, which is uh it's got an amaretto kind of taste to it, a little bit almond-y. Um, it's phenomenal. Um, and then Karen's favorite, which is our ice cream sundae.

Karen Mac Nair

Yay, I'm clapping.

Speaker 3

Um vanilla ice cream topped with our pistachio brittle, pistachios, uh strawberries, whipped cream, and a cherry. And it's delicious.

Karen Mac Nair

We're recording this episode and it's a really hot day. So there's nothing like coming into the Derby and getting a glass of wine and getting that Sunday. It's a hug. It is so good.

Speaker 3

I think there's a 95% chance that's happening for you tonight.

Karen Mac Nair

Have I talked about coming today enough? Okay, let's talk wine.

Wine And Whiskey Picks For Taste

Speaker 3

Okay, perfect.

Karen Mac Nair

Tell me about it. What do we got?

Speaker 3

So, what's awesome about being such an old restaurant is that we have great relationships not only with the community but with our suppliers. Um, Treasury Wine Estates, which handles Dow out of Paso, amazing partners for us. They've supported taste and other events for the chamber as well. Um, they'll be back this year along with a newcomer, which is uh Green River Bourbon or Green River Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon. Um, it's the same company, um, but they are phenomenal whiskey bourbons. Um the Green River is actually one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh, really?

Speaker 3

They are their distiller license number 10.

Karen Mac Nair

Wow.

Speaker 3

So they actually they have it on here, KY10 right on the bottle.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh, wow.

Speaker 3

Um, so they're tried and true and amazing products. So um be sure to check out uh their booths along with some other partners that we have uh joining us as well.

Karen Mac Nair

That is great. Are do you enjoy the whiskey and bourbon? I do. Some of your favor now is it good to make it with with drinks to drink on or you could probably do a little bit of everything, but what's your favorite way? Let's start there.

Speaker 3

I would say old fashioned. That's actually our top-selling drink at the restaurant as well. Um, we have our barrel aged old fashioned um and our sea biscuit. Um both are made with uh Green River whiskey.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh wow.

Speaker 3

And they're they're amazing.

Karen Mac Nair

Make sure you go by today to try one. Okay, so I have a glass of wine.

Speaker 3

Yes, we are gonna enjoy a glass of the Dow Reserve Cabernet, which is on our Biden glass list. Cheers. Cheers.

Karen Mac Nair

Yeah, I I enjoy Dow just in general. And I think that it's just classic. It is. It's every bottle you get it has its um flavors, but it it stays true to who they are as a brand. They definitely um you're you're not cut off um by surprise because it is a solid wine. It's the only way I know how to describe it. Like it's just it's solid.

Speaker 3

They really don't have anything that's bad. Um if you ever have a chance in your inpasso, be sure to swing by the winery. It's one of my favorite spots. Um, Dow Mountain is absolutely beautiful. Their hospitality is out of this world, so um, they're definitely one of my favorites, and and I know a lot of people enjoy as well.

Karen Mac Nair

So we have also the Pessimist. Is it part of the Dow family?

Speaker 3

Yes, so Pessimist is their red blend. Um, so that is available on our buy the glass list as well.

Karen Mac Nair

Okay, great. Um, any other wine vendors you think will be at taste? Tyler also helps us with the food and drinks at Taste of Arcadia. So any news you feel like we could share there?

Speaker 3

I'm hoping Melee Vodka joins us. Um that's Jason Momoa's vodka brand, but the vodka is phenomenal. Um, so we are in talks with them as well as uh Duckhorn Winery.

Karen Mac Nair

Ooh.

Speaker 3

Um, who joined us last year.

Karen Mac Nair

So exciting, a great place, Taste of Arcadia to walk around um and have these wonderful tastings and just get to experience it. Not often, I mean, obviously you have to buy the whole bottle of wine, not often do you get to walk around and just enjoy so many tastings.

Why Taste Of Arcadia Is A Deal

Karen Mac Nair

All for one price. I don't know if we've explained that really well, but one price to enter to Taste of Arcadia, you get the all the food and drink tastings that you would like, along with entertainment. There's some um business showcase boots, and things are just interactive. So it is a walkable event at beautiful San Anita Park, and you can just take your time, you don't have to rush through it. You can go at your own pace. Which is nice. People will say that, like, oh, like you don't have to power through everything. Enjoy each glass, enjoy each tasting. Right.

Speaker 3

And the price of the ticket for all the wineries and food vendors that'll be there. It's cheaper than the visit to one winery to have a taste of it.

Karen Mac Nair

Oh, that's a good point. That is a really good point. Anything else you want to share about the derby?

Speaker 3

We're very excited to be at Taste of Arcadia again this year. Um, it's a wonderful time every year, so I am very, uh, very much looking forward to it. And we we look forward to seeing all of you there as well.

Karen Mac Nair

And anytime you have an anniversary, birthday, a special occasion, go to the derby, just let them know, and it's a great place to celebrate and just to have really staffed come and be part of the family, really.

Speaker 3

That's what we're about. We're about building relationships and providing amazing food.

Karen Mac Nair

I do love that. Well, thank you, Tyler, for being here. I'm gonna enjoy my glass of wine, so I think it's time to wrap up this podcast. So thank you, everyone. Remember, go to TastOfArcadia.com, get your tickets today. John, take us away.

John Villa Announcer

Thank you, Karen, for another great episode. You can hear it on YouTube Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. Don't forget to join us on September 19th at Saturday Heart for Taste of Arcadia.