WEB RESOURCES
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One night we had dinner down the street from the hotel at Kunz’s. The restaurant has been around for over 100 years and serves pretty good steaks and seafood. Kunz's Fourth & Market, 105 S. 4th Ave., Louisville; tel.: (502) 585-5555.
- We also had dinner one night at Yaching's an Asian restaurant next door to Kunz's. The food was good but the service was slow! Yaching's East West Cuisine 105 S. Fourth St., tel.: (502) 585-4005.
- One place I didn’t get to and is supposed to be the best place in town is called Lynn’s Paradise Café.
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Greetings! What a great travel week. First I was in Chicago, then Louisville, with a quick stop in Dallas before heading back to L.A.
Right after I sent last week’s newsletter I drove to LAX, parked at ParkOne and headed to Terminal 5. On the shuttle bus I saw an ESPN commentator with a horse racing bag, so I figured he was off to Louisville. He was indeed going to the Kentucky Derby. He was not only on my flight to Chicago, but also the one back to L.A. That funny story can be found on my blog at: JohnnyJetBlog.blogspot.com.
CHECKING BAGS
I still just don’t understand the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA) rules for checking bags, going through security and checking IDs. They differ greatly not only from airport to airport, but terminal to terminal as well. This week I went through three different security checkpoints, and all were different. Some airports checked my ID once, others three times. But that doesn’t bother me as much as the policies for checking bags and going through security. At LAX’s Terminal 5, after passengers check a bag they have to stand and wait in a separate line for TSA to screen it. But the next day at Chicago’s Midway Airport, after passengers checked a bag they went straight to the gate. Why? Who knows?
The shoe policy is worse. The rule says “You are not required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector.” However, some airports make passengers take off their shoes. Those who don’t get their cavities checked -- and I’m not talking about the ones in their teeth. I don’t mind taking my shoes off, but don’t pretend to give passengers an option when there really is none. At LAX’s Terminal 5 I walked through with my shoes on. No beep; no problem. At Midway the agent told me and other passengers, “I highly suggest you take your shoes off.” I kept them on because I fly all the time, wearing the same comfy shoes and belt that I know don’t trigger alarms. I didn’t give any attitude, but I could tell the agent was upset I had not taken his advice. When I went through, I beeped. It wasn’t because I had any metal on, but because the agent -- trying to be sneaky, but not realizing I have eagle vision -- waved his left (watch- bearing) arm behind me to set off the detector.
He called for another agent, and told him I refused to take off my shoes so I needed a secondary search. I said, “That’s not the rule,” but they said, “Oh yes it is.” On top of my bag, computer and jacket (with money) were all on the conveyor belt, very susceptible to thieves. What’s crazy is they don’t let passengers grab their belongings first, or have an agent watch them while doing the cavity check. When the agent told me to move to a place that blocked my view of my belongings, I refused. I said, “I have no problem with you searching me, but you’re going to put my belongings where I can see them. I’m not taking my eyes off them.” He reluctantly obliged. Tip: Don’t ever lose sight of your belongings. Wait for them to go into the machine, then walk through the metal detector. If they choose to screen you, demand to be able to keep your eyes on your stuff.
Finally, in Louisville the TSA agent told passengers very politely that if we didn’t remove our shoes we would be secondarily screened, which would take about 10 minutes. I happily took them off.
LAX-ORD
The security line at American was 40 minutes long. Fortunately, the TSA agents allowed passengers with immediate departing flights to cut. My flight to Chicago’s O’Hare was pleasant, even though we were on an MD80. It’s a smaller plane than my usual United flight to Chicago, but I took this one because it was much less expensive. The MD80 has two seats on one side, three on the other. (For seating charts check SeatGuru.com). Legroom was tight on this plane; the 757 I rode back to L.A. was much roomier. Both of my longer flights (three hours or more) offered snack packs for $3. The breakfast included bagel chips, cream cheese, Quaker breakfast bar, dried cranberries and a mint. I enjoyed that a lot better than the lunch (salami, cheese, crackers, Craisins and shortbread cookies).
AIRPORT HOTEL
I was in Chicago for only 15 hours, so I checked in to an airport hotel, the three- month old Renaissance Chicago O'Hare. They offer a free shuttle (follow the red transportation signs on the ground to the bus transportation center), and pick up every 15 minutes from door number 2. The drive to the hotel took a mere 10 minutes (it’s 15 in traffic). I never thought an airport hotel could be so nice. The lobby has high ceilings, modern furniture, free wireless internet ($9.95 in the room), a lively bar and a good restaurant. One floor below the lobby is a large pool and good-size fitness center. The elevators are quick, and the hall to my room was cheerful. My suite (I got upgraded) was sweet -- everything was new and clean. There was also plenty of space in the “L”-shaped design with a living room set, desk, swivel TV, comfortable bed, and a bathroom with a high shower head (must be for the basketball players) and good water pressure. On top of that, guests are greeted by a very friendly staff. I was worried about not being able to sleep, because the hotel is right under the flight path, but that was not an issue at all – the insulation is great. And I had a view of the Chicago skyline! My only complaint is that I didn’t have enough time there. Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel, 8500 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago; tel.: 773-380-9600 (toll-free: 800-919-4803).
CHICAGO CAR SERVICE
I was in Chicago to do my regular travel segment on WWTW-11’s “Chicago Tonight.” The show picks up guests through Amm’s Limousine Service. They have always been on time, with very nice drivers who know all the shortcuts. I never hesitated recommending them -- until this week. The driver they sent was 30 minutes late! I almost missed the show. I could understand if there had been traffic, but there was none. The driver claimed she got lost (hard to believe, considering I was at an airport hotel). I should have hopped in a cab, but the three times I called – every 10 minutes -- she told me she was only a minute away.
CHICAGO PIZZA AND OVEN GRINDER COMPANY
After the show I met one of my friend’s, for dinner at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. Ever since I saw this place on the Travel Channel, I wanted to go there. They’re famous for their pizza pot pie -- doesn’t that sound good? The restaurant, located in the Lincoln Park area on Clark Street, is small and quaint. Nearly every table is a booth. I like that, because it feels so private. The floor-to-ceiling wood décor gives the place a cozy, ski lodge feel. The salads are huge, and served with two kinds of dressing (I loved the sweet poppy seed). The pizza pot pies are filling. I got the one with whole wheat crust (trying to be healthy, you know). They come out looking like a big mushroom, until the waiter turns it over and pulls the bowl away. Then it looks like a thick pizza -- I mean, pot pie. Here’s a link to the full menu. Warning: They don’t take reservations or credit cards (cash only). Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company, 2121 North Clark St., Chicago; tel.: 773-248-2570.
MIDWAY TO LOUISVILLE
The next morning Amm’s picked me up at 6. The on-time driver took me 30 minutes to Midway Airport. It was my first time flying out of there, and if it hadn’t been for the security experience mentioned earlier, it couldn’t have been easier. There are plenty of places to buy food (I bought a fattening ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Works). My flight to Louisville on Southwest took 1 hour and 10 minutes. TIP: Southwest doesn’t offer pre-assigned seating, so either get to the airport earlier than normal or print out your boarding pass online. Online check-in begins at 12:01 a.m. local time the day of departure, and lasts up to one hour prior to departure). This pretty much guarantees seating “A,” which allows passengers to board first and get the seats they want.
LOUISVILLE
When I landed in Kentucky, Derby excitement was in the air. The airport was bustling with people, a bluegrass band was playing, and pretty bonnet-wearing girls were handing out free chocolate bourbon balls to get the party started. Yee haw! At baggage claim I met my dad and his partner Nancy, who just arrived from Pennsylvania. We all stayed downtown at the Galt House. FYI: Normally a taxi ride to downtown costs $16.50 flat rate. But on Derby weekend the prices get jacked up. My driver charged an extra $5 for the 8-mile, 10-15-minute drive.
GALT HOUSE
The Galt House is the only downtown hotel on the Ohio River, and is arguably the nicest place in Louisville. It sure has the best location: on the river and within walking distance of many downtown attractions, including Fourth Street Live!, Louisville Slugger and the Kentucky International Convention Center. (The other top hotels are the Seelbach and The Brown). The Galt House is made up of two 25-story buildings. They are connected by a 3rd-floor Conservatory, modeled after the Crystal Palace in London. An enormous glass dome encloses a tropical environment. There are even exotic songbirds flying around in a gigantic cage. In addition to serving as a walkway, the bridge is a bar and lounge. It also serves as an office for many guests (including me), because it is where the strongest free wireless signal is found. The hotel also has an incredible new top-floor fitness center, called Club 360º for its panoramic 360 views. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it up there.
ROOMS
The Galt House is the largest hotel in the Kentucky, with 1,300 rooms including 600 suites. The East Tower just completed a $60 million renovation, while a similar West Tower project is about to begin. My dad was in a 720-square foot suite, and it was pretty nice. There was a bedroom, a living room with a pullout couch, and a bathroom in between. I stayed in one of the Galt House’s 42 extended-stay apartments. That’s because my buddy Joe Lewis -- the reason my family and I were in Louisville – rents one of them. Joe’s apartment has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a balcony with magnificent views of the river, even a washer-dryer. Regular rooms start at $99 a night, while apartments begin at $1,550 a month. At Derby time, of course, prices shoot w-a-y up – assuming you can even book a place. The Galt House Hotel & Suites, Fourth Street at the River, Louisville; tel.: 502-589-5200.
STROLLING DOWN THE STREET
After we settled in my dad and I walked four blocks down to the Slugger Museum. We took our time, because it was a gorgeous day (75 degrees and blue skies). We stopped to check out stores, statues and landmarks. It was like a walk through time, because the streets were uncrowded and many buildings were restored to their original architecture. It was a nice feeling, plus the people were so friendly. It was such a treat.
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
No trip to Louisville would be complete without a tour of Louisville Slugger. It’s quite a place, starting with the 120-foot-long steel “Big Bat” in front. The company – the official bat supplier of Major League Baseball -- was founded in 1884 by two men, Hillerich and Bradsby. Now over 60 percent of major leaguers use Louisville Sluggers, and the company makes a million bats a year.
My dad and I were fortunate to get a private tour by a 33-year employee. Lou Ann showed us all around the factory and museum. We saw the step-by-step process, from a bat's bulky beginning to its finishing lacquer. We watched workers carve, sand, dip, brand and engrave bats. We learned that most bats are made of Northern white ash, but maple is becoming more popular. The wood comes primarily from New York and Pennsylvania. Lou Ann also told us that today's pros use more lightweight bats than in the past. One reason is because many bats are “cup balanced.” That means up to three-quarters of an ounce of wood is scooped out of the end of the barrel. Pros who use Louisville Sluggers can choose from 300 different models, out of 8,000 variations.
Random trivia: The average MLB player uses 100 bats each season.
Besides the factory tour there is a museum. It opened in 1996, and features all kinds of baseball memorabilia, including Babe Ruth’s bat (supposedly worth more than the entire building). There is also a 90-seat theatre, showing a short film. At the museum’s mini-playing field (with a full-size dugout and model announcer’s booth), visitors get a feel for what it is like standing in the batter’s box facing a 90-mile -an-hour fastball. (Now you know what it feels like when you’re your favorite player strikes out.) If that’s not enough action, you can test some Louisville Slugger bats in the 40-mph batting cage (10 balls for $1).
Baseball fans can easily spend hours there. The tour costs $8 for Major Leaguers (ages 13-59), $7 for Senior Leaguers (60+) and $4 for minor leaguers (6-12); it’s free to Mascots (5 & under). Few folks leave without buying a custom- made bat. It usually takes an hour (except Sundays). If you’re traveling by plane, you should spend a few extra dollars to have it shipped home. It takes two weeks to arrive, but bats can’t be carried on planes, only checked -- and who would want to risk having his Louisville Slugger lost? Not me! Louisville Slugger Museum, 800 W Main St, Louisville; tel.: (502) 588-7212.
KY PARADE & FOURTH STREET LIVE
After the tour my dad and I walked 10 blocks to Broadway Street to see the Kentucky Derby Parade. The walk was nice, and we saw a lot of the town, but next year we’ll skip the parade (it was too long). To get there we passed through Fourth Street Live!, a street unlike anywhere else in Louisville. Just a year old, and closed to cars, it is packed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and stores. I felt like I was in a mini-Las Vegas or Universal City Walk, with all the great signage and hip places. Restaurants and entertainment venues include Hard Rock Café, TGIFriday's, Sully's, Lucky Strike Lanes, Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, even a food court. Retail stores include Borders Books & Music, CVS, Office Depot and many others. There is outdoor live (loud) music two to four times a week, but after 10 p.m. patrons need to be 21 or older (unless accompanied by a parent). We had lunch on the outdoor patio of the Red Star Tavern. The food was good – especially the corn bread with sweet honey butter. The waitress talked me into ordering a “Hot Brown.” This local dish is an open- face beef sandwich smothered in thick gravy, topped with cheese, bacon and tomatoes. When I asked if it was fat free she almost fell down laughing. Red Star Tavern, 450 S. Fourth Street, Louisville; tel.: 502-568-5656.
CAROL ARRIVED
After lunch, my sister Carol arrived from Florida. It hadn’t taken much to talk her into coming. She loves horses and parties, and there is no bigger horse party than the Kentucky Derby. Both she and my dad were excited to be there. The first place Carol went after walking into the hotel -- even before putting her bags in her room -- was the “Create A Hat Shop.” This was where all the women were buying or touching up their bonnets. I didn’t mind hanging out there, because it was packed with women. When I walked in my sister was picking out hats with Victoria Gotti and Cheryl Ladd. I had to tell Cheryl I worshiped as a kid. She’s still nice and pretty!
GALT HOUSE CELEBS
Speaking of celebrities, the Galt House was where all the jockeys and famous people stayed. It was crazy how many movie, TV, sports and music stars were in town. It was like the Golden Globes, Grammys, and ESPYs all wrapped in one. My dad was excited because he got to meet some of his favorite jockeys, including Angel Cordero Jr, Jerry Bailey, Chris McCarron and Jose Santos. I was happy because I got to meet Miss Kentucky! I can’t list all the celebs, because that would take two pages. But the cool ones I talked to were Jerry O'Connell, Chris Tucker, Kid Rock, Dennis Franz, Tori Spelling and Patti Labelle. Miss Labelle has to be one of the nicest people on earth. I told her that I remember my ex-girlfriend Amber (a flight attendant) telling me that she had her on a flight and was so nice to her. When I told her that she said “I am always extra nice to flight attendants” and then she gave me and my sister a big hug before she went to go perform on stage. The biggest disappointment was Michael Jordan. His room was three doors from mine. I saw him a bunch of times -- even one-on-one in the hallway – but he wasn’t very friendly.
BLACK TIE AND BLUE JEANS
We were in Kentucky because my buddy Joe Lewis was throwing his first annual Black Tie and Blue Jeans jam. It took place at Kentucky International Convention Center, right next to Fourth Street Live! This year he invited four top bluegrass performers; Nickel Creek, Sam Bush, Shannon Lawson and the Del McCoury Band. I had never listened to bluegrass before, and didn’t even know it’s a mix of country, blues and hillbilly. But I really enjoyed it, and there was no square dancing (like I had pictured). The four bands have won a total of nine Grammy’s. How could I not enjoy the show? Next year Joe is throwing an even bigger and better event. Black Tie & Blue Jeans.
DERBY DAY
I wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby to be with my dad. Horse racing has always been one of his favorite pastimes, and I grew up watching the ponies run. I started truly appreciating the sport in 2002, the only other time my dad and I were at the Derby. That year Joe Lewis made my dad’s dreams come true by getting us tickets in Millionaires Row. This used to consist of one floor of Churchill Downs, but after its recent $120-million renovation Millionaires Row now takes up three floors.
As much fun it is to mingle with the stars, though, it’s more fun to be with a bunch of friends and family members closer to the track. There you feel the thunder as the horses run by. Our seats this year were in a box just a few feet from the track, 80 yards from the finish line. We were all so excited (and lucky) to be there -- especially my dad. On top of that the weather was picture perfect: sunny and 80. We had two boxes next to each other: my dad, Nancy, Carol, our friend Steve, Joe Lewis, and a few of his colleagues who are all really fun to hang out with (Ashleigh, Jimmy, Lisa and Joey D). Joey D is so funny it’s ridiculous. The guy should be on late-night TV with Jimmy Kimmel or Letterman as a roving reporter. Check out some of the movies he made at the derby. Video 1, Video 2, Video 3 (Might Be A Little Risqué For Some).
Driving to the Derby is an event itself. There is LOTS of traffic. We were dropped off by the infield entrance. That meant we had a long walk, but none of us minded because the infield is where the real party is (it’s like Mardi Gras). We didn’t see any craziness because it was still early (11 a.m., which is when the first race begins). However, excitement was in the air throughout Churchill Downs. Most people were dressed to the nines -- except in the infield, where they were either casual or in a costume. Almost all the women in the stands wore bonnets. Many were quite creative and colorful.
While most people were sipping the Derby’s trademark drink, mint julep (granulated sugar, water, crushed ice, Kentucky bourbon and fresh mint), I sampled the lemonade stands. My favorite was Afleet Alex’s. Not because it tasted the best but because all of the money goes to Pediatric Cancer Research. Churchill Downs is well laid out and organized (except they need to pick up the trash). There were no long lines -- not even for the bathroom – even though this was the second largest crowd in the Kentucky Derby’s 131-year history. Even with lines there would have been plenty of time to get food or drinks or place bets, because there are 30 to 55 minutes between each race. You’d think that being at the track from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. is a long day, but we had so much fun , I didn’t want it to end. The Kentucky Derby is described as the best two minutes in sports, but after Saturday I would argue it’s the best 8 ½ hours.
P.S. Here’s a picture video I made of our spectacular day at the track.
P.S.S. For Links and More Restaurants Scroll Down.
NEXT WEEK
Next week we’re off to a fun, relaxing and close (exactly 2-hour flight from Los Angeles) international destination.
Happy Travels,
Johnny Jet
*Please tell us what you think of this week's newsletter!
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Pictures From
Chicago and The
KY Derby
LAX Security Line
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Snack Box on Plane
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Hotel Shuttle
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My Room |
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Desk in Room
Chicago Skyline |
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My Boy Angel
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Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
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Pizza Pies
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Chicago Style
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Amms Car Service
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Southwest
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Welcome to KY
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Galt House
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Living Room
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My Dad
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Gorgeous day
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Slugger Museum
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Private Tour
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Bought a Bat
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Parade
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Fourth Street Live
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Hot Brown
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My Sister Carol
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Jerry Bailey
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Patti Labelle
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Black Tie and Blue Jeans jam
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2002 Derby
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Dad and Nancy
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Bonnets Galore
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Giacomo
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Group Shot
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WHERE'S JOHNNY JET ? The Kentucky Derby