Kentucky Derby Parties at JCT. Bar and The Oyster Bar at The Optimist on May 3

In this Saturday’s “Run for the Roses,” both JCT. Bar and The Oyster Bar at The Optimist earn spots in Atlanta’s winners circle by hosting Kentucky Derby parties featuring Bulleit Bourbon on Saturday, May 3 from 4-7 p.m. Beverage director Eduardo Guzman and Bulleit are lining up rich, oaky flights of Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye and Bulleit 10 Year for $15. Four signature Kentucky Derby cocktails pack some kick at $10 each: mint julep, old fashioned, Kentucky 75 and the Brown Derby. Talk shop with Bulleit brand ambassadors who are eager to spill liquor legends and lore. JCT. Bar guests can graze on bar bites, such as “angry” mussels, pimento cheese, truffle Parmesan fries, barbecue pork terrine, deviled country ham rillettes, JCT. burger and shrimp and grits. At The Oyster Bar at The Optimist, purebred feed includes small plates of seafood gumbo, smoked fish dip, seared octopus, roasted asparagus, lobster roll and wood-roasted oysters. Ladies, fancy hats are welcome at both parties. Gents, join in the “Derby Duel” between the two restaurants – wear a necktie to JCT. or a bow tie to The Optimist. Hard to predict the Derby outcome, but all bets are on a fabulous time at either of these fetes!