Sonoma Restaurant Faves Inspired By the Kentucky Derby

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Brewster's Beer Garden 2nd Annual Derby Party: Music starts at noon, race at 3:50 p.m., but you've already enjoyed a Woodford cocktail or three. Woodford, in case you're not an aficionado, is a small-batch Kentucky bourbon. 229 Water St. North, Petaluma.

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Fried Chicken and Southern Fixin's,  Sweet T's:  Watch the Derby, not your waistline. We're especially fond of the greens and mac. 9098 Brooks Rd S, Windsor.

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Pimento Burger, Gravenstein Grill: Inspired by a favorite Southern treat, pimento cheese is made with peppers and (usually) cream cheese, cheddar and spices. This version has local peppers and chili with white cheddar. Gravenstein Grill is at 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. (Courtesy photo)

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Croque Madame, Blue Ridge Kitchen: Okay, so it's not a Hot Brown, a Kentucky favorite made with turkey, bread and Mornay sauce, but this one is so infinitely better. Croque Madame with lobster, ham, cheese, fried egg, saffron sauce and caviar. 6770 McKinley St Ste 150, Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

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Barbecue Ribs, Sweet T's: Nothing better than a lip-smacking, gut-filling rack o' ribs to fill you up and soak up a little of that bourbon. 9098 Brooks Rd S, Windsor.

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Bourbon: All you need is a smoky, rich Bourbon, and you're good to go for Derby Day. We love Sonoma Distillery's heady version made right here.

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Butter Cake: Sweet T's: Butter cake is a Southern favorite, made with, you guessed it, lots and lots of butter. 9098 Brooks Rd S, Windsor. (Photo, Shutterstock)