The Derby

I hadn't paid much attention to this restaurant's background beforehand; I just lived nearby and wanted to find a well-reviewed place for dinner. It was impossible to get a table for one person at other times, but tonight I managed to get one easily, so I came straight here. The weather was fine, and the old building looked particularly beautiful from the outside, though the door was closed at first, which seemed odd. But once I pushed the door open, I was enveloped in a strong old-fashioned American retro atmosphere. There was no luxurious decor, but it was full of vintage charm; the tableware and furnishings had character, and the service was warm and attentive, making me feel completely comfortable. There was a faint smell of stables in the air, probably from the old furniture and horse racing culture. After a while, I got used to it and it actually suited the atmosphere better. I originally planned to order the signature bacon-wrapped filet mignon, but the waiter enthusiastically recommended the ribeye. I ordered it medium-rare, and I was immediately amazed when it arrived. The plate was piping hot, the steak was fragrant with caramel, meat, and fat—the most authentic and simple old-school American flavor. There were no fancy seasonings; the brilliance lay entirely in the ingredients themselves, especially the fatty cut, which was incredibly satisfying. The small, bright red chili peppers added a refreshing touch and balanced the richness. The creamy spinach was decent, nothing special. The Totoga lemon sparkling water was a thoughtful touch. I only asked for lemon sparkling water, and the restaurant not only brought me the water but also provided fresh lemons for me to squeeze myself. The aroma of orange peel filled the table, refreshing and cleansing the palate—a truly thoughtful detail. Halfway through the meal, I noticed the walls covered with oil paintings of horses and jockeys. These weren't just ordinary posters; they were all historical artifacts. I slowly began to understand the restaurant's history, and it suddenly felt even more meaningful. The restaurant's name, "Derby," comes from the Santa Anita Derby, the most prestigious race at the nearby Santa Anita Racecourse—Derby Day, the most important horse race on the West Coast of the United States. Moreover, the restaurant's founder was none other than a legendary jockey, the official jockey of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, who achieved countless glories at the nearby Santa Anita Racecourse. From its opening, the restaurant has been a gathering place for horse racing enthusiasts and Seabiscuit fans, with its walls adorned with paintings that bear witness to the golden age of horse racing. This restaurant doesn't focus on high-end elegance; its main appeal is its satisfying, authentic flavor, even more enjoyable than a Michelin-starred meal. I highly recommend the medium-rare ribeye, paired with lemon sparkling water—a perfect match! After the meal, I went from simply enjoying the food to being deeply moved by the restaurant's connection to Seabiscuit and the Derby racehorse. I immediately decided to buy a ticket to Santa Anita Racecourse to experience the authentic horse racing atmosphere firsthand.

Great experience! Salmon was cooked perfected at medium rare

A traditional restaurant serving local cuisine. It's legendary, having originated as a polo club in Los Angeles and opened in 1936. A wonderful atmosphere, steeped in history and charm. The food is excellent, featuring delicious local dishes. Highly recommended. —————- A traditional restaurant serving local cuisine. It's legendary, having originated as a polo club in Los Angeles and opened in 1936. A wonderful atmosphere, steeped in history and charm. The food is excellent, featuring delicious local dishes. Highly recommended.