Jazz Derby Brunch
The Cook and Her Farmer
Swan's Market
510 9th St, Oakland
May 2, 2026
Before the ponies ran in Saturday's 152nd Kentucky Derby, The Cook and Her Farmer on Washington Street in Old Oakland hosted a jazzy brunch on their patio.
Weather forecasts did not bode well for the day but my intrepid gal pal Nisha and I braved the brisk temps to check out a festive celebration of all things Derby. We donned our hats, a must for any Derby party, and our scarves, and arrived as Jazz Mafia was settling into a groove. The band, members of a 20+ year old collective out of SF's Mission district, had the mixed age crowd of dapperly dressed Derby fans tapping their feet and nodding to the rhythm as they sipped mimosas and noshed on the special Derby Day menu. The spot is known for its succulent, briney oysters, and they did not disappoint, served grilled and topped with several flavor-bumping sauces ranging from sweet to tangy to spicy. The shrimp and grits reminded me of a bowl I enjoyed in NOLA a few years ago, although they could have put out a bit more kick and Creole flavor in the sauce. The creamy, coarse grits stood up well with the sauce, and the shrimp were poached to the perfect tenderness.
The fresh baked biscuits did it for me. I love a good dense but mouthwatering biscuit that absorbs butter and jam into its fluffy folds. These did just that and they make their own jam.
What Derby Day party is complete without a libation or two? This celebration included alcoholic and non alcoholic options. The sangria was a star. The blend of fruit wine and spices bloomed on the palate and its silky, full-bodied, texture made me close my eyes and savor the moment. The homemade lemonade, a Derby Day treat, was the right balance of sweet to tart.
Hats and colorful outfits helped set the tone and vibe for the performance. Fedoras, pastel suits, and perfectly shined shoes adorned some and the feathers on a few "frilly" little fascinators fluttered on the breeze. The band understood the assignment and dressed for the occasion.
Known for their original music and covers of classic jazz, R&B, and other genres, the band played a range of songs. They got the crowd going with their rendition of "Superstitious," the Stevie Wonder classic becoming a sing along.
Jazz Mafia gets funky with Superstitious by Stevie Wonder
The lead vocalists, Yvette Pylant and Trance Thompson, brought energy and vibe to the show. Their voices well matched and playful on the duets. The brass section– a trombone, sax, and trumpet– sprinkled the songs with a little NOLA and funk flavor while the bassist and drummer laid down the lines with heart thumping precision.
The sun peeked through the clouds before the party ended with a best dressed contest.
The rules were simple: Strut your stuff across the stage (aka sidewalk) and show off your Derby style. A spry gentleman sporting a jaunty fedora and lime green blazer was first up, and he tipped back and forth a few times like he was out on a Saturday night, then did a little boogie, which brought cheers from the crowd. Next was a little girl in a sparkly hat accompanied by her daddy and a doll, then a threesome of ladies in wide trimmed hats that fluttered like butterflies as they pranced from their seats to show their outfits. Last in line, a duo. Two young men dressed to the nines, band box fresh. The crowd and the band made the call: the first gentleman won.
The Cook and Her Farmer host live music and events regularly and you can check out the schedule on their website.
