Hello, my Divanettes and Divanados and BATTER UP! Did you know Spring Training starts next week? That means that warmer weather and baseball are just around the corner. It also means time to start thinking about our own fabulous hometown baseball hero’s, the River Bats! Whoo- Hoo!
Nothing beats sitting in the stands at Slugger Field on a warm spring day with the smell of fresh cut grass, funnel cake, and hot dogs mixing in your sinuses like the Garden of Eden on a breezy day. Nothing, except paying a visit to Browning’s Brewery and Restaurant that is.
Browning’s is a contemporary casual atmosphere filled with hardwood details giving you a slight sense of the history behind their namesake, Pete Browning, aka- “The Louisville Slugger.”Old Peteplayedfor both the Louisville Eclipse and the Louisville Colonels, back in the 1880’s and was a three-time batting champion with a .345 batting average. Kind of makes sense that this eatery is so properly situated at the entrance to Slugger Field, eh?
Legend has it that Pete Browning was fond of great food and a cold brewsky. I won’t tell you the entire story, but make sure to ask Brent, Anoosh, and crew when you visit because they tell the story best.
Browning’s is a contemporary casual atmosphere filled with harddwood details giving you a slight sense of the history they quote. A unique three-story brewing facility overlooks the dining room, where Brewmaster Brian Reymiller creates superior artisnal beers using only the best available grains and hops from England, Germany, and the Pacific Northwest. And they give SAMPLES!
I always like to ask what the server what their favorite thing on the menu is because if they eat or drink it more than once, you KNOW it’s got to be good. My waiter, Brent, was no exception.
He started me out with samples of two of their winter beers. A Semi-filtered Roggenbier and one they dubbed Dunkel. The Roggenbier is considered a semi-filtered because when the beer miester tried to filter it, the sediment was so dense he had to stop. The Dunkel Beer was a rich coffee color, smooth with a hint of oak to balance. Both were excellent suggestions to go with my Shrimp and Lobster Bisque.
Sweet, juicy lumps of lobster and shrimp, floating in a spicy broth of creamy herbal goodness. You can’t go wrong with this stick to your ribs soup. On a cold February afternoon, it will clear out your sinuses and chase away whatever ails you.
Between my soup and entrée, I got to visit with Anoosh. Curiosity overtook me and I just had to know his secret to maintaining business in between baseball seasons.
“The key is the personal touch, the human factor,” says Anoosh. “At the end of the day, what matters is how well you’ve created a complete human experience that people remember and recommend to their friends.”
Diva couldn’t agree more! Because after I finished my Friend Green Tomato BLT with Hand-Made potato chips, I couldn’t wait to recommend Browning’s to all the Divanites. The sandwich on fresh made Focaccia Bread was a great departure from other eateries using the southern tradition as an appetizer.
For you Diva’s of Business, Browning’s has free Wi-Fi access and delivery of boxed lunches within the Downtown Louisville area.
To my PAR-TAY Divanados, consider picking up a keg or Growler of one Browning’s micro-brews for your next get-to-gether. Want someone else to clean up the mess? Anoosh offers creative catering services and private rooms to enjoy with your closest pals.
There you have it my Louisville Dining Divanites. Get yourself down to Browning’s Brewery and soon! It ain’t just for baseball season.
Before you ask… Yes, I know Valentine’s Day is this Sunday. All the stores are bright red, pink, and white and tell us that every kiss begins with a certain jewelry store. The question I have is, “Have you decided where you are going to spend MARDI GRAS?”
Valentine’s is only one day. Sure, we can take a break and celebrate the love, but Mardi Gras is the spiciest party on the planet and at Joe’s OK Bayou, you can celebrate from Friday, Feb 12th through “Fat Tuesday”, Feb 16th!
I decided to take a break from all the usual “great date” places to talk to Joe Wheatley, 16 year owner of Joe’s OK Bayou. Joe gave me low down on what he had in store for us par-tay animals.
How about some live entertainment? On Friday night, Kentucky Blue, a fun and interactive Bluegrass quartet that infuses some pretty funny story telling throughout their set.
Saturday brings with it Holly and Josh from CMT’s “Can you Duet?”. Both are from the Metro area and won’t disappoint.
Tim Curtis, our lifelong singing artist, will play to the couples for Valentine’s Day, then come back on Fat Tuesday, to wow the crowd again. Also, on Fat Tuesday, Dave Cottrell will perform a walk around MAGIC show guaranteed to entertain. “He does a great job with his magic,” states Wheatley. “It’s not the cheezy type either! Since he also sings with Kentucky Blue, my bet is that he’ll keep us all in stitches!”
What is Mardi Gras without the beads? LOL. Joe’s will give beads out each night (no peek-a-boo required) as diners sample the food specials and sip on $5 Hurricanes. You even get to keep the logo souvenir cup personally designed by Joe Wheatley. Collector beads of crawfish and frogs will be given out on Fat Tuesday along with door prize drawings.
I mentioned food specials, we have a different $3.00 off nightly dinner special (Fri-catfish, Sat-fried oysters, Sun-butterfly shrimp, Mon-gator tail, Tue-fried crawfish tails).
Joe gave me a heapin’ helpin’ of his “Cajun popcorn” aka- fried crawfish tails and fried gator tail, as a sample of what was waiting for me during the Mardi Gras celebration.Now, the last time I had gator, I was in a dirt floored Alabama shack and eh hem…. It was on a bet. I ended up having to wash it down with quite a bit of Budweiser.But at Joe’s? AAYYYEEE! There’s no need for chasing down your food with beer. The crawfish tails are melt-in-your-mouth good and the gator is made from sweet white tail meat. Don’t let past experiences be your benchmark when it comes to this!
Joe is a Western Kentucky boy, born and bred. A UK Cajun roommate gave him the recipes that he still uses today. Folks, I’m here to tell you, the authentic tastes come through in each and every morsel.
What’s unique? Feed your kids for 1.99 on Sunday. Yes, you heard right. Sunday! Joe is a family man and says he understands the value of offering low cost kid fare on slower days of the week to draw people in, “But that’s not when you go out with your family. Part of being a customer-centric business is making things convenient for your clientele.”
But I digress… it was lunchtime and I came hungry. Joe presented one of their combo platters for my enjoyment. Chicken Creole, Red Beans and Rice, and traditional Gumbo with a side of toasted garlic bread.
Joe’s Gumbo fills your belly with a satisfying heat, while the Red Beans and Rice reminded me of what a friend of mine used to call a “smoky treat” fit for any Cajun or Cajun loving king. It’s ummm-ummm with a side of stick to your ribs.
The Chicken Creole is a mild tomato based dish for those looking to tip- toe into the spicy food world. As for me, I’m adding on a little of Joe’s special hot sauce.
Now it’s no secret that Diva likes her sweets. I think Joe had done some research before I arrived, because he had the peanut butter pie and pralines at the ready. I was a little skeptical of the menu description of the Peanut-Butter Pie as a frozen concoction, but folks I’d pit this version against any other in a heartbeat. The creamy peanut butter center, light whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle will send you to the moon and back again.
King Cake? Did someone say King Cake? Mardi Gras just ain’t complete without King Cake and Joe’s is ready to please. King Cake will be sold by the slice and by the whole cake for carry-out orders. It’s $2.50/slice and $15/whole cake! And yes, there is a baby inside these cakes to find!
So there you are my Divanites- get yer-self to Joe’s OK Bayou for a little “AAYYYEEE!” this Mardi Gras. And don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you.
Hello my Divanettes and Divanados, it is I, your Dining Diva, back to tell you about my adventures of last weekend.
If you fall within MY demographic (and gentlemen, for a woman that means either over or under 18), I think you might like this one.
If you are a native Louisvillian, think back a few years to a little place in Anchorage near the railroad tracks called Willow Lake Tavern. Picture it in your mind… dirt floor, hole in the wall, neighborhood gathering place, right?
But what would happen if two seasoned restaurateurs from Florida relocated to Louisville and purchased the old country dive bar? And what if they hired a born-and-bred Louisville chef who’d cut his culinary teeth in the eclectic kitchens of the Highland’s? Would the locals accept the changes? Would they be able to draw diners to the East End to give ‘em a shot?
ABSOLUTELY!
I’ll have to say I’ve driven past Selena’s for months and it didn’t really catch my eye. The outside architecture is much the same. But inside? OMG, the changes Chris and Alan have made are astounding. Exposed brick and wood beams with large stone fireplaces give the remodeled restaurant the charm of an old English pub.
The bar is still there, waiting for locals to “belly up” and catch a game or two on the flat screens. Anchorage itself is a beautiful location, but if you are lucky enough to sit out on the patio or by the large windows in the back of the restaurant, you’ll swear you’re in the middle of Central Park.
Our waiter, Zach, was at the ready to suggest favorites from the Creole/Sicilian menu. His pick? Calamari with Thai chili sauce to start.
The sweet-hot chili sauce coupled with the golden fried calamari gives a bit of the orient right here in Anchorage. I’ve had Calamari all across the states but Chef Dan Thompson really made this special with his melding of flavors. It was so fork lickin’ good, I’m pretty sure I just found my new game food!
For his entre’, my companion selected the 8 oz filet with a baked potato and Chef Dan’s special squash casserole. On the side, was a heaping helping of horseradish and red pepper compound butter. that takes the oakey flavor of the filet to a whole other level.
Growing up on the coast where my dad caught our fish fresh from the Gulf Stream, any time I see a seafood special, I’m a little leery. The last time I checked, Kentucky was a land-locked state. But I took a chance on Chef Dan’s parmesan encrusted Mahi Mahi with shrimp sauce. It’s nearing Mardi Gras, so I chose the dirty rice and squash casserole to accompany. As I cherished each and every morsel, I couldn’t help but notice these were new takes on old favorites. Sweet heat, mixed with Cajun spice, and southern flair.
Zach swore by Selena’s Bread Pudding for dessert. I’m not typically a bread pudding gal. Most of the creations I’ve tasted seemed to think that more bourbon in the sauce is better. Don’t get me wrong, I like my bourbon… just in a glass over ice. Compared to the other puddings I’ve had, Chef Dan’s bourbon sauce was a perfect balance of flavors and not in the least overpowering. And the portion is HUGE! Even with two people sharing we still had leftovers!
When all the leftovers were packaged, Chef Dan stopped at our table to “chew the fat”. I asked him what was the biggest challenge in running the kitchen at Selena’s.
“Selena’s has a 30-year successful reputation in Florida,” he shared. ” Keeping the balance between old and new and being respectful in the evolution can be tough, but I think we are doing it justice.”
I have to agree. Mega thumbs up to Selena’s for taking a local hang out and making shine like the top of the Chrysler Building.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to watch the NFL Ticket, a destination eatery for your main squeeze, or a great value Sunday Brunch with the fam, check out Selena’s at Willow Lake Tavern. And don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you.
Hello my Dinaettes and Divanados, Dining Diva is back to tell you about a place you absolutely MUST visit in 2010. And for the fella’s, a quaint little dining spot sure to win you a little sumpin’ sumpin’ points for Valentine’s Day.
Since I’ve been blogging about eateries in Louisville and Southern Indiana, my friends have been poking me to get to Avalon. They’d built up such a stir over this place, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped… no TACKLED it.
Larry, Chef Lawrence, and their staff didn’t disappoint either. From the moment I walked through the door, I was enfolded in Avalon’s casual, yet romantic atmosphere. And you know me, Divanites… I’m a sucker for great architecture and mood lighting. OK- so the glass of Sanoma Cutrer Chardonay that Larry started me off with didn’t hurt, either.
Now, I know what you’re thinking guys, “Oh, here she goes again. Another ‘girly’ restaurant.” But Avalon has just about everything covered for their diverse clientele. Contemporary bar area with TV’s to catch the games, a fireplace and cozy seating with Casablanca projected onto the wall on the second floor to kick back and enjoy a drink with your best buds, and balcony seating for the voyeurs among us.
I was pleasantly surprised when Larry sat my companion and I at a cute little bistro table looking out onto Bardstown Road outfitted with its very own wall-mounted fireplace mounted. How did Larry know I was always cold? Things that make ya go, hmmmmmmmmm, but a good front of house staff knows ‘dem tings’. LOL.
Angela, our server, was attentive and fun. Just the combination you are looking for in a server on a Friday night. Her drink recommendation for my companion was the Nuvo French Martini. Diva is a martini girl, so naturally I had to snake a sample. The Nuvo French is Vanilla Infused S-I-N made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry Liquor, Pineapple Juice, and topped with Champagne. If you’re looking for something light and fruity with a little sparkle, definitely go with the Nuvo French, but with such recipes as the Blood Orange Drop, Acai Blueberry Pamatini, Chai Pumpkintini, and Winter Dream, your girls night out won’t go wrong at Avalon.
Chef Lawrence started us with his signature deviled eggs with Asian twisted hot sauce. Both visually and tastefully appealing, you may want to try and recreate this dish for your next pitch in. If you can get Chef Lawrence to reveal his secret recipe, that is. (wink, wink)
Many thanks to Angela who sold us on the chef’s special flatbread of the day. A delightful concoction of Feta Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Calamata Olives, and diced Roma Tomatoes nestled on a slightly crisp, but satisfyingly chewy flatbreasd. Fresh made basil oil and crushed red pepper served on the side for sprinkling and drizzling brings out the robust flavor making your tastebuds scream, “Yummy!”.
As interesting as Avalon is, the story of their chef is even more so. Chef Lawrence Agnew holds dual citizenship in Ireland and the US. (I KNEW I liked him!) In January of last year Larry nabbed this young talent from his Baton Rouge locale.
If you ask Larry what is different since taking on Chef Lawrence, he will shout it from the rooftops. “We are cooking again… Each and every sauce. And he’s a great teacher. Our Sous Chef’s can’t think of working anywhere else because they learn something new from him every day.”
I ventured to taste something new off the menu. Something of Chef Lawrence’s creation. Angela recommended the Vegetarian Lasagna, so I attempted it. Good vegetarian cuisine is hard to find, but I was amazed at the creativity in this dish. Butternut Squash lasagna noodles filled with mushrooms, tofu, spiced pecans, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan. OMG! If you are a vegan, you will not be disappointed.
My companion had the notable Braised Beef Short Rib, served in a braising reduction over Weisenburger grits and honey crisp apple slices. A dish created for the OLDHAM COUNTY RED CROSS CHEF CHALLENGE crafted from food pantry staples and products donated by local farms. Luckily, she let me have a taste. I was blown away by the tenderness of the ribs and how the flavor of the grits melded so seamlessly. If you are a meat lover- or not- you gotta try that thing!
Chef Lawrence came out to visit with us after the entre’ and I have to say a more humble chef you’ll not find in the area. Divanettes and Divanados, if you are ever presented with the opportunity, buy this chef an drink and chat with him a while. His passion for supporting local farms and eateries is unparalleled. Chef Lawrence even backs up his soapbox speech with action by bringing in local produce, eggs, and meats. And if you are a local urban farm, he encourages you to stop by and talk to him about supplying their kitchen. Folks, sustainability is the key. Go Lo!
As you can tell, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit, but were in no way done. Just when we were about to ask for the check, Chef Lawrence sent April out with their “chocolate tasting” three different ways.
I thought I had died and gone to chocolate heaven, but by far, the most notable treat was the Guiness milk shake with Nutella “rangoons” kissed with cinnamon sugar and raspberries. For those of you who don’t know Diva, my Irish roots run deep. That a chef could take Guiness and turn it into a dessert was astounding to say the least.
After rolling myself out of the restaurant, I have to say Avalon deserves 11 Diva’s out of 10. Can’t wait to go back when the weather warms up to check out their patio. Preferably on Toss Up Tuesday when I can flip Larry for the bill!
Get yourself to Avalon my Divaites… and don’t forget to tell them that Diva sent you.
Hello my Divanettes and Divanados! I am back from holiday break with the most fantastic venue recommendation for your 2010. This little gem is a little out of the way, but well worth the drive.
What is it, you ask? Hmmmm… Think of the best time you’ve ever had with friends, add a feisty band, great wine made on the premises, food lovingly made by your gracious hosts, then multiply it by 50, and you’d have Elk Creek Vineyards.
The staff of Elk Creek invited moi to visit during their New Year’s Eve bash and what a BASH it was! Not only were the guests friendly beyond friendly, but I truly enjoyed the concept of their event: An old fashioned pitch in. Instead of a catered menu, the staff and volunteers of Elk Creek MADE, yes HOME-MADE, all the food.
This was just the beginning of my experience at a local winery with a culture of hospitality.
Standing in front of the cozy stone fireplace of the loft style room, Sarah Davasher and Ken Slone can’t say enough about Elk Creek. “We’ve been to Napa, and can honestly say that the atmosphere and wines are better here.”
Kim Ball, bartender extraordinaire who does tastings and tours at Elk Creek agrees. “To us, everybody here is like a family, even our customers. We are out in the middle of nowhere, but the guests keep coming back. Every time we see them it’s just like seeing family again.”
The tables were tastefully decorated with a winter white candle, clear glass grapes, New Year brandished hats and noisemakers. A surprising last minute find for the winery was the band, Business Time. I have to agree. Nathan Pendleton, Brandon May, Tyrus York, and John Dittert gave one heck of an energetic performance, and kept everyone dancing and laughing.
As for the wine… EEEWWWW WWHHHEEE! I started with the Sweet Mellow White. A wine originally made for Halloween, but kept in production because of it’s enormous popularity. Grab up a bottle or two for your next get-to-gether Divanettes and you won’t be sorry.
“But Diva, I can’t go all the way to Owenton.”
Au contraire, mon fraire. Elk Creek operates a sweet little store inside the St. Mathews Mall where you can even bring your gal pals for ladies night!
If ya went away hungry from this buffet my friends, it was your own fault. The culinary delights were filled throughout the night with dishes such as Kim’s Astounding Asparagus with Spicy White Wine Sauce, Tom’s Terrific Chicken Parmesan and Penne with Marvelous Marinara Sauce, Brittany’s Bodacious Kahlua Brownie Trifle, Rebekka’s Righteous Rum Cake, and Judy’s Jazzy Cheesecake.
Brad made and Awesome Alfredo Sauce with bow tie pasta and Kristine made a to die for secret salad dressing. Dave… well, Dave who normally handles the fireworks at Elk Creek was there for moral support and serving. LOL. Luvs ya, Dave.
Most visitors come from to Elk Creek from Lexington and Cincinnati. I’m tellin’ ya Louisville, you are definitely missing out! Come check out the B&B, Hunt Club, or onsite Spa and you might just find yourself coming back for other events.
Deborah Baker and John Zachem from Lexington suggested to friend and native Owentonian’s Sean and Tina Ensinger that they accompany them to Elk Creek for New Year’s. “We typically stay home,” says Sean. “We are from the area and didn’t know this place existed. We are having a great time and will make it a point to come for other events.”
Amateur comedian, John Zachem says he, “came for the snow skiing. You mean there is no snow skiing here tonight?” Ha Ha. Don’t quit your day job, John.
Laughs and giggles permeated the air throughout the night. Staff mingled with guests and danced behind the bar.
Yvonne Stimer and Bruce Cayes first came to Elk Creek for John’s birthday. “We fell in love with the place and decided to come back for New Years,” says Yvonne.
As you can see, no one is immune to Bruce’s charms! He even snatched me up for a dance to Elvis’s, “Caught in a Trap”. And in 3 inch heels that ain’t easy!!!
But it was F-U-N!!!!
Midnight quickly approached and the staff prepared for the countdown… Champagne glasses lined the bar in double rows ensuring no hand went without the New Year spirit.
Meanwhile, in the Art gallery upstairs, Rebekka stood at the ready with bags of balloons to pelt on guests. The band started the countdown and guests lined up at the bar ready to ring in the New Year.
After all was said and done, Janice Harris summed up why people come from as far as Southern Indiana to visit at Elk Creek. “It’s the personal touch. We first came in November for a wine tasting. Even though we weren’t the only guests here at the time, the staff made us feel like we were.”
There you have it Divanites. Take some time in 2010 to discover this tucked away treasure in Owenton, Kentucky called Elk Creek Vineyards. You’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget to tell them, Diva sent you.
A while back a fan suggested I visit the Granville Inn. He gave some great reasons, so I put it on my “to do” list.
Then last Sunday, my best guy pal and I decided we wanted to watch the Jets game (Yes, I am a huge JETS fan… Go Sanchez!) on a TV other than ours. Naturally, I suggested we traverse to the Granville and see if what my fan said was true. Little did I know what was in store for me…
The Granville is located in Old Louisville at 1601 S. Third Street, very close to the U of L campus. You’d hardly notice its unassuming architecture if you weren’t looking for it, because the Granville blends in so well with the surrounding neighborhood.
My buddy and I straightened our jersey’s and prepared for the usual reception we get being Jets fans in a Colts dominated town. Sheepishly, we walked into the bar, where to our amazement the beaming smile of Marty, the Granville owner, reflected back. SHOCKING!
Instantly, I felt like a regular. Marty even put the Jets game on the BIG screen for us.
After we sat down, a chatty woman named Cheryl greeted us and chirped about the food. I would have sworn she was the Granville Ambasador. Cheryl has been coming to the Granville for ten years and loves to sing its praises. She instructed us on what was a “must try” menu item and her own personal favorites. She even poured me a glass from her pitcher of Rum and Coke. HOLY COW! Am I still in Louisville or have I died and gone to Cheers?
She wasn’t alone. Everyone in the place piped in too.
“Don’t forget to try the onion rings!”
“The cheese fries are the best.”
“Oh no, it’s the burgers.”
“You’re wrong, it’s the pizza.”
My guy pal and I set out to try the burgers with a side of cheese fries and onion rings. We weren’t disappointed. The burgers were at least an inch thick, with trimmings that tasted like they just came out of the veggie patch.
Jodi Boun (also the resident artist) and Jaime Harrington work the kitchen making everything up fresh as you order. You can tell a lot of love is put into the food and Jaime is a stickler for consistency. So the burger you have tomorrow will taste exactly the same as it did when you had it last week.
Neil, ever patient, definately can’t forget him. Working his magic behind the bar, Neil won’t let your drink run low.
Jaime explained that the staff enjoys getting to know their customers and know everyone by name. Isn’t that the kind of place you want to be?
It’s game day somewhere Divanettes and Divanettos. Pack up your tailgate party and head down to the Granville Inn, where everyone is welcome, even Jets fans. And don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you.
Hello Divanettes and Divanados! Dining Diva is back after a whirlwind visit with the fam over the holiday. After all that turkey and stuffing, the niece, nephew, and I had a hankerin’ for some seafood.
There is something to be said about a restaurant with a view. There is also a lot to be said for an eatery that couples value with an awesome location. Even more, for one who infuses fun into something mundane?
At Kingfish, you get it all! That’s right, I said Kingfish.
The little cherubs and I took our “Syber” Saturday and traversed across the Ohio River into Jeffersonville, Indiana and waltzed into Kingfish. The kiddos were glued to the oversized aquarium and decided to name one of the fish, “Buggy”. Why, you ask? Evidentially the poor creature suffered from a genetic deformity causing one of its eyes to “bug” out of its head. Kind of like the guinea pig in Bedtime Stories. But, I digress.
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, from the hardwood paneling to the wall of windows facing the Louisville skyline. The open floor plan lends itself to family fun, and I can totally see us having our birthday gatherings here.
For those of you in charge of the company Holiday Party don’t cross this venue off your list. Sporting a full bar and plenty of TV’s, Kingfish can cater to everyone on the guest list.
For the smallest members of your dining party, the kids menu is sure not to disappoint. My niece and nephew had the corn dog plate and ye old traditional mac and cheese. The parsley was the only survivor on their plates, despite my best effort to convince them parsley was a breath freshener. Yeah—ok—my motive was to be able to tell my sister her kids actually ate some green leafies because I was SUPER AUNT DIVA. Ah-hem… no go on that mission.
The value in our meal was fantastic. For a “family” of three we dined just shy of $23.00 AND had leftovers. To me, anytime I have leftovers it’s a good deal.
Where is the infusion of fun, you ask? Well get this… It’s holiday gift giving season. Every eatery in town is offering incentives to purchase their gift cards. It’s a passive-pull promotion. Buy their gift card, get one for yourself. Buy their gift card, get a free gift. Boring, huh? Well, at Kingfish, when you purchase $100 in gift cards, you not only get a FREE $20 gift card, but a FREE spin on the “gift wheel”. How FUN is that?
It’s like the Webkins WHEEL OF WOW for grown-ups! You can win anything from a cup koozee to additional gift cards. Awesome idea, guys! You had this Diva pulling out her Christmas list to see who was getting a Kingfish card just so I could spin the wheel.
I can’t say enough about the warm and welcoming décor. I’ve been told in summer months, they use the outside bar and bring in musical acts. And why wouldn’t they? The view is spectacular!
My FIN is up for Kingfish, so grab your little Divanetto’s and swim on down to your closest Kingfish location. And don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you!
Ciao Bella!
~Diva
**For those Divanettes and Divanados who are physically challenged, Kingfish is handicap accessible.
It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon and my date (you’ll recall said mystery man from my previous blog post) took me to Puccini’s for lunch.
Puccini’s is conveniently located in the Shelbyville Plaza shopping center, near the Mall of Saint Mathews. I was certainly glad the mall was close by, because the food was so good, I felt like I needed to be rolled away from the table!
At the recommendation of our server, my date and I ordered the Sweet Lil’ Razorback pizza, Meatball Heaven calzone, and Queen of Hearts calzone. OMG! Divanette’s I will never order a chain store or frozen pizza again. The smokey sausage, zesty pepperoni, fresh veggies, and hand made meatballs made me a convert.
Puccini’s has a family friendly atmosphere with a supurb kids menu… even a “little hands plate” for the toddlers that includes cheese and crackers!
And value… for our $30 bill, we had three entree’s, drinks, and dessert!
There are not many places in Louisville you can dine like kings and queens AND take home leftovers for that price.
Puccini’s also has a Facebook page where you can upload a crazy photo to win a free gourmet pizza, or write a review and get $5 off your next visit!
If you are looking for FUN in your dining experience, head to Puccini’s and find out what’s up with the “smiling teeth”. Oh, and don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you.
Could we get any more lucky for it to be 72 degrees on a Saturday in November?
How about having a hunky date take you on a walk down Barrett Ave on said day including a stop in toLynn’s Paradise Café?
(My Saturday afternoon date wished to remain anonymous. I can’t imagine why… but isn’t he just the cutest?)
I laughed until I thought my sides were going to split. Trees growing right in the middle of the restaurant,torso’s clad in retro 70’s printed pants projecting from the walls, and rainbow colored chandeliers hanging from the bathroom ceilings are only a few of the eccentricities you’ll find at this unique eatery. Entertainment? Who needs entertainment when the sights and sounds around you are mesmerizing?
And the food? OMG! Bourbon Ball milkshakes and entrées named Hoppin’ Juan and The Highlander will definitely keep your pallet satisfied. Not to mention the signature Cheese Grits. OOOOOOO Whee!
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Fella’s, if you are looking for a place to take your date where the food is suburb, the ambiance fun, and where you may not have to say much to keep your gal engaged, DEFINITELY put Lynn’s Paradise Café on your list. And don’t forget to tell them Diva sent you.
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Ciao, Bella!
ps- For those of you wondering how the date went… dispite his embarrassment over my extra curricular activity of the blog, looks like we are going out again
I’ll have to say I’ve driven past Selena’s for months and it didn’t really catch my eye. The outside architecture is much the same. But inside? OMG, the changes Chris and Alan have made are astounding. Exposed brick and wood beams with large stone fireplaces give the remodeled restaurant the charm of an old English pub.
the states but Chef Dan Thompson really made this special with his melding of flavors. It was so fork lickin’ good, I’m pretty sure I just found my new game food!
Growing up on the coast where my dad caught our fish fresh from the Gulf Stream, any time I see a seafood special, I’m a little leery. The last time I checked, Kentucky was a land-locked state. But I took a chance on Chef Dan’s parmesan encrusted Mahi Mahi with shrimp sauce. It’s nearing Mardi Gras, so I chose the dirty rice and squash casserole to accompany. As I cherished each and every morsel, I couldn’t help but notice these were new takes on old favorites. Sweet heat, mixed with Cajun spice, and southern flair.
Since I’ve been blogging about eateries in Louisville and Southern Indiana, my friends have been poking me to get to 
Vanilla Infused S-I-N made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry Liquor, Pineapple Juice, and topped with Champagne. If you’re looking for something light and fruity with a little sparkle, definitely go with the Nuvo French, but 
Many thanks to Angela who sold us on the chef’s special flatbread of the day. A delightful concoction of Feta Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Calamata Olives, and diced Roma Tomatoes nestled on a slightly crisp, but satisfyingly chewy flatbreasd. Fresh made basil oil and crushed red pepper served on the side for sprinkling and drizzling brings out the robust flavor making your tastebuds scream, “Yummy!”.
I thought I had died and gone to chocolate heaven, but by far, the most notable treat was the Guiness milk shake with Nutella “rangoons” kissed with cinnamon sugar and raspberries. For those of you who don’t know Diva, my Irish roots run deep. That a chef could take Guiness and turn it into a dessert was astounding to say the least. 
Hello my Divanettes and Divanados! I am back from holiday break with the most fantastic venue recommendation for your 2010. This little gem is a little out of the way, but well worth the drive.
Standing in front of the cozy stone fireplace of the loft style room, Sarah Davasher and Ken Slone can’t say enough about 
them to Elk Creek for New Year’s. “We typically stay home,” says Sean. “We are from the area and didn’t know this place existed. We are having a great time and will make it a point to come for other events.”
Years,” says Yvonne.
without the New Year spirit.
After we sat down, a chatty woman named Cheryl greeted us and chirped about the food. I would have sworn she was the Granville Ambasador. Cheryl has been coming to the Granville for ten years and loves to sing its praises. She instructed us on what was a “must try” menu item and her own personal favorites. She even poured me a glass from her pitcher of Rum and Coke. HOLY COW! Am I still in Louisville or have I died and gone to Cheers? 
and waltzed into 
pig in Bedtime Stories. But, I digress.
Well, at 
Puccini’s
