Chevy Chaser Magazine, July 2024

WHERE TO EAT NOW

20 NEW (OR "NEWISH") LEXINGTON EATERIES

8 ESSENTIAL DESTINATION RESTAURANTS REGIONAL RESTAURANTS THAT ARE WORTH THE DRIVE

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK EXCITING CHANGES FOR THE WAREHOUSE BLOCK

PHOTO BY LIMEWATER BISTRO AND BAR

Nick S. Morrow, DMD W. Scott Jenkins, DMD, MD

Matthew N. Gayheart, DMD, MD

Contributors

Michelle Aiello is a Chicago-born writer, editor and indie publisher. Her interests include living room karaoke, snail mail and all things vintage. She lives in downtown Lexington with her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Ivy June. She contributes to our monthly “tadoo list” (our calendar of cultural happenings, page 49).

Smiley Pete contributor Shannon Clinton (“Craveworthy,” page 7; “Where to Eat Now,” page 21; and “New Kids on the Block,” page 35) is an Elizabethtown native who now lives in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. A proud graduate of Western Kentucky University’s journalism program, she has been a fulltime freelance writer for 21 years for publications across the Southeast. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending to her collections of vintage Pyrex and hot sauce.

Mick Je ries (photography for “New Kids on the Block,” page 35) is a longtime contributor of words and images to the Smiley Pete universe. He works in an ever-changing array as graphic designer, photographer, writer, radio show host and oral historian to celebrate and evangelize the everunfolding zeitgeist of Lexington, his beloved home for more than three decades

Fascinated by the elements that build the culture of a community Brent Owen (“8 Essential Destination Restaurants,” page 9) has contributed to a variety of publications over the past two decades, including Kentukcy Monthly, LEO Weekly and Voice-Tribune.

Please direct all editorial questions and story ideas to editor Saraya Brewer – saraya@smileypete.com. ■

PUBLISHERS: CHRIS EDDIE & CHUCK CREACY

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: SARAYA BREWER

COPY EDITOR: NIKOLE CHRISTENSEN ART DIRECTOR: DREW PURCELL

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: AMY EDDIE, DONNA HODSDON, ANN STATON

SALES MANAGER: EMILY MARKS EVENTS DIRECTOR: AMY EDDIE MARKETING STRATEGIST: NATALIE PITMAN

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: INFO@SMILEYPETE.COM FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION EMAIL: ADVERTISE@SMILEYPETE.COM TEL: 859.266.6537 WEB: SMILEYPETE.COM

Dr. Danny Steckler

BY SHANNON CLINTON

Ranoush Fresh Juices, a new business focusing on both sweet treats and healthy juices, has opened at 2308 Sir Barton Way #130, Lexington. Menu items include mini cupcakes, a variety of filled crepes, waffles topped with candies and sweet drizzles, fruit and more. Turkish and other coffee beverages, fresh juices, mocktails, milkshakes, smoothies and ice cream are also served here.

A country café and retail shop called The Porch has opened at 481 Sims Rd. in Georgetown. Located on a five-acre farm, the café serves up a variety of biscuit sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches, sides and brunch, as well as a variety of coffee-based drinks, lemonade, fruit juice and bakery items. Bath products, candle warmers, floral wreaths and other products are also available in the business’s retail section.

A new bakery on Southland Drive will soon offer cookies that can be enjoyed by anyone, though they’re specifically designed to boost milk supply for lactating mothers. Dubbing the enterprise “the only lactation cookie bakery in Kentucky,” Mercedes Eckman will open The Leaky Momma at 468 Southland Dr. in late July.

Flavors will change seasonally, including S’mores-flavored cookies in the summer, hot chocolate and iced gingerbread flavors around the holidays, and red velvet cream cheese glazed cookies in February. Lactation-friendly blondies, granola bites and “smoothie grains” packages, to be added to smoothies at home, will be available as well.

Shamrock Bar & Grille has shuttered its Hartland location and opened a new arm in Brannon Crossing. Like its predecessor, which operated for 17 years, the neighborhood bar offers lunch, dinner, live music, televised sports and trivia. The Irish pub still maintains a location in Patchen Village as well.

High Proof Hideaway, a new nightlife destination, has opened at 249 W. Short St., according to its Facebook page. The live entertainment, bourbon, sports and late night eats establishment is located at the former site of Elixir and Parlay Social.

After a prolonged renovation period that began last year, Genesis Coffee House & Eatery has reopened as of June 10 at 1403 N. Forbes Rd., Ste. 130, with a brand-new menu for breakfast, brunch and coffee.

Chicago-based Rosati’s Pizza has opened its first Lexington location at 148 Malabu Dr., Ste 160, with a menu featuring pizzas, calzones, wings, pastas, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and desserts. Its pizzas come in deep-dish, thin crust, double dough and gluten-free options, and in restaurant favorite specialty styles or build-your-own with custom toppings. n

Have a food- or beverage-related update to share? Please email info@smileypete.com.

ESSENTIAL DESTINATION RESTAURANTS

BY BRENT OWEN AND SARAYA BREWER

Who’s in the mood to take a beautiful Kentucky drive and try a new place to eat? From casual lunch cafés to upscale farm-to-table eateries, we’ve curated a list of great restaurants within an hour or so drive from Lexington to check out this summer.

Located in a renovated barn on the historic Hermitage Farm in Goshen, Kentucky, Barn8 o ers a truly unique dining setting.

PHOTO FURNISHED

The Homestead Tasting Room

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Choose from over 25 unique local wines to create a wine flight. The Talon team will guide you through our wine list and help you select which varieties fit your palate.

Live Music Every Weekend

Fridays (6-9), Saturdays (4-7), Sundays (3-6)

Scan the QR code for a full music lineup:

The Bluebird Café

202 W. Main St., Stanford, KY

Serving breakfast and lunch, Mon.-Sat.  www.bluebirdnatural.net

With a focus on hearty, country cooking from fresh unprocessed ingredients, the food on Bluebird Cafè’s menu might fill you up, but it’ll also leave you feeling a little less guilty about the ol’ caloric intake. After chef William Hawkins, who has been featured on Food Network, Travel Channel and Discovery Channel, found himself at the crossroads of a medical crisis when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Syndrome, he soon found that removing processed chemicals and shifting to an all-fresh diet drastically improved his condition. This fostered a passion for making delicious meals with the freshest ingredients.

If you’re looking to be surprised by the gourmet quality of a small-town breakfast and lunch café, Bluebird is a fantastic destination. Menu highlights include jalapeno popper deviled eggs, hot brown fries, a variety of grass-finished burgers and white chocolate “icebox” pie.

Holly Hill Inn

462 N. Winter St., Midway, KY

Serving dinner Wed.-Sat. and brunch Sat. and Sun. www.hollyhillinn.com

The classic, flagship restaurant of one of Kentucky’s most celebrated restaurateurs, Holly Hill Inn is as scenic as it is delicious. Housed in a 200-year-old Greek Revival mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restaurant’s ambiance creates the illusion of stepping back in time, while the art on the walls from featured artist Ray Papka brings in a contemporary and whimsical touch.

With chef/owner Ouita Michel at the helm, the menus for brunch, lunch and dinner focus on simple but elevated and imaginative prix fixe meals. Recent options included a Sunchoke Bisque, Steak Diane, and Sour Cream Apple Pie. A short, lovely country drive from Lexington delivers diners to a meal and setting that’s sure to be one of the most memorable they’ve had all year.

THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ PHOTO FURNISHED

HOLLY HILL INN PHOTO FURNISHED

JOSEPH HILLENMEYER GARDEN DESIGN

IN A MOMENT OF FULL-CIRCLE LEGACY, WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME BILL HENKEL TO THE TEAM.

Starting his landscape design career at Hillenmeyer Nurseries in 1976, Bill returns with nearly five decades of cultivated design expertise, a renewed devotion to sound horticulture, and a profound respect for craft - all of which are central to JHGD's expanding practice.

Limewater

900 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, KY

Serving lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. www.limewaterbistro.com

The family-owned Frankfort eatery Limewater opened in 2022 in the historic 1815 Glen Willis house along the banks of the Kentucky River. Former resident Humphrey Marshall once fought Henry Clay in a duel over a dispute in the Kentucky House of Representatives, but the only things dueling on Limewater’s concise menu are the restaurant’s influences, which include a hearty classic American throughline flanked by flourishes of Greek, German and Italian. The lamb meatballs are worth the price of admission alone; for those looking to step the night up a notch, the eponymous signature cocktail, featuring Castle + Key gin, basil, lime and faba foam, is light and refreshing while packing a punch.

A true family affair, the restaurant is operated by husbandand-wife team Axl Wheeler (chef/owner) and Isabelle Hay (general manager/owner), whose collective experience in the restaurant industry covers venerated restaurants from Nantucket Island to New York City. Adding an additional family touch, the gorgeous interior design was overseen by Hay’s mother Kathleen Hay, whose internationally awardwinning design firm has completed projects all over the country, with carpentry touches finished by Robert Hay.

The Glitz

4025 Fords Mill Road, Versailles, KY

Seating by reservation for lunch, Wed.-Sat. www.irishacresgallery.com/glitz

Stepping into the over-the-top, fairy-tale chic aesthetic at The Glitz brings a feeling of whimsy and wonder. The stone walls and ethereal visage leave the impression that it could be the backdrop to any scene in the first act of a classic Disney movie. “Cinderella”? Check. “Snow White”? Check. “The Sword in the Stone”? Check. But be prepared to not solely focus on the Disney vibe alone, as the food takes center stage. Located in the lower level of the eclectic antiques shop Irish Acres Gallery, the restaurant offers a three-course prix fixe menu that rotates every three weeks. The rich flavors and intricate detail paid to the composition of each dish assures that no matter what is on the menu, it will be divine and enjoyed in an imaginative setting that’s hard to forget. The Glitz is a great special occasion — or “just because”! — destination located on a gorgeous Woodford County backroad.

THE GLITZ PHOTO FURNISHED

LIMEWATER PHOTO FURNISHED

Barn8 Restaurant

10500 W. Highway 42, Goshen, KY  Serving dinner Wed.-Sun www.hermitagefarm.com/food-bourbon/ barn8-restaurant

In 2010, Lauralee Brown and Steve Wilson — the founders of the Kentucky-based 21c Museum Hotel chain — purchased the scenic, historic Oldham County horse farm Hermitage Farm to save it from development. In 2020 they opened an innovative restaurant in a renovated barn on the property that takes the concept of “farm-to-table” to a new level. All the produce used in the restaurant is grown on the grounds, with other products sourced locally as much as possible; the restaurant even features private dining tables located inside former horse stalls.

The menu changes seasonally, with recent highlights including shrimp toast with curry mayo and chili oil; a house made pasta with mushroom cream sauce, lemon and asparagus; lightly fried soft-shell crab with a strawberry mole sauce and arugula; and frozen cold brew mousse for dessert — all of which can be enjoyed in an eclectic rustic-chic setting flanked by contemporary touches with outdoor seating options that overlook the 680 rolling acres of farmland. Pro tip: inquire about the “artwalk,” an immersive sound and light show running along the woods behind the restaurant that visitors to the farm can explore after sunset.

Romero’s

2 Main St., Mt. Sterling, KY • Serving dinner Tues.-Sat. • www.romeroskentucky.com

Opened by George Romero, son of the famed movie director and producer George A. Romero (“Night of the Living Dead”) and his wife Rebecca in 2022, this Mt. Sterling eatery prides itself on providing fresh and innovative Italian-fusion dishes, cooking each meal to-order using predominantly organic ingredients. The casual, unfussy setting matches the ethos of the owners, who are also artists. An attached lounge area offers a relaxed performance space, with art on the walls, occasional live music and a screenwriting workshop/incubator, plus comfortable seating where diners can enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner.

In a culinary era often weighed down by a sense of self-importance, Romero’s’ simple approach, which centers on the idea that “great food doesn’t have to be overcomplicated,” is refreshing. The pastas are mouth-watering; craft cocktails and a rotating dessert menu round out a perfect laid-back but fulfilling evening meal.

BARN8 PHOTO FURNISHED

ROMERO’S PHOTO FURNISHED

The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery

207 S. Main St., Corbin, KY

Open for lunch and dinner Tues.-Sat. www.thewrigley.com

In the heart of Appalachia lies Corbin, Kentucky; and in the heart of Corbin is The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery. A sixth-generation farmer who culls all of her ingredients from local and regional farms, owner Kristin Smith prides herself in giving customers a literal taste of the bluegrass. She even owns her own meatprocessing facility, if that says anything about her commitment to local products. The succinct menu at this elevated casual eatery bulges with flavorful dishes, and Smith’s warm, affable personality and strong culinary intuition shine through in every touch.

Vallozzi’s

108 Court St., Versailles, KY

Serving dinner Tues.-Sat. www.vallozzis.com/versailles

The first Kentucky location of an upscale Italian restaurant has settled into a former police station in quaint downtown Versailles, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a tasteful but unpretentious, fully renovated dining room. The menu includes sauces and sausages steeped in flavors that only come from time and patience, as well as gourmet pizzas and nuanced seafood so rich you’ll need bigger pants to leave.

The price points are just as broad as the menu; one could just as easily come in for a casual, reasonably priced meal with friends or with a significant other or date to splurge on a special occasion. (The downstairs dining room is a bit more casual.)

No matter what brings you in, don’t leave without hitting up the dessert menu. It isn’t overly flashy, focusing mostly on Italian standards; however, each is executed with confectionary perfection. n

VALLOZZI’S PHOTO FURNISHED

THE WRIGLEY TAPROOM & EATERY PHOTO FURNISHED

The Sicilian Burger Queen

Two smash beef patties, mozzarella and sweet-and-spicy bacon on toasted buns of charred pepperoni, mozzarella and house red sauce.

Agave & Rye

(Both locations)

3535 Nicholasville Road • (Fayette Mall)

123 N. Broadway • Lexington, KY agaveandrye.com

Mama Mia

5 oz., all-beef patty seasoned with garlic blend, topped with deli pepperoni, house-made marinara and mozzarella cheese on a garlic butter parmesan-sprinkled bun.

(Pro tip: Add some crushed red pepper to your bun!)

Big City Pizza - Hamburg

2312 Sir Barton Way, Ste. 110 • Lexington, KY bigcitypizza.com

Chevy Chase Inn

Cheeseburger Shot

Take a shot of rock gut tequila, a shot of tomato juice and finish with pickle juice. It’s pretty rough as a deconstructed burger, but put it all together and it tastes just like America’s most popular cheeseburger!

Chevy Chase Inn 833 Euclid Ave. • Lexington, KY facebook.com/chevychaseinn

Bad

Wolf Burger

The Burger that started it all! Cajun seasoned beef patty with bacon, house crafted beer cheese and fried onion straws.

Bad Wolf Burgers

1401 N. Forbes Road • Lexington, KY badwolfburgers.com

Fresco Burger

7 oz. beef patty on a brioche bun with roasted corn chorizo relish (made with chorizo, roasted corn, red peppers, onions, salt and pepper), creamy jalapeno sauce and crumbled queso fresco.

Bru Burger Bar

3010 Lakecrest Circle • Lexington, KY bruburgerbar.com/Locations/ Bru-Lexington

Ultimate Oreo Overload Burger

A North Lime glazed donut with Crank & Boom Cookies n’ Cream Ice cream, drizzled with fudge sauce.

Strawberry Shortcake Burger

A North Lime glazed donut, Crank & Boom Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream, strawberry sauce, whipped cream and graham crumb.

Crank & Boom

(Both locations)

1210 Manchester St. • Lexington, KY

3101 Clays Mill Road, #301 • Lexington, KY crankandboom.com

The Reubenator

The Stockyards’ spin on the Reuben: A fresh, never frozen 8 oz. ground beef patty topped with Swiss, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, our very own corned beef and zesty Thousand Island dressing. Served on a brioche roll.

The Barn Door Grill at Bluegrass Stockyards 4561 Iron Works Pike • Lexington, KY bgregionalmarketplace.com/ the-cattle-drive-about

Whoa, Blackberry! Bam-ba-lam

Two juicy 2.5 oz. smash patties topped Dad’s Favorites Pepper Jack Cheese Spread, house-made blackberry habanero jam, crisp red onion, lettuce and fried country ham crumbles between a toasted brioche bun.

Campus Pub

393 Waller Ave., Unit 18 • Lexington, KY campuspub.net

The Steakhouse Burger

A fresh, never frozen patty with melted Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms, bourbon BBQ steak sauce and Parmesan-garlic mayo.

Drake’s - Brannon Crossing

390 E. Brannon Road • Nicholasville, KY bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

Ain’t No Thing But A Smoked Chicken Wing

All-beef burger, American cheese, buffalo ranch, lettuce, tomato, onion and house pickles on a grilled potato bun with a skewered smoked jumbo chicken wing.

Bear & The Butcher 815 Euclid Ave. • Lexington, KY bearandthebutcher.com

All-American Burger

A true classic: 5 oz. all-beef patty with shredded lettuce, American cheese, mayo and red relish.

Charlie Brown’s 816 Euclid Ave. • Lexington, KY charliebrownslex.com

Tailgate Burger

A fresh, never frozen patty with American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles and onion on a warm, butter-toasted bun.

Drake’s - Hamburg

1880 Pleasant Ridge Drive • Lexington, KY bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

Street Taco Burger

A fresh, never frozen patty with taco seasoning, cotija cheese, shaved radish, cabbage, salsa verde, cilantro and lime juice on a butter-toasted bun.

Drake’s - Lansdowne

3347 Tates Creek Road • Lexington, KY

bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

The French Dip Burger

A fresh, never frozen patty with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions on a warm butter-toasted bun with herb au jus.

Harry’s - Hamburg

1920 Pleasant Ridge Drive • Lexington, KY bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

Phill-E’s Cheesesteak Burger

100% wagyu beef burger patty with sautéed white onions, bell peppers, garlic aioli and Swiss cheese between a fresh Martin’s Potato Roll.

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

155 N. Limestone • Lexington, KY jackbrownsjoint.com/locations/lexington-ky

Sloppy Joe Burger

A fresh, never frozen patty with ground beef sloppy joe mix, pepperjack, sautéed peppers and onions on a warm butter-toasted bun.

Drake’s - Leestown 1735 Sharkey Way • Lexington, KY bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

Dry Aged Burger

Ground and chargrilled dry-aged beef with fried pepperjack, caramelized onions and leeks, heritage blend greens and sweet and spicy mustard.

Harry’s - Palomar

3735 Palomar Centre Drive • Lexington, KY bluegrasshospitality.com/lexburgerweek

Sweet

Peach Heat Burger

A fresh, never frozen beef patty with a peach-jalapeno sauce, pepper jack cheese and bacon on a toasted bun.

Bourbon Glaze & Boursin

Butter Burger

A fresh, never frozen beef patty with house-made boursin butter and bourbon glaze on a toasted bun.

Josanne’s Homestyle Kitchen

3449 Buckhorn Drive, #100 • Lexington, KY facebook.com/JosannesHomestyle SoulKitchen

The Baja Burger

Lean white-meat turkey patty with avocado, organic mixed greens, housemade pico de gallo, mayo and horseradish Havarti on a brioche bun.

First Watch

(All Lexington locations + Georgetown)

1080 S. Broadway, Ste. 301 • Lexington, KY

119 W. Reynolds Road • Lexington, KY

2251 War Admiral Way, Ste. 130 • Lexington, KY

119 W. Reynolds Road • Lexington, KY

100 Tiger Way • Georgetown, KY firstwatch.com

Hot Honey Butter Chicken Burger

A fried chicken burger filet with pepper jack cheese, pickles and hot honey butter on a toasted bun.

Bourbon BBQ Chicken Burger

A fried chicken breast filet with cheddar cheese, pickles, bourbon BBQ sauce and crispy onions on a toasted bun.

Honey J’s Southern Eatery

1 474 Anniston Drive, Ste. 1A • Lexington, KY honeyjssoutherneatery.com

Cheeseburger Dip

Join Kentucky Cattlemen’s Beef each day of Burger Week at a local Kroger (locations announced daily via the app) to sample and receive a recipe card for Cheeseburger Dip, bringing the flavors of Burger Week right into your home!

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Beef

Lexington Kroger Stores kentuckycattlemensbeef.com

The “BBC” Burger (BBQ, Beer Cheese & Chili)

A 1/4 lb. Braveheart beef patty with Goodwood BBQ sauce, house-made chili, two thick onion rings and a pickle, with a side of Louisville Lager beer cheese.

Goodwood - Lexington 200 Lexington Green Circle, Ste. 110 Lexington, KY goodwoodbrewing.com/lexington/

The Quesabirria Burger

House-made, slow-cooked birria with a smashed patty on a toasted bun with Oaxaca cheese and consommé to dip.

Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar Inside Lexington Marriott City Center 150 W. Main St., 8th Floor • Lexington, KY infinityrestaurantandbar.com

Dilliciousness

Hand-dipped and floured dill pickle spears, 1/3 lb. hand-patted and seasoned beef patty, American cheese, and topped with a dill aioli sauce.

Kentucky Strong BBQ

Inside Paul Miller Auto Group 974 Beasley St. • Lexington, KY kystrongbbq.com

Nacho Burger

A fresh beef patty with jalepeños, queso, shredded cheese, sour cream, crunchy nacho chips and pico de gallo.

Veggie Cordon Bleu Burger

A vegetarian patty with ham, Swiss and Mozzarella cheeses. (Both burgers can be vegetarian by request.)

L8Nite

Cornerstone Exchange Food Hall (Esports Building), Stall 104

401 S. Limestone • Lexington KY l8nite.com

Baja Burger

A grilled beef patty with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese and chorizo, sauteed with onions and jalapenos, topped with cheese sauce. Add fries for $1.

Mi Pequena Hacienda

(Both locations)

3501 Lansdowne Drive • Lexington, KY

110 Cynthia Drive • Brannon Crossing mipequenahacienda.com

Rise and Shine Burger

A 5 oz. house-ground burger, fried egg and spicy cheddar bacon gravy.

The Sage Rabbit

438 S. Ashland Ave. • Lexington, KY thesagerabbit.com

Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger

An 8-oz. fresh beef patty, cooked to order with white cheddar, grilled red onion, grilled pineapple and a fresh cabbage leaf, finished with a teriyaki glaze.

Lex Live

301 S. Broadway • Lexington, KY lexlive.com

Bat Out of Hell Smashburger

A meatloaf burger topped with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, Nic & Norman’s sauce and fried onion straws.

Nic & Norman’s

135 W. Main St • Lexington, KY nicandnormans.com/ nic-and-normans-lexington-ky

El Cubano Burger

Featuring Kentucky beef loaded with smoked Kentucky ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, sliced pickles, housemade molasses BBQ sauce and yellow mustard on a smashed bun.

The Black Bean Cubano

Our vegan version of the Cubano with a house made black bean burger, slow cooked Jackfruit, vegan cheese, sliced pickles, molasses BBQ and yellow mustard on a smashed bun.

Stella’s Kentucky Deli

143 Jefferson St. • Lexington, KY stellaskentuckydeli.com

Double Bogey

Two smashed Blackhawk beef patties, American cheese, grilled onion and peppers, shredded lettuce and Birdies Burger Sauce.

Marriott - Birdies and Bourbon at Griffin Gate Golf Club

1800 Newtown Pike, Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, Lexington, KY griffingategolf.com/dining

Garden

Dip Bacon Delight

A 90/10 lean grilled beef patty, rich spinach-and-artichoke dip, applewood smoked bacon, pickled red onions, lemon aioli on an organic Brioche bun.

Veggie Garden Dip Delight

Beyond Burger grilled patty, rich spinach and artichoke dip, pickled red onions, lemon aioli on an organic brioche bun.

NuHealth Kitchen

Located inside United Motorsports 3180 Richmond Road • Lexington, KY nuhealthkitchen.com

Pick Me Up Burger

Two coffee-rubbed Kentucky Proud Uncle Charlie’s beef patties served on a brioche bun with bacon, an egg cooked to order, crispy onion, bacon jam and a maple syrup aioli.

Wild Eggs - Hamburg

1925 Justice Drive • Lexington, KY wildeggs.com/hamburg-ky

Waffle Banger Burger

A 100% Angus beef patty between a fluffy Belgian waffle, topped with fried egg, American cheese and warm syrup.

Mimi’s Macalicious Burger

A 100% angus beef patty on a crispy buttery bun, Mimi’s famous mac & cheese, Applewood bacon and your choice of toppings.

Mimi’s Southern Style Cooking 126 E. New Circle Road • Lexington, KY facebook.com/mimissouthernstylecooking

Rackhouse Burger

A 4 oz. patty, Brioche bun, American cheese, pickle, diced onion and special sauce. Additional patty can be added for $4.99, or add fried egg or bacon for $3.00.

The Rackhouse Tavern

Located inside Campbell House Inn 1375 S. Broadway • Lexington, KY therackhousetavern.com

Rise and Shine Burger

Two coffee-rubbed Kentucky Proud Uncle Charlie’s beef patties served on a brioche bun, with bacon, an egg cooked to order, signature sauce, spicy pickles and pepperjack cheese.

Wild Eggs - Palomar

3735 Palomar Centre Drive • Lexington, KY wildeggs.com/palomar-ky

BY SHANNON CLINTON

Shrimp ceviche at Desperado’s Cantina, which opened this winter in the Distillery District.

PHOTO FURNISHED

Barzelona’s Tapas & Latin Cuisine

4371 Old Harrodsburg Rd. Suite 105

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; closed Sun. www.barzelonalex.com

Small plates with big flavor await guests at Barzelona’s Tapas & Latin Cuisine which opened in December.

Tony Saavedra is owner/operator of the tapas/Latin fusion restaurant which offers tapas ideal for sampling and sharing, including fresh cherry tomato bruschetta, fried mussels, yucca vinaigrette and marinated Spanish olives.

Seafood lovers can also indulge in charbroiled octopus with Romesco sauce, fish tacos or seafood paella, one of four paella dishes served here; larger entrees can be ordered too, including Cuban sandwiches and Cuban tacos.

Bella Café & Grille at Palomar

3901 Fountain Blue Ln. #130

Open daily for lunch and dinner www.bellacaféandgrille.com

An elegant casual café with seasonal favorites and other tempting menu items, Bella Café & Grille opened its Palomar Centre location in mid-September 2023. Local restauranteur Kuni Toyoda owns this and its sister restaurant in the original Chevy Chase location.

Along with appetizers like chicken wings and parmesan truffle fries, the café has a variety of fresh, inventive salads, like its steak salad with grilled romaine, gorgonzola herb dressing, roasted tomatoes, gorgonzola dolce and crumbled crostinis; if you’re more in the mood for a quick lunch or a full meal, try the burgers, chicken or fish sandwiches. House specialties include halibut with polenta and sauteed greens, filet mignon or Bolognese.

Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, with chicken-and-waffles, salmon Benedict, Kentucky Benedict and a selection of brunch cocktails.

Beau’s Café

3191 Beaumont Circle

Open daily 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. www.beauscafelex.wixsite.com/home

Owned and operated by Lexington natives chef Spencer Sirles and Daniel and Ellidia Dupont, Beau’s Café is a truly local establishment offering breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

“We offer unique variations on traditional breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, carefully crafted and designed by Michelin-experienced Chef Sirles,” said Daniel Dupont, adding that ingredients are sourced from high-quality local purveyors.

Designed by the local firm Guyon Architects, the interior ambiance is described by owners as “California-fresh,” a warm and modern space where diners can enjoy what many call the best pancakes around, a savory hot jam chicken sandwich, scratch made biscuits or a sweet Dutch Baby. Other menu options include a French omelette, breakfast burrito with avocado and chilaquiles verde, or the option to assemble your own a la carte breakfast with biscuit, breakfast potatoes, sausage or bacon, eggs or avocado.

Breakfast options are served all day, and lunch items are available starting at 11 a.m. Craft cocktails and coffee drinks are also available at the cafè, which has quickly become a popular day date spot or place to catch up with friends.

A variety of vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree offerings as well as fresh-pressed juices are also on the menu.

Biscuit Belly

112 Lucille Dr. (Masterson Station) Serving breakfast and lunch daily www.biscuitbelly.com/lexington

A Kentucky-based “craft casual” brunch restaurant focusing on warm hospitality and chef-driven gourmet biscuit breakfast sandwiches, Biscuit Belly opened its second Lexington location in April.

Highlights of the innovative brunch menu include “bonuts,” biscuit donut holes dusted in cinnamon sugar with bourbon cream cheese frosting, and biscuit-based sandwiches such as the “Belly Buster,” which features a buttermilk fried chicken breast, sausage, bacon, brisket, cheddar and mushroom gravy with egg, and a bevy of other fun biscuit sandwiches.

Pancakes, a praline parfait, French toast, avocado toast and omelets are available if you’re in the mood for something non-biscuit but equally satisfying; Biscuit Belly also offers a children’s menu and a beverage menu including tea, coffee, milk, juices, and hot chocolate.

BEAU’S CAFÉ PHOTO FURNISHED

BISCUIT BELLY PHOTO FURNISHED

Carson’s at Andover

3450 Todds Rd., Ste. 10 Hours and more details coming soon www.carsonsfoodanddrink.com

Expected to open in June at the time of publication, the highly anticipated sister location to Carson’s on Main continues the tradition of using Kentucky Proud products in its creative American culinary offerings in an elegant but casual setting in the former clubhouse of Andover Country Club.

From spicy shrimp, sweet and spicy ribs and a pork belly beer-cheese burger to lighter bites like grilled hearts of romaine and Caprese salads, Carson’s serves up flavorful dishes for all, including vegan and gluten-free options. The new location promises to be a perfect spot for dinner, weekend brunch or weekday lunch, and features a private dining space as well as a large venue called the Hudson available to rent for special events.

Chez Lyndon at The Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast

507 N. Broadway

Breakfast Fri.-Sun.; dinner Thurs.-Sat. www.lyndonhouse.com

Responding to requests from guests at the historic downtown bed & breakfast Lyndon House, innkeeper Anton Giovanetto answered with this spring’s debut of the in-house restaurant Chez Lyndon. The restaurant is open to guests as well as to other diners by reservation. A fullservice bar, The Lyndon Pub, is also open to the public.

The dinner menu is typically a threecourse prix fixe meal with optional wine pairing; meals are served on vintage china in an intimate and peaceful setting, making for a perfect romantic and un-rushed date night. Woodruff also creates a special menu for holiday breakfasts and brunches, using local purveyors when possible.

The menu varies seasonally, but some favorites have included Italian sausage biscuit and gravy or bourbon cream French toast with berries for breakfast, and for dinner, shrimp and scallops in lemon beurre blanc sauce or lemon pepper chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and steamed rice.

Cibon

211 Rosemont Garden Thurs.-Fri. 3-8 p.m.; Sat. 12-8 p.m.; Sun. and Wed. hours coming soon www.cibonlexington.com

Among the newest of the newcomers this summer is Cibon (pronounced CEE-bon), an upscale yet accessible wine, fine foods and bourbon bar opened in early June by husband-and-wife duo Megan Winfield and Brady Barlow.

With a clean and modern design, the intimate venue features a wine bar with seating for around 40 people as well as a retail shop offering over 90 wines by the bottle, 60 cheeses, 20 meats and shelves full of additional fine foods, party and picnic supplies.

Damiano

503 S. Upper St. Open daily for lunch and dinner; late night hours Thurs.-Sat. www.damianolex.com

Hand-crafted pizza, calzones and sandwiches are all served up at Damiano, a casual Italian restaurant in the former location of Mellow Mushroom that also offers gluten-free pizza dough and penne pasta.

The pizza menu includes classic, Margherita, a diablo with spicy salami, calabrese, pepperoni and more; pastas, appetizers, salads and desserts that include cheesecake and cannoli are also available.

Desperados Cantina

1224 Manchester St. #110

Open daily for lunch and dinner; late night hours Fri.-Sat. www.desperadoscantina.com

In the heart of Lexington’s Distillery District, a new creative cantina offers scratch-made tacos, high-end tequila, mezcal and more.

A sister concept to Goodfella’s, a neighboring pizzeria by the same owners, Desperados also offers a slew of salsas and starters like avocado fries ceviche and puffed wheat pinwheels called “duros de harina” and served with jalapeno ranch.

Taco lovers can go the tried-and-true “norm” route — tasty birria, chicken, pork, ground beef or carne asada — or venture off the beaten bath with “disrupted taco” options, such as pork belly, black-and-blue steak, and for the truly adventurous, huitlacoche, a sporous fungus that grows on corn before its ears fully develop.

The weekend brunch menu includes churro waffles, tostado avocado, torta de chilaquiles, breakfast nachos and more.

CARSON’S ANDOVER PHOTO FURNISHED

DESPERADO’S CANTINA PHOTO FURNISHED

Feed + Supply

8675 Tates Creek Rd. • Open for lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. www.feedandsupply.shop

A historic building that has been a gas station, mechanics garage and feed store over the past 100 years has been renovated into an intimate venue that serves as a deli/cafè, private event space and retail market.

With a mission focused on natural eating, cooking and growing practices — and managine partner Varuschca Settles’ penchant for entertaining — Feed + Supply is a truly unique business that centers on creating memories over gourmet food and gathering.

“Our signature menu is simple — it’s familiar regional food,” Settles said. “We decided not to reinvent the wheel, just use the best ingredients available.”

The rotating cafè menu reflects what’s in season and available from the business’s network of growers, with recent o erings having included burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, BLTs and pizzas, as well as breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy. For those who want to eat a standout meal at home with minimal prep work, market shelves are stocked with prepared “bake-at home” item, such as lasagna, shepherd’s pie and a variety of sides (vegetarian entrees and sides available as well).

Private parties and chef’s table menus provide more of a chance for the Feed + Supply kitchen to get creative and experiment. A private party room is available to rent for small events, o ering guests access to a private dining room with seating up to 20, an intimate conversation nook, outdoor garden space and private restroom during their event. The business also hosts its own ticketed “crowded table” dinner parties on occasion, where Settles says “20 guest show up as strangers, and leave as friends.”

With those types of events having gained popularity, the team behind Feed + Supply was in the process of making adjustments to their business model and cafè hours at the time of publication; follow them on social media or visit them online for public hours, private event details and other details.

reserve your table now everyday dining you deserve Chevy Chase

890 East High St. 859.785.1922 Fountains at Palomar 3901 Fountain Blue Ln. 859 303 8706

Jazz Brunch Sundays at Fountains location starting at 10:30am

Established in 1849 as a rural garden cemetery, The Lexington Cemetery has been a place of beauty that has marked the history of our community for 175 years. Encompassing 170 acres, it comprises the National and public sections with nearly 77,000 interments. This acreage will accommodate the burial needs of our community for at least the next 100 years. Visit and enjoy the serene natural beauty of the cemetery, and learn more about: Burial Lots • Mausoleum Crypts • Niches Cremation and Memorialization Services

• www.lexcem.org/175years

1849 – 2024

FEED + SUPPLY PHOTO FURNISHED

Grounded All Day Café

106 Burke Rd.

Summer hours: breakfast and lunch Wed. and Sun; breakfast, lunch and dinner Thurs.-Sat. www.groundedalldaycafé.com

It’s fitting that the owners of this familyfriendly gathering spot in the historic Meadowthorpe neighborhood met at a coffee shop (the Chevy Chase Starbucks) in 2009.

Heather and Rock Daniels have always enjoyed discovering unique cafés and coffee houses on their travels. They opened Grounded All Day Café in October 2023, conveniently located near their home and designed to be an all-day space for patrons to work, relax or enjoy social time.

“The minute you step inside, you start to feel a little more grounded,” Heather said. With lush plants, a preserved moss wall, sun-washed colors and touches of wood, rattan and textured boho pillows, the décor is at once modern and nostalgic.

The space features a kid-friendly play area, meeting room, community table and an outdoor oasis with games, picnic tables, stage and greenhouse; on the menu are authentic hand-rolled New York bagels, artisanal housemade spreads, bagel sandwiches and fresh salads and more.

Little Fork at Wise Bird Cider

1170 Manchester St. #140

Open for dinner Tues.-Thurs.; lunch and dinner Fri.-Sun. www.wisebirdcider.com/littlefork

Located on the patio of the Distillery District Wise Bird Cider, the farm-to-table dining experience known as Little Fork initially opened in 2022 and re-opened its doors in March after a temporary hiatus. Billed as “food truck gourmet,” the eatery serves up comfort staples and experimental seasonal favorites, with an emphasis on gluten-free and vegan options, food-andcider pairings, and a tasty menu for kids.

The culinary pro behind the menu is Nick Fisherkeller, whose restaurant credits include LockBox at 21c, Portofino and Julep Cup. Current menu items include smash burgers and raclette fries, charcuterie boards, Chistorra sausage skewers and fried tofu.

“The ambiance is open and airy, industrial concrete and steel, with lots of natural light alongside the Town Branch creek,” co-owner and cider maker Tim Wright said. Available beverages include housemade ciders and cider cocktails, as well as standard cocktails and local draft beer.

Mazunte Bodega

903 Manchester St. Ste. 150 Serving lunch and dinner daily www.mazuntebodega.com

The Cincinnati-based restaurant group Mazunte opened its first Kentucky location, Mazunte Bodega, earlier this spring in Lexington’s Distillery District: a 4,200 square-foot space containing a bar, market and café offering the “greatest hits” from its existing restaurants’ menus in the Cincinnati area.

A variety of tacos take center stage at Mazunte Bodega, but other entrees include enchiladas, tostadas, empanadas, soups, and more. Mazunte Bodega also offers grab-and-go products including salsas, drinks and merchandise up front, as well as some breakfast items and coffee-based beverages. The business features a full bar and indoor and outdoor seating.

A 13,000 square-foot event space, La Brasa Events Venue, is also part of the complex. The space is available for weddings, parties and other events, with in-house catering available.

Moody Mike’s

802 N. Limestone • Hours vary www.facebook.com/moodymikesveganfood

For the past several years, the vegan eatery Moody Mike’s has operated as both a mobile food truck and part of the shared commercial kitchen space Lexington Incubator Kitchen. This summer, the business is making its way toward opening its first full brick-and-mortar location inside the North Limestone coffee and bike shop Broomwagon.

At the time of publication, the husbandand-wife team behind Moody Mike’s was still operating out of its food truck outside that location, but working hard to get the interior kitchen ready to operate.

Focusing on “delicious vegan food for every mood,” Moody Mike’s focuses on an affordable, fully plant-based menu that holds appeal for plant-eaters and carnivorous folk alike. The menu centers on vegan takes on familiar meat-based dishes, like “chicken” sandwiches, “burgers” and “wings,” as well as a beer-battered “burger,” “cheeseburger” egg rolls and “pizza” egg rolls.

Plant based “chicken” and dumplings, roast “beef” sandwiches and “Reubens” are offered on occasion, and soon Kentucky-based Sunergos Coffee will be offered along with breakfast items.

Nawabi Hyderabad House

2220 Nicholasville Rd. Ste 160 Open for lunch and dinner. Tues.-Sun.; closed Mon. www.hhlexington.com

A recent addition to the Zandale Shopping Center is an Indian restaurant franchise with locations all over the world that showcase cuisine from Hyderabad, the fourth-most populous city in India and an area known for its cuisine

In addition to a variety of biryani, a spiced rice dish cooked with meat (including mutton, fish, chicken) or vegetables, the restaurant offers appetizers, curries, tandoori dishes, dosas and desserts. Familiar favorites like tikka masala, kebabs, butter chicken, masala dosa and a dessert called gulab jamun also grace the menu, along with street food like samosas and chaat.

MAZUNTE BODEGA PHOTO FURNISHED

BE PREPARED

at Blue Grass Army

The Obstinate Sons

829 Chevy Chase Place

Open for dinner Tues.-Sun.; closed Mon.

With more than 50 years combined experience, Cannon Applegate and Dexter Murray had mastered the ins and outs of the hospitality business and took the leap toward restaurant ownership in February 2024 when they launched The Obstinate Sons.

“We have transformed the former Dana Kelly Rug Store into a warm and inviting bourbon bar with a full-service kitchen, blending traditional Kentucky charm with modern touches,” Murray said. The menu features southern comfort fusion cuisine, including prime pork chops, sole piccata, deviled eggs and roasted oysters. House specialty cocktails include the banana foster’s old fashioned, melon margarita, and Charleston karma; an extensive list of vintage and current release bourbon is also available.

Osha Thai Kitchen & Bar

107 W. Short St.

Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.; dinner on Sat.

Located in the location that formerly housed Roulay, Osha Thai Kitchen & Bar — a sister restaurant to the Japanese/ sushi restaurant Buddha Lounge — opened within the past year. The space

is designed to incorporate the outdoors during warm-weather months, with retractable garage doors downstairs and a second-story patio for outdoor dining.

The menu focuses on traditional Thai entrees such as pad Thai, drunken noodles and Thai fried rice with a variety of Japanese and Korean dishes as well.

Rise N’ Brine Chicken Biscuits

331 Romany Rd.

7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily www.risenbrinebiscuits.com

Located in the former Hart’s Dry Cleaning building on Romany Road, this chickenand-biscuits joint from the same owner of East End Tap opened late last year. Rise ’N Brine offers breakfast sandwiches including several different fried chicken and biscuit variations, and a full coffee/ espresso bar featuring Nate’s Coffee.

Shun Lee Chinese Cuisine

111 Woodland Ave.

Open for lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.; closed Mon. www.shunleelex.com

Located in the bottom floor of the highend condominium complex The Woodlands, Shun Lee brings a fresh take on fine dining Chinese food to the Bluegrass with a host of tasty lunch and dinner plates.

Tuk Tuk Snack Shop

124 Malabu Dr., Ste. 110 Open for dinner Tues.-Sat. www.tuktuksnackshop.com

With James Beard-nominated chef Sam Fore at the helm, the food at Tuk Tuk Snack Shop is inspired by the intersection between Sri Lanka and the American South, “with a few random favorites that just happen to be really, really good,” according to events admin Nina Lobo. After initially opening in September 2023 with a focus on quick “grab and go” type dishes, the restaurant recently relaunched a new menu with a higher-end, dinner-only concept, reflecting items that have been popular at various events the business has taken part in around the country.

Among the new menu offerings are crab curry pasta, made with house-made black pepper fettuccine and curry, and a steak salad with Berry Farm flank steak, pomegranate molasses, goat cheese and cashews. Other favorite menu items include Fore’s spin on deviled eggs; curry fries smothered in gravy and sambal; curry chili ribs; the ever-popular Webster fried chicken sandwich; and scratch-made curries and sauces. Some items, such as the mango fluff — a mousse recipe served with a cardamom ginger whip and caramelized grilled pineapples that was published in Food and Wine magazine a few years back — are truly unique items not found anywhere else in town.

Located in an 1,800 square foot former coffee shop, the restaurant’s interior features bright colors, a living wall and open kitchen; patio seating is also available. The business also boasts a program called the Snackeasy, which hosts celebrated and notable guest chefs from around the country as well as special themed dinners crafted by Fore. n

THE OBSTINATE SONS PHOTO FURNISHED

TUK TUK SNACK SHOP PHOTO FURNISHED

food

As Lexington’s biggest celebration of locally crafted fare, CRAVE food + music festival puts food at the epicenter of the experience. With vendors offering selections starting at $5, this festival is perfect for culinary exploration! We take pride in being one of Lexington’s best ways to discover your new favorite place to eat.

Thirsty?

Our bars will feature craft and domestic beers, wines from Delicato Family Wines, in addition to signature cocktails from Woodford Reserve and Ford’s Gin and more. Coca-Cola products will also be available throughout the festival grounds!

For the Kids

With the help of partnering organization Live Green Lexington, CRAVE will feature a kid-friendly haven featuring bouncy houses, inflatable obstacle courses and basketball, giant games, Living Arts and Science Center’s mobile planetarium, a scavenger hunt, games, prizes, giveaways and more!

SHAKE & STIR SHOWDOWN:

Kroger Wine & Spirits and Brown-Forman present in a unique experience with Executive Bourbon Steward Chris Blandford for Crave’s Shake & Stir Showdown!

Local bartenders will demonstrate their creativity by crafting unique cocktails to sample, featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Ford’s Gin, generously provided by Brown-Forman.

Each attendee will have the opportunity to enjoy two cocktails during the event. Tickets can be conveniently purchased with our pre-sale package at cravefestival.app, or on-site using your mobile device.

Check CRAVE social media channels for info on culinary pop-ups and other fun surprises!

Facebook: Crave Lexington • Instagram: CraveLexington

food vendors

Azur

Byrd & Del’s Eatery

C&J BBQ

Cardira’s Columbian

Ceci’s Grill House

Chef Doug

Drake’s

Eddie’s Roasted Corn

Inebriated Baker

Jack Brown’s Joint

Jasmine Rice

Kirk’s Blue Smoke

Kona Ice

Lillie Mae’s BBQ

Louisiana Passion Catering

Mazunte Bodega

Mi Pequena Hacienda

NuHealth Kitchen

Old Kentucky Kettle Corn

Sage Rabbit

Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream

Strawberry Village Bakehouse

Taqueria los Nietos

More to come soon! Visit cravelexington.com/food for the most up-to-date list of food vendors.

JULY 27 & 28, 2024 Saturday, 11 am-10 pm sunday, 11 am-7 PM moondance amphitheatre @beaumont centre www.cravelexington.com

crave kitchen Stage Schedule

Emceed by Food Network star and Kentucky native, “Lord honey!” Chef Jason Smith

Saturday, July 27

12 p.m. Murray’s Cheese Charcuterie with Wine Pairing

Hosted by Murray’s cheesemonger with Kroger Wine & Spirits’ Chris Blandford, featuring wines from Delicato Family Wines

1 p.m. Gin & Gastronomy: Culinary Adventures with Gin and Chef Jason Smith

Presented by Kroger and Ford’s Gin

2 p.m. Seaside Simplicity: Easy Seafood Recipes

Hosted by Chef Jeremy Ashby from Azur

3 p.m. Crave Home Chef Challenge

Hosted by chef and emcee Jason Smith

5 p.m. Crave’s Shake & Stir Showdown

Ticketed event (ages 21+). Local bartenders provide signature cocktails to sample featuring Woodford Reserve bourbon and Ford’s Gin, thanks to Brown-Forman

6 p.m. Cooking with Wine and Chef Jason Smith

Hosted by Kroger and Delicato Family Wines

Sunday, July 28

12 p.m. Perfect Pairings: Wine & Dessert Culinary Demo

Hosted by “America’s Best Baker” winner Jackie Joseph and Kroger Wine & Spirits’ Chris Blandford, featuring Delicato Family Wines

2 p.m. Farm-Fresh Simplicity: Seasonal Produce Cooking

Hosted by Chef John Foster from Sage Rabbit

3 p.m. Cooking with Chef Jason Smith

4 p.m. Lexington Burger Week Burger Battle

5:30-6:30p.m. Meet & Greet with Chef Jason Smith

Saturday, July 27

Sunday, July 28

JULY 27 & 28, 2024 Saturday, 11 am-10 pm sunday, 11 am-7 PM moondance amphitheatre @beaumont centre www.cravelexington.com

festival admission: $10 per day / $15 weekend pass

Purchase online in advance for discounted prices! Have you downloaded the CRAVE app yet?

Download our CRAVE app from your mobile device, available on Apple Store and Google Play, to purchase Digital Crave Bucks and admission.

Note that our food vendors only accept Digital Crave Bucks. Bars and entry box o ce will accept cash, credit and Crave Bucks.

Don’t have a smartphone? Visit the Smiley Pete Help Tent inside the entrance for a paper QR code to use at the fest. Buy your discounted pre-sale tickets now at cravelexington.com/tickets or by using the CRAVE festival app.

Thank you to our incredible community partners for helping make CRAVE food + music festival possible!

CONSOLIDATED

CRAVE food + music festival is proud to donate part of all admission fees to GreenHouse17. Over the last 10 years, CRAVE’s parent company, Smiley Pete Publishing, has donated over $160,000 to local non-profits in the community.

JULY 27 & 28, 2024 Saturday, 11 am-10 pm sunday, 11 am-7 PM moondance amphitheatre @beaumont centre www.cravelexington.com

CRAVE FOOD + MUSIC FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

NEW BUSINESSES, FARMERS MARKET AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

GIVE NEW LIFE TO THE WAREHOUSE BLOCK

STORY BY SARAYA BREWER AND SHANNON CLINTON WITH REPORTING ASSISTANCE FROM TOM WILMES

With a handful of new, relocated or expanded businesses and other new developments, the district comprising National Avenue and its surrounding areas known as the Warehouse Block has made significant strides in recent months as one of the city’s most vibrant and diverse mixed-use business and entertainment destinations.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and dessert are all now on the menu at 819 National Ave., a building that recently housed a CrossFit gym before being divided earlier this year into four separate parcels. The space is now home to new locations for three established local food-and-beverage businesses specializing in BBQ, ice cream and spirits, as well as the first brick-and-mortar storefront for a burgeoning family-owned bakery. Further up the street, the popular brewery Mirror Twin Brewing, a flagship Warehouse Block business since 2016, recently expanded to welcome a new taproom and event/meeting space to its operations.

Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream opened a new storefront on National Avenue in May.

PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

Other new developments to the Warehouse Block include the recent opening of the Tuesday/Thursday Lexington Farmers Market, which moved to National Avenue from its longtime home on Maxwell/Broadway in June, and the district’s recent designation as an Entertainment District Center (EDC). Designed to increase commerce between entertainment businesses that are located in close proximity, the EDC designation allows patrons to consume alcoholic beverages in common areas (i.e., outdoors within the bounds of the designated EDC zone), or to carry beverages purchased at one licensed business in the district to another.

The farmers market location is situated on a concrete slab adjacent to a former grain building, where materials were once offloaded from freight trains

along the abandoned rail line bordering Winchester Road — a historic location that has been a unique waypoint for the neighborhood for several decades, and one that Warehouse Block developer Chad Walker says will now serve as both a historic and symbolic marker for the farmers market.

“With the location situated on a nearly perfect north, south, east and west orientation, the design will incorporate an acknowledgment of our agricultural neighbors in Woodford County, Bourbon County, Jessamine County and Clark County,” Walker said. Future plans for the site include significant improvements to the parking lot, incorporating green space, a possible children’s play space and a general public outdoor-use space which will double as an occasional event stage.

All of these developments contribute to a vision that Walker’s family-run development company Walker Properties has been working toward since 1986, when his father, company founder Randy Walker, purchased his first property in the area at 333 National Avenue. Walker Properties has now overseen the revitalization of dozens of buildings along the corridor, which includes a vibrant mix of businesses, from restaurants, bars and breweries to boutiques, fitness centers, office spaces and industrial workshops.

With a focus on recruiting unique, complementary businesses, and rehabilitating historic buildings rather than razing them, the district has evolved into a bustling entertainment destination over the past four decades while staying true to its historic industrial roots.

The development process is one that Chad Walker says has been slow and deliberate, bolstered by a series of milestones along the way.

“We didn’t have the ability to just go into the neighborhood and buy it all up at once, so it’s been a slow, organic growth,” he said. “Each little metamorphosis has been a definitive point. It’s been fun to watch.”

Walker stated that he sees the recent developments as the “last big chunk that needs to be done” — although he did seem reticent to fully commit to the notion.

“I keep wondering if it’s time to Etcha-Sketch and start over,” he said with a laugh. “But I’m going to be 50 this year so I don’t know if I’ve got enough time.”

Here’s a look at some of the new and recently relocated or expanded businesses along National Avenue:

Blue Door Smokehouse

After more than a four-month hiatus, the sweet, meaty smoke is billowing once again at Blue Door Smokehouse. The popular BBQ restaurant reopened at its new location at 819 National Ave., Ste. 140, in April, after vacating its longtime home on the corner of Walton and Aurora Avenues.

Owner Jeff Newman described April 12, Blue Door’s first day back open, as “a magical, and honestly emotional experience.”

“We were as busy as we could handle

and it was such a joy to see so many familiar faces and see the excitement that Lexington had for our reopening,” he said. “It was nearly a record-breaking day for us and every day since has been busier than we could have imagined.”

The move into the extensively renovated new space is allowing the restaurant to reach its full potential, Newman said, and having a fun and eclectic assortment of newly opened food- and beverageoriented neighbors doesn’t hurt either.

“Our neighbors are amazing, and I feel so blessed and fortunate that all of us assembled there because we all complement each other, and I think we are uplifting each other naturally and organically without having to try too hard,” Newman said.

The popular BBQ eatery Blue Door Smokehouse relocated to National Avenue from its longtime Walton Avenue location.

PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

Mirror Twin Annex

Ever since its opening on National Ave. in 2016, Mirror Twin Brewing Co. has been a cornerstone of the burgeoning Warehouse District. As the district has grown, so has Mirror Twin, with expansions including a neighboring craft beer and cocktail lounge in 2018, along with a beer garden in between that was opened out of necessity during the pandemic and remains a popular gathering spot.

More recently, the craft brewery opened the Mirror Twin Annex. Located across the street at 730 National Ave. and previously home to Myriad Meadery (which was also operated by Mirror Twin), the space has been transformed to meet the growing demand for private events at the brewery.

“It’s not feasible to close down one side of the two main buildings for private events, so we transitioned the meadery into an event space by opening up the walls and adding tables and seating,” said Derek DeFranco, Mirror Twin co-owner and director of brewing operations.

The annex can accommodate groups of up to 100 people, with available packages including options like an open bar and catering from Rolling Oven pizzeria. When not hosting events, the annex is open to the public serving cocktails and Mirror Twin beers from 4 p.m. to

midnight Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to midnight Saturdays and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Partnering with Rolling Oven to open a wood-fired pizzeria in the brewery’s taproom has benefited both businesses, DeFranco said. “It’s a very synergistic relationship.” Complementary food-andbeverage related businesses like The Void Sake Co. and Blue Door Smokehouse locating in the area are also welcome additions, he said, as are recent developments such as an entertainment district designation and the weekday farmers market relocating to the block.

“It’s a lot like how the Distillery District evolved,” DeFranco said, referring to a bustling stretch of Manchester Street filled with bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. “The more attractions that locate here, the more reason people have to come down and hang out.”

Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream

Mamadou “Sav” Savané closed his East Main Street restaurant in 2022, focusing on growing his ice cream, piment habanero sauce and vinaigrette brands to get them on local stores’ shelves.

He and his wife, Rachel Savané, also spent winter months in Sav’s native Guinea, West Africa. In warmer months, Sav operated his food truck, the Chill

Wagon, at area festivals and events and catered other events by request.

Now it’s time for a new chapter at 819 National Ave., Ste. 130, with Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream having recently reopened in a space nestled between Blue Door BBQ and Void Sake Bar.

“After a year of few business responsibilities, I felt the need to do more,” Savané said. “That’s when I got the idea to open another ice cream store. Chad Walker offered me a great location on National Avenue, expressing his interest in ice cream. I knew then that was the right direction to take.”

The shop will initially feature 20 flavors, some rotating seasonally like Pumpkin and Hot Chocolate. Customer favorites like Spanish Peanut Butter, Lavender, and Hot Banana will return, and each can be served in a cup, cone, milkshake or pint, and with additional toppings like sprinkles and nuts.

Sav’s Piment and Vinaigrette will be sold at the shop, which will also feature drinks like Beesop hibiscus tea and JinJon ginger juice soon.

Sav said joining the Warehouse Block means becoming part of “an exciting place where creativity and entrepreneurship flourish, creating a sense of togetherness and shared accomplishments.”

Mirror Twin Brewery has expanded to open a new taproom and event space, called Mirror Twin Annex, across the street from its original location.

PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

Void Sake Bar

Kentucky’s first and only craft sake brewery has expanded into a new home: a 2,300 square-foot taproom that doubles as a small event venue at 819 National Avenue. The space features a small stage, full bar, patio space and retractable garage doors that stay open during nice weather.

With a regular schedule of events, including yoga, trivia, live music and open-air markets, the venue is building on the loyal following that it had amassed at its previous location, a small, 800-square-foot taproom on the 900 block of National Avenue that opened in 2021. In addition to more space, the bar’s offerings have expanded to include craft beer, wine, sake-based slushie drinks, and a full array of liquor selections, including Japanese whiskies. Kowai, a Japanese fusion food truck permanently parked in the parking lot, offers sustenance in the form of rice bowls, snacks and sandwiches.

But sake, of course, remains the star of the show. Owners Justin LeVaughn, Brandon Floan, Joe Rice and Steven Skeens all have backgrounds in craft beer and follow the guiding principle of “where American craft meets Japanese tradition” with their product, which is brewed down the street in the original National Avenue location.

The extensive sake selections include traditional Japanese styles like junmai (clear and crisp) and nigori (cloudy and generally a bit sweeter), as well as an array of unique and interesting flavors—Tangerine Creamsicle- and Horchata-flavored sakes are popular menu mainstays. The brewery also offers a rotating selection of seasonal flavors such as Toasted Coconut, Banana Pudding and Blackberry Tea. House-made flavored sake seltzers are also available at the bar and by the can.

“We come from a craft brewing background, which is full of bold and unique and interesting flavors, so we focus on flavors and styles that are Americancentric in terms of their palates, while also trying to cater to more traditional Japanese styles as well,” LeVaughn said. “It’s a very niche product so education is going to be very important.”

Being nearly triple the size of its former home, and closer to the increasing action on National Avenue, the new space has provided increased traffic and opportunities for the burgeoning business.

“The idea is to expand with different more traditional styles and also more flavored stuff — to just keep doing what we’re doing, just more of it,” LeVaughn said.

Kentucky’s first craft sake brewery has expanded with a new taproom and event space on National Avenue.

PHOTOS BY MICK JEFFRIES

BY MICK JEFFRIES

Wild Lab Bakery

A family-owned and formerly home-based cottage bakery has risen to the challenge of opening a new storefront at 819 National Ave., Ste. 110.

Specializing in naturally-leavened sourdough artisan bread, Wild Lab Bakery is owned by Chapi Johnson and Andrew McGraw. The couple produces small-batch sourdough loaves, ciabatta, focaccia, bagels and heirloom grain cookies, available 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday until they’re sold out. The storefront also offers a small selection of handcrafted goods, including hand towels, ceramic planters, t-shirts, quilted bags and aprons.

Johnson said she loves having their storefront in such a bustling neighborhood with plenty of foot traffic.

“We are so excited and honored to be a part of new additions to the Warehouse Block,” Johnson said. “It has been a wonderful experience opening our new storefront alongside The Void, Sav’s and Blue Door. All the small businesses in the neighborhood have been very encouraging and supportive.”

Johnson added that being a business within the Warehouse Block feels like being a part of a community of hard-working people who believe in their craft, much like being part of local farmers markets.

“I think we all try to send customers to each other not only to build a stronger local economy but because we all like each other,” she said. n

Chapi Johnson (left) and Andrew McGraw opened the first brickand-mortar location for Wild Lab Bakery, which they previously operated out of their home.

PHOTOS

CHEZ LYNDON FEATURES SEASONAL KENTUCKY CUISINE IN A HISTORIC SETTING

BY SHANNON CLINTON

A JUST LIKE HOME

nton Giovanetto, innkeeper at the Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast, has detected a pattern over the past 24 years: guests often return from a busy day of sightseeing feeling too tired to go out in search of a good meal. Many have expressed that if a good dinner were offered onsite, they would happily stay and dine there.

“When guests travel, the last thing they really want to do is hunt down a nice restaurant,” Giovanetto said. “And if they’re on a property that offers fine dining, it’s a no-brainer.”

After hosting occasional pop-up meals for the public over the past year and a half, Giovanetto decided that 2024 was the year to make a real go of it. He introduced Chez Lyndon, a restaurant that serves as an expansion of the bed and breakfast. The Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast is located on North Broadway in a circa 1883 building.

Chef Samantha Woodruff is at the helm of this venture, which officially debuted with an Easter brunch.

The restaurant will be open for dinner service from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, offering a three-course, prix fixe meal with optional wine pairings. Pop-up events will also remain part of the plan, featuring different holiday and food and beverage themes — they recently hosted a Farm to Feast Demo and Brunch prepared by chef Antoinette Johnson, winner of “America’s Test Kitchen: Next Generation.”

&

for 20 years.

operations expanded

include

Located in a historic building built in 1883, Lyndon House has operated as a Bed

Breakfast

Recently,

to

a fine dining restaurant, open to guests and others by reservation.

PHOTOS FURNISHED

As a full-service restaurant, Chez Lyndon also includes a fullservice bar, The Lyndon Pub, for all to enjoy. It can also be a gathering spot for business lunches, celebrations, retreats, and more, Giovanetto said.

Breakfast will also be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

While the menu will vary seasonally, Giovanetto can attest to Woodru ’s talents in the kitchen and described a few of his favorites, including a sausage biscuit gravy made with Italian sausage. She also makes a bourbon cream French toast with fresh berries that’s an early morning hit, and on the dinner side, recent o erings include shrimp and scallops in lemon beurre blanc sauce and lemon pepper chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and steamed rice.

For dessert, Woodru has been known to whip up bread pudding with salted caramel bourbon cream.

“She’s trying to include as much Kentucky cuisine as possible, but she’s also trained as a continental chef,” Giovanetto said.

Giovanetto emphasized the B&B’s commitment to using as many local products in their dishes and beverages as they can, including serving Nate’s Co ee, Weisenberger Mill grits, and Boone Creek Creamery cheeses.

“One of the best ways to support the local economy is supporting local products,” he said. ■

PHOTO FURNISHED

Chef Samatha Woodru is at the helm of Chez Lyndon, which o ers delectable breakfast and dinner menus.

Introducing Sable.

This bourbon is rich – refined elegance in a glass.

A toast to fellowship amongst the bonded few.

A bold bourbon spirit that provides a melodic blend of class and sophistication. A bottle carried with confidence that stands on its independence. From the nearest and dearest to the casual acquaintance, we are bonded in our vision and our passion to elevate ourselves to the pinnacle of success. This bourbon defines “Grown and Sexy.” This bond has withstood the test of time, growing stronger with maturity. A test to enduring friendship. Together, they’ve faced challenges and emerged victorious, embodying the essence of perseverance and success. This bourbon is a testament to brotherhood – a celebratory symbol of success, legacy, and shared triumph.

DRINK OF THE MONTH:

RECIPE BY WOODFORD RESERVE

This Kentucky version of the popular Italian Aperol Spritz cocktail is light, refreshing and simple to build, yet surprisingly complex on the palate.

The fruit and floral flavors of Woodford Reserve Wheat complement the bittersweet notes of your favorite bitter orange apertivo, with the tonic an prosecco adding a light and refreshing fizz to this unique and delicious summer cocktail.

THE SPRITZ

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Woodford Reserve wheat whiskey

• 1 ounce bitter orange apertivo, such as Aperol

• 2 ounces tonic water

• 3 ounces. Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Prosecco

Method:

Add wheat whiskey and botanic bitter to a highball or Collins glass. Top with tonic and prosecco, and garnish with a strawberry fan. ■

Thanks to Woodford Reserve and Delicato Family Wines for being the spirits sponsors for the 2024 CRAVE food + music festival. CRAVE is produced by Smiley Pete Publishing, the parent company of this magazine.

PHOTO FURNISHED BY WOODFORD RESERVE

ON OUR TABLE

Fresh Tomato Chutney

RECIPE BY CHEF JEREMY ASHBY, OWNER OF AZUR RESTAURANT AND CO-OWNER OF AZUR FOOD GROUP

With tomato season right around the corner, we’re turning to a recipe chef Jeremy Ashby has been using for 20 years as a way to use overripe tomatoes, ends, pieces or overall abundance when the season really hits. Try it as a beer cheese topping, cheese board condiment, or on salmon, chicken or pork fresh off the grill.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh Kentucky garden tomatoes, diced into large pieces

• 1/2 cup fresh ginger, chopped

• 1 yellow onion, julienne

• 1 each red and yellow pepper, small dice

• 11/2 cup red wine vinegar

• 11/2 cup sugar

• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and salt to taste

Method:

Place vinegar, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and onions in a large skillet. Cook until mixture is reduced by half. Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium heat to a syrupy consistency. Serve, chill or preserve! n

Chef Jeremy Ashby will present a demo on easy seafood recipes at CRAVE food + music festival’s Kitchen Stage at 2 p.m. July 27! Visit www.cravelexington.com for more details.

Our direct primary care includes wellness visits, same or next day appointments, acute and chronic disease management, and discounted labs and medications for an affordable monthly membership fee. Join Alison Iser, MD* on the path to your better health.

To discover more about the benefits of membershipbased care, visit wiserprimarycare.com.

PHOTO

PHOTO FURNISHED

Support students’ success in the digital age! Explore strategies and best practices for leveraging high-quality instructional resources while connecting with peers, KET educators and free PBS LearningMedia content.

Calling all Pre-K–12 educators and media & library specialists July 29 8:30- 4:00 – KET Network Center

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your teaching game! Earn up to 6 hours of PD credit.

Events Calendar

CONCERTS & GIGS

Band of Horses. July 3. Band of Horses fashions gorgeously ragged indie rock with influences of classic rock and Americana. Known for his soaring vocals and unique phrasing, frontman Ben Bridwell creates an ethereal quality that sets the stage for a dreamlike musical experience with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. 8 p.m. The Burl (outdoor stage), 375 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

East Nash Grass. July 7. Hailing from Madison, Tennessee, East Nash Grass simmers a potent brew of bluegrass fusion, driven by mandolin, vocals, banjo, dobro, fiddle and bass. 8 p.m. The Burl, 375 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

Justin Timberlake. July 9. Justin Timberlake's career has spanned decades from ’90s Mickey Mouse Club star to ’N SYNC heartthrob. He kicked o 2024 with his fifth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” a genre-bending mix featuring his comeback ballad “Selfish” and collaborations with both past (’N SYNC) and present (Fireboy DML, Tobe Nwigwe) col-

will perform at Rupp Arena on July 9.

PHOTO FURNISHED

laborators as well as artists Calvin Harris and Timbaland. 7:30 p.m. Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St. www.rupparena.com

The Del McCoury Band. July 11. Among the most distinguished practitioners of the traditional bluegrass “high lonesome sound,” The Del McCoury Band carefully bridges the gap between interesting song choices and instrumentation while still retaining the spirit of traditional bluegrass. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusic hall.com

Low Cut Connie. July 15. Low Cut Connie has become the alter ego for frontman, pianist and songwriter Adam Weiner, who has been the band's only constant member since its formation. The band has earned praise for its high-energy live performances, which Los Angeles Weekly described as “unmatched in all of rock right now.” 8 p.m. The Burl, 375 Thompson Road. www. theburlky.com

Uncle Lucius. July 16. Uncle Lucius has earned a reputation

as a thrilling, dynamic live act. After a five-year hiatus, the newly reformed band released their first album since 2015. “Like It's The Last One Left” carries on the Texas band’s deep rock and blues traditions while covering topics like mental health, love, pride and self-care. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchester musichall.com

Ben Folds. July 17. Calling themselves “punk rock for sissies,” Chapel Hill natives Ben Folds Five were often grouped with the “nerd rock” movement of the mid-’90s, despite their debt to jazz music (not to mention frontman Ben Folds’ acerbic spin on the classic pianist/songwriter tradition.) Since the band split in 2000, Folds has created an enormous body of genre-bending music including pop albums, multiple solo albums and collaborative records. 7:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com

Wilderado. July 26. With a sound that will appeal to fans of Houndmouth, Mt. Joy, and Sumbuck, Tulsa’s Wilderado has gained a passionate fanbase since its formation in 2015. Their music combines indie folk and alternative rock, with catchy melodies, driving guitar ri s, and thoughtful lyrics exploring themes of love, loss and finding one’s place in the world. 8 p.m. The Burl (outdoor stage), 375 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

Justin Timberlake

APRIL–OCTOBER

SHOP WITH LOCAL ARTISTS AT TANDY CENTENNIAL PARK 251 W. MAIN STREET

• THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE THURSDAYS 5–9PM

• FARMER’S MARKET SATURDAYS 8AM–2PM

• ART ON THE TOWN AT TANDY PARK 3RD FRIDAYS 5-9PM

"Baker of the Bread of Abundance" by Kent Rockwell is one of the works featured in the multi-venue exhibit "All in the Family," opening this month.

IMAGE FURNISHED

ART & EXHIBITS

LexArts HOP. July 19. Dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios and creative spaces collectively throw open their doors for this gallery hop event, which takes place on the third Friday of every other month. HOP hours are typically 5-8 p.m. A full list pf participating venues can be found at lexarts.org/discover/lexarts-hop.

Sam Linguist: "Italy, Texas." On display through July 27. While weird things happen everywhere, Texas’s stereotypes are so sunbaked into the American psyche that when one encounters a particularly cinematic scene there — a cowboy on horseback inside a Target supercenter; a gas station pumping Tejano music through an amped sound system, while longhorn cattle and burros roam the grass; a man in a camouflage jacket, smoking cigarettes with the windows rolled up in his truck, which bears the bumper sticker ‘I love being naked’ — it’s hard to question the state’s irascible rap. The ceramic paintings of Texan artist Sam Linguist hover in this windy landscape of threatening weather and charming local eccentricity. Institute 193, 215 N. Limestone. www.institute193.org

Megan Bickel: "Orgonon." On display through July 27. In Megan Bickel’s work, layers upon layers of paint, digital prints, cement, natural landscapes, pencil,

cutting-edge textiles, photographic representations and virtual reality experiments combine to produce a depth so extensive it begins to appear irremediably flat. It’s hard to escape the thought that with just a bit closer of a look, just a bit longer tracing the marks on the canvas, you’ll break through to the truth buried under the artifice. But that resolution is constantly interrupted. A thick dollop of neon paint calls to mind the topographical renderings of satellite data, until you realize that the background it’s situated upon is a receding plane of magnified grass—or is it the printed fabric of a military uniform? The process of delineating the haptic and the illusory, the digital and material, friend and

foe, nourishment and poison, savior and threat, all feels at once joyfully seductive to begin and menacingly impossible to complete. Institute 193, 215 N. Limestone. www.institute193.org

"All in the Family." On display July 16-Nov. 23. This two-venue exhibition co-curated by Stuart Horodner and Leah Kolb brings together works by emerging and established artists who use their relatives (parents, children, siblings, partners) as subjects for an examination of love and intimacy, acceptance and forgiveness, rituals and routines, and illness and loss. Many of the works featured are part of the UK Art Museum’s permanent collection, with additional art borrowed from studios, galleries and collections. UK Art Museum and 2nd Story, 522 West Short St. (note, the 2nd Story exhibit closes Oct. 12). finearts.uky.edu/art-museum and www.2ndstory.art

"Leaving It All On the Table." On display through Aug. 3. Leaving it all on the table would normally mean you have not given everything you can. But, in this world of mixed metaphors and revised meanings, leaving it all on the table can mean you have made the best effort and moved on. These tables are full. Everything is on them and ready for the next person to experience. They have been set. The exhibit features painted works from Cynthia Ryan Kelly and ceramic works from Tim Guthrie, Amelia Stamps, Lil Crow and Valerie Cravens. Pam MillerDowntown Arts Center City Gallery, 141 E. Main St. www.lexingtonky.gov/about-downtown-arts-center

"Patterns." On display July 19-Sept. 6. This exhibit featuring Travis Adams, Bill Kolok, Marco Logsdon, Kelly Jean Ohl and Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch will contrast several approaches to patterned work including ceramics, stone, resin, acrylic and glass. New Editions Gallery, 500 W. Short St. neweditionsgallery.com

Work by ceramics artist Kelly Jean Ohl will be featured in the exhibit "Patterns," which opens this month at New Editions Gallery.

PHOTO FURNISHED

Summer Classic Film Series. Wednesdays through September. For almost three decades, The Kentucky Theatre has been screening classic films on Wednesdays from late May until early September. This month’s nostalgic lineup includes “The Red Shoes” (July 3), “Taxi Driver” (July 10), “Jurassic Park” (July 17), “The Third Man” (July 23) and “The Jerk” (July 31). Visit website for full series listing. Film screenings take place at 1:30 and 7 p.m. The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.kentuckytheatre.org

Junior League Charity Horse Show. July 8-13. Created in 1937 to help fund the Junior League’s community works project, this charity horse show has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” The show attracts approximately 1,000 world-recognized competitors from the United States and Canada and has raised over $4 million dollars for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky. Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike. lexington.jl.org/ annual-events/horse-show

Lexington Burger Week. July 8-14. One of the city’s most anticipated annual food events, Lexington Burger Week gives chefs from dozens of participating restaurants the chance to create the most unusual burgers in town. Each restaurant will feature a one-of-a-kind burger that’s not on its regular menu for $7 throughout the week, giving patrons the impetus to try a bevy of new flavors and eateries. Fans can track their progress and enter to win prizes using the Lexington Burger Week app. For a full list of participating restaurants, featured burgers and recommended beer pairings, visit the Lexington Burger Week website as the event nears. (Lexington Burger Week is produced by Smiley Pete Publishing, this magazine’s parent company.) www.lexingtonburgerweek.com

The Lexington Theatre Company: “Fiddler on the Roof.” July 11-14. For six decades, audiences around the world have fallen in love with this golden-age classic that explores the timeless theme of facing progress while honoring tradition. Tevye, his family, and his entire community grapple with the inevitability of changing times. Faith, love and family hang in the balance, “as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” The unforgettable score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick includes favorites like “Sunrise, Sunset,” “To Life” and “If I Were a Rich Man.” 7:30 p.m. Fri.; 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org

SMILEY PETE’S RETAIL GUIDE

scoutantiques@yahoo.com www.scoutlexington.com

GRASSROOTS BLACK LEADERSHIP AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 HONOREES!

The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, a community-advised committee of Blue Grass Community Foundation, is once again celebrating Black community members who are leading positive change with its 2024 class of Grassroots Black Leadership Awards honorees.

This award was initiated in 2021 to celebrate and invest in individuals on the frontlines leading the vital work of addressing racial equity, disparities in the Black community and social justice across Lexington.

Read more about inspiring work of Rosz, Father Norman and LeTonia at bgcf.org/GBLA.

from left: Dr. Roszalyn Akins, Fr. Norman Fischer, LeTonia A. Jones

Allegro Dance Project: “It’s All How You Spin It.” July 12-13. With contemporary dance, aerial circus arts and live original music, this new show explores different perspectives, conspiracy theories and the endless quest for truth. The event will also feature a silent auction to help raise support for Allegro Dance Project's Inclusive Dance Outreach Program, which provides free dance outreach for 1,000+ children with specific needs throughout central Kentucky each season; participants from that program will also join company dancers on stage for an act, as a celebration of inclusion. Gates open at 7 p.m. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St. www.allegrodanceproject.com

SMILEY PETE’S MARKETPLACE

Allegro Dance Project will present a new show at Moondance Amphiteater July 12-13.

Antagonist Productions: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” July 11-14, 18-21. Antagonist Productions presents a local production of William Shakespeare’s whimsical romantic comedy following the intertwining stories of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and fairies who meddle in their affairs. Confusion, mistaken identities and magical mishaps abound amidst the enchanting backdrop of the forest. 8 p.m. Woodland Park, 601 E. High St. www.antagonist. productions.com.

PHOTO BY RYAN PETERS PHOTOGRAPHIC

THEATER, PERFORMANCE & MORE

Studio Players: 10-Minute Play Festival. July 25-28. This fast-paced, fun, sometimes dramatic, sometimes zany evening of theatre features something for everyone. The seven scripts for this year were selected from 300 submissions from around the world. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat; 2:30 p.m. Sun. Carriage House Theatre, 154 Bell Ct. www.studioplayers.org.

Harry Dean Stanton Fest. July 12-14. With a mix of free and ticketed events, this annual film festival pays tribute to iconic character actor and Kentucky native Harry Dean Stanton. This year’s installment has a large focus on music, another of Stanton’s beloved creative outlets, with events that include a performance by Tommy Stinson (former bass player of The Replacements) and the post-punk band Mydolls (July 13 at The Green Lantern), a Q&A with Kentucky musician Will Oldham, (July 14 at the Kentucky Theatre) and more. Full details at www.harrydeanstantonfest.com.

Lexington Restaurant Week. July 18-28. During Lexington Restaurant Week, a choose-your-own-adventure-style celebration of locally-owned and locally-inspired restaurants, participating restaurants offer decadent three-course dinner specials at a fraction of the typical tab. The event is designed to encourage and promote dining establishments that enhance tourism, the local economy and quality of life in the Bluegrass. Restaurant Week encourages participants to support their favorite eateries or try something new. Participating restaurants, menus and reservations available at www. lexingtonrestaurantweek.com.

CRAVE food + music festival. July 27-28. Now in its 11th year, Smiley Pete’s flagship festival returns to its original Beaumont Circle roots after nearly a decade at Masterson Station Park. The event features dozens of food vendors from food trucks and pop-ups to brick-and-mortar restaurants. Vendors prepare a variety of different-sized portions to encourage culinary exploration. The family-friendly festival atmosphere also features live music, culinary demos, craft beer and cocktails, and kids’ activities. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sun. Full lineup of music, food vendors and other details can be found in the insert in this magazine and at www.cravelexington.com. n

SMILEY PETE’S DINING GUIDE

Serving the freshest sushi in town, Aqua chefs offer sushi lovers rare flavors and perfectlyexecuted classics. And the Crab Rangoon? Just try it! Aqua Sushi is made to order in all Malone’s, Harry’s and Drake’s

PETE’S PROPERTIES

40502

377 Preston Ave. $180,500

323 Richmond Ave. $200,750

323 Richmond Ave. $210,000

805 Sunset Dr. $285,000

261 Lincoln Ave. $340,000

271 Malabu Dr. $380,000

422 Hart Rd. $396,000

3049 Breckenwood Dr. $425,000

430 Queensway Dr. $450,000

3113 Lamar Dr. $462,000

817 Sherwood Dr. $475,000

168 Preston Ave. $475,000

138 Old Cassidy Ave. $480,000

1133 Chinoe Rd. $500,000

614 Kastle Rd. $557,000

658 Cooper Dr. $625,000

1412 Cochran Rd. $633,000

3537 Coltneck Ln. $693,550

432 Queensway Dr. $700,000

1009 Cooper Dr. $703,000

2005 Lakeside Dr. $725,000

1104 Fontaine Rd. $725,000

808 Providence Rd. $745,000

917 Turkey Foot Rd. $750,000 1517 Richmond Rd. $757,500

145 Louisiana Ave. $777,777

3541 Coltneck Ct. $820,000

1050 Cooper Dr. $897,000

124 S. Ashland Ave. $900,000

403 Queensway Dr. $950,000

427 Clinton Rd. $995,000

3212 Honeyhill Ln. $1,125,000

1941 Long Pond Walk $1,150,000

712 Burkshire Dr. $1,225,000

1244 Summit Dr. $1,550,000

40503

2343 Heather Way $200,000

115 Penmoken Park $289,000

505 Marblerock Way $302,000

3372 Boston Rd. $305,000

532 Hadlow St. $395,000

3500 Grasmere Dr. $428,000

731 Cindy Blair Way $480,500

404 Greenbriar Rd. $496,500

333 Albany Rd. $502,000

1921 Bellefonte Dr. $510,000

3407 Cornwall Dr. $540,000

40508

531 Boonesboro Ave. $130,000

568 Columbia Ave. $600,000

40504

2400 Parterre Pl. $89,000

40513

2000 Bamboo Dr. $295,000

3605 Cottage Cir. $330,000

2008 Mcnair Ct. $425,000

4137 Palomar Blvd. $470,000

4904 Idlewood Cir. $600,000 1217 Birmingham Ln. $606,000 2644 Idlewood Dr. $615,000

3165 Hemingway Ln. $805,000

2100 Carolina Ln. $825,000

40514

4340 Calevares Dr. $320,000 4348 Calevares Dr. $349,000 2310 Harrods Pointe Trce. $395,000

40515 4512 Callaway Ct. $250,000 1313 The Kings Ct. $270,000 4653 Hartland Pkwy. $300,000 4416 Hartland Pkwy. $315,000 4509 Arvice Ct. $335,000 400 Amberley Dr. $335,000 905 Woodglen Ct. $345,000 4704 Miami Cir. $355,000

4065 Kenesaw Dr. $396,900 788 Rose Hurst Way $400,000 4616 Forest Lake Cir. $405,000 4212 Watertrace Dr. $425,000 4301 Calais Pl. $425,000 999 Forest Lake Dr. $438,000 5024 Greenville Ter. $440,100 4673 Windstar Way $450,000 979 Forest Lake Dr. $491,000 701 Emmett Creek Ln. $525,000