Tops In Lexington March 2017

TOPS

MARCH 2017 • PRICELESS

W h o ’s W h o //

W h a t ’s N e w //

W h a t To D o March 2017 vol. 11 no. 3

HOME & GARDEN

TOWNHOME TOUR • LAFAYETTE ACADEMY • BOURBON TRAIL

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March FEATURES home + garden

Tour Of Homes: Urban Sanctuary

Lafayette Academy

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Rediscovering The Bourbon Trail 106

PHOTOS Out + About

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TOPS Preview Party

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Bluegrass Tomorrow’s Annual Vision Awards

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Lexington Music Awards

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2017 Annual Lexington Commerce Dinner

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Bluegrass Sports Awards

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Shinnenkai

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Chinese New Year

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Heart Ball

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Bundle Up With Bourbon & Blues

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TOP Shots

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226 Event photo captions are typically provided to TOPS by the event organizers. We do our best to check names and spelling‌but we are all human and make mistakes.

Please contact kristen@topsmarketing.com with any corrections and we will make note of it in the next issue.

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FUNDAMENTALS AT HOME

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Tour of Homes: Urban Sanctuary

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Lafayette Academy

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Local Home & Garden Pros

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Gardening: Unpredictable March

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Color Catalog: Palladian Blue

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FACES + PLACES

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Rediscovering the Bourbon Trail

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Bourbon on Canvas: Artist David Reed

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Meet The Media: Jason Myers

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TOPS Cares: Help-Portraits

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New & Noteworthy: Pirie Boutique

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CUISINE Dining: Grillfish

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TOP 5 Dining: Expansive Menus

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Womanista: Tex-Mex Casserole

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Beer of the Month: Preseason Lager

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Wine of the Month: Grenache Syrah Mourvédre

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CONTRIBUTORS Photographers Paul Atkinson Ben Burchett Jim Burgett Tracie Dillon Michael Huang

Writers

Phillips Mitchell Ron Morrow Keni Parks Woody Phillips Kristin Tatem

Sarah Boerkircher Jesse L. Brooks Cynthia Ellingsen Amanda Harper Drew Johnson

Marsha Koller Meredith Lane Buff y Lawson Ryan Lemond Michelle Rauch

Interns: Jen Roytz Deanna Talwalkar Ashley Alt Beau Spicer Erica Radhakrishnan

Special Thanks to Niki Dillman - Best of luck in all your endeavors. We’ll miss you!

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Jessica Sunnenberg Cody Pratt Halee Wex Jalil Beard Amanda Ramirez

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FUNDAMENTALS LIFE + STYLE

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WOW Wedding: Rachel & Stephen

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Wedding Trends: Glass Slippers

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Gor-Jess: All Eyes on Me

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Outfit of the Month: Be Our Guest

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FAMILY Family Cares Spotlight: Legacy All Sports

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Super Mom: Jenna Mitchell

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In The Buf: Bugs, Hairballs & Spider Webs

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Parties: St. Patty’s Day Sweetness

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Pets: What is a Pet Specialist?

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EQUINE 177

Filly of the Month: Vicki Wilson

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Colt of the Month: Alex Riddle

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Horse Park Happenings

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COMMUNITY

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Andrea Nasfell: From the Bluegrass to Hollywood

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Sports: The Rules of Fandom

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Sports: Bring on March Madness!

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What’s New, Kentucky?

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Calendar: Lex In The City

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TOPS W h o ’s W h o

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JAN UA RY 201 7 • PR ICE LES S MA RCH 201 7 • PRI CEL ESS

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TopsInLex.com Your digital home for the best and latest Who’s Who, What’s New, and What To Do.

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HOME & G ARDEN

TOWNHOM E

TOUR • LA FAYETTE

ACADEMY • BOURBON TRAIL

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NEXT MONTH

April

the fashion issue Our April issue will showcase what’s fresh in spring fashion right here in the Bluegrass.

Look out for our New & Noteworthy feature on Feather & Blade.

We’ll have pizza. Get the scoop on Goodfella’s new location in the Distillery District.

est. 2005

Top Marketing Group 465 East High Street, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40507 859.543.TOPS (8677) | 859.514.1621 (fax) TopsInLex.com

Volume 11 No. 3

Keith Yarber Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com

Teri Brock Advertising Sales Manager teri@topsmarketing.com

Jenny Button Scearce Advertising Account Executive jenny@topsmarketing.com

Haley Walls Graphic Design haley@topsmarketing.com

Kristen Oakley Editor-In-Chief kristen@topsmarketing.com

Debbie Hodges Advertising Account Executive debbie@topsmarketing.com

Amanda Harper Production Manager amandah@topsmarketing.com

Maredith Davis Assistant

Danielle Pope Director of Promotions & Marketing Host of TOPS TV danielle@topsmarketing.com

Bonni Jiunta Advertising Account Executive bonni@topsmarketing.com

Jen Brown Content Manager & Graphic Design jen@topsmarketing.com

The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS in Lexington Magazine are subject to copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto.

Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

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OUT + ABOUT

American Heart Assocation Tour at My Favorite Things

Noelle Dick, Carrie Patterson and Kristen Oakley TOPS Preview Party at La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery

Sweating for Surgery on Sunday

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SOCIETY

Block Kids

WROCK Stars

Bundle Up with Bourbon & Blues

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PHOTOS TOPS Preview Party

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries | February 1st | topsinlex.com | Photos by Keni Parks

Brian Pulley and Paula Cowan

Keith Yarber, Kristen Oakley, Jerry Roaden, Debbie Hodges and Bryan Henderson

Dana Back-Pack, Jennifer Hierro and Lisa Smith

Barney & Renee Miller

Shawn Miracle and Danielle Turner

Greg & Phyllis Blackshear, Carin Cain, Tracy & Gary Toney

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TOPS Preview Party at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. Walking Tall!

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PHOTOS TOPS Preview Party

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries | February 1st | topsinlex.com | Photos by Keni Parks

Carrie Patterson and j. stuart hurt Nate Niespodziany, Scott Bryant, Gail & Terry Bryant

Diane Verhalen and Teri Brock

Sam & Noelle Dick

Angie Ballard and Jerry Roaden Emie Bowlby and Sasha Bowlby

Derek Howard, Marcia Clements, Zach Doyle and Bryan Dollins

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Ken & Keni Parks

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PHOTOS Bluegrass Tomorrow’s Annual Vision Awards Marriott Griffin Gate | January 31st | bluegrasstomorrow.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

David Mortarono, Thomas Rawlings, Jessica Berry, Sharonda Steele and John Black

Rob Rumpke, Craig Williams and Claude Christensen

Joe Kelly and Bert May

Bardia Sanjabi and Chad Aull

Laura Owsley and Craig Daniels

David Boggs and his OWL team

Rick Tripp and Robby Arrasmith

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P.G. Peeples

Meg Jewett

Jeff Myers

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PHOTOS Lexington Music Awards

Lyric Theatre | January 29th | lexingtonmusicawards.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

Tee Dee Young

Pamula Honchell, Dennis & Tracie Dillon

Autum Barber

Wilson Sebastion

Jesse Laine Powel

Beth Dean

Ande Fee and Andrea Burton Downs

Miles Osland

Dallas Chad Hodge and Liz Davenport Sara Holroyd Singers

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PHOTOS 2017 Annual Lexington Commerce Dinner Lexington Center | January 26th | commercelexington.com | Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

Leslie Klaiber, Crystal Newton and Jerry Coy

Eli Capilouto, Terry McBrayer and Berry Popp

Kristie Woodrum and Kelly Bates

Ron Borkowski and Paula Hanson

Gary Durbin and Crinda Francke

Tina Pugel and Kathy Plomin

Barry Gorham and Karen Hill

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Angela Coleman and Annissa Franklin

Kristin Taylor, Katy Jones and Brandi Mason

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PHOTOS 2017 Annual Lexington Commerce Dinner Lexington Center | January 26th | commercelexington.com | Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

Alan Stein and Taft McKinstry

Cheryl Eadens, Jeannine Petell, Lisa Parke and Abby Vaughn

Courtney Barker and Laura Martin

Dan Koett and John Shasky

Bart Hardin and Terry Forcht

Christopher Anderson and Camden Skidmore

Dana Branham and Marcus Simpson

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Kimberly Rossetti, Hannah Crumrine, Gina Greathouse and Allison Boyd

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PHOTOS 2017 Annual Lexington Commerce Dinner Lexington Center | January 26th | commercelexington.com | Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

Bob Quick and Debra Murphy

Tiffany McDonald, Emily Osborne, Ashley Whalen and Hayley Robic

Leah Taylor and Darryl Terry

Ed Holmes, Marilyn Clark, Sherita Miller and Tyrone Tyra

Lisa Deaton Greer, Michelle Deans and Christina Briggs

Jim & Yvonne Rickard, Diana & Jeff Koonce

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Gary Gillispie, Gwen Hart and Catherine Clements

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AT HOME

Tour of Homes: Urban Sanctuary

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Lafayette Academy

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Local Home & Garden Pros

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Gardening: Unpredictable March

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Color Catalog: Palladian Blue

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At Home

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At Home

Tour of

HOMES

URBAN

SANCTUARY

By Michelle Aiello | Photos by Shaun Ring

Lou Jones’s Woodland Park home showcases beautiful art & family memories Retired attorney Lou Jones wasn’t looking to purchase a new house. But when an exceptional property at Central and Kentucky Avenue became available, she knew it was time to pack up her things and move. The tip came from interior designer Ed Botkin, who co-owns the firm Petra Designs with Will Muetterties. Botkin looked at the home, saw the great bones and amazing potential, and was determined to find a homeowner who would give it the TLC it deserved. Like several of the homes on Central Avenue, it was built by Henry Cousins in the 1980s. “When I first saw this project, I fell in love it with it,” said Botkin. “But it just needed to be brought into 2017.”

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At Home

He worked with The Showplace at Lexington Winnelson for the plumbing fixtures, Top Service for granite, Pieratt’s for the kitchen appliances, Fireplace Concepts, Clay Ingels for the kitchen planning, Kitchen Concepts for cabinetry, Louisville Tile, Brecher’s for lighting, Distinctive Faux Artistry for brick whitewashing and a few other pieces, Pemberton’s for the outdoor entry topiaries, and Carpet One for the entryway runner, stairway, and upstairs carpeting. While the majority of the work has been completed, Jones plans to have the exterior of the home painted in the spring, along with a few other small projects.

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At Home

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation was adding height to doorways to accent the high ceilings.

Jones explained, “When you walked in, there was this great, open hallway, but the entrance to the living room and dining room seemed low.” So Petra Designs opened up all the doors to almost ceiling height. They also added decorative molding over a few doors to create the illusion of more height. “It didn’t add any square footage, but it made a big difference,” she said.

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At Home

The bulk of the work took place in the kitchen, where Botkin and his team removed a wall, letting in natural light and creating an open, airy space. They repainted the yellow-toned beige walls with a cool gray color and painted the oak bookcases a modern, bright white, with a few accent cabinets in dark gray with white trim. The new color palette is a subtle backdrop for all the wonderful colors in Jones’s art collection and the many artifacts that she has collected in her travels over the years.

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At Home

Botkin and his team removed a wall separating the kitchen from the family room, creating an open airy space.

The decision to add an oversized granite island really takes the space from ordinary to extraordinary, not to mention adding plenty of space for food preparation and storage. The island features many lower cabinets for extra storage as well. A small amount of counter space facing the breakfast nook was removed creating a clear visual path to the whitewashed brick accent wall, sitting area, and private courtyard.

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At Home

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At Home

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At Home

The kitchen sitting area features a built in shelving unit, displaying a collection of Jones’s favorite things from her travels, along with her daughter’s photographs and paintings. She likes to collect things that tell a story, or that remind her of a special time in her life. The orange-toned cubist-inspired painting was purchased at a combination frame store and art gallery in Dallas, where Jones is originally from.

The two prints in the middle were purchased in Fort Worth, “The painter’s daughter was a dancer in the Russian ballet, so he painted over sheet music that was used in one of her performances,” Jones explained. And the impressionist painting of sailboats belonged to one of her law partners. She admired the painting the entire time they practiced law together, and when he left the firm, he gave it to her.

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At Home

The home has two private courtyards– a rare treat in the city. “Both spaces are totally self-contained which is just incredible for any downtown property, especially in Lexington,” said Botkin. One space is located off of the kitchen, and has a covered pathway leading to the garage.

The other is off the living room and dining room. “It’s covered so that you’re protected, and it’s tiered, so there is plenty of room. You can hear the traffic outside and the world going on, but it’s very private,” said Jones. “Also,” she added, “the front yard is tiny, which I love because I have very little yard work to worry about.

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At Home

The 4,200 square foot property has three very large bedrooms, and three and a half baths, so Jones has plenty of space for hosting family and friends. She already owned most of the furniture, so Botkin just arranged them and incorporated them into ways that made sense in the new space. The many charming vignettes, color groupings, and art installations throughout give the space a lot of character.

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At Home

“I don’t gravitate toward a particular style.”

The dining room features a lovely iron and glass chandelier that is one of Jones’s favorite pieces. Botkin created a striking design of silk flowers, vines, and moss-covered branches that winds its way down from the chandelier to meet the décor on the table. The room also features a wet bar with a handsome hammered silver sink, and lovely china hutch that looks strikingly similar to the home’s many built-ins. “Ed does my Christmas décor every year—it’s the gift I give myself. He also changes out my table décor about every three or four months,” said Jones.

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At Home

In the adjoining living room, more curios and treasures can be found in artfully arranged groupings.

Over the mantle is a gorgeous impressionist painting that is reminiscent of Monet. Sure enough, Jones confirmed, the painting is actually of Monet’s garden. The piece is by Henrietta Milan – a wellknown impressionist painter originally from Chicago. It was a great investment for Jones because she purchased it at the aforementioned Dallas art gallery and framing store when Milan was not nearly as well known as she is today. The living room also contains another special piece of Jones’s – her first “real lawyer desk” that she purchased when she graduated from law school. The desk was originally finished in a dark wood, but Botkin had Distinctive Faux Artistry refinish it in a muted green with an interesting surface texture. The room also contains a vintage crushed velvet travel bag that was made in Venice, and a remarkable coffee table that was crafted from a repurposed Moroccan window shade. “My feeling is, if it’s cute and I like it, then it’s part of the décor,” said Jones of her eclectic style.

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At Home

Like all of Cousins’ homes, Jones’s place has a large amount of storage –which is especially evident on the second level.

The builders took great advantage of dormers and other small spaces as an opportunity to create more closet space.

Aside from Jones’s master suite, the second level also contains a boutique style closet, complete with a fantastic round rack that she purchased from a retail store that was going out of business.

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At Home

If the rest of the home gave off a sanctuary vibe, Jones’s master bedroom is the pinnacle. The large, sweeping room is painted a relaxing shade of pale blue. The bedroom contains a separate sitting area where Jones likes to relax and watch the news in the morning. It also contains more built in shelving for her collections.

Off the bedroom is a separate dressing room with a floor-to-ceiling mirror and plenty of nooks and crannies for Jones’s in-season clothing and accessories. Botkin and Muetterties also added a washing machine and dryer, which are tucked away in the closet, along with a clothing steamer. With a coffee machine and comfortable seating, she has everything she needs to have a relaxing start to her day. The sofa and antique cane chair (purchased for five dollars at a yard sale) have been reupholstered in contemporary fabrics, and they play well with the long angular modern sofa table and oversized mirror.

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At Home

Jones and Botkin agree that they have a great working relationship, and collaborating on the property has been a rewarding experience.

When asked about his process, Ed said, “I don’t gravitate toward a particular style. More than anything, when my clients walk into their homes, I want them to feel good. I want them to feel happy, I want them to feel safe, and I want them to have the things they like.”

Jones emphasized how helpful Botkin and Muetterties were, and how they were always available whenever she needed them. “I am picky and I have an opinion about how things should look, but we are almost always on the same wavelength,” she said. “The house was a bit dated when we first saw it, but Ed came in and helped to make it something special. It is a wonderful sanctuary for me, and I love being surrounded by all of my family memories. Everything here has a story.”

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At Home

Lafayette

ACADEMY

By Michelle Aiello Photos by Hannah Klim

Located on the corner of North Upper and Macks Alley, The Lafayette Academy is a beautiful Federal/Greek Revival building that has been completely restored and transformed into six striking town home condominiums. With one and twobedroom units ranging from 900 to 1,900 square feet, a shared outdoor space, and on-site parking, all within walking distance of downtown attractions, this property checks all the boxes. “It really is a unique living environment unlike any other in Central Kentucky,� said listing agent Elizabeth Prewitt.

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Constructed in 1818, The Lafayette Academy was originally an extension of John P. Aldridge's Lancastrian Academy, which was located across the street.

One of the school’s most famous students was the renowned Greek Revival Architect Gideon Shryock.

In his 1929 book, “Reminiscences of Lexington”, Samuel D. McCullough wrote that while the new building was under construction, students put on a performance on a temporary stage. During a tragic scene, several boys fell through a loose plank on the stage. McCullough, who was also a student at the time, remembers it as “a laughable circumstance” in which “the scene, so natural yet supremely ludicrous, ‘brought down the house’ for man, woman and child, with uproarious bursts of long continued laughter and unmistakable enjoyment.”

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At Home

In 1824, Colonel Josiah Dunham purchased the building at public auction, and it became an elite boarding school called the Lexington Female Academy. In May of 1825, the "nation's guest", Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War, visited the school. President Monroe had invited Lafayette to America to celebrate the nation's 50th anniversary and to restore America’s spirit for the next generation. With the encouragement of Transylvania University President Horace Holley, Lafayette visited the Academy for a night of student poetry and song. In his welcome address, Dunham proclaimed that in honor of Lafayette’s visit, the school would hence be known as the Lafayette Female Academy. Though Dunham's academy did not last long, the memories and the history live on.

Over the years, the building has exchanged many hands and has served as a college, a private home, and apartment units. Most recently, Andover Construction completed an all-inclusive restoration, creating six townhome style condominiums featuring classic architecture and modern finishes.

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According to Andover Construction President Mike Hall, the renovation began in 2009, and took two and a half years to complete. Due to the economy, the units were rented and not for sale initially. During the process, the building underwent a major restructuring from top to bottom. “We removed an annex in the rear along Macks Alley in which the first floor had collapsed,” said Hall. He and his team decided that instead of attempting to recreate the historic annex, a modern structure would be built in its place. “From there”, he continued, “we restored everything above the first floor, and tied it in to our new foundations, and first floor structure.”

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Andover worked with architects Steve Albert and Rebecca Burnworth, as well as Wishbone Masonry. They also worked closely with Fayette County’s board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation. “(Preserving historic architecture) is something I’m very passionate about,” said Hall, who is on the board in Woodford County, where he lives.

During the early stages of the renovation, when Hall and his crew were working on the foundation, they discovered over three hundred pre-prohibition era liquor bottles and medical alcohol bottles in the building’s crawl space. “You have to wonder what happened here,” he said. “At some point, people may have been stashing bottles in the floor so they wouldn’t have to throw them away.” Hall plans to give the future residents of each town home a shadow box that he’s made using lumber from the building and some of the nicer bottles that he salvaged. In addition, he saved many of the doors and repurposed them as headboards or used them in other projects.

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Of the six units, two are located in the modern annex, and the other four are in the original building. There is a onebedroom unit with a spiral staircase leading up to a lofted area. The largest unit is comprised of three floors with the original grand staircase in beautifully restored condition.

All of the units have hand-hewn beams lining the ceiling –a feature that existed previously and was uncovered by Andover. “You can actually see the axe marks from where the lumber was cut,” said Hall.

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All six units have access to a private courtyard that has been finished with teak furniture, natural stone, and brick pavers.

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The restoration of the Lafayette Academy demonstrates that Hall and his team at Andover are very conscious of architecture and design, and they saw the project was an opportunity to do something that would enhance Lexington’s historic downtown. “This property has a lot of unique features, and it was a lot of fun to work on,” he said. “We never intended it to be a big profit machine, but something that is right for the community.”

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Local

HOME & GARDEN Pros

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The Townhomes at Ellerslie by

Commonwealth Designs Luxury and maintenance-free living combine to create a unique Fayette county property at the Townhomes at Ellerslie! Commonwealth Designs incorporates immaculate finishes and upscale amenities throughout these ranch and 2 story designs. New Townhouse lots are currently available backing to green space with prices starting in the mid 300’s. These open floor plans feature gourmet kitchens, first floor master suites, free standing tubs, walk-in showers, spacious bedrooms, and relaxing outdoor living spaces.

Ellerslie is a parcel of land with gently rolling hills, a view of Ellerslie Lake to the west, and Delong Road to the southeast. Located across from Jacobson Park, this cove is secluded and private with little development nearby. Featuring 77 acres of Greenland, exquisite stone walls, a town square style fountain, located 3 miles from I-75 and shopping, and less than 5 miles from downtown Lexington and Commonwealth Stadium.

Reece Miller, Principal Broker Signature Real Estate

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These townhomes are marketed by Signature Real Estate. Call Reece Miller for your private showing.

161 N. Eagle Creek Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40509 | (859) 948-1985 | cwdky.com | sigky.com

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Norwalk by K&T Interiors Norwalk Furniture & Design specializes in full design services. From room layouts and furniture placement to completed looks, their talented team is dedicated to turning dream homes into reality. With carefully chosen furniture, accent pieces, wallpaper, draperies and more, Norwalk is able to suit virtually any aesthetic or need.

In addition to their design services, Norwalk also offers a variety of home dĂŠcor products to make any room beautiful and unique. They offer custom upholstery, accent pillows, bedding and window treatments. Their upholstery is 100% made in America! They also offer antique rugs, lights, mirrors, gifts, furniture as well as outdoor furniture and accessories.

Owners Kellie Clarke and Tawana Palmer have been best friends since high school. As coowners of Norwalk Furniture & Design, the two have enjoyed building relationships with customers and members of the community over the years. Since joining the Norwalk family, designers Justin and Phillip have greatly expanded the range of services the store offers.

No matter the project, large or small, Norwalk Furniture & Design can help make it special.

With full design services and a bevy of stunning pieces in store, Norwalk can help make any home a dream home.

220 War Admiral Way, Suite 155, Lexington, KY 40509 | (859) 263-0322 | norwalklexington.com 96

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house The boys at house believe in “…creating an environment that is symbolic of the client, along with appealing to the sensitivities of the design.”

Factors they consider with each client and design is how one feels in the space, acts in the space, and ultimately, how they live in the space.

In one recent design project, the client wanted a comfortable family space that combined classic elements with texture, a neutral palette, and subtle pattern. Symmetry was also important for the flow and desired function of the space.

Another project blends different styles to create a cohesive look. The boys introduced textures to the space with a variety of fabrics, leather and tile. A dramatic accent chair made for the perfect enhancement to the clean functioning living space.

A soothing and inviting space was the request of a third homeowner.

Together, a fresh clean color palette and soft lighting throughout, make this room a welcoming retreat. Custom built in cabinets and drawers anchor a cozy window seat for a symmetrical and functional aspect.

Find stuart, Dwayne or Jeremy at house on Walton Avenue or call to schedule your design appointment. They look forward to designing a space just for you.

250 Walton Ave., Lexington, KY 40502 | (859) 523-3933 | Housebyjsd.com TOPS Magazine | March 2017

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Corman

Kitchen & Bath The homeowners of this kitchen wanted a more functional layout as well as a more contemporary look to complement their personal style. The original kitchen had stained wood cabinets with a center island dividing the kitchen in half, leaving the family with a space that just didn’t meet their needs.

The Corman team revised the layout completely to create a more functional kitchen. They focused on creating a great layout, ideal for cooking and entertaining, while also providing ample storage space.

Corman and Associates specializes in creating custom cabinetry to suit any space. The cabinetry was designed to fit perfectly around the stainless steel appliances. The black painted cabinets feature sleek, modern lines. They updated the internal cabinet accessories to include convenient features such as spice pull-out racks and roll trays.

The custom-cut quartz countertops provide a beautiful contrast as well as a durable surface. The brushed nickel hardware puts the finishing touch on the updated look for this space.

With all of these elements, Corman and Associates was able to provide these homeowners with a kitchen with updated form and function. The new contemporary look was just what the homeowners had envisioned while the great features and layout was more than they could have ever dreamed of.

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Design Link When Jeff Shaver approached Design Link about renovating his kitchen,

his main concern was that the overall aesthetic was appropriate for this type of house. Built in 1948 in a working-class neighborhood in north Lexington, the kitchen needed to reflect simplicity and utility. Interior Designer Toni Webb sketched a concept that utilized clean white subway tiles, simple Shaker style cabinets and a focus on function. In addition, Toni decided to use open shelves and extend the wall tiles all the way to the ceiling. This helped create a feeling of spaciousness within the constraints of the small kitchen footprint that is often found in older homes.

As anyone who has ever remodeled a kitchen already knows, this is not a simple or inexpensive investment. Therefore, Design Link likes to begin a project with as much up front client education as possible. Toni’s approach in this particular instance was to create a series of 3d color renderings to demonstrate various design recommendations. Based on these renderings, Jeff was able to clearly visualize how the proposed changes would fit within the framework of his existing home. He was also able to determine where he could receive the most design benefit for his investment. As it worked out, Jeff loved the final rendered design concept so much, he even purchased new dishes to display that closely matched the image that Toni had created.

When planning a remodeling project, Design Link is passionate about helping clients visualize the best design options while staying within the desired budget. Their talented team of 4 designers are ready to take on any project, regardless of size or scope. Whether the proposed space is commercial or residential, they approach each client with the same one-on-one focus and attention to detail.

2437 Fortune Dr # 175, Lexington, KY 40509 | (859) 225-0310 | designlinkinteriors.us TOPS Magazine | March 2017

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At Home

Flori CULTURE

UNPREDICTABLE MARCH M

arch! What a month of unpredictability. The heavy coat of winter has slowly started to lift and every time we think Mother Nature has awoken, we blink and we’re right back in the trenches of winter. For every day of warmth and hope, comes two days of cold with a light dusting.

March is the gardener’s Limbo. To plant or not to plant? The answer is simple: get creative and extend the gardening season. Using the appropriate early blooming annuals, perennials, and shrubs can make March a bright start to the gardening season.

The perennial Helleborus, commonly called Lenten Rose, features dull grey foliage that causes it to be frequently overlooked among gardeners. However, it has blooms in early spring. In some varieties, the blooms can be located near the base of the plant, causing them to be overshadowed by the plant’s foliage. Other varieties, such as Helleborus “Ivory Prince”, have upright blooms at the top of the foliage, featuring petals of white with purple veining. It’s an amazing plant that’s strong enough to take even the coldest days. In fact, this perennial can be seen blooming for much of the winter season.

March is the month that Annuals start to come alive. While it may not be the variety of life you see in May, I say who needs variety when you’ve got creativity? Consider pansies: Viola tricolor var. hortensis, or as I affectionately call them, The Little Annual That Could. I don’t know if I have ever met a gardener that didn’t like pansies. They can be planted in the fall for a splash of late season color and with a little effort, make it through the spring right into summer.

Don’t confine yourself to just annuals and perennials. Early blooming shrubs are no slackers this time of year. In a time when nothing else wants to bloom, having a vibrant stand-alone shrub can be a bright spot on a cold day. Take Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). During the early season, it’s a show stopper! There are many different varieties, some growing low in habit while others reach upwards of 12 feet. New varieties like “Diane” offer brilliant red bloom clusters, which gives a vibrant start to the spring season. This shrub can also be easily trained for tight spaces or left alone for a unique look.

...early season annuals, perennials and shrubs can make March a bright start to the gardening season.

We can’t change what Mother Nature gives us during March; as a gardener, you can dread the cold or flourish in the warmth. It doesn’t take much to make a gardener happy! For us, it’s the little things, like a petal peeking through the snow or just a little dirt between our hands. So make your March just as happy as your April or May. Be it annuals, perennials, or shrubs, get creative with early blooming plants. As l love to say, the best antidote for winter is a little early season color!

By Beau Spicer Louis Flower Power

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At Home

COLOR CATALOG

Benjamin Moore

Photo by Miekel Reece for Caitlin Creer Interiors

Palladian Blue Benjamin Moore calls Palladian Blue a calm, relaxed, soft, airy blue that combines the blue of the sky with a touch of mother of pearl.

The tranquility of this hue lends itself particularly well to bedrooms, baths and any room in which your main intention is relaxation.

Because this shade is quite light, add warm, playful colors with your selection of wall art, textiles and accessories. Deep tones, such as Benjamin Moore’s Witching Hour, will ground and stabilize your space. On the other hand, Westminster Gold and Cinco de Mayo will give a pop of visual interest.

Accent Colors:

Pineapple Linen Fingertip Towel Pomegranate

Together Now - Giclee print on canvas Pottery Barn

Actual colors may vary from this printed representation.

Witching Hour

Westminster Gold

Cinco de Mayo

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FACES + PLACES

Rediscovering the Bourbon Trail

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Bourbon on Canvas: Artist David Reed

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Meet The Media: Jason Myers

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TOPS Cares: Help-Portraits

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New & Noteworthy: Pirie Boutique

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Rediscovering the

Bourbon Trail story by Ashley Alt | photos courtesy of the distilleries

W

The Bleugrass hile it may be Kentucky’s most famous

export, bourbon remains a mystery even to its biggest fans. Distillery tours top our list of “must see” attractions for our out of town guests, but many never experienced the rich Photos

by Kenilocals Parks &have Conrhod history and uniquely Kentucky beauty of these incredible sites.

Think you don’t like bourbon? Think again: Kentucky’s Master Distillers are creating a variety of new takes on America’s only native spirit. You’ll find a surprising range of flavors among what was once a singular category of taste. And even if it’s a taste you’ll never acquire, the tours of bourbon distilleries offer a wealth of knowledge about a product that is a big part of what makes Kentucky special.

If you want to call yourself a true Kentuckian, then hit the trail and see, smell and taste it all for yourself...

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Faces + Places

Blanton’s

Bourbon has been enjoyed for centuries, but single barrel bourbon only dates back to 1984, when the owners of then Ancient Age Distillery, present-day Buffalo Trace Distillery, set out to create a premium quality product. The result? The bourbon industry was revolutionized.

Blanton Bourbon’s namesake Colonel Albert Blanton was the inspiration behind this when he discovered that his warehouse aged bourbon better than any other on the grounds.

After some taste-testing experiments, Col. Blanton would pick an individual barrel he liked best, have it bottled and share it with friends. Those bottles became his “special select” single barrel bourbons.

And they’re off… collect all the bottle

stoppers from Blanton’s bourbon, and you’ll see a horse racing to the finish line!

Today, most distilleries offer one or more single barrel bottlings, but Blanton’s was the first, and some believe, the finest, single barrel on the market. Blanton’s Bourbon is now produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY; the Albert B. Blanton Hall is currently a part of their distillery tour.

A little Kentucky/bourbon history from Blanton’s: The horse and jockey on the bottle stoppers of Blanton’s are a recognized trademark of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, paralleling the rich heritage of the drink with the tradition of horses in Kentucky.

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Castle & Key Nestled on the rolling hills of Kentucky lies an elaborate, magical destination distillery called Castle & Key. Replacing the historic Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key intends to get back to the roots of the bourbon-making industry while honoring the historic site that it is reviving. The distillery, not having produced a drop of whiskey in decades, is coming back to life with traditional Kentuckian roots, plus a modern twist. While the distillery is wrapping up its final production stages, it will be open to the public sometime this summer where customers can expect a “literal guarantee” of Bourbon’s authenticity.

As Kentucky’s first female Master Distiller, Marianne Barnes is taking advantage of her astute business mind and forward-thinking nature by introducing gin, in addition to whiskey, as a staple of Castle & Key.

Marianne Barnes is bourbon’s first female Master Distiller in Kentucky. Cheers to her!

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Barnes’ bourbon journey began after she was selected for a coveted internship with global spirits producer Brown-Forman. After soaking in as much as possible about quality spirits production, Barnes didn’t waste any time utilizing her engineering background on the job. She worked her way up the ranks as Brown-Forman’s Master Taster of Bourbon and Kentucky Whiskies in record time, (one year) and was being groomed to be the next Woodford Reserve Master Distiller. After leaving the Master Taster position at Woodford Reserve, Barnes is very happy with her current gig as the new, young and fresh Master Distiller of the Castle & Key Distillery.

Anytime Barnes has the chance to experience a new flavor, Bourbon or not, she is all over it.

Particularly enjoying the variety that’s offered in premium Bourbons and craft beers, she also stretches her palette with coffee flavors. Joining her husband, a professional coffee roaster, in taste testing and cupping coffees, Barnes says that while the flavors in coffee can be similar to bourbon, the method to taste is vastly different.

Buffalo Trace Buffalo Trace’s title as the “World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery” has been earned through the uncompromising dedication of the craftsmen for well over 200 years. Their passion for distilling is revered by experts worldwide, and for good reason. Also acclaimed as the oldest, continuously operating distillery in the United States (even operating during Prohibition) the Buffalo Trace Distillery recently was awarded as a National Historic Landmark; the accolade, among many, in which the distillers hold most dear.

What can a new visitor expect on a tour? A real, working distillery set in a rustic setting that honors tradition, but embraces change. Walking amidst the path of rolling bourbon barrels, visitors are captivated by the alluring smell and atmosphere of bourbon sleeping inside the aging warehouses. After walking among

the bourbon cave, customers are invited inside the renowned Blanton’s Bottling Hall where they can witness signature bourbons being filled, sealed, labeled and packaged-all by hand. All five of the Buffalo Trace tours are complimentary and include tastings of some of their award-winning products.

Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley received degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, starting his distilling career straight out of college as Buffalo Trace’s supervisor to then Master Distiller Gary Gayheart. Wheatley took over the Master Distiller position upon Gayheart’s retirement after training under him for 10 years. While keeping up with the demand of bourbon presents its own set of challenges, Wheatley attributes the rewarding part of his job to his customers, saying hearing from guests on what they think about the distillery and its products is quite fulfilling.

One of Wheatley’s favorite quotes from former Master Distiller Emeritus Elmer T. Lee: “There’s no right or wrong way to drink bourbon. Drink it how you like it!”

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Faces + Places

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey Hill is the living embodiment of a Bourbon Dynasty, as whiskey has been made on that very spot for over a century. Located along the Kentucky River, visitors experience breathtaking views of Kentucky, unmatched access to facilities and they get to meet face-to-face with two of the most influential Master Distillers of all time.

Serving as the spiritual home for Wild Turkey, the Visitor Center provides a unique destination for whiskey fans to learn about the fascinating role that Bourbon has played as the lifeblood of the great Commonwealth of Kentucky. Visitors get an inside experience unlike anything else on the Bourbon Trail where they are treated to a full tour of every step of the distilling process, from learning about the brand’s uniqueness to how Wild Turkey is made, bottled and dispensed.

Father and son bourbon fans Jimmy and Eddie

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represent the only father-son Master Distiller duo in history, with nearly 100 years of combined whiskey making experience. Both entrepreneurs are proud members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and were recently named Spirits Brand of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. Jimmy, the longest active Master Distiller in the world, has been anointed a Kentucky Colonel by three state governors, recently celebrating his 60th anniversary as the leader of Kentucky’s Wild Turkey Bourbon.

“Wild Turkey will always adhere to a higher standard of excellence in how we approach making bourbon,” said Kyle, Wild Turkey Brand Ambassador. “It might not always be the flashiest way to do things, but it’s the right way, and we will never apologize for that.”

Last year, Matthew McConaughey was named Creative Director of the new Wild Turkey brand campaign.

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Bulleit

Originally opening its doors on Derby Day in 1935, the Stizel-Weller Distillery, home to the infamous Bulleit whiskey, is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry. Located five miles from downtown Louisville, the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience is said to be one of the most convenient and impressive stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stizel-Weller is where guests can come to learn about the past, present and future of the family of high-rye, award-winning whiskeys.

Tom Bulleit, Founder and Master Distiller of the Bulleit brand, fulfilled a lifelong dream of reviving an old family bourbon recipe by introducing the Bulleit Distilling Company, inspired by his great-great-grandfather Bulleit. (Tom) Bulleit grew up around

the whiskey business his whole life working in distilleries off and on before joining the Marine Corps and thereafter attending Law School. After risking everything by quitting his stable job as a lawyer to experience life on the frontier, he is said to have never looked back.

Interesting fact: Bulleit rye was created because of, and for, bartenders. When Tom heard what a huge hit Bulleit had been in California bars, he teamed up with his daughter, Hollis, and got to work on producing Bulleit rye. On that note and according to Tom and Hollis, the complex blend of flavors exists to complement BBQ, particularly if it’s Lowcountry mustard-based BBQ, Tom’s personal favorite style.

Bulleit rye was created because of–and for–bartenders. You’ll like it mixed... or served with mustard barbeque!

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Four Roses

This award-winning brand is a true testament to the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Four Roses Bourbon; the long history of expertise and dedication evident in every sip.

Four Roses Distillery is the only distillery that handcrafts 10 distinct and extraordinary recipes, and mingles them afterward by hand. It has been named Whiskey Distiller of the Year three consecutive years and again in 2015 by Whiskey Magazine.

and more consistent aging process. Visitors can learn more about the process at the distillery’s Warehousing and Bottling Facility.

Although Four Roses distillers have carefully handcrafted their bourbon to be enjoyed either straight up or on the rocks, they’ve concocted some mighty tasty cocktails over the years: the Four Roses Mint Julep and Roses Honey Smash drinks at the top of their list.

Located on the scenic Salt River in Lawrenceburg, KY, the Four Roses Distillery isn’t (aesthetically-speaking) your typical distillery. Featuring a Spanish Mission-Style architecture with a tinge of a sassy flair, Four Roses is sure to catch the eyes of visitors everywhere, and keeps guests coming and coming after just one sip of the savory whiskey.

Falling into the bourbon business, as Master Distiller Brent Elliott puts it, was the culmination of many independent factors from the perfect opportunity, right kind of experience and long-time fascination with bourbon. Despite being aware of Kentucky’s deep appreciation for bourbon, Elliott never actually considered a career in the industry. After receiving his Chemistry degree from The University of Kentucky, he was formally introduced to the native spirit where his respect for bourbon grew even more, and it hit him that he could utilize his love of science for something he was

Setting themselves apart from others along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Four Roses uses single-story rack warehouses to minimize temperature variations which provides a gentle, undisturbed

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Faces + Places

Four Roses Bourbon is the only distillery using single-story rack warehouses to minimize temperature variations, which provides a gentle, undisturbed and more stable aging process, as well as bourbon with more consistent flavors, body and aromas. passionate about. The first day Elliot set foot on the Four Roses Distillery back in 2005, it immediately felt like home and the decision to stay was a no-brainer.

“The modern role of a Master Distiller demands some time out of production to educate a very curious consumer base about Bourbon,” Elliott said. “I still maintain my role as Director of Quality and I make that my priority. If the quality of the bourbon isn’t maintained, eventually there would be no brand to talk about.”

While bourbon is still Elliott’s priority, he delights in hearing consumers talk about how they love the product. It is affirmation of he and his team’s hard work and passion.

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Faces + Places

Woodford Reserve One of Kentucky’s oldest and smallest distilleries, the present-day Woodford Reserve Distillery sits on the Bluegrass state’s distilling site where Elijah Pepper began crafting whiskey in 1812. It is the first and only distillery in Kentucky’s history to triple-distill its whiskey.

Appealing to true Lexingtonians, the distillery grounds are almost completely surrounded by thoroughbred horse farms lined with gorgeous greystone. While the distillery has operated off and on under three different ownership changes since its beginning in 1838, it recently celebrated its 20th year under its current configuration of being in business this past October.

In addition to immersing themselves in the iconic copper pot stills themed atmosphere, visitors can expect the complete Kentucky Bourbon production process experience while on a tour. From learning about mashing and bottling the whiskey to being educated on the uniqueness of all five sources of flavor, Woodford Reserve promises a personable, informative and fun-filled experience for all.

Before the return of bourbon and cocktails’ popularity, Woodford Reserve was breaking ground in the realm of flavor experiences. Embracing the culinary arts alongside Bourbon sipping with The Woodford Reserve Culinary and Cocktail Competition, the distillery team

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soon after went to champion Mint Julep complementary to its status as “The Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” and “The Manhattan Cocktail.” One of the classic pairings is the Flavor Wheel tasting exercise, which pairs Woodford Reserve with distinct foods designed to bring out the over 200 flavors found in Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

“Having the opportunity to speak to groups about Kentucky Bourbon’s history, culture and production processes we use is the most rewarding part of the job,” Morris said.

Master Distiller Chris Morris entered the bourbon industry nearly 40 years ago as an intern at the Brown-Forman Distillery and its sensory lab. His parents had previously worked there; his father’s 41 year career began there in 1946. He says the most challenging aspect is that the work as Master Distiller can easily become a 24/7 operation.

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Maker’s Mark The meticulously handcrafted process and precise attention to detail is what makes Maker’s Mark, Maker’s Mark. The distillery sits atop the picturesque natural beauty of Kentucky land that is a National Historic Landmark recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest operational bourbon distillery. Where the experience is as unique as the taste, bourbon fans are more than thrilled about the popular brand and the feeling it emanates.

When Maker’s makers first began distilling Maker’s Mark, the words “premium” and “bourbon” didn’t belong in the same sentence. After people tasted it, that concept began to change. 30 years after the fact up until today, premium bourbons are acclaimed so because of the start-to-finish craftsmanship. Because Maker’s Mark is produced in batches of 19 barrels at a time, employees are able to oversee the quality of each individual barrel. Unlike the traditionally bitter taste of rye, Maker’s Mark uses soft red winter wheat in its mash bill which ensures a gentle taste. Topping off the finished product, each and every bottle of Maker’s Mark is dipped by hand in its signature red wax.

Director of Distillery Operations and Master Distiller Greg Davis has quite the reputation to uphold for the Maker’s Mark brand. “Don’t screw up the whiskey” is the famous proverb handed down from Maker’s Mark founder Bill Samuels. From the selection of grains and overseeing milling, cooking, fermentation and distillation to tasting the bourbon through to its maturity, Davis and his team are dedicated to ensuring that every single bottle coming out of the distillery meets the highest standards of quality and tradition set forth by the entire Samuels family.

Originally from Paducah, KY, Davis’ passion for Wine and Spirits came about when he began making his own wine and beer in college.

He studied Science at the Siebel Institute of Technology and World Brewing Academy in Chicago, and kicked off his distilling career at Brown-Forman in 1990. Davis is an avid sportsman who enjoys hunting and fishing with his two sons when he isn’t brewing bourbon. He holds the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel.

Record The land Maker’s Mark sits upon is recognized by the Guinness Book Holder: of World Records as the world’s oldest operational bourbon distillery.

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Faces + Places

Evan Williams

At Evan Williams, they like their fans the way they like their bourbon; smooth, full of character and seriously good. Offering custom drink and meal recipes online, from Classic Evan Sours and Blazin’ Ales to Pork Belly Sliders and Apple Cupcakes, these distillers know a good pairing when they see (and taste) one.

Located downtown Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row,” the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience features everything a whiskey lover could dream of. Equipped with an artisanal distillery, guided tours and educational bourbon tastings, Evan Williams Distillery strives to continually celebrate the legacy of Evan Williams himself, who was Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. The distillery is known for bringing an integrated experience to customers which ties the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit to bourbon enthusiast’s lifestyles.

The tradition-laden methods put forth by Evan Williams, processes still employed today, are responsible for the rich, unique flavor of Evan Williams Bourbon. More importantly than the actual taste of whiskey, craftsmen who join the brand must be exceptional professionals who endure inspiration for excellence, believing the character of the bourbon honoring Evan Williams must match the character of the man.

Experience it:

the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is located in downtown Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row”

New and old Evan Williams’ Master Distillers have dedicated their lives to practicing the family craft of distilling, aging and selecting the world’s most critically-acclaimed bourbons.

Proud to be part of bourbon’s growing popularity, their pledge to customers is to continue to produce the highest quality whiskey, and only the highest quality whiskey where a consistent, great taste is guaranteed, bottle after bottle.

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Town Branch One of bourbon’s most distinctive and charming qualities comes from the limestone water that made bourbon well-known back in the 1800s. That name, Town Branch, commemorates the body of water that runs under Lexington. Now, that name is bringing satisfaction to Lexingtonians and bourbon lovers abound.

Aged in charred white oak barrels, Town Branch Bourbon is infused with a golden amber honey color, deriving caramel, toffee, brown sugar and hint of cherry to taste. The bountiful and somewhat complex bourbon is offered at the Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which became an essential part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 2012. In fact, it was the first distillery built in Lexington in over 100 years.

Tours provided include a behind-the-scenes look at its beer and spirits production, offering great product samples in their brewing and distillery tasting rooms. In addition to general tours, interested drinkers may also reserve a spot with their speciality tours including a VIP tour, Master Distiller Tour, Master Brewer Tour and Master Brewer and Distiller Tour.

Town Branch Distillery opened in 2012 as the first new distillery in downtown Lexington in more than a century. On their tour, you can sample beers as well as bourbon!

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Barton’s 1792

As their tagline states, “Goes well with ambition.” Barton 1792 is more than just another whiskey. Situated in the heart of Bourbon Country on 196 acres of green space, the distillery contains 29 barrel aging warehouses, an impressive still house and of course, the legendary Tom Moore Spring. The distillery itself was established in 1879, and continues today as the oldest, fully operating distillery in Bardstown, KY, offering complimentary tours daily.

Celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide, 1792 Bourbon is a different kind of bourbon, but in the best way. It has an expressive and elegant flavor profile carrying heavy black pepper notes where spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla, creating a sensation that is incomparably bold, yet smooth to taste. Called a “big, weighty-rye with an attitude,” 1792 is not only known for its mouthwatering taste, but exquisite fashion and accredited medals. Among them that members hold in very high esteem are the Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Medal from the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Checking out the location, visitors should prepare for an authentic experience of the inner workings of a fully operational distillery where they will see the complete production process of receiving grains, bourbon aging and bottling. Tours are rich in history and conclude with complimentary tastings of awardwinning products made at the distillery.

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1792

refers to the year the Commonwealth of Kentucky officially gained statehood, paying homage to the birthplace of bourbon in their very name.

Faces + Places

Jim Beam

Founded in 1795, Jim Beam Bourbon has been operated by one family for seven generations. Creating bourbon “their way,” aging it twice as long as the law requires, is how the distillers make history every day. With 220 years of experience behind them, the Jim Beam team knows too much of a good thing can definitely be a good thing. Mixing good whiskey essentials corn, rye, malted barley, and water along with time, passion and pride prove this brand isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Jim Beam’s tagline, “Not new. No need to improve,” rings true of the elegantly refined bourbon, never straying from the brand’s great-great-grandfather’s recipe. Believing a great bourbon becomes even better when you enjoy it with friends, Jim Beam invites you to toast making history together with a glass of the classic whiskey.

Found in the heart of Louisville at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, guests will experience how the bourbon is made, also being able to participate in the full bourbon production process from mixing grains to bottling your very own Jim Beam to take home. The tour includes a small working distillery, a bottling line, tasting experience and as mentioned, a unique “bottle your own bourbon” experience.

Current Master Distiller Fred Noe, great grandson of Jim Beam, is known as the “Global Ambassador.”

He has expanded Jim Beam to new markets and continues to uphold the family traditional roles as master distiller, storyteller and innovative Kentucky bourbon man.

If you can’t make it to Clermont, then enjoy the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse in Lousville!

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Faces + Places

Angel’s Envy

In the beginning, Angel’s Envy Bourbon was an idea brewed up by father and son, and later a grandson. During the early days of making the brand known, the family never anticipated the surprising amount of growth this hand-finished whiskey would bring.

Rooted in 200 years of bourbon heritage, Angel’s Envy has been handcrafted, imAngel’s Envy is brand new to proved upon classic tradithe Kentucky Bourbon Trail: tion and enjoyed by whiskey they joined in February 2017! lovers far and wide. Legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson spent a lifetime crafting fine spirits, Angel’s Envy being his masterpiece. After tasting the finished product, Lincoln joked that the distilling team had “finally gotten a better deal than the angels,” thus, Angel’s Envy was born.

Continuing their heartfelt story into breaking ground on the new distillery, the team was proud to witness three generations of Hendersons coming together to culminate Lincoln’s life’s work into a paramount endeavor.

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This, smooth, flavorful small batch whiskey is produced by the Louisville Distilling Company, open for just a few months now.

The Angel’s Envy team is hard at work ensuring their visitors’ experience is unforgettable, currently offering tours and private events by reservation. They want you to walk away feeling like family from the family that knows how to make “damn good whiskey.” Guests will observe the distillation process from beginning to barreled to finished spirit, rounding off in The Finishing Room where the tour concludes with a tasty sip!

Heaven Hill

Hill to stay the largest family owned distillery in America.

The story behind Heaven Hill Bourbon is one of those “great American success stories,” as Heaven Hill President Max Shapira says, where a family came over from Russia in the late 1800s, started a small business, took some entrepreneurial risks to make the Heaven Hill Distillery a dynasty, and today, it is the sixth largest supplier to distill Spirits in the United States.

Since its founding in 1935 by the Shapira family, the Heaven Hill team has been actively pursuing that special kind of quality which keeps the family legacy alive. Preserving the Heaven Hill heritage through respect, consistency and dexterity has allowed Heaven

A 15 times Best Whiskey winner and 12 times Whiskey of the Year winner, the Heaven Hill brand is both grateful and proud of its accomplishments. If you’re interested in a tour, visitors can find Heaven Hill in the heart of Bardstown at the Bourbon Heritage Center or in Louisville at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

Experienced Bourbon Hosts are happy to provide the history and heritage of America’s original whiskey, both distilleries offering extensive tastings of the world-renowned whiskey portfolio.

Together, Master Distillers Denny Potter and Charlie Downs have over a century’s worth of whiskey-making experience, perfecting the artistry every step of the way. By tasting every barrel and selecting only the finest whiskies, Potter and Downs ensure bourbon enthusiasts everywhere are best served.

Potter makes it known that the job is not about drinking all day. In order to make great whiskey, the Master Distillers pay strict attention to their daily production.

Master tip from Potter: “One option for learning to enjoy bourbon is to pair the whiskey type that you are enjoying with a type of bread that uses the primary grains.”

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Bardstown Bourbon Co. The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a celebration of the craft of making history. A new twist on the bourbon industry and open to the public this summer, customers will learn how the Bardstown whiskey is made in a fun and entertaining way which will be more involved than anywhere else, bringing culinary and cocktail-making elements into the mix.

David Mandell, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Bardstown, paints the picture like this: A social venue where one heads to the patio to enjoy a cocktail and cigar as the sun goes down, where quick, delicious, gourmet meals are offered to conclude the day’s experience. Mandell has worked in the Wine and Spirits business a fair amount of time learning the ins and outs and nitty gritty that comes with business owner territory, previously working in aerospace and starting a vodka company in the early 2000s. Taking full advantage of building something from scratch, Mandell mentions how excited he is to see the brand come to life.

“We hope to have the largest collection of whiskey in Kentucky so we can create different experiences based on what the customer wants,” Mandell said.

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The idea behind the Bardstown experience “Every day I wake up, I’m eager to get is to mirror that of to the distillery. It truly is a rewarding, Napa Valley, equipped exciting business,” said Nally. with a boutique hotel and restaurant, appealing to an affluent consumer looking for a high-end experience. The unique aspect that is already taking place is the customization of whiskey. The distilling and productions teams have created something they call a Collaborative Distilling Program where customers are offered to sit down with the Master Distillers and customize their own whiskey, all at the distillery.

Mandell’s partner, Co-Founder and Master Distiller Steve Nally was practically born into the distilling business. Growing up as a farm boy next door to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Nally was offered the Master Distiller position in 1988 which he fulfilled until 2003.

Upon becoming homesick after building another distillery from the ground up in Wyoming, he returned to Kentucky to start the Bardstown project with Mandell.

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Bourbon on Canvas

Artist David Reed captures Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries in brilliant color. story by Amanda Harper | images courtesy of David Reed

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Faces + Places

There are few scenes as uniquely “Kentucky” as the state’s many bourbon distilleries. One local artist, David Reed, felt a calling to capture the beauty and history of these sites.

paint initially the Bourbon Trail; it has now moved into painting all of the distilleries in Kentucky.” Reed started with Buffalo Trace Distillery, which was conveniently located in his backyard.

Reed’s background initially began very far from the Bourbon Trail.

He had spent 20 years in the advertising world in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.; he was part of creative teams that worked on the Atlanta Olympic proposal, and he also created a paper towel design for the Sparkle brand. A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, Reed painted for himself for over 30 years, primarily impressionistic landscapes. “Yet, with hundreds of canvases sold, something more than trees was needed,” he explained.

“I usually go to the distillery looking for a view that moves me: a great composition, nice lighting,” he said of his process. “Then, I sit down and start sketching the scene with a Sharpie, right on a primed 3’ x 4’ canvas. I take some reference photos, then usually in a few hours, I leave and take the canvas back to my studio where I simply ‘fill in the color’.” His brush and palette knife creations bring singularly Kentucky scenes to life in bold, beautiful strokes.

Reed moved to Kentucky to be the stay at home parent of twins.

During the summer of 2015, he was dining at Bourbon on Main in Frankfort, and he began noticing the beautiful 100 year old brick walls. He felt a pull to capture that beauty through paintings of our state’s many bourbon distilleries.

“The quintessential Kentucky subject begged to be immortalized in oils,” Reed said of the storied structures. “Inspired, I set out to

A member of the Lexington Art League, Reed’s latest works have been displayed in the mayor’s office, and around Frankfort and Lexington. As a Kentucky Colonel, Reed feels like an ambassador for the Bluegrass State and the wealth of beauty and history that it offers.

Prints of the Bourbon Distilleries series can be purchased through his website, yesdavidreed.weebly.com or by calling 859.536.7054 to speak with Reed personally. •

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Meet the

Media:

Jason

Myers

by Michelle Rauch | Photos courtesy of Jason Myers

WTVQ Chief Meteorologist Jason Myers has fond memories of Lexington long before he moved here in the spring of 2013; memories made while his father earned a doctorate of ministry at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore. “I remember coming up to the Lexington area and exploring Central Kentucky with my family when I was growing up,” he said. Today, his father is a Methodist minister back home near Winston-Salem, NC. Growing up, Myers played plenty of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and baseball. Academically, math and science were

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his favorites, which made him a natural to study meteorology. His first taste of meteorology was in the third grade. Myers’ science project focused on the weather. “I took a weather class at Discovery Place Science Museum in Charlotte, NC. I made my own homemade weather station and ended up getting 1st place in the science fair that year,” he recalled.

Armed with the honor of a first place win as a child coupled with witnessing some headline making storms during his young life, Myers’ career path was developing its own momentum early in his

Faces + Places

“My family and I love getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Central Kentucky...” life. First event to catch his eye was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. When the eye of the storm hit landfall in the Carolinas it brought destructive history making winds and widespread damage.

“I can remember the night that Hugo passed over the Charlotte area, and the sound of the gusty winds and trees snapping and falling over. Thankfully, no tree hit our house. We were without power for over a week, and some folks were without power for nearly two weeks,” he said.

In middle school, while he was vacationing with friends at Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Myers witnessed a waterspout, which is a weak tornado over the water, as he was walking along the beach one morning. “That was a neat memory!” he said. Then there was the “Great Blizzard of 1993”. A highly memorable weather event for the kids in North Carolina as it was more snow than any of them had ever seen in their young lives which made for many missed days of school and plenty of fun playing in the snow.

Myers earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology with a Communication Concentration from North Carolina State University in 2003. During his college years he was able to intern with Chief Meteorologist Van Denton at FOX8/WGHP in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point market. Myers describes Van Denton as a “meteorology mentor” who was able to give Jason some realworld experience in the TV business.

Myers was also a student meteorologist for the student produced news show, “Carolina Week”, at the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill’s School of Journalism. “I had looked into other avenues with meteorology beside TV, such as the military and aviation, yet being able to gain some real-world TV experience through my internship and “Carolina Week”, really solidified my interest in going the broadcast meteorology route,” he said.

Myers landed his first job working for the Federal Aviation Administration. As a National Weather Service certified weather observer, he was responsible for providing hourly weather reports to the air traffic control tower at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

“The control tower already has a stressful enough job, so we would strive to make sure they knew the latest weather information at all times,” he said.

First stop in Myers’ career in broadcast meteorologist job was in the west Texas town of Abilene in an area of the state known as “Big Country.” It was there Myers learned a lot about tracking severe weather including tornadoes. After two years in Texas, Myers moved to Richmond, VA where he spent the next seven years as the meteorologist at the ABC affiliate. “Richmond, VA has four distinct seasons, and is a lot like Lexington, KY with weather, yet Richmond received more tropical systems, since it is located closer to the coast,” he said.

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Faces + Places In Lexington, it’s snow that is building his weather memories and his expertise. “The most challenging weather for our area, is usually snow events. There are so many variables that can make a big difference with snow events, such as the temperature at different layers throughout the atmosphere, snowfall rates and duration, and the track the winter system will take,” he said. The diversity in the coverage area keeps Myers on his toes. “The ABC 36 viewing area can have everything ranging from rain to nearly a foot of snow, so being able to pinpoint where heavy snow bands will set up is very important and also very challenging,” Myers said.

When Myers isn’t working he takes advantage of the four seasons in Kentucky and heads outdoors with his wife Jillian and their four kids, Andrew, Lilly, Luke and Lydia. “My family and I love getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Central Kentucky, from biking along the Legacy Trail, to hiking in the Red River Gorge, to camping at one of the Kentucky State Parks, to fishing and kayaking along one of the local rivers or lakes,” he said. The Kentucky Horse Park is another one of their favorite family day trip destinations.

Family is important to Myers. “Being a dad to four kids takes up most of my free time, whether it’s cheering on my son’s basketball team, or supporting one of my daughter’s gymnastics or horseback riding routines,” he said. He and his wife also make time for date nights and enjoy exploring all the different local restaurants in Lexington. Oh, and about his wife. “I actually met my wife, Jillian, when we were toddlers, so we were family friends and then started dating in college, when I attend North Carolina State University in Raleigh, and Jillian was at Meredith College in Raleigh,” he said. Myers full house is rounded out with two canine members of the family, Calvin a Shiba Inu, and Summer, an English Setter.

Myers says he is privileged to be able to live and work as a meteorologist in a part of the country as beautiful as central Kentucky. He is also honored to have won the “WeatheRate” award for the most accurate forecast in Central Kentucky for the past three years, a recognition he shares with the entire ABC 36 weather team. “It is due to the dedication and love we have for our viewers and the folks of central and eastern Kentucky. Keeping you and your family safe from severe weather is our utmost importance, yet we also want to be the weather source you can turn to for the most accurate and dependable weather forecast each and every day,” Myers said. •

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TOPS

by Sarah Boerkircher | Photos courtesy of Help-Portrait

Help-Portrait Lexington is about gifting a portrait, not taking it...

On the first Saturday in December, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists from around the world join forces to people in need, take their picture, and print it, free of charge.

Help-Portrait provides an avenue for photographers to partner with hair and makeup artists in the community, as well as lots of community volunteers, to collectively create a unique and inspiring event to make people feel worthwhile.

Since 2011, the Lexington chapter has served 1,279 guests and provided 1,136 free prints—all thanks to more than 600 volunteers and continued community support.

Gifting a Moment In 2008, celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart and Kyle Chowning founded Help-Portrait in Nashville, Tenn., in an effort to empower photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists to use their skills, tools and expertise to give back to their local community.

As an United States based 501(c)(3) organization, Help-Portrait has provided 81,856 free portraits worldwide.

“Help-Portrait is about gifting a picture, not taking it,” said Andrew Fore, founder and director of Help-Portrait Lexington.

“These photo sessions are not about building a portfolio, but a chance to capture a moment for someone who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”

While the worldwide organization was founded in 2008, the

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Help-Portrait Lexington chapter was founded in 2011, and the Lexington community has hosted an event each year since its founding. This past year, Help-Portrait Lexington served 409 guests during their one-day event on Saturday, December 3, 2016.

“We started the Lexington chapter as a unique way to give back to those less fortunate in our community. Those of us in the photography business work with clients every day that are able to pay for our services, but we realized there are lots of people in our community that, for whatever reason, do not have the ability to have a professional photo taken of themselves, their family, their child or grandchild,” said Andrew.

Help-Portrait serves a wide range of guests from many demographic and economic backgrounds. As Andrew explained, Help-Portrait is designed for any guest that could benefit from a free professional portrait. This includes professional hair and makeup services, a framed print and an opportunity to feel their self worth.

“Through the years, we have served people and families that have never had a professional photo taken, females that have never had the opportunity to wear makeup or it has been a long time since they had their hair fixed,” said Andrew. “Sometimes we have had moms or parents bring infants to our events because they otherwise could not afford to have their baby’s picture taken.”

Faces + Places

Steady growth, countless lives impacted At its first annual event in 2011, Help-Portrait Lexington volunteers didn’t know what to expect. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the community and grassroot efforts, Help-Portrait Lexington has outgrown three locations over the last six years and has seen a steady growth in attendance, both in guest and volunteer participation.

The Lexington chapter has made it its mission to evolve the event each year to be more than just the picture the guest receives, but an uplifting experience. The volunteer staff makes sure that each guest has the best experience possible by escorting them through the process. The escort’s role is to spend time with the guest, get them food, lead them through the experience from hair and makeup to the photo session to picking up their free print. Guest escorts are volunteers that range from teenagers to families that have decided to donate time. As Andrew explained, the goal of the guest escort is to ensure that from the moment a guest walks in the door, they have a positive experience.

Save the Date!

This year’s Help-Portrait Lexington event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

Once the event time and location are determined, all event details and updates will be posted on the Help-Portrait Lexington Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HelpPortraitLexingtonKY

In addition to the hair and makeup services, photography, framed print, which can be gift wrapped, the event has food, activities for kids, and giveaways for the guests to enjoy while they wait their turn. Guests do not have to make an appointment, instead one can drop by from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday in December for a photo session and free print.

“The event is designed to be a very warm and loving environment,” said Andrew. “We want our guests to be reminded that regardless of what their current life situation is, they are important and worthwhile people in our society. We want them to recognize their inherent self worth. Often times our guests are in situations

Each year, a team of photographers, hair and makeup artists, and general volunteers donate their time, talents and resources to make the Help-Portrait event memorable.

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Faces + Places Many families in the community do not have the opportunity to have a professional photo taken.

Help-Portrait Lexington provides an event every December to make people feel worthwhile. or have come out of experiences where they have forgotten their worth, so the event is designed to make sure they know they matter.”

The goal of every event is for the guests and volunteers alike have a great time. This past year, nearly 200 volunteers worked the event and countless businesses and individuals donated food and goods to help make 2016 another successful year for the Lexington chapter. Each year, Help-Portrait Lexington has managed to grow by reaching and serving more than the previous year. To-date, Help-Portrait Lexington has provided more than 1,100 free, professional prints.

In 2016, the Lexington chapter added shuttle pick-ups to their list of amenities for the event. Six different vans had routes and stops all over central Kentucky. Thanks to the community’s continued support of Help-Portrait Lexington, the annual event has expanded its reach each year and continues to raise the spirit of those in need.

All donations made to Help-Portrait Lexington support the local chapter and are strictly used for each year’s event. Monetary donations are used for event specific items, food and beverage donations are used for the guests to enjoy at the event, and good donations are used in the giveaway bags that each guest receives. Such goods can include personal items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, gloves, restaurant meal coupons, hand sanitizer, non-perishable snacks, or other items that are functional and beneficial to the guests.

“The team of photographers, hair and makeup artists, and general volunteers that make this event happen each year are simply amazing,” said Andrew. “We are blessed with incredible people, as well as individual donors and businesses, that make monetary donations or donate goods to make each event a success.”•

Are you interested in being a part of Help-Portrait Lexington?

The volunteers for Help-Portrait Lexington have made it their mission to grow the event each year. At the first Help-Portrait Lexington event in 2011, 30 volunteers managed the event. In 2016, 194 volunteers served. Andrew Fore, director and founder of Help-Portrait Lexington, is expecting even more volunteers will be needed in 2017.

If you’re interested in donating, volunteering or participating in the 2017 event, please email Andrew at andrew@andrewfore.com for more information. You can also follow Help-Portrait Lexington on Facebook for the latest updates.

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Pirie Boutique Photos by Keni Parks & Conrhod Zonio

Not only will customers love the store’s merchandise, but they will love owner Martha Chewning, too!

Ladies and gents, Lexington has a new shopping destination!

Open since late February, Pirie Boutique is located at 3369 Tates Creek Road in the Lansdowne Shoppes. The space, which has been completely renovated, is open and airy with rustic vibes and neutral colors. Pirie carries a mixture of gifts, women’s clothing and accessories including trendy statement pieces and everyday, traditional fashion staples.

The store is owned and operated by Martha Chewning, who says owning her own boutique has always been her dream, especially growing up in the business. Her mother, Isabel Chewning, has

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owned Cotton Patch, which is next door to Pirie, for 32 years.

Her great grandparents also owned an upscale department store in Chicago called Carson Pirie Scott, the inspiration for her store’s namesake.

Chewning says she is excited to put her own personal spin on this brand new boutique, although she feels blessed to have the experience and knowledge of the retail business since childhood in her back pocket. Coupled with her strong support system from her family and friends, she’s ready to take on this new venture.

Chewning says she is energized by connecting with others. “I love

Faces + Places

Pirie carries a mixture of gifts, women’s clothing and accessories, including trendy statement pieces and everyday, traditional fashion staples.

getting to know visitors of our great city, my fellow Lexingtonians or even someone who just needs a little retail therapy,” she said.

“Lexington has a thriving ‘shop local’ initiative and I am very excited to contribute to that.”

Not only will customers love the store’s merchandise, but they will love Chewning, too! She has fabulous taste—I personally wanted to purchase one of everything when I visited—but she also instantly becomes your friend upon walking through the door. Her goal is for customers to feel like they’re stepping into a well-designed space and she wants them to have a great experience where they will want to come back... and often!

Pirie offers great clothing options for a sexy date night outfit or a fun gift to give your pals on girls night. For example, the shop sells wine glasses with funny sayings on them, candles, beach totes, and more. Take one of my favorite finds: a workout water bottle that says “After This We’re Getting Pizza”. Because let’s be honest, that’s typically what happens, right?!

Chewning says her store is a place where people can find things that are different and fun, plus a little less expensive than some of her competitors. Her focus is on high quality pieces that are affordable. For example, her gifts range from $6 to around $50, clothing

around $30 up to $120, with most pieces being under $100, and lots of jewelry, with everything priced under $35.

Plus, everything in the store is also for sale, from the light fixtures to the custom farmhouse tables or the cool funky furniture and accent pillows.

Along the clothing racks, find great tops, dresses, rompers, shorts, maxis—all with great little details that make them special. Her goal is to have something for everyone. “I love clothes and making people happy. I feel like my business provides that,” Chewning said.

Chewning says she also wants to invest in her great city by making it even more vibrant with another local shopping option. She’s also excited to be the newest addition to the Landsdowne Shoppes.

Want to learn more? Visit Pirie Boutique online at pirieboutique.com, find them on Instagram or visit the shop in person.

They’ll be having a Grand Opening celebration the week of St. Patrick’s Day with fun prizes and giveaways, too.•

by Meredith Lane, City Scout

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CUISINE

Dining: Grillfish

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Top 5 Dining: Expansive Menus

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Womanista: Tex-Mex Casserole

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Beer of the Month: Preseason Lager

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Wine of the Month: Moobuzz

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Cuisine

Dining:

GRILLFISH

By Michelle Aiello | Photos by Keni Parks & courtesy of Grillfish

Lexington has a new welcome addition to downtown dining.

Grillfish, located in the former Atomic Cafe location at North Limestone Avenue and Third Street, is an upscale casual restaurant focused on providing the finest grilled seafood in an intimate setting.

Owned by a group of partners that includes Ken and Barbara Pittman, Robby and Jamie Carter and Wayne and Susan Masterman of Portofino, the restaurant is modeled after the Pittman’s Miami Beach restaurant of the same name. The original Grillfish opened in 1993. Atomic Café closed September of 2015 after 23 years.

Carter, a Birmingham native who has lived in Lexington for two decades, explained that they had been traveling to Miami Beach for years to visit Barbara and her late husband Ken (his cousins). “I had been wanting to open a Grillfish in Lexington for the last ten years, and when (the former Atomic Cafe spot) opened up, I knew the timing was right,” he said. Carter, who initially moved to Lexington to take a job with Wayne and Susan Masterman, has worked in the restaurant industry his whole life, getting his start as a dishwasher in Birmingham and working his way up to management. Aside from his role as the managing member of Grillfish, he is also a consultant for the Mastermans at Portofino and Serafini.

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Lexington’s Fresh Spot for Grilled Seafood, Steaks & Chops The space has been given a complete renovation, which Carter mentioned was done entirely in-house with the help of a few contractors. Handsome tufted leather banquette seating has been installed along the right side wall, and an attractive wood bar lines the entire left side of the restaurant. The walls are painted a burnt orange using a flocking technique to add texture, and sleek black tables and chairs are dotted throughout the single, open room. The large windows offer great views of Limestone and Third Street and allow for plenty of natural light. A set of striking antique stained glass and iron chandeliers bring the whole design scheme together. One of the biggest changes to the interior is the addition of an open kitchen, so customers can watch and smell the fish cooking and see the flames of the charbroil grill. “That’s all part of the Grillfish experience,” said Carter.

He also mentioned that the covered patio area will be ready for use in time for warmer weather. The space, which features another bar and plenty of additional tables, is currently undergoing a renovation, but the plan is to have it open by Spring.

In the Atomic Cafe days, another patio in the back was previously used as a nightclub, but that space will be renovated at a later date.

A schedule of live music is in the works as well.

Carter says that Grillfish offers some of the “freshest fish in town”, with seafood delivered six days a week. The fish comes from a variety of places and they check their suppliers daily to procure the very best selections. The kitchen team includes David Dunaway

Cuisine and Nat Tate, formerly of Portofino. Kristen Richardson, also from Portofino, will manage the restaurant. All of Grillfish’s recipes were developed by Barbara Pittman. “She’s the genius behind that,” said Carter.

The menu features a large variety of seafood including shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and whole Maine lobster.

Fish selections include tuna, swordfish, red snapper, mahimahi, grouper, salmon, tilapia, halibut, and whole branzino (European seabass). Meats include New Zealand rack of lamb, Angus ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip. Carter said that currently, their most popular entrees include the red snapper and the grouper, and the ginger calamari is an often ordered appetizer. The decadent dessert menu features a brownie sundae with caramel pecan sauce, bananas with caramel cream, mango key lime pie, cheesecake brûlée with butterscotch-caramel crust, and molten chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Like the entrees, all desserts are made fresh in-house.

The extensive drink menu has some definite Miami Beach influences and includes tropical rum martinis and mojitos that are muddled with fresh fruit purees and fresh mint, that can evoke the sun, sand, and relaxation. Martini selections include the Sunkissed (premium orange vodka, orange Curaco, and orange and cranberry juice with a sugared rim), the Grillfish Cosmopolitan (premium vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, finished with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime) and the Frescatini (vodka, with fresh cucumber and mint).

In addition, several dessert cocktails are also available, like the chocolate martini, which is made from vodka, dark chocolate liqueur, light and dark crème de cacao, and Irish cream liqueur in a fudge-swirled glass, and the key lime pie martini –vodka, key lime liqueur, and fresh cream with a graham cracker rim.

The price range for entrees is competitive with other local restaurants. Prices range from about $10-12 each for most appetizers, $25-50 each for most entrees, and $7 each for a la carte sides.

A happy hour program is currently in the works. At the time of this writing, Carter mentioned that an appetizer menu with special pricing is being developed, but in the meantime, bottles of wine are half price on Mondays, and half priced drinks from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.

Grillfish opens at 4pm Friday and Saturday.

One of the most unique things about the ambiance at Grillfish is that it can suit a variety of moods and occasions. Some might see the candles and white tablecloths and consider it upscale. But really, it’s more of a mid-tier, casual-but-refined type of place — nice enough for a romantic dinner date, but relaxed enough for a fun meal out with friends or family.

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Cuisine

Q&A with Grillfish Managing Member Robby Carter Tell us about your family.

I have a wife and two daughters, and both of them work part time here at the restaurant. One is a fulltime dietitian and the other is going to be a school teacher.

Last thing you cooked for yourself at home?

I roasted a beef tenderloin for my Super bowl party.

Favorite food from your childhood?

A Scramble Dog (hot dog split in half on a bun with chili, sauerkraut, chopped onions, crumbled saltine crackers, extra sharp cheddar cheese, sweet relish, ketchup & mustard).

How would you describe working in your restaurant?

Hard but fun.

What’s your favorite weekend road trip?

Going back to Birmingham to see good friends and enjoy some great BBQ. Any tips for at-home fish grillers?

Keep a close eye on it, baste it often, and do not overcook it.

Clams in Creamy Garlic & White Sicilian Sauce 4 oz Sicilian sauce 3 oz heavy cream 11 littleneck clams 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Quarter of lemon Add all ingredients to a skillet and reduce over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Finish will 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Garnish with a squeeze of a quarter of a lemon.

Sicilian Sauce consists of olive oil, yellow onions, leeks, scallions, garlic, basil, white wine and clam juice.

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What person do you admire?

My father, the late Rev William H. Carter & my cousin, the late Ken Pittman. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. They each influenced my life in different ways and will always be remembered.

Something in your fridge or freezer that would surprise people?

Frozen cookie dough, nothing too crazy.

If someone wanted to own a restaurant, what 3 things would you tell them?

1. What are you thinking?

2. Are you crazy?

3. Don’t.

Quote you live by?

“A lack of planning on your part does not make it an emergency on my part.”

Favorite fish & way to prepare it?

Red Snapper grilled over an open wood fire.

Grillfish 265 North Limestone (859) 469-8673 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5 - 10pm Friday & Saturday: 5 - 11pm Sunday: 5 - 9pm

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Top 5 Dining

Cuisine

Expansive menus

By Amanda Harper

Cheesecake Factory Over 250 items grace the menu at The Cheesecake Factory. From their Glamburgers® to “super” food salads, there are options for just about anybody. Their Baja Chicken tacos feature soft corn tortillas, filled with spicy chicken, cheese, tomato, avocado, onion, chipotle and cilantro, served with rice and beans. They also offer Steak Diane, medallions of Certified Angus beef covered with black peppercorns and a rich mushroom wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes and grilled onions for a hearty meal.

3545 Nicholasville Rd. • 859.245.1519 thecheesecakefactory.com

BJ’s Brewhouse You may not expect a brewhouse to have everything from pizza and pasta to “enlightened” dishes; that is, lighter fare for the calorieconscious. The New Orleans Jambalaya features blackened chicken breast, shrimp, chicken-andouille sausage, bell peppers, white onions and tomatoes in a spicy sauce, all over rice pilaf. The Seared Ahi Salad combines its namesake with baby field greens, Napa cabbage, romaine and red bell peppers with rice wine vinaigrette, tomatoes, avocado, pickled cucumbers, cilantro, wasabi, crispy wonton strips and green onions. Of course, don’t forget their impressive variety of beer!

3297 Nicholasville Rd. • 859.278.2887 bjsrestaurant.com

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Cuisine

Malone’s The Malone’s menu isn’t lengthy by any means, but it was designed to be diverse, with salads, seafood, pasta, sandwiches, chicken and pork, all in addition to their signature steaks. The Grilled Salmon Picatta features lemon, capers, artichoke hearts and white winelemon butter sauce over fresh, homemade Tagliolini pasta. For something truly special, try The Anthony Davis Celebrity Cut, a 10 oz. Prime Center Cut New York strip, served with blackened jumbo shrimp and Creole butter. You can even order from Aqua Sushi’s menu for a great appetizer!

3347 Tates Creek Rd. • 859.335.6500 1920 Pleasant Ridge Dr. • 859.264.8023 3735 Palomar Centre Dr. • 859.977.2620 bluegrasshospitality.com

Windy Corner Market Windy Corner has delicious dishes that showcase Kentuckymade ingredients. The lunch and dinner menu features a variety of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood and more. The Kentucky Boy is a take on the po-boy, featuring pulled pork in bourbon barbeque sauce with crispy fried pickles, bourbon barrel beer cheese, red onion, shredded lettuce and their special sauce.

The Kentucky Cobb Salad features a local lettuce mix, shredded cabbage, carrots, cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, crispy allnatural chicken fingers, crumbled bacon, Pimiento Blue Cheese and Sassy Sorghum Vinaigrette.

4595 Bryan Station Rd. • 859.294.9338 windycornermarket.com

Saul Good This menu pulls inspiration from all over. Take their Parisian pizza: Dijon cream sauce, Brie and Granny Smith apples, finished with a drizzle of honey. Meanwhile, their All Natural Choice Ribeye Steak is as American as it gets with a 10 oz. grass fed ribeye, lightly seasoned and grilled, served up with mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day. Enjoy a glass of wine or a signature cocktail while trotting the globe through this fun menu.

3801 Mall Rd. • 859.273.4663 1808 Alysheba Way • 859.317.9200 123 N. Broadway • 859.252.4663 saulgoodpub.com

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Cuisine

Tex-Mex Casserole Your family will love the bold Tex-Mex flavors in this creamy casserole. It’s made with whole-wheat penne, lean ground beef and a delicious blend of cheese, beans and spices to give you a simple meal with big taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta 1 pound lean ground beef 1 small onion, diced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 (10.5-ounce) can Campbell’s® Healthy Request® condensed tomato soup 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15.25-ounce) can low-sodium whole kernel corn, drained

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion and garlic until the beef is no longer pink, 7 to 8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the stovetop, turning the heat down to low.

Add the cooked pasta, soup, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt and black pepper to the skillet and stir until well combined.

1 (10-ounce) can Ro*Tel® “Original” diced tomatoes and green chilies

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the oven until the cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, 18 to 20 minutes.

1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chilies

Top with the diced tomatoes before serving.

2 teaspoons chili powder 1½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt

8 servings | Nutrition Facts based on 1½ cups of casserole Calories 319 | Fat 8g | Fiber 7g | Carbohydrates 48g Sugar 11g | Protein 21g | Smart Points: 9

½ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup shredded reduced-fat four cheese Mexican blend 1 tomato, diced 148

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Womanista is a lifestyle brand that inspires and encourages women by delivering informative content, recommendations and entertainment through the lens of wellness, fashion, beauty, living and current events.

Six Ridges Farm Locally-sourced ingredients are more important than ever to Kentuckians. One family has made producing grass-fed, ASH-Free, humanely-raised, local beef their life’s work at Six Ridges Farm in Paris, Kentucky.

“Our farm focuses on sustainability and humane welfare practices,” explained Shannon McGuire, who co-owns Six Ridges with her husband, Brian. “We do not use chemical fertilizers, commercial pesticides or herbicides on our 785 acres of rolling pastures.”

Six Ridges’ herd is raised ASH (antibiotic, steroid and hormone) Free. The cows enjoy a 100% grass-fed diet via rotational grazing habits. In the winter, the farmers supplement the cows’ diets with stored grasses.

For Shannon, producing organic, grass-fed beef is important.

Shannon and her husband Brian have three children, Maddie, Katie and Owen, and each help out with the farm chores. “We want to provide the finest quality we would expect for our family to the local community,” she said. “Our farming decisions are made with the thought that we are borrowing the land from our children, and need to ensure it continues to produce for generations to come.”

Brian is a 4th generation farmer. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Animal Science in 1993. He has a passion for genetics. “Our vision is to breed, raise and finish animals from

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birth to harvest; to know and communicate the history of each animal produced and to offer flavorful, healthy and ASH-free beef that you feel confident feeding your family,” he explained. “Our Mission is to maintain integrity in animal and land health, and to provide a better product to the local food movement.”

Enjoying Kentucky Proud beef from Six Ridges Farm is easy.

Their online store delivers to the Bluegrass Region for just $5 and to Louisville and Cincinnati for $10. For frequent shoppers, they have a number of discount opportunities, including a Buying Club program, referral credits and bulk options. In addition to purchasing the beef online, you can shop in person at the Six Ridges Farm Store. They will be traveling to regional farmers’ markets in the 2017 season, as well!

Looking for other meats? Six Ridges offers all-natural pork from a partner farm in March. In May, they will offer pastured broiler chickens and eggs! Check their website and social media for the latest updates.

Six Ridges Farm, LLC

760 Austerlitz Road | Paris, KY 40361 859.953.1050 | SixRidgesFarm.com

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Beer

March Picks by Mindy Bockrath

OF THE MONTH

Goose Island

PRESEASON LAGER Why Mindy Enjoys this Beer….

“Preseason lager is a pleasant surprise for me! Some lagers I’ve had are too bitter and have a lingering after taste. I found Preseason to be crisp with a very clean finish and nice amber color. One of my favorite types of days is the first warm, sunny weekend in spring, when my husband and I get outside and tackle some yard work. As the sun sets and the evening becomes cool, we treat ourselves with some grilled hamburgers and enjoy a cold beer. This is what I think the Goose Island brewers envisioned when creating Preseason Lager, a flavorful, easy-to-drink lager that captures the enjoyment of that day!

I really like it for its simplicity as a craft beer with no overpowering flavors or bitterness, yet it has the heartiness and depth of taste I like in a lager.”

Style: American Amber Lager Alcohol By Volume: 5.8% IBUs: 48 Hops: Hallertau, Cascade and Millennium Taste Profile: This amber lager combines citrus, spicy and a herbal hop note with a balanced bready malt body and a bright bitter finish. The name “Preseason” refers to the time right after the New Year when many are ready for winter to be over and for Spring to arrive. This is the perfect beer to bundle up with and cheers to the outdoor activities waiting just around the corner.

www.KYeagle.net | Please call Kentucky Eagle at 859-252-3434 for local purchase locations!

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Wine OF THE MONTH

GRENACHE SYRAH MOURVÈDRE Moobuzz

The Central Coast saw a vintage with an early harvest and low yields, providing concentrated full flavors. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre was sourced from the warm hills of Paso Robles to the cool peaks of the Santa Barbara Highlands; nearly the entire length of the Central Coast AVA. The cool climate Grenache gives this wine a pop o bright fruit flavor.

While aged in neutral oak, the wine is still kissed with a touch of oak spice to round out the palate.

Varietal Blend: 70% Grenache / 26% Syrah / 4% Mourvèdre Appellation Blend: 100% Central Coast Alcohol By Volume: 14.0% Tasting Notes: The aroma is bright and alluring, with a suggestion of blueberries and raspberries freshly picked from a nearby patch of wild flowers. A soft entry bursts with flavors of juicy brambleberry, hints of white chocolate and a touch of oak spice on the smooth finish.

Food Pairings: A wine that will pair well with a variety of dishes including chili-rubbed flank steak with white polenta, stuffed mushrooms, or lamb shanks braised in red wine.

Proudly distributed by Kentucky Eagle, Inc.

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LIFE + STYLE

WOW Wedding: Rachel & Stephen

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Wedding Trends: Glass Slippers

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Gor-Jess: All Eyes on Me

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Outfit of the Month: Be Our Guest

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Outift o

Life + Style

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Life + Style

Rachel and Stephen Pittman, Kentucky natives, met at Morehead State University through mutual friends. The couple loves to laugh about the fact that they’d hung out in a group a few different occasions, including New Year’s Eve, and barely even noticed each other until nearly a year later. In spite of the slow start, it didn’t take long for Rachel and Stephen to realize they were meant to spend the rest of their life together.

When it came time to propose, Stephen enlisted the help of their mutual friend and future bridesmaid, Emily. She set up an invitation to a fake baby shower in order to get Rachel all dressed up. Then, Emily volunteered to drive to the party, claiming it was in a park. Rachel was struck by the beauty of a pond and a gazebo, and then shocked to see Stephen walking towards her, dressed in a suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. He took Rachel’s hand, walked her to the dock overlooking the pond, and proposed. His sisterin-law was in hiding the whole time, taking pictures to document the glorious moment.

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Life + Style

tephen and Rachel both agreed they wanted to get married outdoors during the summer, in a picturesque setting. It didn’t take long for them to find the venue they envisioned. After visiting the horse farm Fasig Tipton, they were struck by the orderly fences and bright green trees next to a flowing stream.

The natural setting was so ideal, the couple opted for minimalist decorations during the ceremony, placing two large urns of flowers on either side of the altar and scattering flower petals down the aisle.

The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Ernest Martin, which was special for the couple, as he had married Rachel’s parents nearly forty years prior. For another sentimental touch, Rachel draped lace from her mother’s wedding gown down her floral bouquet and pinned her late grandmother’s brooch to it, as well.

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Life + Style

Once Rachel and Stephen were pronounced husband and wife, the celebration continued in the dining room at Fasig Tipton. The centerpieces were dishes or vases that belonged to family or friends, and accompanied by placecards to explain their sentimental value. The bride and groom also had a “love table” with pictures of their grandparents and parents, to highlight the relationships the couple look up to and respect. For example, Rachel’s parents have been married forty years and Stephen’s, thirty-five.

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, a classic, two-tiered lemon-berry cake with buttercream icing, and a night of dancing. One of the couple’s favorite memories was the moment Rachel’s mother and godmother got the party started on the dance floor with a congo line.

When asked to offer advice to others planning a wedding, Rachel and Stephen pointed out that the day just seems to fly by, so it’s important to make a point to stop and take it all in, as it might be the only time you have everyone you love under the same roof at the same time.

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Life + Style

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Life + Style

by Marsha Koller Wedding Consultant

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Life + Style

For girls wanting to take a walk on the sultry side, you can’t go wrong with a smoky eye. To achieve your very own smoke show, you’ll need some deeply pigmented shadows, a trusty pencil eyeliner, jet black mascara to paint your lashes, and an eye crayon to really intensify your lids. Products I love for this look include: From left to right:

CHANEL Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in ‘TISSÉ SMOKY’ | $61, Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting | $24, Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in ‘Blacquer 42’ | $25, NYX COSMETICS Jumbo Eye Pencil in ‘Black Bean’ | $4.49.

Producing a cat like effect, a well placed wing adds instant personality to your face, and also exudes a cool retro effect. A cat eye is a fun, youthful choice and one you can easily pair with just about any outfit. Applying can be tricky so make sure you find what works best for you, be that a felt tip pen, a gel pot, or a liquid wand.

From left to right:

Too Faced Sketch Marker Liquid Art Eyeliner in Black | $20, NYX COSMETICS Matte Black Liquid Liner | $6.99, INGLOT AMC Eyeliner Gel in #77 | $15.

by Jesse L. Brooks

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Life + Style

With Disney’s live-action version of their beloved classic ‘Beauty and The Beast’ finally hitting the big screen this month (March 17th to be exact), we couldn’t resist putting together our very own enchanting rendition of Belle’s unforgettable look. Our ensemble is a modern day couture fairytale, staying true to the key elements, while adding a little high fashion to the mix.

Without question, the most important piece to Belle’s look is her princess worthy yellow gown. Isabel Sanchis’ Panare Apois gown is constructed of cascading layers of silk and tulle, framed with a structured bodice in a crowning shade of buttery yellow.

Unlike Cinderella, we never really get a good glimpse of Belle’s shoes, but we figured any magical pair has to have a little sparkle on them. Gold-tone leather ‘Belle’ (how fitting!) sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti Design feature an open toe, metallic sheen, crystal embellishments, and a strappy design with a branded insole.

Belle is a low-key girl, so she doesn’t wear a lot of bling. A pair of simple diamond studs are more than enough to add a little frosting.

One accessory that this Disney Princess did love was a pair of matching long opera gloves. Belle lives in France, so it only makes sense that her ballroom attire would be a bit on the regal side.

One of the biggest stars of the romantic tale is often forgotten because...well, it doesn’t speak. The glass domed rose that with each fallen petal determines the time the Beast has left to find true love is a vital part of the story. This Judith Leiber clutch is reminiscent of that very flower, and makes for one beautiful bag.

Belle didn’t wear a ton of makeup, but she is most remembered for big brown doe eyes and thick long lashes. A pair of falsies by House of Lashes are excellent for giving that very effect. Plus, this particular set is part of a Disney collaboration.

This obviously isn’t a look for every day, but if you have a formal event on the horizon, or maybe a Disney themed gala, or just enjoy dressing up like we do, this outfit is perfect to put your magic to the test, and be one stylish guest!

by Jesse L. Brooks

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FAMILY

Family Cares Spotlight: Legacy All Sports

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Super Mom: Jenna Mitchell

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In The Buf: Bugs, Hairballs & Spider Webs

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Parties: St. Patty’s Day Sweetness

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Pets: What is a Pet Specialist?

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White, Greer & Maggard

Family

ALL SPORTS

O

n a typical Saturday, Legacy All Sports is buzzing with excited tots in sparkly leotards waiting for a turn on the balance beam, prancing dancers in tutus, boys testing their muscles on the challenging pommel horse, and cheerleaders lined up to defy gravity in stunts.

With more than 1,600 students enrolled, Legacy has the largest recreational and competitive program in Kentucky for both boys and girls.

The club reaches a wide range of ages, skill levels and interests, which allows spectators to see several different activities occurring at the same time. Legacy prides itself in not only helping develop high level athletes, but also by giving equal care and attention to its vibrant recreational program.

Due to a thriving partnership with White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics, Legacy is able to go above and beyond with programs and services they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. In addition to hosting a gym for young gymnasts and dancers, nearly 350 children partake in other programs such as the traveling after-school program, Carousel Kidz and Open Gyms. Legacy owner, Linice Kaiser, is especially proud of Carousel Kidz, a program that caters to special needs children. Carousel Kidz offers one-on-one lessons with staff that has experience with children with autism, sensory issues, physical and mental handicaps.

Even if kids don’t plan on being competitive gymnasts, the foundation that gymnastics builds will provide a physical edge and preparation for any activity. The club strives to incorporate strong teamwork, discipline, mental focus and work ethic in all of its athletes, from the youngest to the most experienced. “When we started in 2007, we had 250 students total,” recalled Kaiser, “Programs have continued to grow based on the needs of our families and expertise of our staff.” This year alone, Legacy will send more than 250 gymnasts to the state all-around championships. They have also sent several female and male athletes to the U.S. Olympic Training Center through the TOPS

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Family

and Elite training programs offered by USA Gymnastics. “Gymnastics is an awesome sport that can lead to so much more in life and we are proud to really offer every type of training. Our goal is to develop the child in many aspects of their life through athletics and strong role models,” Kaiser said, “we have grown over the past 10 years to a full family experience with activities and athletic training for all ages and abilities.”

Legacy took over ownership of the innovative High Intensity Training Center, that sits directly next to the club’s team training facility.

“HIT” at Legacy All Sports offers cutting edge group and personal training and can work with athletes in any sport, from amateur to professional. The HIT gym contains everything a client would expect to see in an Olympic caliber sports training facility or fitness research center. Legacy also offers cheerleading, dance teams, and a unique Adult Fitnastics program. No matter the age or skill level, Legacy can accommodate anyone. Participants can try out a class for free, and there are many scheduling options available. Athletes can start any time — from the youngest to the oldest!

Legacy’s scholarship program is also an important focus in providing services for youth that might not be able to participate in extracurricular sports and activities outside of school. Legacy has been committed to bettering the community whether it be through sports, education, or extracurriculars.

www.wgmortho.com | www.legacyallsports.com

Join Us for Saturday Open Gym! Every Saturday 6:00-9:00 PM $15 per participant

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Family

Jenna Mitchell Jenna Ramsey Mitchell, wife to Matthew Mitchell, head coach for the University of Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team, and mom to Saylor, Presley and step-daughter, Lacy, is inspired every day by her daughters to be a super mom.

“I want to give my daughters the best foundation possible, so that they can live their best life,” said Jenna. “I want them to be kind, honest, hardworking, positive, forgiving, confident and humble.”

Written by Sarah Boerkircher | Photos courtesy of Jenna Mitchell

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I want to give them the best foundation possible to be the best people and live their best life.

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Like so many moms, Jenna often finds herself struggling with keeping her patience and being present. One thing that has helped her be a “super mom” is to remember that every single day is a gift.

“I have recognized that when I am well-rested, I can be a better mom, so I try to take care of myself first,” she said. “Also, in a world of instant communication, I think it is easy to get distracted and lose opportunities to spend time with my girls.”

The Mitchells prioritize family time and can be seen at all University of Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball home games. They enjoy traveling, swimming, skiing, basketball and dance parties in their living room. Jenna said that her favorite moments are watching Saylor and Presley play and laugh together.

“I love their questions, their cuddles and their personalities. Since day one, Saylor has had the sweetest soul and Presley is hilarious.

Saylor will hug you and Presley will make you laugh. What else do you need besides love and laughter?”

By staying organized and having schedules, Jenna and her family keep a routine. When asked what a day in the life of a super mom looks like, she said, “Well, I get up and put my cape and tights on (AKA Nike’s and lulu’s). Then I have a bullet proof coffee, wake the girls up and get them ready for school, which is always filled with laughter and cheer… kidding of course! Seriously, if I get up in time and we aren’t rushing, it CAN be pleasant. I drop them off, work out, get about an hour of alone time (much needed), pick them up, lunch, play-time… then depending on the day, it could be dance or Saylor’s or daddy’s basketball game.” Pheww, we were tired just thinking about it all.

Family

Jenna explained that she couldn’t be a “super mom” and balance all of life’s obligations without her super team.

“Batman has Robin, peanut butter has jelly, Jordan had Pippen, and I have my assistant coach, my husband, and my team,” she said. “I was so resistant to getting help and insisted on doing it all alone, but I am so happy I listened to Matthew and got some help. I am a better mom, and what I didn’t see coming was the love these people would bring. I am so grateful to the team I have helping me be my version of ‘super mom.’”

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Life + Style

by Buffy Lawson Relationship Veteran

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Family

by Deanna Talwalkar Party Planner Extraordinaire

2 Envelopes Gelatin 1/2 cup cold water 1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups of ginger ale 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped raspberries/strawberries

2 oranges, peeled & chopped 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pineapple 2 kiwis, peeled and chopped 1/2 to 3/4 cup blueberries 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped purple grapes

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Family

W

hen we become ill, we go to the doctor. We do the same for our pets. When they become sick or injured, we take them to see their veterinarian. However, sometimes our pet’s medical condition may be complex and require advanced medical skills, technologies, and/or treatment. This is often when your general veterinarian will recommend you take your pet to a board-certified veterinary specialist.

Most pet owners are unaware that veterinary specialists exist and the question arises, “What makes a veterinary specialist special?” First, it is important to know that a veterinary specialist will not replace your general vet. A veterinary specialist will work with you and your general vet to coordinate the best quality of care available. Veterinary specialists often have access to advanced technologies and treatments that may not be available through your general vet. Furthermore, cutting-edge specialty hospitals often provide your general vet with 24-hour, online access to your pet’s medical record - keeping them up to date almost in real time about your pet’s condition. However, this still doesn’t answer the question - what makes a veterinary specialist special?

Like your general vet, after earning a bachelor’s degree, a veterinary specialists must earn a degree from an accredited veterinary school, pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), and obtain a license from the state governing board in which the veterinarian practices. This process takes four years to complete. General veterinarians will often then go straight to work providing vital wellness care, vaccinations, and perform routine, sick exams and surgical procedures, such as spays and neuters. However, a licensed veterinarian wishing to become a board-certified veterinary specialist must also complete an internship, sometimes two, and a residency after attending vet school.

Depending on the specialty of choice, a veterinary residency program takes three to four years to complete. During this time, residency programs re-

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quire residents to complete medical research projects, publish professional academic articles, participate in and occasionally lead daily rounds and weekly formal conferences, and pass a comprehensive general examination, all while receiving intensive clinical training and providing skill-appropriate medical care to their patients. Residency programs are intense. They are not for the faint-hearted. The workweeks are very long (sometimes 50+ hours) and their average pay can range from only $10-15 an hour.

Even after these five to seven additional years of training, the requirements to become a board-certified veterinary specialist are not complete. The residency-trained veterinarian must then pass their specialty board-certifying exams. These consist of multiple intensive exams given over a number of days. Once passed, only then may a veterinarian be called a board-certified veterinary specialist or Diplomat of their respective specialty college.

A board-certified veterinary specialist is identifiable by the letters that follow their name. For example, a veterinarian board certified in internal medicine will have the letters – DACVIM - follow their name. Likewise, a small animal board-certified veterinary surgeon will have the letters – DACVS-SA. Today, there are greater than 20 recognized veterinary specialty organizations and more than 40 different veterinary specialties, some of which include internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, and zoological medicine.

Hopefully, your pet will live a long, healthy life and never need the services of a veterinary specialist. However, should you ever think your pet is in need of a referral or your general vet recommends one, rest assured in knowing that Lexington has been home to a fantastic group of local veterinary specialists for over 10 years; and they will be happy to work with you and your general vet to give your fur baby the extra-special care they deserve!

Erica Radhakrishnan Hospital Administrator, BVS

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EQUINE

Filly of the Month: Vicki Wilson

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Colt of the Month: Alex Riddle

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Horse Park Happenings

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Filly of the

Month:

Vicki

Wilson

by Jen Roytz | Photos courtesy Vicki Wilson

There are a countless number of ways to get one’s start in the horse business, but training sheep is far from the most common. That is exactly how world-renowned rider, trainer and 2017 Road to the Horse competitor Vicki Wilson got her start and it seems to have paid off in spades.

Wilson is a well-known horse trainer and Grand Prix show jumping competitor with aspirations to one day compete in the World Equestrian Games and Olympics. She has made a name for herself in her native New Zealand for her ability to spot talent and potential in horses and has retrained everything from wild ponies to problem horses into top level jumpers and safe riding mounts.

This March, she has her eyes set on a unique prize. In the first-ever all female Road to the Horse, Wilson and her fellow competitors will take an unbroken three-year-old horse and, over the course of three days, show her horsemanship skills in training it to be ridden and perform in front of an arena full of spectators.

Horses are a Family Affair While it’s been many years since Wilson got her start training the family sheep how to be ridden, the knack she has for not only getting animals to do what she asks, but to enjoy doing it, has served her well.

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With a specialty in show jumping, which requires a rider to jump a set course of obstacles within an allotted time or to complete the course in the fastest time in a speed round, Wilson’s talent was noticed early on in her career. She has represented her country as part of winning Trans Tasman Young Rider teams on three different occasions and she has competed on the Grand Prix circuit for years in New Zealand and Europe, where horses and riders are asked to clear fences, often set at heights of five feet or more.

Wilson has won a record eight Nationwide Cup and five Lowry Medallion titles, which is more than anyone in the history of either event, as well as a slew of Grand Prix events and national year-end awards.

With such prestigious accomplishments in the show ring where many of the horses she competes against (or even aboard) are valued in the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars, it is a surprising juxtaposition that another one of Wilson’s passions is rescuing and retraining wild horses.

Along with her sisters Kelly and Amanda, who are both accomplished equestrians in their own right, Wilson has gained worldwide recognition for her work with Kaimanawa horses, which run wild in rural New Zealand. Descendants of army horses and do-

Equine

mestic farm escapees on New Zealand’s North Island, Kaimanawa horses share similar traits, and a similar plight, with American Mustangs. Living on the Kaimanawa Range, the horses numbers have proliferated to the point which their food sources – the surrounding forage – cannot sustain them. Thus, members of the growing herd are routinely rounded up by the country’s Department of Conversation every other year. While some are able to be re-homed and retrained as riding horses, those that go un-adopted are sent to slaughter.

In an effort to raise awareness and demand for these horses, Wilson and her sisters have gone mainstream with their efforts to help and promote them. They have now worked with more than 30 Kaimanawa horses, putting foundational training into them in order to transition them into productive domestic lives. They have also raised awareness of these horses through their top-rated television show, Keeping Up with the Kaimanawas.

Their efforts have paid off, as in 2016 every horse rounded up by the Department of Conversation found an adoptive home – the first time no horse from the roundup had been sent to slaughter in the 20 years since the program’s inception.

The sisters have also expanded their mission to include work on behalf of Mustangs in the U. S. and wild Brumbies in Australia. In 2015 they took part in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, a training competition in which trainers have 100 days to tame and train a wild Mustang, presenting their horses and training feats for judges and an enthusiastic crowd of thousands. The following year the sisters were invited to compete in the Australian Brumby Challenge, a similar event featuring the training of wild Brumby horses over 150 days by some of that country’s top trainers. The Wilson sisters were the first-ever New Zealanders invited to compete.

Road to the Horse This March Wilson will compete without her sisters by her side in the popular Road to the Horse. A training competition similar to the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Australian Brumby Challenge, competitors each choose a horse from a herd of untouched 3-year-old

American Quarter Horse colts provided by the famed 6666 Ranch.

Whereas in the other training competitions mentioned competitors have several months to work with their horses, at the Road to the Horse, known as the World Championship of Colt Starting, competitors only have three days to work with their chosen horses. At the conclusion of the competition, many of the horses are offered for sale to the public.

While traditionally the trainers competing in the Road to the Horse have been predominantly male, this year for the first time since the event’s inception in 2003 it will be an all-cowgirl lineup of trainers.

The Road to the Horse is the brain child of lifelong horse lovers Steven and Tootie Bland in an effort to share with audiences the relationship that can be built between horse and human. Originally held in Fort Worth Texas, the inaugural edition of the challenge saw thenemerging celebrity horse trainer Clinton Anderson win the title. In his winning performance, Anderson worked with the colt on the ground, then in the saddle and through obstacles, showing off all the horse had learned in the three days leading up to the competition’s finale. In a memorable conclusion that clinched the title, Anderson stood on his colt’s back and cracked his Australian bull whip in the air as the colt stood quietly beneath him.

Due to its growing popularity, the Road to the Horse moved to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena in 2013, where it has remained ever since. Throughout the weekend spectators can watch each trainer work with her horse for each of three allotted training sessions, which are an hour and forty-five minutes each on Friday and Saturday and forty-five minutes on Sunday as part of the finale.

In addition to the training and competition itself, spectators can also peruse a robust vendor area featuring apparel, tack, training equipment, jewelry, home goods, hats, artwork and more. Throughout the weekend there will also be numerous riding demonstrations, training clinics by world-renowned horse trainers (including TOPS February Colt of the Month and 2012 Road to the Horse Champion Dan James) and more.•

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Colt of the

Month:

Alex

Riddle

by Jen Roytz | Photo by Keni Parks

Following in one’s family footsteps is something held in very high regard to Alex Riddle. The son of Tom Riddle, half of the founding partnership behind Lexington’s Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and one of the most prominent names in veterinary medicine in North America, the younger Riddle has grown up steeped in the horse industry.

His family’s commitment to community involvement, charity and hometown pride have shaped Riddle’s professional and personal goals. Recently, that has included not only renovating a historic home in downtown Versailles, but also purchasing a storefront in the town’s center from which he and his wife plan to launch several Kentucky-branded businesses.

Family is Everything Raised on his family’s farm in Versailles, Riddle learned very quickly what hard work looked like. “My dad worked long days, going from farm to farm to care for clients’ horses. No matter how busy he was, he always found a way to make it home for dinner,” said Riddle. “Many times he went back out after we were done eating to finish his day, but always made us a priority and that made a huge impression on me.”

While Riddle, one of three children, was surrounded by all things equine, his interests growing up laid elsewhere, mainly on the sport of football. “All I ever wanted to do was play football growing up, but I was a lot bigger than most kids my age and my mom was scared I’d hurt them, so my mom wouldn’t let me play until the other kids were as big as me.”

Riddle eventually got to play and was part of his school’s first football team. He even played at Centre College.

“We got slaughtered in every game those first few years [at Lexington Christian Academy]. It was definitely a characterbuilding experience to keep going out and

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Equine giving it your best week after week,” said Riddle. “Between that and my father, I think that’s where I get my work ethic and drive.”

Volunteerism and giving back to the community was a big part of Riddle’s upbringing. He became involved with mission trips while in high school. He traveled several times to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. Locally, the family donated their time, resources and money to a variety of causes, including churches in Spanish-speaking or lower income neighborhoods.

“It was always about helping out however we could,” said Riddle.

“My parents taught us to give what we could, and when you’re in high school all you really have to give is time and labor, so we gave a lot of that.”

Once in college, Riddle was asked by his high school to lead a mission trip to Haiti. Little did he know the experience would have lasting effects on his life’s purpose.

A Multicultural Career Though he had traveled to impoverished parts of the world before, he had never seen a country with such great need and such few means as Haiti. Once back in the states, he realized his perspective and priorities had been forever changed. He had a hard time re-adjusting to his life as a college student when others in Haiti were truly living each day to simply survive.

He accepted an internship at Alltech, which has facilities in more than 100 countries, working initially on the World Equestrian Games and later on the corporation’s Haitian coffee venture. While the internship was meant to be in addition to his studies, he found himself becoming focused more on work than academics.

“I’ve always loved to work and while I was supposed to just be an intern, I worked so much overtime that it turned into a full time job,” he explained. “At the same time, I was taking a month off each summer to go to Haiti and volunteer. Providentially, the two separate parts of my life and career were brought together by the earthquake in Haiti.

Dr. Lyons decided to explore ways to be active in Haiti and learned that he already had someone working for him who had experience in the country and spoke a bit of Creole, so he recruited me to join the Haitian coffee team.”

Riddle thrived in his role at Alltech, feeling a sense of purpose in giving back to a country that had affected him so profoundly. At the same time, he transferred his college credits to the University of Kentucky and later to Georgetown College and completed his degree while working full time.

After four years with Alltech, Riddle transitioned to Rood and Riddle, first working alongside his father as his technician.

“I always thought I knew what hard work was and what my dad did, but spending 12 to 14 hours a day–every day–riding with him from farm to farm for a breeding season truly taught me how much you can get done in a day and how hard you can really work,” said Riddle.

As the breeding season in 2012 closed out, Riddle transitioned into the office, taking over public relations responsibilities for the prac-

tice. “Our public relations director was retiring after 20 years and I was asked to fill in short-term. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did and I ended up staying in that position for two years until I transitioned to my current role overseeing the marketing and sales for the practice’s growing pharmacy,” he explained. “I guess a common theme in my career has been that I’ve constantly found myself in positions I’ve never been in before – kind of thrown into the deep end – and I’ve found that I enjoy that type of challenge.”

Devoted to His Community Riddle and his wife of six years, Emily, share a passion for renovation, restoration and everything vintage. Her Miss Molly Vintage, which can currently be found inside of Feather Your Nest as well as online, is a Southern-inspired lifestyle brand that encompasses everything from home décor to clothing, accessories, a food blog and more.

“Her business is actually more like twelve businesses together under one brand. She does interior decorating, sourcing home goods from around the region, finding unique pieces of furniture or clothing and more. She’s built it from scratch. It’s very inspiring,” said Riddle.

Sharing a passion for taking something old and breathing new life into it, the couple decided to try their hand at home renovation and last year purchased a historic home in downtown Versailles.

“There were no floors in the house and no foundation. It was pretty run down. It was a fun project for us to do together and to put pieces of both of us into it, and we found we work quite well together in that regard. We couldn’t be happier with the end result; it’s perfectly us,” said Riddle.

While working on their home, the couple noticed an old building– formerly a bank, and later used as an annex for the city’s courthouse– near the center of town. Emily had been planning to open a standalone store for Miss Molly Vintage and she and Alex both share a strong sense of purpose for wanting to support and enhance their community and the revitalization of downtown Versailles.

“Woodford Country, and specifically Versailles, has been my home for my entire life and Emily has now fallen in love with it as well.

It feels like old-school Kentucky,” said Riddle, who, with his wife, closed on the purchase of the building in early 2017.

Plans for the building include retail space for Miss Molly Vintage, which will allow the business to expand into featuring more items and collections from local makers. It will also house a coffee shop and a high-end tap room and wine bar, with office space on the second floor. Plans call for a soft opening in the summer, with the larger grand opening in October during the Keeneland Fall Race Meet.

“While the city is starting to skew toward national chains on the outskirts of town, Downtown Versailles still has a lot of local businesses and restaurants. We want to support those by doing our part to bring more people into our community, both as customers and business owners,” said Riddle. “Like so many towns throughout Kentucky and the country, Versailles is balancing modernization with old-town charm, and we want to be part of seeing the city thrive without losing any bit of that charm.”•

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Horse Park Happenings March is always a time of transition: the weather is changing, the first buds of spring are peeking out and events at the Kentucky Horse Park start ramping up for the year! Get a head start on the spring season by heading out to the park and enjoying all the fun that’s just waiting to be discovered.

Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show One of Central Kentucky’s most anticipated home and garden events returns to the Kentucky Horse Park March 3rd – 5th. More than 80 exhibitors will feature fine antiques, art, flowers, collectibles, vintage silver, stunning jewelry, garden vignettes and so much more. Daily lectures, a Kentucky Treasures Exhibit and a silent auction make this an event that’s worth a day (or two!) of browsing.

Proceeds benefit the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. Visit bgantiquesandgardenshow.org to learn more or make reservations for Friday’s keynote speaker, Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet.

Fayette County Farm Bureau Farm Equipment Consignment Auction This fun auction is open to the public, and will be one any homeowner, farmer or farming enthusiast won’t want to miss! Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from auctioned items will go to the Fayette County Farm Bureau Education Foundation. Head to the park on Saturday, March 11th from 8:30am-5pm.

See More:

Road to the Horse The 2017 World Championship of Colt Starting will be an event that simply can’t be missed! See elite clinicians from around the world face off for a chance at the title on March 23rd – March 26th at the Alltech Arena. Learn more about this fascinating event at roadtothehorse.com.

Man o’ War at 100: The Mostest Horse That Ever Was Celebrate Man o’ War’s 100th birthday with the International Museum of the Horse’s amazing exhibit. Experience the story of the life and career of the incredible horse, and all the people who worked with him. Man o’ War’s legacy is unmatched. The exhibit debuts on March 29th and runs until the first Sunday in November.

But don’t wait! This is a big year for Big Red, and crowds will grow as the weather warms up. Visit imh.org to learn more about how he became the mostest!

Save the Date: The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event This prestigious event returns April 27th – 30th with competitors from across the globe. “The Best Weekend All Year” is an event with much to see, buy, taste and enjoy. Visit rk3de.org to purchase tickets or learn more about the RK3DE, one of only six Four-Star Three-Day Events in the world and the only one in the Western Hemisphere!

There are more great events to discover! Visitkyhorsepark.com for a complete listing of all the upcoming Horse Park Happenings, and be sure to visitTOPSinLex.com/calendar for more great events around town and all over Central Kentucky!

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COMMUNITY

Andrea Nasfell: From the Bluegrass to Hollywood

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Sports: The Rules of Fandom

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Sports: Bring on March Madness!

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What’s New, Kentucky?

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Calendar: Lex in the City

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Community

Andrea Nasfell: From the Bluegrass to Hollywood

by Kathie Stamps | photos courtesy Andrea Nasfell

Did you see the movie Moms’ Night Out a couple of years ago?

If you laughed at the lighthearted comedy, thank a Kentuckian.

Asbury grad Andrea Nasfell co-wrote the screenplay to Moms’ Night Out. She has solo screenwriting credit for the recent nationwide release, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, starring Brett Dalton and Anjelah Johnson. It will be coming out on DVD in April.

When Californians ask her about Kentucky, she tells them about the rolling hills, amazing sunsets, warm people and the green everywhere. “We don’t have a lot of green in L.A.!” She adds, “It’s definitely a place of peace for me.”

“It took about seven years from the time I first talked to the original producer about the project until the time it was released,” Nasfell said of the Gavin Stone film. “It took a strange mix of partners to get this project going—a church outside Chicago, WWE Films (yes, the wrestling company!), Blumhouse (primarily horror film distributors) and Walden Media all came together for the release.”

Nasfell grew up in Virginia, but lived in Wilmore, Kentucky, for two years during elementary school. She returned to the Bluegrass after high school to attend Asbury College, which was renamed Asbury University in 2010. She graduated in 1995 with a degree in media communication.

She was on set for a few days, “which is always a blast, to see your imagination come to life,” she said. “As writers, our job is very isolated, so it’s a wonderful experience to visit the set and see a huge team of people making it all happen.”

Considering herself lucky to travel to different movie shoots, Nasfell has also been on set in Alabama, Alaska, Illinois, Louisiana and Illinois. “Nothing in Kentucky yet, but I’m working on it,” she said.

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Asbury’s School of Communication Arts is housed in a $12.6 million center, designed with help of Hollywood professionals. According to Brad Johnson, director of marketing and communications at Asbury University, Asbury alumni have worked on 150 films (with 57 Academy Awards nominations and 16 wins) and 300 network television productions (winning almost 50 Emmy Awards).

For exemplifying academic excellence and spiritual vitality, Nasfell received an alumni award called the “A-Award” from Asbury in 2015.

Community After college, Nasfell stayed in Wilmore and Central Kentucky until moving to California in 2000.

During those five years in the Bluegrass, she took creative writing classes and produced an independent film with her husband, producer Brady Nasfell. They had production assistance from Asbury students.

In 1999, she attended a month-long program in Los Angeles called Act One. It was during that screenwriting intensive that she got good feedback and encouragement to give Hollywood a shot.

Once in L.A., Nasfell did some promo writing, web design and other freelance work, and in between, she and her husband had two kids. She kept up her screenwriting and by 2010, her first produced movie was released, making her one of the many “10-year overnight successes” in Hollywood. It’s so true, that “it can take 10 years of hard work and making connections to get any kind of traction,” she explained.

Along with several TV movies, another screenplay she wrote was “Christmas With a Capital C”.

Nasfell grew up always wanting to be a writer. “At first I wanted to be a novelist, but I fell in love with movies in high school,” she said, “and realized that someone had to write those. Why not me?”

In 2013 Nasfell started bi-yearly treks to Kentucky, visiting her parents in Lexington and dear friends in Central Kentucky. She also worked on getting her MFA in writing at Spalding University in Louisville. “I did that to improve my skills but also so that I would have the credential to teach,” she said.

“I fell in love with movies in high school, and realized that someone had to write those. Why not me?”

Nasfell just can’t get Asbury out of her blood, so when she earned that master of fine arts degree in 2015, she was thrilled to be accepted as a screenwriter instructor for Asbury University’s online “Masters of Digital Storytelling” program.

These days in Los Angeles, she is writing up a storm and her husband is producing television. She’s currently working on a Christmas movie for MarVista Entertainment and Paulist Productions. She also has a few other finished scripts that are in the pipeline to be produced.

“We are lucky that we get to go back because of family and continued ties to Asbury,” Nasfell said. “I like to listen to the Asbury University chapel podcasts to hear what is happening on campus and to remember being there. It’s encouraging and keeps me grounded.”•

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Community

Sports: The rules of fandom (and other lessons i will teach my son) You read that right, devoted readers. At the ripe young age of 40, I somehow managed to sneak one past the goal keeper to continue the Johnson line. Baby Jake Johnson will arrive in August, kicking and screaming and being awesome for all the world to behold. I must say, I do worry for my dear, sweet wife. I was a ten pound baby. I haven’t grown much since, but still…these things tend to be hereditary.

As the title suggests, these are the important BBN and life lessons I will attempt to pass along to Baby Jake:

1. I don’t care how good your grades are: you’re not going to Duke.

You’re also not going to Louisville.

2.

Ed Davender is the most underrated Kentucky player of all time.

Second would have to be Keith Bogans.

20. I don’t understand rap, so good luck with that.

21. Be sure your ring tone is the Kentucky fight song. Chicks dig that.

If they don’t, they weren’t worth it anyway.

22. The 2012 national championship team would beat the

3. Mommy is always right.

4. Open doors for women. Help little old ladies

1996 national championship team. You’ll be in the minority, so have your facts ready.

23.

Anthony Davis is the greatest Kentucky basketball player of all time, even though he only played one season.

with their groceries. Always let your girlfriend walk in front. Stand when a lady leaves the table. These things matter.

5. Pick a school and stick with them. Don’t be

24. No matter what, don’t argue to win an argument: argue to solve the conflict. There’s a big difference.

that guy that says “well, I like Florida State in football, but I like Kansas in basketball...”

6. Demarcus Cousins is misunderstood.

7. Your Granny makes the best

25. I once called for Mark Stoops to be fired. I apologized. I hope he’s still the head coach when you turn 18.

fried chicken on the planet.

26.

Your first beer needs to be Budweiser in a bottle. It’s a “man thing”.

8.

Your Aunt Carrie will literally run through a wall for you if you get in trouble.

27.

I hope you get to see Kentucky football win an SEC Championship in your lifetime. Hell, I hope I see one, too. Maybe this will be our first father/son road trip, no ladies allowed. (Sorry, Mommy.)

9. Your brother Will is an expert

on all things Playstation 4. Listen and learn.

10. I really hope you get my sense of humor and wit.

11. I really hope you don’t get my nose and beer gut.

28. T-Ball is the greatest sport of all time.

12. Did I mention that Mommy is always right?

29. If I kept my Star Wars curtains, my Star Wars bed sheets, my Star Wars toys and my Star Wars shirts, I would give them to you.

13. Cheer for Kentucky football first. Kentucky basketball will always be great (as long as Billy Gillispie 2.0 doesn’t happen...)

30. Your “Not Really an Aunt” Aunt Becca is weird and she can’t drive.

14. Be generous at your tailgate. Don’t mooch and don’t be cheap.

31. MOMMY IS ALWAYS RIGHT. 15. Bourbon is proof that God favors Kentucky.

16. Your Grandmother Johnson might squeeze you to death when 32. Always wear Kentucky gear to any you’re a baby.

17. Your Grandfather Johnson will tease you a lot. Don’t worry. That’s just his way of showing he loves you.

Kentucky sports function. Remember, you’re not going to prom: be comfortable and show off your blue.

18. Take your hat off when indoors. It doesn’t matter how messy your 33. Put the lid down after you go potty.

34. Share and help people if they need it… hair is.

19. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin and U2 are re- 35. …unless they are Duke or Louisville quired listening.

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fans.

by Drew Johnson Sports Junkie

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Community

Sports:

Bring on march

madness!

If you are a basketball fan, there is no better time of the year than March. The conference tournaments and the NCAA tournament are always the best entertainment of the year.

If you are a UK basketball fan, March Madness is like a month-long holiday. It’s a special time when we can all bond together in support of our favorite teams.

The SEC tournament has become a favorite of UK fans to attend.

Whether it’s in Atlanta or Nashville, Big Blue Nation comes in full force to support the Cats. Lots of families now take vacation time and pull their kids out of school just to attend.

The streets of downtown Nashville are filled with blue and white, and you usually can’t take 5 steps without hearing someone start the “C-A-T-S” cheer. Tickets are often hard to find, but just walk up and down Broadway during a UK game at the SEC tourney and every single bar and restaurant is filled with UK fans who can’t go to the game but still want to be a part of the “experience”.

That’s what it’s all about: the “experience”. It’s a great feeling when you can bond and join your fellow fans in celebrating your team winning a tournament game.

For those who are able to get tickets, they will confirm that the atmosphere inside the arena is better than anywhere else because these are the fans that normally can’t get tickets to Rupp Arena to see the Cats in Lexington. It’s a different crowd, and I have always argued, the SEC crowd is a more excited one.

When it comes to the NCAA tournament, it doesn’t matter if Kentucky is playing in Des Moines, Iowa, or New York City... blue gets in! Wherever we play, we paint it “blue”. It’s a fun and exciting time!

Most years, Kentucky enters March as a favorite to make a Final Four run. However, it’s the years when Kentucky makes an unexpected run at a Final Four that seems to be far more enjoyable.

UK’s run to the 1998 National Championship is still one of my all

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time favorite periods to be a UK fan, because nobody thought the Cats could even come close to making a Final Four. We all know the history of that season; they lost at home to Ole Miss at Rupp Arena on Valentine’s Day, but then didn’t lose again. The “Comeback Cats” also had to come from behind to beat Duke in the Elite 8, Stanford in the Final Four, and then come from behind again in the National Championship game against Utah.

Remember how we all rejoiced during the 2011 March Madness run? Nobody thought that the Brandon Knight led UK team could ever even get close to reaching the Final Four that year. Yet, Knight, Jorts and the Cats got hot and made an incredible run that included a last second win over Princeton and upsets over heavily-favored Ohio State and North Carolina.

Then in 2014, UK fans started the season by having dreams of going 40-0 that year, only to watch the team struggle at times, especially during the SEC season. However, the Harrison twins and Julius Randle got rolling at the right time and went on a run that became one of the best in UK basketball history. It started with James Young hitting a late 3 to knock off undefeated and number one seed Wichita State. Then, we all have fond memories of Aaron Harrison hitting last second 3-pointers to beat Louisville, Michigan and Wisconsin to propel the Cats to the NCAA championship game.

The “magic” that happens during March Madness is what makes it special. It’s why we watch. It’s why we sweat out the close games, and celebrate the big wins. It brings us together as a fan base–the best fan base in the country.

So what will this year’s March Madness bring for the Cats? Will we see another big run towards a championship? We all hope so. I can’t wait!

Let’s tip it up and see what happens...

by Ryan Lemond Kentucky Sports Radio/WLAP

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We Bleed Blue

Welcome to the

NATION

BBN

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We Bleed Blue

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We Bleed Blue

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We Bleed Blue

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We Bleed Blue

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PHOTOS Bluegrass Sports Awards

Lexington Center | February 1st | bluegrasssports.org | Photos by Michael Huang

Pat & Jim Host

Billy Reed and Tom Hammond

John Y. Brown

Collier Mills and Vince Bingham

Don Lane

Lamar Jackson

Jim Gray

Tom & Sheilagh Hammond

Gary Ball and Brigid DeVries

Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey

Laura D’Angelo and Phil Holoubek

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PHOTOS Shinnenkai

Governor’s Mansion | January 27th | jask.org | Photos by Keni Parks

Debra Faulk and Reginald Thomas

Sho Chiku Bai

Brian & Amanda Clark

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Kaori Tashiro and Michael Lamsfuss

Houston & Dolores Hall

Masami Kinefuchi

Susan Elkington, Rita Catlett, Nancy Fulks and Madelyn Higdon

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Miki Ogasawara, Bill Marshall and Moe Ogasawara

Matt Bevin

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PHOTOS Chinese New Year

Lexington Opera House | February 4th | kycaa.org | Photos by Keni Parks

Jieyun Jiang, Yanfen Chen, Changzheng Wang and Tao You

Weilin Lu and Cheryl Pan

Chi Shen, Xiaohong Song and Mingjun Zhao

Tuoyin Ao and Chenguang Yuy

Rainbow dance troupe

Dragon Dance, UKCi and STEAM Academy

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Mark Liu, Jie Chen and Yanli Ji

Mr. and Mrs. Li Zhen

Huangmei opera by Youlin Zhang

Yanlin Newman

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PHOTOS Heart Ball Benefiting The American

eart Association | Le ington Center | ebruary 3rd | heart.org

Chasity

Chantel

Mark Stoops, Jennifer

Paul ester

Joe Palumbo

Jen Royt , Stuart Brown and Missie Wood

Dan

Cassondra Koett

Christa

Josh Marrillia

Robert

Dingus Childers, Don ishback, Masten Childers and Robin ishback

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Kristy Salley

Rachel urnish, Tonya Chang and Jennifer bert

Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

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PHOTOS Heart Ball

Benefiting The American

eart Association | Le ington Center | ebruary 3rd | heart.org

Noelle Dick and Ann Bakhaus

Melissa & Brian Dickey

Darby Turner

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Bob Babbage, Sylvia Cerel-Suhl, Laura Babbage, Susan Mullineaux, Jeremiah Suhl and Don Mullineaux

Lisa & Camden Skidmore

Magdelene Karon, John Stewart, Michele Ripley and Barry Stumbo

Laura & David Slone

Louis & Bennett Prichard

Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

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PHOTOS Heart Ball Benefiting The American

eart Association | Le ington Center | ebruary 3rd | heart.org

Kevin Christopher and Dia Davidson

Darby

Charlotte Turner, Barbara

Bill Thomason, Pat

Jim ost

DeAnn Stephens and Jenna Mitchell

Dale isher, Jon Carloftis, Tomi Anne

Brett

Billie Jo Set er

Brandon Schleter, Sasha Bowlby and iki Dillman

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Royce Pulliam

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K College of Pharmacy olunteers

Photos by Keni Parks and Woody Phillips

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PHOTOS Bundle Up With Bourbon & Blues Benefiting

ospice of the Bluegrass | Keeneland | January

th

| hospicebg.org | Photos by Woody Phillips

ictor, Jordan and Susan nglish

Chad

Laura eltner, Jim

ran Sidwell, Michael

Lindsay Sims

Brent lliott, Mark

Blair ads and Robyn Miller

Tonya Campbell

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Glenn

Lisa Acree

Kara ass, Kim Livesay and Sarah raim

abity and Matt Preston

Lauren Sturgill, Mary ohon, Amanda Daugherty and olly odge

Michelle Atkins, Chasity and Jay Banick

Paul ester

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Community

What’s New,

Kentucky?

Jarred Paull with Traditional Bank Traditional Bank is excited to welcome Jarred Paull as a commercial loan officer at its Palomar Banking Center on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. Paull received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Kentucky and brings with him 13 years of banking experience.

“I love working in community banking, where decisions are made locally without having to navigate a corporate maze,” Paull said. “When a client puts their trust in me, I take it heart.”

Paull joins an experienced team of commercial lenders who serve the bank’s Fayette, Bourbon, Clark, Menifee and Montgomery County markets – and beyond. Whether a business is just getting off the ground, or is an established firm preparing for the “next big thing,” Traditional Bank provides custom solutions to help them grow.

Traditional Bank is not new to business banking. Their history began in 1902 when two banks were formed in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. The two banks merged in 1988 and that new bank would ultimately become Traditional Bank. Since that merger all of the bank’s growth has been organic with assets increasing from $117 million in 1988 to approximately $1.3 billion today.

859.296.0000 | TraditionalBank.com/Lenders | Find Traditional Bank on Facebook

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Community

Rector Hayden REALTORS® It’s a unique experience when a company dedicated to finding Central Kentuckians homes looks to find a new roost itself. But Rector Hayden REALTORS® got to do just that this past year.

For the last forty-seven years, Rector Hayden has served Lexington and Central Kentucky from various locations across the Bluegrass. The last five were spent watching the Beaumont Centre grow and thrive from their little nook across from the Kroger Shopping Center. But as they added more agents and services, Rector Hayden was outgrowing the space and looking for a change of scenery.

They found a wonderful spot on Duval Street, a little offshoot connecting Tates Creek Road to Saron Drive, just past the Man o’ War intersection. As you come over the hill at Redding Road, heading south on Tates Creek Road in the mornings, you can see the Rector Hayden sign glowing on top of the hill. Within the office, their floor-toceiling windows grant spectacular views of the creek valley and off in the distance, downtown’s towering “Big Blue” peeks over the treetops.

They chose a brand new building and customized it to feature state of the art technology and networking capabilities, along with multi-functioning spaces perfect for meetings, conferences, seminars and more.

The Rector Hayden team is proud to have created an incredible space, allowing their amazing agents to have top of the line amenities and technology to continue serving their clients as the Favorite Real Estate Company of Lexington and Central Kentucky!

859.276.4811 | 1099 Duval St. #250 | RectorHayden.com

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March

MAR 5

AS SPRING arrives this month not only

will temperatures be warming up, so will our monthly calendar. From Grammy award winners to television superstars there is no lack of available entertainment. Beloved comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring their unique variety show to Louisville.

Where you will not only get your laughing fix for the evening, but will also be treated to a little Bluegrass music. Kentucky queen Loretta Lynn is still going strong, and will be performing some of her best known hits to what is sure to be a sold-out show. Sharp wit and charming humor join forces with An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen. On the stage, 80’s classic “Dirty Dancing” celebrates it’s 30th anniversary this year, and you can relive all the magic of Johnny and Baby at the EKU Center For The Arts. If you are more into home care than the arts, the Central Kentucky Home and Garden Show will be right up your alley. There is never a lack of fun activities for every personality type here in Central Kentucky and this month is no exception.

JESSE L. BROOKS Calendar Highlights

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Medium Cindy Kaza 7:15pm | Comedy Off Broadway Evidential mediumship is a style of mediumship practiced around the world that puts heavy weight on the medium’s ability to bring through the extremely specific evidence to the sitter. Cindy Kaza trained not only in the United States, but also at the Arthur Findlay School of Intuitive Sciences in Stansted, England. She believes in compassionately sharing her gift. If you yourself are interested in a psychic and mediumistic experience you won’t want to miss Cindy at work.

Blue Grass Trust’s 2017 Antiques and Garden Show 10 am-5pm | Alltech Arena

BridalFest 12pm-4pm | DoubleTree Suites by Hilton

MAR 7 Photographs by Doris Ulmann & Andy Warhol 10am-5pm | University of Kentucky Art Museum Separated by a half century, Doris Ulmann (18821934) and Andy Warhol (1928-1987) had profound aesthetic and philosophical differences, yet shared surprising common ground. Face Value is a unique opportunity to see their work together, revealing

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TOPSinLex.com/calendar_submission.php

Community

distinct approaches to portraiture, constructions of identity, and conceptions of art, classy, and society. Art lovers will not want to miss this exhibit featuring two unforgettable talents and their brilliant pieces of work.

MAR 10

Jay and Silent Bob Get Old 8pm-9:30pm | Lexington Center The hilarious duo Jay & Silent Bob are back. Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay Silent Bob from favorited films such as Dogma, Clerks, Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Chasing Amy. Now you can see them live recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old. This is a night of laughs you won’t want to pass up.

The Other Mozart 8pm | Weisiger Theatre - Norton Center for the Arts

Lexington Comic and Toy Convention 4pm | Lexington Convention Center

MAR 11 Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen 8pm | The Louisville Palace

[ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

The man who made Bravo! (Andy Cohen) and the man, the myth, the legend, Anderson Cooper, are coming to Louisville for an evening of discussions between one another and the audience. Both loaded with charm thank to their witty sense of charm, an evening with these two gentlemen is sure to deliver not a dull moment. VIP packages even include the opportunity to meet Anderson & Andy after the show. So what are you waiting for?

Come see these two great minds at work!

Winter Jam 6pm | Rupp Arena

Fayette Co. Farm Bureau Farm Equipment Consignment Auction 8:30am-6pm | Alltech Arena, KY Horse Park

MAR 12

Decades Rewind

7pm-9pm | Lexington Opera House Get ready to have your memories brought to life by an 8 piece band and 6 brilliant vocalists; surrounded by concert stage lighting, poignant videography of American culture, and over 100 period specific costume changes of the 0’s, 70’s and 80’s. Decades Rewind is a new theatrical music journey, unlike anything you’ve seen or heard before, rewinding through 30 years of the greatest music of our times!

This is one magical musical extravaganza you will never forget.

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Community

March

differences. First and foremost, Barefoot In The ark is clever and hilarious, filled with snappy dialogue and witty one-liners. This is one park’ you’re sure to enjoy taking a walk through.

Lex Brunch with Ben Lacy 10am-2pm | The Burl

MAR 15 Etta May

Nora Jones: Day Breaks World Tour

:15pm | Comedy Off Broadway

8pm | The Louisville alace

What’s the best way to describe Etta May “Minnie earl with a migraine. To put it simply, when Etta May takes the stage, she is the reigning ueen of Southern Sass. Born and raised in Bald Knob, Arkansas, Etta May grew up alongside nine older brothers, who referred to their baby sister as “the human sacrifice. There’s few things that beat a snarky Southern woman, and if that’s your cup of tea than make sure to reserve your tickets for a night of fun and laughter now.

Lex Brunch with Ben Lacy

After a four year wait, orah Jones has released her newest album “Day Breaks and has set out on the road to promote it. The the nine-time Grammy award winner and global sensation has tapped into her jazz roots with an album that features nine new original tracks, and a few covers from legends like eil oung, Horace Silver, and Duke Ellington. Hearing “Don’t Know Why live is reason enough to attend, so if you’re a orah fan run, don’t walk, before tickets sell out!

10am-2pm | The Burl

MAR 17 Neil Simon’s Barefoot In The Park 8pm | Lexington Opera House Brought to you by acclaimed playwright and humorist eil Simon, Corie and aul Bratter take us on their journey of love, understanding, and compromise in Greenwich Village in ew ork City. The story follows the couple’s adventures and struggles in marriage, work, and sorting through their

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MAR 18 Steve Martin and Martin Short 8pm | Louisville alace

If you love comedy then chances are you love the Martins’. This tour offers a touch of Bluegrass thanks to The Steep Canyon angers and a torrent of hilarious roasting. Basically making this tour an entertainment filled variety show featuring two of the best comedic talents of our time. Steve has immersed himself into music the last few years, but the funny still lives within, and Short never fails to bring the laughs.

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TOPSinLex.com/calendar_submission.php

Community

Lexington Children’s Theatre: Peter Pan 2pm | Lexington Children’s Theatre

SOS Perfect 10 Miler Race 9am | Mt. Brilliant Farm

MAR 21 Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes Kickoff Party 6pm-8pm | Kentucky Science Center

Alltech Brewing Idea Pub 6pm-8pm | Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

MAR 25 Rock Gem & Jewelry Show 9am-5pm | Clarion Hotel If you love accessories, then we’re guessing you will also love a rock gem and jewelry show. This event includes minerals, jewelry, equipment dealers, exhibits, K Agate, crystals, uorescent display, prizes, auctions, and an educational guest speaker. Children’s items will also be on hand. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1 for kids.

Road to the Horse

MAR 31 Loretta Lynn 8pm | Louisville Palace If ever there was a Kentucky treasure, it’s Loretta Lynn.

The girl from Butcher Holler skyrocketed to fame in the 60’s and has become a beloved gem in the music industry. Loretta has made herself a legend, not only in Nashville but on the music scene as a whole.

The Bluegrass native will visit Louisville this month, bringing along her greatest hits and charming stage presence. If you’ve always dre amed of seeing her live, now is your chance.

Central Ky Home & Garden Show 2pm-7pm | Rupp Arena The entire Lexington Center will be completely transformed, for one weekend only, into a Home and Garden Extravaganza. From the front door to the backyard you’ll find it all Celebrity guests include Matt Muenster, Star of DIY’s “Bath Crashers” and “BATHtastic and Brian Santos, “The Wall Wizard .

Show highlights include Iisles of Gardens, Landscapes & Water Features, as well as Home Improvement Solutions. There will also be a New Product Zone, KY roud Art, Gift Gourmet Area, and a kid’s zone.

7:30am | Alltech Arena, KY Horse Park

10th Annual Wine Barrel Tasting for the Springs

Bluegrass Youth Ballet: The Little Mermaid 7pm | The Lexington Opera House

11am-5pm | 16 Participating Wineries

[ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

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April APR 1

APR 8

Lexington Chamber Orchestra: Season Finale

Cowboy Up for a Cure Rodeo

7:30pm-9pm | Tates Creek Presbyterian Church

The Lane Team Easter Egg-stravaganza

I Love the 90’s Tour

10am | Harrods Hill Park

7:30pm | Rupp Arena

APR 4

Kenny Rogers’ Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage 7:30pm | EKU Center For The Arts Most of us grew up loving the star-crossed tale of headstrong Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and bad boy Johnny Castle. ‘Dirty Dancing” was one of the biggest films and soundtracks to come out of the 80’s, now the story of dance and romance is cha-chaing to the stage. Exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate chemistry, and sensational dancing.

Featuring hit songs like “Hungry Eyes, “Hey Baby, and “Do You Love Me?”. We have no doubts you’ll “Have The Time of Your Life” at this nostalgic event.

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pm-10pm | Alltech Arena, K Horse ark

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8pm |

ewlin Hall -

orton Center for the Arts

APR 17 Budweiser Clydesdales 12pm Keeneland Race Track Fans can have their photo taken with a member of the world-Famous team at the South Grandstand entrance weather permitting . On April 0, the Budweiser Clydesdales will appear on Keeneland’s main track between races.

Add YOUR event to our online calendar for FREE! Visit TOPSinLex.com/calendar_submission.php

Community

APR 15

APR 28

Lexington Legends vs. West Virginia

An Evening with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

7:05pm | Whitaker Bank Ball Park

7:30pm-9:30pm | Harstad Fine Arts Series

The Great Pug Run 5k

Call to Post Derby Bash

9am-12pm | Masterson Station Park

6pm | Red Mile

Ponies for Parkinson’s

APR 29

10am-12pm | Keeneland Race Track

APR 22

Museum Gala Honoring Jessica & John Winters 7:30pm-11:30pm | University of Kentucky Art Museum

The Midtown Men

PLD Band Mother’s Day Vendor Fair

8pm | Lexington Opera House

10am-3pm | Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

A Royal Affair

The Red Badge of Courage

7pm | Spindletop Hall

2pm | Lexington’s Children Theatre

APR 21-23

LEXINGTONOPERAHOUSE.COM

FOUR STARS FROM THE ORIGINAL CAST OF BROADWAY’S JERSEY BOYS [ Visit TopsInLex.com for our full calendar ]

NOT A PERFORMANCE OF, NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE SHOW JERSEY BOYS.

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TOP SHOTS

Thank You Brent Musberger

St. Joseph Londa Mardi Gras

Ruth Brinkley CEO of Kentucky One Health speaking at Women Leading Kentucky

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SOCIETY

UK Cheerleading Squad won the National Championships Again!

Her Knight Father Daughter Dance

Another Record Breaking Year for American Heart Association Heart Ball

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