Showing posts with label Louisville KY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Louisville KY. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Dinner -- 06/11/09

Boombozz Taphouse
1448 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40204

502.458.8889

http://www.boombozztaphouse.com/Home/tabid/91/Default.aspx

$

Ramona: Diet Pepsi

Jim: Iced tea

Shared: 12 inch pizza; 1/2 Tuscan Chicken (Garlic cream sauce topped with signature grilled chicken, portobello mushrooms, sweet red onions, roma tomatoes and blended cheese ); 1/2 Quattro (Classic red sauce and mozzarella with Italian sausage, prosciutto, artichokes and portobello mushrooms)

For our last night in Louisville, we thought we'd have a pizza so I did some research on the Internet to find an interesting place. I think we hit the jackpot with Boombozz. It was delicious! The menu had several interesting options and it was hard to decide on just one, so we decided to split and get two of their "famous creations." The 12 inch was perfect for us, but we agreed that we liked the Quattro much better than the Tuscan Chicken. Not sure if it was the garlic cream sauce or the blended cheese, but we had no complaints about the Quattro at all.

Our server Mike was very attentive and make the evening a very pleasant one. Boombozz is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd; there are TVs in every conceivable location. And the array of beers is certainly impressive, for those that care about such things. There are several Boombozz locations in the Louisville area; the one on Bardstown Rd. is the newest to open. I hope we'll get to visit it again next year.

Ramona

Dinner -- 06/10/09

Cottage Inn
570 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40217

502.637.4325

5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

$

Jim: fried chicken, mashed potatoes , applesauce, lemon pound cake, iced tea

Ramona: fried beef liver with onions and gravy, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, derby pie, iced tea

Shared: basket of fried okra

As predicted, we returned to Cottage Inn for Wednesday night's "all you can eat" fried chicken, taking two fellow AP readers from Michigan with us. I don't think they were as enthusiastic as we were about the southern cooking, but they enjoyed getting away from the convention center for the evening.

Jim agreed with my assessment of the fried chicken; it was great. I particularly enjoyed the fried okra. We tried different desserts tonight. Jim thought the lemon pound cake was good, but the icing was a little sweet for his taste. The derby pie was a warm pecan pie with chocolate chips and whipped cream. It was very rich!

Ramona

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Dinner -- 06/09/09

Cottage Inn
570 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40217

502.637.4325

6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

$

Jim: Chicken tenders, French fries, corn, lemon meringue pie, iced tea

Ramona: 1/4 fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, cole slaw, coconut cream pie, iced tea

"Southern comfort food" is this restaurant's motto and they've been dishing it up since 1929 - great food, great service, great value. Everything we had was so good, we're thinking about going back tomorrow night. Wednesday night is all "you can eat" fried chicken (plus two sides) for $9.99. Since I had fried chicken tonight, I think I'll try the beef liver and onions or chicken livers.

Jim and I were both pleased with our dessert choices, but tomorrow night, I want to try a slice of homemade pound cake or carrot cake. And a basket of fried okra, which was under appetizers and I missed that tonight! I overheard someone at a nearby table talking about the okra, but it wasn't listed as a side item.

--Ramona

Dinner -- 06/08/09

Rivue / Galt House
140 N. 4th St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.568.4239

http://www.rivue.com/

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Jim: 12 ounce ribeye, salad, potato bread, Grande Marnier creme brulee

Ramona: 12 ounce ribeye, salad, rosemary bread, white chocolate mouse

Shared: Rosemont Shiraz 2008, Australia

Normally Rivue is closed on Monday nights, but it was open tonight especially for the AP readers. Guests at the Galt House received phone messages on Saturday informing us of the special menu that would be available. Jim and I dined at Rivue two years ago, just after the restaurant had opened on the 25th floor of the Galt House's Rivue Tower. We were eager to go there again, so we made a reservation.

Our table was in the section of the restaurant that revolves, offering a panoramic view of the river and the city. We were there for an hour and a half, almost three full revolutions. The meal was superb from beginning to end. The salad consisted of field greens, artichoke hearts, asparagus, croutons, spiced pecans, purple onion, and a lemon honey dill dressing. The breads were hot, delicious, and accompanied by whipped butter. The ribeye steaks sat on rosemary whipped potatoes and were topped by asparagus spears, a white cheddar and pimento sauce, and a port wine sauce.

Jim and I shared our desserts with each other so we each had half of both selections. The creme brulee was an orange liquor infused custard and caramelized sugar crusted fresh berries. The white cholocate mouse was served in a crispy lace shell, topped with fresh berries and a kiwi raspberry sauce. We splurged a little on this dinner, but considered it part of Jim's birthday celebration.

--Ramona

Monday, June 8, 2009

Dinner -- 06/07/09

August Moon Chinese Bistro
2269 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40206

502.456.6569

http://www.augustmoonbistro.com/

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

$$

Jim: Won ton soup; shrimp, fresh snow peas and water chestnuts; steamed rice,

Ramona: Egg drop soup; beef, asian vegetables and shiitake mushrooms; fried rice

Shared: goat cheese, crabmeat won ton and asian salsa, Koogamullen Penfolds Syrah (2005) Australia

Jim's birthday, and that means the birthday boy gets to choose the dining spot. He was in the mood for Chinese, and August Moon is reputed to be the best in Louisville.

The title is well-deserved. The crab won tons were delicious, and the food was all hot, tasty, and included generous portions. Jim especially appreciated the won ton soup with lots of pork and noodles added in.

Both dishes featured tasty and plentiful meats. We will definitely add this to our list of must visit spots on our next trip to Louisville.

--Ramona & Jim

Dinner -- 06/06/09

Gasthaus German Restaurant
4812 Brownsboro Center
Louisville, KY 40207

502.899.7177

http://www.gasthaus.wordpress.com/

6:00 - 7:10 PM

$$$

Ramona: Sauerbraten, pan fried potatoes with onions, Napolean (pastry with strawberries and cream), iced tea

Jim: Wiener Schnitzel, spaetzle, fallen chocolate souffle, iced tea, coffee

Shared: Rotkraut (red cabbage)

Gasthaus is the wonderful German restaurant on the outskirts of Louisville that we discovered last year, and, along with Saffron's, have given a permanent list of places to go when we're in town. The food and service are superb, offering treats not available where we live. The desserts alone are worth the trip. Our only regret is that we can only come here once a year!

--Ramona

Dinner -- 06/05/09

The Fish House/Cafe Beignet
1310 Winter Ave.
Louisville, KY 40204

502.568.2993

Jim: Scrod dinner (3 pieces fried scrod, french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies) , iced tea

Ramona: Catfish basket (1 piece fried catfish, french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies) , iced tea

Shared: 1 order (3 pieces) beignets

This delightful find was a result of an Internet search for Louisville restaurants. A short drive from downtown took us to this neighborhood of interesting shops (neat independent bookstore - Carmichael's - nearby!).

One piece of fish was plenty for me. Jim and I were both pleased with the fish, but we thought the cole slaw tasted a little too vinegar-y.

Having beignets was a special treat. We couldn't pass up the opportunity, even though it's a food we traditionally associate with breakfast. Unfortunately Jim's schedule grading exams prevents us from returning to Cafe Beignet for breakfast. The menu did look interesting.

--Ramona

Dinner -- 06/04/09

Saffron's Persian Cuisine
131 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.584.7800

http://www.saffronsrestaurant.com/

6:30 - 8:05 PM

$$$

Ramona: Steak and chicken kabob on basmati rice, grilled veggies (tomato, onion, mushroom, yellow pepper), chopped tomato and cucumber, vanilla ice cream with attar, pistachio, and saffron, iced tea

Jim: Vegetable soup, rack of lamb on basmati rice, grilled veggies (tomato, onion, mushroom, yellow pepper), chopped tomato and cucumber, vanilla ice cream with attar, pistachio, and saffron, hot jasmine tea

Shared: watercress, mint, and tarragon, and feta cheese on pita bread

Our first dinner in Louisville was at our favorite restaurant, one which we found on our first trip here two years ago. The Persian flavors are exquisite and very satisfying. I only ate half of my kabob dinner so I was able to enjoy it again for lunch another day.

The ice cream might sound strange, but it really was a wonderful combination of flavors.

Saffron's is definitely a "don't miss" spot in any visit to Louisville.

--Ramona

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Dinner -- 6/11/08

Gasthaus German Restaurant
4812 Brownsboro Center
Louisville, KY 40207

502.899.7177

http://www.gasthaus.wordpress.com/

5:50 - 7:10 PM

Ramona: Sauerbraten, red cabbage, pan fried potatoes with onions, Dortfelder Wine, apple strudel

Jim: Sauerbraten, sauerkraut, spaetzel, Dortfelder Wine, cherry strudel

We wanted our last dinner for this visit to Louisville to be something special, so we scanned the old reliable yellow pages and found an interesting place. Gasthaus is on the outskirts of Louisville, and even with rush hour traffic, it only took us about 10 minutes to travel the 8 miles.
And did we find a gem!

This small restaurant had a wonderful and cozy atmosphere, and the food was delightful. The sauerbraten was so tender it could be cut with a fork. The red cabbage was sweet, and the sauerkraut (one of my favorite sides, which is rather rare) was tangy and delicious. The spaetzel reminded me of those my grandmother used to make.

We both agreed that this place had to be on our must-visit list for next year.

-Jim

Dinner -- 6/10/08

Chung King Palace
110 E. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.504.8880

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Ramona: Wonton soup, egg roll, Mu Shu Pork, iced tea, diet coke, fortune cookie

Jim: Wonton soup, egg roll, Chicken with pineapple, iced tea, fortune cookie

Ramona's fortune: Confucius say: show-off always shown up in showdown

Jim's fortune: You will make change for the better

This restaurant was chosen for its proximity to our hotel more than any other reason. After a long day of grading, Jim was exhausted and had another meeting to attend at 7:30. The food was fine, nothing special, but certainly a far cry from the worst Chinese we've ever had. The iced tea tasted funny to me, so I subsequently ordered a diet coke. As usual, I had enough left over to make a nice lunch the next day.

Ramona

Monday, June 9, 2008

Dinner -- 6/9/08

Volare Italian Restaurant
2300 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY 40206

502.894.4446

http://www.volare-restaurant.com/

5:30 - 6:45 PM

Ramona: Lasagna Salsiccia

Jim: Chicken Parmigiana

Shared: Fried calamari with marinara sauce, Villa Pozzi 2007 (Italy)

One of our last dinners in Louisville is this visit to a first-rate Italian restaurant owned by the same man who owns Saffron's Persian Cuisine. The atmosphere was elegant, and the decor was exquisite. Our table faced a wall length mural of a scene from Venice. The music was Italian classics.

The dinner was fabulous! Chicken Parmigiana is my favorite Italian dish and this was one of the best I have ever had. Volare's version included two large chicken breasts and a generous portion of spaghetti with sauce. Ramona's Lasagna was tasty and had just the right amount of spices.

We looked at the dessert menu, and could not decide among the seven offerings. We decided that was an omen, because we were too stuffed to fit anything in there anyway.

Now we have a problem. The next time we come to Louisville, where do we go first?

-Jim

Lunch -- 6/10/08

Wolfgang Puck Express @KICC
221 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.562.0983

11:50 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.

http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/index.php

Ramona: Chinois chicken salad (chicken breast, asian vegetables, crispy wontons, honey mustard dressing), iced tea

Jim: Rotisserie beef and Gorgonzola pocket (pita bread stuffed with beef, chopped romaine lettuce, red onions, Roma tomatoes, horseradish Caesar dressing), Yukon Gold Parmesan potato chips, iced tea

Excellent salad, although the first one I was served had no chicken in it but the waiter quickly brought me another; yummy pocket sandwich. Proximity to convention center makes this a handy spot. Menu also boasts pizzas and several pasta dishes in addition to the salads and pocket sandwiches.

P.S. Check out the web site. Recipes are available!

Ramona

Dinner -- 6/8/08

Saffron's Persian Cuisine
131 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.584.7800

http://www.saffronsrestaurant.com/

6:20 - 7:45 PM

Ramona: Salmon on basmati rice with a shrimp kabob, grilled veggies (tomato, onion, yellow pepper), tomato and cucumber with yogurt dressing, flan, iced tea

Jim: Chicken and mushroom stew (chicken, mushrooms, hand-made potato sticks, grilled veggies (tomato, onion, yellow pepper), tomato and cucumber with yogurt dressing, flan, iced tea

Shared: watercress, mint, and tarragon, and feta cheese on pita bread

Normally not open on Sunday, Majid, the owner, told us he would open for the AP readers, since all 1500 of us needed a place to eat on Sunday evening. I was happy to see so many people came -- a constant stream of diners came through while we were there. We heard all of them praise the dinner as they left.

It is no exaggeration to say this is one of the jewels of Louisville, Kentucky. We had a completely different experience here from last Wednesday, and we were just as pleased with the result.

The stew was tasty, and I am glad I got it, even though I was sorely tempted to order the rack of lamb again. Ramona's salmon was a large portion and wonderfully prepared. The rice (basmati -- our favorite) was delicately perfumed with saffron.

Again, we can't wait to get back here next year.

-Jim

Dinner -- 6/7/08

Morton's The Steakhouse
626 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202

502.584.0421

http://www.mortons.com/

6:30 to 8:15 PM

Ramona: Morton's salad, single-cut filet, baked potato with butter, sour cream, bacon, decaf coffee, Morton's hot chocolate cake with Haagen Daz's vanilla ice cream

Jim: Morton's salad, double-cut prime rib, baked potato with butter, sour cream, cappuccino, raspberry souffle with Haagen Daz's vanilla ice cream

Shared: Colossal shrimp cocktail, Chateau Bouscasse, 2003 (France)

One of the finest meals we have had since our journey began. Our server, James J. K., III was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. A good server ALWAYS enhances a fine dining experience. James even took our picture, and presented us with a copy before we left. Since this was my birthday dinner, Morton's provided us with personalized menus. The background music -- Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Lou Rawls and others -- was exactly our kind of music.

The "colossal" shrimp cocktail was exactly that! Those babies were the size of my hand, and Morton's cocktail sauce was sweet and complimented them well. We actually shared a baked potato, and neither of us could finish our half.

Ramona's filet was perfectly prepared and the tenderest steak I have ever eaten. Likewise, my prime rib was perfect in every way. James explained to us that Morton's served only corn fed, Midwestern, prime cuts, and that makes all the difference in the taste, texture, and juiciness.

We made a mistake in ordering two desserts (oops! I did not hear James say the souffle was for two) but this is one of those mistakes we love to make. The souffle was light and airy and delicious as any we have had anywhere. Chocolate lover's alert: Morton's Hot Chocolate Cake will not disappoint in the slightest. We wonder what the chocolate souffle was like. Three desserts? Maybe next time!

The wine. One of our favorite things is page through a wine list in a binder with 20-30 pages. There was plenty to choose from, and the list of French reds was extensive. The Chateau Bouscasse, 2003 was full-bodied, with a slight oak flavor and complimented our steaks well.

This was our second experience at this Morton's. We ate here on my birthday in 2007, so there was no question of coming here for the occasion. We are already looking forward to 2009.

A must stop on any trip to Louisville, Kentucky.

-Jim

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Dinner -- 6/6/08

T.G.I. Friday's
415 S. 4th
Louisville, KY 40202

502.585.3577

http://www.fridays.com/index.htm

5:45 -- 6:20 PM

Ramona & Jim: Fish & chips, fries, iced tea.

After the last two dinners, we had to take it easy tonight, because we both know what is coming tomorrow (Saturday) night.

What the heck is it with lemons? T.G.I. Friday's was out of lemons! McDonald's in Waco, no longer carries lemons. Burger King? No lemons. Cheap S.O.Bs.

Just a quick , light dinner in preparation for Friday. Come back tomorrow and check that out!

-Jim

Friday, June 6, 2008

Lunch -- 6/6/08

Bistro 301
301 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40203

502.584.8337

http://www.bistro301.com/

12:00 - 12:50 p.m.

Jim: Hot Brown, iced tea

Ramona: Hot Brown, iced tea

Shared: French fries

Bistro 301 is a great place for lunch just across the street from the Louisville Convention Center. However, its popularity means that there often is a short wait for a table. We were lucky today; since I didn't have any meetings, I was able to get there shortly before 12 and snared the last available table. It was a short wait for Jim to join me.

The Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic dish created in Louisville in 1926. Bistro 301's rendition consists of smoked turkey, bacon, tomato, Parmesan and Jack cheese, finished with Mornay sauce and served golden brown. Jim was a little disappointed in the dish and also with the lack of regular mustard for his fries. I had no complaints!

Ramona

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Dinner -- 6/5/08

Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant
150 South Fifth Street
Louisville, KY 40202

502.580.1350

http://www.vincenzositalianrestaurant.com/

6:20 - 8:20 PM

Ramona: Caesar salad, pollo con asparagi, green beans, peppers, roasted red potato, coffee, Belgian white chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis

Jim: Caesar salad, vitello saltimbocca, green beans, peppers, roasted red potato, Cappuccino, tiramisu

Shared: Pouilly-Fume (France, 2002)

Is there anything better (that you can do in pubic) besides fine dining? Imagine, fresh flowers on the table, candles, white linen tablecloths, attentive waiters who drape your napkin on your lap, an excellent wine list with dozens of pages and many, many fine French wines, and a menu that is mouthwatering, and proves to be better than they sound.

Two nights in a row gave us an outstanding dining experience. The food was perfect. The table side preparation of the Caesar salad was especially good. Ramona's chicken was juicy and tasty. My veal was tender and perfectly seasoned. The wine was superb, and the desserts were nothing less than fabulous -- my tiramisu was about six layers and coated with dark chocolate.

Our thanks to Steve S. for a great meal. Another place for our annual visit to Louisville that we will not pass up. You should not pass it up either.

-Jim

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Dinner -- 6/4/08

Saffron's Persian Cuisine
131 W. Market St.
Louisville, KY 40202

502.584.7800

http://www.saffronsrestaurant.com/

6:00 - 7:15 PM

Ramona: Absolut Mandarin Cosmopolitan, Beef and Chicken kabob, saffron rice, Persian ice cream (with saffron, rosewater, and crushed pistachios).

Jim: Absolut Mandarin Cosmopolitan, rack of lamb, saffron rice, grilled vegetables, Persian ice cream (with saffron, rosewater, and crushed pistachios).

Shared: watercress and feta cheese with pita bread, quail in carrot sauce, Cantina Zaccagnini (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo -- Italy) 2003

This was an absolutely exquisite meal. We ate here last year, and decided this was the first place we would go to upon arrival in Louisville.

Maher was an attentive, friendly, and gracious server. He never hovered, but he always knew when we needed more bread, or wine, or dishes removed.

One of the finest restaurants we have experienced anywhere. We plan on visiting again on Sunday night. This is a meal that needs to be savored, and it is a meal that deserves a 30% tip. Normally not open on Sunday, the owner told us he would open for the AP readers. I hope we can spread the word and get a good crowd.

If you ever visit Louisville, KY, Saffron's must be at the top of your list for dining. A unique and wonderful experience.

-Jim