Recommendation for a world traveler in Louisville

Proof: Putting on my own flame suit, I'll admit that it's very, very good; but echoing your point, it would rank with maybe 50 or 100 other similar spots in NYC. Something bothers me, just a little, about staking a big share of our pride on a Louisville restaurant that's "just like a really good New York restaurant."

I'm sticking with my original impression: Seviche or 610 Magnolia or possibly Asiatique or the Oakroom, because these are restaurants that would bear respect in <i>any</i> city, not for replicating a familiar style but because their chefs operate at a creative, innovative level that would make them stars anywhere.

Amen, Robin. That was the point I was trying to make earlier, and is at the root of this thread.

I'm with you guys...Robin just said it much better. I do want to add Lilly's to the listy of places dad loves. In fact, over the past 8 years he has enjoyed meals at nearly every restaurant discussed in this thread (save Ginny's and the Oak Room) and he recommends Lilly's above all else to his friends and colleagues that are coming to Lousville. Somehow, I always forget about Lilly's.

T.P another suggestion would be to do dinner downtown and then hit the bar at Proof and treat him to some $10-$15 drinks and boob pictures. This way you can show him that London, New York and Berlin aren't the only places in the world that can over charge for libations and still pack in a crowd. Hey, I'm guilty...I really enjoy that bar!

I would definitely go for Kentucky Fried Chicken, the two piece with mashed potatoes and cole slaw, all for like $4.99. I really can't believe this hasn't been brought up yet, and you people claim to know about restaurants.

I would definitely go for Kentucky Fried Chicken, the two piece with mashed potatoes and cole slaw, all for like $4.99. I really can't believe this hasn't been brought up yet, and you people claim to know about restaurants.

I usually go for the 3 peice Thigh Meal ($6.49 but more flavor......)Note: I never manage to eat at work so I troll the fast food world in search of something to put in my belly, usually around midnight......

and don't forget at KFC you get the animal rights wacko's at no extra charge, I'm glad somebody is finally standing up for these poor chickens, I mean c'mon these chickens are destined for much bigger things than to be our dinner.

Just to be an irritating pedant

Thanks Robin- since joining this forum I thought I might be sewing up claim to this particular title.

If I had a visitor such as the one mentrioned I would take him for either the best Hot Brown in town (and we all know where that is) or for a really good country ham dinner. Those are two of the foods I most associate with Louisville. Throw in Burgoo, Benedictine, and a mint julep and he'll know he's been to Louisville. And perhaps a Tums.

Well for that matter, For a TRUE taste of local flair don't forget about such local faves such as Mazzoni's, Flabby's, Check's or Mike Linning's. All of these places offer up what most locals consider "fine cuisine". Rolled oysters, chili with spaghetti(but not Cinci Style),fried fish on rye, and a real cross section of the Louisville dining public, that can be colorful at these places most of the time!!!

Also Don't forget such establishments as Kerns Korner, Chick Inn, and also the wonderous Louisville chains of Rally's and Texas Roadhouse on the chain ones

Don't forget Captain Kingfish. They have been around since the what? 40's or
or so.

Frankfort Ave beer Depot has a great lunch for bbq and delicious slaw.

Joe's older than dirt" is a fancy sports bar now, but it used to be a shack in Lyndon with a neon sign that said EAT.

This subject fascinates me as, before retirement, I too was a world traveler and I appreciated when people treated me to something "special".

As I think back, I savored the areas combination of historical ambiance and cusine. Too, people were proud of their origins and were anxious to indulge me in their traditions.

The memories of a special occasion are almost as good as the meal with far less calories!

In summary, I d take the guest to a place that represents the many fine traditions of Louisvile, and/or Kentucky. There are many such historical places. - Science Hill, Shakertown and even Doe Run Inn. The latter s screened in back porch overlooking and even hearing a trout stream is an unforgetable experience. I can smell the fried chicken, country ham, et al now!

Here's where I think I'm going to end up on this (whew - what a major decision! [I would insert an eye roll emoticon here buy I can't stand those things]): I think drinks at my house in Shelby County while looking at the neighbors horses grazing (the best kind of horses, by the way) then dinner at The Old Stone Inn. While it is not my favorite place (and I've been critical about the pacing of service on this board), it does do a good job of representing Kentucky history and food, and the ambience is very nice. Thanks for everyone who weighed in!

I just knew everyone was on pins and needles wanting to know what I decided to do (!) ...

So, a morning meeting for three hours followed by a drive around downtown to show them the cool things (baseball stadium, new developments, Humana Building, Kentucky Center for the Arts, etc). Then, even though I swore I wouldn't do it, we had lunch at Proof - and it was truly excellent. Funny - as we were valet parking, the American Idols tour buses were unloading and I met Melinda and the beat-box guy (whose name escapes me). Once inside, our server was so stoked about meeting Melinda he couldn't contain himself (although he was really hoping to see Sanjaya ... sad).

Following lunch and a tour of the art work at 21C, we went over to the Speed for the Eastman exhibit. Executive Director Morrin was generous and made a bee-line to meet my guests - nice touch! The exhibit is fabulous (my third time through) and my guests enjoyed it tremendously. We did have some time to wander in and out of several other galleries, as well.

After a quick drive through St. James Court, I dropped them off at the Seelbach with directions to my house in Shelby County. After drinks that evening, dinner at the Old Stone Inn was really just perfectly fine, with an excellent server and very well-prepared dinners.

So, there you have it. I'm available to help plan your day for guests any time!