So, what stood out in local eats this year for you?

Chili Dawg off a cart ? Meh...regardless of how well you did it, even I...who love all things long and thin that come on a bun would prolly draw the line on that one. Standing on the curb gnawing on a Chili Dawg, there's just too much chance you're going to end up wearing half your chili on your Casual Friday clothes.

Good point.. but I try to go with subtly and not make it a monster huge mess. But a brisket chili? It's possible. I wouldn't use the canned stuff (YUCK). We'll see. The main problem is finding a spot for it. I have my burners taken up with other stuff and I would have to sacrifice a menu item just for chili but it would rock. I got other ideas up my sleeve too that don't involve hot dogs/sausages.. can't wait for spring!

Steve P. is a HUGE fan of brisket chili.

I think the continued eastward migration of quality restaurants is worth a mention.

Looking ahead, I think the very limited number of choices along the inner Brownsboro road corridor (and even over into Northfield/Glenview) presents a lot of opportunity for 2014 and beyond considering the demographics and lifestyle of the immediate area.

[Robin Garr]

I think the continued eastward migration of quality restaurants is worth a mention.

I sort of see it, Greg, but could you name a few names to help me focus? Talking about 2013 specifically. Mussel and Burger Bar? Corbett's and Guacamole, certainly, and the Westport Village and Norton Commons clusters come to mind. Havana Rumba and Simply Thai both came to Middletown. But was that last year, or are you identifying a more ongoing trend? Or both?
When I think of the East End, particularly the Hurstbourne strip, I still think mostly of Chain Country USA, but I don't want to miss something!

I think the continued eastward migration of quality restaurants is worth a mention.

I sort of see it, Greg, but could you name a few names to help me focus? Talking about 2013 specifically. Mussel and Burger Bar? Corbett's and Guacamole, certainly, and the Westport Village and Norton Commons clusters come to mind. Havana Rumba and Simply Thai both came to Middletown. But was that last year, or are you identifying a more ongoing trend? Or both?
When I think of the East End, particularly the Hurstbourne strip, I still think mostly of Chain Country USA, but I don't want to miss something!

Maybe we should make it an ongoing trend. I was think some of those you listed popped up in 2013, but what do I know?

The thought was prompted by the French restaurant on Hurstbourne, Guacamole, Mussel and Burger Bar (was that really 2012?). There were a couple of Indian places that popped up out there this year. In the past couple of years Henry's place popped up almost outside the Waterson.

[Robin Garr]

The thought was prompted by the French restaurant on Hurstbourne, Guacamole, Mussel and Burger Bar (was that really 2012?). There were a couple of Indian places that popped up out there this year. In the past couple of years Henry's place popped up almost outside the Watterson.

Good deal ... I didn't think of Brasserie Provence, and yeah, Henry's Place probably counts, although that Watterson Loop has become kind of significant because I think St. Matthews in most people's minds is starting to look more connected to Crescent Hill and Clifton than to the burbs. But yeah, that little corner up by Fresh Market and Holiday Manor, I'm pretty sure it's East End.

Henry's Place is definitely a 2012 addition - the friend we went with blew out of town for Paris at the start of 2013 - and Guaca Mole goes back to 2012 also.

But Mussel & Burger Bar is definitely 2013.

No problem, anyway, I appreciate your suggestions, and you're right, the gradual march of upscale indies into the East End has been going on for a few eyars, and it is very welcome.

I should have just dropped the mic after, "there's an upscale French restaurant on Hurstbourne".

[Robin Garr]

I should have just dropped the mic after, "there's an upscale French restaurant on Hurstbourne".

Nah, it's all good. I really do appreciate your help, Greg.