What does Louisville need?

I realize this topic is about what kinds of cuisine or types of restaurants Louisville needs. But what I think Louisville needs the most is more and better restaurant choices in the south and southwest parts of the county. We already have a few highlights, including the well-loved Vietnam Kitchen, but we need a whole lot more over here. And I'll throw in that I would like most of the new eateries to be independent.

I realize this topic is about what kinds of cuisine or types of restaurants Louisville needs. But what I think Louisville needs the most is more and better restaurant choices in the south and southwest parts of the county. We already have a few highlights, including the well-loved Vietnam Kitchen, but we need a whole lot more over here. And I'll throw in that I would like most of the new eateries to be independent.

I've been screaming this for years.

I realize this topic is about what kinds of cuisine or types of restaurants Louisville needs. But what I think Louisville needs the most is more and better restaurant choices in the south and southwest parts of the county. We already have a few highlights, including the well-loved Vietnam Kitchen, but we need a whole lot more over here. And I'll throw in that I would like most of the new eateries to be independent.

Oh boy, here I go again. What I'm about to say will make me 5 new friends- who I will summarily disenfranchise within the next month, for no other reason than I have a solid, thought out, yet controversial view on some topic. At the same time, I'm gonna tick someone off, promise. The whole cycle is almost becoming comical to me...

So check this out:

I have a name for this area: South-by-Southwest, inspired by the music festival. To me, it's almost a dead-zone, save some killer ethnic options. From my experiences with patrons, I have heard the bemoaning of foodies who 'kinda like it there,' to use the southernism. Shoot, my paternal side of the family calls PRP home and I love the country-breakfast kitchens and Mike Linnig's and all that. There's a whole element of foodie dining in that area that brings up childhood memories and such. I feel the disapointment, trust me...

(here comes the part where I get into trouble)

This scenario reminds my of a Family Guy skit where they have a footrace for 'people who are afraid of tape.' These cats get all the way to the finish line and can't cross it because, of course, they are afraid of tape. They dance around for a bit until one finally crosses the line, screaming like a scared child.

I think it works this way for restauranteurs. You can't please the bankers without comps and this is a truly untapped market for chef-driven restaurants. Someone, eventually will have to be the screaming racer that crosses that imaginary line.

To be done with maximum effect, this 'tuer has to have 'the Emeril quality-' That ability to convey, to a large audience, the blessings of great food and bev. Of the top of my head: Varanese, Carey, Dean, or Gerhardt. It's a very special attribute- no Lamas, Ray or (hehe) Dennison (wink.) They got this, we don't, truth be told.

In the cocktail culture, Tim Laird is our Emeril (shhh, you!) He makes drinks fun and accessable- something anyone can do for thier next gathering. This opens the doorway for people like me who try to challenge a diner's perspective. I can't do my work if he doesn't do his. Otherwise, I get blank stares and drooping body language. Everybody has thier place and if Tim and Lori decided to open a place S by SW, I'd be one of the first people there. Absolutely- his work is that important, I think.

Let me take this idea a step further and run past my previous statement. Think Ditto's, on Dixie Hwy. I'd be willing to bet that it would become so successful that it would open the floodgates for more and more creative, local concepts.

All we need is one to do well, the rest will follow on it's own.

/ducks

EDIT: Oh! Jeff Jarfi might be the million-dollar man! He so has it....

I don't disagree w/ any of that but I personally think that there have been several missed opportunities in both South Louisville & Bullitt County. Hillview & Shepherdsville have exploded over the years. Let's take Triple Crown Steakhouse in Shepherdsville for instance (formerly Rio's Steakhouse & Ponderosa before that). This place is right off the interstate & right next to hotels, Kart Kountry & a convention center. This area is almost completely dominated by fast food & the only sit-down choices were a few Mexican restaurants & 2 country restaurants (1 of which is only known to locals & is only open for breakfast &/or lunch). Triple Crown Steakhouse (not a chain) is packed almost every night & it's not even very good. They're basically functioning as the only (non-ethnic or country) sit down restaurant in that area, not to mention one of the few bars (the only one that isn't creepy). If a restaurant w/ barely decent food & horrible service can become such a hit, imagine what a decent restaurant could do.

Jarfi has been doing a great job at the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest events. His Valentine's Day dinner was great, his buffet's were good for what they were & his outdoor veggie grill at Bloomfest was a hit. I think he's certainly got a following in Southern Louisville & Bullitt County now.

It is Louis Retailleau (pronounced Ray-Ta-Yo).The restaurant will be called Louis Le Francasis. It will be located in the old Boombooz's location on Frankfort Ave. He is so very nice and has been sharing his recipes with me. My husband is working on the remodel with Louis. Louis also told me yesterday that he has been working on a book and I can't wait to get a look at it. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. I can tell this the menu will be small and will change weekly.

I hope this is still going to happen. The old Boomboz has Space Available signs plastered all over it.

After trying to grab lunch at the airport before hubby flew out, I'd have to say Louisville desperately needs something good in the airport. We hoped the Woodford Reserve place would be remotely decent, but it came off as being what would happen if McDonald's ever entered the full service market. Just sad that is representing this area's food culture to people passing through...it will garner no additional tourists for this area.

Still looking for good chinese, though haven't tried a few of the places that have opened recently...but I have a few free days coming up to try some new things!

It is Louis Retailleau (pronounced Ray-Ta-Yo).The restaurant will be called Louis Le Francasis. It will be located in the old Boombooz's location on Frankfort Ave. He is so very nice and has been sharing his recipes with me. My husband is working on the remodel with Louis. Louis also told me yesterday that he has been working on a book and I can't wait to get a look at it. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. I can tell this the menu will be small and will change weekly.

I hope this is still going to happen. The old Boomboz has Space Available signs plastered all over it.

The space had too many pit falls. We are looking at a new place right now, and are waiting to hear from the owner to see if he will work with us. Louis is ready to have a place open soon.

It is Louis Retailleau (pronounced Ray-Ta-Yo).The restaurant will be called Louis Le Francasis. It will be located in the old Boombooz's location on Frankfort Ave. He is so very nice and has been sharing his recipes with me. My husband is working on the remodel with Louis. Louis also told me yesterday that he has been working on a book and I can't wait to get a look at it. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. I can tell this the menu will be small and will change weekly.

I hope this is still going to happen. The old Boomboz has Space Available signs plastered all over it.

The space had too many pit falls. We are looking at a new place right now, and are waiting to hear from the owner to see if he will work with us. Louis is ready to have a place open soon.

What about the old Boombozz on Hurstbourne, the place next to Rumba, Westport Village, and Simply Thai is moving shortly?

Or the old kbc location by maido on Frankfort?

We have looked at all of those places. Each one has its own problems, too big, plumbing problems ect.. The place I found last week is in a very good location and the owner likes to idea of a french restaurant. Just a few more hurdles to jump and the restaurant should be open by fall. I will let you all know where and when very soon.

http://www.chezcora.com/a/01-belle-histoire/index2-a.htm

I LOVE this place! We try to hit it when we are in Ontario (3-4 weeks a year). Just had a great breakfast at Cora's this morning. I can see this working well on Bardstown Rd, St. Matthews, Hurstbourne...

The amount of fresh fruit is amazing, and crepes are a favorite of my wife and mine (and judging by the crepe thread a few months back, others in Louisville too).

Yum! I'll have to run over to Windsor next time I'm in Detroit. One of those would do really well anywhere in Louisville.

A New Jersey style diner. These are generally owned by Greeks and the diners usually have excellent Greek food, excellent Jewish Deli food, as well as a wide variety of other great things.

John what is meant by New Jersey style?

It is Louis Retailleau (pronounced Ray-Ta-Yo).The restaurant will be called Louis Le Francasis. It will be located in the old Boombooz's location on Frankfort Ave. He is so very nice and has been sharing his recipes with me. My husband is working on the remodel with Louis. Louis also told me yesterday that he has been working on a book and I can't wait to get a look at it. I will keep everyone posted on the progress. I can tell this the menu will be small and will change weekly.

What is the latest on this place? I drove by and saw the for lease sign still up and no sign of activity inside. Is it still a go? There are a number of us Francophone/philes awaiting this addition to the scene.