Great evening at Village Anchor

Brian & I went to The Village Anchor in Anchorage for the first time Friday night. Place has been beautifully done inside and out; in my opinion they have the one of nicest ( two) eating areas in Louisville. We arrived just before 7:00 with no reservation; the place was packed. Obviously word has gotten out about their call-ahead dining - the hostess, Hannah,was surprised that we had no reservation, but recovered quickly and told us she;'d find us a table as soon as possible. We were then offered to sit one of the two bars or outside benches to wait and given a business card so we could easily call-ahead next time ( nice touch).

The wait turned out to be a good thing as our bartender, Jerry, was great and made Brian the best Gimlet he'd ever had, made with a small batch gin from Portland. Drink prices were surprisely reasonable given the quality. Next time, I'm ordering something more interesting than my boring standard red wine

Hannah quickly found us a lovely table on the porch overlooking the perennials. The owner, Kevin, has covered every detail to make it the most enjoyable experience possible. All tables had large umbrellas and they had 2 large fans running to keep the flies away. Kevin visited each table at least once to see how everything was and ask for suggestions; this was not the typical, "is everything okay with your meal ?" visit- he really wanted know. I was very impressed with his customer-focus.

Brian had the bourbon-glazed pork, very large but a little bland for our taste ( but we like our food highly flavored). The corn soufflé that came with it was great. My BLT&A ( BLT with Avocado and chipotle mayo ) was excellent and served with some very fresh, fresh fruit. Service was a little spotty but I’m sure they get that worked out in a couple of weeks- all the employees were very friendly and really trying for a great experience. We really loved the ambience of this place- I could see it becoming the new “hang-out” place (a la Jack’s) for the area. We will definitely be back!
DEb

Deb, do you can feel the same that we did that things were a little overpriced to what you got? Overall the findings I pointed out in my post Village Anchor Review I very much in line with yours except for the pricing which we thought was a little over the top. Definitely have to agree that the restoration of the building is lovely and the overall experience is much better than the old restaurant that building used to house.

[Robin Garr]

Deb, do you can feel the same that we did that things were a little overpriced to what you got? Overall the findings I pointed out in my post Village Anchor Review I very much in line with yours except for the pricing which we thought was a little over the top.

We had a very good and filling dinner for two there, with a couple of pints of craft beer, for $55 plus tip. I don't think I can improve on that at any establishment of similar quality on Frankfort or Bardstown.

My girlfriend and I have been three times. Have yet to try any of the entrees but have devoured I think everything from their appetizer menu. We are like that though. Spending a couple hours eating and drinking. Their kitchen and bar staff have yet to disappoint. I feel as though the price was spot on, but like I said, I have yet to venture further then apps and dessert.

Tilapia?

Kevin visited each table at least once to see how everything was and ask for suggestions; this was not the typical, "is everything okay with your meal ?" visit- he really wanted know. I was very impressed with his customer-focus.

The owner is in advertising and marketing. He was introduced to me last year ( at a friend's birthday party) as the person responsible for the Got milk? campaign. I believe he works on both coasts on large accounts. I'm so glad Anchorage has a place to hang out. CD

Deb, do you can feel the same that we did that things were a little overpriced to what you got? Overall the findings I pointed out in my post Village Anchor Review I very much in line with yours except for the pricing which we thought was a little over the top. Definitely have to agree that the restoration of the building is lovely and the overall experience is much better than the old restaurant that building used to house.

Mark,

I do understand some of your reaction. The unusual jumbled nature of the menu does have prices all over the place ( $6-$38). For the items we had, I thought the wine standard, Brian's drink cheaper than expected, his pork at $18 was reasonable, my sandwich at $11 a little high. Not having tried their few high-end entrees I can't speak for them, but they seemed an anomally. Our overall tab was $70 including 4 drinks, an appetizer, two entrees and dessert. If we've omitted the app and the dessert it would have been about the same as Robin mentioned which I thought reasonable for this kind of dining. If we'd stuck with sandwiches and a couple of beers int would have been more like $35.

It was explained to us that their jumbled menu was their way of slowly introducing new items ( new menu every week for 4 weeks) to see what people liked. My understanding is they will be changing to a new, permanent menu soon.

Deb

We visited tonight and loved it. We sat outside under the veranda area. I got the BLT&A as well and hubby got the fish tacos. We both enjoyed the food. The 2 tacos had grilled fish and came with chips and pico de gallo. I got the fruit as a side to my sandwich but could also come with fries or slaw.

Our server almost apologized for their crazy menu. The plan is to combine it soon and have a more "normal" menu soon with the entrees, apps, desserts, etc. separated.

I think the prices were reasonable. If the price is a little high on some items, I think the ambiance more than makes up for it. The place is beautiful. This would be such a great place to take out of town guests to. On the bill folder I thought it was funny. It said: The speed limits in Anchorage are 25mph. We would appreciate it if you tip your server 20-25%. I was impressed with all the printed items... drink coasters, bill folders, etc. I guess it makes sense that the owner is in Marketing.

We then went next door to the Anchorage Cafe. I was surprised and happy to see them serving Comfy Cow ice cream!