Varanese on Frankfort appears open

[Robin Garr]

The former Red Lounge, heavily remodeled, that is ... at a glance while passing by in traffic today, it looks ready to go, window full of greenery, and I'm told they had a "soft opening" recently.

Anybody been yet? Anybody planning to go?

Definitely plan to go. We're members of the Cardinal Club and have enjoyed his meals there over the past years. Great guy! I can't believe they are finished...last time I was by there it looked like a service station!!

I went to their pre-opening last night. They have given it a new look, with no sign of the red lounge. I wish John, the very best of luck. He has been wanting to branch out on his own for years. I'm truly happy for him.

As a matter of fact the restaurant is officially open to the public as of Monday, 20 August! I am very grateful to Anthony and everybody else that attended our soft openings. Currently, we are going to be serving dinner from 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm Sunday thru Thursday, as well as 5:00 pm - 12:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Our bar will be open late as well (we currently have a 2:00 am license). Granted, anything I say about what we have to offer will sound biased, as I am the bar manager, but I do not think I am overstepping my bounds in saying that we expect you to be pleasantly surprised. Please come by to say hello or check out our website at http://www.varanese.com.

[Robin Garr]

Thanks for the report, Christopher, and for the Web link, which I've now added to the <b>Louisville Restaurant Hotlinks</b> page on LouisvilleHotBytes.

The menu looks very good - and rationally priced - and the drawings offer an even clearer view of how you've changed the place than seeing it on the ground. It looks stunning, and I can't wait to try it.

I'd love to see the wine list, too ... is that page likely to be updated soon?

I drove by Saturday and was shocked at the transformation. Didn't they lose a lot of parking spaces though?

At one point in the planning, parking was what was holding them up. I'm assuming (and you know what happens when you do that) that they may have been able to get a cross access or shared parking agreement with Fabulous Finds across the street. You'll noticed that Varanese doesn't have daytime hours when Fabulous and Nancy's are open and does have hours in the evening when both those are closed. Smells like a compromise to me. Perhaps.

Hello all. As a matter of fact, we do have an agreement that allows parking for our guests in the lot used by Fabulous Finds and Nancy's Bagel Grounds. Additionally, we have an agreement with the Commonwealth Kitchen store located immediately on the opposite side of the railroad tracks, allowing our guests to use their lot as well.

I was there a bit last night. I didn't get a chance to try any food, but what I saw go out was beautifully plated and looked delicious. The transformation of the place is quite remarkable. (oh the memories of that place!) They seem to have a very knowledgeable and professional service and bar staff, with several familiar faces. I can't wait to go back and have dinner.