Normally I try to steer clear of "soft openings," but when I've known the restaurateur since before I started reviewing local eateries (for the old Louisville Times in 1984), I can't see a reason not to share their joy in a new launch. So it was with Bim Deitrich and Primo a few years ago; and we turned up to support Huang "CoCo" Tran at Roots and Heart & Soy for the first soft-opening seating tonight.
I'll report more on it later, but suffice it to say that I thought everything was awesome, and when the storm rolled through the Highlands and put out the lights and air conditioning, the team just kept on truckin, working on gas under emergency lights in the kitchen as the temp rose toward 120, and maintaining excellent service in the darkened dining room (where we were lucky to have a seat close to the windows).
After the storm passed, they folded open the front window doors to let the cool air in, and it was a pleasant evening after all. The all-vegetarian, some-vegan food was just great - you'd never notice the dishes weren't meatful if someone didn't tell you.
Two thumbs up, and a strong recommendation to get in and give it a try when they open for business on Tuesday. All small plates, Asian-accented international in style, and all under $10.
