"Golden Age" of Louisville Dining?

I have only lived here 10 years, but right now seems like there are more great dining options right now across the board than since I have been here. This includes ethnic, vegetarian, geographic and time of meal options. I cannot recall the last time I have had a poor dining experience other than a couple of fast lunch options and the ever present "getting screwed on the to-go orders".

However, I throw it out there as a challenge to list a "better time" and if there was one, the places that made it such. Also, if price based, need to make sure we are adjusting for time, so unfair to say you used to get a $9.99 steak in 1974 as basis for comparison.

Anyhow, the gauntlet has been thrown, so let the debate begin.

[Robin Garr]

I think you're right, Ron. The good news is that this has been a GOOD restaurant town since our grandparents' time and maybe longer. And there was a time during the '80s when the gourmet revolution got here that it was very exciting. Then it settled down to a dull roar though the '90s when it didn't get worse but didn't really get better. But yeah, in the past few years, maybe partly driven by NuLu and a lot of new faces joining some very good older faces, I'd agree with you that it's never been better.

I hadn't really fixed on this idea, but now that you bring it up, it rings true. Thanks for a good topic.

But yeah, in the past few years, maybe partly driven by The East Market District and a lot of new faces joining some very good...

I hadn't really fixed on this idea, but now that you bring it up, it rings true. Thanks for a good topic.

Fixed it for you.

How did we ever survive without Lou Lou??? It deserves a spot by the Old Sears Building....oh WAIT

[Robin Garr]

Fixed it for you.

Well played! You should have said Clay Street Live, though.

Robin is right, this town has always been a good food town. I think you are looking for a, "better or worse" debate, but I have to say it is just "different". FOOD, has progressed, there is no new food, just its availability, preparation, and presentation of "stuff" mankind has been eating forever. Louisville has a melting pot of options rivaling much larger cities. Going back to the 70's, what else was open 24 hrs besides White Castle, and Waffle House. I'll say I miss the old "mom n pop" eating places, but I don't see it as better or worse. Stick around another 10 yrs, it might go platinum!!!

I was just home for one week only .... and I had something like 25 places on my list. I didn't even come close to half of those. I guess there's many things I might complain about when it comes to Louisville, but the choice of good food is not one of them.

Robin is right, this town has always been a good food town. I think you are looking for a, "better or worse" debate, but I have to say it is just "different". FOOD, has progressed, there is no new food, just its availability, preparation, and presentation of "stuff" mankind has been eating forever. Louisville has a melting pot of options rivaling much larger cities. Going back to the 70's, what else was open 24 hrs besides White Castle, and Waffle House. I'll say I miss the old "mom n pop" eating places, but I don't see it as better or worse. Stick around another 10 yrs, it might go platinum!!!

The 'mom n pop" places are still around. They are just different. Now they are run by Vietnamese, Mexican, Thai and other families from far lands of origin. .