Lexington becoming a "serious food town"?

[Robin Garr]

So says their local business paper. I haven't been there enough in recent years to judge, although I notice that they're incorporating the active eats scene in Midway as part of Greater Lexington. What say those of you who go to Big Blue Country regularly. Is Business Lexington on target here, or just cheering for the home team?

http://bizlex.com/2012/08/lexington-is- ... heres-why/

The best argument for Lexington being a real foodie town is summed up with one name: Chef Ouita Michel.

Not that there aren't lots of great chefs in Lexington, but Holly Hill, Windy, Wallace, and the Bakery are just fantastic. All four really are great food destinations in their own way.

We usually get to Lexington a few weekends each year for UK sports or Keeneland, and I would agree that it's becoming a serious food town. We've had some great meals in Lexington over the last few years, and some great new places have opened up that are doing some cool things. Table 310 is a relatively new addition that shouldn't be missed.

The best argument for Lexington being a real foodie town is summed up with one name: Chef Ouita Michel.

Not that there aren't lots of great chefs in Lexington, but Holly Hill, Windy, Wallace, and the Bakery are just fantastic. All four really are great food destinations in their own way.

Ditto. Absolutely love what Ouita does. We need to get back to Holly Hill soon.
Deb

We live in Lexington. Ouita and her restaurants are really special, and we visit Holly Hill Inn and Windy Corner several times per month. Table 310 would be at home in Louisville (although it's not quite as good as similar bar/fine-dining hybrids like Rye or Blind Pig). But that's about it. The rest of our fine-dining places are either Sysco assembly lines or feature well-meaning chefs who can't (or won't) create anything really special. The idea that any Lexington restaurant (other than Holly Hill) could truly compare with places like Seviche, Mayan Cafe, or Basa is a joke. If you want a properly cooked scallop in Lexington, you might find it if you are lucky. Claypot Catfish? Grilled octopus served in ink? Not a chance.

We have a few really good inexpensive ethnic places, though: Old San Juan (Cuban), Masala (Indian), Sahara & Oasis (Mediterranean), Ariang (Korean), Sugano (Japanese), and lots of taquerias (our favorite is El Rancho Tapatio).

So if you're stuck in Lexington overnight for some reason, you have some options. But my wife and I go to Louisville when we really want some food excitement!

Claypot Catfish? Grilled octopus served in ink? Not a chance.

WHAT !!!!.....No grilled octopus served in ink ???....How petite bourgeoisie. Thank god everyone (who is anyone) serves it here in Looo-ah-vull. Can't believe you can't get hand noodled clay potted mud cat in Lexington though...What IS the world coming to.

I understand that not everyone wants fancy-schmancy-foodie stuff every time, Steve P, but the point is that those kinds of things are not even an option in Lexington. Other than Holly Hill Inn, we really don't have much in Lexington that you can't find in Somerset or E-town, and I don't think anyone would call those places "serious food towns."

There are more than just restaurants that make a "serious food town'.

Good Foods Co-op is a fantastic retail food location, and the Lexington Farmer's Market is the largest in the state.

The food program at Sullivan in Lexington run by Chef John Foster is really turning out some fantastic young chefs.

So I think there is more to Lexington than if they have the density of white table cloth establishments that Louisville has, or the amount of unique dishes. Just thinking out loud...

That is a good point about our farmer's market and Good Foods. I assumed that Louisville would have the equivalent or better for both, but apparently this is not so.

That is a good point about our farmer's market and Good Foods. I assumed that Louisville would have the equivalent or better for both, but apparently this is not so.

There are good farmers markets and good retail locations in Louisville, but none of the markets are of the size of the Lexington market. The Beargrass Market in St Matthews is the closest in scale.

However Good Foods is a thing unto itself. None of the retail locations in Louisville are near the level of Good Food's offerings, and none of them have the awesome hot bar and dining options that GF has. Chef Alex at Good Foods is really amazing, and the meat, beer, and cheese selection on the retail side is outstanding. Not to mention they are doing a lot of their own charcuterie now in house. Definitely worth checking out!

The soups at the Good Foods hot-bar are really incredible.

Off the top of my head, I am fond of Alfalfa.http://alfalfarestaurant.com/menus.html and a la lucie http://www.alalucie.com/

[Robin Garr]

I can't testify from personal experience, but I just got a request to "Like" Le Deauville French Bistro in Lexington on Facebook, and it looks pretty nice based on the pix and posts.

Le Deauville French Bistro
199 N. Limestone
Lexington, KY.
(859) 246-0999
https://www.facebook.com/LeDeauvilleFrenchBistro