Varanese: You've Come a Long Way, Baby

So I stopped into my old house on a first date the other night and was super impressed with it all...

The Service: Friendly and on-point. We adjourned to the bar while our table was being readied. Rory prepared my Manhattan in his signature fashion and I didn't even bat an eye- that's just how he rolls. My date's Saphire Martini made her very happy, as well.

Our server was very pleasant without being overwhelming. We were there for some small bites, at the end of the shift. She stopped by at the crucial moments and didn't give a hint of the 'oh-no-they're-gonna-be-all-night' vibe. We weren't there all night- I wouldn't do that, knowingly, to a fellow.

That being said, we only had two of the specials- and they were just that, special.

Food:

Pork Pot Stickers with Citrus Ponzu. They used the crimped noodle that resembles Sui Mai and it was exceptionally tasty. If I was to give any constructive criticism, it would be that they were served atop greens and stuck to them. Maybe that's what they were going for, I don't know (a little bitter element.)

Fried, Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Crab and Creme Cheese, Sweet Chilli Sauce. Yum!

The Atmosphere: Both the previous Areas Louisville has come to expect from this establishment. This is where Chef and Dave Allen have upped thier game. They brought in an interior designer and the new decor is very Balinese, with soft tones and dark wood. Sound-dampening hangings are both functional and beautifull. They added seats to the bar and dining room, while obscuring the methods of egress from the kitchen. There isn't a bad seat in the house now. They used the concept of the folding glass wall and made a method for a private dining room, complete with A/V capabilities. The best use of $100k I have ever seen!

You should go check her out- she's come a long way.

It's our favorite spot on The Avenue...and in the city.

We love Varanese. One of best fine dining values in the city.

Thanks Stephen - It was great to see you again. We appreciate all the kind words

Dined there two weeks ago while visiting family. Fried stuffed avocado and triggerfish collars on grits were terrific. Service was perfect for us. We enjoy engaging with our server and she was delightfully friendly. Weather was perfect for the open dining area that evening.

A new must return restaurant for us.

We were there Friday night with friends. What I've always loved about the place is how you can stop by in shorts or dressed to go out and feel comfortable. You can have a full course meal or a sandwich. It's a perfect concept. We've enjoyed John's creations since he was a chef at the Cardinal Club- we knew he would be successful. He has also represented the city very well on TV and in competitions, etc. Thanks also for supporting live music!

Had two other specials last night, and they also were truly special!

The Caprese-ish salad had interesting tomatoes, and a perfect blend of lettuce, dressing, cheese, et al.

The lamb ribs were wonderful! This is usually an extremely fatty piece of meat - and we were warned by the server (who was excellent - Kate), but in Varanese's capable hands the ribs were as fat-free as I've ever seen them, yet at the same time juicy and incredibly flavorful.

The new decor is also great . . . we are frequently looking for private room options, and the newly designed space allows for multiple alternatives.

There was only one problem with the night: we arrived early (6:45), and they already were out of the rabbit. Oh, well, the lamb ribs were pretty perfect so I guess things ended up OK.

So here's a great example of a post influencing a postitive change in my desire to visit a place or not. Too often, I think, this forum gets a "bad rap" for posts talking about disappointments acting as a damper on business. In this case, Stephen's positive (and detailed) post has made me think about taking a second look at a place I'd written off. I had a negative service experience the last two times I visited, and so I'd taken it out of my consideration set.

It's back in. Thanks, Stephen!

[Robin Garr]

I had a negative service experience the last two times I visited ...

That has been the only issue of concern to me since Varanese opened. I always love the food, the style, the mood, but service that's more clueless than outright awful has happened a fair percentage of times.