by Ed Vermillion » Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:28 pm
Had an incredible post Christmas family dinner at Park Place on Main last night. My wife, son and I had weathered the travel to Eastern Kentucky over the 24th & 25th and were now ready to relax and look forward to another new year.
We had 7:30 reservations and were promptly seated. Byron was our server and he was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive, perfect in other words.
Sliced Blue Dog rustic loaf bread appeared after we had ordered. It was served with a trio of spreads. Soft herbed butter, cream cheese with a large dollop of Jezebel sauce and Duck butter. The Duck butter had just enough duck fat to render a subtle flavor without a greasy mouth feel. The Jezebel sauce caught my son's palate and Cindy opted for the herbed.
Appetizers were Bibb Lettuce salads for Cindy and I. Crumbled bits of Menage cheese, candied walnuts, apples and a subtle cider-tarragon vinaigrette all melded well.
Mains were Filet of Beef from Creekstone Farms served perfectly medium rare for the lady. She pronounced it "the best" steak she has had in a very long time. It was accompanied by a small skillet of orzo pasta with a cheese sauce and haricot verts. Duncan and I both opted for the Berkshire Burger which is pork belly, aged on site, wrapped in ground pork and then wrapped with bacon. This was served on a corn bread "bun" which was just right. I like my cornbread dry and unsweetened so the corn flavor is pronounced; which must be the same way the fine folks in Maysville like theirs. Sides were fried tobacco onions and brussel sprout slaw.
Dessert was a beautiful presentation of Kenny's Bleu cheese served with figs, apples, candied walnuts and more Blue Dog bread.
Mr. Denham popped out of the kitchen and we had an interesting chat about local food producers, his pork belly techniques, cornbread and a very fine Maysville artist whose work is/was hanging over at Shiraz in Holiday Manor(and whose name escapes me now). Jay Denham and staff are doing wonders and continue to make Park Place a great dining destination.
Thanks for a wonderful evening, we will be back soon.