So, how can LouisvilleHotBytes serve you during all this?

[Robin Garr]

A question for you all: For 25 years, LouisvilleHotBytes has published restaurant reviews weekly. Obviously that's on hiatus for a while. The CJ and LEO Weekly are both putting restaurant reviews in abeyance for the duration.

But I want to keep communicating, and I want to do what little I can to help strengthen the local restaurant community and the people who love it.

So, what would you like to see from us until this hiatus is over, remembering that I'd like to practice social distancing myself.

I welcome your ideas. Let's hear 'em!

Providing the list of places still open and doing take away and delivery is the single most important thing you are doing. LEO should be printing large print lists of these places in lieu of their regular entertainment sections.

So much of this you are already doing, but any links to or lists of resources for those out of work or severely cut back on hours.

Hotbytes is and can certainly be the heartbeat of the local industry during this difficult time.

Thank you, Robin!

[Robin Garr]

Thanks, Ronnie. Bear in mind, though, that a number of resources are providing very full and complete lists. Jon Larmee at Food & Dining for one.
https://foodanddine.com/louisville-rest ... -delivery/

So while I will absolutely link to those resources, I'm also trolling for things that are within my skill set but fill unmet needs or occupy space that no one else is occupying.

[Robin Garr]

Also, while this forum is an important resource, I'm looking primarily at the web publication that houses our reviews and other published material,
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com

What about continuing the reviews but focused on the carryout experience: a mix of known favorites and how they adapt their most famous dishes to non-immediate eating, plus trying places you haven't previously tried? Given it's more geographically complex to drive way across the city and take it home, perhaps team with friends and colleagues who live in other areas?

During normal times, apart from Robin's reviews, I view hotbytes as a hub for a vast range of info, thoughts, complaints, tidbits or whatever regarding Louisville eats, or general concerns of the industry as a whole---comings and goings, workers' woes, price points, foodie shows or celebs, etc. From what I've seen posted these past few weeks has been much of the same, but reflecting the moment in hand.

Bottom line, Robin---just keep doing what you do and people still posting what they feel may be of interest to others. And that's why I always enjoy the site---real people with real concerns sharing with others who share an interest and passion for food and the industry. By the site's very nature it is useful at this time as a place to gather thoughts, reflect, bitch, pat someone on the back, and point people in the right direction.

[Robin Garr]

Thanks, James, thoughtful response. To clarify, though, I agree that this forum is on the right track, given that the rise of mega-social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter has drawn down activity on just about all forums like this one.

I'm thinking more specifically of the LouisvilleHotBytes publication, though, which heretofore has primarily house my weekly reviews and Marsha's monthly column, in recent years shared by contract with LEO Weekly. I want to keep that publication active, but I don't think weekly reviews of take-out food alone will cover it. So mostly I'm looking for suggestions over there.

For reference:

HotBytes Forum

LouisvilleHotBytes.com

Robin, you've got a ton of knowledge of the history of Louisville's food scene, and tons of contacts. How about writing/reporting some historical pieces?

[Robin Garr]

Robin, you've got a ton of knowledge of the history of Louisville's food scene, and tons of contacts. How about writing/reporting some historical pieces?

Nice idea, Jeff! My memory is kind of shot, though.

You know what might be even better? My memory, and the collective wisdom of this community. We could start some threads and then convert them into articles.