New Restaurant in downtown New Albany

My old stomping ground (Bistro New Albany) is now going to be The Windsor Restaurant and Garden and, if I do say so myself, it is absolutely GORGEOUS!! I just sneaked a peek inside and the place has been completely transformed (new everything, including that wretched carpeting) The new owners are planning on converting the whole building (ala 21C) and restoring it to it's original glory (It used to be the Windsor Hotel back in the day). Word is that they have hired a Chef from New York and, from the looks of it, they are sparing no expense in making it a going concern. Anyway, I know Roger will most likely chime in here with more details after Gravity Head winds down but I thought you all should know and I wish them only the best. The march of progress in New Albany continues.......

That sounds exciting. Any idea on the opening?

That sounds exciting. Any idea on the opening?

Mid-March (though, having done this a few times, that sounds pretty optimistic) I will say that they have a "now hiring" sign up so that bodes well........Can't wait to have a cool meal in my old digs!

Where is it located in New Albany? I am not familiar with that area of town at all.

on the corner of bank and market, downtown

has anyone tried the Orchid Cafe that opened in New Albany recently (corner of 4th and main)

shawn

has anyone tried the Orchid Cafe that opened in New Albany recently (corner of 4th and main)

Yes. They've done a surprisingly nice job with the interior and the owners and staff are friendly and attentive. You order at the counter and they bring the food out to your table, do drink refills, and check in occasionally.

I wish I could say I was more impressed with the food. The couple of dishes I've had (pad thai and lo mein) haven't been bad, but just sort of pedestrian in that toned down, Americanized sort of way. Asking for spicy hasn't done me much good so far.

They have a lunch special that includes a drink and egg roll for free with an entree, so it's still a solid place to grab a filling, $5-7 dollar lunch that's healthier than fast food. Some friends who don't dig spices have been taking advantage of that.

I'm jazzed about the Windsor reinvention. It's funny getting an early heads up about it from Dave, though, as any mention of a downtown NA restaurant project usually comes with wishful Clancy rumors attached. I and hundreds of others will be happy if any of them ever turn out to be true. Dave set the bar pretty high downtown and we all miss him.

Where is it located in New Albany? I am not familiar with that area of town at all.

And in Louisville tradition:

It's across the street from the old Fair store.

and right next door to the old Grand Theater

and right next door to the old Grand Theater

And across the street from Little Chef........

I am excited about the new place. Wow.

I went to the new Asian Restaurant, the Orchid. Good experience. Like Jeff, I found the food to be a bit on the bland side. I had the Pad Thai and it really needed something. The Vietnamese spring roll was very good, however, but in need to a dipping sauce. Lunch is a great deal and it's a nice little place. I hope it does well. I'll go back.