Running the Captain up the yardarm, mastpole, or whatever

One of the goals set for self this year is to take the parents out more often. They are die-hard chain types, not adventuresome in the least. Their idea of going local is KT's. I'd like to broaden their horizons (that's code for -- I can't eat at Fridays anymore) but I'm afraid that at this point a dinner at Seviche or Havana Rumba would freak them out. So, I'm thinking of a transition-type restaurant.

Captain's Quarters came to mind. Has anyone eaten there lately, and if so, how was it? Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

I have the same issue with some of my family. We have taken them twice to the downtown Bristol and were very happy. Lots to choose from. My brother likes the Pork chop and sister in law loves the spicy/sweet chicken stir fry. The beef is always perfect too. Course we love the wine prices!

Have you tried Cunningham's on 4th? They have great fish. It's just good home cooking kind of food. I hear they have a great Sunday Brunch but haven't been able to try it yet. Let me know what they think.

I'd suggest Baxter Station. They have a good mix of old standbys for them and more innovative offerings for you.

I have the same problem with some of my family. Last visit I took them to Dittos. They loved it. I encourage them to go native where they live (Lexington)but Applebees seems to be their idea of dining out. The first " out of body" dining trip I took them on was a visit to the Comback Inn. I thought my sister was going to have a heart attack when we pulled up to park. "We're eating at a beer joint?" was the first thing out of her mouth. Once she got some food in her mouth it was a whole different story.

The Uptown Cafe is perfect for this.

cunninghams is a good option

and if they're meat and potatoes type folk
ginny's diner is great

I usually eat at Captains Quarters a couple times a year when the weather gets nice. You can't beat the view from the outside deck. (I think I did a review on my and my daughters visit there last Derby Day somewhere on these boards)
I think your parents would enjoy it but try the other spots mentioned here on the boards first and save CQ fora nice outdoor meal overlooking Harrods Creek when the weather gets warmer.

I'd suggest Cafe Lou Lou as well - they can get linguine and meatballs or a pepperoni pizza, and they'll love the atmosphere and feel devilishly "indie" at the same time.

...and just in case anyone doesn't know by now, yep - I work there, making the desserts. (Today I made my second Mounds Candy Bar Chocolate Devil's Food Cake with Coconut Frosting and mini-Mounds bars on top. The first one sold out in one service.)

you know you want it

Wow, great suggestions! Thanks everybody.

Thanks Paige M for the Baxter rec. Can't believe I didn't think of it. Baxter Station is just down the road from my office and I often bring clients there for lunch. I haven't been to Cunningham's (I'm ashamed to admit, ever, and a native Louisivillian, so I really have no excuse) so that may have to be the choice. Uptown also makes great sense and another restaurant I haven't been to in a long while.

Marsha -- I'll be looking for that mounds bar dessert. Sounds awesome -- to hell with the diet.

Same problem with my family- especially the teens. Everyone seemed to love Irish Rover a few weeks ago and everyone left happy and full.

Having never dined at Captain's Quarters, I was leery to reply, so take this comment at face value...

I have a co-worker who has just left his cook's job there due to his increasing disgust with the lack of quality and professionalism in the kitchen. I consistently get the impression from other friends who have been there that they are successful more for their ideal location and atmosphere than the quality of the product served. I know it is a very popular summer evening destination, and I know people who go there regularly and have a great time, but I swear, I have never heard anyone compliment the quality of the food. Based solely on these stories from friends and co-workers, I'd go there to have a fun night by the river on a warm summer evening, but would be much less likely to go seeking out a good meal. I very well may be wrong, but this is the impression I have been left with.

Irish Rover is a good option - we sent my girlfriend's grandparents there several months ago, and they loved it. I'd have recommended Sweet Peas, too, but alas, they are no more. Cafe Lou Lou, yes.

Being from Lexington, I can relate to the Applebee's comment there - No one cooks in Lexington, and everyone seems to be fans of the "TGI McFunsters" chains (to paraphrase Bourdain). There's a serious lack of good local establishments, and the ones that are there are quite a tax on the wallet. I'm so happy to be in Louisville now, with a great selection of independents who care about food.

Bret,
I do not know you, have never met you, have never heard of you, nor am I aware of your credentials. With that being said, I would like to question WHO ARE YOU to post so negatively on a public forum, asking the reader to take your opinion at face value, when there is no value to your opinion as you have never dined at Captain's Quarters.

In addition, I am aware of who your coworker is who quit. I will also mention that being the topic of professionalism has come up, your coworker who I will assume is your subordinate, had the lack of professionalism to give any form of notice at all whatsoever. Remember that for the future at Big Springs Country Club. Louisville is a wonderful city that is very close knit, especially the restaurant industry. Any restaurant professional who knows me will tell you that I have a very solid work history & have received outstanding reviews & press which is a result of years of unwavering commitment to quality, excellence, the guests & staff. A testament to my level of commitment is that I put myself into hundreds of thousands of dollars of unreciprocated debt & heartbrokenly walked away from my dream of owning my own restaurant because I was not willing to compromise my standards when my partner decided to make choices for the business that jeapardized my level of quality & commitment to excellence. Again, we have never met & you haven't dined at Captain's Quarters therefore your post seems very malicious & insulting to all of the employees of the restaurant who work their a**es off on a hot summer day, doing 1500 covers regularly. In fact my most recent 3-1/2 star review was yielded on a day like that. Remember, it is never a good idea to burn bridges as you never know who you might be working for down the road. Be careful "Chef."

Rick Adams

Mr. Adams,

I am sorry that my comment incited such anger from you. In hindsight it was irresponsible and improper for me to make the remarks I did, without first hand experience. It was not my goal to stir up trouble, or disrespect you and your crew (who, I am sure, do work very hard, as we all do).

Robin, if it is OK with you and Mr. Adams, I'd just as soon have my post deleted.

Regarding the personal attacks against me, I will set them aside. I hope you will also.

My apologies to you, and to all who I may have offended.

Of course I would be irritated (not angry) & would definately think you were being insulting. You have never dined at my restaurant yet choose to bash it based on "impressions" instead of fact on an online forum in the community I live in. Why retract your post, you said it. You should choose your words wisely & own them when considering disparaging someone publicly. It makes no difference to me whether the above post from Chef Bret is deleted. I appreciate the apology & feel that it is appropriate. I don't know what you are referring to when you state that my PM attacked you personally. I cannot find anything in it that is insulting towards you or the kitchen you run, unlike your original post on CQ on the Forum. If you want to discuss this feel free to contact me via a PM.
Rick Adams