Anyone checked out Caffe Perusa yet?

I ran into a friend last night that tried Caffe Perusa last week and said their oysters were wonderful. Anyone else been there?

I was there a few weeks ago, and the food I tried was wonderful. The place is beautiful and very spacious. I'd encourage people to stop by for an appetizer and drink to look over the menu.

Where is this located?

Just off Taylorsville Road, between Stony Brook and Six Mile Lane. 9200 Taylorsville Road. 491-5459

This place is right in my backyard (almost literally). After noticing the full page color ad they put in the C-J last weekend (proclaming a study in oysters, but it was a picture of a scallop dish) I stopped by a few days ago to look at the menu in the middle of the afternoon.

These are my first impressions... Remember folks...I'm just giving a report on what I saw and in no means trying to discourage anyone from trying it out.

Peeking through the windows the place does look very inviting with very nice stemware and service-ware from what I could see

It seems a touch overpriced for the neighborhood(An office condo location in J-town). With prices that seem to priced a bit more than entrees at finer ESTABLISHED places in town(Jack Fry's, Equus, Le Relais to name a few), I didn't really see any thing on the menu that I would have to "rush" to eat at such a high tariff. A couple of apps and drinks will probably put you out at least $40.00...

However, I will try the place after I take out a second mortgage or get my tax return back (which ever comes first).

For those interested, here is some information on the restaurant. Although off the beaten path in Louisville for fine dining, this restaurant is exquisite! The dining areas are stunning with beautiful tables, hand-crafted booths, and a stunning bar area. There are also 2 separate dining areas on the lower level with a wine grotto which is almost completed. The food is fabulous and I feel is some of the best in Louisville. I am told that the Executive Chef, Mark Latino, is a New Orleans transplant courtesy of Hurricane Katrina and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of experience in the culinary arts. The menu is bold and unique, offering a variety of seafood choices along with such standards as fine steaks and rack of lamb. The appetizers are wonderful with the signature dish "A Study of Oysters" my personal favorite. There are several salads to choose from, but I feel the Louisiana Crawfish Salad is the star of the group.
Although the restaurant is new, I believe the prices are in line with many of the more established fine restaurants in the city. The wait staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable although like most new restaurants, are working out the kinks. IMHO, the seafood is by far the best in Louisville. The next time you're in the mood for a great dining experience, give this place a try. You will not be disappointed.

Hmmmm ... those last comments seem a bit "inside baseball" to me. Any disclosures to make?

They say they have a "piano bar". Who is playing and when?

Sounds just like a fairly bad PR person shilling for the place. If I am wrong I apologize.

Alicia, if you have any connection to this place, it would be good form to say so, especially on your first post.

Sounds just like a fairly bad PR person shilling for the place. If I am wrong I apologize.

Alicia, if you have any connection to this place, it would be good form to say so, especially on your first post.

Steve -

I received an offline message saying that Alicia is a manager at Caffe Perusa.

TP

Thanks TP

My main point, as was yours, is that she should have said that in her post. I don't have any problem with someone trying to hype their place as long as they make the disclosure.
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This was in CJ recently.

A new Caffe Perusa

Caffe Perusa is opening Thursday at Stony Brook Village, 9200 Taylorsville Road. The 10,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant will serve what owner Rodulfo Pantoja describes as American continental cuisine, including escargot and oyster appetizers and salads with softshell crab or Louisiana crawfish.

Prices are still being ironed out, but entrees will range from about $15 to $40 with choices such as New Zealand rack of lamb, cowboy rib-eye and crispy duck.

The wine list will reflect what's in the 10,000-bottle wine cellar. Pantoja said the wines will be mostly from Argentina, Chile, Italy, France, Germany and California.

The restaurant will open initially only for dinner, from 5 to 10 p.m. On March 3, lunch will be added; hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Hope it does well. I live in the Jtown area and would be nice to have a place like this close. Sounds rather high priced for lunch in this area.

The owner certainly has the financial resources to make this work. Of course money alone doesn't guarantee success, but it doesn't hurt.

I agree, Steve - just a disclosure is a good thing.

It does sound like a really interesting place, and one that I hope does very well.

I am told that the Executive Chef, Mark Latino, is a New Orleans transplant courtesy of Hurricane Katrina and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of experience in the culinary arts.

Alicia:

Aren't you the manager there? Seems odd that you wouldn't know where your chef is from. You might want to walk back to the kitchen and ask him.

This sort of blatant PR is bad form, but when the restaurant manager pretends to be an anonymous customer it is downright dishonest.

This place is very close to my home and I have been very interested to see how it will do. Their sign still says "Grand Opening February 21" and hasn't been updated since they opened. I've seen very little traffic there. It would be really nice to have a place like this in J-Town, but I have not heard a lot of buzz about the food ... just the prices. If and when they open for lunch, I'll check it out and report back.

I am told that the Executive Chef, Mark Latino, is a New Orleans transplant courtesy of Hurricane Katrina and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of experience in the culinary arts.

Alicia:

Aren't you the manager there? Seems odd that you wouldn't know where your chef is from. You might want to walk back to the kitchen and ask him.

This sort of blatant PR is bad form, but when the restaurant manager pretends to be an anonymous customer it is downright dishonest.

Sorry gang...I am NOT the manager of Caffe Perusa. My insider information is my relationship to the sister-in-law of the chef who I met recently and my own personal experience from dining at the restaurant. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I stand by my observations and opinions. Others may disagree. However, Mr Johnson you have been ill advised and I would consider your comments "bad form". Perhaps in the future you should withhold comments until you know the information you act on is accurate before attacking others in this forum. Thank You!