Comparable to Bacchanalia or Chez Panisse?

I'm looking for an elegant but not fussy, chef-driven place with a strong focus on local ingredients.

We have the rare, rare treat of a babysitter, so we want something for the grown-ups, both in terms of taste and atmosphere.

Any thoughts?

It doesn't seem like Lilly's gets mentioned that much on here, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

edited to say: the body of your post. I have no idea about Bacchanalia or Chez Panisse. Kathy Cary is an amazing chef with a serious committment to local ingredients.

[Robin Garr]

It doesn't seem like Lilly's gets mentioned that much on here, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

I like Lilly's okay but kind of lump it with Cafe Metro on my list of "places we used to go for a blowout back when we were young."

How about Corbett's?

It doesn't seem like Lilly's gets mentioned that much on here, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

I like Lilly's okay but kind of lump it with Cafe Metro on my list of "places we used to go for a blowout back when we were young."

How about Corbett's?

I like that...."places we used to go for a blowout back when we were young."

That's a perfect description.

Would Corbett's be the place you go for a blowout now that you are old, Robin?

It doesn't seem like Lilly's gets mentioned that much on here, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

I like Lilly's okay but kind of lump it with Cafe Metro on my list of "places we used to go for a blowout back when we were young."

How about Corbett's?

I like that...."places we used to go for a blowout back when we were young."

That's a perfect description.

I've never eaten at any of these places, so I'm having trouble with the description. I am still young, though, so maybe I should focus my attention on crossing Lilly's and Cafe Metro off my "must dine" list and leave these other establishments for you old, I mean, wise sages.

Mojito's is very good! Also, Equus is superb....

[Robin Garr]

Would Corbett's be the place you go for a blowout now that you are old, Robin?

EGG-Zackly!

Added by edit: I was going for subtlety, but in case there is any lack of clarity, what I meant by "blowouts back when we were young" is that these places opened in Louisville in the '80s, have always had a very loyal following, but in my eyes, at least, haven't really moved along with the times, so some of the newer spots have outpaced them.

What about 211 Clover Lane. I know it's popular for brunch, but my husband and I had dinner there once and we loved everything about it. The restaurant has a very quaint atmosphere and it is very grown-up. I can sympathize with the rarity of a babysitter and we also like to make the most of our dinners out. I think I may have been reading Alice Waters and Chez Panisse at the time that we ate at 211 and, although I've never been to Chez Panisse, 211 was close to what I imagine Chez Panisse to be like. I think they also try to use local ingedients.

I'm always surprised that I don't hear or read about 211 more often.

Eliza,

I'd say Proof. Definitely elegant in a cosmopolitan way, not fussy. Major focus on local ingredients. Wonderful food and the modern art next door will definitely let you "escape" to your formerly child-less selves for an evening.

I also respectfully disagree with Robin on Lilly's - we've had some wonderful and very special dinners there, and Kathy is the original for focusing on local ingredients. The meal I had there with the Southern Foodways Conference this summer would have made Alice very proud. ( Then again- that was a private event).

Deb

I love Lilly's to. Very elegant and the dishes have great flavor. It is, also, one of the best values in town for lunch.

As it relates to Chez Panisse though I haven't eaten there in awhile, I'd say in town try Lilly's or 211 Clover Lane and if you can make the trip Holly Hill. CD