Southern graciousness at Corbett's

Donna and I had the privilege of dining at Corbett's last night. Even as we walked up to the restored building that houses the restaurant, we knew we were in for a special evening. The interior design was reminiscent of an appropriate sense of "old Kentucky," and was done with taste and an understated elegance. This visual experience was the complete antithesis to Jeff Ruby's. (I know, I can't leave that well alone......)
While my Wisconsin soul would have enjoyed a larger bar, the lounge certainly provided ample seating for drinks and Dean's incredible $8.00 lounge menu. This might be the best gourmet deal in town! What a great place to come after a long and arduous day at work. It is a culinary sybaritic massage.

We were seated at a banquette over looking the genteel room. Daisy, our server, (For those of you in my age range, I can't stop thinking about Daisy Mae from Li'l Abner fame. It was a fun musical.) was warm, accommodating and well versed on the menu. Not realizing that the nine course tasting menu is enough food for Atilla's rampaging hordes, we made this choice and settled back for some serious gluttony. Troy, the sommelier, helped me make a decision and was quite patient as I described my unusual palette. (Donna says I like the taste of sweat socks) Each dish was absolutely delectable and Corbett's was able to combine sophistication and warmth. It is a pet peeve of mine when service in a restaurant confuses cold detachment as sophistication. I want to feel as if I am dining in someone's home. That is exactly what Corbett's makes you feel. If I'm in a snooty restaurant that is so taken with itself, I will purposely break down the pretense by sharing my wine with all the tables around me. I have been known to walk into the kitchen to share my wine with all the line cooks. I did this at the two star Michelin restaurant in Paris, JAMIN, and a restaurant named Periwinkle in New Orleans. (They are both defunct now. I hope I didn't cause that..) Dean was as welcoming as could be and made both Donna and myself feel like celebrities. When Dean had to leave because his son had an ear infection, (I hope he's feeling okay) Chef Chris took over and engaged us in conversation and continued the enveloping warmth.

We left Corbett's feeling excessively privileged to have such a wonderful dining experience. Thank you.

The only issue I have (You know I have to push some buttons...) Why is this gorgeous, restored house surrounded by a Costco, and other strip mall eye sores! Where are the zoning laws? You cannot give developers a license to construct anything in every place. Louisville needs to be aware of aesthetics. I feel it is important for any city. Thanks.

.

I think we're lucky that the house was even saved. It was very difficult to find a use for the property that allowed it to even exist, even given the office park setting. Good for Dean for preserving it. (and I love the restaurant, Phil - couldn't agree more with your thoughts)

FYI, Phil - the Costco and the rest were there before Dean rescued the last civilized building in the area!

Because you never know when you'll need to pick up a mattress, several gallons of olive oil, a gross of plastic cups, and a 72 inch flat screen after dinner.

From what I know about the situation the restaurant is there because of the developer. He wanted Dean to make a great place out of it and not have to tear is down. It is truly beautiful place and the food prepared by Chef Howerton and staff is out of this world.

Costco is the restauranteurs friend. They have wonderful items and the staff there is fantastic. I love that it is so close to our place.

Hey Phil we were there last night as well! We were seated about 8:15 or so at the table/booth right by the front door. We are averaging about once or twice a month. All three of us (myself, the wife, and or 14 y/o) started with sweetbreads that were is a decadent sauce. After a great take on a "Ceasar salad" my son and I had the pork loin. My wife devoured the veal loin special (I ate the small leftovers for lunch today).

Troy has learned our general likes and dislikes and supplied us with very fine pinot noir. Dave, our server, was fabulous. We had them pack-up an order of roasted chicken and mac-cheese that my son took as his lunch today while traveling to a lacrosse match.

We love Corbett's....keep it up. Next time Phil we'll wave!