'Burbs on a Monday?

A close friend from Lexington scored a free stay at the Embassy Suites off Hurstbourne (N of Shelbyville Road) for us to have a girl's night out/graduation shindig (she's finishing her studies at UK.) I live in the Highlands and rarely venture too far away and would like some help picking a restaurant that's at least *somewhat* close to this part of town. Limestone is the obvious choice but I've eaten there twice in the past three weeks. Corbett's is a contender... anything on Shelbyville road would be exceptionally convenient. Said friend is willing to do slacks and nice top but doesn't want to get too gussied up (wondering if this removes Corbett's from the running- I've only been for lunch.)

We have a handsome chauffeur (also known as my husband) who will also be joining us for just the dinner part of the evening.

Please help!

Oh Cassie, that's a stetch, expecially if you want it to be pescatarian friendly on Shelbyville Rd. There is Z's; it's great but pricey. I'd love to say I'd cook that special dinner for you, but I 'm already commited for that evening. Although, if you hubbie wants to cook for you, I can lend you my kitchen and grill.

I'm thinking pescatarian here:

The eastern most place that first comes to mind is Cafe Lou Lou (and it's not very eastern); maybe you should go back to 211 Clover Lane? Havana Rumba also has a "mean" grouper and is but slightly off Shelbyville Rd.

Another possiblity (not on Shelbyville) would be Captain's Quarters. If the rain has stopped the deck would be a wonderful place to reminisce with an old friend. Again going north of Shelbyville is Mitchell’s Fish Market at the Summit which I believe is on its way to going local.

You should consider Napa River Grill north of Shelbyville in the revamped Westport shopping center.

Of course, there is the wonderful Oriental House on Shelbyville Road.

Other than that I'd probably forsake the local restaurant's and go to Carrabbas.

So did you have the "Feed Me Chef" at Limetone yet?

Furlongs

Equus would certainly be one of my top contenders especially with their new menu and Jack's next door would also certainly fit the bill! Hears their website: Equus.

Cafe Lou Lou as mentioned before would also be a good choice: Cafe Lou Lou

And for a different experience you may want to try is Selena's which has a Creole/Mediterranean fusion menu: Selena's it's very close to where you're staying and the decor is very nice in the food is excellent.

You probably should make reservations at any of three to be safe but on Monday night that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Don't hate me for recommending a chain, but we have always had a great meal at Bonefish (657 S Hurstbourne: http://contact.bonefishgrill.com/menu/M5S1.pdf). Their crab cakes were all lump crab, hardly any filler, fish was wonderful, and lots of people on this board have complimented their bang bang shrimp. We haven't been there in some time, and I don't know how the economy has changed things, so I encourage others to chime in, but we used to love it. It also sounds like it would be close to where your friend is staying. (FYI - we tried Carabas (sp?) w/business guests, and although they are a sister co. to Bonefish, we found the food to be under par. Everything tasted the same. Bonefish and Carabas are right next to each other, but I would encourage you to go to Bonefish. If someone wants Italian that needs to be close to the hotel, head the other direction to Macaroni Grill) MHO

I'll place my vote for Cafe Lou Lou (make sure you save room for dessert) or Selena's (their Cajun food is my favorite and if it's nice weather they have a great patio).

How about Liangs?

Not far, close to Pie Kitchen for desserts and Liquor Barn for post-prandial libations.

Of Course there is CHEDDERS (Tongue firmly stuck in Cheek) the most popular place in that area according to the parking lot.

Enjoy

I'll second (or third) Bonefish...never a let down there. My other choice would be Cafe Lou Lou. My wife and I had dinner there for the first time last Friday and it is already on our "must return asap list."

My other choice would be Cafe Lou Lou. My wife and I had dinner there for the first time last Friday and it is already on our "must return asap list."

St. Matthews location, I assume...did you eat desserts, Mark?

Yes, St. Matthews location...no room for desserts though...one main reason to go back soon. My lil guy was really hungery so we ordered the cheese sticks appetizer to get him something quick. Between that, my ridiculously huge Meatball calzone, and my wife's Medeteranian pizza, we were loaded. I'm going to be more adventerous next time...I wanted the scallops special, but we wanted to share and my wife isnt a fan of much seafood.

Hey, Mark - if you go back with the kid, keep in mind we have "off the menu" stuff for kids - cheesy noodles, pita kid's pizza, grilled cheese, etc.

I'd highly recommend the blue cheese polenta appetizer. Also, any pizza can be made into a calzone!

We actually got him the cheesy noodles...he loved them almost as much as I did

One of those places that doesn't get mentioned much, but would be a great place for your group is Maggie's on Taylorsville Rd (on the left before you get into the heart of J-Town). Great Atmosphere and pretty good eats with great presentation

Wow! I didn't mean to post and run but yesterday was Oaks and I actually went (and even had a good time! Surprises all around...)

You guys have come up with amazing suggestions. I try to avoid chains at any cost and with so many good local options, I'll have to do one of those, especially since she's not a Louisvillian.

I picked and choosed (that sounds like bad grammar but oh well) amongst the options presented and I'm going to send the following list of options to my friend for her to pick from:

Maggie's (been there once for a party)
Cafe Lou Lou
Equus
Selena's (never even heard of this but it sounds great)
Furlongs
Captain's Quarters
Napa River Grill
Hiko-A-Mon (the NRG suggestion made me think of this)
Oriental House (mmm dim sum)
Corbett's

I've always wanted to eat at a German restaurant but Erika's lists only one shrimp dish (under "American Favorites" to boot!) and no vegetarian ones.

Thanks to everyone for their amazing suggestions- I never could've come up with this list.

And yes, Gayle, re: FMC @ Limestone. We went last Friday. It was good. The fish was cobia which I haven't had in forever and is perhaps my favorite thing in the sea with scales. We arrived just before 9 and by 9:30 we were the only folks in the place... intimate but also a little weird. The cesar salad was perhaps the best I've ever eaten. The desserts were so-so. The soup was salty. Our waiter was fabulous (as was his assistant- how could they not be since we were the only folks in the joint!?) I am glad I went but I am also glad I changed graduation night's reservations as I think it was more fun as a two-person dinner anyway.