White Oaks / Artemisia?

Does anyone know anything about the new White Oaks restaurant that will be replacing Artemisia? I didn't even realize Artemisia had closed - I just called to see what their hours are and the man who answered said Artemisia is gone and a new restaurant called White Oaks will be opening soon in its place. I searched the forum (and google in case there was a notice posted somewhere else), but couldn't find anything about this. I was really hoping to finally get out to Artemisia and try them out. Not trying to spread rumors or anything, but I did call the restaurant and this is what I was told. So does anyone know anything about White Oaks?

[Robin Garr]

Good reporting, Sanjay ... I think you've broken news on the forum. Sad about Artemisia, but I hope someone knowledgeable about White Oaks (maybe owner or chef?) will step up and inform us.

I used to work at Artemisia and from what i've heard they are currently celebrating their 10th anniversary and just changing their name (along with their menu and decor) to The White Oak at the Artemisia Gallery. I'm not sure if this name change signifies an increased focus on the art gallery aspect of the restaurant. A few years back they teamed up with the Kentucky Museum of Arts & Crafts to help curate rotating art shows. They are apparently only closed until April 23rd. I've always considered Artemisia to be one of the most highly underrated restaurants in the area and wish them all the best with their new ventures.

A friend of mine was down there on Saturday. They had a sign out that they were closed for "minor renovations" from the 17th through the 23rd.

Deb

Artemisia and Bourbons Bistro produce some of the most flavorful food in Louisville. IMHO

Hmmmm, we were at Artemesia with a group a few weeks ago and I thought they were maybe doing something different since they were out of all desserts, most of their liquor and some menu items. Glad they are just changing things around and not closing because we thought maybe that is what all of that signified.

White Oaks folks were in Kentucky Bison Co. last Friday to pick up oxtail for the burgoo they will be sampling at Taste of Derby Festival. Very friendly people. Old southern menu, with a little something for everyone. Using fresh, local ingredients for everything.
If I remember correctly, they hope to have a soft opening around Derby week.

I had the chance to stop by the white oaks stand at taste of derby. it will be called the white oak, it is going to showcase 100% ky grown/ vegg and protiens from beef, bison,chicken... We all know what Louisville and it's local farmers has to offer and that's what they are going to showcase. From the time I spent talking with them it should be a great restaurant, at a great time. we all need to support the local economy as much as possible!.... Wish them luck and looking forward to trying them out....

As usual, my timing is impeccable.

After discussing local restaurants on Friday, I was advised that Artemisia had a great burger and was a great spot for some evening drinks. I drink too much and eat too many hamburgers, so I was thinking it's a great fit.

I then purchased 2 gift certificates from Restaurant.com (I'm not sure of forum rules regarding referring to or mentioning other websites. If this is frowned upon, I apologize.) The website advises you can exchange certificates for restaurants that close.

So, my exchange choices are:

bd's Mongolain Grill
Furlong's
Gavi's
Kashmir
Macca's
Meridian Cafe
North End Cafe
Savino's
I am really getting tired of typing restaurant names. I should have just asked "Which other restaurant on the site, should I exchange for?"
Sportsville Grill and Bar
Stumlers Orchard
Sully's
The Winner's Circle
Wathen's Kentucky Bristro
Winston's

Being new to this area, I haven't heard of any of these.

Any suggestions on which I should choose?

As a unrelated side note, the person that recommended Artemisia was a lovely young lady. I am guessing she was 23 or so. As a recently divorced 33 year old, I was optomistic by the possibilities. Then she refered to me as "Sir". It was the first time I was called by my dad's name.

You're in the South now. Nearly everyone here is either a "Sir" or a "M'am."

J,

If you are looking for an upscale, but casual place - I'd go with Meridian or North End- both are great! Winstons is very good but it's pretty much fine-dining.

I have not had good food at Macca's.

Deb

I second the recommendation for North End Cafe... they do vegetarian food really well- like vegetables are actually worthy of center-stage status, rather than just condemned to a life as a side-dish. And my husband loves the duck.

Wathen's--- I saw this the other day while going to a Cook with Mary class @ Seafood Connection. IIRC there was something else in there, short-lived apparently, between Rick's Ferrari Grille and now this. I remember it had a distinctly unappealing name... help?

I'm in the same boat, as I purchased 2 Artemesia certificates months ago on Restaurants.com during the Halloween sale. Any chance the new place will honor them?

If not, I second exchanging for North End or Meridian. Be careful with North End--I know many people only go there for brunch, but the certificates are not honored for breakfast, brunch, or lunch--only dinner (read the fine print).

There is a nice posting from Alan Heintzman, the chef of Artemesia and now White Oaks. I would suggest contacting them before assuming they won't take the gift certificates.

As for the suggestions - I would agree with Deb, out of the one's listed both North End cafe and Meridian Cafe are excellent.

There is a nice posting from Alan Heintzman, the chef of Artemesia and now White Oaks. I would suggest contacting them before assuming they won't take the gift certificates.

As for the suggestions - I would agree with Deb, out of the one's listed both North End cafe and Meridian Cafe are excellent.

I just posed this question to Chef Allen via a post on his thread about The White Oak.