Photo by Andrew Kung
Photo by Andrew Kung
Settle into a lounge chair at the front of the marketplace and flip through a copy of Jamie's 2017 Eat Your Bourbon cookbook, or pick up a recipe card to use as a shopping list. You can also skip straight to the finish line by scooping up a prepared entrĂŠe, soup, sandwich, or side dish from the gourmet grab-and-go case (your secret is safe with us). If you can't wait until you get home, they'll heat up your selections on the spot, and you can enjoy it at the storefront counter or the bar. Located at the rear of the marketplace, the full bar is a true homage to Kentucky's native spirit, starting with the physical space. The bar top is comprised of 290 barrel staves, and patrons face an accent wall created by a patchwork quilt-like configuration of steel squares Jamie aged in his backyard. The assemblage serves as an artful backdrop for showcasing BrownForman's full product lineup. There's an extensive craft cocktail and mocktail menu culled from the cookbook, along with wine and kombucha on tap. "If you like the cocktail you ordered, we can sell you the bourbon, the mixers, the glass, and the muddler," Jamie explained. "It's a fun and unique one-stop-shop." 70 slmag.net
Hot pretzel with Bourbon Smoked Beer Cheese. Photo by Chris Witzke.
Tapas-style plates available at the bar are executed with a Kentucky twist and showcase BBF's partnerships in everything from charcuterie and cheese to sorghum and sandwiches. Again, many of the dishes are adapted from the cookbook, so you can pick up the ingredients needed to recreate the dishes at home. Jamie said that BBF's founding principle is "Innovate, Evolve, and Diversify," which pivoted to "Remain, Adapt, and Be At the Ready" during the pandemic. He cites his company’s agility as key in avoiding layoffs that have plagued so many other businesses during this time. As a gourmet grocery, Eat Your Bourbon Marketplace has remained open for curbside service and carryout and Jamie continues to work on establishing relationships with local producers to expand the grocery offerings. He said he is looking forward to the easing of distancing restrictions so that he can fully realize his vision for a true neighborhood marketplace that also serves as a reprieve for people visiting the Bourbon Trail. "The Marketplace is an expression of me, the brand, and what we believe in," he said. sl Eat Your Bourbon Marketplace is located at 2710 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville. For more information visit bourbonbarrelfoods.com, call 502.618.0939, or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/eatyourbourbonmarketplace/.
