Tim, Lead Engineer
empowering a culture of inclusion, equality, dignity and respect for all. At LG&E, our energies go to empowering business owners and strengthening economic development in the communities we serve. And as an industry leader in supplier diversity, we proactively provide opportunities by mentoring, building relationships with, and buying from companies with diverse backgrounds. Over the last 10 years alone, we have spent $1.3 billion with Black-, minority- and veteran-owned companies. Visit lge-ku.com/diversity to learn more.
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Darnell SuperChef Ferguson The Women Behind Flavorman Diverse Entrepreneurship Summit Renae L. Bluitt - She Did That Hypertension During Pregnancy A Step Ahead Off the Cuff Food for the Soul
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Cover
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ABOUT THE
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Model: Darnell Superchef Ferguson Photo by: T.A. Yero, 2 Hearts Media Location: Superchefs, Bardstown Road, Louisville
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PRODUCED BY: TOP MARKETING GROUP, LLC. | HOME OF TOPS LOUISVILLE & LEXINGTON (502) 780-7825 | TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM | GETMORE@TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM
Advisory Council JACKIE BAILEY-JONES
DEJA DOWNEY
CYNTHIA LEE STEWART
KIMBERLY CECIL-JONES
JOHN SHAW-WOO
CHELSEA ELLIS-HOGAN
ROB BEATTY
Contributors
DAWN ANDERSON • DEJA DOWNEY • DANNY ALEXANDER • T.A. YERO (2 HEARTS MEDIA)
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DARNELL
SUPERCHEF FERGUSON WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | PHOTO BY T.A. YERO, 2 HEARTS MEDIA
When situations change, you should change. I didn’t have to be angry anymore. I could be myself. 6
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his spring, Darnell SuperChef Ferguson is on the cusp of making his wildest dreams come true. Already Chef/Owner of multiple restaurants and a successful contender and respected judge on several Food Network competition shows, Ferguson feels accomplished but by no means satisfied. While developing and building on SuperChef Brands LLC, he has been busy with various national television appearances and reaching back to encourage up-and-coming young Black chefs and entrepreneurs. Photo by Danny Alexander
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Darnell Ferguson grew up in neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio, which he describes as a harsh environment. “Mom made sure we didn’t lack anything. And I had a great stepdad and a great childhood. But sports and being an athlete was the only dream for kids coming out of those places.” Ferguson struggled in school and faced the fact early on that professional sports would not be his path. “I spent a lot of time at my cousin’s house, where we made breakfast and got creative with
weird food combinations. I wasn’t aware of what a chef was, so I couldn’t see it as an option.” Watching Emeril Lagasse on Food Network, Ferguson admired his chef’s whites, as he did most uniforms. “If I wasn’t a chef, I’d be a Navy Seal because I like structure. That’s probably why the French brigade system (in restaurant hierarchy) appealed to me so much. When you come from a chaotic environment, structure is attractive.” But when the Navy recruiter at
I want to present a style of food that is relatable to the masses but prepared in a way you’ve never seen before. I want to become the face of a network, a face like no one’s ever seen. And I want to reach back and shine a light on others. his high school mentioned Ferguson’s braids being cut off, that was the end of the Navy Seal aspirations. Ferguson found his way to vocational school and got a tutor who sparked his educational success. “I made the honor roll from then on. We are still in touch, and they are a pivotal person in my life,” as is his vocational school teacher who administered his first knife skills test. Ferguson received a 100% perfect score. “Until junior year in high school, no one besides my mom had told me I was special or could do great things. My heart really desired that. When she (his vocational school teacher) told me that, I ran with it. ‘I’m gonna be a chef!’ One conversation can change the trajectory of your life.” In 2005, Ferguson moved to Louisville to attend culinary school at Sullivan University. But his experience there was a struggle at first. He couldn’t get anyone to cosign a loan, so he had to work during the day and go to night school with much older adults. Ferguson thrived in the labs, though. After about six months, he was able to attend daytime classes and was
selected to cook for Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Following the popularity of the online cooking classes he offered and his work as a breakfast cook at Proof on Main, it was time for Ferguson to strike out on his own and begin building what is now an impressive and thriving restaurant portfolio. “When I saw the menu prices at Proof, I knew I could do it myself.” In 2012, the SuperChef empire began with pop-ups in a small gyro restaurant. But simultaneously, Ferguson was going through an existential crisis. “I was getting concerned with who I am going to be instead of what am I going to be.” Ferguson had overcome both homelessness and incarceration on his journey, and he hadn’t fully dealt with that until he began attending Southeast Christian Church. “When situations change, you should change. I didn’t have to be angry anymore. I could be myself. I never imagined how the pop-ups would then explode through our guerrilla marketing. We prepped and cooked all day and put flyers on cars at night. We never slept.
We were so excited. Through three years of pop-ups, our mission was to ‘be great now.’ That consistency and belief made the difference, even though the pop-up locations and settings were not always ideal.” His restaurant mentor Larry Goss believed in Ferguson and helped him with better locations to serve the sold-out five-course dinners. He also reiterated to Ferguson that it wasn’t all about his craft but about who he was. Ferguson and childhood friend Ryan Bryson opened the daytime breakfast spot SuperChefs in Louisville in 2015, featuring their “Urban Eclectic” cuisine style, blending traditional flavors in nontraditional ways with a creative presentation. After a devastating fire just a few months into operation, celebrity chefs and television producers swooped in, offering to help Ferguson share his story. Through those media appearances and opportunities, he was able to reopen SuperChefs and start giving back to the community. Ferguson’s restaurant holdings have since expanded to The Haunted House Restaurant in
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Photo by Danny Alexander
Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Superhero Chefs in Hunstville and Tuscumbia, Alabama, SuperChefs Express in the University of Louisville Student Activity Center, and Tha Drippin Crab in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood. He spends time with his wife and their eight children at their home in Alabama. As his restaurant endeavors have grown, so has Ferguson’s burgeoning television career. Following an appearance on Guy’s Grocery Games, Rachael Ray, Steve Harvey, and Ellen Degeneres all came calling for an exclusive story with Ferguson. Figuring Rachael Ray could deliver the Food Network sort of audience Ferguson was seeking, he chose her show and was surprised with an appearance by his inspiration, Emeril Lagasse.
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Ferguson has also appeared on Beat Bobby Flay and various programs on Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and Christian Broadcasting Network. In 2018, he won the Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge hosted by Giada De Laurentiis. As the lowest seed in Guy Fieri’s first season of Tournament of Champions, Ferguson defeated top seed and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. He was a 4-seed in the second season and entered the show’s most recent third season as a number-one seed. His own cooking show one day will feature everyday ingredients. “I want to present a style of food that is relatable to the masses but prepared in a way you’ve never seen before,” says Ferguson. “I want to become the face of a network, a face like no one’s ever
seen. And I want to reach back and shine a light on others.” Ferguson firmly believes cooking is also about feeding, and he plans to help stop hunger by building relationships with brands and companies. “I will perfect these strategies in Louisville, then spread them to other cities and around the world.” Ferguson’s SuperChefs Academy will be an opportunity to expose young chefs from the inner city to “possibilities, experiences, and motivation.” According to Ferguson, “Who you think you are is most important. Focus on character more than career, and the career will take care of itself. How did I make it out? It’s that belief.” Visit iamsuperchef.com and follow @superchef_23 on Instagram.
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Flavorman
The Women Behind
WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | COURTESY PHOTOS
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reating flavors for well-known beverage brands worldwide, Flavorman counts among its dozens of employees their “beverage architects,” most of whom are women. Several are Black women with inspiring stories of their experiences in the STEM field and how they became interested in their line of work. They are passionate about their careers and spreading the message to young girls that women of color make significant contributions, even in traditionally male-dominated industries.
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Kadeja Davis is Lab Manager for Flavorman, overseeing the laboratory, training techs, vendor communications, ordering, and formulating research and development on beverages. She always wanted to be a dentist - and still does! Born and raised in the Bahamas, Davis began studying Biochemistry. She moved to the US to continue pursuing her undergraduate degree. After struggling in Biology, her international advisor convinced her to switch her studies to Chemistry because she was “so great at it.”
“You have to find your own space” in a male-dominated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) industry, says Davis. “Honestly, for me, it’s like working twice as hard, not only as a Black woman but just being a Black person.” She likens the experience to being in a barrel, not only working her way up from the bottom of the barrel “but also trying just to get inside the barrel.” As a Black woman in the industry, Davis feels “it’s difficult, but it’s promising.” She and her colleagues are making
strides. “We are being recognized and acknowledged. It’s long overdue.” Seeing Black women fighting for other Black women encourages Davis. “They’ve made a way for us.” She says she thinks of her Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority sisters who are in all areas of STEM. “Some are engineers, and some are doctors and lawyers and teachers. They really inspire me to know that whatever you want to do is an option for you. You don’t have to be limited. I’m also inspired daily by my parents who are always very encouraging in everything that I do and ensure me that - ‘God will guide you!’”
Kadeja Davis
At Flavorman, Davis has learned that her day-to-day, just showing up and doing her best, “All those things don’t go unnoticed. I want to tell people who feel like they’re not seen or not appreciated, ‘Somebody sees you. Somebody notices you. You’re made to do whatever it is you want to do.’” Dorian “Dori” Joseph is an Assistant Beverage Architect who assists the Senior Beverage Architect, provides new samples to clients, and works with retainer clients on new ideas, tastings, and feedback. Her story in STEM is different in that she struggled with math and science in school. Joseph initially came to Flavorman’s bottling line through temp service placement. She became fascinated with the process, and her bottling supervisor Walter was very open. “I didn’t feel like any question was a stupid question to him. I could just ask him anything.” Without a science and math background, the industry can be intimidating for Joseph at times. “But being here at Flavorman, I can say that no one makes you feel as though they’re better than you because they have a certain type of degree.” The
Dorian Joseph
Monica Horn
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experience has been eye-opening and interesting. “It gives me the confidence to go back to school and get a food science degree.” Joseph was raised by a single mother who inspired her never to give up, no matter the circumstances. Working at Flavorman, she feels well-represented, and it has given her the confidence as a Black woman to wear her natural hair. A Halloween party at Flavorman where Joseph dressed in 70s attire gave her the chance to wear an afro. “I was hesitant because I didn’t know how people would respond to it. Everyone here embraced my hair. All day everyone told me how beautiful my hair is.” The owner of the company pulled her aside just to compliment her. “They see me. They see Dorian. They see the person I am instead of my hair, skin color, or background.” Monica Horn is an Associate Beverage Architect with Flavorman. She makes
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beverage flavors from formulas and assists in making beverage ideas come to life for clients. She developed an interest in the sciences and math in grade school and was lucky to have supportive, involved parents. Horn’s interest in STEM subjects continued through college. But it wasn’t until she landed with Flavorman that she found a true kinship in the field. “Previously, in my jobs, I felt small and unheard due to a lack of opportunities. They didn’t really ask my opinion. It was definitely hard, especially if you were the only Black woman.” Horn’s parents still serve as her inspiration. “My parents, with how hard they’ve worked and how often they put their efforts and resources into me, made sure that I succeeded in any way possible.” She moved to Louisville from Michigan last August. When she researched Flavorman, she came across photos of her future coworkers. “I saw pictures of them on Instagram
with their natural hair out, and honestly, that’s not something you usually see in any STEM fields.” Horn instantly knew she would love working at Flavorman. “I feel safe. I feel I’m heard. If I have any issues, even the CEO will talk to me. He’s very welcoming. They’re all open arms. Complete 180°.” Sharing her experiences is essential to Horn as she hopes to inspire young Black women interested in STEM. She stays involved through her sorority (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), community service, and her job. “I honestly think exposure and experiences make young Black girls more interested in what they see. They should prioritize themselves and be passionate about what they love. Nothing comes easy, but it’s all worth it in the end.” Visit flavorman.com. Follow @flavor_man on Instagram and @FlavRMan on Facebook and Twitter.
Diverse Entrepreneurship
Summit WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | COURTESY PHOTO
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ccording to Diverse Entrepreneurship Summit (DES) Founder Cynthia Lee, the event’s aim is “providing access where access is often limited for minority businesses.” DES 2022 begins Friday, June 3, at the Speed Museum with a Vendor/Networking Fair from 4 to 8 pm. Saturday, June 4, is a full day of speakers and interactive workshops from 9 am to 4 pm. “DES is a specially curated experience specifically for minority businesses at every stage of their business.” Whether you have an established business or your vision is still in the idea phase, Lee encourages the minority business community to register and become involved. DES meets the needs of diverse entrepreneurs in the current marketplace and equips them with the tools and
resources they need to succeed in their business. “The goal of this year’s event is to provide as many resources as possible to as many minority businesses as possible in one location at one time,” says Lee. Her drive and partnerships have developed her “grassroots passion project” into a nationally recognized small business summit. “The event is the largest and most interactive of its kind in the region, with over 200 businesses engaged at one location.” The featured speakers include national thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and wealth creators such as Keynote “She Did That.” filmmaker and producer Renae L. Bluitt and Main Stage Speaker Professor Lenny Williams. Workshop Speakers will address issues such as Business Valuation Tools, Concept to Brand, Marketing,
Retail Growth, and Business Taxes Best Practices. DES will also include the VIP Fresh Bourbon Lounge, Virtual Motivators, and a Supply Chain Diversity Panel featuring UPS®, Yum! Brands, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), and Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions (RSCS). Lee hopes attendees will find immediate solutions through DES 2022. “I expect they will take away something to use in their business the next day and incorporate it into daily use to add value. Expect to walk away recharged and ready to take your business to the next level!” To purchase General Admission tickets, register as a vendor, or sign up to volunteer, visit desummit.org. Follow @DiverseEntrepreneurshipSummit on Facebook and Instagram.
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Renae L. Bluitt
She Did That. WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | COURTESY PHOTOS
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Los Angeles-based storyteller, podcaster, and advocate for Black women entrepreneurs Renae L. Bluitt will be the keynote speaker for the Diverse Entrepreneurship Summit (DES) in Louisville taking place June 3-4. Bluitt created and executive produced the documentary She Did That., featuring Black women founders, their personal stories, and topics relevant to building a sustaining and successful business.
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hile building her public relations consultancy, Bluitt developed a passion for advocating for the accurate presentation of Black women in the media. Through her blog, In Her Shoes, she gained insight into how she might share their personal narratives with wider audiences. “I call this my “She Did That.” moment and it happened a couple of years following the launch of In Her Shoes Blog. I was featured in a onepage ESSENCE Magazine advertorial for Pantene! As a PR strategist, it was the first time I was featured in a national publication for my work and unique presence in the blogosphere. It definitely made me feel both successful and seen.” Although making the leap from blogging to filmmaking might seem daunting, Bluitt was encouraged and undeterred. “The response to the blog was overwhelming and showed me that there was an appetite for content about Black women entrepreneurs. After years of blogging and introducing my readers to women building brands and legacies across the globe, I curated a photography exhibit featuring 25 founders in the spaces where they create their magic. The success of the exhibit told me that it was time to take my storytelling to the next level. A full-length documentary centering the Black woman’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t exist, and I knew I was the person to create it.” She Did That. is available through multiple streaming services including Amazon Prime Video. Bluitt’s ambition was originally fueled
by her grandfather, an entrepreneur in Indiana in the 1970s, and her father who followed in his footsteps. “Seeing them build their own tables and provide for their loved ones through our family business showed me what was possible. They normalized entrepreneurship for me and also allowed me to view it through a very clear lens. Since a young age, I’ve been aware of the peaks and valleys of running a business. I also learned quite early how important it is for us to build legacies in our community.” Despite the unprecedented challenges of the last few years, Black women are leveling up and making great strides even in the highest echelons of power. “Seeing women like Kamala Harris and Ketanji Brown Jackson take up space in environments that traditionally haven’t included or even welcomed us is a beautiful reminder of what we deserve and what we’re capable of. This type of representation
gives us permission to show up and show out in new rooms. When Black women win, we all win.” Her new film series, She Did That. Short Stories, celebrates brilliant entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators, giving an up close and personal look at how they are approaching entrepreneurship in a post-pandemic world. “I produced the first three episodes in partnership with Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways. The first episode kicks off with Kalilah Wright of Mess In a Bottle and follows her life as a mother, founder, and Black woman about her business in Baltimore, Maryland. I’m also curating a She Did That. shopping experience June 22-23 at L.A.’s Beverly Center in partnership with Maison Black and The Black Fashion Movement. The event will feature 10 of my favorite Black women-owned brands from the East to the West and give founders an opportunity to build valuable connections in the luxury retail space.” Bluitt is excited to share her story at DES 2022. “My remarks at the Diverse Entrepreneurship Summit will be about a recent, personal experience that I believe will be the precursor to my personal evolution as I take on a new chapter in my life and career. The takeaway? Feel the fear and do it anyway. I want everyone in the room to know that if I did that, they can do it, too.” Purchase DES 2022 tickets at desummit.org. Visit shedidthat.com and follow @iamrenaebluitt on Instagram.
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Pregncy Hypertension during
WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | COURTESY PHOTOS
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tudies have shown and statistics bear out that African-American women are at higher risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition during pregnancy. High blood pressure is very common, and Kentucky is among the states with the highest prevalence of hypertension. High blood pressure occurs in one in every 12-17 pregnancies in the United States. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women – and this disparity increases with age.” Dr. Lecresha Yvette Sewell, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, SANE, with Norton OB/GYN Associates graduated from the University of Louisville, earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University. She is also CEO and Founder of Melanated Healthcare, an app that connects people of color to culturally compatible healthcare providers. She helps explain the terminology and risks associated with hypertension and pregnancy. “Preeclampsia is tied to high blood pressure. If you
Dr. Lecresha Yvette Sewell, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, SANE,
have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant – also known as chronic hypertension - you are at greater risk for preeclampsia. If you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is called gestational hypertension. This condition can go away after you give birth, but it can also make you more at risk for developing chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension.” Conditions, behaviors, and factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure include diabetes, an unhealthy diet (especially high sodium/ low potassium), physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, genetics and family history, age, sex, and race or ethnicity. “Patients who are at risk for developing preeclampsia may be instructed to take a low dose of aspirin during pregnancy. Studies have shown that this is not harmful to the patient or baby, and can reduce the risks of severe complications.” Understanding the risks is crucial
for women so they can talk with their doctors and take preventive measures. It could save a life - or two! “We want everyone to have a healthy pregnancy. High blood pressure can continue after a pregnancy, and cause long-lasting effects on your health. Taking a low dose of aspirin if your provider recommends it can save your life and the life of your baby, as well as prevent permanent changes to your health.” The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded with moderate certainty “a substantial net benefit of daily low-dose aspirin use to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, SGA, IUGR, and perinatal mortality in pregnant persons at high risk of preeclampsia.” According to Dr. Sewell, “We also know that problems in pregnancy tied to high blood pressure, heart issues, and blood clots are tied to more pregnancy-related deaths in black women compared to white women. Our goal is to reduce the risks so that everyone, no matter their color or where they live, can have a healthy pregnancy.” For more information, visit nortonhealthcare.com. Follow @NortonHealthcare on Facebook, @nortonhealth on Instagram, and @Norton_Health on Twitter.
Our goal is to reduce the risks so that everyone, no matter their color or where they live, can have a healthy pregnancy. 19
AHEAD
A ST EP
Where would Dorothy be without her iconic ruby slippers or Cinderella without her legendary glass heels? Create your own icon moment this year with a new pair of sky-high platforms, or by bringing back the fabulous kitten heel. To some women's dismay, Y2K styles have been making a comeback in recent years, and sorry to say, 2022 will be no different. We’re wearing Mary Janes, ballet flats, and even clogs. What goes around, comes back around ladies! As Nancy Sinatra would say, "these boots are made for walkin’". Well, these shoes will be perfect for showing off on the street, and will make everyone passing by wonder where they can purchase a pair of their own. (Men, don’t worry, we included options for you too, even though choices have pretty much stayed the same since Nancy hung up her boots.) If you want to stay a step ahead of your most stylish, trendy friends this year, check out our list of shoes that will be trending this season. Just don’t blame us when you become reobsessed with that pair of chunky loafers you have stuffed into the deep, dark crevices of your closet.
March 2022 TOPSinLex.com Freya|Sandals, $468 | Cult Gaia
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Sarah Mary Jane Pumps, $225 | jeu d'art at W. Concept
PLAT FORMS
Brenda Leather Platform Combat Boots, $478 | Cult Gaia at Saks Fifth Avenue
Laney Leather Flatform Sneakers, $145 | Kurt Geiger London at Dillards
Leather Clogs, $245 | PORTE & PAIRE at Net-A-Porter
Bernardo Saffia Clogs, $218 | Anthropologie
CLOGS
MARY JANES
Flirte 65mm Mary-Jane pumps, $216 | Maje at FarFetch
LOAFERS
Footwear Selma Penny Loafer Pump, $238 | BERNARDO at Nordstrom
Women's Pull On Boots, $595 | Loeffler Randall at Bloomingdales
Lug Sole Platform Loafers, $140 | Anthropologie
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ST RAIGHT LEG BOOT S TOPS in Lexington | March 2022
BALLET FLAT S
Guilhermina Ballet Mules, $98 | Anthropologie
KIT T EN HEELS
The Blackbird, $120 | Birdies
Jackie Pump, $119 | Coach Outlet
SLINGBACKS
ANAÏS Slingback Flats in smooth and patent leather, $695 | Saint Laurent
Sheyla Pumps, $279 | Club Monaco
West Black Vintage, $228 | Alohas
SQUARE-TOED BOOT S
Guilhermina Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats, $120 | Anthropologie
March 2022 | TOPSinLex.com
The Merino Ankle Boot, $245 | Rothys
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Kiapoko Men‘s Water-Resistant Sneakerboots, $140 | OluKai
Classic Legend London Sneaker, $198 | Good Man Brand at Nordstrom
CHELSEA BOOT
OXFORDS
Nomad Buck Suede Derby, $345 | Allen Edmonds
WEEKENDER CHUKKA, $240 | Red Wing Shoes The Hiro Boot in Honey, $295 | Taft Clothing
CHUKKAS 42
FOR T HE MEN
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CANVAS SNEAKERS
TOPS in Lexington | March 2022
Tiana Pinch Bracelet Set In Bright Silver ($80 kendrascott.com) 158
February 2022 | TOPS in Lexington
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very woman needs a piece of jewelry that makes her feel elegant, powerful, and timeless. The cuff bracelet is to women what cufflinks are to men; a statement piece with the power to enrich any outfit. Whether gold or silver, diamond-studded or smooth, we dream of having these bracelets adorn our wrists, hands held by our man who has a pair of cufflinks to match. Of course, we had to include classic options, but there's a little something for everyone. Be sure to head to local boutiques to try on fabulous cuff styles for yourself! by Allyson Mattingly
rbit Large Cuff ($395 his O alex p m isb Me itt o r ar. t co Re
Charlotte Oversized Cuff Bracelet ($250 mejuri.com) Molly Thin Cuff ($165 brackish.com)
Jezebel Textured Cuff Bracelet ($139 perrifoia.com)
Teak Sabi Outline Cuff Bracelet ($108 shopsoko.com)
Wellesley Link Multistack Bracelet with 18K Gold ($1,950 davidyurman.com)
e Cuff Bracelet Dôm ($14 t n 8m sa s i o eju Cr
m) co ri.
Jumbo Cuff in Malachite ($75 shopmachete.com
Amiyah Cuff ($32 baublebar.com)
TOPSinLex.com | February 2022
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ellas, we didn't forget about you. Feel free to browse our selections to find a fresh pair of needlepoint cufflinks or a snazzy stone-embellished pair that will spice up your wardrobe. It's like adding a dash of character to your otherwise buttoned-up look.
Horse Bit Gold Stainless Steel Cufflinks ($80 oxandbull.com)
Smathers & Branson Golf Clubs Needlepoint Cufflinks ($55 logansoflexington.com) Monogrammed Homme Square Cufflinks ($185 markandgraham.com)
Knot Cufflinks in Silver ($99 charlestyrwhitt.com)
ks in 18k Gol Cufflin d ($1 bon ,49 r a 5d C d av ge id r yu Fo
Halcyon Days Evil Eye Navy Gold Cufflinks ($125 scullyandscully.com)
m) .co an rm
Hunter Cufflinks - Pheasant ($70 skultuna.com
Carved Green Amethyst Cufflinks ($216 bounkit.com)
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February 2022 | TOPS in Lexington
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Food for the
Soul WRITTEN BY DEJA DOWNEY
Louisville’s
Dasha Barbour’s
Best Kept Secret
puts Soul in The City Dasha Barbour’s Southern Bistro 217 E. Main Street Louisville, KY 40202
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f you are looking for Southern staples like fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, greens, and sweet potato casserole, then check out Dasha Barbour’s spin on these items to delight your tastebuds. The establishment recently celebrated a grand re-opening at its new location in Downtown Louisville on Whiskey Row. Dasha Barbour’s is operated by a husband-wife duo, Tumeka Barbour, who heads up the cooking with her family recipes, and Aaron Barbour, who manages the customer experience. The dynamic duo knows how to create a smooth, sophisticated ambiance with curated, customized signature cocktails, and a great dining experience for the family.
Chicken and Waffle (Buttermilk waffle drizzled with maple syrup, accompanied by crispy handtossed secret-recipe hand-breaded chicken tenders). Photo by Yero
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Marination’s Catering 1812 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd Louisville, KY 40203
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he urban legend, Chef Lake Langdon, is all about the people. He prides himself on creating signature meals that are affordable, flavorful, and consistent. From meal prep to gourmet world-class meals, Marination’s catering can make it happen!
Chef Salad Mushrooms, cucumbers, black olives, Roma tomatoes, red onions, cage-free hard-boiled eggs, 3-cheese blend, turkey bacon, smoked turkey over a bed of three blend lettuce. Photo by Matthew Lewis
The Boss
The Unstoppable
Lady
Peach
Lucretia’s Kitchen 1812 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd Louisville, KY 40203
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ucretia’s Kitchen was a dream for local business owner, Lucretia Thompson who followed in her grandfather’s footsteps to pursue a business using her gift of cooking. Established in 2012, Thompson wanted to help address the food desert needs in the West end of Louisville and over the years her establishment has become a premier location for residents to enjoy her signature barbeque to buffet options.
Chicken and Waffle (Buttermilk waffle drizzled with maple syrup, accompanied by crispy handtossed secret-recipe hand-breaded chicken tenders).
Sweet Peaches 1800 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd Louisville, KY 40203
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o one does it exactly like Sweet Peaches. Located in the Russell neighborhood for over 8 years, the flavor profile of Sweet Peaches is unmatched. Enjoy their signature 24-hour marinated rib tips or handcrafted fruit-infused strawberry lemonade, it’s a must-try!
Handcrafted Strawberry Infused Strawberry Lemonade. Photo by Yero. Photo by Yero
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The Rare
Jewel
Southern Hospitality 3402 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40211
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outhern Hospitality, located in the heart of the West end of Louisville for over 20 years, has been making home-cooked meals that have satisfied taste buds for decades. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy everything from their signature wings, burgers, or an excellent salad. Business partners, Mike C. and Nicole Keaton believe in the right recipe for consistency and stability, and use their managerial skills and culinary abilities to be one of the best in the west!
Classic Double Cheeseburger Classic Bun, two ground beef patties, three slices of American cheese, mayo, and seasoned fries. Photo by Matthew Lewis
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Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild
Announces Freddie Johnson Distilling Scholarship WRITTEN BY JOEL SAMS
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third-generation employee of Buffalo Trace Distillery, Freddie Johnson has inspired countless visitors with his love of family, history, and tradition. He’s also inspired a new effort focused on increasing minority representation in the distilling industry. The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild has announced a new scholarship, named in Johnson’s honor, that will provide financial aid for students at Kentucky State University who are interested in entering the distilling industry. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each semester to students majoring in hospitality, business, agriculture, chemical engineering, chemistry, and the KSU fermentation and distillation certification program. To be considered for the scholarship, students will complete an application and a 500-word essay. Award winners are eligible to re-apply in subsequent semesters. The awards are underwritten by three organizations that have partnered with the guild: Kentucky State University, Uncle Nearest Whiskey Distillery, and Truist Bank. “Our mission is to honor all minority involvement throughout bourbon history, whether it’s from the past, present or future,” said Robert Beatty,
founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “Freddie’s ongoing legacy is critical in guiding KBBG’s mission to develop inclusivity in the industry by educating our community of consumers and enthusiasts.” Johnson, who started working at Buffalo Trace in 2002, traces his lineage much farther back. His father, Jimmy Johnson, Jr., worked at the distillery alongside famed master distiller Elmer T. Lee. His grandfather, Jimmy Johnson, Sr., worked for Col. Albert Blanton at what was then the George T. Stagg distillery. Even as a child, Johnsons says, the distillery was his “playground,” and he’s honored to be part of an effort that will help a rising generation. “We walk this earth, and you never have any idea of the impact that you’re going to have on others,” Johnson said, reflecting on having a scholarship named in his honor. “That’s probably the most humbling piece of this whole thing.” When he first heard about the scholarship, Johnson said he was “blown away.” In conversation with Beatty, though, he realized that it was about something bigger — it was about legacy, Beatty told him. “Robert said, ‘this is our way of giving back and recognizing the heritage
and the contribution that our families and other generations before us have made,’” Johnson remembers. “‘This is our way of doing that, but honoring you and your family at the same time.” Legacy is what KBBG is all about, too. The guild was founded in 2018 as a way to educate minority consumers about bourbon, as well as the essential role people of color have played in the development of the state’s signature industry. Just as the guild plays a role in uncovering stories that should never have been forgotten, Beatty says the new scholarship has a role in creating a new story about the distilling industry. “The distilling industry created $9 billion for the Kentucky economy last year, but only 1% of people working in the industry are African Ameri-
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can,” said Robert Beatty, founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild. “Our scholarships will play a role in changing that number by being a educational pipeline for students and consumers by building working relationships with distilleries both large and small.” For Johnson, always a visionary, the scholarship points beyond the immediate financial impact toward generational change. “I always say this — old men have dreams; young men have visions,” Johnson said. “These kids have dreams, they have hopes — but sometimes reality just smacks you in the face. Some recover, some don’t. Maybe we can’t fix it all, but maybe we can plant some seeds. That seed might be a scholarship of just a few dollars, but those few dollars allow them to get to another plateau, and then all of a sudden they realize, ‘Hey, I can give back like somebody gave for me. I can get to the next level. I can help someone else get to the next level.’” To learn more about KBBG, visit: kentuckyblackbourbonguild.com. For Donation Consideration Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild 217 E. Main St., Suite 603 Louisville, Ky 40202 Attn: Freddie Johnson Scholarship Fund
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