TOPSINLEX
L E X I N G TO N’S M O S T I N F LU E N T I A L MAG A Z I N E
L e x i n g t o n ’s M o s t i n f l u e n t i a l M a g a z i n e
Priceless | July2012
IN LEX.COM
July 2012 vol. 6 no. 7
Food & Wine Formal Fare | Casual Cuisine | Local Wineries
Volume 6, No. 7
LEXINGTON’S MOST INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE
WHO’S WHO
Top Marketing Group
465 East High Street, Suite 201 Lexington, KY 40507-1938 859.543.TOPS (8677) 859.514.1621 (fax)
17
TopsInLex.com | LexScene.com Keith Yarber
President / Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com
Kristen Oakley Associate Publisher, TOPS Magazine Sr. Account Manager kristen@topsmarketing.com Melissa Meatyard
Editor, TOPS Magazine Magazine Design & Layout melissa@topsmarketing.com
51
Amanda Harper
Head Writer, TOPS Magazine Editor, LexScene Magazine amandah@topsmarketing.com
Teri Turner
Account Manager teri@topsmarketing.com
Kellie Corridoni
Account Manager kellie@topsmarketing.com
Keni Parks
Photographer, Advertising Sales kenil@gmail.com Contributing Writers Hallie Bandy, Kristin Espeland Gourlay, Blake Hannon, Amanda Harper, Drew Johnson, Marsha Koller, Buffy Lawson, Michelle Rauch, Sue Ann Truitt
92
On the cover:
Interns Kelly Adams Bethany Graham Blair Kerns Kody Little Jill Novak
Have an event you would like covered? Photo questions? Contact photographer@topsinlex.com
To Advertise Your Business,
call 543-8677
90 New Businesses 122 WOW Wedding: Ashley & Rob Ward 129 Wedding Announcements
WHAT TO DO 14 36 39
Community Calendar Pets: Food & Nutrition Gardening: Raised Bed Gardening
FOOD & WINE SPECIAL SECTION 52 Formal Fare 62 Kentucky Wineries: Fruit of the Vines 70 Entertaining: Wine Tasting Parties 72 Casual Cuisine
Photo by Shaun Ring Photography Model by Heyman Model Mgt. Location: Talon Winery Clothing courtesy of Bella Rose Hair & Makeup courtesy of Você on Clay Contributing Photographers Alex Orlov Paul Atkinson Shaun Ring David Dejardins Michele Johnson
Community Spotlight: The Nest Meet the Media: Officer Don Evans TOPS Tour of Homes: Retail to Residential TOP Shots
WHAT’S NEW
Buffy Lawson
Account Manager buffy@topsmarketing.com
TOP EVENTS 18 TOPS June Sneak Preview Party 20 Kentucky Wine & Vine Festival 22 Taste of the Bluegrass 24 Taste of the Bluegrass cont. 26 The Queen’s Jubilee Celebration 28 Go Red Night at the Legends 30 Step Out Walk to End Diabetes 106 Scott County Humane Society Fur Ball 108 La Fete du Mai 110 We CARE Nominees Reception 112 Don & Karen McNay’s Reception 114 KET Summer Celebration 116 St. Joseph Foundation Golf Tournament 118 Ashland Lawn Party for the Preservation of Ashland 32 40 92 133
Danielle Pope
Associate Publisher, LexScene Account Manager danielle@topsmarketing.com
Out & About
87 88 120 127
122
Family: Serving Up Man Food Sports: UK Fan Survival Guide Relationships: Marcy & Greg Weddings: Writing your own vows
CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS ISSUE: Abigale Lynn was misspelled on page 93.
www.topsinlex.com
11
What To Do
TOP HAPPENINGS Our Topparazzi photographers are everywhere! Please check our website for updated event information and please be aware of the changing nature of events.
Saturday, July 7th Red, White & BOOM 3PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark wbul.com Kentucky Magic Dinner Theater 6PM deSha’s kentuckymagictheater. com
Monday, July 9th Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com
Tuesday, July 10th Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Wednesday, July 11th Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Friday, July 13th Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Tuesday, July 17th
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Fountain Films: Saraha DARK Triangle Park downtownlex.com
Saturday, July 14th
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 3PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
www.topsinlex.com
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Festival of Learnshops Berea berea.com
Summerfest DARK The Arboretum mykct.org
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Monday, July 16th Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Big Band & Jazz 7PM-8:30PM Ecton Park lexingtonky.gov
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 3PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com
Thursday, July 12th
14
Thursday Night Live: The Tim Talbert Project 4:30PM-8PM Cheapside Park downtownlex.com
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show 6:30PM Red Mile Racetrack lexjrleague.com
Sunday, July 15th Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Wednesday, July 18th Fayette County Farm Bureau Variety Contest 7:30PM Masterson Station Park kyfb.com Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Thursday, July 19th Keeneland Concours d’Elegance Bourbon Tour Various Thursday Night Live: Oh My Me 4:30PM-8PM Cheapside Park downtownlex.com
What To Do
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park
Friday, July 20th Girls on the Run Tennis Tournament Sayre Tennis Complex gotrcentralky.org Breyerfest 8AM-9PM Kentucky Horse Park breyerhorses.com Pinks on the Links 9AM Connemara Golf Course connemaragolfcourse.com Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 5PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com Keeneland Concours Hangar Bash 6PM-10PM Aviation Museum of KY keenelandconcours.com
Saturday, July 21st American Cancer Society Denim & Diamonds Gala 6:30PM The Signature Club cancer.org Freedom Fest 5:30PM-11:30PM Darley’s Gainsborough Farm woodfordhumane.org
Monday, July 23rd Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Tuesday, July 24th
Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair 3PM Masterson Station Park lionsclubbluegrassfair.com
Big Band & Jazz 7PM-8:30PM Ecton Park lexingtonky.gov
Keeneland Concours d’Elegance 9AM-4:30PM Keeneland keenelandconcours.com
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Keeneland Concours Gear Down 5PM-7PM Keeneland keenelandconcours.com An Evening with America 7:30PM Lexington Opera House lexingtonoperahouse.com
Wednesday, July 25 Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Thursday, July 26th Sunday, July 22nd Tour d’Elegance Various keenelandconcours.com
Scan this to view our mobile calendar!
Thursday Night Live: The Twiggenburys 4:30PM-8PM Cheapside Park downtownlex.com
Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com
Friday, July 27th Lexington Art League 4th Friday 6PM-9PM LAL lexingtonartleague.org Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com Fountain Films: Chocolat DARK Triangle Park downtownlex.com
Saturday, July 28th Lexington Legends 7PM Whitaker Bank Ballpark lexingtonlegends.com Toast to a Cure 6PM-9PM Talon Winery diabetes.org
www.topsinlex.com
15
Out & About Deondra Sailors and Gordon Lewis at Taste of the Bluegrass
Snake Man of Appalachia Visits Courtesy Acura
Tops Super Interns Kody Little, Blair Kearns, Bethany Graham and Kelly Adams at the June Preview Party
Bark at the Park with the Lexington Legends
Singers from the Jimmy Church Band at KET’s Summer Celebration
Great summer reading with a glass of wine!
www.topsinlex.com
17
Top Events
Stuart Hurt and Marsha Koller
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hurt
CarolSchroederandShelleySavard
Pam Nystrom, Bambi Todd and Payton Trosclair
Melanie Miller and Penny Bass
Kellie Corridoni, Rick Dees and Diana Gevedon
Jim & Amy Doll, David Banks and Teri Turner
Pam Honchell
TOPS June Preview Party at Highland Hall TOPS revealed the ‘Derby Recap’ Issue at Highland Hall, this year’s Decorator’s Showcase Home. Guests enjoyed Arabella wine, food courtesty of Bayou Bluegrass Catering and Dad’s Favorites Cheeses, music by EJ Entertainment and tours of the newly finished & decorated Highland Hall. topsinlex.com Photos by Alex Orlov
18
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
19
Top Events
Jeff & Carrie McDanald
The DiVino Team having fun at The Wine and Vine Festival!
Dave Miller and the Amatuer Winemaker Winner
Vintage Airstream Barbershop Quartet
Enjoying wine with good friends.
Alan Van Arsdall and Cathy Lowe
Loving the Kentucky wines!
The Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival The 2012 Kentucky Wine and Vine Fest, held May 19 in downtown Nicholasville, was a celebration of Kentucky Vineyards and Kentucky Winemaking. It was the ninth year for the statewide festival that has been dubbed “The Official Wine Fest of Kentucky� by an act of the Kentucky Legislature.
kywineandvine.com Photos by Michele Johnson
20
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
21
Top Events
Shawna & Justin Everhard
Marian & Gene Guinn and Sarah Seadler
PeggyTrafton
Randy & Sharon Michael
Les Reffitt
Rick Ingram, Chris Goode and Natalie & Curt Ferguson
Jena Everhard, Jason Stouse and Renee Wilson
The Taste of the Bluegrass, Part 1 The 32nd Annual Taste of the Bluegrass was held Friday, May 19 at Keeneland’s Keene Barn & Entertainment Center. The classic Lexington event benefits God’s Pantry Food Bank and was presented by Quantrell Auto Group. godspantry.org Photos by Michele Johnson
22
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
23
Top Events
Rohan and Anne Krehbiel
Tiffany & Matt Lance
Les & Elisa Reffitt
Reed & Janie Polk
Sandi and Jena Everhard
Joey Klare, Kate Lowe and Danny Story
Kristin Ingwell Goode and James Coil
The Taste of Bluegrass, Part 2 More than 60 food and beverage purveyors presented their signature foods and drinks to nearly 1,400 satisfied attendees. The 2013 event is scheduled for May 18. godspantry.org Photos by Michele Johnson
24
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com
Top Events
Clifton Smith and Sara Holroyd
Christopher Smith
Dewitt & Maxine Hisle
Sue Wylie
Phyllis Whelan and Jennifer Smith Erickson
Franklin Thompson and Isabel Yates
Peggy & John Collins
The Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Renee and Clifton Smith opened their home to 150 guests to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Guests were dressed to “the nines” as they sipped on champagne and enjoyed canapés. A procession of bagpipes, royal officials, Archbishop, sword bearer, ladies-in-waiting and a corgi named “Pumpkin” lead the way to a royal setting. topsinlex.com Photos by Paul Atkinson
26
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
27
Top Events
Kayla Thompson and Kaydence Carpenter
Nikki Burdine and Andy Shea
Sophia, Isabella and Stephanie Sarrantonio
Julie Coffey, Matt Geyer, Sylvia Surel-Suhl and Lindy Karns
Mike Turner, Jude & Phil Knecht and Margo & Mike Strother
Come on Ump!
Go Red Night at the Legends Game
The Legends partnered with the American Heart Association and the Saint Joseph Heart Institute to not only take on the Rome Braves, but also heart disease–the No. 1 killer of Central Kentuckians. During the pre-game ceremonies Saint Joseph Heart Institute and Ford Motor Company’s Operation Goodwill presented checks to Lindy Karns, Go Red for Women Luncheon Chair for 2012. GRFW is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck & Co. and locally sponsored by Saint Joseph Heart Institute, a part of Kentucky One Health. goredforwomen.org Photos by Alex Orlov
28
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
29
Top Events
13th Annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes More than 1,200 Bluegrass residents were part of the Stop Diabetes® movement by participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. The Walk was held on June 2 at Keeneland Race Course. The dollars raised will support the Association’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. diabetes.org Photos by David Desjardins
30
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
31
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Who’s Who
Creating a Safe Place for Women, Children,and Families for 35 Years by Kristin Espeland Gourlay
SAFE IN THE NEST In a North Lexington park bordered by Limestone, 5th Street, and Martin Luther King, you’ll find a historic, Federal-style home. But what was once the home of a wealthy Lexington man is now The Nest–Center for Women, Children, and Families, a neighborhood social service agency. “We’re depicted by a nest with birds’ eggs as a visual, symbolizing protecting children, as we do,” says The Nest’s executive director, Jeffrey White. But Nest, White says, is also an acronym for everything the center does: Nurture, Encourage, Support and Teach. The neighborhood center has been doing just that, in one form or another, celebrating 35 years of service this year. Two organizations, the Child Abuse Council and the Center for Women, joined forces to become The Nest, offering more comprehensive services to women and families in crisis while keeping the prevention of child abuse at the heart of its mission. The Nest welcomes anyone in need or in crisis, whether it’s a mother who needs a break from her children for a few hours to cool down, a woman and children fleeing violence at home, or a father who needs helping finding a meal and some diapers for his kids. RESOURCES FOR PARENTS IN CRISIS Director Jeffrey White says The Nest serves clients through four main channels. The first is childcare, including respite care. “What that means is [childcare for] a mother going to school
32
www.topsinlex.com
or work, or who, quite frankly, just needs a break,” says White. And it’s free. Moms can drop off children from birth to five years old, whether planned or last minute, and know they’re leaving them in a safe place. State inspectors agree. The Nest has a three out of four STARS rating from the Kentucky voluntary quality rating system for child care centers, part of the STARS for KIDS NOW program. “To put that in perspective,” says White, “there are over 180 child care centers in Fayette county. Only 15 have received a 3 star rating and we’re one of them.”
women and men,” says White.
In addition to crisis child care, The Nest offers counseling and other services for parents. For a parent to get children back after a court order removed them from home, they must usually take a parenting class. “So we offer that program here for free for the parents—
For women who have been victims of domestic violence, The Nest provides outpatient counseling with its own licensed counseling staff. White says counselors found that many victims needed help rebuilding their self-esteem, so they started the “Relationship Recovery Workshop” to lift spirits, repair smiles, and even spruce up images. “We partner with other people in the community to help us…[like] Kendall’s salon,” which does participants’ hair, makeup, and nails for free. The University of Kentucky’s dental school helps repair any physical damage from abuse.
Who’s Who
They need soap, deodorant. And particularly for mothers with children, they can’t afford diapers, formula.” So, The Nest’s staff assesses the needs of anyone who comes through the door and matches them with the right services. “Let’s say they need to have a continuous supply of food, we’ll set them up with God’s Pantry,” a local food bank, says White. “If they have no housing, we’ll set them up with Salvation Army,” which operates a shelter in Lexington. White says The Nest is also in the process of developing a life skills class to help clients move on to the next step after crisis, which is finding stability and building skills, such as interviewing and crafting a resume for long-term success.” But most important, says White, is that neighbors know the place is “a safe and healing place for all,” regardless of what specific services they might need. GROWING NEED But the need doesn’t seem to be dissipating in The Nest’s neighborhood. More than 1,200 people—women and men— came through their doors in crisis last year alone. And, says White, they’re on track to help that many or more people this year. Why? The reasons for so much crisis are complex, of course, and each situation is somewhat unique. But White says economic factors play a big role. The nation’s economic turmoil has hit The Nest’s neighborhood particularly hard, destabilizing families already living at or below the poverty line. Nearly two-thirds of the community lives on less than $25,000 a year—a significant portion of those on less than $10,000 a year. Despite the challenges, The Nest has seen some success when it comes to empowering women to become more financially stable. FROM CRISIS TO SUCCESS STORY Jana, a victim of domestic violence with three children, is one such success story, according to Beth Dotson Brown, The Nest’s Communications and Grants Director (who
withholds Jana’s last name for her own safety). Dotson Brown says that, when Jana’s husband was sent to jail, Jana was looking at life as a single mother with no job or high school diploma. But Jana found The Nest and was able to place her three-year-old daughter in child care while she pursued her GED and worked part-time. Dotson Brown says that Jana is “continuing her college education while working part-time and has created a more stable home for her children, getting them involved with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, community sports and an area church.” Dotson Brown says The Nest also provided clothing to Jana’s other children and continues to cheer Jana on as she moves closer to graduating from college. Dotson Brown has documented more success stories—from a mother with health problems who needed a place to take her daughter when she went to doctors’ appointments, to a family that needed diapers and a place to leave their baby while they both went on job interviews—on The Nest’s website, thenestlexington.org/successesarchive.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Rounding out these programs is The Nest’s “crisis care” services. “Every day, we have somebody walk up to our facility and basically they’re in crisis,” says White, referring to clients who may be escaping violence or instability at home. “They need every day items that we take for granted.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT Just as The Nest supports the community, it takes a community to support The Nest’s work. That community includes the recently formed “Ladies of the Nest,” a group of socially conscious women who financially support The Nest, says White. But the biggest fundraiser is an annual event called a Night for the Nest. “It’s going to be on Saturday, August 4, 2012 on Normandy Farm,” enthuses White. “We have a live band, we have food and refreshments, and we have a silent auction.” And, White says, the beautiful setting has been a big draw every year. Nest board member Nancy Polk owns the Thoroughbred farm, where Nest supporters have been gathering now for three years to enjoy the views, dinner, and dancing. This year, attendees can buy a $25 dollar raffle ticket for a chance to win a Caribbean vacation for two. Tickets to the event are $75 a piece, or $500 for a table of eight. White says the event raised $13,000 for The Nest last year and hopes they’ll do even better for the organization this year. The Nest also receives federal and local support, including funds from the Victims of Crime Act (Federal), the LexingtonFayette Urban County Government, United Way of the Bluegrass, and even from local businesses like Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, Inc.
www.topsinlex.com
33
34
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
With more and more social service agencies strapped by budget cuts and straining to meet a growing need, The Nest’s director Jeffrey White hopes supporters continue to find excellent reasons to fund The Nest. One is The Nest’s unique position to serve a unique community’s needs. While The Nest opens
its doors to anyone in crisis, White says many of its clients come right from the neighborhood. “We’re a neighborhood organization,” more than anything else, says White. And he says he wants The Nest to be there, with open doors, for neighbors in need as long as they’re needed.
fSUPPORT THE NEST Visit thenestlexington.org. Buy tickets for A Night for the Nest, Saturday, August 4, 2012. Learn more or buy tickets at: thenestlexington.org/anightforthenest Put your time and talents to work volunteering for The Nest: thenestlexington.org/volunteeropportunities Donate money or items, such as toiletries or children’s clothing
fGET HELP
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
A NEIGHBORHOOD LIFELINE
If you need assistance, drop by The Nest Center for Women, Children and Families at 530 N. Limestone Street in Lexington, KY or call 859.259.1974. Suffering from domestic abuse? If you are in danger, call 911, or try the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program at 800.544.2022. To talk with someone at The Nest about concerns related to child abuse, contact Sharon Kopyc, Director of Clinical & Community Services, at 859.259.1974. To make a confidential report about suspected child abuse in Kentucky, call 800.752.6200.
fLEARN MORE Child Safety Branch, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services: chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dpp/childsafety Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program: beyondtheviolence.com Look up child care facilities rated by STARS for KIDS NOW, Kentucky’s voluntary child care center rating system: chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dcc/stars/
www.topsinlex.com
35
What To Do
POSH PAWS PET FOOD & NUTRITION
by Amanda Harper, Pet Aficionado
Most pet parents have a fairly regimented diet for their pets, choosing to feed their pets the same prepackaged pet food each day. It’s not really something they consider. Prepackaged food is theoretically formulated to provide pets with all the nutrients they need, so what’s to think about? It’s true that pets do fine with mostly kibble. Once you find a food that your pet tolerates, digests well and eats without prompting, switching up the routine feels like rocking the boat. Indeed, many pets get quite ill when you change their daily diet suddenly. That doesn’t mean that your pet won’t enjoy a little change, however. Pets with regular and healthy digestive systems can tolerate little deviances from their usual meals. Treats, when given sparingly (as they should be—commercial treats are often loaded with fat and sugar) are something you can switch out fairly often. Keep a couple different types of treats on hand. It’s ideal to keep treats with two different textures; soft, small bites for rewards and crunchier bites to allow pets to chew. Store them in airtight containers to ensure that they stay fresh. If you wish to make your own treats, choose recipes that aren’t high in sugar or too fatty. When it comes to prepackaged food and treats, expensive isn’t necessarily better. Talk to your vet and other pet owners to find recommendations. Look at the labels and ensure that your pet is getting what it needs. If you’re not sure, do some research! The internet has a wealth of information about pet health and your vet would be happy to help you. Making your pet’s main meals may be of interest to some pet owners. While time consuming, this gives you a better insight into what your pet is eating. Some exceptionally researchminded pet owners could possibly manage their pet’s every nutritional need, but for the most part, it’s too time consuming and difficult to even attempt. Instead, make your own pet meals a few nights a week and feed with prepackaged food most nights, or mix cooked food halfsies with prepackaged. Cats benefit from a mix of hard food and soft. Cats don’t have a natural instinct to balance their water intake with their food, so a dry-only diet can result in dehydration. There are different
36
www.topsinlex.com
types of cat food for indoor and outdoor cats, and for various stages of life. Vegetarian and vegan diets for cats are not ideal. They require nutrients that are often found only in animal tissue. Instead, focus on veg treats and perhaps serve one totally veg meal a week. Choosing food for your dog depends on their preferences. Some dogs prefer wet food over dry, and vice versa. Neither is necessarily more beneficial. Look for the AAFCO adequacy statement that says the food meets the nutritional needs of dogs. There are various sorts of food for different dog lifestyles and stages of life; choose one that seems to match your pet. Pet owners who wish to transition their dogs to a vegan or vegetarian diet will find it easier than managing a cat’s veg diet needs. For other pets, study up on what diets work well for other pet owners. Look into the dietary needs of your pet and see if there’s something you’ve missed—many pets require additional calcium, Vitamin C or salt that a kibble diet can’t properly provide. Find what fresh fruits, vegetables or proteins that your pet may enjoy as a snack or as a substitute for a kibble diet. Transitioning a pet’s typical meals to another sort should be done slowly, with careful monitoring and with guidance from a veterinarian. Begin transitioning to a new kibble or food type by serving 3-to-1 ration of old food to new for a week, then 2-to-1 for a week, then 1-to-1 for a week. Feed the pet strictly the new food for two weeks, then evaluate. Your pet should have a shiny coat, bright eyes, normal stools and an overall healthy appearance. If in the process your pet has prolonged diarrhea, excess vomiting or other bad symptoms, discontinue use of the new food and consult your vet. Some diarrhea and upset stomach can be expected. When it comes to your pet’s diet, your vet should be your first resource when you’re making decisions about what’s best. The internet can put a lot of tools at your fingertips, so research some options then ask your vet for input.
38
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
HOME GARDENING RAISED BED GARDENING by Michelle Rauch, Gardening Enthusiast
If bad soil, or no soil for that matter, and a less than ideal place for adequate sun have prevented you from gardening, then a raised bed garden may be the solution. I am in my third season of gardening and I’m ready to expand. I have been using a very small plot that was already in my yard when I bought my house, but I have outgrown it—in part thanks to that darn mint plant that has overtaken the space! This spring I assembled two raised beds so I can plant more and include a wider variety. So far, so good. First things first. By definition a raised bed is a four sided bottomless box typically made of wood, plastic or composite material. You decide where to place your bed. This will ensure the six hours of sunshine vegetable gardens relish. If you are placing your beds on top of existing soil you should place a weed barrier beneath it (I used several layers of newspaper). Next fill your boxes with quality soil. This is another benefit to raised beds, fewer weeds and healthier veggies. This is great for beginners. It will eliminate all the guess work of mixing in nutrients and compost to improve the quality of your ground soil. Now, start planting.
the Fall. I started my new raised beds with lettuce and onions. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I saw growth and was able to enjoy the fruits of my labor; although quite honestly, it wasn’t much work at all. It’s recommended you stagger your planting. If you plant your seeds during the course of several weeks it will allow you that much more produce. Which makes sense, unless you are feeding a small army, there is no need for everything to be ready for picking at once. As you pick, it will also encourage more growth. Raised beds are also great for people who may have mobility issues. Since they are slightly above ground level and are typically 4 feet by 4 (larger ones may be up to 4x8) it eases the range of motion needed for bending, kneeling, and reaching. I’m only six weeks into my raised bed efforts and I can tell you already, I will be assembling more next season. No fuss, no muss. I dare say it appears to be no-fail gardening. What’s not to like? Don’t limit your raised beds to vegetable gardening. They make for lovely displays for annual gardens too.
A raised bed will allow you to grow more in less space and since it’s above soil level you get the added benefit of a longer growing season. Since the soil is above ground level, it warms up faster in the Spring and cools off faster in
www.topsinlex.com
39
Who’s Who
MEET THE MEDIA OFFICER DON: AKA DON EVANS
I
t was a Wednesday afternoon in the early 80s. Don Evans was fourteen years old, interning at a radio station in his hometown in Breckinridge county. The disc jockey at the station called in sick leaving the slot uncovered. Don was ready and willing to take to the air in a pinch. “The first song I played was Patsy Cline, I Fall to Pieces. I was awful. The show was awful. It was so bad my mom said she couldn’t stand to listen to me,” Don says. Despite his less than stellar premier, it was a matter of being at the right place at the right time that opened a door for Don. “The guy (station manager) had mercy on me and kept me on the air so I did it through high school,” he says. That was just the beginning. by Michelle Rauch Photos courtesy of Don Evans
40
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who The opportunity for Don to work at the radio station gave him just the excuse he needed to avoid work on the farm where he was raised. “I wasn’t really cut out for the farm stuff. I didn’t get along with the farm animals too well, between the turkeys and the chickens chasing me,” he says. His dad wanted help stripping tobacco so the lure of a place that did not require hard manual labor was a no brainer. “I thought, man that sounds like a nice air conditioned place you can work. I can do that.” Don overcame that first broadcast. His senior year of high school, station management gave him his own evening show. “My English teacher would let me sneak out a little early,” he recalls. He went on the air at 4pm and hosted a day in review program which included farm news, weather, and obituaries. It was the news staple of his small town. “It was really hard reading obituaries while your buddy is sitting outside the window trying to make you laugh the whole time. My biggest fear was they would make me crack up during someone’s obituary,” Don says. That was followed by two hours of dinner music, country music for two hours and then he was able to top it off with music for his teenage peers until he signed off at 10pm.
“When you start something when you’re 13 years old it sort of gets in your heart. I did and do love radio, its fun.”
Even though the job at the radio station seemed like a good fit in the back of Don’s mind he knew what he wanted to do to make a living someday. “I always knew I wanted to be a cop,” he says. That dream was sparked when he was ten years old. He and his mom were coming home from the grocery when a sudden snow storm blew in. Their car ran into a snow bank. A Kentucky State Trooper arrived to pull them out. “I remember that cool hat he had on and the smell of Old Spice. From that day forward, I knew I wanted to be a police officer.” Since he had to wait to apply for the police department until he was twenty one, Don stuck with the radio to continue avoiding all that work waiting on the family farm. His work in his hometown led to an opportunity at a radio station in Owensboro. Don would drive up there on Friday nights, take his sleeping bag, and sleep on the program directors office floor before getting up early Saturday morning to hit
the air. Next stop was WHAS radio in Louisville. Don worked there for a couple of years while taking some college classes. As soon as he turned 21 he moved to Lexington to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. He was able to get a job at WFMI radio (now WKQQ) as a DJ while he waited for acceptance to the Lexington Police Department. Since police recruits were not allowed to have a part time job while they were in the academy, Don quit his job at WFMI, but he didn’t stop broadcasting on the radio. “I snuck back up to Louisville on weekends at WHAS and used a different name,” he admits. Among his aliases: Chase Daniels, Jack Daniels, and Mark Summers. He moonlighted because he needed the money, but by now, he also realized he loved radio. He thought his secret was safe.
After he graduated from the academy and was on the force, one of his sergeants came up to him after hearing him on the radio. The Sergeant walked up to Don and said “Hey do me a favor, Chase, why don’t you play me some CCR next week.” He followed that with a friendly, knowing wink. As Don’s police career took off, he launched a new area of expertise for his radio career. He started flying in high school and earned his commercial pilot’s license. Bobby Shepherd was the traffic reporter for WVLK. He let Don fill in and fly for him. When Clear Channel put the Bull on the air, Don was approached to be their traffic reporter. That’s when a headline in the Lexington Herald Leader coined a catch phrase that has stuck. The story in the paper was about Don leaving one radio station for another and the headline read: Officer Don changes Flight Plan. “I thought that’s cool, that’s nice and cheesy.” That was the mid-nineties. It stuck. Since then Don Evans is simply known as Officer Don. Don found a home at the Bull and worked part-time as he continued working full time with the police department. He worked patrol, then joined the motorcycle unit, and spent several years as a detective in the Robbery/Homicide Unit. When the department acquired a helicopter from the U.S.
www.topsinlex.com
41
Who’s Who Army, Don was asked to get that unit off the ground. He retired from the Lexington Police Department in 2010 with 22 years on the force. The timing was good. The morning show on the Bull was in a transition period and needed a fill-in to co-anchor with DeAnne Stephens. The pair hit it off and Don was offered the permanent seat bringing his broadcasting career full circle. “Cops have to have part time jobs to make a living which is the truth. So that was part of it, but there’s a love there. When you start something when you’re 13 years old it sorta of gets in your heart. I did and do love radio, its fun,” he says. Making the switch from the serious business of police work to morning radio has been different. “The hardest thing about getting up and doing that morning show is seeing her (DeAnne) without make up, even though she is quite beautiful without her makeup. She says I just let her borrow mine!” Joking aside, Don did have a learning curve. When he was hired full time at the Bull, he didn’t think he’d have to play the music and do all the technical aspects. He was wrong. Since the last time Don DJ’d he was still spinning records on turn tables he had a lot to learn. Technology left Don with dead air on his hands as he fumbled his way through it. He played two songs at once, same song back to back and pushed the wrong button and knocked them off the air. “DeAnne says ‘the way you run the controls on the board I will never get with you in a helicopter. You’re a pilot and you can’t even play music on the radio.’ Now I’m the mixmaster!” he laughs. When Don isn’t working you’ll likely find him flying. He loves to fly and teaches other people how to. He typically has five students at a time learning to fly helicopters. His next student
very well could be his fourteen year old daughter, Abby. “She is like me. She wants to be a pilot. She wants to have her helicopter and airplane license before her driver’s license,” he says. Don is confident his only child will succeed in that goal. Don has been married to his wife, Melissa, for twenty years and describes her as the laid back one in the family. “She puts up with us. She’s one of these easy going people who rolls her eyes up when I get too goofy and tells me to make sure I have plenty of life insurance! That’s the truth. She says, ‘Do what you want, just make sure you have plenty of life insurance,” Don says with a smile. Jokes about life insurance begs the question: Are you a risk taker? Don says, No. “I am a risk calculator. Any activity I do, whether its flying a helicopter, doing aerobatics in an airplane, riding a motorcycle, if you are doing those things and want to survive you have to be a risk calculator. Train well, run the odds and always know the way out before you do the activity.” Which leads to a confession. “I’m really an absolute clutz. I am so scattered.” Don, again, is able to laugh at himself, “Just don’t look at the guy behind the curtain because it’s not pretty!” he laughs. Don’s immediate plans are to continue the successful show on the Bull. “It’s not really a job. For me, the goal has always been if you have to work, keep it fun. That’s why I never left radio,” he says. In addition to The Bull, Don flies SkyFirst for WKYT-TV. He also likes television and would like to expand his reach there, too. He has his sights set on crime reporting. He believes his 22 years of experience in law enforcement could bring a unique insider’s perspective to the stories that are told. “The cop isn’t just what you do for a living it’s an identity thing, it’s who you are.” Don loves what he is doing now, but don’t be surprised if he returns to law enforcement. “In the back of my head I have some other goals.” As they say in the business, stay tuned.
www.topsinlex.com
43
Summer in
44
www.topsinlex.com
the Bluegrass
www.topsinlex.com
45
Summer in
46
www.topsinlex.com
the Bluegrass
www.topsinlex.com
47
Summer in
48
www.topsinlex.com
the Bluegrass
www.topsinlex.com
49
What To Do
food
&wine
Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity. – Voltaire
www.topsinlex.com
51
What To Do
azur When it comes to AZUR’s philosophy on what makes it to your plate, owner and executive chef Jeremy Ashby has a pretty concise way to sum it all up. “We like to be a little different but still very familiar,” Ashby says.
formal fare
A great example of this mantra in action can be found in a dish that’s meant to kick things off. You may be used to having your calamari appetizer in rings and deep fried, but the restaurant’s Calamari Scallopine is certainly a different take on this popular seafood item. Pounded out thin like a piece of veal scallopine, it’s then pan-seared and topped with chorizo, dates, goat cheese and Spanish-roasted tomato sauce. This item is relatively new to the AZUR menu and goes great with some Etim Rosat 2010, with notes of blackberry and strawberries that blend perfectly with the complex flavors of this dish.
2010 Etim Rosat
Mon - Thurs: 11a to 10p Fri - Sat: 11a to 11p Sun: 10a - 9p $11 to $27 3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550 859.296.1007 | azurrestaurant.com
by Blake Hannon 52
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
coles 735 main As far as Lexington’s fine dining scene is concerned, Cole’s 735 Main is kind of the new kid on the block. However, two months in, executive chef Cole Arimes has an eclectic menu that’s meant to impress and please any guest. “You don’t necessarily have to be in the mood to come here because there’s always something that will appeal to everybody,” Arimes says. When coming to Coles, the chef definitely couldn’t speak higher about the flavors of the restaurant’s sautéed duck breast, which is accompanied by fingerling potatoes, caramelized onions, roasted radishes, stewed tomatoes and broccolini with a ported black cherry demi glaze. Arimes went with a large vegetable base to keep things light for the summer time. Make sure you order a bottle of Girard Artistry Cabernet Blend, 2009. He says the cabernet blend is a bit jammy with a peppery end that complements the duck and stewed tomatoes and “gets your palette ready for the next bite.” Mon – Thurs: 5 to 10p | Fri – Sat: 5 to 11p | Bar/Gazebo opens at 4p | $8 to $32 735 E. Main Street | 859.266.9000 | coles735main.com
2009 Girard Artistry Cabernet Blend
dudley’s on short Few, if any, restaurants in Lexington have the combination of history and consistent quality that Dudley’s has. Having occupied a portion of Historic Dudley’s Square for 25 years, it made the move to downtown when it became Dudley’s on Short in 2010. The location may have changed, but many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes like the rack of lamb have remained untouched -- that is until chef Erik Fowler decided to make a few modifications. Now, the restaurant offers a crispy lamb loin and rainbow chard, wrapped in prosciutto, breaded in panko bread crumbs and roasted. It comes with a celeriac puree and lemon lamb jus and is garnished with wilted rainbow chard and onion marmalade. “We have long had a lamb rack on the menu at Dudley’s that has been so popular that we hesitated to change it,” Fowler says. “However, this is such a complete dish and the breaded loin has such a nice presence that is has been equally, if not more, received.” If you ask owner Debbie Long, a dish like lamb pairs well with a pinot noir, namely one like Truchard (Carrnaros), 2009. 2008 Truchard Pinot Noir
Lunch Every day: 11a to 2:30p | Dinner Sun – Thurs: 5:30 to 10p Fri – Sat: 5:30 to 11p | $8 to $36 259 W. Short Street, Suite 125 | 859.252.1010 | dudleysrestaurant.com
www.topsinlex.com
53
What To Do
giuseppe’s The native language for the Bluegrass State may not be Italian, but fans of the country’s cuisine in Lexington probably know what the word Giuseppe’s means. Translation: Firstclass Italian food.
georgia’s k itchen cafe Between the secluded and gorgeous garden area to an interior that looks like it could have been modeled after your grandmother’s dining room, Georgia’s Kitchen Café is all about making you feel at home. However, while this restaurant certainly specializes in Southern and American-style comfort food, it also offers entrees with an international flair that could be just as comforting to someone in another hemisphere.
While the restaurant is known for classic and contemporary pasta dishes along with hand-cut steaks and homemade desserts, the truth is you can’t go wrong with their seafood. One taste of the restaurant’s oven roasted sea bass with lobster chili butter sauce and you’ll know what we’re talking about. This delicate, rich fish is handled with care and expert technique and topped with a vibrant sauce that gives the fish a whole new flavor dimension. This dish goes well with the restaurant’s Banfi Le Rime Pinot Grigio, a classic and refreshing Italian white wine that is one of the Giuseppe’s better offerings. 2011 Banfi Le Rime Pinot Grigio
Now that the restaurant has gone from a must-stop lunch spot to offering dishes for the dinner crowd, you’ll find even more variety that shows comfort food comes in all shapes, sizes and flavors. Take the sesame seared ahi tuna. The dish encompasses various elements of Asia’s culinary spectrum, with its black sesame seed crust, wasabi infused mashed potatoes, walnut gingered snap peas topped with crisp rice noodles and a blood orange emulsion. Chef Tim Gallaway says a dish like this will be further enhanced with a glass of Sartori Family Pinot Grigio, with floral and fruit notes to complement this warm weather dish.
Every day: 7:30a to 9p $8 to $26
Lunch Mon – Fri: 11:30a to 2:30p Dinner Mon – Sat: 5 to 10p Sun: 5 to 9p Sunday Brunch: 11a to 2:30p $8 to $36
900 N. Broadway | 859.252.6837 georgiaskitchencafe.com
4456 Nicholasville Road | 859.272.4269 giuseppeslexington.com
2011 Sartori Pinot Grigio
54
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
heirlo om The truth is that there are so many dining options in Lexington you really don’t have a reason to leave the city limits. However, you may want to make an occasional (or possibly frequent) exception for Heirloom Restaurant in Midway. It certainly helps when executive chef Mark Wombles can put so many elements on the plate and have them all come together in culinary harmony. Take the restaurant’s halibut, which is sautéed with artichoke hearts, fava beans, black and green olives confetti, served with mussel sauce, tomato fondue and crispy fried mussels. Chef Wombles says the dish is new to the Heirloom menu and has received some great feedback. Make sure you try it with the La Codalora Pinot Grigio, 2010. This Italian white has a bit more substance to it, with rich minerality and floral notes that will stand up to the halibut. Lunch Tues – Sat: 11:30a to 2p | Wine Tastings and Bar Menu Tues – Sat: 3p to 5p Dinner Tues – Sat: 5:30p to close | $7 to $33
2010 la Cadalora Pino Grigio
125 Main Street Midway, KY | 859.846.5565
malone’s Steak lovers that come to any of the Malone’s restaurants in the Lexington area are faced with one difficult yet extremely amazing dilemma: Which cut of USDA prime beef am I going to sink my teeth into? If you’d like a bit of direction, Malone’s culinary director, Alan Lamoureux, has a suggestion. One of the restaurant’s most popular steaks is the 16 oz. prime ribeye, which has incredible marbling that results in one tender and flavorful hunk of beef, especially when it’s seasoned and carefully broiled with infrared heat to give it that perfect crust. You can pick any of Malone’s side dishes to make this meal perfect for you, but make sure you try a glass of the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California. It has a robust body and tannins with notes of berries and chocolate to hold up to the rich and buttery cut. Store hours for each location Every day: 11:15a to 10:30p | $9 to $50 2003 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon
3347 Tates Creek Road, 859.335.6500 | 1920 Pleasant Ridge Drive, 859.264.8023 3735 Palomar Centre Drive, 859.977.2620
www.topsinlex.com
55
What To Do
rosetta Rosetta Dining has something working for it even before you walk in its doors. Its location on Limestone Street in the heart of downtown Lexington has patio tables and huge windows with a perfect view of the city’s scenic courthouse fountains that’s also great for standard people watching.
nick ryan’s saloon When it comes to Southern style dishes, does it get any more classic than shrimp and grits? However, even the classics can get a bit stale if they are not given the proper kick in the behind in the taste department. Nick Ryan’s Saloon certainly seems up to that task with its take on shrimp and grits. Chef Joseph Pugh adds some serious punch to his grits by incorporating andouille sausage and smoked gouda, which is all tied together with a rich and flavorful seafood veloute. As far as why Pugh incorporated the andouille sausage to add more complex flavors, the explanation is simple.
However, you may be too busy looking down at your plate and enjoying your food to notice. While the menu is short and concise, it features sandwiches, quiches, small plates and a wide range of entrees. You might as well go with Rosetta’s Hereford strip. Seasoned with sea salt, crushed black pepper and seared in a bit of duck fat for extra flavor, it is served with green beans, tomatoes, drizzled with a peppercorn demiglaze and topped with a dollop of bleu cheese. When it comes to wine, executive chef Brandon Owens says the choice is obvious. “It just really pairs well with any red, for sure,” Owens says. “It’s craving it.” More specifically, it’s craving a Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has notes of blackberry, cocoa and cloves and can cut through the richness of this primo cut of steak.
2009 Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
“A little bit of pig makes everything better,” he says. Make sure you pair this Southern classic with a wine that comes from a region much farther south with some La Puerta Torrontes, an Argentinean wine that’s crisp with the strength to cut through the rich fat from the sausage and the gouda cheese.
La Puerta Torrontes
56
Lunch Mon – Fri: 11:30a to 5:30p Sat: 11a to 5:30p Dinner Mon – Thurs: 5:30 to 10p Fri – Sat: 5:30 to 11 p $9 to $27
Lunch Tues – Sat: 11a to 3p Dinner Tues – Sat: 5p to late Sunday: 11a to 4p $8 to $34
157 Jefferson Street 859.233.7900 | nickryans.com
127 N. Limestone Street | 859.255.1800 rosettadining.com
www.topsinlex.com
www.topsinlex.com
57
What To Do
rossi’s Those who are looking for a meal with atmosphere to match on Chinoe Road in Lexington should know where to turn by now. Rossi’s Restaurant has been offering both since it moved from its original space in Chevy Chase to its more expansive location in the Chinoe Centre. Chef Robert Myers may have a background in classic French and Italian cooking, but he goes to a neighboring country for inspiration with the restaurant’s Spanish sea scallops. The dish is wonderfully seared and full of flavor thanks to a mix of julienned carrots, zucchini and leeks with a concasse of tomato and capers, topped with white wine lemon butter sauce. Manager Matt Isaacs says a wine like Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand complements the dish nicely, given the wine’s drier, grassier flavor that balances the capers and tomatoes.
Sun – Thurs: 5 to 10p | Fri – Sat: 5 to 11p | Sunday Brunch: 11a | $8 to $23 1060 Chinoe Road, Suite 104 | 859.335.8788 | rossis-restaurant.com
2011 Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc
sabio When Chef Javier Lanza decided to move from New York to Kentucky, he brought more than a suitcase with him. He took his recipe for his signature sea scallop dish with him when he served as executive chef at restaurants like Amelia’s Field Country Inn bed and breakfast and Migdalia’s, both in Paris, Ky. Now that he’s opened his trendy casual fine dining restaurant Sabio in Lexington’s historic Dudley Square in April, you knew what was going to be on the dinner menu. And why not? His pan-seared sea scallops are topped with a garlic-tarragon beurre blanc sauce and served with wilted spinach, pancetta whipped potatoes and garden-fresh cherry tomatoes. Chef Lanza suggests washing it down with some Patz and Halls Chardonnay for a good balance. “It just evens out the garlic and the sauce and brings out the tarragon, which is the best part of the dish,” he says. 2009 Patz & Hall Chardonnay
Mon – Sat: 11a to 10p | Sun: 11a to 9p | $8 to $32 Dudley Square | 380 South Mill Street | 859.368.9901 | sabiodudleysquare.com
www.topsinlex.com
59
What To Do
the julep cup The décor may be set up for a day at the races, but at The Julep Cup restaurant, you’ll be in for a day of fine dining.
the dish If you happen to be perusing Chevy Chase and want a quaint setting with big flavors, you can head to The Dish to get a taste of its take on Modern American cuisine -- which, as owner Trish Tungate explains, is a little bit of everything. “It’s a fusion of a lot of different things that makes up American food,” she says.
Chef Lindsay Brooks, who holds a degree from the Cordon Bleu in France, recommends those stopping in this summer to try a light and refreshing dish like the restaurant’s Maine diver scallops, served with mushrooms, tomato, asparagus and a lemon beurre blanc sauce. The dish also comes with a side of cauliflower puree with white truffle oil to give guests a dish that has the creaminess of mashed potatoes without the starchy heaviness. For this scallop dish, Brooks recommends guests pop the cork on a bottle of Domaine Chandon Rose to switch things up from a bottle of red or white. This sparkling wine is light and dry but also a bit more fullbodied and goes great with almost any of The Julep Cup’s seafood entrees.
Whatever The Dish tries to throw together, chef Tyler Sample makes sure it gets pulled off with gusto. The restaurant’s pan-seared snapper contains rice pilaf mixed with cilantro and locally-grown cherry tomatoes and crunchy haricot vert. The fish is topped with both pineapple salsa and drizzled with chili oil, effectively blending culinary elements of both Asian and Hispanic cultures. Tungate says with a wine like the restaurant’s Domain De Pajop French Sauvignon Blanc Blend, you’ll get the citrus and notes of green pepper that gives the dish a perfect partner.
2010 Domaine de Pajot Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Mon – Thurs: 4 to 10p Fri – Sat: 4 to 10:30p $9 to $29 438 S. Ashland Avenue 859.317.8438 | thedishlex.com
60
www.topsinlex.com
Brunch and Lunch Mon: 11a to 2p Tues – Sun: 11a to 3p Dinner Mon: 5 to 9p Tues – Sat: 3p to close $7 to $38 111 Woodland Avenue 859.226.0300 | thejulepcup.com
Chandon Rosé
What To Do
the tulip If you swing by the peaceful stretch of shops on Romany Road, you may be tempted to pop into The Tulip Bistro & Bar for a bite to eat. But fair warning, general manager Shawn Deakins is going to want to give you the bird -- and it’s delicious. Deakins said one of restaurant’s great dishes for the summer months is Tulip’s herb crusted chicken. Coated with herbs and seasoning to order, it’s pan-fried and then roasted in the oven and comes with a crispy goat cheese polenta, grilled asparagus and finished with some sauce provencal and drizzled with balsamic reduction. It’s a great preparation of this common fowl that has left many a diner satisfied. “People just tear it up, he says. “It’s a wonderful dish.” Deakins said the butter and berry flavors of a traditional California pinot noir like Hahn Estate will “get the juices flowing” for the next bite. Lighter Fare Menu: Tuesday-Saturday: 4-5p | Regular Menu: Tuesday-Thursday: 5-10p Friday-Saturday: 5-10:30p $8 to $30 355 Romany Road | 859.367.6687 | thetulipbistroandbar.com
2011 Hahn Vintage Pinot Noir
vue There are a lot of people who want to go out for a bit of nightlife after they dine. So, why not have both in the same place? That’s certainly the case at Vue Restaurant and Nightlife, which offers an array of scrumptious options on top of the Chase Building in downtown Lexington. You could come in for apps or fresh sushi, but chef Ray Cameron thinks you should try a restaurant favorite in the pork tenderloin medallions with a tower of vegetable hash comprised of yellow, cucumber and butternut squash and potatoes, spinach salad with roasted red peppers and a cherry port wine demi-glaze. “It’s an eye-catching dish,” Cameron says. While you’re enjoying the Vue’s visually compelling dish, make sure to wash it down with a bottle of petite syrah from Paso Robles from Plummer Vineyard (Bianchi Signature Selection, 2008). 2008 Bianchi Signature Selection 2008 Petite Sirah
Tues – Thurs: 11a to 10p | Fri – Sat: 11a to 11p | $5 to $35 201 E. Main Street, 15th floor of the Chase Building | 859.523.0333 | vue-lex.com
www.topsinlex.com
61
What To Do
fru it of the vine kentucky wineries
acres of land Lowell and Katherine Land are a couple whose land has given them back plenty. The 400-acre farm that Acres of Land Winery sits on has been in the family for over 50 years. Of those 400 acres, it’s arguably a particular 8-acre area in which they take the most pride. That’s where the Acres of Land brings farm freshness to every bottle of wine it produces. Of the winery’s various wines, its vignoles, Maggie Adams Blush, Phoenix (a blend of chardonnay, vidal blanc and vignoles grapes), Colonel’s Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Marie’s Merlot and Kentucky Chambourcin have all received award recognition. And just like with wine, Acres of Land seems to be getting better with age. The winery has added a full-service restaurant specializing in regional favorites and Southern hospitality, wagon ride tours and picnic locations where you can bring your preferred bottle of Acres of Land wine to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Tasting room Mon-Tues: 10a to 5p Wed-Thurs: 10a to 8p Fri-Sat: 10a to 9p Sun: 12:30 to 5p
Restaurant Wed-Thurs: 11a to 8p Fri-Sat: 11a to 9p Sun: Noon to 5p Wine: $13 to $30
2285 Barnes Mill Road | Richmond, KY 859.328.3000 | acresoflandwinery.com
by Blake Hannon 62
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
black barn If someone has been lucky enough to live in a wine-making region like Chateaux Canon La Gaffeliere in St. Emilion, France, you can’t blame them for wanting to take a piece of that with them wherever they go. That’s exactly what Collin Boyd did when he opened the Black Barn Winery. And when we say “he,” that’s exactly what we mean. Black Barn Winery doesn’t employ anybody and you won’t find it crafting a large variety of wines. What you will find is Boyd spending all of his time using grapes from the Sierra Foothills Region of California to craft a single wine: A Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc made in the same spirit and tradition of wineries in Bordeaux, France. You can schedule a tasting by appointment or find the Black Barn Winery offering in various Liquor Barn and Kroger Wine and Spirit Shop locations or at restaurant’s like Malone’s, Sal’s, Harry’s and Drake’s. Tastings scheduled by appointment | $22.50 4200 Newton Pike | Lexington, KY | 859.552.2525 | blackbarnwinery.com
castle hill Every winery may offer wine. Some may offer food or amenities. But the fact is only one can claim to have a castle on the property. Of course, Castle Hill Winery doesn’t just attract for its architecture (which looks pretty fantastic in a picture, by the way). Owner Kim Addams has taken this lifelong project and continued to build on it since 1998. The winery serves up 11 sweet and dry wines including special flavors like apple, blackberry and strawberry. Its 100 acres of familyowned land in thoroughbred country has been used to cater parties large and small, weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. The winery’s interior has a wine tasting room, banquet room and gift shop with French doors that open up to a large outdoor patio offering a great view of that castle you’re going to want to share a picture with before the day is over. While the winery offers plenty, Addams isn’t finished expanding. Castle Hill Winery has plans in the future of adding a full restaurant, but you can soon enjoy added events like Thursday night wine and music on the patios and Sunday brunch. Mon-Sat: 10a to 6p | Sun: Noon to 5p | $15 to $16 3650 Lexington Road | Versailles, KY | 859.576.0100 | castlehillwinery.com
www.topsinlex.com
63
64
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
equus run Equus Run Winery’s name certainly got its inspiration from being a winery surrounded by horse farms in Midway, but that’s only one interesting detail in the Equus Run story. Owner Cynthia Bohn, who grew up on a tobacco farm in Hart County and examined wine titans like Mondavi and Gallo while doing business case studies at Harvard, decided to truly get down and dirty by turning 37 acres of land and 7 acres of vines into one of Central Kentucky’s most well-known wineries.
elk creek Elk Creek Vineyards claims to be Kentucky’s Largest Winery. When you take a look at everything it has to offer, it’s kind of hard to argue. Elk Creek Vineyards offer dry and sweet wines, with big sellers coming in the forms of the vineyard’s riesling and concord varieties. However, you can taste Elk Creek at its best by trying one of its Estate wines, which currently includes chardonelle, chambourcin, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.
Equus Run Winery’s grounds are rich with Limestone from the surrounding creek and it assists in the creation of a wide variety of offerings, from the more common whites and red wines to its Derby Bluegrass Blush and its Passionate Kiss, a chocolate-infused cabernet sauvignon dessert wine. The wines may lure guests to the vineyard, but the 1,200 capacity amphitheater that hosts its Tunes on the Vine concert series ensures that you’ll be jamming while you’re sipping.
Elk Creek Vineyard offerings are sold in numerous tasting rooms in Lexington, Louisville and Northern Kentucky. However, you have more than a few reasons to come to the vineyard to experience what they are dreaming up. Elk Creek Vineyards is also home to the Elk Creek Lodge Bed and Breakfast and the Elk Creek Café gourmet deli. You can also use your time at Elk Creek to take cooking classes, peruse its art gallery, hear some live music or do some serious shooting at the Elk Creek Hunt Club. Mon-Thurs: 10a to 7p Fri-Sat: 10a to 10p $10 to $40
Mon–Sat: 11a to 7p Sun: 1 to 5p $13.99 to $24.99
150 Highway 330 | Owenton, KY 502.484.0005 | elkcreekvineyards.com
1280 Moores Mill Road | Midway, KY 859.846.9463 | equusrunvineyards.com
www.topsinlex.com
65
What To Do
grimes mill Sometimes, a big problem can lead to an even better solution. Take Grimes Mill Winery, for example. Owners Philip and Lois DeSimone grew tobacco for 12 years but when the crop wasn’t sustainable; they got in touch with their Italian heritage and focused on growing grapes. Crisis averted. Lexington rewarded. Grimes Mill Winery’s five acres of grapes is on family land owned since 1986. It currently offers seven different types of dry and semi-sweet wines including a signature malbec blended with the winery ‘s cabernet franc and merlot. If you sip on this, you’re sipping on a wine that’s unique, since Grimes Mill grows the only malbec in the state. The family’s Italian roots are reflected in more than just the wine. While Grimes Mill offers chocolates and crackers to cleanse your palate, they also offer an assortment of cheeses and Italian salami. Book a special event at Grimes Will and the winemaker will give you a taste of some homemade facaccia and various other stuzzichini (that’s Italian for snacks, in case you were curious). Thurs-Sun: Noon to 6p | $11 to $36 6707 Grimes Mill Road | Lexington, KY | 859.543.9691 | grimesmillwinery.com
jean farris Compared to some of the state’s other wineries, Jean Farris Winery and Bistro may seem like it’s a bit on the quaint side. However, its attention to detail and quality always leaves a big impression. Owners Ben and Jeanie O’Daniel have definitely gotten a few things right since opening in 2006. It’s 8 acres of vineyards produce up to 20 different wines throughout the year, but Jean Farris specializes in dry red wines. In fact, among its many awards, its 2007 cabernet sauvignon won a double gold medal in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That quality isn’t just found in your glass. It also exists on your plate. Jean Farris’ fine dining restaurant has a full menu that changes seasonally and features mostly Kentucky Proud ingredients along with items from the winery’s estate garden. When you receive an invite to Jean Farris Winery and Bistro, chances are you’re meal will be as enticing as your wine. Wine Bar Tues-Fri: Noon to 9p | Sat-Sun: 11a to 9p Bistro Tues-Sun: 5:30 to 9p | Brunch Sat-Sun: 11a to 3p | Wine: $11 to $65 | Entrees: $6 to $35 6825 Old Richmond Road | Lexington, KY | 859.263.WINE | jeanfarris.com
66
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
lovers leap When it comes to the owners and staff at Lover’s Leap Vineyards & Winery in Lawrenceburg, the name also serves as a genuine reflection of the passion they have for wine. “The nice thing about wine is you are always trying to perfect wine, but it’s a good hunt because there is none,” said tasting room manager, Connie Hunt.
much more than $15 for a bottle.
With vines planted in 1884, Lover’s Leap opened as a winery in 2001 and became one of the largest producing vineyards in the state, with 33 acres of grapes and 10 varietals. The winery’s offerings have won a gold medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York. However, whether it’s the vidal blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon or its popular trifecta blends, you won’t be paying
Lover’s Leap prides itself on using grapes indigenous to the Bluegrass State, but according to Hunt, the winery’s setting and sheer number of vines can remind people of another type of wine country. “I had a customer tell me the other day that we kind of remind them of Italy,” she said. “There are grapes as far as the eye can see.” Wed – Thurs: 11a to 5p | Fri – Sat: 11a to 6p | $9.99 to $14.99 1180 Lanes Mills Road | Lawrenceburg, KY | 502.839.1299 | loversleapwine.com
prodigy Even though Prodigy Vineyards and Winery was technically established in Dec 2010, Owners Chad and Lenee Peach have been active in other ways. With vineyards planted in 1998, Prodigy started making wine commercially in 2006. Now, Prodigy includes an offsite tasting room and gift shop, where you can buy some colorful items or one of the winery’s 15 wines that includes dry and sweet red and white wines and special dessert wines. Prodigy’s wine club, which offers free wine tastings and discounts every quarter, gives you the chance to give them all a try through becoming a three, six or 12 bottle member. Prodigy has further established itself beyond just being a winery and vineyard with its additional offerings. Its food menu includes beer cheese and cheese trays, sandwiches and chicken and burgers fresh off the grill and you can enjoy live acoustic music on Friday nights. Mon – Thurs: Noon to 6p | Fri: Noon to 9p | Sat: Noon to 7p | $10 to $30 3445 Versailles Road, Suite A | Frankfort, KY | 502.352.9400 | prodigyvineyards.com
68
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
talon The 300 acres that Talon Winery sits on wasn’t supposed to bear the fruit that makes its quality wine at first. The land was originally designated to become another Lexington subdivision until owner Harriet Allen was given grant money to plant grapes on the land. It’s a good thing that first plan fell through. Otherwise, Lexington would be deprived of one very fine winery and vineyard. The eight acres of vines with seven different kinds of grapes produce Talon’s 16 varietals. You can experience the tastes of Talon by joining its wine club, where you’ll receive three bottles of wine every quarter, enjoy a pick-up party with special appetizers and live music. The property hosts plenty of special events, including the charity concert series and the yearly Lexington Jazz Festival. You can experience a bit of history in Talon’s tasting room, which was originally built in 1790 before Kentucky became a state. And if you’re interested in tying the knot, Talon offers an ideal outdoor setting at its cabernet barrel barn, which hosts roughly 90 weddings a year.
Mon–Fri: 10a to 7p Sat: 10a to 8p Sun: Noon to 6p $9.50 to $49.95 7086 Tates Creek Road | Lexington, KY | 859.971.3214 400 Gordon Lane | Shelbyville, KY | 502.633.6969 | talonwine.com
www.topsinlex.com
69
What To Do
WINE TIME—LET’S HAVE A PARTY! by Sue Ann Truitt Entertaining Consultant
Wine, with its ever growing popularity, finds many people wanting to know more about this subject. How to choose a wine? What is a good wine? What to serve or eat with a particular wine? Wine Clubs are a good educational approach to learning about wines. But many find them involved and time consuming. A less involved, more casual approach to learning about wines is to gather a few friends and have a Wine Tasting Party. This party can range from a formal gathering to an informal, fun get together. It should be based on the type of people who have been invited. A few knowledgeable wine enthusiasts included in the guest list is a good resource for the selection of wines. If someone is not available, contact a local wine shop to see if they have a person who could offer information to the group. Then, in turn, you would purchase the wines from that shop. Plan to have guests sample no more than five different types of wine. More than five is confusing and overwhelming. It is fine to mix reds and whites but serve from the lightest to the darkest which will be the heavier. For six guests, purchase two bottles of each variety. One bottle for tasting (about 1 oz. per person) and another bottle for drinking afterwards. For an interesting theme, select the wines from a particular region: Tuscany, Napa, or local sites. Attach a map of the chosen area to a 4” x 4” card stock. Print the invitation on the back of the card. Then, it can serve as a coaster plus showing the location from where the wines were grown. Provide one Bordeaux glass for each person for the duration of the party. One theory is not to rinse the glass between wines as even one drop of water will dilute the wine.
70
www.topsinlex.com
As a general rule, chill the whites and roses thoroughly. Then, 15 to 30 minutes before the tasting, put the reds in the refrigerator. Take the whites and roses out a few minutes before pouring. Have a glass of water for each guest and a bowl of broken up crusty bread to have between wines. Also, provide a container at each person’s place to dump the excess wine from each tasting. The old rule for matching food and wine, white with seafood and poultry and red with meats, no longer applies. There are newer and better paring strategies. • Match the texture of the food with the texture of the wine. For example, a light wine, white or red, will be overpowered by a rich, heavy steak. A Cabernet Sauvignon will be a perfect balance. • Match aromas and flavors. A very spicy dish will need a complex, spicy wine like a Riesling. • Use acidity in the wines to balance the dish. With a highacid food, like a tomato based flavor would be complimented with a high -acid wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc. This same could apply to a lemon based food. • Pair with the sauce not the meat. • Most importantly, follow your personal preference. Provide a card and pen for each person during the tasting to take notes and list their favorite wines. Then sharing likes and dislikes can be quite interesting. Finish the evening with hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to have a glass of one of the wines sampled. While the complexities of wines go deep, a simple wine tasting party is a great place to get started. Create a whole new area of interest for your friends in an enjoyable setting.
www.topsinlex.com
71
What To Do
casual cuisine
b ourb on n’ toulouse Since opening in 2004, Bourbon n’ Toulouse has effectively filled a niche in Lexington by offering authentic Cajun and Creole-style dishes. Trying the restaurant’s chicken etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, chicken Creole or red beans and rice will give you a one-way ticket to the French Quarter through your taste buds. However, the restaurant’s popularity comes from more than what’s cooking in the back. Co-owners, Will Pieratt and Kevin Heathcoat have prided themselves on modest prices and created an atmosphere that’s laidback, eclectic and colorful that lures in a diverse clientele. Plus, they listen to their customers. The fact that you can get a smaller half order of one of Bourbon n’ Toulouse’s dishes or have the option to pay an extra buck to get two offerings crammed onto one plate comes from the owners and staff gauging what the people want. “We just come here every day and have fun and do the best we can,” Pieratt says. “And, hopefully, people come in and eat.”
Mon - Sat: 11a to 10p $4.50 to $7.50 829 Euclid Ave. | 859.335.0300 bntlexington.com
by Blake Hannon 72
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
cheapside At some places, there’s not a bad seat in the house. At Cheapside Bar and Grill, there’s really not a bad seat in the house -- or outside of it. Of course, Cheapside is well-known for having one of the most frequented patio areas in the whole city, a two-floor set-up where both the UK college crowd and young professionals kick back and have a few drinks in the warm weather months. When Thursday Night Live kicks up at Cheapside Park, the metal patio tables and chairs just outside of Cheapside’s main entrance give you a great view of the outdoor festivities. Of course, there’s plenty going on within Cheapside’s doors. There’s a kitchen that serves pub grub along with dishes with a Southwestern flair. There are daily drink specials along with $3 well drinks during happy hour from 3 to 7p. Plus, the live music cranked up by the bar on the weekends will give you the option to kick back outside or kick out the jams inside.
Lunch: Mon - Fri: 11:30a to 2:30p | Dinner: Mon - Sat: 5p to 12a | Sun: 4 to 9p Brunch: Sat - Sun: 11a to 3:30p | Drinks till 2:30a all week | $6 to $20 131 Cheapside | 859.254.0046 | cheapsidebarandgrill.com
de sha’s deSha’s restaurant is one that’s certainly benefited from its location. Not only is it in the heart of downtown Lexington, it’s just a block over from Rupp Arena, a place where an entertaining thing or two tends to happen. But if you ask general manager, Misty Carlisle, it’s deSha’s all-encompassing feel that’s kept them around. “There are so many different cultural activities that happen in Lexington and we cater to all of them,” she says. The menu certainly has something for everybody whether you are looking for a burger, steak, pasta dish or seafood, not to mention some buttermilk fried chicken or a transcendent bourbon bread pudding. Speaking of bourbon, if you pop over next door to deSha’s bar, The Horse and Barrel, you’ll be sharing the space with one of the best collections of bourbon you’ll ever see. With roughly 130 bourbons, scotches and whiskeys, it’s no wonder deSha’s captured the Whisky Bar of the World title from the English publication Whiskey Magazine in 2008. It’s easy enough to join the bar’s Bluegrass Bourbon Club, a club that’s free to join that rewards the bourbon enthusiast with glassware and invites to bourbon dinners. Sun - Thurs: 11a to 10p | Fri - Sat: 11a to midnight | $15 to $30 101 N. Broadway | 859.259.3771 | deshas.com/lexington
www.topsinlex.com
73
What To Do
~
mi piquena hacienda It may translate to “my little ranch” in Spanish, but Mi Pequena Hacienda Mexican Restaurant’s three locations has given the Lexington area a big taste of the cuisine from that neighboring country south of the border.
halls on the river Here’s the thing about Halls on the River in Winchester and its legendary beer cheese: Whether you’ve had it in 1969, 1984 or 2012, chances are you’ve experienced the same nirvana of pre-entrée snacking. That’s because Jean Bell has made every batch since the late 1960s, and when it comes to trade secrets, manager Jesse Abrams isn’t talking.
The family-friendly restaurant has staked its claim in the Bluegrass with authentic Mexican cuisine with Baja California flair. You’ll get sizable portions at a reasonable price no matter what you order, whether it’s the fajitas, burritos or fish tacos. With each location having patio seating, you’ll have no reason not to visit in the summer months. Of course, some of the restaurant’s happy hour specials are bringing the heat no matter what season it is. From 3 to 6p daily, you can show off your cajones by diving into some extra spicy habanero wings for $.50 each. Don’t worry if you can’t handle the heat, since they have $4.99 domestic draft pitchers to help you cool down.
“It’s not necessarily what’s in it, it’s how it’s made,” Abrams says. That being said, Halls on the River hasn’t been in business since 1964 by beer cheese alone. Plenty of families and parties large and small come to Halls for everything from Bluegrass favorites like hot browns and fried banana peppers to BBQ ribs, prime rib and a variety of fish that can be served up broiled, blackened or fried. You can also come in for happy hour from 4 to 7p weekdays for two-for-one well drinks and domestic drafts. Regardless, whether you’re at Halls for the food or a drink, you should enjoy the restaurant’s covered patio with a great view of the Kentucky River.
Mon - Wed: 12p to 9p Thu - Fri: 8a to 12a Sat - Sun: 12 to 12a $15-$25 1225 Athens Boonesboro Road , Winchester, KY 859.527.6620 | hallsontheriver.com
74
www.topsinlex.com
Sun - Thurs: 11a to 10p Fri - Sat: 11a to 11p $7 to $16 3501 Lansdowne Drive | 859.245.4679 4101 Tates Creek Centre, Suite 128 (Hacienda Express location) | 859.309.0725 110 Cynthia Drive, Nicholasville, KY | 859.309.3840 mipequenahacienda.com
What To Do
old chicago A city like Chicago conjures up a few things in people’s minds. At Old Chicago, some of the cuisine synonymous with the windy city makes its way onto your table and later into your very full and satisfied stomach. This Hamburg establishment’s parking lot is packed on any given night for one of two reasons. First, families come together to dive into some pastas, calzones or its Chicago-style deep dish pizza that’s always made with fresh ingredients and a welcome changeup from the pies you usually get delivered to your house. However, the restaurant has an almost equally emphasized bar atmosphere that will take you around the world through its selection of 110 beers and over 30 draft beers. In fact, you can sign up for Old Chicago’s World Beer Tour, a free program that awards prizes like t-shirts, ball caps and sweatshirts while you sample some suds. Mon - Sat: 11a to 2a | Sun: 11a to 12a | Happy hours: Mon - Fri: 3 to 6p | Every day: 10p to close | $7 to $19 1924 Pavilion Way | 859.977.4640 | oldchicago.com/lexington
regatta’s b oathouse For those feeling a bit landlocked and would like to get away, you could pack and head to the coastline for a vacation. Then again, you could just pop over to Regatta Seafood Grille for a meal on its noteworthy patio by the pond behind Lexington Green patio and walk away with similar feelings. “The patio and our patio bar makes you feel like you’re temporarily on vacation,” said the restaurant’s managing partner, Ethan Brown. “You don’t feel like you’re in Lexington.” The patio may be a big draw, but the food has kept customers coming back since 1994. A wide variety of fish and seaside favorites like shrimp, scallops and oysters on a half shell are flown in daily and are culinary dishes that can accommodate a fine dining evening or a bar food craving. Oh yeah, and if the patio on its own isn’t enough to make you stop, it has live music there every night of the week.
Every day: 11:15a to 11:15p | Patio: Mon – Sat: 11:15a to 1a | Sun: 11:15a to 11p | $7 to $25 161 Lexington Green Circle | 859.273.7875 | regattaseafood.com
www.topsinlex.com
75
What To Do
saul good It’s nice to know that Saul Good Restaurant & Pub’s two locations happen to be on the edge of two of Lexington’s biggest shopping centers. Because the fact is, whether you are in Hamburg or Fayette Mall, this place is the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of shopping or the chill out when you’re done.
rincon mexicano Back in 1992, Rincon Mexicano started as a family passion when it opened at its original location in Lexington. Now, 20 years later, it’s safe to say that family has grown substantially to include a large number of appreciative Lexington diners. The restaurant hasn’t had any problems keeping old customers and luring in new ones with its tasty Mexican dishes. Popular offerings like taquitos, fajitas and enchiladas share the same space authentic Mexican staples like the mole poblano, carnitas and tacos carne asada.
Actually, this is far from just a shopping pit stop. The restaurant’s ornate chandeliers and deep wood tones give off an aura of a swanky hot spot, but the kitchen is pumping out American comfort food with international and regional twists. People who want the Southern savory/ sweet pairing of fried chicken and waffles, a 12 oz. prime pork chop or a chocolate fondue to share, can all find what they are looking for in Saul Good’s doors. As for the bar crowd, Saul Good is, well, better than good. Depending on the day, happy hour patrons can get half price off of everything from pizzas, bottles of wine, chocolate desserts and southwest dip to draft beers, specialty cocktails and drinks made with either Hornitos tequila or Woodford Reserve.
If you come to either Rincon’s original Chevy Chase location or its newest restaurant on Harrodsburg Road, you should also come thirsty. You can get some of the restaurant’s stellar two-for-one margaritas on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 5 to 10p, plus a daily happy hour from 4 to 7p offers half price nachos and $5.99 pitchers of domestic beer.
76
Sun - Thur: 11a to10p Fri - Sat: 11a to11p $5 to $15
Mon - Thurs: 11:30a to 10p Fri - Sat: 11:30a to 11p Sun: 11:30a to 9p $8 to $23
818 Euclid Avenue | 859.268.8160 3901 Harrodsburg Road, Suite 180 | 859.219.3216 rinconmexicanorestaurantky.com
3801 Mall Road | 859.273.4663 1808 Alysheba Way | 859.317.9200 saulgoodpub.com
www.topsinlex.com
www.topsinlex.com
77
What To Do
school Imagine if someone came up to you and said, “I’m going to school for French and Japanese.” If this happened in most places, you’d probably think they are referring to the language they are studying in college. In Lexington, that may also be the case—but it’s more likely they are talking about the cuisine offered up at School Restaurant. This concept of mixing French with Japanese cuisines and sushi came to life in 2008 thanks to co-owners Tomoka Logan and Kiki Creech’s affinity for both regions’ culinary offerings. It also doesn’t hurt that they hired a chef trained in both French and Japanese cuisine (Fumiki “Miki” Ichikawa) and an expert sushi chef (Hirohiko Takano) to pull off their vision. The food’s authenticity regularly attracts its fair share of Japanese businessmen, but School has a little something for both the foodies and those just wanting to cut loose. Choose your sushi rolls from the restaurant’s kaiten (sushi conveyor belt) or come in for happy hour from 5:30 to 7p Tuesdays through Thursdays for discounted wine and cocktails. Finally, School also gives you the chance to dine and show off your pipes with its private karaoke room and dining area, which can be rented for parties up to 50 for $25 an hour. Mon - Thurs: 5:30 to 10p | Fri - Sat: 5:30 to 11p | $5 to $30 162 Old Todds Road, Suite 110 | 859.269.0677 | schoorestaurantlex.com
secret bar & grill Don’t believe this bar’s name. Since it opened in January, the Secret is definitely out. Co-owners Larry and Janie Owens have created a “Cheers”-type atmosphere and a kitchen that’s cranking out some primo grub, whether you’re talking about burgers, pork chops, hand-cut steaks or some tasty, hand-breaded Calabash seafood. “That type of breading compliments the flavors and doesn’t overpower it,” Larry Owens said. “You’re not getting a big ball of dough.” If you don’t want to grab a meal, you can stop by Secret Bar & Grill for happy hour seven days a week from 3 to 7p and grab two-buck domestic drafts, two-for-one well drinks and half price starters. Then, you can stick around on most nights to hear some live tunes by classic rock and country or cover bands or show off your own skills during Secret’s Sunday open mic nights.
Mon - Thurs: 7a to 10p | Fri: 7a to 12a | Sat: 9a to 12a | Sun: 9a to 8p |$10 to $30 841 Lane Allen Road | 859.317.8673 | facebook.com/secretbarandgrill
78
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
www.topsinlex.com
79
80
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
sutton’s It’s no surprise that Italian restaurants are all about the family. As far as Sutton’s Restaurant, the family emphasis extends from its name (named after owner, Gordon Lewis’, daughter) to the recipes for old fashioned Italian dishes passed down from Lewis’ grandparents. This self-proclaimed “Italian restaurant with an American pub” does everything to strike that balance. A professional lunch crowd comes to Sutton’s for its $6, $7 and $8 lunch items. For dinner, an older clientele and families flock for some tasty seafood and pasta dishes. With an emphasis on making almost everything from scratch using organic ingredients, Lewis says you can taste the difference. “We’re just going the extra mile to showcase the quality of the ingredients in our food,” Lewis says. As for the American pub, Sutton’s has that covered, too. It has two happy hours from 2 - 7p and 10p - 2a with a patio that features live music on the weekends. Patrons who show up for happy hour will get discounts on appetizers and its irresistible flat bread pizza, along with drink specials. Wine Down Wednesdays offer half price bottles of wine. Beer lovers? You can sign up for a Beer Club Card, a $25 card that gets you $1 draft beers. Mon - Thurs: 11a to 2a | Fri - Sat: 11a to 3a | Sun: 11a to12a | $6 - $18 1110 N. Locust Hill Road | 859.268.2068 | suttonsrestaurant.com
the cellar Given that she owns Shamrocks Bar and Grill, Heather Trump knows a thing or two about the casual sports bar vibe and the food that goes with it. However, when she opened The Cellar Bar & Grille in April 2010, she had to adapt to the space’s surroundings. “When you have marble floors and marble countertops, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got,” Trump said, laughing. That contrast turned out to be a blessing in disguise that is now The Cellar Bar & Grille. This upscale sports bar features lots of made-from-scratch items and upscale dishes like shrimp and crab dip, and filet Oscar. There is also a private dining room for large parties and a 125-seat patio area overlooking the club’s pool and green surroundings. However, this is still very much a sports bar, evidenced by a menu dominated by popular pub grub and 40 TVs. Make sure to come in for their weekday happy hour from 4 to 7p, which is brought to you by the number “2” ($2 off appetizers and mixed drinks, $2 wells and domestic beers). And if you happen to be in the hospitality industry, you may never want to go anywhere else, since they’ll give you 20 percent off of your bill any day of the week. Sun - Thurs: 11a to 1a | Fri - Sat: 11a to 2:30a | $6 to $24 3256 Lansdowne Drive | 859.317.8301 | cellargrille.com
www.topsinlex.com
81
What To Do
the ketch If you’ve been around for a quarter century like The Ketch has, you know how to keep your customers happy. In fact, you’ll probably see a few regulars hanging at the bar who have been coming here since the place opened.
the grey goose Sure, it may share its name with an upscale French vodka, but most people that walk into the Jefferson Street hot spot Grey Goose are craving something of Italian origin. “They come for the pizza, but we get them with other stuff,” says manager, Heath Branch.
Plenty of middle-class families have made The Ketch a favorite thanks to its fresh seafood dishes, steaks, chicken, pasta and fish tacos people can’t get enough of. You can come in and watch the UK game on one of the bar’s 10 TV’s or make a stop during the week for its shrimp or oyster specials or for happy hour to take advantage of discounted drinks and $2 off popular appetizers like grouper fingers and calamari. As for the younger crowd, they come to party on The Ketch’s patio, which regularly features live music. The combination of food, drinks and interior gives you a laidback feeling, according to owner Debby Epswick. “It kind of reminds you of being on the shore,” she said.
Grey Goose is known around town for some mind-blowing, thin-crust pizzas. As for this so-called “other stuff,” their menu includes fish and chips and burgers and no happy hours, since the restaurant/bar prides itself on reasonably priced microbrews, quality wines by the glass and craft bourbons any hour of the day. Both food and drinks can be enjoyed on the expansive, dog-friendly patio with a swanky covered section, lined flat-screen TV’s that are regularly tuned to sports for UK and horse racing enthusiasts. Grey Goose also has a second location in Midway, KY.
Mon - Wed & Sun: 11a to 10p Thurs: 11a to 11p Fri - Sat: 11a to 12a $10 to $15 170 Jefferson Street, Lexington, KY | 859.233.1500 133 E. Main Street, Midway, KY | 859.846.9933 facebook.greygooselex
82
www.topsinlex.com
Mon - Thurs: 11a to 10p Fri - Sat: 11a to 11p Sun: 10a to 9p $11-$27 2012 Regency Road 859.277.5919 | ketchseafood.com
What To Do
villa ge host Since opening 19 months ago, Village Host Pizza & Grill has been creating some good vibes for those who enter its doors. Families and large parties have no problem getting in for big get-togethers. In addition to its penchant for putting together a good pizza pie, the restaurant’s fresh, 50-plus item salad bar gives its guests a fresh option. As far as the bar is concerned, it’s a great place to park and watch some sports, especially during its two happy hours featuring $1 drafts and glasses of wine, two-for-one calls and well and $5 specialty cocktails. But owner Evan Trommer says Village Host will be rolling out a new menu in August, featuring everything from weekend breakfast to steaks, pasta, fish and a ton of new appetizers. “I think we quickly came in with one of the great pizza places in town with a great salad bar. Now, we want to be known as one of the best casual restaurants in town,” Trommer says. “We want people to say, no matter what we want, we’re coming here.”
Sun – Thurs: 11a to 9p | Fri – Sat: 11a to 11p | Happy Hour Mon – Fri: 3 to 7p and 9p to close | $5 to $20 431 Old Vine Street | 859.455.3355 | villagehostlex.com
wild thyme If you’re lucky, you’ll leave most restaurants in good spirits with a full stomach courtesy of a satisfying meal. At Wild Thyme, you’ll be able to leave with all of those things -- plus some culinary knowledge and maybe a few new friends to boot. Wild Thyme opened less than a year ago offering something fairly unique to the Lexington area by providing a setting where you can get the education of cooking classes and the payoff of a relaxing meal. You can check out the restaurant’s website for a calendar to find a themed cooking class that interests you and your cooking/dining partner, whether it’s cooking with bourbon or utilizing the farm-to-table concept to Thai curry and or constructing a five-star salad. While Wild Thyme classes are typically led by owner Allison Davis, chefs from area restaurant’s and catering companies also come in to give you a few pointers in the facility‘s state-of-the-art kitchen. The hands-on learning experience is topped off with being able to enjoy the meal you made in the restaurant’s dining area, where you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your culinary creation and, unlike cooking in your own home, you can leave the clean-up to them. Classes range from $25 to $60 per person 1060 Chinoe Road, Suite 108 | 859.523.2665 | wildthymecooking.com
84
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
Join Us On Our Patio!
Open 11:30 - Close
wines on vine 400 Old Vine Street, Lexington, KY
Wines on 859.243.0017
Vine owner Burk Kessingerwww.winesonvine.net Jr. has done Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 • Sat 11:30-4:00 plenty of traveling across the pond as a horse Dinner: Mon-Wed 5:00-9:00 • Thu-Sat 5:00-10:00 trainer who has worked with various European horse owners. When he retired, he opened Wines on Vine in the vein of wine shops/bars he frequented in New York and Europe that he loved. Turns out, a lot of other people love it, too. Eight years ago, what started out as simply a wine store later expanded to a deli and then a full bistro offering lunch and dinner. You can grab some quality sandwiches, a kickin’ burger or a hand-cut filet mignon. In addition to a regular happy hour from 4 to 7p with discounted wine by the glass, they also have free wine tastings every Wednesday and Martini and Manicure Tuesdays, with a $10 martini and manicure from 5:30 p.m. to close. While it’s no surprise the restaurant has a fantastic wine list, you would be silly not to go to the wine store and choose from one of 450 wines and have it with your meal for an $8 corking fee. Make sure to take advantage on Saturdays, when the corkage fee is waived from 5 to 10p with any entrée. Lunch hours Mon - Fri: 11:30a to 2:30p Sat: 11:30a to 4p Dinner hours Mon - Wed: 5 to 9p Thurs - Sat: 5 to 10p $7 to $26
450 Old Vine Street | 859.243.0017 | winesonvine.net
www.topsinlex.com
85
86
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
SERVING UP MAN FOOD by Hallie Bandy
over
Motherboard
v
I’m not exactly sure why it is manly meals mandate meat as a culinary epicenter.
When we moved to the farmette, our new neighbors invited us to a cookout. A very kind gesture, which, to my husband, became an unintended insult of epic proportions.
Perhaps something about the concept of a sacrificial offering.
You see, there was no meat at the cookout. Not even hotdogs.
I do know that my husband will never be a vegetarian.
The main course was a salad: “taco salad.” We knew that was the plan, because each guest was asked to bring an ingredient for the salad. Not exactly our idea of a classic cookout menu, but we weren’t going to judge.
I should have had an inkling my husband was a foodie. It was an oftenreferenced fact that his mother’s letters as an overseas missionary read like a grocery list, detailing the many delicious meals she served guests in her home. And, there was his joking-but-also-serious recounting of how his mother once described her three children to a group of church ladies. His brother was the musician. His sister, the smart one, who would be a doctor one day. My husband? He was the “good eater.” I came to the marriage with no experience, and only The Joy of Cooking as a guide. But I learned quickly and my husband developed a quick evaluation system for any new recipe: • Make it again; • I’ll eat it this time, but don’t make it again; or • Let’s just go out tonight.
But we did assume our hosts would provide the necessary meat product. Which, clearly, was a mistake. I heard him describe the experience a few days later: “A cookout means someone cooks a big piece of meat. Outside. There is lots of meat. And baked beans, with bacon swimming in them. Amazing desserts. And a token salad.” We cook out a lot in the summer. Actually, my husband cooks out. Few things make him happier than serving up perfect North Carolina BBQ, Texas brisket, or grilled sliders. He stays up late watching his culinary heroes: Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse. I make the token salads. And some amazing desserts.
Whatever recipe I chose, there was always the assumption that a piece of meat would be the central focus of the meal. (I refused to include hot dogs in that category.) Perhaps I didn’t understand this as fully as I should have until, many years ago, my then newly married sister invited us over for tacos. What she failed to mention was that she was using TVP for the taco meat. (TVP is textured vegetable protein, a meat substitute.) My husband took this as a personal insult. I’ve heard him describe selections in the vegetarian line at a college cafeteria as “refugee food.”
www.topsinlex.com
87
Who’s Who
SPORTS: THE BLACK HOLE OF KENTUCKY SPORTS SURVIVAL GUIDE by Drew Johnson Sports Junkie
Newsflash, Big Blue Nation. We’ve officially crossed the Rubicon into dark and bleak territory, devoid of Rupp Arena, Commonwealth Stadium and all around Wildcat awesomeness. Simply put, things are going to get weird. Make sure your safety belts are securely fastened and your Kentucky beanbag is in its upright position because it’s about to get a little bumpy. It’s that time of year we dread the most, like tax time and Thanksgiving with your in-laws. It can’t be avoided. It can’t be stopped. It’s as inevitable as that silly “Call Me Maybe” song getting stuck in your head. My fellow BBN brothers and sisters, we’ve entered The Black Hole of Sports. The month of July is more boring than Billy Gillispie performing Shakespeare. It’s cruel and unusual punishment for those of us that live and die at the altar of UK sports. The hangover from Kentucky’s eighth national championship has finally subsided. The Bat Cats were denied the program’s first trip to Omaha. Football season is still two months away. Even the rifle team is cleaning their guns and practicing on Louisville logos. It’s the dog days of Kentucky fandom, folks. For those ready to offer up alternatives, allow me to preemptively “shush” you. Please, don’t bring up NASCAR. Going 200 miles per hour doing continuous left turns doesn’t get my engine going. Major League Baseball is more boring than watching paint dry ON growing grass. Golf isn’t any fun unless Tiger Woods is in trouble. Soccer? I’ll pass. They don’t score enough and I get exhausted just watching them. For this BBN representative, there is no “fix” for my Kentucky sports withdrawals and all the rehab centers are booked for the summer. Trust me, I’ve checked. But I’m here for you, the dozens and dozens of readers who actually take precious time out of your day to read my bloviating and pontificating. We can get through this tumultuous time together. In an effort to alleviate the awfulness of July, I’ve put together a survival list based on hours of research and polling information.
88
www.topsinlex.com
• Shave your Anthony Davis unibrow. That look is sooooo 2011. • Start growing your Nerlens Noel high top fade. It is THE look during basketball season. It is awesome. • Recite to yourself “In Cal We Trust” at least ten times per day. • Get ready to support Joker Phillips and the football team. • Become pen-pals with NCAA President Mark Emmert. Remind him that while Enes Kanter may be gone, he’ll never be forgotten. • Start deciding which Top 10 basketball recruits you like the best, because, you know, Coach Call will get who he wants. He’s the Honey Badger of college basketball recruiting. Cal just takes them. • Begin working on your tailgating attire. A friendly word of warning: high heels and sleeveless t-shirts are NEVER acceptable, no matter what anybody says. It’s a tailgate. It’s not prom or a tractor pull. If your shirt doesn’t have blue in it, turn your BBN membership in at the front door. • Make fun of Duke. This is 100% guaranteed fun, good for all times of the year. This is my personal favorite. • Finish your doctoral thesis titled “Bobby Knight: The Ramblings of a Grumpy Lunatic”. • Be the first in line for Midnight Madness tickets at Memorial Colesium. Become famous. Bonus points if you keep your job. Double bonus points if your marriage survives your Kentucky basketball insanity. • Watch the Summer Olympics. Demand that “table tennis” be renamed “ping pong”. Watch the taekwondo competition and channel your inner Karate Kid. • Start paging yourself over the office intercom. Though not UK sports related, it’s always good for a laugh and a couple of stares from your coworkers. Yes, I have problems. • Take pictures of Louisville fans. Start a scrapbook for your children called “Things I Never Want You to Be”. • GET READY FOR KENTUCKY FOOTBALL.
www.topsinlex.com
89
New Businesses
What’s New
A
fter six years spent perfecting its services, Belle Vie MedSpa has made the decision to grow and provide their clients with new services by partnering with Lexington Family Medicine. In addition to the aesthetic services that Belle Vie is known for, they will be able to offer Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Weight Loss Management and family medicine services through Lexington Family Medicine. Karla Groves MD had originally reached out to Belle Vie in the hopes of building a referral r e l a t i o n s h i p. However, both businesses
saw the potential for much more. Belle Vie MedSpa and Lexington Family Medicine will be phasing in all services at both locations over the coming months. Services include Massage, Facials, Peels, Waxing and Lash Extensions on the aesthetic side. Medical aesthetic services like Botox, Dysport and Juvederm treatments, Laser Hair Removal, IPL, Fraxel Laser, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Weight Loss Management and general Family Medicine will also be offered. This exciting new partnership combines years of expertise, allowing current and future patients to access a wider range of services. The professional, courteous staffs at both convenient locations are happy to answer any questions and schedule any appointments.
Belle Vie MedSpa 152 W Tiverton Way, Ste 160 859.245.SKIN belleviemedspa.com
M
irror Mirror on the wall... who has the best selection of all? Kentucky Lighting and Supply has an amazing stock of home lighting and accessories, as well as a knowledgeable staff who can help make any space brilliant. Kentucky Lighting and Supply carries the best selection of lighting in Central Kentucky. They have everything from lamps and accessories to electrical service for manufacturing needs. Kentucky Lighting features styles to suit any decor, from clean and modern to rustic and natural, and more! Kentucky Lighting also has a massive stock of mirrors, which can totally transform the look of any space. Mirrors can make a space feel larger, can help create unique lighting effects or help bounce light around the room to make it seem brighter. The design team at Kentucky Lighting is happy to help
Kentucky Lighting and Supply 960 Winchester Rd 800.776.3033 kentuckylighting.com
90
www.topsinlex.com
any homeowner find the perfect piece for any house, on any budget. They can help homeowners set the tone in their spaces, choosing the right fixture for any room. Their showroom on Winchester Road is filled with amazing finds! They also have locations in Frankfort and Georgetown. The best-kept secret of designers and builders, Kentucky Lighting and Supply has everything it takes to make any home the fairest of them all!
What’s New
Candy buffets feature a variety of sweets, acting as a favor or dessert alternative. Guests interact with the buffet, picking their own favorite sweet treats. Something Sweet’s beautiful containers and stunning presentation set ups command
attention, creating a conversation piece and fun activity for each guest to have fun with. Owner Robin Hammond loves to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Hammond believes that everyone has good memories associated with candy, so it’s natural that people love candy buffets! She loves seeing people turn into kids again when they enjoy one of Something Sweet’s lovely candy buffets. For any event or occasion, a beautifully-arranged and coordinated candy buffet offers fun for every guest. Something Sweet creates amazing candy buffets customized to suit any celebration. From classic to whimsical, Something Sweet Candy Buffet Co. dishes up some amazing treats.
Something Sweet Candy Buffet Co.
New Businesses
O
ver the top, unique candy displays are a gorgeous touch at weddings, birthday parties, office parties, special events and a variety of get-togethers. Something Sweet Candy Buffet Co. can bring together a beautiful candy buffet that is customized to suit any taste, occasion, theme or color palette.
859.227.8700 somethingsweetinky.com
www.topsinlex.com
91
Who’s Who
RETAIL by Kelly Adams Shaun Ring Photography
92
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
to Residential:
Homeowners transform Hillenmeyer Nursery into beautiful living space.
www.topsinlex.com
93
Who’s Who What do you get when you cross luxurious, modern style with the history of one of the oldest families in Lexington? Doug and Katie Cauthen’s beautiful home on Sandersville Road. When driving past, you might not think of it as a place of residence, but the young family has called the old Hillenmeyer Nursery home for two years now. The history of the Cauthen’s land goes back to 1874 when Hector Hillenmeyer bought a 100-acre plantation to expand his father’s existing business. Interestingly enough, the land’s fame didn’t start with Hillenmeyer. Some of the land and office building were once owned by Robert Smith Todd, father of Mary Todd Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln supposedly spent a lot of time at Todd’s office during his courtship with Mary Todd. The building the Cauthens live in was built in 1950. Robert McMeekin, who designed Keeneland, designed it as a retail store for Hillenmeyer Nurseries. “We still get people knocking on our door wanting to buy Christmas trees,” said Katie Cauthen of their unique living space. Katie says her husband Doug had a vision. He worked with Robert Trujillo of Robert Trujillo Architecture to make his vision come to life. Cauthen and Trujillo were sure to keep the original structure of the building, including the 4,500 square foot wrap around porch. Designed by Trujillo, the wood front door turns on an axis to reveal the living space. Standing in the doorway, you are able to take in the breathtaking décor and layout of the home as well as the backyard through a similar glass door at the back of the house. Inside, the floors that run through the entire house are actually reclaimed poplar from an old barrel warehouse in Cincinnati from the 1800s. The first stop is the foyer, which functions as two quaint sitting rooms open to the main living space through modern wood shelving units designed by Matt Carter that house horseracing memorabilia fit for the Kentucky Derby Museum and key to completing the floor plan. In the living room, the fireplace takes center stage. The Spark Modern Linear fireplace is raised from the ground with its hearth serving as a bench. Above the flames, a steel wall houses the flat screen TV. The fireplace becomes a work of art with gorgeous dark wood leading up to the ceiling.
94
www.topsinlex.com
The entire thing was designed by Trujillo and brought to life by Gil Cloud, the “super contractor” as Katie likes to refer to him. Birkman and his team at Kimbrel/Birkman Interior Design are responsible for layout and placement of all the furnishings in the Cauthen’s home. All the decorative pillows and many of the rugs came from his downtown shop, Circa Home. Hallways flanking either side of the magnificent fireplace lead to a
www.topsinlex.com
95
Who’s Who
96
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
Hallways flanking either side of the magnificent fireplace lead to a guest bedroom and a media room that was previously space for the nursery’s men’s and women’s bathrooms. Now it is used as a bedroom suite for guests beautifully designed by Birkman. On the other side of the main living and dining room is the kitchen, only separated from the rest of the room by a massive concrete island. All of the countertops are custom concrete. The kitchen cabinetry is dark, modern and completely custom. Open shelving allows beautiful glass crockery to remain visible. One of the most handy features of the kitchen is the window that opens to an outdoor wet bar. The entire main living area consists of glass windows and doors that look onto the patio, backyard and the Spring Valley Golf Club.
www.topsinlex.com
97
98
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
The crisp white couches and geometric chairs tie in and flow perfectly with the rustic wood dining room table and rope-backed chairs. The neutral pallet is broken up by pops of orange from pillows, ottomans and decorative items on the shelves.
www.topsinlex.com
99
Who’s Who
The back door is a moving window, custom built to mimic the wooden front door. It opens to the original 4,500 square foot covered wrap-around porch. This is the absolute perfect outdoor living space. Protected from the hot summer sun by the original awning from the 1950 store, the porch has a very relaxing ambience. Entertaining in their outdoor living room lends to great views of the huge back yard that backs up to the golf course. The yard is complete with a swing for twoyear-old daughter Campbell and a chicken coup! The outdoor bar matches the cabinetry of the kitchen to make the inside flow out. The modern fixtures and dining table are juxtaposed by neat rustic elements like the wood dining chairs and the “hours” signs resting on the bar’s countertop. “The signs are from the original garden shop,” said Katie Cauthen. “We thought it would be cool to save them.”
100
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
102
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
Back inside the magnificent home is a master suite fit for a king. The pocket door leading to the suite holds sentimental value for the Cauthens as it is an actual door from famed thoroughbred Man o’ War’s barn. Behind the antique barn door, is a quaint sitting room with a flat screen television hung over a double-sided Spark Linear fireplace similar to the one in the living room. The furnishings mimic the neutral palette from the living room with dark green and gold accents. The sitting room effortlessly flows into the serene master bedroom complete with a custom bed designed by Birkman.
The bedroom suite flows into a beautiful contemporary bathroom dreamed up by Doug Cauthen and Trujillo, the architect. The room consists of different types of stone for the floors, walls and even a stone tile backsplash for behind his and hers sinks. The enormous sliding glass shower door slides to close the powder room when open to the shower. The ranch style home is modern, but very livable. With the high ceilings and stone fixtures, the décor creates a homey feeling that you would never expect to come from a garden shop.
www.topsinlex.com
103
Top Events
Tom Law and Elizabeth Collins
Shawn & Melanie Barton
Phil & Kathleen Logsdon
Alice Woosley and Duncan King
Norma Perry and Lisa Warren
Amber McKinney, Don Goodfleisch as Elvis and Leslie Moore
Kevin & Claudia Butt
Adopt a Puppy!
Scott County Humane Society Fur Ball The Viva Paws Vegas Fur Ball was held on June 2 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa to benefit Scott County Humane Society. Party goers enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, Vegas style gambling and entertaining including Elvis, The MetroGnomes band, Vegas showgirls, and silent and live auctions. sc4paws.org Photos by Alex Orlov
106
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
107
Top Events
Tom & Jolene Weir
Annie Ormsbee
Ben & Brenda Edelen
Brian Tibe, Abby Dobson, Alissa Tibe and Chad Dobson
Deb & Brian Tormey
Ann & Ken Gish
Leo Brown and Dwayne Edwards
Catholic Charities Presents La Fete du Mai
Catholic Charities hosted their 33rd annual La Fete du Mai on Sunday, June 3 at the beautiful Ashford Stud Farm.The event included a silent and live auction, live entertainment and a reverse raffle where the last ticket pulled wins the $5,000 grand prize. Catholic Charities’ programs include affordable mental health counseling, pregnancy and adoption services, emergency financial assistance, job preparedness and financial literacy. catholiccharitieslexington.org Photos by Alex Orlov
108
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
Top Events
Bo Henry and Woodford Webb
Daryl Love and Brad King
Bill Thomason
Steve Trager and Mary Ellen Slone
Julie Ensign, Amy Gilbert and Carolle Jones Clay
Michael Sadofsky
Keith Yarber and Dr. Andy Moore
Republic Bank We CARE Nominee Reception
The 7th Annual Republic Bank We CARE Awards Nominee Reception was held on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the Hilary J. Boone Center. The We CARE Award recognizes companies in the Central Kentucky communities who encourage their employees to volunteer in the communities they serve. Awards will be presented in September. republicbank.com Photos by Alex Orlov
110
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
111
Top Events
Kyle Hoelscher and Stephenie Steitzer
Laura Babbage and Kim Sciretta
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. McNay!
Al Smith and Alan Stein
Lee Gentry
Congressman Ben Chandler, Ferrell Wellman and Jennifer Chandler
Tom Leach, Dave Baker and Keith Yarber
Don and Karen McNay’s Reception On June 9, best-selling author and financial guru Don McNay wed Karen Thomas at Christ the King Cathedral. Karen Thomas is the Principal at Christ the King Elementary School. Guests included Congressman Ben Chandler, Assistant US Attorney General and Groomsman Lee Gentry and many other Lexington movers and shakers. donmcnay.com Photos by Alex Orlov
112
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
Top Events
Honorary Chairs Terry and Ann McBrayer
Pat Madden, Ruth Ann Childers, Bill Sisson, Whitney Sisson and Marcia Ridings
Linda & Rob Rumpke
Crinda & Ken Francke
Mona & Coach Don Lane
Deb Cutts and Debbie Brown bedazzle KET!
John & Donna Hall
Sandy Baker and Dave Shuffett
KET’s Summer Celebration “Rhinestone Rodeo” KET thanks the record 1,069 wranglers who saddled up for KET’s “Rhinestone Rodeo” on June 15 at Donamire Farm. Led by Hosts Don and Mira Ball and Honorary Chairs Terry and Ann McBrayer, this year’s event was the most successful yet, with an all-time high $252,300 contributed to advance KET’s impact. Stunt riders, 330 Gold Rush auction gems and the boot scootin’ boogie sounds of the Jimmy Church Band highlighted the KET corral. Save the date for KET’s 25th anniversary Summer Celebration on June 7, 2013. ket.org Photos by Alex Orlov
114
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
115
Top Events
Tracey Eades
John Simms
Troy Montgomery
Ken Haynes and Chris Bowe
Ken Haynes, Miller Hoffman, Chris Bowe and Brett Setzer
Sam Kindred, AnnaTaylor and Barry Stumbo
Lara & Floyd Blake
St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament Despite the rain, over 240 golfers and 40 volunteers participated making it one of the most successful tournaments to date. The 23rd annual event raised over $114,000 to benefit the mission and outreach services of Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph Jessamine. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Appalachian Outreach Program, the Clinical Pastoral Education Program and fund art at the Saint Joseph Cancer Center located at Saint Joseph East. sjhlex.org/hospital-foundation Photos by Michele Johnson
116
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
Top Events
George McGee dressed as Henry Clay
Field Ladd and Elizabeth Dorsett
Andre Pater and Christina Bell
Stephanie Poole and Nancy Bishop
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Neal
Cathy & George McGee and Linda & Ron Turner
Isabel and Laura Ladd
Ashland Lawn Party for the Preservation of Ashland Summer’s Best Party, Ashland Lawn Party, is one of Lexington’s most popular, fun, casual summer parties and is held on the beautiful back lawn of the estate. Lawn Party benefits the preservation of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, a National Historic landmark and jewel in the heart of Lexington that is enjoyed each year by the entire community and thousands of visitors from around the world. henryclay.org Photos by Michele Johnson
118
www.topsinlex.com
Scan here to see all the photos for this event at topsinlex.com!
www.topsinlex.com
119
What To Do
IN THE ‘BUF’ MARCY & GREG
by Buffy Lawson Relationship Veteran
As teenagers, Oprah, Dr. Ruth, and stolen copies of the beloved book “Joy of Sex” were our only tools guiding us through the love maze. It was a live and learn situation, and the success of relationships were not analyzed as they are today. Times were very different back then as “how to” books were not the “in” thing. One thing is for sure, I lived and learned. Last week Mister Man and I took a lovely romantic vacation to Florida. Our seats were booked together, but a family with children were separated, so Mister Man offered to move his seat. This left me sitting beside a young twenty-something couple. I ordered a yummy screwdriver to get my vacation started off right and looked off into the gorgeous pink cotton clouds. I glanced down and noticed that the young woman beside me was reading a text book writing some notes and her partner was deep into reading Dave Ramsey. I said a friendly hello and started my newly purchased book “Fifty Shades of Gray”. An hour later I ordered another cocktail and I couldn’t help but notice how much more beautiful those fluffy clouds appeared to be. The couple began talking to each other and I overheard them saying something about the class that they had just taken. Feeling a slight buzz, I got up the nerve to say hello. “Do you go to UK?” I asked politely. “No, we graduated last year” the woman named Marcy said. “We are getting married in September and are taking
120
www.topsinlex.com
pre-marriage counseling classes.” WOW—I thought. Impressive! Her engagement ring was beautiful and I noticed her looking at it frequently. Her fiancé, Greg, chimed in, “And I’m reading Dave Ramsey to help get a plan for our finances. Might as well get a good start!” Seriously?, I thought to myself. “That is great!” I replied almost feeling ashamed as I looked back at the clouds. So THAT’S how you do it, I thought. Here I am, in relationship #49 reading Fifty Shades of Gray while this young couple is actually preparing for a long life together. I wondered had I taken those responsible measures along the way, if my love journey would have been different. Certainly it would have. But, I didn’t know any different back in the day. For a few moments I beat myself up wishing I had been subjected to these tools. I closed my eyes and took a stroll down failed relationship memory lane. Jeff… John… Tony… Anthony… ouch... Don… ouch… I thought about the tears, joys, heartaches and lessons learned. The brutal nights of relationship hangovers. Did I waste away years because I did not know what to look for in love? Yup—I defiantly got a degree of my own. I graduated from The School of Hard Knocks. I learned about love the good old fashioned way. About that time I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Mister Man smiling at me. “You sure look pretty” he mouthed. Marcy couldn’t help but notice Mister Man’s sweet gesture to me. “That is what I hope we always have” she whispered to Greg. I just smiled…
Ashley & Rob Ward
WOW Wedding
April 28, 2012
Who’s Who
O
riginally set up by mutual friends in 2009, Ashley and Rob share a love of hiking, jogging, boating and UK sports. Ashley, a physician’s assistant, was born and raised in Kentucky while Rob, an accountant, moved to the Bluegrass state in 2002. On their first date, the pair chatted until the restaurant closed. When he came to give her a goodbye hug, his pants zipper was down, creating a funny ice breaker for the many conversations that followed. The outdoorsy couple went on a hiking trip in August of 2011 to Rocky Mountain State Park. When they arrived at the foot of a long trail that lead to a beautiful pond on top of a mountain, a park ranger encouraged them not to go all the way to the top because they had not had time for their bodies to adjust to the elevation. However, Rob seemed stubbornly determined to make it all the way up. When they finally got to the top (an elevation of 11,000 ft) for lunch at Sky Pond, Rob popped the big question. The view was so beautiful, Ashley says all she could do was say yes! A year later, the couple was wed at a beautiful historic church in Winchester, decorated simply with flowers. The couple met outside the nearby Moundale Manor to toast champagne before heading into the ceremony. The pastor from the bride’s family church officiated. Though the couple found themselves forgetting the vows, the ceremony was full of smiles and tears. As they left the church, guests rang little bells and tossed ivory rose petals in the air.
Ashley wore an A-line gown with beaded details on the left side. Her veil featured simple detail along the edges and her jewelry featured pearls to coordinate with the bridesmaids, who all wore pearl earrings. The four bridesmaids wore eggplant-hued one shoulder gowns, though the maid of honor sported a cast on her leg, which she broke during the bachelorette party two weeks before the wedding. The four flower girls wore ivory dresses with satin tops and tulle bottoms, an ivory flower attached to the ivory sashes at their waists. The groom and groomsmen wore grey tuxedoes with ivory shirts. The reception was held in the Winchester Opera House, a venue the couple chose for its elegance and location, which allowed their families to celebrate the special day with them. The cocktailstyle reception featured the couple’s favorite appetizers, including cheeseburger sliders, chicken tenders, french fries, mini surf n’ turf, stuffed jumbo shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and a quesadilla station. Ashley and Rob supplied DJ Kevin Bell with a list of songs to play throughout the night. While they were certainly pleased to see everyone on the floor dancing all night, they couldn’t have anticipated the fun of every guest joining a Conga line--or seeing the groom’s 85 year-old grandmother doing the “Chicken Dance”! As a gift to each other, they enjoyed a honeymoon in Jamaica, making some of their first memories together as husband and wife. by Amanda Harper Photography by Derek Payne, Payne Photography Studio
122
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
www.topsinlex.com
123
124
www.topsinlex.com
Who’s Who
www.topsinlex.com
125
Who’s Who
Details: Venue: Winchester Opera House Photography: Payne Photography Studio Dress: Wedding Wonderland DJ: Kevin Bell Catering & Florist: Winchester Opera House Cake: Tinkers Hair & Makeup: Uniquely U Tuxedos: Geno’s Formal Affair
126
www.topsinlex.com
What To Do
WRITING THE GREAT AMERICAN…WEDDING VOWS? by Marsha Koller Wedding Consultant
Today, personalizing your wedding ceremony is all the rage, from dancing down the aisle, to a serenading groom. The simplest place to put your personal mark on your ceremony is to write your own vows. It’s really all about you anyway, isn’t it? Plus adding a little personal content extends length of a sometimes too quick ceremony, involves the audience and becomes a lasting memory for the two of you. Getting started is the hardest part, and don’t worry about finishing, just do it one word at a time. Remember, try not to be too heavy handed or profound; leave that to the poets of the world. This is just between the two of you (and a few hundred of your closest friends), so consider what you would most like to say. Here are a few tips to get you going and some topic questions to get you started writing. Then just edit down to what is most important to you. But first there are a few items to cover to make sure you are on the right page. Get Your Vows OK’d in Advance Double check with your minister or priest on ground rules for writing your own vows. You may have to include all or part of your churches traditional vows, as often happens in Catholic and Episcopal ceremonies since a congregation is in attendance. Even the most liberal official will want to hear your vows before the ceremony. Don’t surprise him with custom vows at the last minute or you may be disappointed, or worse, unrehearsed if he makes changes. Plan Ahead The other person you need to include is your fiancé. Make sure you will take the same tone and have vows the same approximate length. Decide if you each are going to write your own vows or write them together, and especially if you are going to share them in advance or let it be a pleasant (lets hope!) surprise. Write What You Know—And Get to the Point! Set your tone; are you light hearted or serious, funny or touching? This is the part of the service that can be totally you, and your guests will know if you are saying things that don’t sound like you at all. Your point will be lost on everyone if your vows are too long. The rule of thumb is to keep it under a minute (ok, each) and edit out the fluff to say really what is on your heart. Don’t ramble on and on or you will all be late for the reception.
Get Started by Finding Your ‘Angle’ It’s not as hard as you think; and as you start writing things down you will find your ‘voice’ – the angle that includes the sentiments that have meaning to you as a couple. Review this list of topics and questions; when you’re finished, you will have jotted down heartwarming sentiments between the two of you. Just edit these ideas and Voila! There are your vows – because in essence you are writing your Love Story. How did you meet? People love a good story, even if it’s ultra simple like a chance meeting. Throw in a fun sentiment on why you took a second look. How did you fall in love? Ask yourself when you both knew this was the one. Go back to those feelings, which is the essence of your love story. What do you miss most when you are apart? Remember humor here – your friends and family will love it. It can be simple as his smile or her perfume. What do you have now and how has your world changed? Here is the point you can get mushy, just don’t overdo it. Remember, this is not about material things, but what you have in your heart. How do you see your future? Just the big picture here – do you see family, seeing the world, saving the world? Is there a favorite movie or book that you can quote? This works especially if your first date was at the movie, or something speaks to your plans. And no, not “Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope.” Is there a touching funny or harrowing experience you shared together? This can show how you learned something deep and important about each other, and include your guests on some personal insights. Include parts of the traditional vows, but make them yours. You can use original wedding vows but change them to add levity and life, like how exactly you will honor (with coffee ready every morning) and will you obey (with socks in the hamper and never forgetting to shave). You get the picture. What values do you share? The essence of a strong relationship is that you share a foundation and have the same goals or a common bond. Cover your shared faith, senses of humor or interests, you can inspire each other to do great (and small) things together.
www.topsinlex.com
127
128
www.topsinlex.com
What’s New
Whitney (Jesse) & Kevin Bransom June 2, 2012 Schmidt Studio & Gallery
Wedding Announcements
Lynsi (Terhune) & Adam Perraut October 6, 2011 Photo by Jose Aguilo
Catherine Kelley (Harbour) & Robert Stephen Mello, Jr. October 29, 2011 Photo by Scott Hayes
Mary Ann (Steger) & Chris Baird June 16, 2012 Aesthetiica Photography
Want to see your wedding photo published in TOPS? Email kristen@topsmarketing.com for more information.
www.topsinlex.com
129
O TSHOTSP Tom and Connie Jones at Maserati Mingle
Award-winning trainer Nick Zito at the Belmont 130
www.topsinlex.com
Subway’s Jared Fogle, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Mayor Jim Gray help Lexington get fit at Second Sunday!
Congratulations Michael and Marty Betts!
Clifton Smith, Jane Roth as Queen Elizabeth II and Paul Atkinson celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee!