LimeWedge.net» Local Stuff

Local – HillBilly Tea Review, Inside Looking Out

LABERT02 — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:10:37 +0000

Enjoy an afternoon stroll downtown Louisville and you just may miss this little treasure, nestled away just steps from Humana and across the street from White Castle’s on 1st Street (120 South 1st Street to be exact). After walking by several times and giving a few short glimpses in this so called “Hillbilly Tea” spot, I decided to get my toes wet and jump inside this rustic establishment.

Immediately, as I walk in I’m greeted by the friendly staff and I feel as if I’ve been transported to another country. Marty Rosen from the Courier Journal said it best as he describes in his review:

“The menu at Hillbilly Tea is a marvel. Imagine, if you will, a village set amid the hills and hollows of Kentucky’s Appalachian region. In that village, imagine there’s a restaurant owned and operated by an outstanding chef who adores local ingredients, is a serious student of old-fashioned country cooking, and whose techniques are finely honed after years of practicing in a demanding cosmopolitan environment.”

I sampled a few of their fresh and made daily tea selections before I landed on their Red Blush herbal tea, on the rocks, of course… it’s 110 degrees outside! It was absolutely refreshing and sweetened just to my liking. Next, I ordered a couple sides to please my half full tummy. The White Bean and Sage Fritters coupled with Field Greens with Smoked Corn Dressing. Upon delivery, the presentation looked amazing and the first bite didn’t disappoint. The fresh flavors of both sides had me craving more. My entire visit cost me just under $8.50 and that included a tea To Go… not bad at all.

This is certainly a place you’ll need to ‘experience’ for yourself… a simple review by an amateur blogger just doesn’t cut it… now what are you waiting for, head on over!

Note: All pictures were taken w/ my Motorola DROID.

Be sure to check them out on their WEBSITE or TWITTER!

‘DOWNS AFTER DARK’ IN 2010: EACH NIGHT WILL BE THEMED, LED BY ‘DISCO AT THE DOWNS’

LABERT02 — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:43:29 +0000

Dust off the flared trousers, wide collars and platform shoes. When the wildly popular “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs return to Churchill Downs in earnest on Friday, June 11, there’ll be a new twist in 2010: each of the six evening extravaganzas will have a primary theme, beginning with “Disco at the Downs.”Downs After Dark, which attracted an average of nearly 30,000 fans during its three-date market test in 2009, will be staged on the final four Fridays of the 42-day Spring Meet. Also, there are two dates scheduled for later in the year, including opening night of the 20-day Fall Meet which doubles as Halloween.“Disco at the Downs” on Friday, June 11 will be a celebration of the 1970s, complete with disco balls and dance competitions throughout the vast Churchill Downs facility. On-track customers will be encouraged to join in the revelry and dress in their favorite ’70s garb. The women likely will be wearing floral pattern blouses, maxi dresses, halter neck catsuits, spandex hot pants and ultra short shorts. Meanwhile, the men are sure to be sporting tight-fitting cheesecloth shirts with big collars and bright patterns as well as bell bottom jeans and polyester flared trouser suits. Can you dig it?2010 “Downs After Dark” Dates at Churchill Downs

Friday, June 11 Downs After Dark Presents “Disco at the Downs”

Gates open: 4:00 p.m. ET

First post: 6:00 p.m. ET

Friday, June 18 South Beach

Gates open: 4:00 p.m. ET

First post: 6:00 p.m. ET

Friday, June 25 Dress to Impress

Gates open: 4:00 p.m. ET

First post: 6:00 p.m. ET

Friday, July 2 Downs After Dark Presents “An American Party: Boots, Brew & BBQ”

Gates open: 4:00 p.m. ET

First post: 6:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, Oct. 31 Downs After Dark Presents “Spirits and Spires”

Gates open: 2:30 p.m. ET

First post: 4:30 p.m. ET

Friday, Nov. 19 Home for the Holidays

Gates open: 2:30 p.m. ET

First post: 4:30 p.m. ET

The ’70s celebration will continue into Saturday, June 12 when Kentucky Derby Alumni Day returns for the Stephen Foster Handicap Day program with a salute to the Derby winners from that decade, including Triple Crown winners Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978). Downs After Dark also will have themed celebrations around the Fourth of July and Halloween. The Friday, July 2 program is dubbed “An American Party: Boots, Brew & BBQ,” which will have a country/Americana ambiance with a regional beer garden and street party feel to kick-start the holiday weekend. On Sunday, Oct. 31, Churchill Downs will kickoff its Fall Meet and the start of Breeders’ Cup World Championships week with a “Spirits & Spires” Halloween costume party. The other three Downs After Dark events will have a “South Beach” (June 18), “Dress to Impress” (June 25) and “Home for the Holidays” (Nov. 19) flavor.

The first race for each Downs After Dark program during the Spring Meet will be 6 p.m. ET. The two Fall Meet programs will begin at 4:30 p.m. Admission gates will open two hours before the first live race.Cover charge (general admission) to all Downs After Dark events is $10. Holders of shareholders or horsemen passes, as well as select Twin Spires Club members (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members only) and children age 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free of charge. (Note: season passes are not valid for Downs After Dark events).A special discounted general admission pass for entrance on all six nights is available for $45 (a $15 savings). Customers also have the opportunity to purchase a special $20 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program. Additionally, Downs After Dark packages in Millionaires Row are available for $59.90 and include a reserved seat in Millionaires Row, an official program, buffet dinner and live entertainment from 4-7 p.m.A one-time-only “Dinner by Design” package is available for the June 11 debut. For $100, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner with premium wine pairings developed by Levy Restaurants’ Chef Jo-Jo Doyle and a special Louisville guest chef in the Stakes and Aristides Rooms on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse.

All reserved ticket packages are available for purchase online at tickets.churchilldowns.com – Churchill Downs’ new and convenient online box office platform. For three nights last spring, Churchill Downs was transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot with nearly 90,000 fans in attendance for racing under the stars. Churchill Downs hosted night racing events under temporary lights on June 19, June 26 and July. The average attendance was 29,705 and the three-night total was 89,115. A modern day track record of 33,481 attended the finale on July 2 – the largest crowd for a Churchill Downs racing program other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders’ Cup. It topped the old mark of 28,396 for a pre-simulcast wagering era million-dollar Pick 6 carryover on Nov. 14, 1987.The event’s overwhelming popularity helped signal the go-ahead for Churchill Downs Incorporated to invest between $3 million and $4 million in permanent lighting. Downs After Dark combined live Thoroughbred racing with subtle facility changes and abundant ancillary activities that helped create a special and festive atmosphere in an evening setting under the stars. Food, fashion, music, parties and entertainment were showcased elements that added to the merrymaking.The Churchill Downs facilities will be adorned by mood lighting, spotlights and seasonal greenery, and colorful bunting will flow throughout the grounds and entrances. With sleek and comfortable conversational seating options, stand-up cocktail tables, unique food and beverage stations and music added to the mix, the racetrack – particularly the paddock area – will have the look and feel of an upscale night club.To set the tone for the party, there will be “Happy Hours” from 4-6 p.m. in the paddock area featuring $2 Anheuser Busch products other discounted food and drink offerings. There also will be live music until 9 p.m. The revelry will go to new levels late in the night when internationally renowned VJ 2ndNature will mixed sounds of modern rock, pop and hip-hop from 9 p.m. to midnight. All the while, there will be private VIP “Party Zones” on the Clubhouse and Jockey Club Suites balconies with guests dancing to live music, as well. Patrons will have the option to taste non-traditional racetrack offerings such as flavorful grilled shrimp, chicken and steak skewers and vegetable kabobs. Evening appetites also will be satisfied by scrumptious multi-course premium dining offerings available for purchase inside Millionaires Row, the Skye Terrace and other locations. Other ancillary activities will include entertainment and interviews on the infield video boards and the popular sweepstakes promotion called “Bet or No Bet” that randomly asks fans to take $100 in cash or place a free $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race.

For more information, call (502) 636-4400 or log onto www.churchilldowns.com. Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2011 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 6, 2011. The track’s 2010 Spring Meet continues through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at ChurchillDowns.com.

[Credit: KentuckyDerby.com]

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Qdoba Louisville – Downtown Location Opens!

LABERT02 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:18:40 +0000

It all started in 1995, Anthony Miller and partner Robert Hauser imported San Francisco’s Mission-style burrito to Colorado, opening the first Qdoba Mexican Grill in Denver. Qdoba immediately won over customers and critics with the restaurant’s Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients.

I mean really, who doesn’t love all those delicious, savory, mouth watering ingredients of fresh guacamole, beans of your choice, savory grilled chicken or flat iron steak, grilled veggies, your choice of fresh salsa topped with that amazingly melt in your mouth shredded cheese and smooth sour cream, all rolled-up in a that warmly welcoming tortilla!?!

For those that have been crying for a downtown Louisville Qdoba, I’ve got Qdboa-riffic news for you, IT HAS ARRIVED! The grand opening is Monday, March 8th, 2010 and guess what… the first 10 people in at 7AM Monday morning get not one, but TWO FREE breakfast burritos, or so says their TWITTER account (https://twitter.com/qdobalouisville). Pssst… follow them, no seriously – follow them on Twitter and you’ll have the opportunity to win free delicious FOOD! For you Facebook addicts, yes they have a Facebook as well (search for Qdoba Mexican Grill in Lousiville, KY).

Ohh, and did I mention that 50% of the proceeds on the Official Grand Opening Day (March 19, 2010) will go to benefit Kosair’s charity! How can you miss out on this?

Have or work for a downtown business? Qdoba will be offering catering to local offices, hospitals, etc. from it’s downtown location.

Address: 312 S 4th Street 502-855-4450

7am-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm Sat, Sun*
Serving breakfast everyday until 10:30am
Visit qdoba.com for breakfast and menu information

Wanna get personal with them? Well check out the pics posted via their Twitter account (Follow them!).

From top to bottom: Meet, Kristin the Downtown General Manger, check out the new fresh furniture, and the crew getting a little brave with the burrito rolling contest!

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

The Fresh Market – Second Store Opens in Louisville Soon!

LABERT02 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:16:46 +0000

THE FRESH MARKET OPENS SECOND LOUISVILLE STORE FEBRUARY 3

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 15, 2010) – The Fresh Market® will expand its presence in Louisville this month with a new store at the intersection of Brownsboro Road and Rudy Lane, just off the Henry Watterson Expressway. This location marks the company’s second store in the city and its third location in the Bluegrass State.

At its newest location at 1805 Rudy Lane, the specialty grocer’s full-service philosophy will incorporate unparalleled product selection and expert customer service in an inviting atmosphere. The Fresh Market employs a team of friendly, well-trained professionals who pride themselves on providing the highest level of customer service to shoppers. Team members can often be found offering cooking advice or sharing their favorite tips to help customers create the perfect meal.

“We are excited to open our second store in Louisville and to expand our reach in Kentucky,” said Craig Carlock, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience.”

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, and grand opening activities will include outdoor grilling, chef demonstrations, and food sampling throughout the store. A free reusable shopping bag and sample-sized bag of the company’s house blend gourmet coffee will be free to the first 1,000 customers.

In addition, customers attending the grand opening will be invited to enter into a drawing to win The Fresh Market Pantry. Valued at approximately $1,000, the Pantry is a collection of The Fresh Market’s own TFM-branded favorites, including spices, stocks, pastas, pancake mixes, gourmet sauces, jams and more to fill the lucky winner’s kitchen cupboard.

The new Louisville store will house over 23,900 square feet of culinary delights, including a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 12 different varieties of pies daily, a full service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a wide selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, and more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses, as well as a bountiful produce department with more than 400 items and a large organic selection.
- MORE -
The Fresh Market opening – Louisville
Page 2

The Fresh Market’s inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of old-world European markets, says Carlock. “Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of classical music, soft lighting with antique décor in an intimate setting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create the feel of several ‘fresh’ markets all under one roof.”

The Fresh Market looks forward to opening its second store in the Louisville community while bringing approximately 90 new jobs to the area, most of which are being filled locally. Those interested in learning more about The Fresh Market can visit the company’s website at www.thefreshmarket.com and sign up for “Fresh Ideas,” the company’s weekly e-mail newsletter that includes specials as well as recipes and information about in-store events.

About The Fresh Market®
On March 5, 1982, Ray and Beverly Berry opened the first Fresh Market in Greensboro, North Carolina. The fulfillment of a dream, The Fresh Market was founded with one simple goal in mind: to bring friends, family and neighbors high-quality perishable products in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The Fresh Market currently operates 92 stores in 18 states, concentrated in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with plans for continued expansion. The Fresh Market is a family-owned, privately held company and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Celebrate New Years in Louisville – Places to Go!

LABERT02 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:59:06 +0000

Still don’t know where to celebrate New Years in Louisville Kentucky?

Check out the below list, you’ll be sure to find a spot that fits you!

New Year’s Eve Dinners & Events – 12/31/2009

New Year’s Eve Soiree

Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 West Jefferson (502) 897-8900 / www.voice-tribune.com/newyears

New Year’s Eve & Day Pajama Parties – 12/31/2009 – 1/1/2010

Lynn’s Paradise Café – 984 Barret Ave. (502) 821-8888 / www.lynnsparadisecafe.com

New Year’s Eve Early Dinner on the Spirit of Jefferson

New Year’s Eve on the Spirit of Jefferson

Spirit of Jefferson – 401 W. River Rd. (502) 574-2992 / www.belleoflouisville.org

New Year’s Eve Dinner

The Ultimate New Year’s Eve for Two

The English Grill Gala Package

The Brown Hotel – 335 West Broadway (502) 736-2998 / www.brownhotel.com

Dinner at Proof on Main

Dancing at 21c

Do It Up Right – Stay the Night

21c Museum Hotel – 700 W Main (502) 217-6300 / www.21cMuseumHotel.com/nye

New Year’s Eve Celebration: An Island Party 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel – 830 Phillips Ln. (502) 367-2251 / www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=156720476663&ref=ts

Kentucky Flea Market – New Year’s Spectacular – 12/31/2009 – 1/3/2010

Kentucky Exposition Center – 937 Phillips Lane, West Wing & Pavillion (502) 367-5000 / www.kyfairexpo.org

New Year’s Bluegrass Jam 2010

Frankfort KY (502) 875-8687 / www.visitfrankfort.com

New Years Eve Dinner Excursion

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – 602 N. 3rd St., Bardstown KY (502) 348-7699 / www.kydinnertrain.com

New Year’s Eve Events at 4^th Street Live! – (502) 271-5443 / www.4thstlive.com

Hotel Nightclub’s New Year’s Eve: New York, New York! – 12/31/2009

(502) 540-1116 / www.hotel-ky.com

Howl at the Moon’s New Year’s Eve 2009 – 12/31/2009

(502) 562-9400 / www.howlatthemoon.com/louisville

Maker’s Mark New Year’s Eve – 12/31/2010

(502) 568-9009 / www.makerslounge.com

Comedian Owen Benjamin New Years Eve Show – 12/31/2009

(502) 581-1332 / www.improvlouisville.com

Tengo sed Cantina’s New Year’s Eve: New York, New York! – 12/31/2009

(502) 424-3555 / www.tengosed-ky.com

Angels RockBar’s New Year’s Eve: New York, New York! – 12/31/2009

(502) 643-4441 / www.angelsrockbar-ky.com

Credit: [GoToLouisville.com]

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Maker’s Mark Lounge Sued Over Discrimination

LABERT02 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:54:43 +0000

Discrimination? Racism? Inequality? You be the judge… About a month following a rumor I heard through a friend about how a former DJ was no longer asked to DJ at Maker’s Lounge because he was attracting a crowd that was ‘too dark’, I read about a pending lawsuit against Maker’s Mark Bourbon Lounge on 4th Street Live, alleging discrimination. Below, I provided a few media outlets and their reports, in addition to something that caught my attention in an email I received yesterday via their promotional distribution list. I’m not here to pass judgement… so YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Read about what Race Discrimination is HERE.
Facts about Race/Color Discrimination provided by the EEOC HERE.
Statistics by EEOC: In fiscal year 2008, EEOC received 33,937 charges of race discrimination. EEOC resolved 28,321 race charges in FY 2008, and recovered $79.3 million in monetary benefits for charging parties and other aggrieved individuals (not including monetary benefits obtained through litigation).

WLKY reports on the lawsuit and you can view the VIDEO here: Ex-Employee Sues Maker\’s Mark Lounge

Additionally, the Courier Journal reports: The former director of promotions and marketing for Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and Lounge at 4th Street Live has sued the bar, claiming she was instructed by management to discriminate against African-American patrons. Kiersten Trover-Gillam filed suit earlier this week in Jefferson Circuit Court, claiming management instructed her that it wanted a “predominantly white crowd” and that she needed to “keep out the darker element.”

Three alleged incidents are detailed in the suit:

*Trover-Gillam was instructed to approach a group of African Americans having a birthday party, get contact information under the pretext of signing them up for restaurant promotions, then remove them from the promotional contact list. Management instructed her to give a “false, nondiscriminatory answer” if asked why a check-mark was by a black person’s name.

*She was asked by a supervisor “what were you thinking?” after she booked a group of African American Central High School alumni for a promotional event. Subsequent to that, Trover-Gillam was told “things are not going well” and that she wasn’t “booking the types of parties” management wanted.

*She was instructed to convince African-American patrons to move to the back of the bar so they would not be visible in the front of the establishment. [Read the full article on the Courier-Journal]

I recently received a promotional email from Maker’s Mark Bourbon Lounge and noticed that for job opportunities, please send your resume and “picture”. Though I don’t believe it’s illegal by any means to request a photo during the screening process, it seems a bit abrasive during a time when such a lawsuit has been filed against Maker’s Lounge… don’t cha think?

This also comes during a time when a recent patron of 4th Street Live has plans to also push legal action against 4th Street Live over a Halloween Controversy – also alleging discrimination. Read the full article HERE.

*** If you know any additional information – please share via the comments or feel free to contact me directly via my CONTACT ME form.

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

‘DOWNS AFTER DARK’ IN 2010: EACH NIGHT WILL BE THEMED, LED BY ‘DISCO AT THE DOWNS’

Julian Beever, Sidewalk Art, & Idea Festival

LABERT02 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:05:13 +0000

I’ve always been fascinated with art of all forms, types, and mediums. Recently, I had the opportunity to appreciate, in person, the transformation of flat, 20-foot by 10-foot section of sidewalk in front of the Kentucky Center (across from the Humana building) become a chalk canvas for the British sidewalk artist known to many as the “Sidewalk Picasso,” Julian Beever.

Julian has been creating trompe-l’ceil chalk drawings on pavement surfaces since the mid-1990s. His works are created using a projection called anamorphosis, and create the illusion of three dimensions when viewed from the correct angle.

Below is a picture I took via my Blackberry Storm mobile phone about three days following its completion in not so supportive weather (rain). It’s not the best picture and it probably doesn’t give justice to the true illusion, but you get the idea. The chalk art depicts a bridge over two stone tunnels with ballons rising and morphing into a real-life planter. The four day project was part of the five-day Idea Festival, which ran from September 23-26 in Louisville.

Digression: As part of the Idea Festival, I had the opportunity to view a screening of Copyright Criminals: This Is a Sampling Sport, a new documentary Kembrew McLeod co-produced that focuses on hip-hop music and copyright controversies. The event was FREE and made me realize the extent by which ‘sampling’ has really flooded the music industry. Informative and great documentary that I highly recommend you check out if given the opportunity!

Below is a video of some of Julian Beever’s work… enjoy!

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

No related posts.

Cafe Mimosa / Eggroll Machine Re-Opens!

LABERT02 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:40:20 +0000

Guess who’s risen from the ashes… that’s right, your favorite local Highland’s Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant – Cafe Mimosa. Best of all, it’s no longer next to the Animal Clinic – so STOP THE cliche Asian jokes! The new location is where the old Jarfis used to be, 1543 Bardstown Road.

After fire destroyed Cafe Mimosa (1216 Bardstown Road) in January, owner Phat Le wanted to rebuild the restaurant and reopen. But when the pace of reconstruction didn’t suit him, Le found another Bardstown Road spot: the space vacated by Jarfi’s Bistro (1543 Bardstown Road) in June.

“When Jarfi’s left, it made it much quicker to go there and open the business,” said Le, who will continue serving Vietnamese food at the restaurant. He plans to open in mid-September. “We will have a sushi bar here and party rooms. This place is much bigger and gives me an opportunity to serve more customers.”

Eight months without an income has been tough, Le said, but he believes the new arrangement will be better in the long run. “We’ll have a bigger kitchen than we had, we’ll still do delivery and we’re going to have catering, too.” (Courier-Journal)

Hours (check out the website HERE):
Mon~Thur: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Friday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Read the full review (old review) of Cafe Mimosa by Robin Garr.

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.