The annual Oktoberfest celebration at Blue Stallion Brewing Co. kicks off on Friday September 19th. Then on Monday September 22nd, their Oktoberfest beer will be available in bars and restaurants around Lexington. Oktoberfest is a traditional seasonal lager known for its rich malty backbone and slight hop bitterness. Blue Stallion’s version uses all German grown barley and noble hops to stay true to the style. Nico Schulz, head brewer and co-owner at Blue Stallion Brewing, said, “We just got our new tanks up and running in July, which gave us enough time to brew a large batch of Oktoberfest for the start of the celebration. We were able to brew twice the volume we did in 2013.” Running from September 19th to October 5th, Blue Stallion is adding an entire week to this year’s celebration at the brewery. Staff and owners will wear dirndls and lederhosen. Lexington food trucks will set up during the celebration, with two food trucks on site each Friday and Saturday. Live music from local bands is also scheduled for the weekends.
Smithtown Seafood joins with neighbor West Sixth Brewing in creating monthly dinners with beer pairings, called Tanks to Table. For their seventh dinner, on September 18 at 7 pm, Chef Jonathan Sanning and his staff are serving sausages for four courses made from locals meats and seafood. A portion of the proceeds from the beer dinner will benefit AIDS Volunteers of Lexington. The dinner will be in the West Sixth Beer Garden. Reservations 859.303-4100.
On September 30, Thai Orchid’s owners will take their popular Thai & Mighty Noodle Bowls food cart concept to a brick and mortar location, in place of their current Thai Orchid Cafe at 1030 Broadway (next door to Jalapenos). Thai Orchid Cafe will operate there until September 27. 
The Cheesecake Factory at the Fayette Mall is scheduled to open on October 28th. They are now hiring for all positions.
Whole Foods Market announced that it is launching a new grocery delivery and pickup service in 15 major U.S. cities. No word on when this magical innovation is coming to Lexington, but hopefully it’ll be here soon.
To submit a Lexington, Kentucky food, wine, or spirits news item for consideration in Ace’s Best Bites, email ace list at aceweekly.com. To submit a Lexington Food, Wine, or Spirits Event to be considered for the Ace calendar, please go to the Ace online calendar, and click “Submit” (upper right on the Menu bar). For Lexington restaurant advertising, call Ace Advertising at 859.225.4889 x229.
