Eat January: Lexington food and restaurant news and events
The Mission Monday program at Blue Stallion recently celebrated their one year milestone of craft beer and community. Through the program, Blue Stallion donates 10 percent of taproom sales to a central Kentucky nonprofit each Monday. Nonprofits covered over the course of 2015 include GleanKY, Community Action Council, The Nest and Friends of Lexington Public Library, among others. “It began as a discussion of how we can give back to the community we love so much,” said co-owner Kore Donnelly. Co-owner Xavier Donnelly added, “While we’re very proud of the success Mission Mondays have seen so far, we want to grow in the second year. The goal is to double our donation amount to $8,000 for 2016.”
Carson’s Food and Drink expects to open on Main Street in May 2016, according to owner Mark Fichtner. He is planning a 5,000 sq. ft. full bar and patio with a chef-driven menu of gourmet sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and seafood.
The Cheezy Mac on Richmond closed and the food truck has been closed as well. However, the one in the Mall will remain open.
Edley’s BBQ, a Nashville favorite, has plans to make Lexington their first out of state expansion. The restaurant will be located at The Summit at Fritz Farm and will open sometime in the fall of next year.
Lucie Slone Meyers, former owner of a la lucie, met her Kickstarter goal for her new project, Lucie’s Red Light. The restaurant is planned for a Spring arrival on North Limestone.
Popeyes has returned to Lexington, at 115 East New Circle Rd, at the corner of New Circle and Old Paris Rd.
Sorella Gelateria has opened at 219 North Limestone. Alma Kajtazovic opened the shop with sister Selma Sulejmanagic who learned how to make fresh gelato in Italy. The two plan to offer 12 flavors of fresh-made gelato daily.
Yet another Starbucks will be opening on 685 Wilson Downing Road, by the Tates Creek Center.
Table 310 has changed to a new winter menu with influences from India.
Thai & Mighty on South Broadway closed in December. Owner Toa Green will now focus on developing Distillery District craft ice cream favorite Crank & Boom. Lucy Seo, owner of the popular Han Cook In food truck, will take over the space. “I couldn’t be happier about having Lucy from Han Cook In to take over the space,” said Green. “Her food is tasty, bold and modern. Patrons who are looking for great Asian fare will be very excited about what’s to come.” The Han Cook In on S. Broadway is expected to open in January. The yellow buggy will also continue making its rounds.
Town Branch Market downtown, across from the Kentucky Theatre, has closed.
EVENTS
Holly Hill Inn will host Chef Ouita’s Winter Dinner Club: Around the World in 80 Days. For the first three months of 2016, Holly Hill Inn plans a culinary world tour with guest chefs and exotic stops all over the world. Jan 14-16: Russia and Poland. Jan 21-23: Japan. Jan 28-31: Korea.
The third Annual Good Foods Hangover Brunch is on Jan 1, starting at 10 am at the Co-op on Southland Dr.
Midway University is hosting a Feast of the Epiphany with a medieval menu prepared by Chef Ouita Michel and her staff on Monday, Jan 6 at 6:30 pm. The feast will be served at the Midway College Piper Dining Hall. It will begin with a traditional parade of the boar’s head, led by a bagpiper. The buffet will also feature roast hog stuffed with sausages, honey-roasted chicken, saffron rice pilaf, and many more entrees. Entertainment will be provided by Stirfry Musette.
CHEW Dinner Series presents Florence with Kate Horning on Jan 13 at The Signature Club of Lansdowne. Chef Kate Horning will craft a locally sourced menu using at least one ingredient from a farm or producer in Florence, KY for a three-course menu based on cuisine from Florence, Italy.
Buffalo Trace presents the Legendary Craftsmen Dinner Series: dinners featuring namesake bourbons, a Distillery tour, and a glimpse into the history and heritage of the two of the men that helped build the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery. George T. Stagg will host on Jan 16; William LaRue Weller will host on Jan 23; Jan 30 will be a Rye Whiskey Cocktail Party.
The 22nd Annual Unity Breakfast is Monday, Jan 18 at 6:30 a.m. at the Lexington Center. The Purpose of the Unity breakfast is to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his ideals for peace and unity. The breakfast initiates Lexington’s King Day commemoration, heightens community awareness and informs the community about Dr. King, his work, his dream and his legacy.
Crank & Boom presents Toa & Burnsy’s Birthday for a Cause on Jan 23 from 7 – 11 pm. The “birthday party to top all birthday parties” will feature an Old School Hip Hop dance party to benefit Seedleaf. Snacks and drinks will be provided; dressing for the occasion is strongly encouraged.
On Jan 26, Blue Stallion Brewing is producing a Test Batch of Toffee Brown Ale. The batch will be unveiled at noon and will be limited in quality (approximately 30 pints).
To submit a Lexington, Kentucky food, wine, or spirits news item for consideration in Ace’s Best Bites, email acelist@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 restaurant advertising, call Ace Advertising at 859.225.4889 x229.
This article also appears on page 12 of the January 2016 printed issue of Ace.
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