Did Y'all Hear Joe Bologna's is for Sale?

“Did y’all hear that Joe Bologna’s is for sale?”

Over the past day or so, I’ve gotten several variants of that message over a variety of media — text messages, DMs, Facebook tags and just about any other medium you can imagine. This week, several news outlets have reported that Mr. Joe Bologna intends to retire by summer’s end, with the hope that a buyer will take over his iconic Italian restaurant. He’s reportedly already received a few serious offers.

Now, I make no secret about the fact that I’m a big Joe B’s fan. I stop by for dinner any time I get a chance, and I frequently grab takeout when I’m in Lexington, trying my best to not eat the entire meal on the drive back to Louisville. Of course, I’m not alone. I assume these sentiments are pretty universal for most anyone who has a tie to Lexington. Nearly everyone who went to college at UK or Transylvania, or who’s ever worked near campus or downtown, or who’s had a little time to grab dinner before a Kentucky game has a memory of Joe B’s. It’s a memorable place.

First of all, there’s the building. You have to start any conversation about Joe B’s by mentioning the building at 120 West Maxwell. It was built as a Presbyterian church in 1890, was rededicated as a Jewish synagogue in 1914, and became a restaurant complex in 1989. It’s served a lot of Lexingtonians’ needs over the years.

And, of course, there’s Mr. Bologna himself. He opened his eponymous restaurant in 1973 and has been at the present location since the late 1980s. Fifty years of feeding Lexington great food at a reasonable price point — that’s an incredible legacy. At one point, there were three Joe Bologna’s locations across Lexington. The restaurant is an institution, and its namesake is a legend. It’s impossible to think of the restaurant without visualizing Mr. Joe Bologna wearing his signature suspenders and carrying a pan of breadsticks.

And then there are those breadsticks. Y’all know exactly what I mean. Huge, fluffy breadsticks the size of an adult’s forearm, served in a dish of garlic butter. The pizza is pretty great, too. I’m partial to the Sicilian pan pizza with generous slices of Italian sausage and delicate flakes of mushroom. The Stromboli sub is another favorite. In fact, I’ve never really had anything bad from Joe B’s.

For so many folks who’ve spent time in Lexington, there are also the memories. Fifty years’ worth of memories — many of which take us back to younger and more carefree days. Memories of pizza, maybe a beer, and definitely a conversation about the next basketball or football game. Good times, good company, and garlic butter in a place that hasn’t changed, even as the city and campus outside those hallowed walls have grown to previously-unimaginable proportions.

Thanks so much to Mr. Bologna for creating such an incredibly special spot, and here’s hoping the new owners don’t change a single thing.

Dinner at Texas de Brazil in Lexington's Summit at Fritz Farm

{Disclosure: Texas de Brazil provided a complimentary dinner for two in exchange for this review; no additional compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.}

Bob and I had the opportunity to visit Texas de Brazil in Lexington's The Summit at Fritz Farm over the weekend. We love Texas de Brazil for special occasion meals and were excited to sample the dessert menu! Texas de Brazil celebrates their 20th anniversary soon, and are offering all desserts for 20 cents on Monday nights in July with a meal purchase!

Now, as I'm sure you know, Texas de Brazil is a Churrascaria, colloquially known in the US as a Brazilian Steakhouse. Churrascaria a fun and delicious dining concept in which the gauchos carve charcoal-grilled meat tableside. It makes for a fast-paced sampler of meats! But, did you know that the salad bar at Texas de Brazil is pretty amazing as well? 

I'd eaten at Texas de Brazil locations in Lexington and in Memphis before, but I'd never spent a lot of time with the salad area before. I started with a cheese plate for Bob and me to share. The tangy goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and salty parmigiano were great accompaniments to the rich meats. The prosciutto was a fantastic quality, and the pineapple carpaccio was amazing! (If limitless meat isn't your jam, you can actually order the salad area only as your entree!)

We also tried some seafood. The shrimp salad was so great that I hope to recreate the recipe soon -- it had the heat of jalapeño and the tang of lime juice. 

We also loved the Moqueca cod fish -- a traditional Brazilian fish stew made with coconut milk.

Of course, the star of any Texas de Brazil experience is the meat. As usual, the Churrascaria did not disappoint. When you're seated for churrasco service, each diner is given a two-sided card to indicate whether the gauchos should bring more meats to the table.

The filet was a standout, along with the flank steak. The lamb was perfect -- rich and well seasoned. We enjoyed a great assortment!

We made sure to save room for dessert, though. I had the Brazilian cheesecake, which had a rich fudge base and a caramel glaze.

Bob opted for a refreshing key lime pie. Both were fantastic.

Stop by the Texas de Brazil in Lexington for special promotions over the next few months for special 20th anniversary celebrations. It's a fantastic date night spot, or great for a family celebration!

Thanks so much to Texas de Brazil for inviting us to dinner! We'll be back soon!

Keeneland Fun with Scout and Molly's and CRU

French Connection wrap dress c/o Scout & Molly's. Photos by Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.

{This post is sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm. All opinions are my own. As always, thanks to The Summit at Fritz Farm and all the sponsors who keep HerKentucky running. This post may also contain affiliate links; HerKentucky may receive a small per-click commission on product links, at no cost to the reader.}

I try to spend as much of April in Lexington as possible. Lexington is absolutely beautiful in the spring, and Keeneland's Spring Meet is my absolute favorite event of the year! I also find myself finding any excuse I can think of to visit The Summit at Fritz Farm.  It just provides such a wonderful shopping experience. The vibe is so much more fun than most shopping centers! A visit to the Summit just always feels so relaxed and friendly! 

I recently visited Scout & Molly's at the Summit to pick out a dress for the upcoming Keeneland Spring Meet. The owner, Terri, helped me find this gorgeous French Connection wrap dress. It was just the right combination of comfort and sophistication for a day at the track. I love the little peach druzy necklace and ivory faux-leather earrings (both available at Scout & Molly's) that we chose to complete the look. I seldom opt for statement jewelry, so I felt extra-fancy and dressed-up with these pieces! This would be such a fun look for the Keeneland Clubhouse or one of the dining rooms! 

Once I'd picked out my dress, I stopped by CRU Food & Wine Bar for some small plates and a glass of wine. Y'all, this place was so lovely! It would be such a fun spot for dinner and drinks after the races! The vibe was casual chic, the wine selection was great, and the food was perfect for sharing!

I especially loved this leather envelope clutch by local designer Raya Stern of Grey Designs, also available at Scout & Molly's!

These lobster and shrimp pot stickers were so zesty and delicious! 

And you know what they say: you had me at Bordeaux. (Well, at least I say that...)

Thanks so much to the Summit, Scout & Molly's, and CRU for inviting me out to get race day-ready, and thanks to Sarah Caton for the amazing photos!! I hope to see y'all at The Summit at Fritz Farm -- and at Keeneland -- soon!

How to Eat Lunch Like a Lexington Local

I get a whole lot of emails and texts and Facebook messages asking where to eat lunch in Lexington. The truth is, I have a bad habit of sticking to two or three favorite lunch spots that remind me of all the fun I had as a student or a young professional in the LEX. So, I reached out to several Lexington locals to see where they're eating lunch these days. If you're planning a trip to the LEX soon, click here to download a printable version and try a few of these restaurants out for yourself!

North Lexington

Windy Corner Market
The Po Boys are legendary!
4595 Bryan Station Rd
Mon-Fri 7 am – 8:30 pm; Sat-Sun 9 am – 8:30 pm

Downtown

Stella’s Kentucky Deli
Get the Griff Burger!
143 Jefferson St
Mon-Fri 10:30 am- 4pm; Sat-Sun 9 am – 9 pm

Limestone Blue
Don’t miss the Achy Breaky Heart!
133 N Limestone
Mon-Fri 10:30 am – 10 pm; Sat 9:30 am – 10 pm; Sun 10 am – 3 pm

Lexington Diner
Alton Brown recommends the Kentucky Nachos!
124 N. Upper
Mon-Sat 8 am – 3 pm; Sun 10 am – 3 pm.

Buddha Lounge
Best sushi in town!
109 N Mill
Mon – Fri 11am – 10 pm; Sat 6 pm - 2 am

Doodle’s
The Pigs and Puffs are a must!
262 N Limestone
Tues-Sun 8 am – 2 pm; Closed Mondays

Sawyer’s Downtown Bar & Grill
Lexington’s favorite hamburger!
325 W Main Street
Mon-Wed 11 am- 3 pm; Thur-Sat 11 am- 7:30 pm

Nat's
The best Thai food in town!
111 S Upper St
Mon- Fri 12 pm – 3 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat 5 pm – 10 pm; Closed Sunday

Lockbox
Order the Griddled PBT!
167 W Main St
Mon– Thurs 7am-10am, 11 am – 2pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm; Fri 7am-10am, 11 am – 2pm, 5:30 pm – 11 pm; Sat 7 am – 2 pm; 5:30 pm – 11 pm; Sun 7 am – 2 pm; 5:30 pm – 9 pm.

Wine + Market
Duck confit and bleu cheese on ciabatta, please!
486 W Second St
Mon-Sat 10AM - 8PM; Sun 1PM - 6PM

Campus/ Chevy Chase

Blue Door Smokehouse
Don’t miss the brisket!
226 Walton Ave
Mon-Thur 11 am – 3pm; Fri-Sat 11 am – 8 pm; Closed Sunday (Or until Meat sells out!)

Joe Bologna’s
Seriously, you need to order a breadstick!
120 W Maxwell St
Mon-Tues 11 am – 9 pm; Wed-Thurs 11 am – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am – 11 pm; Sun 11 am – 10 pm.

Sav’s Grill
Where else can you find authentic West African food in Lexington?
304 S. Limestone
Mon-Sun 11 am – 9 pm

National Provisions
They had me at hamburgers and macarons.
710 National Ave
Mon and Sat 7 am – 10 pm; Tue – Fri, Sun 8 am – 10 pm

Campus/ Chevy Chase

Josie’s
Everybody’s favorite Chevy Chase lunch spot!
821 Chevy Chase Place
Mon - Sat 8 AM -  9 PM, Sun 8 am - 2 pm

Tomo
The Sushi Lunch Plate is the best deal in town!
848 East High Street
Mon-Thur 11 am – 10 pm; Fri 11 am – 10: 30 pm; Saturday 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Closed Sunday

Tates Creek

The Mousetrap
Best pimiento cheese in Kentucky!
3323 Tates Creek Rd

Local Chains

Athenian Grill
Lexington’s favorite Greek restaurant!
313 S Ashland Ave; 115 N Locust Hill Dr

Ramsey’s
Southern-style favorites!
4391 Old Harrodsburg Rd; 3090 Helmsdale Pl; 4053 Tates Creek Centre Dr; 151 W Zandale Dr
Mon-Fri 11 am – 11 pm; Sat-Sun 9 am – 11 pm

Vinaigrette
The best salads in town!
1781 Sharkey Way Suite 115; 113 N Broadway
11am-9pm M-Sa, 12pm - 8pm Sun

What are your favorite Lexington lunch spots?