The likes of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles may be synonymous with good food when you think of America, but if you ask anyone from the south, they’ll point you in the direction of Lexington, Kentucky.
This charming city, known for its thoroughbred racehorses, bluegrass music and bourbon, may not be known as a gastronomic hotspot, but discerning foodies flock here to discover the best of the southern culinary scene, from delicious street food . for traditional dishes and innovative chefs reimagining Southern cuisine.
Lexington sits in the middle of the Kentucky prairie, filled with grass-fed cattle, pigs and corn, meaning ingredients are readily available. Think slow-cooked barbecue pork, crispy fried chicken and a good Hot Brown, an open-faced sandwich with turkey and bacon, dressed in a cheesy béchamel sauce.
In recent years, there’s been a real shift in Lexington toward authentic seasonal ingredients, led by local chef Ouita Michel, along with a burgeoning international scene, boasting flavors from Mexico to Sri Lanka. Here are some tasters to whet your appetite.
Join the Bites of the Bluegrass walking tour
Dive directly into Lexington’s culinary scene in history and food walking tours with local guides Bites of the Bluegrass. Food-obsessed tour guide Erin is a walking encyclopedia; he knows exactly where to get the best shrimp ‘n’ grits, tri-tip steak and mint julep. There are various walking tours, which focus more on history, cuisine or drinks. On the three-hour food tour, you’ll try five dishes (with plenty of satisfying vegetarian options available), as well as a tempting dessert.
Try Applachian cuisine at the Granddam restaurant
Smoked pork belly with maple roasted beets, washed down with a Japanese gin martini, is just one of the many exciting combinations offered at Grandma. This innovative restaurant opens in 2023, and is located in The Manchester boutique hotel. Led by Ecuadorian chef Paula Endara, the menu focuses on top-flight Bluegrass cuisine, presented with creative flair; there is everything from seafood, lamb, chicken, duck, sweet potato and of course, beef dishes. Pop up to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Lost Palm, for a pre-dinner tipple. Hints of Endara’s Latin heritage can be found here, where favorite bar snacks include spiced beef arepas and bacalaitos (fried fish fritters).
Sip bourbon in the Distillery District
You can’t visit Kentucky without sampling the state’s famous bourbon. James E. Pepper Distilling Co. has been producing whiskey in Lexington since the American Revolution – the distillery was abandoned for 50 years but revived in 2008. Tour the original site where they still make-winning, small batch bourbon, using lime water filtered from the original well. You’ll also find an artisan coffee shop and bakery, a live music venue, a retro arcade, a pizzeria and an ice cream shop on site.
Learn to cook with renowned chef Ouita Michel
If you want to fully immerse yourself in Bluegrass cuisine, book a cookery class with This is Michel. The Lexington native has championed local Kentucky ingredients since he opened the revered restaurant Holly Hill Inn in 2001. Since then, he has opened seven other restaurants around Lexington, including a deli and bakery. Michel has also been nominated for multiple James Beard Foundation awards for culinary excellence. Join us for a two-hour workshop where you’ll learn how to make southern corn chowder and johnnycakes – traditional cornbread.
Slurp spaghetti at Pasta Garage
Is there anything better than fresh pasta? My university friends, Lesme Romero and Reinaldo Gonzalez, teamed up to bring authentic homemade pasta to Lexington and fresh fettuccine, dressed only with olive oil and parmesan cheese, amazed the locals. In fact, Romero and Gonzalez’s pasta has become so popular, it’s now available at Whole Foods. Swing by the laid-back Italian cafe Pasta Garage but don’t expect much when you arrive – the building looks like someone else’s garage. But inside you’ll find the best lasagna this side of the Atlantic.
Taste of Kentucky at the Crave Food and Music Festival
Every July, residents gather at the Moondance Amphitheater for CravingLexington’s largest culinary celebration. Over 30 vendors serve up street food dishes, from Hot Brown sandwiches and lime-spiked tacos to sticky cinnamon buns. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city’s burgeoning food scene. Be sure to try the pasta dishes from chef Jeremy Ashby’s restaurant, Azur, as well as the sweet potato beignets from Ouita Michel’s Honeywood. Not visiting in July? Check out the Lexington Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Tandy Centennial Park.
Kick back with a craft beer and charcuterie board at The Grove
Rub shoulders with the locals The Grovean eclectic collection of food trucks and bars, perched outside in the open Kentucky sky. Start at Harvey’s Bar, a favorite watering hole that serves local craft beer on tap, as well as artisan cocktails – the chocolate margarita is a must-try. Or order a charcuterie plate with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc from Fable. Keep an eye on the ever-changing calendar, which includes events like outdoor yoga sessions, tequila tastings and disco nights.
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