502 Lunch Week Means Cheap(er) Eats

502 Lunch Week is back! For two weeks (Monday 9/14/2015 – Friday 9/25/2015),  24 local restaurants are offering a special $10 or $15/person lunch menus.  It’s a great opportunity try new local restaurants at a great price.  Some of these restaurants are expensive at dinner time ($20 entrees and up), so take advantage of the lunch special to determine if you do want to go back for dinner.

I tried two restaurants last year and enjoyed them both very much, Louis le Francais and Down One Bourbon Bar.  Louis’ cute and cozy French provincial atmosphere is ideal for a  lunch date (I enjoyed the lunch more than dinner).  Down One Bourbon Bar has a cool vibe and a great option for those working downtown.

The 3 Little Pigs from Down One Bourbon Bar

The tomato and onion salad from Louis le Francais

Here’s what you can expect:

• The 502 Lunch Week menu is smaller than the regular lunch menu.  For more options, you can also order from the regular menu but the price is higher.
• Expect to pay $10 or $15/person, depending on the restaurant
• The special includes a 2 course meal (either entrée + side or entrée + dessert) and 1 non-alcoholic beverage.  Taxes and gratuity are not included.

Here’s a list of participating restaurants and their special menus.  I categorized them by ratings on Yelp.

• For Goodness Crepes | menu 4.5*, $
• Over the 9 | menu 4.5* $
• Atlantic No. 5 | menu 4*, $$
• Mark's Feed Store 4*, $$
• Baxter's 942 | menu 4*, $$
• Brasserie Provence | menu 4*, $$
• Sway | menu 4*, $$
• Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen and Lounge | menu 4*, $$
• Wild Rita's Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar | menu 4*, $$
• Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant | menu 4*, $$
• Bread & Breakfast | menu 4*, $
• Adrienne & Co. Bakery and Cafe | menu 4*, $
• The Chopshop Salads 4*, $
• Louis le Francais 3.5*, $$$
• Napa River Grill | menu 3.5* $$$
• Gatsby's on Fourth | menu 3.5*, $$
• Aspen Creek Grill | menu 3.5*, $$
• Joe's OK Bayou | menu 3.5*, $$
• Bistro 301 | menu 3.5*, $$
• Bristol Bar and Grille 3.5*, $$
• Red Yeti Brewing Company | menu 3.5*, $$
• Captain's Quarters | menu 3.5*, $$
• Amici Cafe | menu 3*, $$
• Drake's | menu 3*, $$

My recommendations:

• Louis le Francais or Brasserie Provence for French Food.  The tomato salad and ratatouille from Louis were my favorites. 
• Down One Bourbon Bar for the burgers
• Captain Quarters for an amazing riverside view and atmosphere
• Mark’s Feed Store for the honey wings (get this even if it’s not on the special lunch menu!) Free dessert every  Monday.
• Atlantic No. 5.  Get the curry chicken if it’s on the menu
• Skip Wild Rita's 

On my radar to try this year:

• Over the 9
• Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge
• Gatsby’s on Fourth

Labor Day Activities 2015

Only one day's between us and the three day weekend that marks the unofficial end to summer.  If you're in town, don't fret, there's plenty to do.  Here's a roundup of some events to look out for this weekend.

WorldFest

Weekend Long Festivals

WorldFest
Friday 11 a.m. - Monday 11 p.m.
Belvedere (Main & 5th)
Visit the entire world right in your own backyard.  Come see the colorful display of costumes during the parade of nations on Saturday at noon, taste exotic fares at the food court, discover a world of culture at the Global Village, and dance the night away each night to the beat of world music.

Flea Off Market
Friday:11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
1007 E. Jefferson St.
A popular monthly flea market with over 100 vendors selling hand-made items, local arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, antiques, etc. The many food trucks will keep you full and the live music will keep you entertained.

Kentucky Bluegrass Festival
Louisville Water Tower
3005 River Road
Friday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
$12 before 6, $16 after 6p.m., Kids 10 and under FREE; $30 pass for all 3 days
Celebrate the end of summer with bluegrass bands from across the nation, bbq, craft vendors and of course, bourbon.

Steamboat Festival
Friday: 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Head over to Jeffersonville Indiana for a weekend of celebrating all things steamboat.  There's a balloon glimmer on Friday, parade on Saturday, boat race on Sunday.  Family friend events, vendors, food, and music all days.

Columbus' Ships: the Nina & Pinta
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
8/28/2015 - 9/7/2015
131 River Road
$8/adults, $7 (60+); $6 (5 - 16), 4 and under free
Come to the waterfront to check out these beautiful replicas of Columbus' ships.  Admire it from the outside or come into the floating museum for a little more of a history lesson.

Kentucky Flea Market
Friday & Saturday : 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Kentucky Expo Centere
937 Phillips Lane
For a little respite from the heat this weekend, the Kentucky Flea Market is the perfect place.  With over 1,000 booths there, you'll have plenty to keep you busy.

Bats fireworks from the Big Fourth Bridge

Friday 9/4/2015

First Friday Trolley Hop 
5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Route
Visit downtown art galleries, shops, restaurants via a trolley/TARC bus for free.  40+ businesses with extended hours offer special discounts, refreshments, and live music.  Be sure to stop by 21c and check out the cool art work and the word wall.

Louisville Bats fireworks
Waterfront | Big Four Bridge
After the games (game starts at 7:05 p.m.)
I'm not a fan of baseball but definitely a fan of the Friday fireworks that can be viewed from the Big Four Bridge.  It's a beautiful backdrop for a late dinner stroll.

Saturday 9/5/2015

Free Samples of Ice Cream
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
841 S. Hurstbourne Parkway
I'm a fan of this nitrogen ice cream joint.  They're giving away samples so come check it out.

Three Points Block Party
6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Three Points
1256 Logan Street
Celebrate the completion of Three Points (the intersection of three neighborhoods: German-Paristown, Schnitzelburg, and Shelby Park) with music, food, booze, art and more.

The Golden Culture Art and Music Festival 
6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Tim Faulkner Gallery
1512 Portland Ave
Presale: $15; at door: $20
Come for the 16 hip hop performers, the live graffiti artists, and art show case at this cool Portland gallery.

Outsized Influence Festival
2:30 p.m.
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Road
A free festival featuring lots of Bellarmine talents, bands, art, and food trucks.

Delicious drinks from El Camino

Sunday

Free Pig Roast & Movie
10 p.m.
El Camino
1314 Bardstown Road
Free pig roast and movie from El Camino every Sunday until 12/27/2015.  Also look for specials on adult beverages.

DOGHAUS! Labor Day Weekend Cookout
4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Gralehaus
1001 Baxter Ave
Dogs & weiners, grill treats, beer cocktails, cold beer, watermelon, and music at this local favorite that's known for it's amazing beer selection.

Monday

Subway Fresh Fit Hike Bike and Paddle
7 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m.
Louisville Waterfront Park – Great Lawn
One of my favorite Louisville events.  Thousands of people come over to bike, hike and paddle.   The city closes the streets for cyclists, maps a hiking map at the waterfront, and give free kayak tour (or you can bring your own) onn the Ohio River.  Come early to check out the health-centric booths and get some free swags.

Family Palooza
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
All Southeast Christian campuses: Blankenbaker, Indiana, Oldham, Southwest
Free day of carnival games, inflatables, water slides, arts & crafts, food items for $1 or less

Kentucky State Fair 2015

The Kentucky State Fair is once again upon us.  Here you’ll find  a plethora of delicious heart attack inducing fried goodies, free nightly concerts, cute farm animals, a variety of sideshows, and of course Farmer Fred greeting you from high above.  We all hate the ridiculously long lines, the traffic jams, the overly expensive food and the heat.  But it’s so ingrained in our tradition that somehow August is not complete until we step foot into the madness that is the annual State Fair.

If you haven’t been yet, you still have 3 more days to visit.  Here’s a Cliff's Notes version of what you need to know

• Date and HoursMonday 8/20/2015 – Sunday 8/30/2015
  Gates open at 7 a.m. – Midnight
  
  Exhibits 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Sunday – Thursday)
  9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Friday – Saturday)
  
  Midway RidesMonday – Thursday: 2 p.m. – Midnight
  Friday- Sunday: 12 p.m. - Midnight

• PricesAdult $10
  Child (6-12) $6
  Senior (55+) $6 (Only $1 on Senior Day)
  Infants & Toddlers (5 and under) Free
  Parking is $8 per vehicle per entry
  
• Great DealsThursday: $20-per-carload until 5 p.m.  Parking Included.
  
  Passengers on a TARC bus will pay a flat $5 Fair admission fee. Buses headed to the Fair will depart from the TARC stop at Fifth and Market streets every 60 – 70 minutes from 6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. The last bus from the fairgrounds to downtown Louisville leaves at 11:58 p.m. daily.
  
  Free Parking at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Friday 9/28/2015 – Sunday 9/30/2015.  The shuttle runs continuously, they go on a special route so you can bypass a lot of the traffic.
  
• Free concerts:List 
  All shows begin at 8 p.m. in Cardinal Stadium
  
  
• Midway Rides
  Midway wristbands are good ALL DAY, ANY ONE DAY and can be purchased in advanced or on-site during the Fair.
  
  Children (ages 12 and younger with maximum height of 56”) – $12 on-site
  
  Adults – $25 on-site purchase of wristband
  
• Food

Philly Cheese Steak Donut

Donut burger

• Philly Cheese Steak Donut Burger.  Fans of the donut burger, there’s a new addition this year for you to try.  This monstrosity is $12, which includes a beef patty and all the cheesy steak goodness that makes up the Philly cheese steak.  My verdict, skip it and grab the burger.
  
  Donut Burger. Sweet and savory, This $9 weirdo is worth a try and now a fair favorite
  
  Grab the pineapple swirl.  It’s my new favorite discovery.  It’s slightly sweet and so very refreshing.
  
  Get the funnel cake from the vendors near the rides.  It’s fluffier and larger.
  
  

  

  Corn on the cob

  Corn on the cob is my thing.  Get extra butter, dress it with lemon pepper and some paprika and it's bliss.
  
  Other new things to try this year: fried Derby pie and Hot Brown on a stick.

Enjoy!

Great BBQ From the "Redneck Jew" and Shack in the Back

I wasn't a big fan of bbq but I recently discovered two great bbq places that changed my mind.  And I can't wait to share it with everyone!

Smoketown USA

Social medial is abuzz with news of an upcoming Food Network's feature of Smoketown USA, to be air next Monday, August 10 at 9 p.m..  With savory briskets, tender ribs and big personality, it's easy to see why this lovely Smoketown joint is getting the spotlight.

I went here 6 or 7 years ago and thought the only thing memorable was the eccentric owner.  But I came back again last Friday for another go and was glad I did.  The owner, nicknamed himself the "Redneck Jew", was welcoming, funny and as eccentric as ever.  He lives above the restaurant and really is part of the neighborhood.  Here he is below on the right cracking jokes with us.  

But the food, oh the food, was probably what drew the Food Network and the customers here every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (11 a.m. - 10 p.m.).  My ribs were perfectly seasoned and tender, not swimming in sauce like other places.  If you do want more sauce, add your own from the homemade bbq bottle on the table.  It has a nice kick to it.  The soul greens was delicious so were the the tangy and refreshing cucumbers & onions side that's only available in the summertime.

My coworker, born and raised in the country, raved about the brisket as well.

The booben sandwich, a kind of chicken Rueben made with shredded chicken and slaw, will be featured on Monday's show.  It was not what my coworker expected but she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Skip fish, though large and crispy, the meat was  a bit soft.  So stick with the bbq.

If you have a big appetite, grab the Flintstone.  I saw it from across the room and those beef ribs were as big as the ribs from the cartoon show.

Smoketown USA is only open 3 days a week.  I imagine the lines will be long after Monday's show but head over anyway, it's worth the wait.

Smoketown USA $$
1153 Logan Street
Louisville, KY 40204
502-409-9180
Th, Fri, & Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

------------------------------------
Shack in the Back BBQ

The tv cameras didn't make it out to this second place.  They missed out but you don't have to!  Take Fairdale Road all the way south until you can’t go anymore, at the intersection take a left (right will take you to Jefferson Memorial) and you'll find Shack in the Back BBQ.

Fairdale is not glamorous and Shack and the Back BBQ fits its surrounding.  It's a clean well kept place consisting of two connecting buildings.  The back is a 1896 log cabin.  It fits around 6 tables, enough for 20-30 people at the most.  You order at the counter and grab a number.  The front is a covered patio with larger tables and chairs; heat lamp in the winter and fans in the summer.  On the weekends, you'll be serenaded with local bands and singers while you eat.

Outside Shack in the Back BBQ

Inside the log cabin where you order.

The patio in the front.  Hot in the summer.

On our first visit, we waited over 45 minutes for our order.  We were hot and frustrated but after a bite of the sweet and smokey wings, we agreed it was worth the wait.  Mark's Feed Store wings might have some competition! (On my second visit, we only waited 15 minutes.)

Delicious wings.

If you can't decide what to order, get the platter.  My platter consisted of the ribs, wings, chicken & brisket sandwich.  The star of the plate were the ribs, smokey, well seasoned and felt right off the bones. I recommend skipping the sandwiches and get your hands on the ribs.

For something completely different, try the turkey ribs or turkey collar bones.  Surprisingly meaty, the ribs were slightly crispy and tasted great with several choices of bbq sauces or the white lightin' sauce. I think this is the only place in the city where you can find this special treat.

Turkey ribs, a Shack in the Back speciality

I eyed the the Hump from across the restaurant on my last visit and can't wait to get it next time.  It was a huge pile of homemade chips topped with your choice of pork, brisket or bacon, tomatoes, onions, cheese, green peppers, jalapenos,sweet bbq sauce, hot bbq sauce, sour cream or White Lightnin' Sauce.

Shack in the Back BBQ
406 Mt. Holly Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
M - Th: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Vacation Mode

Taking a quick blogging break. My view today....

Quick tip: if you ever want a relatively cheap trip with a bit of international flavor, consider a trip to Puerto Rico. You can fly here for the price of tickets to Florida ($339 If you look at the right time.) A majority of the people speak English, no need to exchange money and the beaches are beautiful. Flamenco Beach in Culebra is often on many top 10 beaches in the world lists.  Since it's also a U.S. territory, you can leave your passport at home!