Restaurant Review: Stout Burgers & Beer
When Stout Burgers and Beer invited me out to visit their new location on Bardstown Road , I was pretty excited. They're located in a neighborhood I know well and love -- Bob and my first condo was literally one block away in the quaint Bonnycastle/Deer Park area of the Highlands. It's also a make-or-break location for restaurants; with longtime local favorites and award-winning standouts in walking distance, a new eatery needs more than a cool concept or great decor. The food needs to be outstanding. From start to finish, my experience at Stout was just that: outstanding.
Stout is a Los Angeles-based concept that is slowly opening new locations in select markets. The Louisville restaurant opened earlier this summer; a Nashville location is next. The menu is quite simple: burgers (beef, chicken, or veggie) made with premium ingredients and gourmet toppings (we're talking truffle aioli and rosemary bacon here!), paired with beers that are specially selected to complement and optimize the flavors. The menu even suggests a category of beer that will pair best with your entree!
Stout employs a highly-trained staff. These folks really know what they're talking about. (In the course of conversation, I learned that one of the restaurant's owners is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef!) I wanted to try the signature offering, the Stout Burger, but was a little hesitant to pair it with the recommended IPA. I've never been a fan of hoppy beers, and tend to steer away from them. The bartender patiently asked about the flavor profiles I do enjoy, and gave me a few small pours to help me select an IPA that was both pleasing to my palate and complimentary to my meal.
I wound up with a honey IPA that tasted more like Knob Creek than a traditional IPA. And, let me tell you, it worked perfectly with the burger. I didn't taste the usual hops notes (what I always consider a "green" note; the same flavor profile that keeps me away from rye whiskey); instead, I tasted a sweet, clean flavor that balanced nicely with the caramelized onions, horseradish, gruyere, and bleu cheese on my burger. The serving staff's knowledge, patience, and commitment to the restaurant's concept really does translate to an improved dining experience!
Burgers come at two temperatures: pink and not-pink. I ordered my pink with a side of onion rings. The ingredients were fantastic and well-portioned. Some bites provided a sweet burst of rosemary bacon, others the piquancy of horseradish and bleu cheese, but the flavors never overwhelmed. The beer-battered onion rings were a fantastic side.
Stout's California roots are best seen in its sleek decor. A copper-walled bar with natural woods and exposed bricks leave no traces of the former tapas restaurant that inhabited the space for years. Beer is the primary spirit, but they stock enough bourbon to satisfy most tastes.
Stout would be a great spot for a casual date, an office happy hour, or the next time you crave a really great burger.
Thanks so much to Stout for the great food and lovely dining experience! I did receive a complementary meal in exchange for a review; all opinions are my own.
Original Makers Club Supper + Shoot
A lovely summer dinner party at Louisville's Ashbourne Farms!
Last night, my beau and I drove out to Ashbourne Farms for the Original Makers Club Summer Supper + Shoot.
It was a perfect summer night, the farm was unbelievably beautiful, and, as always, the Original Makers Club made sure that every detail was perfect.
From the Alumninous Airstream Trailer appointed with Kentucky Flags (both Official and Kick-Ass)
to locally-brewed Gents Ginger Ale, local brands were well-represented.
Lexington-based equestrian clothier Bob Mickler's even had my Christmas wishlist on display! (Ha! But seriously, Santa, I do love Barbour!)
I'm pretty sure that the Kentucky Statutes require all outdoor gatherings to include a cornhole board!
It was a gorgeous night, and the OMC did it up right with cocktails, music,
a farm-to-table dinner...
And did I mention that there was skeet shooting? Seriously, so. much. fun!!
Thanks so much to Original Makers Club for a charming Sunday night fête! (And thanks to my beau, Bob Fleu, for the fun photos of me!)
National Ice Cream Day
Quirky, ridiculous gear for people who REALLY love ice cream.
Happy National Ice Cream Day, y'all!
I assume y'all have your favorite scoop staked out for today's celebration; if you don't, here are some of our recommendations for Kentucky's best. Since it's too hot to do much of anything else, I thought it would be fun to dig up some of the cutest and most ridiculous ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day!
If you have money to burn, or if ice cream is REALLY important to you, you could scoop up (see what I did there?) this vintage Chanel silk sundress.
This one from ModCloth is a little more budget friendly, retro, and kind of really adorable.
This cone-themed bikini is insane. And yet, it kind of works.
If you wanted to take it a little more subtle, this Alex & Ani bracelet is a good choice.
Or, you could just keep your love of ice cream confined to your serving ware. These Anthropologie serving bowls are quirky and fun.
Whether you choose to display your love for America's favorite summertime treat in big ways or small, we hope you have a great Ice Cream Day!
Shop The Look: National Ice Cream Day
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The 5 Best Ice Creams in Kentucky
Tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day, and HerKentucky has picked out the absolute best scoops for you!
5. Louisville Cream, Louisville. This brand-new food truck and catering service offers unique small-batch gourmet flavors in creative flavors like cayenne honey butter and salted chocolate brie served in pretzel cones. My personal favorite is the coffee ice cream made with locally-roasted Sunergos. A pint of the month subscription service is up and running; look for a brick and mortar store and grocery store offerings soon!
Seelbach Pie ice cream, Graeter's. The most Kentucky thing ever.
4. Crisp's Dairy Treat, Ashland. If you're in the mood for soft-serve from an old-school drive-up stand, then you should get to Crisp's ASAP. I love their Tangerine Twist!
Crisp's Dairy Treat Tangerine Twist
3. The Comfy Cow, Louisville area. The Comfy Cow isn't just an ice cream shop; it's an experience. It's a Louisville-area tradition, made with carefully-sourced ingredients and a whole lot of care. Everyone should try their signature ice cream pies at least once! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at the Comfy Cow's Southern Indiana locations with a free waffle cone with purchase of any scoop and enter the Comfy Cow/ Delta Dental Instagram contest for a chance to win a $25 gift card to The Comfy Cow!
Ice Cream Pie, The Comfy Cow
2. Graeter's, throughout Kentucky and Ohio. I know, I know. It's a regional chain. But, hear me out. Everybody knows that Cincinnati, the home of Graeter's, is basically a suburb of Northern Kentucky. The Graeter's brand dates back to 1870; their first franchised store opened in Kentucky in 1984, and Kentuckians have been obsessed with the dense creamy, French Pot-style ice cream ever since. Ashley Judd and George Clooney are well-known fans, as is Cincy native Sarah Jessica Parker, who famously has Graeter's pints flown in to her movie sets to introduce her co-workers to the amazing brand! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with $1.45 scoops at Graeter's stores tomorrow (marking the 145 years the chain has been in business), or with buy one, get one free pints at Fresh Market grocery stores.
St Matthews Graeter's, Louisville
1. Crank & Boom, Lexington. This Lexington craft ice cream favorite has quickly transitioned from food truck to brick and mortar store due to their commitment to quality and cult following. Unique flavors and a commitment to the Lexington community are just a few reasons to try this silky, rich, delicious ice cream. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Crank and Boom at Burgers & Beats at Wallace Station in Midway, benefitting Glean KY.
An assortment of Crank & Boom flavors
Happy Ice Cream Day, y'all! Who makes your favorite scoop?
Five Ways Kentucky Can Inspire You Today!
Have y'all heard of Creative Mornings? It's a monthly lecture series geared toward creative people. Here in Louisville, we're headed into our seventh month of CM meetings, which offer coffee and pastries from the best local shops, a chance to hang out with the movers and shakers of the local creative community, and an always-inspiring message. (Last month's event with the guys from Kentucky for Kentucky actually led me to go home, secure an internet domain, and get started on a business plan for an idea I've had in mind for a while now.) For creative folks across the Commonwealth, the Creative Mornings events are a regularly scheduled burst of inspiration. In fact, the theme of this month's CM talk is Inspiration.
Earlier this week, CM Louisville announced an Instagram contest where they asked their fans and friends to post a photo that symbolizes inspiration. Of course, I knew immediately what I'd say. Kentucky inspires me. Every. Single. Day.
This week, there's been a whole lot of bad news. I've been heartbroken by the stories coming in from Johnson County; there's just so much devastation and sadness back home that it just doesn't seem real. But, there are so many incredible people across the Bluegrass State who are putting so much good back into the world. Kentuckians are donating time and resources to provide immediate aid to Johnson County. And there are so many more ways that our fellow Kentuckians are making our Commonwealth a better place. Just in case you need a little reassurance that people -- especially your fellow Kentuckians -- are trying to do good things, here are five ways that Kentucky can inspire you today:
- Glean KY's Burgers & Beats, this Sunday at Wallace Station in Versailles. Glean KY makes use of a really simple, yet brilliant premise: the food that's being wasted at supermarkets, farms and farmers' markets can be collected and donated to food banks. Don't miss their annual fundraiser at Ouita Michel's charming Wallace Station restaurant, featuring live music, local ice cream, and more!
- My Kentucky Tee's Old Friends Campaign Tee. Our friends at My Kentucky Tee are so creative and fabulous. Now through Monday, July 20th, you can order this adorable t-shirt from My Kentucky Tee; $5 from every tee sold will go to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center. I love the idea that we can give back to the horses who bring us so much entertainment (and often big wins!) as they age! (Check out Love, Lexington for more information and gorgeous photos of Old Friends!)
- The Missing Animals of Flat Gap Flood Facebook Page: It's often an afterthought, but in the wake of major catastrophes like the floods in Johnson County, the pets who are fortunate enough to survive are often displaced or separated from their owners. It's awesome to see the lost and found communities springing up on social media to help offset this problem!
- Sundy Best Johnson County Benefit: Sundy Best is my hometown's favorite up-and-coming roots-country duo. They've played the Grand Ole Opry, but they'll always be Prestonsburg boys at heart. Next Wednesday, July 22nd, they're putting on a free benefit concert in Johnson County as a donation drive for those affected by flooding.
- The Abbey at Gethsemani: The Trappist Monastery in Nelson County served as the inspiration for Thomas Merton's classic memoir The Seven Storey Mountain. The oldest monastery continually operating in the United States, the Abbey sustains the simple, contemplative life of its inhabitants through farming efforts and the production of cheeses, fruitcakes, and fudge. A few days ago, Kentucky celebrated Summer Harvest Day; the Kentucky branch of the U.S. Postal Service celebrated this occasion at the Abbey at Gethsemani while presenting the USPS's Summer Harvest Forever Stamp. When I received a press release about this event, I was reminded of the interesting history of the Abbey and the ways that life at the monastery inspired Mr. Merton.
What's inspiring y'all today?
How You Can Help Johnson County!
Eastern Kentucky area impacted by severe flooding.
Earlier this week, Johnson County was impacted by severe flooding.
We're talking houses and cars being washed away. Two people are confirmed dead; several more are still missing. And countless folks have lost everything. The stories from back home are simply heartbreaking.
For those of y'all who aren't quite sure where Johnson County is, it's in the heart of eastern Kentucky. It's where Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle spent their formative years. Richard Thomas (John Boy from the Waltons) has roots there. For basketball fans, you may recognize the names of hometown favorites John Pelphrey, J.R. Vanhoose, and Todd Tackett. And, on a personal note, it's home to a whole lot of my family and friends.
Van Lear, Miss Loretta's hometown, is in Johnson County!
It's going to take a long time to rebuild. This is an area where people aren't always food secure; it's hard to describe the ways that a catastrophe impacts an area that is already economically fragile. Just trust me when I say that it's going to be really hard.
Here are some ways you can help:
The quickest and easiest is to visit Kentucky Brewed Tees before 3:30 EDT today to order this t-shirt. 100% of their proceeds will go to benefit recovery efforts. They've already raised over $1200! (The owners of KBT are based in Johnson County, and I can personally vouch for the fact that your funds will be handled responsibly!)
If you're local to Eastern Kentucky, stop by the Paintsville or Pikeville Food City and donate non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, or toiletries. If you're in Floyd County, you can also stop by Parkview Pharmacy in Minnie to drop off supplies.
The needs are immediate. Right now, Johnson County natives are looking for the most basic items. There will be a time when clothing and permanent shelter are needed, but these are the items that are currently needed. Johnson Central High School is serving as an immediate crisis center.
If you'd like to donate funds, you can contact the Johnson County Long-Term Recovery Group, which was formed a few years ago to address regrowth following the 2012 tornados that struck the same area. JCLTRG has an online donation page, and is conducting a radio donation drive on Paintsville's WSIP (98.9 FM) station this Saturday.
If you know someone who is impacted by the flooding:
Obviously, immediate shelter and provisions are the most important thing. However, we have seen some gracious offers of help (this will be updated as we hear more offers!)
- Duracell is bringing its Rapid Responder charging station to Johnson County. Follow them on Twitter for information about free batteries and mobile charging stations.
- If your photographs were damaged by floodwaters, Paula Goble Photography has offered to help restore them free of charge.
HerKentucky sends warm thoughts and deepest hopes for safety, peace, and resillance for our friends and family in Johnson County!
10 Things You Probably Didn't Know about Happy Chandler
Observing the 117th anniversary of Kentucky Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler's birth.
Albert Benjamin Chandler was born July 14, 1898 in Corydon, Kentucky. Three years later, Chandler's teenaged mother, Callie, fled the state, abandoning her husband Joseph and their young sons. Chandler worked his way through college and law school, going on to achieve memorable careers in both politics and sports. An ambitious and often polarizing figure in his chosen fields, Chandler never failed to show his deep love for the Bluegrass State. In honor of the inimitable Kentucky politician and perhaps the most famous singer of Kentucky's state song, here are 10 things you probably didn't know about Happy Chandler.
- Chandler earned his undergraduate degree at Transylvania College, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, captain of the football and basketball teams, and quarterback of the football team.
- At Transylvania, Chandler earned the nickname "Happy", because he was always jovial and pleasant.
- After earning a degree from Transylvania, Happy considered a career in professional baseball (he even threw a no-hitter in a development league game!), but chose instead to attend Harvard Law School.
- While matriculating at Harvard, he scouted the University's football team; many credit this intel as a factor in Centre College's famous 1921 victory over Harvard.
- After one year of Harvard education proved too financially draining, he completed his law degree at the University of Kentucky. Throughout law school, he worked as a high school baseball coach and a football scout and assistant coach for Centre College.
- Chandler's political career spanned over sixty years. He was named Chairman of the Woodford County Democratic Party in the 1920s, and master commissioner of the Woodford County Circuit Court in 1928.
- Happy served as the 44th (1935-1939) and 49th (1945-1951) Governor of Kentucky and the 2nd Commissioner of Baseball (1945-51). Innovations attributed to his terms included a free textbook program, participation in the federal rural electrification program, establishment of a teachers' retirement system and an old-age assistance program, and the start of a special rural roads program
- As Baseball Commissioner, Happy approved the Brooklyn Dodgers' contract with Jackie Robinson, paving the way for African-American players in baseball.
- Other jobs held by Chandler included newspaper publisher, Senator, and Commissioner of the Continental Football League.
- Chandler was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Man of the Year by both The Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky Broadcasting Association, and was the longest-living Kentucky governor.
Here's to Happy on the 117th anniversary of his birth! He wasn't always right, but he always loved the Commonwealth!