what's in season | April

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring!  This winter has been especially cold, snowy, and gray.

{picture from last year}

I have a feeling that my mom and I will start heading to the farmer's market this month.  If nothing else, to see some green since everyone will be selling seedlings and small plants.

Although not much is in season here in Kentucky, there are a few items:

Asparagus (late April)
Greens (late April)
Radishes (late April)

I have some asparagus recipes in mind because it's one of my favorite vegetables!  May adds a few more to the list, but local produce will pick up with June.

Will you be planting or heading to the market this month?

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about the town | Ramsey's Diners

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but I have eaten at so many fantastic local places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I go back more than once, you know, for research purposes.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

To me, Ramsey's diners are a cross between Cracker Barrel and a hometown diner.  I love to eat here when I am feeling in a vegetable mood because their dinner platters are well priced at $15 for an entree and three sides, and they are always delicious!  You can also get just vegetables for $10.  I can't pick between the pot roast, meatloaf, buffalo fried chicken, and blackened fried catfish.  Don't even ask about my favorite vegetables because they are all so good!

Ramsey's has been around Lexington for about 25 years, and the best part?  They support local farmers in the summer by buying produce and using it at their multiple locations.  To check out their menus, head to their website.  Below are some pictures from my recent visit!

 {Location in Andover shopping strip}

 {Cucumber Basil Lemonade (alcoholic), dinner of fried buffalo chicken and veggies, and logo}

What are your hometown favorites Lexington?


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What's in Season | September

One of the new series that I wanted to start doing was a look at what's in season by month.  I know that I am always asking and looking for what's in season in Kentucky so this can help you when you shop at your local farmer's markets!

{Lexington Farmer's Market in Cheapside Park}

This list is not inclusive, and every year is different.  I would talk to farmers to see when these items will be ready if you are looking for specific items.  However, the following produce should be available from Kentucky farmers in September:

Apples
Beans (until mid-September)
Beets
Blackberries
Brussel Sprouts
Cantaloupe (until mid-September)
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers (although I had a hard time finding any because farmers said they dried up in this heat)
Eggplant
Grapes
Greens
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Okra (until mid-September)
Onions (white)
Pawpaws (if you've never had one--try it!  Pawpaws are native to KY)
Peas
Peppers
Plums (until mid-September)
Potatoes
Pumpkins (will start late September, and I CANNOT WAIT!)
Radishes (late September)
Raspberries
Sorghum
Squash (summer and winter)
Tomatoes
Turnips (late September)
Watermelon

I've already been eating local apples, and let me tell you, The Hubby and I are hooked!  I get a different type every time, and he always says, can you get those green ones again?  (Which green ones?!)  I always grab peppers, onions, and tomatoes.  I haven't seen Brussel sprouts, berries, plums, or pawpaws around the market, but the squashes are definitely coming in! 

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Crank and Boom

Originally posted on HerKentucky.com!

For National Ice Cream Month, I decided to check out a local ice creamery that popped up at the Farmer's Market over the last year or so.  Its name is Crank and Boom.  The owner, Toa Green, is the daughter of another famous Lexington restaurant couple (Taste of Thai which I have been eyeballing for a while to try out), and she grew up here in the beautiful Bluegrass state!
 

 {Crank and Boom stand at the Farmer's Market}

I try to be VERY picky about what I eat.  I rarely buy anything pre-made or pre-packaged from the store to avoid preservatives and other unnatural chemicals added to food.  That is a HUGE reason I was so drawn to this ice cream.  Crank and Boom makes their ice cream with simple ingredients--milk, cream, sugar, and other natural flavorings.  No preservatives!  You do pay for it in the price ($8 at farmer's market or $9.27 at Hamburg Liquor Barn), but I am a firm believer in quality over quantity (and supporting locals!).  I selected five flavors to test: chocolate fudge brownie, dark chocolate truffle, vanilla, coffee stout, and blackberry and buttermilk.  I also tried the bourbon honey and at the farmer's market (they didn't have pints for sale when I went to the store!).

Now on to what you are here for--the review!

 {The hubby and I had a blast trying these out!}

Coffee Stout--A spoonful of this is like taking a shot of espresso!  WOW!!!  I've had coffee flavored ice cream before, and this ice cream blew them out of the water.  If you love coffee, this is definitely one for you.  My mom also loved this the best, and she loves herself a great cup of coffee!

Dark Chocolate Truffle--Being a chocolate lover, I found this chocolate ice cream delicious!  It has a ribbon of chocolate throughout that is crunchy when you bite into it making it an extra little chocolate surprise. 

KY Blackberry and Buttermilk--Although this sounds completely strange, it was fantastic!  This ice cream has sweetness from the blackberries but tang from the buttermilk.  It's light and refreshing which I prefer in my desserts!

Bourbon and Honey-- WOW!  This has a definite bourbon kick with none of the alcohol effects.  Crank and Boom use Buffalo Trace bourbon in this delicious ice cream!  It's got the hint of bourbon with the sweetness of honey, and I can't lie when I say I bought peaches just to grill them and have them with this ice cream (it was FABULOUS if you are wondering!)!!!

Vanilla Bean--My philosophy is that if you can't get the basics right, then there is little hope for the rest of the line.  This vanilla was the perfect vanilla--light and refreshing with just a slight sweetness.

Chocolate Fudge Brownie--It's flavor is only slightly chocolatey compared with the dark chocolate truffle.  In it's defense, it's made with milk chocolate not dark chocolate.  After further digging (more than the picture above) the brownie bits did make up for the lack in chocolate flavor.  The hubby said that maybe we got the last of a batch or something. 

The hubby and I ranked them according to our preferences, and the results are below:

Hubby

1. Coffee Stout
2. Dark Chocolate Truffle
3. Bourbon and Honey
4. KY Blackberry and Buttermilk
5. Vanilla Bean
6. Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Mine

1. KY Blackberry and Buttermilk/Bourbon and Honey
2. The rest--what can I say?  I LOVE ICE CREAM!!!!!  Sometimes I'm in a dark chocolate mood and others a vanilla mood--as long as it's good ice cream, I don't care!

Overall, I would highly recommend this ice cream company to my fellow Lexington dwellers!  For me, a few bites satisfied because the flavor is so intense and delicious.  I can't wait to try some of their other flavors like coconut and strawberry!  It'll be my ice cream of choice from now on!

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About the Town: Saul Good

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but I have eaten at so many fantastic local places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I go back more than once, you know, for research purposes.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

I hit it big last week, not just going to one favorite local place, but two!  Last week, I talked about Bourbon n' Toulouse, and this week, I'm all about Saul Good.

Saul Good is locally owned and operated pub that just grew to a third location!  I've only been to the one on Nicholasville Rd and in Hamburg.  The decor is gorgeous, and the food is divine!

 {Saul Good in Hamburg}

 {Lettuce Wraps}

 {Pear Sangria}

{Rosemary Chicken Pizza}

Saul Good has a rotating menu which seems to change every 3-4 months.  However, items like their Chicken and Waffles, Buffalo Chicken, and pizzas seem to stay (which is good because I love them!).  I've been several times, and I have always ordered something different and loved the food.  The service is phenomenal!  A manager ALWAYS comes by to check on you.  They have a decent happy hour and seasonal drinks too!  I've even had their Nutella Hot Chocolate Cake (delicious!).  My mom is obsessed with their shoestring fries.

If you are looking for a good place to eat, head over to Saul Good's!

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About the Town: Bourbon n' Toulouse

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but I have eaten at so many fantastic local places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I go back more than once, you know, for research purposes.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

You know those local hole-in-the-wall joints?  That's where you will find me!  I love eating local, and I haven't done an About the Town in a while (in fact not at all in 2014!).  So here we go!

My mom took me here after a friend of hers who hails from Mississippi (and makes a mean gumbo!) goes to Bourbon n' Toulouse when he is homesick because it's good Cajun/Creole food.  Wouldn't you know it?....  The food is delicious!  In fact, they have a Cajun Garlic Bread that I replicated because it was so delicious!

 {Front door and sign}

So to the food!  I've had several different dishes, but my favorite it the Black Bean with Cajun Sausage.  I always get a 1/2 and 1/2 order with my favorite and another to try.  I've never been disappointed!  Not only that, but you get the food in no time.  I think the longest I had to wait was 5 minutes because they were making more garlic bread.

{Menu board}

Bourbon n' Toulouse offer several gluten free and vegetarian options too.

 {Black beans and Cajun sausage}

 {Red beans and rice}

Just so you know, those are half orders pictured above.  It's a large amount of food for a great price!

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Thanksgiving Food for Thought

Today is all about gratitude and giving thanks.  So today's Food for Thought is about gratitude!

 {Very large and old tree at McConnell Springs}

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

~Melody Beattie

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

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About the Town: Sutton's Restaurant

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but this year has been an exception.  I have eaten at so many fantastic places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!** 

With my brother in town, we have been hitting all our favorite places to eat which gives me an opportunity to share many more of my favorites with you guys like Sutton's!  I first ate here for a murder mystery dinner, and I have been hooked ever since!  I have not had one bad meal here--ever.  I try to get different dishes here whenever I visit, and this time did not disappoint!

 

{Bourbon barrel burger}

 

{Mediterranean Pasta with Chicken}

 

{Chicken Diavolo}

 

{Bread pudding}

In addition to the meals pictured here, we have had the Garlic Chicken Pizza and Hot Brown Pizza.  Guys---WOW that Hot Brown Pizza is PHENOMENAL!!!!  The table beside us ordered one, and I almost asked if I could snap a quick picture, but I refrained myself.  And the bread pudding--no words!  DIVINE!!!  I have never had any better, and I want the recipe so badly!

The restaurant is owned by a local family, and the owners come out and talk to their patrons.  In fact, it was at the owner's urging that we try the bread pudding!  They have fantastic specials and happy hour deals so please go see them!

For more information including menus, please visit their website at www.suttonsrestaurant.com.

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About the Town: Le Matin French Bakery

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but this year has been an exception.  I have eaten at so many fantastic places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

It's no secret--I have a soft spot for desserts and good food in general.  When I stumbled across this little bakery and tasted their desserts, they made a customer for life!  I go about once a month for coffee and cake.  My mom and I went the other week, and I figured that I would share.

 

{Neighborhood bakery}

 

{This is the dessert display.  They also have a display with cookies and croissants.  They make bread, and you can place orders for breads/desserts}

{Blackberry Pear Tart (left) and Strawberry Tart (right)}

They don't have an official website, but if you would like more information please visit their Facebook page.

They also serve a little lunch every day that they are open.  I haven't tried that--I can't get past their desserts!

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About the Town: Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but this year has been an exception.  I have eaten at so many fantastic places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

As I shared on my birthday, I love Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine.  Oasis was recommended to me by a friend from culinary school years ago (approximately 7 years ago).  Let's just say that I go there often enough that one of the waiters knows my order perfectly.  What can I say?  Great food and service!

 

{Oasis}

{Tabbouli (left), hummus (middle), and pita (right)}

 

{Mint iced tea}

{Chicken shwarma with garlic sauce on fattoush salad--my absolute favorite!!!!}

I've had several different meals from this restaurant.  My suggestion?  Get the Oasis Platter (it's a sampler) which will literally feed 4 people.  They also have a buffet lunch, which I also suggest, especially if you are new to Mediterranean cuisine.  It's got all the essentials: hummus, tabbouli, baba ghannouj, plus rotating main dishes, vegetable sides and soup.

Please visit their website for hours, the address, and full menu.  

PS--They do take-out!

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About the Town: Coba Cocina

**I know that I said that I don't go out to eat often, but this year has been an exception.  I have eaten at so many fantastic places (and been back more than once!) that I felt I needed to share with my fellow Lexingtonians!  So any time I go out to eat, and the food/service is great, I'll review it on here.  I am not paid for this, and all opinions are my own!**

I'm not too into Mexican food.  My mom never really made it, and I never really had it (you know--besides the Americanized taco).  I was introduced to Mexican food by a Mexican, and I fell in LOVE!!!  So when this new Mexican restaurant opened, called Coba Cocina, and with the lure of jellyfish, my family decided to give it a try.

{The entrance}

 

{The crowning glory--a beautiful jellyfish tank!} 

I have been three times in the last few months, and each time the food and service has been fabulous!  I do recommend you go at 'off' times (2-5 PM) because the room with the jellyfish is very open and gets loud especially with screaming children.

 

{The free chips with salsa and bean dip (I would come just for this!)}

 

{Mango lemonade (left) and strawberry lemonade (right)--the mango was our favorite}

 

{Enchilada platter--halfway through eating I remembered to take pictures... sorry!}

 

{Fajita Picante--again we were halfway through eating}

 

{Guacamole and Pico de Gallo}

 

{Excellent queso!}

The pictures are from my most recent visit, but I've had the Shrimp Ceviche Tropical, tried the Grilled Fish Tacos, tried the Fajitas, had the Tampico Platter, and margaritas (plus what's in the photos).  Excellent!  Delicious!  And the prices?  Even better!  The most expensive dishes runs from $19-$25 while most stay around $10-$15, and you get a TON of food!  The hubby, who is also not big on Mexican food, LOVES this place--guys, he picked it over pizza so his love is serious!

Have you been to this restaurant?  What did you think?

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