As a Food Network addict (seriously, I’ve got it bad), I find this to be pretty outstanding:  The Louisville Kentucky restaurant Cake Flour will be featured on an upcoming episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  The flourless chocolate cake at Cake Flour will be highlighted on a September episode.

Chef Aaron Sanchez taped the segment at Cake Flour, 909 E. Market St., in July.

Cake Flour owner Claudia DeLatorre told the Courier Journal that she was skeptical at first. “I didn’t really believe it was the Food Network when they called and said they wanted to feature my cake. But when they started talking about scheduling, I knew they were for real!”

Visit Cake Flour’s Website to learn more about the Restaurant and their culinary mission!

My husband and I were in the Land Between the Lakes region around lunchtime recently and we knew exactly where we wanted to eat: Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky. We’ve been there for supper numerous times but had never had the opportunity to have lunch with them.

Opportunity knocked and we answered with fork in hand.

When our server asked what we’d like to order, my husband told her that we we’re thinking about ordering a little bit of everything.

And then we did.

First of all, we hadn’t had lunch at Main Street Java before, so we wanted to find out what several different menu items were like. Second of all, we were starving!

I ordered the California Pizza and it was love at first sight, even before I took my first bite. Fresh, premium ingredients (olive oil, spinach, artichoke, roasted red pepper, red onion, black olive, Italian seasoning, cheese) on flat bread pizza? Words can’t even describe how fresh, healthy, outstanding, and delicious this pizza is. You honestly have to make a point of driving to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky just for the California Pizza alone.

It’s unbelievable and it has been on my mind ever since.

My husband ordered chili and a panini. I couldn’t pull myself away from the California pizza to become very familiar with the panini but it looked amazing. The chili and I did get acquainted. In fact, I pulled it away from my husband with one swift ninja move.

The chili was super special – it had large meat chunks in it that were mind-blowingly delicious.

We also tried some of their outstanding Macaroni and Cheese with jalapeno peppers in it – their Macaroni and cheese isn’t just good, it’s beyond good.

It’s so good, in fact, that it comes with its own menu. You can add any of the following to the original Macaroni and cheese for just a tiny bit more:

• Bacon
• Asiago Cheese
• Tomato
• Red Onion
• Black Olives
• Bread Crumbs
• Red Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Jalapeno Pepper

Click the following link for Main Street Java’s menu.  Better yet, GO! You won’t regret a single bite.

For other Genuine Kentucky reviews of Main Street Java, see:

Main Street Java In Benton, Kentucky Home to the Best Steak in Kentucky – Possibly the World

Returning to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky!

We’re famous (oftentimes, it seems the world over) for the pride of Owensboro, Kentucky – Moonlite Barbecue. And for good reason! Moonlite does barbecue as well as barbecue can be done. The sides are extraordinary, too. I don’t think I could possibly love the potato salad any more than I do.

However, there are A LOT of wonderful places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky that are just as good as Moonlite Barbecue. In fact, we have several barbecue restaurants that’ll lead to many licked fingers and very happy faces. Below is a list of the best places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky. I’ve linked each to the appropriate website so you can check out the menu, the hours of operation, and (of course) the directions.

Naturally, we also have plenty of McDonald’s restaurants, Burger Kings, Wendy’s, Dairy Queens, Taco Bells, Waffle Houses, and KFC’s. Check each restaurant’s website for the locations of each in Owensboro. A few words of advice from a local: The best KFC is the one on Frederica (it’s excellent) and the best Taco Bell is on Parrish (always clean and neat as a pin). Each of our Wendy’s, Waffle Houses, Ritzy’s, Dairy Queens, McDonald’s, and Burger Kings are great.

Applebee’s – One of the best Applebee’s anywhere. Trust me, we’ve eaten at just about all of them.
5120 Frederica
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-3472

O’Charley’s – Delicious steak and unbelievable rolls.
5205 Frederica Street
Owensboro , KY 42301
(270) 686-8780

Chick Fil A
4000 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 975-4565

Texas Roadhouse
943 Mosely Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-0086

Old Hickory BBQ – Delicious barbecue! The barbecued ham is something I’ve fallen in love with, too – but I can’t “pull” myself away from their pulled pork very often. Really, really, good!
338 Washington Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301-5450
(270) 926-9000

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Famous for a reason. You can taste the excellence and it’s outstanding!
2840 West Parrish Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301
1-800-322-8989

Beef O’ Brady’s – Our oldest daughter Emily’s favorite place in town. Very warm and friendly servers and outstanding food.
3189 Fairview Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-4969

Bee Bops – Fun 50′s Diner (Downtown)
122A West 2nd Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 663-0623

Bob Evans - Fantastic meals with the home-cooked flavor that Bob Evans is famous for.
3123 Hwy-54
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 683-3515

Big Dipper – A “throwback” drive in/drive thru with the best hot dog in all of Kentucky… possibly the world. The burgers and BLT are also out of this world.
2820 W Parrish Ave
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4806

Buffalo Wild Wings – As locals, we just call it B-Dubs and we’re all completely obsessed with the killer wings and onion rings.
4736 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 686-7800

Culvers Butter Burgers and Frozen Custards
3020 Highland Pointe Drive
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 689-4040

Red Lobster – As good as it gets. The cheese bread, alone, is worth the trip.
3410 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-4044

Denny’s
4545 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-5488

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
5311 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4118

Panera Bread – Everything on the menu is outstanding and you wouldn’t believe how addicted I am to the iced green tea. Amazing!
4600 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7496
(270) 683-9033

El Toribio Authentic Mexican Restaurant – Gorgeous restaurant downtown, on the river. The food is excellent and you’ll definitely want to try the cheese dip – remarkable!
101 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-2040

Famous Bistro – Downtown restaurant that everyone loves to distraction. Big city taste – without the big city traffic or headaches!
102 W 2nd St
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 686-8202

Fazoli’s
5116 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-8767

Five Guys Burger and Fries
2660 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-7888

Fuji of Japan
4028 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-0046

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
1800 Carter Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-0584

Roca Bar Pizza
3030 Highland Point Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 684-8080

T.G.I. Friday’s – One of the best T.G.I. Friday’s in the state. They have some of the friendliest, most colorful servers you’ll ever have the fortune of meeting. And if you’ve never tried the Crispy Green Bean Fries (appetizer), you don’t know what you’re missing. Great, now I’ve given myself an intense craving…
5135 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7443
(270) 686-1910

Olive Garden - Gorgeous restaurant with excellent food and one of the best staffs in town.
5204 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-4848

Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant – You can read what I really think of this restaurant by clicking the link!
3500 Villa Pt
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9913

Pangea Cafe and Catering – The Asian Vegetable Wrap is a very close friend of mine. It has to be tasted to be believed – I honestly don’t think mere words could do it justice. Pangea Cafe is one in a million and you’ll love everything about it.
1320 CARTER RD.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-9824

Tokyo – Excellent Japanese food without the typical prices. We eat at Tokyo’s regularly and love it. We think of it as Japanese fast food.
3415 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-1020

Ole South Barbeque – Outstanding barbecue! The baked beans are also exceptional. I live in Owensboro and eat barbecue at Ole South Barbecue more than anyplace else.
3523 Hwy 54 E (across from Kohl’s)
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 926-6464

Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (Click the link for my review of Owensboro’s Real Hacienda Restaurants)
636 Southtown Blvd
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-5950

Shogun of Japan Steakhouse
5010 Wildcat Way
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9980

Hong Kong – My husband and I get “take out” from Hong Kong at least once a week. You can also eat in, which we occasionally. Outstanding food and plenty of it. The fried rice, Shrimp Lo Mein, Won Tons, and House Special Soup are a few favorites.
1650 Starlite Dr
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 852-7777

Tumbleweeds Southwest Grill
5257 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-4111

Pizza Hut
4127 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-0040

Sonic Drive-In
3107 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 688-5999

Starbucks in Owensboro

We have 3 Starbucks in Owensboro and I more than do my part to keep them all in business. Our main Starbucks is located at 5151 Frederica St. We also have a Starbucks in our beautiful Target on Frederica and in the Starlite Drive Kroger – a grocery store I, literally, shop in daily. Suffice to say mine is a face they are familiar with at this particular Starbucks.

Sushi Combo Giclee Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

One of my favorite places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky also happens to be one of my ALL TIME favorite restaurants. Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant is one in a billion.

The decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is so relaxing you never want to leave. The staff at Ninki’s is one of the most friendly and helpful staffs in any restaurant I’ve ever visited. Everyone is totally and completely on their toes.

As for the food.. well, it’s just out of this world, that’s all. The edamame is something I enjoy every single time I dine at Ninki’s (which, let’s be honest, is quite often). If you’ve never tried edamame, give it a try when you visit Ninki’s. Addictive!

If the weather’s a little on the cool side, I have a bowl of their extraordinary Clear Soup (more about this VERY special soup in a minute). If the weather’s warm (and I don’t succumb to ordering the soup anyway!), I go with a salad. The dressing has this delicious, exotic flavor that you WILL NOT find anywhere else.

I’ve looked.

Another menu item I consistently order is the Kentucky Sushi Roll – my favorite of their many, many Sushi Rolls. Ninki’s has the most beautiful and delicious Sushi Rolls anywhere. What’s more, the price is a lot lower than you’d expect. Truth be told, everything at Ninki’s is lower than most Japanese restaurants. Japanese restaurants often have a reputation for flattening your wallet and making your purse tremble. Ninki’s is the exception.

I also order the fried rice whenever i go – it’s ridiculously good. They offer an exceptional, tangy “Yum Yum” sauce that simply makes time stand still.

I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve gotten at Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant in Owensboro. Even their tea is amazing!

Now. Back to the Clear Soup. It’s one of the most inexpensive things you can get in any restaurant but it’s so full of flavor that it boggles the mind.

Here’s the thing: I cook a great deal. Love cooking! I even have a food blog where I celebrate this favorite pastime. I have, over the years, achieved a great knack for tasting food served in restaurants and, then, being able to recreate the dish at home. Ninki’s Clear Soup has me stumped. I’ve tried COUNTLESS times to come up with a soup even close to their Clear Soup, but it simply can’t be done.

I’ve deduced that they have a large sack of magic in their kitchen and that magic is the secret ingredient.

Well played, Ninki’s. Well played.

My family members know that:

1. If anyone is going to Ninki’s, they must, first of all, give me the opportunity to accompany them.  If for some reason I can’t go (flu, ice storm, bronchitis, broken ankle..) they know the drill:
2. They must bring me a large container of Clear Soup.  If they fail to do so, I’ll cry for days.  True story.

Ninki’s Sushi Rolls, Fried Rice, Hibachi grill, salad, steak, chicken, Clear Soup, edamame, tea, and service are all extraordinary and you MUST treat yourself to the experience.  It may be your first time but I guarantee it won’t be your last.

I might just see you there.

What you need to know:

Ninki’s Japanese Steakhouse is located at 3500 Villa Pt Ste 103.

Directions: Go out Highway 54, past Walgreen’s and just past Kohl’s.  Ninki’s is located next to the old Quizzno’s (miss them…sigh). Map.

Phone: (270) 685-9913

The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky

We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog.  They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.

Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky

While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.

Big mistake.  The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about.  Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky.  If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened.  A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

See, mom, I was paying attention.

Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig.  Trust me.  We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best.  The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.

I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal):  You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.  The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming.  It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.

Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?

• The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be.  Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
• In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better.  The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better.  Maybe more than a little.
• The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission.  They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests.  The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum.  They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop.  They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding.  I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
• Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
• Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes.  It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
• The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
• Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
• Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat.  I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes.  Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.

Kenlake State Resort Park

Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay.  Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.

The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever.  When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”

This, I promise.

Great food and Bluegrass music? Come on, does it get any better?!

Kings Highway and Men of the Week will be performing in Owensboro on October 24th. Each of these bands is currently playing at the Jerusalem Bluegrass Celebration in Rosine.

Kings highway (pictured above) is a band from Henderson Ky, Men of the week (pictured below) hails from the home of the next World Series champions (from my lips to God’s ears, hopefully!) St. Louis Cardinals, St Louis Missouri. (www.myspace.com/menoftheweek)

Both bands are closely followed in the Kentuckiana area, playing festivals in Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro, Louisville as well as performances in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri , Ky, Georgia ,Florida and Tennessee. Men of the week are currently performing at IBMA music showcase in Nashville, Tennessee.

These bands will start performing at 5pm Saturday Oct 24th outdoors at Reds Fish House in Owensboro, Kentucky.

From an e-mail sent to me by Reds Fish House: This is the second performance Kings Highway has done at Reds Fish House, By request from all our friends that enjoyed the first performance Reds Fish House will have this as an annual event for the Owensboro community

Reds will be serving dinner, our own fried fish meals as well as a louisiann crawfish boil ,during the performances, making this a fun night of entertainment and dinner for the Owensboro community. Admittance for both shows and dinner will be $25.00

This event will be an outdoor event seating is not available so attendees will want to bring their lawn chairs. Space is limited reservations are highly suggested in advance, Reservations can be made thru our comment page on Reds fish house web page, www.redsfishhouse.com

Reds Fish House is located at 7056 Highway 56.  For directions, see the website.

If you love authentic Mexican cuisine like I do, you have to visit one of (or both!) the Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurants in Owensboro, Kentucky.  The complimentary salsa and chips keep you joyfully satisfied while you wait for your food – which never takes too long.

My daughters Brittany and Stephany and I simply can’t get enough when it comes to Mexican food – so the workers at the Real Hacienda’s know us on sight.  They’re always extremely friendly and happy to see you.  The waiters cut up and joke with us.  Their friendliness adds  to the entire experience.  They’re always happy, having fun, and treat you like a welcomed guest.

As for the food, can you say, “Heavenly“?!  When we go for lunch, I alternate between the Grilled Chicken hard shell taco, the Bean Burrito, and the Chalupa.  They’re always fantastic and I always get a side of rice or refried beans with my meal.  We often get a side of Pico de Gallo and/or guacamole as well.

For supper, I have a complete, unapologetic fixation on Pollo Loco – so I don’t venture too far from that.  The chicken is always perfect.

When you go, you’ll want to order a side of the best cheese dip in the whole state.  It’s heavenly with the warm complimentary tortilla chips they serve you and, if you have any left, it’s also beyond spectacular on a taco, burrito, or rice.

As if perfect food and friendly workers weren’t enough, the prices are completely reasonable AND the decor is so beautifully charming, you won’t be able to quit looking around.

Oh! Did I mention the Fried Ice Cream?!  No??? Probably because I want to keep it all to myself.

Real Hacienda’s Owensboro Locations:

• 3118 Alvey Park D (Off of Highway 54)

• 636 Southtown Blvd (Near Staples and the Frederica Street Wal-Mart)

This warms the heart, feeds the spirit, and makes you want to make haste to your nearest KFC.

At a KFC in Louisville, Ky. (KFC’s hometown), Tuesday afternoon, the restaurant closed its doors to the public for two hours. It was for a very, very good cause.

This KFC became a “World Hunger Relief Kitchen” for two hours. Employees served Kentucky Grilled Chicken meals to about 110 residents from local shelters.. It was the first of several closings planned around the country for the 15,000-restaurant chain.

The event kicked off the company’s fund-raising and awareness-raising activities with World Hunger Relief, including fundraisers, food drives and car washes at KFC locations around the country.

The Press Release:
September 29, 2009
KFC TO CLOSE RESTAURANTS COAST TO COAST

World’s Largest Chicken Chain Closes Restaurants to Help Raise Money and Awareness for Issue of Global Hunger

Brand Converts Stores into Noontime “World Hunger Relief Kitchens”

LOUISVILLE, KY – KFC is closing restaurants across the country for a good cause as the company feeds those most in need, for free. Today’s closing of a KFC restaurant in the brand’s hometown of Louisville, Ky., is the first of several temporary closures that will convert the restaurants into “World Hunger Relief Kitchens” during the lunch rush. The closures kick off KFC’s World Hunger Relief fund- and awareness-raising activities, which will take place through the end of October.

Employees of each closed store will help serve free Kentucky Grilled Chicken™ meals to hundreds of residents from area shelters. The store closings are aimed at not only feeding the hungry but also raising awareness for fundraising efforts which will take place over the next several weeks. From Philly to Portland, KFCs across the country will be collecting donations for World Hunger Relief now through the end of the October. The restaurants will hold food drives, host car washes and work with local political leaders and celebrities to raise funds and awareness for the issue of global hunger.

Global hunger has reached epic proportions this year – with more than 1 billion hungry people around the world – due to the convergence of the global economic slowdown; high food prices; increased competition for products that produce energy; severe droughts and floods due to climate change; and increasing demand from growing economies in Asia and South America.

“While KFC feeds the hungry every day, closing restaurants is a bold step in helping to raise money and awareness of world hunger,” explained KFC President Roger Eaton.

“From employees to customers, KFC is passionate about motivating and educating everyone who is in a position to help the more than one billion undernourished people in the world today.”

Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), the world’s largest restaurant company and parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, is launching its annual World Hunger Relief campaign to help stop world hunger. World Hunger Relief is the world’s largest private sector hunger relief effort, spanning 110 countries, 36,000 restaurants and over one million employees, to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies.

Since Yum! Brands and KFC’s World Hunger Relief efforts launched in 2007, more than a million of the company’s employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than nine million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide. The effort has raised $36 million for the World Food Programme and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide approximately 160 million meals and save the lives of about four million people in remote corners of the world.

Yum! and its brands have been fighting hunger for more than a decade by donating over $46 million of prepared food annually to the underprivileged in the United States. Since the company went public in 1997, it has donated more than $550 million of its food to hunger relief agencies in the U.S.

For more information about KFC’s commitment to World Hunger Relief, visit www.KFC.com or www.fromhungertohope.com.

About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., is the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain specializing in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy®, Kentucky Grilled Chicken™ and Original Recipe Strips with home-style sides, Honey BBQ Wings, and freshly made chicken sandwiches. There are more than 15,000 KFC outlets in 109 countries and territories around the world serving some 12 million customers each day. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM.) For more information, visit www.kfc.com.

Well, I know where I’m having lunch.  How about you? I love to support businesses that try to make the world a better place for everyone.

I just got back from my favorite grocery store (Kroger on West Parrish – I’m in there every day).  I went with the intention of getting things that I need to make a few white pizzas for lunch.  Everything went as planned until I came out of the store and was hit head on with a Heavenly aroma.

Naturally, my head and body followed where my nose led and we all ended up at a grill and table that were set up in front of Kroger.  A few of the friendliest guys you could hope to meet were grilling cheeseburgers, hamburgers and bratwurst and doing it like it was meant to be done.  I grabbed a few cheeseburgers and told the pizzas they’d have to wait.

When I got home, my husband was still sleeping, but I went ahead and ate my cheeseburger.  As a young Shirley Timple would have said,  OH – MY -  DOODNESS!  It was so delicious I just got lost in it for a few minutes.  Then I began to eye the husband’s.  Normally, I never finish my own burger.  My husband has to end up leaving the bites I leave behind.  But this time was a whole different game.  Not only did I finish mine, his was in danger.

Actually, his is still in danger because I sat right down to tell you about these guys and their amazing food.  The husband’s cheeseburger is sitting seductively on the kitchen counter – wrapped in foil marked with a big CB.  I see it.  It sees me.  It’s a battle of wills and I never claimed to have a strong one.

These guys will have their stand of deliciousness set up every weekend in front of the Kroger on West Parrish in Owensboro.  They told me that yesterday (the one day in, like, five years I didn’t go to Kroger) they had baby back ribs and sold out fast.  Holy cats.  I’m grieving over that one – but I know something that’ll make me feel better… and it’s still looking at me.

It’s kind of funny – they did the impossible.  Infamous Moonlite BBQ is located within walking distance of Kroger, and its aromas are intoxicating.  These guys out-aroma-ed Moonlite.

You have to check them out – great food, friendly smiles, and prices where we need for them to be:  Well within reach.

As an established part of southern culture but with regional flare and famous hospitality, Kentucky has more than its share of renowned eateries and accomplished chefs. For starters, several long-established restaurants have a history for great Kentucky dishes that have visitors and natives alike scrambling for more.

Here, to whet your appetite, are thumbnail sketches of seven well-known dining spots that are part of the Bluegrass State’s culinary traditions.

Boone Tavern

100 Main St. N
Berea, KY 40403
800-366-9358
www.boonetavernhotel.com/

The Tavern, naturally named for Daniel, celebrated its 100th anniversary in March and continues to provide guests with traditional and creative southern cuisine. Their signature “Chicken Flakes in a Bird’s Nest”— a rich, creamy dish served in a nest of crispy potatoes — and the much-loved, melt-in-your-mouth spoon bread served piping hot, maintain prominent positions on the menu. The restaurant is part of the hotel that was originally built to accommodate visitors to internationally famous Berea College. Berea students have always played a big role in Boone Tavern, which was constructed from bricks made by students and built by the college’s Woodwork Department. Nowadays don’t be surprised if you are served by friendly and courteous students in the dining room. The college provides a tuition-free education in exchange for student’s work at the Tavern and other venues. For more information about the charming Appalachian foothills town of Berea, visit www.berea.com/.

Doe Run Inn – Brandenburg, Kentucky

Doe Run Inn

500 Doe Run Hotel Rd.
Brandenburg, KY 40108
270-422-2982
www.doeruninn.com/

Doe Run Inn’s menu includes lots of Southern fare like fried chicken, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and country ham balls with lots of sides from which to choose. Sundays feature an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a wide range of “comfort food”. Constructed around 1780 as a mill near Doe Run Creek, Thomas Lincoln, father of our 16th President, is recorded as a stone mason for the structure. Over the years, the inn has been a family resort, and when the restaurant was begun in the late 1940’s the name was changed to Doe Run Hotel. About a decade later, owners dubbed it Doe Run Inn. It’s now owned by Jim and Opal Greer. Find out more about Brandenburg at www.visitmeadecounty.org/.   (Click HERE for a downloadable menu.)

English Grill

The Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-1234
www.brownhotel.com/dining

The English Grill is a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant in the heart of downtown Louisville that features an eclectic menu ranging from grilled to perfection beef rib eye steak to curry marinated seared tofu —all grounded in Kentucky-based cuisine.

Hailed as the best restaurant in Louisville by a member of the food press, this is where the famous “Hot Brown” open-faced sandwich of turkey, bacon, and tomatoes smothered with a béchamel cheese sauce originated decades ago.

An extensive wine list includes more than 200 selections. Business casual attire is highly encouraged in a historic setting that is warmed by wooden pillars and stained glass windows. Cell phones are not permitted.

For more information about Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com/.

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

1002 W. Dixie Hwy.
Corbin, KY
606-528-2163
www.corbinkentucky.us/sanderscafe.htm

Order up your favorites at the site where Kentucky Fried Chicken icon Colonel Harland Sanders began perfecting his recipe and preparation technique for his world famous chicken in 1930.

By 1937, the Colonel had built Sanders’ Café in Corbin after discovering that the fried chicken on his menu, coated with his secret eleven herbs and spices, was the most popular selection. His franchise business soared to 200 restaurants in the 1950’s when the finger lickin’ good chicken began its journey to becoming an American icon.

While in Corbin, visit the museum that tells the history of the chain, and inspect the original kitchen and a recreation of a lodging room that was part of the early business.

Check www.corbinkytourism.com/ for more information.

Oakroom

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
500 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202-2518
502-585-3200
www.seelbachhilton.com/

The Oakroom at the historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel takes a New American approach to innovative cuisine that is presented with excellent service.

Classic ethnic cuisine gets a modern interpretation with ingredients that are naturally grown or raised and then infused with Mediterranean, Asian and European influences.

Kentucky’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant for 11 consecutive years, the Oakroom supports local farmers and preserves the best of the region’s food traditions. Guests experience world class dining as a keystone to enjoyment, culture and community.

Presidents, celebrities and even gangster Al Capone frequented the Oakroom over the years since the Seelbach opened in 1905. See www.gotolouisville.com/ for more information about Louisville attractions and events.

Old Stone Inn

6905 Shelbyville Road
Simpsonville, KY 40067
502-722-8200
www.old-stone-inn.com

At Old Stone Inn between Shelbyville and Louisville, pore over an extensive and taste-tempting menu with choices that range from bourbon barrel pork chops to pasta with pesto. Dine in a beautiful historic setting where attentive service is combined with polished, traditional Southern preparation. Construction of the inn is thought to have been completed in 1817, and since that time the inn has served as a stagecoach stop, tavern, residence and since the 1920s, a restaurant. Said to be one of Shelby County’s oldest continuously occupied buildings, Old Stone Inn is listed as a national historic landmark and has a long list of famous visitors including former President Andrew Jackson. www.shelbyvilleky.com/ has more information about the area.

Old Talbott Tavern

107 West Stephen Foster
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-3494
www.talbotts.com/

Favorites like savory burgoo, fried-to-perfection catfish and slow-simmered pot roast are consistent choices at Old Talbott Tavern, said to be the oldest western stagecoach stop in America. Since the late 1700s the Old Talbott Tavern has served travelers with food, beverage and shelter. Filled with legend and lore, the tavern is located downtown on Bardstown’s old courthouse circle. Special lunch and dinner menus are available for large groups and parties including tour groups. Stay overnight at the bed and breakfast. Information about Bardstown’s other attractions is available at www.visitbardstown.com/.

Other Kentucky historic restaurants operating since the 19th century include Wolf’s Restaurant & Tavern in Henderson and Bianke’s Restaurant in Cynthiana.

The Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site lists scores of dining establishments throughout the state at www.kytourism.com/thingstodo/dininginterests.htm. Make a point to stop for taste-tempting selections at signature restaurants throughout the Bluegrass State. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, the experience of dining at any of these historic and flavorful locations will leave you wanting more.