Flavors of Kentucky

The Jax is Lexington’s newest downtown restaurant to join Short Street’s entertainment district.
Owner Aimee Lovitz said the name originated from fond childhood memories of playing jacks with her grandmother. “With jacks, anyplace can become your playground,” Lovitz said.
The restaurant, lounge, and late night and events venue will feature “globally inspired, locally infused cuisine, cocktails and culture,” Lovitz said. Her brother, Brad, is general manager and Natalie Blake, a season nine contestant on Fox Hell’s Kitchen, is executive chef. Aimee Lovitz consulted with Wild Thyme owner Allison Davis to create a menu of dishes sourced with fresh, local ingredients.
Jax is at 101 West Short Street, at the corner of North Limestone and Short Street. Hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. Call (859) 721-2339.

Announcements

■ Fresh asparagus from Greenwood Farm in Versailles is on the menu at Ramsey’s Diners. Locations are 496 East High Street, 4053 Tates Creek Centre, 3090 Helmsdale Drive, and 4391 Harrodsburg Road. Go to Ramseysdiners.com.
■ Gold Star Chili, 350 Foreman Avenue, has reopened and offers an expanded menu that includes gourmet burgers and chicken sandwiches. The store will celebrate its re-opening with Customer Appreciation Day on June 5, offering Gold Star Chili’s signature 3-ways for $3. Call (859) 317-9240. Go to Goldstarchili.com.
■ Construction workers are at Parkette Drive-In but they’re not there for the Poor Boys. The crew is building a cover for the back patio and installing six garage doors around it. “The decor is going to be a retro ‘50s garage,” co-owner Randy Kaplan said. “With the addition, we’ll add more than 90 seats.” The remodeling should be completed by the end of June. Parkette is at 1230 East New Circle Road. Call (859) 254-8723 or go to Theparkette.com.

 Events

■ The seventh annual Kentucky Ale Brew-Off will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, 401 Cross Street. Home brewers will be brewing their craft on site as part of the Lexington Craft Beer Week celebration.
The winning brew will be scaled up to a single, commercial-sized batch by Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and sold on draft locally. The winner will also have his or her batch entered into the 2013 Pro-Am Competition at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
■ Chef Chris Eliopoulos is preparing an Ionian menu for Saturday’s monthly Greek dinner at Panagia Pantovasilissa Greek Orthodox Church, 920 Tates Creek Road. The dinner, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., features a choice of chicken in orange glaze, tilapia in spinach, or pork loin. Cost is $12. Call (859) 266-1921 or go to GreekDinner.com.
■ Staxx BBQ, 11 Carson Place in Frankfort, is celebrating its second anniversary with specials on Friday. Guests can buy any sandwich combo and receive a sandwich combo free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; buy a pound of pork and receive a pound of pork free from 2 to 5 p.m.; and buy two racks of ribs and receive a rack of ribs free from 5 to 9 p.m. Call (502) 352-2515 or go to Staxxbbq.com.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have spring greens, asparagus, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, baked goods, jams, herb seasoning, beer cheese, lamb, goat, veal, beef, pork, eggs, soaps, veggie plants on Saturday. The market is at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go to Bluegrassfarmersmarket.org.
■ The farmers market at Azur Restaurant in Beaumont Centre is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Lexington Farmers Market vendors will have lettuce, spinach, asparagus, arugula, kale, collards, sweet potatoes, and green garlic. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com for locations.

If you don’t want to cook at home for Easter, Central Kentucky restaurants are serving some special dishes for the holiday.
■ Alfalfa Restaurant, 141 East Main Street, will have brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The holiday menu includes country ham sliders with blackberry compote, shrimp and cheese grits, and banana granola griddle cakes. Call (859) 253-0014 or go to  Alfalfarestaurant.com.
■ Azur Restaurant, 3070 Lakecrest Circle, in Beaumont Centre, will serve an a la carte Easter brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Bayou Bluegrass Catering is serving a lavish Easter buffet 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at The Red Mile, 1200 Red Mile Road. The cost is $29 for adults, $16 for ages 4 to 8. Call (859) 233-0814 or go to Bayoubluegrass.com.
■ Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, will serve roasted lamb, along with Italian ragù, and pastiera Napoletana for dessert. Call (859) 309-3313 or go to Casanovaky.com.
■ Country Cookin’ by George, 1801 Alexandria Drive, offers a buffet 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Included are baked ham, roast beef, turkey and dressing, and barbecued ribs. The cost is $11.54. Call (859) 276-0001.
■ Jean Farris Winery & Bistro, 6825 Old Richmond Road, will offer its regular a la carte spring menu along with brunch specials 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A three-course prix fixe menu is $55 with wine pairings. The annual Easter egg hunt will be at 1 p.m. Call (859) 263-9463 or go to Jeanfarris.com.
■ Le Deauville French Bistro, 199 North Limestone, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday serving French breakfast specialties along with its regular dinner menu. During weekday happy hour, the restaurant offers a three-course prix fixe menu, for $24.50, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fresh oysters are on the happy hour menu. Call (859) 246-0999.
■ Portofino, 249 East Main Street, will serve Easter specials along with its dinner menu noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 253-9300 or go to Portofinolexington.com.
■ Serafini, 243 West Broadway, in Frankfort, will open noon to 6 p.m. Sunday for Easter celebrations. Call (502) 875-5599 or go to Serafinifrankfort.com.
■ The Woodford Inn in Versailles will serve a Southern-style buffet 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $19.99. Included are glazed ham, shrimp pasta, salads, and deviled eggs. The inn is at 140 Park Street. Call (859) 873-5600 or go to Thewoodfordinn.com.
Special event
■ Wines on Vine, 400 Old Vine Street, will have a beer pairing event with Kentucky Eagle Distributors at 6:30 p.m. Monday. The cost is $35. Call (859) 243-0017.

Azur Restaurant chef ­Jeremy Ashby,  and ­restaurant co-owner Sylvia Lovely are stirring up the food community with a new TV show, Food News and Chews, on Fox affiliate WDKY (Channel 56).
“We bring you the ­latest in food news and policy, timely ­interviews with food people including chefs, restaurant entrepreneurs, ­serious policy makers, and even ­moonshiners,” Ashby said. “We also feature the ­latest products and ­gadgets that make the food you ­prepare both healthy and tasty as well as those that save time and improve ­quality.”
The show airs at 11 p.m. Sunday.

Inspired by Argentina

Lilly’s, A Kentucky Bistro, in Louisville is hosting a five-course Argentine wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24. The meal is inspired by ­executive chef/owner Kathy Cary’s recent ­travels ­throughout ­Argentina’s ­culinary ­landscape. David DuBou of Vintner Select will discuss the wines featured. The cost is $85.
The menu includes Stone Cross Farm pork ­empanadas with avocado, tomato and lemon salsa; parsnip-­encrusted ruby red trout with lemon risotto and basil foam; homemade porcini pappardelle with wild mushrooms, red sauce, red wine poached duck egg and black pepper goat cheese; ­peppercorn-rubbed New York strip steak with c­himichurri sauce and ­chorizo gnocchi; and a ­selection of cheeses with grilled bread.
Lilly’s is at 1147 ­Bardstown Road. Call (502) 451-0447 or go to ­Lillyslapeche.com.

Real Scottish shortbread

We recently asked ­readers to provide some ­traditional Scottish recipes for Ann Sharp of Winchester, who was searching for ­authentic dishes for a church ­bicentennial celebration.
Several people sent ­information on cookbooks, and Lynne Costello of Lexington sent this recipe for shortbread. Costello is originally from just outside Inverness in the ­Highlands of Scotland. Sharp is ­searching for recipes for First ­Presbyterian Church, 130 Windridge Drive, ­Winchester, which will observe its 200th anniversary this year.
recipe
Scottish shortbread
1 stick butter
1 stick margarine
4 ounces powdered sugar
8 ounces plain flour
4 ounces corn starch
Preheat oven to 350 ­degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and margarine. Add powdered sugar and ­continue to cream mixture. ­Gradually add flour and ­continue ­mixing. Mix in corn starch. The mixture will have clumped together. ­Flatten the dough on a floured board, spreading by hand until it is less than 1/4 inch thick. Cut dough into small pieces and place pieces on a greased cookie sheet. Prick each shortbread with a fork. Bake about 13 to 15 minutes or until edges start to turn golden. When ­shortbread is removed from the oven, sprinkle liberally with ­granulated sugar and allow to cool on baking rack.

Scannable recipes

Beginning with the ­January/February issue of Cooking Light, ­every recipe in the ­magazine is scannable.
Using the Digimarc ­Discover app, a free ­download on the iTunes App Store and Google Play, ­consumers with smartphones may scan recipe photos to be connected automatically to the recipe page on sister-site MyRecipes.com.
Once there, readers may save recipes to their files, share favorites with friends, organize menus and make grocery shopping lists.
Cooking Light uses a red icon throughout the issue with simple instructions to let consumers know that the recipe images on that page are interactive.

Birds of a feather are flocking together on Jefferson Street. The owner of The Grey Goose has opened a new bar, called The Blue Heron, across the street from his popular pub.
“The Heron is a rustic little neighborhood bar that features a beautiful mahogany back bar built in the 1880s, a working fireplace around which are gathered a collection of leather club chairs and ottomans, and a one-of-a-kind centerpiece chandelier,” said Jeff Wheeler, who is general manager of The Blue Heron.
It and The Grey Goose are owned by Keith Clark.
An extensive selection of bourbons are available along with hand-crafted cocktails made with freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, house-made syrups and infused liquors.
The bar, at 185 Jefferson Street, is open at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and at noon Sunday. It’s available for holiday parties. Call (859) 221-2357.

Announcements

■ Just in time for holiday gift giving, the Ruth Hunt Candy Co. has doubled the  retail space at its new location, 213 Walton Avenue.
The Mount Sterling candy factory, known for its Blue Monday candy bar, was founded in 1921, when Ruth Tharpe Hunt began selling her homemade confections from her home. She moved to a factory location in 1930, and the company still makes candy using Hunt’s original recipes. An open house will be Dec. 3 to 7.
The Woodhill Plaza store now is closed. The new store also has a full-service, official U.S. post office. Call (859) 268-1559 or go to Ruthhuntcandy.com.
■ It’s an all-new Lock and Key Café in Georgetown.
Colleen London opened the business as a cafe in 2006 in the former Bank of Georgetown building at 201 East Main Street. Over the years, the concept for the Lock and Key has changed a few times, but now it’s back to a coffeehouse/café.
The chicken salad is still a specialty and new items have been added to the breakfast and lunch menu. A daily special now is available. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Call (502) 867-1972 or go to Lockandkeycafe.com.

Special events

■ Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery in Danville will have an open house 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Winemaker Dominique Brousseau will offer guided cellar tours at 1 and 4 p.m. She will explain the wine-creation process and discuss the various pieces of equipment she uses in the process.
Brousseau will release her newest wine creation, called “Trouble,” which is named after one of her geese.
“This white blended wine is sweet and subtle and will sneak up to bite you on the bottom, just like its namesake,” Andre Brousseau said. The winery will also offer refreshments, with recipe cards, using the Chateau’s wines.
The winery is at 471 Stanford Avenue. Call (859) 236-1775 or (859) 236-1808.
■ It’s cold outside, but the cooks at Kathy’s Country Kitchen in Clay City are grilling outdoors. On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant at 20 Black Creek Road is serving hand-cut prime rib, ribeye, New York strip, and sirloin steaks, with baked potato and salad. Prices range from $11.99 to $13.99. Call (606) 663-4179.
■ Azur Restaurant, 3070 Lakecrest Circle in Beaumont Centre, is having a chef series dinner on Wednesday. The Spanish-themed five-course dinner is $55. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ The Greek Dinner Night at Panagia Pantovasilissa Greek Orthodox Church, 920 Tates Creek Road, will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The menu features gyros and spanakopita and wines from Horseshoe Bend Winery. Go to Greekdinner.com.

Thanksgiving meals to go

Thanksgiving is Thursday. here are some places that are offering carryout meals.
■ The chefs at Azur will cook your Thanksgiving meal for you to pick up on Wednesday. A 20-pound turkey, which serves 15 to 18, is $70. Sides, at an additional charge, include green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole and sausage-sage stuffing. Call (859) 296-1007
■ Mary Lou’s BBQ, 226 Walton Avenue, is offering a smoked turkey for $49.95. Sides including green beans, candied yams, corn pudding, oyster dressing, mashed potatoes and spiced apples, are $6.99 a quart. White chocolate bread pudding with bourbon sauce is $24.95. Call (859) 252-4227.
■ Cracker Barrel restaurants are selling Thanksgiving dinners to-go for $54.99, which serves six. Country hams are $38.99, sugar-cured hams are $39.99 and whole pies are $7.99. Go to Crackerbarrel.com for locations.
■ Ramsey’s Diners are offering the Thanksgiving turkey dinner for $18.95 a person. Included are turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, four vegetables (from a list of 10) and rolls. Orders of vegetables are $15 for a serving for six. Call (859) 252-7926 by Monday for pickup on Wednesday. Ramsey’s desserts, made by Missy’s Pies, are available by calling (859) 253-0449.

When Sean Jackson of Richmond found out that the space where Opal’s Restaurant had been was for sale, he knew it would be an ideal spot for his own restaurant. After working for Outback Restaurant for 13 years, he has opened Jackson’s Restaurant at 203 South Third Street in Richmond.
He says he wanted to serve a homestyle menu, and the restaurant has a food bar of homey favorites that change daily. Offerings include country-fried steak, meatloaf, pork chops, catfish, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, salmon patties, green beans, mashed potatoes, mixed greens, broccoli casserole, and macaroni and cheese. The cost for meat and three sides is $5.99.
The breakfast specialty, served all day, is the country breakfast, which includes eggs, pancakes, meat, potatoes, biscuit, gravy and apples, for $7.99. Burgers, sandwiches and salads also are on the menu. Desserts include chocolate, butterscotch and coconut cream pies, and homemade cakes.
Jackson’s is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 623-2090.

Panda Express drive-through
■ Chinese restaurants are noted for their fast, hot food, but what’s even quicker is one with a drive-through lane. Panda Express, 2433 Nicholasville Road, at Dennis Drive, offers indoor dining as well as drive-through with a full menu. Specialties include kung pao chicken, string bean chicken breast, Beijing beef, Shanghai Angus steak, honey walnut shrimp, and eggplant tofu. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Call (859) 389-6761 or go to Pandaexpress.com.

Special events

■ Moveable Feast Lexington is having its annual “Cause for Pie” fund-raiser through Nov. 12. If you buy an apple, blueberry, cherry or pumpkin pie for the holidays ($20 frozen, $25 freshly baked), the proceeds will be used to deliver nutritious, home-cooked meals to critically ill people in Lexington. Pies can be picked up at the Moveable Feast office, 474 Silver Maple Way, on Nov. 20 and 21. Call (859) 252-2867.
■ Blue Grass Community Foundation and Smiley Pete Publishing are presenting the GoodGiving Guide Challenge, an online giving campaign to benefit 68 local non-profit groups. In conjunction with the program, West Sixth Brewing has created a special beer. “Pay it Forward Porter” will be offered during November at the brewery, 501 West Sixth Street. Call (859) 951-6006  or go to Goodgivingguide.net.

Announcements

■ Brontë Express coffee kiosk now is open at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at The Mall at Lexington Green. It offers freshly baked pastries, grab-and-go food and drink, and coffee and espresso drinks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 271-5330 or go to Josephbeth.com.
■ Winners of the first International Chef Showcase are Jeremy Ashby, co-owner and executive chef of Azur Restaurant and Patio in Lexington, and his international chef partner for the competition, Petr Elias, executive chef of Hotel Villa in the Czech Republic.
Eight chefs representing Ireland, Italy, Argentina, Spain, France, Peru, Brazil and the Czech Republic were paired with eight chefs from the Bluegrass for the challenge at eight local restaurants.
■ Georgia’s Kitchen, 900 North Broadway, opened in February and has already expanded its dining room to add an additional 40 seats. Stop by for a look on Friday and be entertained by The Swells starting at 7 p.m. Call (859) 252-6837 or go to Georgiaskitchencafe.com.
■ Greentree Tearoom, 521 West Short Street, is serving a hearty menu for November. Included are: lobster bisque, sweet potato scone, chicken croquettes with basil mashed potatoes, citrus spice panna cotta, and brown sugar cupcakes with caramel frosting. Luncheon tea is served at noon Wednesday through Saturday. Call (859) 455-9660 or go to Greentreetearoom.com.

New menus

■ Stone crabs from Florida have arrived at Lexington Seafood Co., 867 East High Street. “I have a great contact in Florida, and the stone crabs so far have been the best in a couple of years,” owner Mike Yessin said. Call (859) 266-8888 or go to Lexseafood.com.
■ Ted’s Montana Grill, 2304 Sir Barton Way, has a new seasonal dessert: apple berry crisp. Featuring Granny Smith apples and a blend of strawberries, red raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, the dessert is baked in a caramel sauce, topped with a crispy oatmeal pecan crust, and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Call (859) 263-5228 or go to Tedsmontanagrill.com.

Farmers market report

■ Lexington Farmers Market will be open three days a week through November: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at South Broadway and Maxwell Street; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Cheapside Park. Seasonal items include broccoli, cauliflower, rhubarb, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, winter squash, pie pumpkins, kale, honey, cheese, tomato sauces, beef, chicken, lamb and turkeys. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.

■ The chefs at Greentree Tearoom have planned their August menu around what’s available at farmers markets. Here’s the menu: chilled cantaloupe soup, asiago scone with herbed cream cheese and green tomato chutney, baked pear with blue cheese, ­poppyseed egg salad and French ­radish tea sandwiches, ginger chocolate truffles, strawberry cupcakes and Key lime ­custards. ­Greentree is at 521 West Short Street. Call (859) 455-9660 or go to ­Greentreetearoom.com.
■ Ramsey’s Diners’ owner Rob Ramsey says that despite the ­national drought, “our local corn from ­Shelbyville is as good of quality as we have had in years. Tomatoes are ­excellent as well.” Ramsey’s serves fresh produce specials throughout the season. Go to Ramseysdiners.com for restaurant locations.
■ Rossi’s Restaurant, 1060 Chinoe Road, has added items to its ­dinner menu: Dijon-crusted lamb chops, ­chicken minis, and po’boys. You can enjoy the new items on Rossi’s patio, which has plenty of shade. Call (859) 335-8788 or go to Rossis-restaurant.com.
■ City Barbeque, 3292 Richmond Road, is celebrating all things pork Aug. 6 to 12 with discounted menu items. Specials include a half-pound pulled pork sandwich, $4.99; pulled pork lunch sandwich, $3.50; 1 pound of pork, $9.99; and a bone-in whole pork ­shoulder, $7.99 a pound. Call (859) 317-4430 or go to Citybbq.com.
■ Red Robin Gourmet Burgers has added one of the world’s hottest ­peppers to its menu. The ghost pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, is 300 times as hot as the ­jalapeño and will be served on two burgers. The fiery ghost is a burger topped with ghost pepper sauce, fried jalapeños, and pepper Jack cheese; and the cry baby is topped with onion straws tossed in Sriracha dry seasoning, with more onions sautéed in ­Cholula hot sauce, pepper jack cheese and ghost pepper ketchup. Red Robin is in Brannon Crossing at 101 East Brannon Road, Nicholasville. Call (859) 971-1991 or go to Redrobin.com.
Farmers market reports
■ Azur Restaurant’s farmers bazaar is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on the patio. The market features local farmers and artisans. Azur is at 3070 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Bluegrass Farmers Market has corn, melons, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Locations and hours are: 3450 ­Richmond Road, in the Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs parking lot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and 730 Millpond Road, in the parking lot of the Willow Oak Pool, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Woodford County Farmers ­Market will have its 12th annual Twilight Festival from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Versailles.

Chefs are taking ­advantage of bountiful local produce to jazz up their summer menus.
The staff at Portofino is growing herbs in a small garden outside the restaurant’s kitchen at 249 East Main Street. The chefs are harvesting basil to make caprese salad with tomatoes from heirloom grower Roland McIntosh. The plot also contains thyme, chives, rosemary, oregano, lemon verbena, winter savory, mint, lavender and tarragon. Call (859) 253-9300 or go to Portofinolexington.com.
Portofino and its sister restaurant, Serafini in downtown Frankfort, recently received Awards of Excellence for 2012 from Wine Spectator. The magazine award recognizes outstanding wine lists and menu offerings. Serafini is at 243 West Broadway. Call (502) 875-5599 or go to Serafinifrankfort.com.
Billy’s Bar-B-Q, 101 Cochran Road, is serving locally grown tomatoes, with cucumber dressing, and sweet corn. Also new on the menu is a South Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce. Call (859) 269-9593 or go to Billysbarbq.com.

Events

■ Evans Orchard will have its annual sweet corn festival from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Entertainment includes a corn-eating contest, pony rides and live music. The menu offers corn on the cob, pulled pork sandwiches and funnel cakes. The orchard is at 180 Stone Road in Georgetown.
■ Sondra Strunk will offer samples of her newest item from Sondra’s Wine Creations at Good Foods Market & Cafe on Saturday. She will have samples of red pepper-chocolate wine candy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market, 455 Southland Drive.
■ The next community table series at Oliva Bella, 400 Old Vine Street, begins Saturday. “Eat, Drink and Cook Italian” is “our version of a cooking class, which in reality will be more of an Italian cooking party,” owner Lea Ann Vessels said. The cost is $85 a session and includes an apron, a recipe book, food and beverages. Dates and ­topics for the classes, 2 to 3:30 p.m., are: Saturday, over-the-top summer antipasto platters; Aug. 4, rustic Italian summer lunches; Aug. 18, Italian summer pizzas; and Sept. 8, top five pasta sauces. Call (859) 983-3567 or go to Olivabella.com.
■ Sabio Restaurant & Bar, 380 South Mill Street, will have wine tastings, and chef Javier Lanza will teach food preparation classes 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays. This week, wines include Quinta do Portal Collheita Tinto 2009, Whiplash Redemption and Robertson Winery gerwurztraminer from South Africa. Sabio is at 380 South Mill Street, in the old Dudley’s space. Call (859) 368-9901 or go to Sabiodudleysquare.com.
■ Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant at Fayette Mall, 3395 Nicholasville Road, will celebrate National Tequila Day on Tuesday. Margaritas will be $5.95. Call (859) 971-0922 or go to Abuelos.com.
■ McAlister’s Deli, 836 Euclid ­Avenue, is having Free Tea Day on July 26. Guests who visit any McAlister’s Deli will get a free 32-ounce ­McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea. No coupon is required, and no purchase is necessary. Go to Mcalistersdeli.com or call (859) 368-9880.
■ The Dish, 438 South Ashland Avenue, is celebrating its fourth anniversary July 28. Happy-hour specials, 4 to 6 p.m., include $2 off appetizers and $7 original martinis and cocktails. The Baja Yetis will entertain from 7 to 10 p.m. Jalapeño and corn bread crab cakes are back on the menu for summer. New items include scallops in tomato yogurt sauce; vegetarian paella; ribeye with blackberry and red wine sauce; and a variety of gluten-free dishes. Seating is limited for the anniversary party. Call (859) 317-8438 or go to Thedishlex.com.

Farmers market reports

■ Azur Restaurant’s farmers bazaar is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on the patio. The market features local farmers and artisans. Azur is at 3070 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Bluegrass Farmers Market has corn, melons, tomatoes and berries. Locations and hours are: 3450 Richmond Road, in the Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs parking lot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and 730 Millpond Road, in the parking lot of the Willow Oak Pool, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Woodford County Farmers ­Market will have its 12th annual Twilight Festival from 6 to 10 p.m. July 27 in downtown Versailles. There will be kids’ activities, pony rides, food, live music talent show, and local crafts and artists.

Midway School Bakery has a variety of pastries and breads.

Ouita Michel and her culinary team from Holly Hill Inn have opened ­Midway School Bakery.
Pastry chef Carrie Warmbier is running the bakery, at 510 South Winter Street. The menu features currant and oatmeal scones, sugarless blueberry cheesecake squares, and handmade bagels with home-cured lox.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call (859) 846-4336.
Also, Michel will celebrate the ­heritage of the French restaurant with Holly Hill Inn’s first Bastille Day Supper on Saturday.
All summer, Michel’s multicourse Tour de France menus have featured the best and freshest of Bluegrass farm products in her favorite French recipes. The Bastille Day Supper honors the influence of the French Revolution on the modern restaurant. The cost is $50; a sommelier’s pairing of French wines is $35.
Holly Hill is at 426 North Winter Street, Midway. Call (859) 846-4732 or to go Hollyhillinn.com.
Specials
■ Hanna’s on Lime, 214 South ­Limestone, is serving its farmers market specials on Wednesdays. Selections include corn on the cob, kale, squash, eggplant, green beans, peppers, new potatoes, tomatoes and melon. The cost is $8.25. Call (859) 252-6264.
■ Natasha’s Bistro & Bar, 112 ­Esplanade, is offering weekend fish ­specials with seafood provided by Lexington Seafood Co. This week at Natasha’s “All Summer Long Seafood Festival,” the menu features Portuguese-style mahi mahi with savory polenta cakes and grilled green beans. Call (859) 259-2754 or go to Beetnik.com.
■ Ramsey’s Diners are using fresh local corn in a variety of dishes for the next several weeks. The corn is grown in Shelby County by Gallrein Farm. Dishes include corn on the cob, fried corn, creamed corn and Parmesan deep-fried corn. Also on the menu are okra from Berries on Bryan Station and tomatoes from Lincoln County. Go to Ramseysdiners.com for locations.
Events
■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, is having a pig roast from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sides include baked beans, potato salad and corn on the cob, with fruit cobbler for dessert. The menu ­includes smoked chicken chili. Call (859) 278-9424.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, is celebrating Bastille Day on Friday and Saturday. The menu includes escargot and sweet bread torte, duck confit and frisée with poached egg; sole with vegetable ribbons; and entrecôte, a classic French steak, with house-made fries and French herb sauce. Call (859) 226-0300.
■ Thai Orchid Cafe will hold a Noodle Fest at West Sixth Brewing Co., 501 West Sixth Street, at 5 p.m. Monday. Dishes include basil beef bowl, coconut noodle bowl and won ton nachos. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net.
■ Oliva Bella is planning a trip to ­Sicily, and you can go along to ­experience the olive oil and wine ­harvests. Two 10-day trips are ­scheduled for Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 and Oct. 10 to 20. The cost is $5,882. Call (859) 983-3567 or email Olivabella@olivabella.com
Farmers market reports
■ Azur Restaurant’s farmers bazaar is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on the patio. The market features local farmers and artisans. Products include produce, eggs, cheese, meats, pasta, hand-dipped chocolates, flowers, plants, baked goods and crafts. Azur is at 3070 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Bluegrass Farmers Market has corn, melons, tomatoes and berries. Locations and hours are: 3450 Richmond Road, in the Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs parking lot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and 730 Millpond Road, in the parking lot of the Willow Oak Pool, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Winchester/Clark County Farmers Market is open 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays in the parking lot of Bluegrass Heritage Museum, 217 South Main Street.

Smoke is billowing at City Barbeque. The chain’s second Kentucky location is scheduled to open Friday at 3292 Richmond Road.
Since opening in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, City Barbeque has received many awards including Best Barbeque in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Best Rib and Best Pulled Chicken in Cincinnati; and Best Tailgate Fare by Ohio Magazine.
The menu offers North Carolina-style pulled pork, beef brisket and pulled chicken. St. Louis-style ribs are slow smoked over aged hickory wood. Every Tuesday is Rib Bone Tuesday, when each rib bone is $1.15. Sides and desserts are prepared in house.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Go to Citybbq.com.

Openings

■ Double H BBQ is a new spot that’s open for lunch at 1244 Versailles Road, next to O’Reilly’s AutoParts. Owned by brothers Ernie and Bill Hanley, the restaurant serves hand-rubbed, hickory-smoked pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs and tenderloin, prepared on site. Traditional hot and mild red sauces, as well as an Alabama-style white sauce, are available. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; takeout and catering are available. Call (859) 523-4227.
■ A new pizza place, Extreme Pizza, is open at 2304 Sir Barton Way in Hamburg Place. The San Francisco-based chain is mostly on the West Coast. “This is the first of its kind to open in Kentucky,” said Lexington franchise owner Vince Swecker. “If you check out the menu you will notice that there are many styles of pizzas, subs, wings and salads available that are not often seen at other pizza restaurants. We offer a wheat crust and a gluten-free crust.” Go to Extremepizza.com. Call (859) 543-0000.

Father’s Day dining

■ Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, is accepting reservations for Father’s Day. Specials include gnocchi with mozzarella, osso buco, and eggplant Siciliana. Call (859) 309-3313 or go to Casanovaky.com.
■ Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway, will serve a special Father’s Day menu on Sunday. Entrees include prime rib. The cost is $25, and a children’s menu is available. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to Hollyhillinn.com.
■ The Lafayette High School football team is celebrating Father’s Day with a waffle breakfast on Saturday. The breakfast, from 8 to 10 a.m. will be at O’Charley’s Restaurant on Nicholasville Road, at Zandale Shopping Center. Cost is $5.
■ Azur Restaurant & Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Circle, will serve a special brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, and dinner service begins at 5 p.m. The menu includes steak and eggs, grilled lamb chops, and wild mushroom omelet. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ In celebration of “Día de los Padres” (Father’s Day) Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant at Fayette Mall, 3395 Nicholasville Road,  is giving dads who dine in the restaurant on Sunday, June 17 a special Father’s Day card that includes an offer for a complimentary chile con queso appetizer. Call (859) 971-0922.
■ Saul Good Restaurant & Pub will serve a special Father’s Day menu through Sunday. Included are Black Angus rib eye steak, Cajun chicken pasta, center cut pork chop, and prime sirloin steak. Locations are 1808 Alysheba Way, (859) 317-9200,and 3801 Mall Road, (859) 273-4663. Go go Saulgoodpub.com.

Special events

■ Wild Thyme Cooking School, 1060 Chinoe Road, is having a bake sale from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. At the cooking school camp, My Lemon “Aide” Stand, children learned baking techniques and baked a variety of items that will be sold at a bake sale. The money will benefit West Liberty Elementary that was damaged by a tornado earlier this year. Call (859) 523-2665 or go to Wildthymecooking.com.
■ The menu for Greek Dinner Night on Friday features the Ionian region of Greece, and wines from Acres of Land will be served. Dinner will be at the Greek Orthodox Church, 920 Tates Creek Road, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Chef Chris Eliopoulos will prepare chicken in orange glaze, tilapia in spinach, and pork loin. A la carte items are available. Go to Greekdinner.com.
■ The Kentucky Historical Society will host “Food for Thought: The Shakers and the Civil War,” at noon Wednesday, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort. Tickets are $18 for KHS members and $25 for other patrons. Contact Julia Curry at (502) 564-1792, Ext. 4414 or Julia.curry@ky.gov. Go to History.ky.gov. Reservations deadline is Friday.
■ Family Night is back at Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway. On Friday nights, while parents relax with a multi-course dinner and grownup conversation, the staff will make sure the children have a great time with games, crafts and their own menu. Four-course dinner menu is $40 per person. Reservations are available at 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Children’s dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and supervised child care is provided from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 per family up to three children, which includes meal and activities, $5 for each additional child. Call (859) 846-4732.

Announcements

■ The Courtyard Deli, 113 Cheapside,  now is open on Thursday nights for Thursday Night Live, and for dinner on Friday starting at 6 p.m. Saturday begins with a Farmers Market lunch at 10:30 a.m., continuing into Saturday evening hours. Call (859) 252-3354.
■ Natasha’s Bistro, 112 Esplanade, has installed two new awnings that protect the front patio and the back Alley Bar. Patios are open whenever the restaurant is open. Farmers market brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call (859) 259-2754 or go to Beetnik.com.
■ Three Suns Bistro has a new summer menu that includes duck quesadilla with corn and black bean salsa; cypress chicken with olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and feta cheese; roasted salmon; and shrimp and mussels in a tomato basil broth. The bistro is at 298 East Brannon Road, in Brannon Crossing. Call (859) 245-0048.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers Market’s Willow Oak location now is open  at 730 Millpond Road, in the parking lot of the Willow Oak pool. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The original location on Richmond Road in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday. This location will have fresh corn on Saturday. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Midway Farmers Market now is open in downtown Midway in Darlin’ Jean’s parking lot. Hours are 3 to 6 p.m. Monday.
■ Ted’s Farm Fresh Produce has a vegetable stand in the parking lot of Sarah’s Corner Café, 4300 Winchester Road, at Cleveland Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
■ Woodford County Farmers Market is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Courthouse Square in downtown Versailles, and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Presbyterian Church parking lot.

When you head out to eat this weekend, try some of the winners from the 32nd annual Taste of the Bluegrass, which was last weekend at Keeneland.
Judges named McCarty’s medallions from Sal’s Chophouse as the best entree, Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano’s lump crab cake as best appetizer, and The Soup Kitchen’s brown bread as the best bread. The chefs at Sullivan University won best dessert for their local strawberry pavlova.
People’s Choice awards went to ­Louisiana Passion Catering, best ­appetizer/soup; Great Harvest Bread, best bread; Fresh Market, best salad; Sal’s, best ­entree; and Gigi’s Cupcakes, best dessert.
Proceeds from the event go to God’s Pantry Food Bank.

Special events

■ Alfalfa Restaurant, 141 East Main Street, will serve its popular holiday brunch on Monday, Memorial Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the regular menu, there will be items from farmers markets including fresh peach pancakes and omelets made from Kentucky free-range chicken and cheese from Boone Creek Creamery. Call (859) 253-0014 or visit Alfalfarestaurant.com.
■ The 10th anniversary celebration continues at Ted’s Montana Grill with the second phase of its fund-raising efforts for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry. Ted’s also has new menu items including the special anniversary
“No. 10 Burger,” which is a take on Ted’s classic cheeseburger, served in beef or bison with a choice of cheese and house-made sweet and spicy pickles. Also new are a house-made veggie burger and a wild berry cheesecake.
Ted’s also has a new line of private label wines called Bison Ridge. Included are chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Ted’s Lexington location is at 2304 Sir Barton Way. Call (859) 263-5228 or go to Tedsmontanagrill.com.
■ Silver Oak, a prized California cabernet, will be the focus of a ­gourmet wine dinner at Portofino on June 6. There will be tastings from ­California’s Napa and Alexander Valleys, with ­vineyard ­representatives leading the ­tastings and commentary. The cost is $125. The reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8. Portofino is at 249 East Main Street. Call (859) 253-9300.
■ Smith-Berry Winery’s summer ­dinner/concert series kicks off Saturday with its 10th ­anniversary celebration. Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes will entertain. The buffet features Chuck’s famous barbecue, grilled chicken breasts, Roma green beans, cheese grits and vinaigrette cole slaw. Call (502) 845-7091 or go to Smithberrywinery.com. The winery us at 855 Drennon Road in New Castle.

Specials

■ Weekend specials at The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, include pan-seared corvina over coconut basmati rice topped with roasted ginger carrots, and sautéed veal scallopini with tomato and artichoke hearts. The Beth ­Mankel Group entertains Friday, and John ­Hedger is featured Saturday. Call (859) 226-0300.
■ Natasha’s Bistro & Bar, 112 ­Esplanade, will serve lamb moussaka as a special Friday and Saturday nights. A new summer dish is sesame peanut stir fry made with tofu or chicken and served over basmati rice. Call (859) 259-2754 or go to Beetnik.com.
■ Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe has a new cupcake flavor, black forest. A chocolate cupcake is filled with cherries, swirled with vanilla buttercream and topped with chocolate curls and a maraschino cherry. Locations are 332 Southland Drive, 3805 Dylan Place (off Boston Road) and a kiosk in Fayette Mall.

Farmers market reports

■ Azur Restaurant’s farmers bazaar is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on the patio. The market features local farmers and artisans. Products include produce, eggs, cheese, meats, pasta, hand-dipped chocolates, flowers, plants, baked goods and crafts. Azur, 3070 Lakecrest Circle, serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market is open 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The farmers have ­strawberries, greens, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, Swiss chard, bok choy, Napa and savoy cabbage, herb seasonings, and plants. The market is at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Clark County Extension family and consumer sciences agent Jennifer Howard will be at the Winchester/Clark County Farmers Market on Saturday. She will be sampling recipes and giving away kitchen gadgets to the first 50 people. Strawberries, green beans, peaches and corn will be available. The market is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 217 South Main Street.
■ Woodford County Farmers’ ­Market will have beef, eggs, honey, pork and fruit. It’s open 8:30 a.m. to noon ­Saturdays in downtown Versailles.
■ Lexington Farmers Market locations are Cheapside Park, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; Southland Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; Maxwell Street and South Broadway, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and the parking lot of the University of Kentucky’s Commonwealth Stadium, next to University Drive, 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.