Flavors of Kentucky

Minton’s 760, now open at 760 North Limestone, features a menu that owner Ashley Minton calls “Southern with a twist.” Minton, who also owns Nova Gourmets Personal Chef & Events, said Minton’s will serve many recipes that are “my family’s favorites that I have adapted/changed up,” she said.
Breakfast and lunch are served from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
“For dinner we will be doing seasonal dishes. They will change every week and be based on what is in season and what we can get from our farmers. We are using as many local products and foods as we possibly can, and will be making many items from scratch, such as sausage and apple butter,” she said.
Breakfast includes French toast, morning hot Brown, potato omelet, and biscuits and gravy. For lunch, there’s tomato pie, Carolina pulled pork, chicken pot pie, fried green tomatoes with ham salad, and chicken and dumplings. Call (859) 948-1874.

Events

■ Kentucky Mudworks and Bourbon n’ Toulouse’s annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday will benefit Moveable Feast Lexington.  Starting at 11 a.m., customers can donate $15 and choose a handmade bowl and receive a free bowl of Cajun food.
The ceramic bowls were made by local artists at Mudworks. Moveable Feast delivers hot, freshly cooked meals to people living with AIDS/HIV-related illnesses as well as individuals who are patients of Hospice of the Bluegrass. Bourbon n’ Toulouse is at 829 Euclid Avenue. Call (859) 335-0300.
■ The Bourbon Review magazine’s second annual Bourbon Under the Stars will celebrate Bourbon National Heritage Month. The party will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Fasig-Tipton, 2400 Newtown Pike. Tickets are $135 at the door. Call (502) 333-0086.
There will be a buffet of bourbons and special guests will be Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker’s Mark, and master distiller Jim Rutledge of Four Roses. Jonathan Lundy, chef/owner of Jonathan at Gratz Park, and Jeremy Ashby, chef at Azur, will prepare special dishes.
■ Alfalfa Restaurant, 141 East Main Street, is honoring author Ruth Reichl with special dinners on Friday and Saturday. Reichl is the keynote speaker at the University of Kentucky Women’s Writers Conference this weekend. Alfalfa will feature recipes from Reichl’s memoir Comfort Me with Apples. Chef Evan Gray will prepare Channing Way shrimp curry, made with fresh local vegetables simmered in a creamy coconut lime curry sauce, and served over brown rice with fresh fruit chutney on side. Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Call (859) 253-0014 or go to Alfalfarestaurant.com.
■ Thai Orchid Cafe will host a celebration of local food and sustainable culture on Saturday. Harvest Fest will benefit Seedleaf, a non-profit organization that aims to increase the availability of fresh, wholesome food to people at risk of hunger in Central Kentucky. There will be live music, and food and beverage tastings from Thai Orchid, Good Foods Market & Café, The Wholesome Chef, West Sixth Brewing, and Elmwood Stock Farm. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. at Thai Orchid, 1030 South Broadway. Tickets are $40. Call (859) 288-2170.
■ Marikka’s Oktoberfest begins Friday and runs through Oct. 13. German Music Trio will play on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu features smoked pork knuckle cooked in sauerkraut and served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes; Munich reuben, made with rye bread, bajuval cheese, sauerkraut, and bratwursts; and seasoned ground beef, mustard, and pickle wrapped in a thin strip of steak then covered with brown gravy. Call (859) 275-1925 or go to Marikkas.com. Marikkas is at 411 Southland Drive.
■ Horseshoe Bend Winery is holding its second Dinner in the Vineyard from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Dustin Staggers, chef at 60 West Bistro in St. Matthews in Louisville, will prepare the menu. The five-course meal with wine pairings is $75. The winery is at 1187 Lawson Lane in Willisburg. Call (859) 375-0296.
■ During September, The Ketch Seafood Grill will feature a Maine lobster clambake, including a 1 ¼-pound freshly steamed lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, red skin potatoes, and drawn butter. Call (859) 277-5919 or go to Ketchseafoodgrill.com. The Ketch is at 2012 Regency Road.
■ Grimes Mill Winery, 6707 Grimes Mill Road, is celebrating its first anniversary from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. There will be live music from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring harmonica and guitar blues. Call (859) 543-9691or go to Grimesmillwinery.com.
■ Chuck’s famous BBQ and old-fashioned cheese grits are on the menu Saturday at Smith-Berry Winery’s dinner/concert. Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes will entertain from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The winery is at 855 Drennon Road in New Castle. Call 1-888-845-7091 or (502) 845-7091 or go to Smithberrywinery.com.

Farmers market report

■ Saturday is the last day for the Bluegrass Farmers Market Willow Oak location, 730 Millpond Road, in the parking lot for the Willow Oak Pool. The main location at 3450 Richmond Road, in the Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs parking lot, will be open for a few more weeks from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Farmers have tomatoes, squash, eggplant, peppers, raspberries, watermelons, bok choy, eggs, herb seasoning, and pumpkins. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

Greg Spaulding, manager of Puccini’s Smiling Teeth, and his U.S. teammates scored high marks at the 2012 World Championship of Pizza held in Salsomaggiore, Italy in April.
The U.S. Pizza Team was made up of expert pizza chefs and dough-spinning acrobatic performers from pizza restaurants across the United States. Team member Spaulding won the Best in the U.S. award in the classic pizza category. His colleague Tom Carfrae, owner of Tomaso’s Pizza in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, earned Best in the U.S. in the pan category, while Mike Amheiser, owner of Pizza Dock in Fredericktown, Ohio, took home the Best in the U.S. prize for his gluten-free pie. Go to Pizzatv.com or Worldpizzachampionship.com. The U.S. team was sponsored by PMQ Pizza Magazine. This week, Spaulding is competing in the Global Pizza Challenge in Sydney, Australia. Puccini’s locations are Chevy Chase Place, (859) 269-0404;Beaumont Centre, (859) 219-0101,and 3801 Dylan Place, (859) 223-1588.
Special events
■ Town Branch Market, 233 East Main Street, at the corner of Esplanade, is celebrating its first anniversary on Friday and Saturday. There will be breakfast and lunch specials, and samples of new items, including biscuits and gravy, jumbo cinnamon rolls, and fresh baked personal pizzas. Call (859) 280-2122.
■ Natasha’s Bistro & Bar, 112 Esplanade, is serving farmers market brunch on Sundays. Natasha’s Sunday chef will be shopping at farmers market to buy ingredients for the menu which is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items include quiche, fruit plate, biscuits and sorghum, and scrambled eggs. Call (859) 259-2754 or go to Beetnik.com.
■ Jean Farris Winery, 6825 Old Richmond Road, is serving dinner, wine, and a movie in the vines this summer. On Friday, guests can watch The Help on the outdoor movie screen overlooking the estate vineyard. When making reservations for the outdoor movie event you must request a movie table. Call (859) 263-9463 or go to Jeanfarris.com.
■ June’s Greek Dinner Night at Panagia Pantovasilissa Greek Orthodox Church will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 16. The church, at 920Tates Creek Road, will have outside dining areas available, weather permitting. The featured vineyard is Chrisman Mill and the menu includes chicken in orange glaze, pork loin, and tilapia with spinach. Go to Greekdinner.com.
■ The patio is open at Addie’s at The Woodford Inn, 104 Park Street, Versailles, where you can enjoy live music. A fish fry will be held Friday, and the dinner special on Saturday is surf & turf. Call (859) 873-5600 or go to Addiesky.com.
■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, will hold its annual lobster boil from 4 to 9:30 p.m. June 13. Whole Maine lobsters will be served with corn on the cob and new potatoes, along with New England clam chowder, and fresh fruit cobbler. Call (859) 278-9424.

Tea menu for June
■ The June menu at Greentree Tearoom will help beat the summer heat. Included are chilled cucumber-avocado soup, tropical chicken salad, tomato aspic, and orange panacotta. Greentree is at 521 West Short Street. Call (859) 455-9660 or go to Greentreetearoom.com.

Farmers market report
■ The Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will celebrate the grand opening of the 2012 market season on Saturday and giving away Wildcat Blue market totes to the first 500 customers. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ The farmers bazaar at Azur Restaurant, 3070 Lakecrest Circle, is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on the patio. The market features local farmers and artisans. Azur serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.
■ Winchester/Clark County Farmers 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.

Restaurants welcome fathers with a variety of specials.

■ Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, is introducing a new menu item for Father’s Day: risotto chicken marsala. Call (859) 309-3313 or visit Casanovaky.com.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, is offering Father’s Day specials Friday through Sunday. Included are West Coast oysters on the half-shell and grilled calamari. On Friday, gourmet pizzas will be served in the bar for Gallery Hop. Call (859) 226-0300.
■ The Father’s Day special at Onizim’s Restaurant, 735 East Main Street, is buy one entree, receive a second entree free on Sunday. On Saturday, the restaurant is having a Louisiana crawfish and shrimp boil, with reservations only. Call (859) 266-9000 or visit  Onizims.com.
■ Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway, is serving brunch and a dinner buffet on Father’s Day. Call (859) 846-4732 or visit Hollyhillinn.com.
■ Azur, 3070 Lakecrest Circle, will serve a brunch buffet for Father’s Day that’s $19.95 a person. Call (859) 296-1007 or visit Azurrestaurant.com.
■ The Corner Café, 385 South Mill Street, is the place to go when you want a low-calorie lunch. All the wraps on the menu are less than 450 calories. “We don’t use mayonnaise or cream cheese,” owner Rich Vaux said. You can get half a turkey wrap and a low-calorie smoothie for $6.99. Call (859) 554-5194.
■ Rossi’s Restaurant, 1060 Chinoe Road, offers nightly food specials, and on Tuesdays you can get bottles of wine at half price with dinner. Call (859) 335-8788 or visit Rossis-restaurant.com.

Jeremy Ashby, executive chef at Azur, is hanging out with celebrity chefs this weekend at the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
Ashby joins renowned French chef Jacques Pepin and Iron Chef Michael Symon at the KitchenAid Fairway Club’s chef event during the ­tournament. ­KitchenAid is hosting a series of ­cooking demonstrations with celebrity and local chefs next to the 13th green.
Pepin will teach French cooking skills from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Symon will combine his Midwest upbringing and classic culinary training to prepare chops (lamb and veal) and scallops from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday.
You can hear about Ashby’s ­adventures at the PGA event on his radio show, Sunny Side Up, which airs at 11 a.m. Saturday on WLAP-630 AM. His show focuses on local foods and the farm-to-table movement in the ­Bluegrass.
Azur is at 3070 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to Azurrestaurant.com.

Events

■ On Saturday, shops and restaurants in Midway will participate in “Meet Me in Midway.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Restaurants will serve special dishes, and Superfecta will entertain ­beginning at 7 p.m. A silent auction will feature items from downtown shops and ­restaurant gift certificates. The event benefits the Midway Business and ­Restaurant Association and the ­Bluegrass Cycle Club Horsey 100.
■ Jonathan at Gratz Park, 120 West Second Street, is having a special ­dinner on the patio Sunday. Chef/owner ­Jonathan Lundy will prepare a low-country boil with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and fresh corn and potatoes. It will be dumped promptly at 8 p.m. Dinner will be served family style and is limited to 25 guests. The dinner is $45 and is by reservation only. Call (859) 252-4949.
■ Alfalfa, 141 East Main Street, is having a Memorial Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. In addition to the regular menu, the chef will prepare a farmers-market omelet, featuring eggs from Home Pickins Farm, vegetables from Elmwood Stock Farm and cheese from Boone Creek Creamery.
Alfalfa now serves a hamburger made from beef from Circle D Farms in Madison County and dressed with local greens and hydroponic tomatoes. Two wines from Lover’s Leap have been ­added to the Kentucky wine list. Call (859) 253-0014 or go to ­Alfalfarestaurant.com.
■ This is the last weekend to enjoy the May dinner menu at Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street, Midway. The three course dinner is $35, a five-course tasting menu is $55, and a four-course vegetarian tasting menu is $40.
The menu changes monthly, and so does Carrie’s pie supper. May pies are fresh strawberry with white chocolate sauce, orange silk in graham cracker crust, gingersnap peach with crumb topping and caramel sauce, and coconut cream with raspberry sauce. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to Hollyhillinn.com.

Farmers market report

■ Mary Tyler, also known as “the peach lady,” and her son Bobby will have the first crop of their Southern peaches at Lexington Farmers ­Market on ­Saturday. They also will have ­cantaloupes, ­tomatoes and green beans, and they will be set up at all four market ­locations. Other vendors will have strawberries, rhubarb, and hydroponic tomatoes and peppers.
Jonathan Lundy, chef/owner of ­Jonathan’s at Gratz Park will give a chef’s demonstration and offer free samples at the Saturday market at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Cheapside Park.
■ Bluegrass Farmers Market has strawberries, asparagus, eggs, lettuce, greens, rhubarb, onions, herb ­seasoning, jams, baked goods, honey, veggie plants and floral hanging baskets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The market, which sells 100 percent homegrown/produced items, is at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Azur’s Farmers Bazaar is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays featuring local produce. It’s open on the patio and front walk of the restaurant at 3070 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859) 296-1007 or visit Azurrestaurant.com.

For 24 years, The Gift Box has provided shoppers with a variety of items that are ideal for giving or for decorating a home. Now it includes a place to meet friends for tea.
The store, formerly in Regency Centre, now is at 3330 Partner Place in Keithshire Plaza, behind the Parent-Teacher store.
The Gift Box Tea Room serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, salads, quiche, hot Brown, and homemade desserts and breads.
Wilma and Don Cracraft own the tea room, and Jamie and David Wilson own the gift shop. Jan Fowler, who started Candleberry Tea Room in Frankfort, is “getting this up and running, and we’re using her recipes,” Jamie Wilson said.
The Gift Box’s Christmas open house will be 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call (859) 278-2399.

Food $2.50, drinks 25 cents

Al’s Bar, 601 North Limestone, is ­celebrating the last weekend of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“The first 25 people to attend our Bluegrass brunch will receive the brunch buffet for $2.50. The next 25 people who attend will receive 25-cent cocktails,” co-owner Les Miller said.
Live bluegrass music will be ­provided by the Karly Dawn and Little Sarie Band.
The buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Music starts at 11:15 a.m. Call (859) 252-9104 or go to ­Alsbarlexington.com.

A jump on St. Patrick’s Day

The Sister Cities Irish committee will hold its eighth annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day at O’Neills Irish Pub from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
“This year, we honor the 25th ­anniversary of twinning with County Kildare in Ireland. Special guests will be County Kildare mayor and delegation,” Mary Parlanti said.
She will prepare lamb stew and Irish breads. Cost is $10 at the door and ­includes entertainment by Mayme Hamby on the piano, McTeggart Irish Dancers, and Liam’s Fancy Irish.
O’Neills is at 2051 Richmond Road. Call (859) 266-4488 or go to ­Oneillslex.com.

Lounging at Quirk Café

Quirk Café, 131 Main Street in ­Midway, has opened Tavern 815, a refurbished lounge downstairs.
“It has beautiful stone walls, brick floors and tongue-in-groove wood, and the lighting is amazing,” owner Sarah Vandegrift said.
Mark McJessy, formerly with Azur, is the new chef. One of McJessy’s ­specialties is smoked salmon served on a potato cake with goat cheese and ­capers, topped with a balsamic ­reduction, for $10.95.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. The lounge opens at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (859) 846-4688 or go to Quirkcafemidway.com.

Playing sports in The Cellar

If you’re looking for a fun place to watch sporting events, stop by The ­Cellar Bar and Grill. It’s on the lower level at The Signature Club, 3256 ­Lansdowne Drive.
“We have 30 flat-screen TVs and a 150-seat patio,” Heather Trump said.
It’s operated by the same people who run The Shamrock bars at 154 Patchen Drive and 4750 Hartland Parkway. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, steaks and pastas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily. Call (859) 317-8301.

Dinner menu’s new at Rossi’s

Rossi’s executive chef, Robert ­Myers, has created a new dinner menu. ­Specialties include Spanish sea scallops, sage-crusted chicken, char-grilled barbecue pork tenderloin, and Italian drunken noodles. Rossi’s wine and martini list has also been updated with new drinks and many wines from around the world. The restaurant is at 1060 Chinoe Road. Call (859) 335-8788 or go to ­Rossis-restaurant.com.

Barrel House rolls out tasting room

The Tasting Room & Gift Shop is open at Barrel House Distilling Co., a small-batch distiller at 1200 ­Manchester Street. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (859) 259-0159 or go to Barrelhousedistillery.com.

Farmers market report

Bluegrass Farmers Market will have homegrown tomatoes, peppers, squash, green beans, potatoes, apples, greens, eggs, jams, baked goods, herbs, ­berries, mums, pumpkins, gourds and fall decorations. 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. Saturday and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

Here’s a great excuse to eat dessert this weekend.
Eight Lexington restaurants are participating in Dine United Week by committing to make a donation to United Way of the Bluegrass for every dessert they sell through Sunday.
The restaurants are Azur, 3070 ­Lakecrest Circle, Suite 550; Dudley’s, 380 South Mill Street; Giuseppe’s, 4456 Nicholasville Road; Jonathan at Gratz Park, 120 West Second Street; Malone’s, 3347 Tates Creek Road, 3735 Palomar Centre Drive and 1920 ­Pleasant Ridge Road; Rossi’s, 1060 Chinoe Road, No. 104; Saul Good, 3801 Mall Road; and The Summit, 1097 Duval Street.
To learn more about Dine United or the United Way, visit www.uwbg.org.

Make some super Super Bowl plans
■ Jonathan at Gratz Park, which normally is closed on Super Bowl Sunday, for a private event, will be open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Chef/owner Jonathan Lundy will offer a few specials along with the regular menu. The restaurant is at 120 West Second Street. Call (859) 252-4949 or go to www.jagp.info.
■ A popular Pittsburgh sandwich will be on the menu at Winchell’s Restaurant on Super Bowl Sunday. The chefs are ­serving their version of the famous ­Primanti ­Brothers sandwich, which, according to www.primantibrothers.com, is made with grilled Italian bread, ham, provolone cheese, coleslaw, tomato, a handful of warm French fries, and mayonnaise. Other menu items include the Roethlis-burger, served with Heinz sauce and named for Pittsburgh ­Steelers ­quarterback; and Anquan Boldin spicy Cardinal wings, named for the Arizona Cardinals receiver; carne asada tacos; and chili con queso.
Winchell’s is at 348 Southland Drive. Call (859) 278-9424 or go to www.winchellsrestaurant.com.
■ T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants have ­created two specialty drinks in honor of the ­Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, the teams playing in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Arizona lemonade and Pittsburgh Punch will be served at the restaurants on Saturday, the night before the big game.
In Lexington, Friday’s can be found at 144 Rojay Drive and 1916 Pavilion Way. For more locations, visit www.tgifridays.com.
■ If you’d like a party tray to serve at your Super Bowl gathering, pick one up at J.D. Legends, 315 North Second Street, Nicholasville. The restaurant is offering fried green tomatoes, wings, potato skins, mozzarella sticks, and chicken tenders. ­Legends will be open until 7 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 881-5665.

H’Artful of Fun picks its winners
The Living Arts and Science Center gives awards to restaurants and caterers who make outstanding desserts for its ­annual H’Artful of Fun fund-raiser. Here are the winners of this year’s event on Jan. 24.
Most artful table presentation: Seasons ­Catering’s yellow submarine and double decker bus ice sculpture.
Most artful palate: Valentine’s ice cream.
Most artful dessert: Banana cake Foster from Catering by Donna Potter.
Most artful cake: Tinker’s Cake Shop’s Beatles-themed dark chocolate champagne cake.
People’s Choice awards: Lundy’s ­strawberry shortcake, best non-chocolate dessert; Sugar Forest, best chocolate ­dessert; and a la lucie’s graham cracker, honey and chocolate dessert, best reason to skip dinner.

Everyday food and wine
Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road in Brannon Crossing, is having a wine pairing dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The theme is weekday dinner, everyday wines with everyday foods. The menu includes broccoli and Cheddar soup with ­Coppola chardonnay, beef brisket with Dynamite ­cabernet sauvignon, and triple chocolate cake. The cost is $25. Call (859) 245-0048.

More places to do brunch
■ Cleveland’s at the Woodford Inn in Versailles now is open for Sunday brunch. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chefs Ouita Michel and Jared Richardson will prepare the menu that includes Stone Cross Farm ham steak, biscuits and sausage gravy, pork chops, quiches of the day, and a big-plate breakfast. Cleveland’s is at 140 Park Street. Call (859) 879-6062. The restaurant is open daily serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
■ Summit Restaurant, 1097 Duval Street, now is open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include eggs ­Benedict, omelets, roast chicken, grilled salmon, burgers, bacon and eggs. The ­dinner menu is available after 3 p.m.
Chris Nelson, owner of Chrisman Mill Winery, will host a Kentucky Proud wine dinner at Summit on Feb. 7. Five wines will be paired with five courses, along with a blackberry wine served with dessert. The cost is $59. Call (859) 271-1400.

Rolling out Barrel House’s vodka
Barrel House Distilling Co. of ­Lexington and The Thoroughbred Shop are ­introducing Pure Blue vodka from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. You can meet the ­owners of Barrel House and get your bottles signed. The Thoroughbred Shop is at 2005 ­Versailles Road. Call (859) 254-0358.

P.F. Chang’s celebrates a new year
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro at Fayette Mall is debuting new dishes for Chinese New Year. The newest additions are traditional egg rolls, mahi-mahi, sesame chicken and Cantonese style duck. Call (859) 271-1165 or go to www.pfchangs.com.

Many restaurants still have reservations open for New Year’s Eve. Here are some places to ring in the New Year.

• • Azur in Beaumont Centre will celebrate its fourth anniversary with a five-course dinner. Cost is $65 with seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Lisa & The Men in Back will entertain from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to www.azurrestaurant.com.
  • Buddy’s Bar and Grill, 854 East High Street, will have entertainment by Ember beginning at 9 p.m. in Lucille’s Lounge. Call (859) 335-1874 or go to www.buddysbarandgrill.com.
  • Cleveland’s at the Woodford Inn, 140 Park Street, Versailles, is offering a multicourse menu with choices of pan-roasted chicken breast, pork loin chop, prosciutto-wrapped sea bass, filet mignon, and surf ‘n’ turf. Prices range from $30 to $50. Call (859) 879-6062.
  • Dudley’s, 380 South Mill Street, will feature its regular a la carte menu with a few specials from chef Jonathan Gossett. Call (859) 252-1010 or go to www.dudleysrestaurant.com.
  • Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street, Midway is accepting reservations from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $75 (or $65 for a vegetarian option) for the seven-course menu, which features carved filet mignon and roasted sea bass. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to www.hollyhillinn.com.
  • Stonefence Bistro, 730 Main Street in Paris, is having a prix fixe menu featuring lamb medallions, surf ‘n’ turf, roasted chicken and poached salmon. Cost is $48. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m., and live music starts at 6. Call (859) 987-1990.
  • Thai Orchid, 1030 South Broadway, will give away dessert with the purchase of a dinner entree from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to www.thaiorchidcafe.net. The cafe also is open for lunch on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road, in Brannon Crossing, will offer four entree choices: lobster tail, filet mignon, stuffed pork tenderloin and pecan-fried chicken, along with free hors d’oeuvres. Call (859) 245-0048 or go to www.threesunsbistro.com.
  • Wines on Vine, 400 Old Vine Street, is accepting reservations for dinner. The menu features beef Bourgogne, lamb or pan-seared sesame tuna. The cost is $35. Call (859) 243-0017 or go to www.winesonvine.net.

Elaine Shay of Lexington and Marianne Swintosky of ­Georgetown have a new artisan food company, Viburnum ­Valley Farm Confections, and they are making chocolate truffles and European-style pastries. “We are combining traditional European truffle-making with ­local farm products,” Shay said.

Truffles are made with Susan Miller’s Bluegrass Chevre and Jamieson’s Chocolate.

Swintosky has been making truffles and pastries for friends, family and co-workers for years. She was born and raised in ­Germany. When she came to the United States, she missed the truffles she could buy in Europe, so she started making her own, Shay said.

The women will have raspberry truffles at the Bluegrass Chevre booth at the Lexington Farmers Market on Saturday. Call (859) 312-1157 or go to www.vvfconfections.com.

Former restaurateur is at home at home

Jennifer Burchett, former owner of Café Jennifer at The Woodlands, is ­talking about cooking at home instead of at a restaurant on her blog, www.eatwellathome.blogspot.com.

Burchett, a restaurateur for 10 years, said on her blog that she’s “thrilled to be at home with my family and to explore the joy waiting around every corner. I firmly believe that respect for what goes into our bodies, as well as respect for the art of preparing our meals, enriches our lives considerably.” She shares inspirations, ideas and a few recipes.

A beer for every course

The chefs at Azur are pairing food and beer at their October chef series dinner. Sous chef Justin Clark will feature five courses and five specialty beer pairings in his “Side by Side 5” dinner. The Oktoberfest tribute, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28, includes five beers selected from three countries. The cost is $55. The menu features yellowtail sashimi, butternut squash and caramel flan, ballotine of duck, char- grilled elk, and beer float with vanilla ice cream and chocolate covered espresso beans.

Kentucky food and wine

Three Suns Bistro will have a Kentucky wine-tasting dinner at 6:30 p.m. ­Wednesday featuring Talon Vineyards. The menu includes country ham with silver-dollar biscuits, beef sirloin steak with vegetable burgoo, and fried apple pie a la mode with bourbon caramel. Cost is $40. Call (859) 245-0048 or go to www.threesunsbistro.com. The bistro is at 298 East Brannon Road in Brannon Crossing.

Three Suns’ original location, 501 North Main Street in Nicholasville, now is The Little Moon Bistro. The menu features hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, pork and Italian dishes. Call (859) 881-8225.

After dinner, the show’s next door

Heirloom Restaurant and Thoroughbred Theatre in Midway are teaming up for ­dinner and a play.

On Oct. 30, a three-course dinner will be served at Heirloom at 6 p.m., then guests will walk next door to the theater for Racing Toward Murder at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50.

The menu features choice of Caesar salad or potato-leek soup, and pan-seared salmon over roasted eggplant purée or chicken picatta over ricotta gnocchi. Dessert (choice of chocolate decadence, apple crisp, crème brûlée) will be served during intermission at the theatre. Call Heirloom at (859) 846-5565 or go to www.heirloommidway.com, or call the theater at (859) 494-2877cq or go to www.bluegrassmysterytheatre.com.

The Ketch’s oyster catch

The Ketch Seafood Grill, 2012 Regency Road, is serving fresh oysters from the Gulf of Mexico and Chesapeake Bay. On Monday, you can get a dozen Gulf oysters for half price. Call (859) 277-5919 or go to www.ketchseafoodgrill.com.

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Corbett’s An American Place in Louisville is included in Esquire magazine’s best new restaurants roundup in the November issue. Esquire writer John Mariani praises chef/owner Dean Corbett for the stylish restoration of the 150-year-old Von Allman mansion, and chef de cuisine Chris Howerton’s balance of locally informed and international flavor. An American Place, 5050 Norton Healthcare Boulevard in Old Brownsboro Crossing. Call (502) 327-5058 or visit www.corbettsrestaurant.com.

Samples of bourbon and beer

Village Vineyard will be sampling ­bourbons, wines and beer from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday today. Dad’s Favorites cheese of Lexington will be ­available for tasting. The store is at 4379 Old ­Harrodsburg Road, behind Ramsey’s Diner. Call (859 552-8793.

Farmers market report

The growing season is winding down, and Bluegrass Farmers Market will be open until Oct. 28. At the market this week are grass-fed beef, peppers, apples, eggplant, green beans, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, flowers and baked goods. The market is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday on Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and FastSigns.

Black Tulip’s having a luau
Midway’s Fall Festival is Saturday and Sunday, and The Black Tulip is hosting a festival-eve luau. A Hawaii-themed buffet will be served from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Railroad Street will be closed for festival ­preparations, so ­complimentary valet parking will be ­provided in front of the old city hall on Winter Street. Call (859) 846-9923 or go to www.theblacktulipmidway.com. The ­restaurant is at 133 Main Street.

Try a taste of Trappist ales
Chimay Trappist ales, brewed by Trappist monks in Belgium for 146 years, have been distributed in the United States for 25 years. Proceeds from the beer sales help Trappists all over the globe, including Kentucky’s ­Abbey of Gethsemani.

Pazzo’s Pizza Pub, 385 South Limestone, is hosting a Chimay 25th anniversary party at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Call (859) 255-5125 or go to www.pazzospizzapub.com.

The Liquor Barn, 921 Beaumont Centre Parkway, will have a Chimay beer tasting from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday. Samples of Chimay white, red or grand reserve will be 75 cents, and the first 18 customers will receive an anniversary glass.
The Liquor Barn stores will celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with a Wild Turkey “sip and sample,” featuring American Honey and Rare Breed. The tastings, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, will be at the Beaumont store, as well as ones at 1837 Plaudit Place and 3040 Richmond Road.

Tapas are on tap at Azur
Azur Restaurant’s chef series dinner, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, showcases a four-course tapas menu. The cost is $35. Included are sweet potato and salt cod on a crispy ­plantain chip, empanadas with braised beef and vegetables with creamy feta cheese sauce, mini duck burger with apricot ­ketchup, and tropical fruit and goat cheese crepe with toasted almond Anglaise. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to www.azurrestaurant.com. Azur is in Beaumont Centre.

Eat like a pioneer
Authentic pioneer foods and a ­transparent pudding contest are part of the Simon ­Kenton Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday in Washington.

Transparent pudding is a traditional Mason County dessert. The contest will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Paxton Inn. The Marshall Keys Tavern will have a special pioneer menu as well as bag lunches ­available for take-out. The Ice Cream Shop and Restaurant at Row House Mall will serve ice cream, pies, cakes and sandwiches. Go to www.washingtonky.com.

There’s more to order at Thai Orchid
Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway, has expanded its menu. Included are chicken dippers served with pineapple-tangerine and peanut sauces; basil beef; triple crown dish that has peanut chicken, pineapple ­tangerine chicken and sweet chili chicken; meat ­lovers’ medley with chicken, beef and mixed vegetables in a spicy chili sauce, and wok curry. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to www.thaiorchidcafe.net.

A pig roast in Paris
Campbell’s in Paris, 519 Main Street, is having a pig roast Saturday. The buffet, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., includes fresh ­vegetables from the garden, salads, baked beans, and coleslaw. Cost is $15.95. Call (859) 987-5164.

Farmers market report
The Blue Grass Farmers Market will have ASH free grass fed beef, Amish cheese (baby Swiss, white cheddar, Colby, jalapeño Jack), raspberries, rhubarb, cantaloupes, ­watermelons, eggplant, green beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, cut flowers and mums. The market is on Richmond Road in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet Bike Shop and FastSigns. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

It’s a busy holiday ­weekend, but take time to make reservations for The Bash next weekend.
Benefiting Cardinal Hill ­Rehabilitation Hospital, the party, at 6 p.m. Sept. 5, will be at the Round Barn at The Red Mile, hosted by University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks and his wife, Karen.

There will be bourbons from Bulleit, Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses distilleries, plus wine from Elk Creek Vineyards, and an hors d’oeuvres menu of vegetables with Kentucky beer cheese, spinach and artichoke dip, mini country ham biscuits, smoked pork loin with bourbon glaze, jambalaya cups, corn pudding, tomato cheese torte, Fontina cheese and shrimp grits, New Orleans bread pudding with bourbon sauce, and chocolate chip cookies.

Tickets are $60 each or $750 for a reserved table for eight. Call Trish Roberts Hatler at (859) 254-5701, Ext. 5603.

Each course sounds delicious
Wingspan Gallery, 191 Jefferson Street, will serve a four-course dinner Sept. 4 with corn and tomato chowder, mixed greens with spring onions and toasted almonds, pork chops seared with star anise and plums, creamed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and caramelized pineapple with ginger and crème Anglaise. The cost is $40. Call (859) 225-5765 or go to www.wingspangallery.com.

More fun with karoake
Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, is ­having its third annual karaoke party at 9 p.m. Aug. 29 to benefit the Leukemia and ­Lymphoma Society. Call (859) 278-9424 or go to www.winchellsrestaurant.com.

Three Suns lightens it up at the bar
Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road, in Brannon Crossing, has ­lighter fare on its bar menu: home-fried potato chips with blue cheese French onion dip; beer cheese with pita chips; mini bison, Italian sausage and beef burgers; and Cuban and muffaletta ­sandwiches. Call (859) 245-0048.

Varden’s turns 2 with a party
Varden’s Cafe, 509 Main Street in Paris, is celebrating its second birthday with wine and hors d’oeuvres 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. Call (859) 987-4700.

Jean Farris adds autumn to its menu
Jean Farris Winery & Bistro, 6825 Old Richmond Road, has a new menu for harvest season. House favorite pan-seared filet ­mignon has received a ­makeover, served with a savory blue cheese and shallot bread pudding and grilled local squash. New dinner items are prickly pear-glazed seared duck breast, and a 14-ounce bone-in rib-eye with a petite syrah demi-glaze. The lunch menu has grilled beef kebab, four-cheese macaroni and cheese with bacon, and chicken pot pie. Desserts are angel food cake topped with a spicy ­cayenne and cinnamon chocolate mousse, and raspberry truffle cake. Call (859) 263-9463.

The barbecue baron is back
Kansas City Baron of Barbecue Paul Kirk returns to Good Ol’ Days BBQ Farm, 544 Old Frankfort Pike in Midway, for his second barbecue seminar Oct. 11. Call (859) 873-9520 or go to www.goodoldays.com.

Farmers market report
This week, Blue Grass Farmers Market will have grass-fed beef, Amish cheese (baby Swiss, white Cheddar, colby, jalapeño Jack), raspberries, rhubarb, melons, beets, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, onions, greens, green beans, okra, peppers, jalapeños, potatoes, summer squash and tomatoes. The market is on Richmond Road in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet Bike Shop and FastSigns. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Pig roast at Azur
Azur Restaurant & Patio in Beaumont Centre is having a pig roast Friday, Aug. 29. Chefs Miguel Rivas and Jeremy Ashby are preparing a Latin menu of suckling pig, paella and arepas. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be by Alma Gitana. Cost is $35. Call (859) 296-1007 or go to www.azurrestaurant.com.