Flavors of Kentucky

Food Network celebrity Giada De Laurentiis’ recent trip to Thailand has inspired Nat Yuttayong to create some special dishes for this weekend at Nat’s Thai Restaurant.
Yuttayong, chef/owner of the restaurant at 111 South Upper Street, read about De Laurentiis’ trip in the May issue of Food Network Magazine.
“She discovered that authentic Thai food is nothing like American Thai food,” Yuttayong said. “The dinners are spicier, the sweets are sweeter. She was inspired by the bold flavors of the country’s signature ingredients: kaffir lime, ginger and Thai chiles.”
He is serving De Laurentiis’ recipes for shrimp and vegetable yellow curry; turkey larb, or lettuce wraps; and spicy mint beef. Call (859) 433-0197. Also, Nat’s patio is now open.

Openings

■ A new frozen yogurt store, Yogli Mogli, is open at 457 Keene Centre Drive in Nicholasville, near Copper River Grill. It offers 16 flavors that are fat-free, low-fat, or no-sugar-added. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Go to Yoglimogli.com.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations

Cinco de Mayo is Sunday. Area restaurants’ events include:
■ Durango’s, 2121 Richmond  Road, will serve special fajitas and margaritas on Sunday. Beef or chicken fajitas for two are $15.95. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (859) 268-0723.
■ The Grey Goose will party in Mexico style at all locations on Sunday. The menus include Mexican pizza with a chipotle marinara base topped by mozzarella and steak. Locations are 133 East Main Street in Midway, (859) 846-9933; 170 Jefferson Street in Lexington, (859) 233-1500; and 509 Main Street in Paris, (859) 987-4700.
■ Good Foods Market & Café, 455 Southland Drive, will serve a buffet featuring authentic Mexican entrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $7.99 per pound. Call (859) 278-1813 or go to Goodfoods.coop.
■ Old Chicago Pizza, 1924 Pavilion Way, is having a Cinco de Mayo mini tour featuring eight Mexican beers. The special ends Sunday. Call (859) 977-4640 or go to Oldchicago.com.

New menus

■ Gluten-free menus, including sandwiches, are now available at all of Chef Ouita Michel’s restaurants.
“We’ve always accommodated dietary restrictions, including gluten-free requests, at Holly Hill Inn, our fine dining restaurant,” Michel said. “So to help our guests at Windy Corner Market, Wallace Station and our Midway School Bakery who ask about gluten-free options, we evaluated our menus and created special menus that list gluten-free entrees, side dishes and desserts.”
The breads are made at Midway School Bakery, which began the gluten-free menu project. Head pastry chef and manager Carrie Warmbier has created a gluten-free soft bread that’s particularly good in grilled sandwiches. The bakery is at 510 South Winter Street. Call (859) 846-4336 or go to Midwayschoolbakery.com.
Michels restaurants are Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street, Midway, (859) 846-4732, Hollyhillinn.com; Wallace Station, 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, (859) 846-5161, Wallacestation.com; and Windy Corner, 4595 Bryan Station Road, Lexington, (859) 294-9338, Windycornermarket.com.
■ Greentree Tearoom, 521 West Short Street, is featuring the flavors of spring on its May menu. Included are strawberry soup, cream scones, a luncheon hot Brown, cucumber dill and shrimp tea sandwiches, dark chocolate mousse, French wafers, and coconut cupcakes. Call (859) 455-9660 or go to Greentreetearoom.com.
■ Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, has a new menu for spring. Featured are spaghetti pizzaiola, penne alla Siciliana and baccala (salted cod) napoletana. Call (859) -309-3313 or go to Casanovaky.com.
■ The weekend menu and entertainment at Natasha’s Bistro, 112 Esplanade, has a Cuban theme. The menu includes baked salmon served with hearts of palm. Peruvian singer Carlos Flores will perform. Call (859) 259-2754 or go to Beetnik.com.

Special event

■ Wines on Vine, 400 Old Vine Street, will have a German riesling wine tasting 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Call (859) 243-0017.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have spring greens, asparagus, lettuce, cucumbers, baked goods, jams, herb seasoning, lamb, goat, veal, beef, pork, eggs, soaps, and vegetable plants. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Bluegrassfarmersmarket.org.

■ Holly Hill Inn in Midway has a new project for those who want to learn about — and sample — bourbons. Ouita Michel, chef/owner of Holly Hill Inn, said the mission of the 1785 Bourbon Society is to educate bourbon drinkers from novice to aficionado about topics such as palate training, mixology, food pairings and cooking with bourbon, as well as the spirit’s fascinating history.
Tim Knittel, professional bourbon educator and former general manager of the culinary program at Woodford Reserve Distillery, will lead the 1785 Bourbon Society. Events will include tasting classes throughout the year, bourbon-themed dinners at Holly Hill Inn, ­presentations by distillers and field trips.
Membership is free. Email steve@hollyhillinn.com.
Members will receive notice of 1785 Bourbon Society events and classes via Proof Read, the society’s periodic e-newsletter.
Holly Hill is at 426 North Winter Street. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to Hollyhillinn.com.

It’s a busy time next week for restaurants celebrating Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. Make reservations early if you want to be assured of a seat at your favorite place. Mardi Gras parties will be Tuesday. Valentine’s celebrations will be on Thursday, unless otherwise noted.

Fat Tuesday

■ Tommy Walters, owner of Furlong’s Catering, is the person who will be  going to Louisiana to pick up all those thousands of pounds of crawfish that many of these Lexington restaurants will serve on Fat Tuesday. He’s also getting  andouille sausage, boudain, and oysters. If you need a large order while he’s there, call (859) 913-5611.

■ A la lucie, 159 North Limestone. Call (859) 252-5277 or go to Alalucie.com. The party begins at 5 p.m. and the menu includes gumbos, Creoles, etouffee, bananas Foster.
■ Bayou Bluegrass Catering at The Red Mile Clubhouse, 1200 Red Mile Road. Call (859) 233-0814 or go to Bayoubluegrass.com. Lunch buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $16.50. Dinner seatings are at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Cost is $29.50.
■ Bourbon n’ Toulouse, 829 Euclid Avenue. Call (859) 335-0300 or go to Bntlex.com. The party begins at 11 a.m. and the menu features alligator etouffee and King cake. Call by Monday for  take-out orders. Boiled crawfish cannot be pre-ordered. Crawfish boil starts at 6:30 p.m. Extra seating is at The Chevy Chase Inn and The Beer Trappe.  The Mojo Tones play at 6 p.m. followed by The Tall Boys at 9 p.m.
■ Gumbo Ya Ya Cajun Creole, 1080 South Broadway. Call (859) 252-9292 or go to Gumboyayaky.com. The menu features alligator sauce piquant, crawfish e’touffee, shrimp Creole, and free slices of King cake.

■ Meadowthorpe Cafe, 1415 Leestown Road. Call (859) 258-2222. Serving seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, and crawfish etouffee, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

■ Ramsey’s Diners. Locations are at Ramseysdiners.com. Live crawfish will be served, as well as seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, freshly baked French bread, and King cake.
■ Willie’s Locally Known, 805 North Broadway. Call (859) 281-1116. Willie’s first Mardi Gras party will feature a crawfish boil, gumbo, and hot beignets with bourbon caramel sauce. The Baja Yetis will entertain at 7 p.m. followed by Zydeco and Cajun music at 9 p.m.
■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive. Call (859) 278-9424 or go to Winchellsrestaurant.com. The Mardi Gras menu includes crawfish etouffee and King cake. On Valentine’s Day, beef tenderloin tips with crabmeat, and pan-seared scallops will be served.

Valentine’s Day

■ Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant at Fayette Mall, 3395 Nicholasville Road. Call (859) 971-0922 or go to Abuelos.com. Valentine specials will run Thursday through Feb.17. Included are fajitas for two, plus free dessert, for $29.99; and a prime rib special.
■ Addie’s at The Woodford Inn, 140 Park Street, Versailles. Call (859) 873-5600 or go to Thewoodfordinn.com. Seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m. Four course meal, including wine, is $90 for two.
■ Alfalfa, 141 East Main Street. Call (859) 253-0014. Valentine’s dinner will be served from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. A vegan entrée is available.
■ The Café at Barnes and Noble, 1932 Pavilion Way. Call (859) 543-8148or go to Barnesandnoble.com. On Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, the café will have specially wrapped Cheesecake Factory cupcakes and cheesecakes for two.
■ Casanova, 855 South Broadway. Call (859) 309-3313 or go to Casanovaky.com. A three-course menu is $45.
■ Equus Run Winery, 1280 Moores Mill Road in Midway. Call (859) 846-9463 or go to Equusrunvineyards.com.  Kisses & Calories — A Choco-holic Affair will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Tim Talbert Trio will entertain from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5.
■ J Morse on Vine Bistro, 102 West Vine Street, is serving a four-course Feb. 14-16. Entrees include  peppercorn crusted pork loin with black cherry reduction, pasta pomodoro with grilled chicken or shrimp, and ribeye au poivre. Cost is $80 a couple. Call (859) 368-9888 or go to Jmorseonvinebistro.com.

■ Minton’s 760, 760 North Limestone. Call (859) 948-1874or go to Mintonsat760.com. Seatings will be at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
■ Soundbar, 208 South Limestone. Call (859) 523-6338 or go to Soundbarlex.com. Soundbar’s A Red Affair on Valentine’s Day will benefit AVOL.
■ Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson Street. Call (859) 255-3354 or go to Stellaskentuckydeli.com. A four-course meal will be $35 with seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Vegetarian options available.
■ Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net. A Thai tapas feast for two is $45 and will be served from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

 Special events

■ Akielo Temple No. 128, Daughters of the Nile, will hold its annual bean soup dinner at Oleika Shrine Center, 326 Southland Drive,  from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. The menu includes brown or white beans, corn bread, dessert, and drink. Cost is $5. Carry-out is available. Call (859) 277-6869.
■ Holly Hill Inn and Thai Orchid Cafe will exchange chefs on Saturday. Toa Green and her mother, Suda Veerasethakul, who operate Thai Orchid, will cook their Thai specialties at Holly Hill, while  Nat Henton, executive chef at Woodford Reserve Distillery, (The food operation is run by Holly Hill Inn’s culinary team) will prepare menu items at Thai Orchid.
The dinner at Holly Hill, 426 North Winter Street in Midway, will be from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Call (859) 846-4732. Henton will prepare his favorite Thai dishes at Thai Orchid, 1030 South Broadway, from 5 to 10 p.m. Call (859) 288-2170.

Nat Yuttayong has opened a new Thai restaurant downtown at 111 South Upper Street, next to McCarthy’s Irish Bar. Nat’s menu is small but has “authentic true taste of Thai.”
Yuttayong, who recently returned from a trip to Thailand, said, “I have rediscovered the true authentic Thai food again. After many years in the U.S., we all had forgot the real taste of Thai food.”
Yuttayong grew up working with his aunt at Siam Thai restaurant. In 1989, the family opened Bangkok House, and after it was sold, opened Taste of Thai. He most recently worked with his cousin at Mai Thai Restaurant on Tiverton Way.
Yuttayong said the menu will feature “the fresh pad Thai noodle just like back home.” Other menu items include spicy beef and pork salad,  shrimp herb and spice, and fried chicken wings with herb. Curry specials are served on Tuesday and Thursday. Hours are noon to midnight Monday through Thursday, and noon to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (859) 433-0197.

Special events

■ Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway, is taking diners on a trip around the world at its Winter Dinner Club series. The dinner menus are inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in 80 Days.
On Friday and Saturday, the culinary tour begins with a contemporary British menu, then for the next few weekends, the menu will reflect stops along adventurer Phileas Fogg’s travels. Specially paired wine flight and cocktail specials will be featured throughout the dinner series. Cost is $40. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to Hollyhillinn.com for other dates and menus.
Beginning Friday, Holly Hill’s winter hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
■ Midway Christian Church is celebrating the annual Feast of the Epiphany at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Piper Dining Hall on the Midway College campus. A medieval menu will be prepared by Ouita Michel and her staff at the Holly Hill Inn.
The feast will begin with the traditional parade of the boar’s head, led by bagpiper Malcolm McGregor. The buffet will feature the roast hog stuffed with sausages; saffron rice pilaf; carrot pudding with currants and dates; sweet-and-sour cabbage and lentils; salad of lettuces, fennel, mint, parsley, flowers and egg; king cake; and poached pears. Entertainment will be provided by Muzik, a medieval music group that plays authentic replicas of ancient instruments.
Cost is $30, $15 for ages 11 to 18, and children age 10 and under are admitted free. Call Midway Christian Church at (859) 846-4102 or go to Midwaychristian.org. Midway College is at 512 East Stephens Street in Midway.
■ Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill doesn’t let its activities falter during cold weather. The cozy Winter Kitchen is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 8:30 p.m. through Feb. 10. The winter kitchen is in the West Family Dwelling cellar and offers fireside dining.
Shaker Village is at 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg. Call 1-800- 734-5611, Ext. 360, or go to Shakervillageky.org.

Etc.

■  Doodles Breakfast and Lunch, 262 North Limestone, will reopen on Saturday after its Christmas break. Weekend brunch hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (859) 317-8507 or go to Doodlesrestaurant.com.
■ Greentree Tearoom, 521 West Short Street, has planned a cozy tea menu for January. Included are corn chowder; orange scone with orange curd; quiche Lorraine; olive nut in celery sticks; chicken salad and carrot round tea sandwiches; dark hot chocolate; and Italian cream cupcakes. Luncheon tea is served at noon Wednesday through Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Saturday. Call (859) 455-9660 or go to Greentreetearoom.com.

Smith-Berry Winery tasting room

Smith-Berry Winery, 855 Drennon Road in New Castle, is releasing a new riesling on Saturday. The winery’s first off-dry riesling will be available for tasting and sales at the August dinner/concert series from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Entertainment provided by Old School Band. Cost is $22.95. The menu includes grilled pork chop sandwiches and marinated chicken breasts. Call (502) 845-7091 or go to Smithberrywinery.com.

■ Acres of Land Winery is releasing two new wines on Saturday: late harvest vignoles and a 2006 cabernet sauvignon. Robert Sharp II is the new executive chef at the winery and will serve fresh fruit and imported cheeses from noon to 4 p.m. The winery is at 2285 Barnes Mill Road in Richmond. Call (859) 328-3000 or go to Acresoflandwinery.com. 
■ Chrisman Mill Vineyards, 2385 Chrisman Mill Road, in Nicholasville, is having a Surf or Turf cookout on Saturday. The menu features steak or shrimp, salad and mashed potato bars, and dessert. Cost is $25. Live music provided by Acke & Hale from 7 to 10 p.m. Call (859) 881-5007, Ext. 1. or go to Chrismanmill.com.
■ Jean Farris Winery & Bistro, 6825 Old Richmond Road, now is offering Sunday Supper from noon to 7 p.m. instead of separate brunch and dinner seating times on Sundays. The winery is no longer serving Saturday brunch but will open the wine bar at noon serving wine, cheese, and charcuterie. Call (859) 263-9463  or go to Jeanfarris.com.

Wine dinner

■ Chef Ouita Michel is serving a six-course Summer in Madrid wine dinner Saturday at the Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway. “We’ll start with vegetarian tapas, three or four small portions, which will include a tortilla with local eggs, and other dishes using the fresh produce coming in from the area farmers, like peppers and tomatoes,” Michel said. The menu includes courses with fresh Gulf seafood and paella. Cost is $50. Optional Spanish wine pairing with dinner is $35. Call (859) 846-4732.

Guest winemaker

■ Rich Parducci from McNab Ridge Winery in Mendocino County, Calif., will be guest winemaker at WineStyles, 2535 Nicholasville Road,  from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.  Parducci, the great-grandson of John Parducci, will talk about his family’s 70-plus years in the winemaking business. Call (859) 278-9463.   

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.

Lexington pie baker Elizabeth Maggi has given up baking for making sliders. Maggi, formerly with Phat Pie Cafe and Natasha’s Bistro, is the chef at the new T Bar, at the corner of Woodland and Euclid avenues (formerly the Fish Tank). The restaurant serves a variety of gourmet sliders including the Angus beef black and bleu with sautéed onions and hickory smoked bacon; pulled pork with cole slaw; miniature brats; and cordon bleu chicken. Maggi’s dessert specialty at T Bar is a peanut butter and jelly slider, deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Owners are T.J. Gordon and Bob Douglas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday. Limited lunch delivery is available. Call (859) 368-9404 or go to Tbar500.com.

Openings

■ Mary Lou’s BBQ is open at 226 Walton Avenue, serving Texas Hill country and coastal bayou style BBQ. The menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey and sausages. Custom orders are available with advance notice for cold smoked salmon, beef tenderloin, whole hogs, prime rib, and leg of lamb. Meats are hand rubbed and marinated then slow smoked using either hickory, blackjack oak or pecan wood. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (859) 252-4227.
■ The new Sabio in Dudley Square offers menus for the bar, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. At the bar, you can order an artisanal cheese platter, wok-charred green beans, stuffed quail and mussels. For lunch, the menu features salads and sandwiches. Dinner selections include chicken, duck, scallops, pasta, beef, pork and lamb, and for dessert there’s chocolate fondant, bourbon cheesecake and pot de crème. Sabio is at 380 South Mill Street. Call (859) 368-9901 or go to SabioDudleySquare.com.
■ First Watch, The Daytime Cafe will open its first restaurant in Lexington in the fall at 3071 Richmond Road, in the Kroger shopping plaza It serves breakfast, brunch and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Go to Firstwatch.com.
■ In a hurry for a quick bite, try the new Happy Falafel, 105 Eastern Avenue. Specialties are falafel, chicken and steak shawirma, baba ganoush and lentil soup. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (859) 455-8741 or go to Happyfalafel.us.

Special events

■ Food photographer Sarah Jane Sanders will have an exhibit of her work at Wine + Market, 486 West Second Street, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday for Gallery Hop. Sanders photographs desserts for Stella Parks’ BraveTart.com blog and her work has appeared on Ruth Reichl’s Gilt Taste and Ed Levine’s Serious Eats. Wine + Market is at 486 West Second Street. Call (859) 225-0755.
■ Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway, is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday with dishes featuring local ingredients from Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown. Included are Thai style omelet, coconut sweet potato fries and sweet potato pie ice cream. Call (859) 288-2170  or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net.
■ Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse in Harrodsburg will host a songwriters and authors event from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Pamela Whinnery will sign Favorite Recipes of Kentucky Celebrities and Country Goodness Recipes of Tennessee Celebrities. Songwriters from across the state will perform on the restaurant stage.
In conjunction with the steakhouse event, the fifth annual Kentucky Writers Celeb Showcase will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at West T. Hill Community Theatre in Danville. On Sunday, a second showcase will feature performers from noon to 5 p.m. at Penn Store in Gravel Switch. The events kick off Kentucky Literary Week Celebration, and proceeds go to Historic Penn Store. The store was built in 1847 and was damaged by a flood last year. Go to Pennsstore.com or  Eddiemontgomerysteakhouse.com.
■ The artwork of Lexington attorney E. David Marshall will be on display at Della’s Diner, 124 North Upper Street, from Friday to Sunday. Della’s late-night menu on Friday features specials on burgers and fish. “Buy a painting and your dinner is free,” owner Tom Morris said. Call (859) 281-1141.
■ Kenny and Sonia Allen will have their Pitmasters BBQ wagon at Sportsman’s Warehouse, 2200 War Admiral Way, on Saturday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Open for lunch

■ Le Deauville, 199 North Limestone, now is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Featured are croque-monsieur and Caesar salad. The bistro will serve brunch from noon to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Call (859) 246-0999 or go to Ledeauvilleresto.com.
■ Holly Hill Inn now is serving lunch and brunch on the weekend. The three-course lunch or Sunday brunch is $18.  Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday for lunch, and for brunch on Sunday. Entrees include Lisa’s famous shrimp and grits, spring vegetable lasagna and  pork roulade.  Holly Hill is at 426 North Winter Street in Midway. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to Hollyhillinn.com.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, eggs, bok choy, onions, kale, jams, herb seasoning, and bedding, herb and vegetable plants. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Lexington Farmers Market is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Cheapside Park. Hours for the Southland Drive market are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The Tuesday and Thursday market at Maxwell Street and South Broadway opens May 1. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.
■ Winchester-Clark County Farmers Market has a new location this spring. It’s at 217 South Main Street in the parking lot next to the Bluegrass Heritage Museum, across from St. Joseph Catholic Church. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Ouita Michel, chef/owner of Holly Hill Inn in Midway, is in the running for the fifth consecutive year for Best Chef: Southeast, a 2012 James Beard Foundation award. Louisville chefs Anthony Lamas of Seviche  and Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia also are semifinalists. Visit James Beard.org.

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day and bakeries, chocolatiers, and restaurants are offering special menus, pricing, and goodies for your sweetheart. Here’s a selection.

Specials are for Valentine’s Day, unless otherwise noted.

■ 815 Prime, 131 East Main Street in Midway. A Valentine’s dinner will be served 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday with live music and champagne specials. (859) 846-4688.

■ Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant at Fayette Mall, 3395 Nicholasville Road. Fajitas for two plus free dessert for $29.99, and a prime rib special will be served Friday through Tuesday. (859) 971-0922. Abuelos.com.

■ BabyCakes Cupcakes has moved from Patchen Drive to 1616 Liberty Road, at the corner of Henry Clay Boulevard. A dozen cupcakes, $22, are decorated with retro heart candy, pink and red swirled icing, and sweet fondant pink, white and red hearts. (859) 317-9619. Bb-cakes.com.

■ Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway. Regular menu will be served, plus two specials: lobster pappardelle in vodka sauce and lamb osso buco. (859) 309-3313.

■ Heirloom, 125 Main Street in Midway. Three-course menu, for $50 a person, includes New York strip and pan-seared diver scallops. Celebrate early with breakfast 7 to 11 a.m. (859) 846-5565. Heirloommidway.com.

■ Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway. On Friday and Saturday, a four-course menu with optional hors d’oeuvres will be available for $40. Brunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Tuesday, a multi-course dinner will be served 5:30 to 10 p.m. The cost is $75 a person. (859) 846-4732. Hollyhillinn.com.

■ Le Deauville, 199 North Limestone. A three-course dinner for $49 a person will be served 5:30 to 10 p.m. (859) 246-0999.

■ Old Kentucky Chocolates stores will have chocolate-covered strawberries and grapes, and a new item, chocolate-covered potato chips and caramels decorated with pink sea salt. Locations are at 450 Southland Drive, (859) 278-4444; 3385 Tates Creek Road, (859) 268-4711; and 410 West Vine Street, (859) 252-2639. Oldkycandy.com.

■ Rossi’s Restaurant, 1060 Chinoe Road. A special four-course dinner is offered. (859) 335-8788. Rossis-restaurant.com.

■ Saul Good Restaurant & Pub’s new dessert for Valentine’s Day is the chocolate wine glass, a mix of Belgian chocolate and wine. Guests can select any glass of red wine from the menu and for an additional charge of $1.49, the outer rim of the glass will be hand-dipped in chocolate. Locations are at 3801 Mall Road in the Plaza at Fayette Mall, and 1808 Alysheba Way in Hamburg. (859) 317-9200. Saulgoodpub.com.

■ Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson Street. Seatings are at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. for the five-course dinner. The cost is $35 a person. (859) 255-3354.

■ Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Crossing. The restaurant will have sweetheart specials Friday, Saturday and Monday. The Valentine’s menu on Tuesday will include Angus prime rib au jus and filet mignon medallion with lobster bouillabaisse. (859) 245-0048.

■ Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, 3854 Old Frankfort Pike. Valentine’s lunch specials will be served Saturday through Tuesday. (859) 846-5161. Wallacestation.com.

■ Windy Corner Market, 4595 Bryan Station Road. Lunch and dinner specials will be served Saturday through Tuesday. A sweetheart brunch will be offered Saturday and Sunday. (859) 294-9338. Windycornermarket.com.

■ WineStyles of Lexington, 2535 Nicholasville Road. A Valentine wine pairing event will be 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. Wines will be matched with artisanal cheeses, fresh fruit and dark chocolates. Tickets are $38 a couple. (859) 278-9463.

■ Bluegrass Pride has partnered with Bellini’s Italian Restaurant and Natasha’s Bistro & Bar to hold candlelit dinners on Valentine’s Day as a way to raise awareness and promote energy efficiency in Fayette County. The restaurants will light their dining rooms with candles rather than relying solely on overhead lights. Call (859) 266.1572 or visit Bgpride.org. Bellini’s is at 115 WestMain Street. Natasha’s is at 112 Esplanade.

Events

■ Akielo Temple, No. 128, Daughters of the Nile, will have its annual bean soup dinner 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Oleika Shrine Center, 326 Southland Drive. The menu includes white or brown beans, corn bread, dessert and a drink. The cost is $5 for adults, and $2.50 for children younger than 12.

Farmers market report

■ The Lexington Farmers Market, open Saturdays at Victorian Square, will have beef, kale, turnips, cabbage, beans, eggs, chicken, and turkeys. Students from the University of Kentucky will be at the market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to record oral histories of market vendors and visitors.