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.

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 late George Ouraniou served Greek specialties at community events.

The late George ­Ouraniou left his mark on Lexington by providing authentic Greek dishes to Central Kentuckians at a time when there were few ethnic restaurants in town. Ouraniou served his Greek specialties at many community events, and now his nephew Ilias Pappas is carrying on tradition by taking over Ouraniou’s mobile food-vendor business, the Athenian Grille.
The food truck will be at these ­locations through Oct. 26: 3454 ­Richmond Road, next to Glenn Auto Mall, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; and West Sixth Brewery, 501 West Sixth Street, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The menu includes spinach pie, moussaka, Greek salad, hummus, baklava and gyros. Call (859) 351-1605  or go to Facebook.com/AthenianGrilllex.

Events

■ Julian Van Winkle III, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in ­Frankfort, will join chef Jonathan Lundy for a special dinner Thursday at ­Jonathan at Gratz Park for the third year in a row. The restaurant, 120 West Second Street, will be closed for normal service, and there are limited ­reservations available for the dinner.
The five-course menu will ­complement whiskeys that will not ­arrive in retail stores until later this year. Included are Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year 107 Proof and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 year. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner seating at 7. The cost is $120. Call (859) 252-4949.
■ The menu for Saturday’s Dinner Night at the Greek Orthodox Church will feature specialties from Romania. Vlad Radulescu, a Lexington physician, will prepare the dinner, and wines will be provided by River Bend Winery. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The menu includes roasted pork, sauerkraut rolls and Romanian beef sausages. The church is at 920 Tates Creek Road. Go to Greekdinner.com.
■ Lover’s Leap Vineyards & Winery, 1180 Lanes Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, will hold its first fall fling from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be live music from 1 to 3 p.m., and food will be  provided by Talk of the Town in ­Lawrenceburg. Proceeds go to the Anderson Humane Society. Call (502) 839-1299 or go to Loversleapwine.com.
■ The South Limestone Association of Merchants is having a Rally Time block party Friday for the University of ­Kentucky homecoming. Businesses along the street will have special deals. Kennedy Book Store will hand out free UK ­basketball calendars until 6 p.m. and Pazzo’s Pizza Pub will have half-price ­appetizers from 4 to 7 p.m. Tin Roof, Local Taco and Two Keys also are participating.

Announcements

■ Holiday flavors have returned to Graeter’s. The ice cream shop at 836 Euclid Avenue is scooping cinnamon, pumpkin, eggnog and peppermint stick through December.  Call (859) 253-6741 or go to Graeters.com.
■ Ted’s Montana Grill has given its Web site, Tedsmontanagrill.com, a new look that includes several new features, including direct e-gift card purchase. Go to ­Facebook.com/tedsmontanagrill
for a chance to win gift cards for ­complimentary menu items through Dec. 31. Ted’s is at 2304 Sir Barton Way. Call (859) 263-5228.
■ Old Chicago, 1924 Pavilion Way, is having a Halloween mini tour ­featuring eight seasonal beers, ­including ­Woodchuck seasonal cider, Blue Moon harvest pumpkin ale, Widmer ­Brothers Pitch Black IPA and New Castle ­Werewolf. Call (859) 977-4640  or go to Oldchicago.com/lexington.
■ Saul Good Restaurant & Pub and founder Rob Perez have received ­national recognition in the trade ­publication Nation’s Restaurant News. You can read how the sports-bar concept appeals to female consumers at Nrn.com/article/growth-chains-saul-good-restaurant-pub.

Farmers market report

■ Myka Smith-Jackson, a winner of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge sponsored by Epicurious and Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, will be at Lexington Farmers Market on Saturday. She will partner with Alex Jenkins, chef at Good Foods Market and Café, to use fresh market ingredients to prepare her winning recipe for perfect curry chicken wraps. The wraps may be sampled from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Cheapside Park. Go to
Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.
■ Bluegrass Farmers  Market will have tomatoes, winter squash, eggplant, peppers, beer cheese, baked goods, soup bean mix, greens, sweet potatoes, eggs, herb seasoning, jams and pumpkins. 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.

Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery in New Castle will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday. The “Winearitaville” dinner/concert will have a Key West theme, and Lunar Beach House will entertain with Jimmy Buffet tunes. The menu features Smith-Berry farm-raised beef burgers, and vendors will offer samples of their Kentucky-made specialties. Producers include Rattlesnack Hill Farm, Flying Leap Farm, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, and Primo Oils & Vinegars. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Cost is $22.95 in advance, or $27.95 at the door.  Call (888) 845-7091 or (502) 845-7091 or go to Smithberrywinery.com.

Events

■ Bourbon n’ Toulouse will serve its famous shrimp boil during the Chevy Chase block party on Saturday. The dish features shrimp, corn, Cajun sausage, and potatoes. Also on the menu are atomic fire hotdogs made from the restaurant’s spicy boil recipe. West Sixth Brewing will have a beer trailer in front of the restaurant at 829 Euclid Avenue. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Call (859) 335-0300 or go to Bntlex.com.
■ On Friday, Horseshoe Bend Vineyards is having a Burgers and Banjos party. Sue Massek from Reel World String Band will entertain. Cost is $10 and the menu features burgers and dessert. Hours are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The winery is at 1187 Lawson Lane in Willisburg. Call (859) 375-0296 or go to Horseshoebend-ky.com.
■ Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe is asking customers to choose six new cupcakes to go on its fall/winter menu. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you can stop by Caramanda’s two locations at 332 Southland Drive and 3805 Dylan Place, to taste three different cupcakes each day. The six cupcakes with the most votes will be added to the menu.

 Specials

■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 Jefferson Street, has $15 specials every Monday night. Each entree comes with soup or salad, and a small carafe of a boutique wine that changes weekly. The restaurant has added a new dish to its menu: a spicy Asian-style chicken crafted by one of the chefs. Call (859) 233-7900 or go to Nickryans.com.
■ Rossi’s Restaurant is featuring $15 dinner specials for the remainder of August. Rossi’s is at 1060 Chinoe Road. Call (859) 335-8788 or go to Rossis-restaurant.com for menu selections.

Farmers market report

■ John and Becky Moore of Midway have harvested their Colorado peach orchard and will be offering the fruit for sale on Saturday. The peach sale will be in front of their home, 113 North Winter Street, beginning at 8 a.m. until the crates are all sold.
■ Some of the merchants near the Southland Drive location of the Lexington Farmers Market are normally closed on Sundays. But they are opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and having a sidewalk sale as a thank you and to recognize the market vendors, said Mark Marcum of Hallmark Trophies.
Participating merchants are The Soup Kitchen, Ladybug Landing, Geno’s Formal Affair, Gem Source, Aerus Electroux, and Hallmark. The Soup Kitchen will have samples of Mexican corn bread, which won awards at the Taste of the Bluegrass.
■ The Willow Oak location of the Bluegrass Farmers Market will no longer be open on Thursday, but will continue on Saturdays throughout the growing season. Farmers at both locations will have green beans, tomatoes, squash, eggplant, eggs, herb seasoning, rabbit, and beef. 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. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

Heirloom Restaurant ­owner Henry Wombles and chef/owner Mark Wombles are ­honoring Pine ­Mountain Settlement School on ­Thursday at their Midway eatery.
The second annual fund-raising ­dinner for the 99-year-old ­Harlan ­County school, which offers ­environmental education and ­educational support for local students, will have two seatings, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The cost is $50; wine and cocktails are not included in the price. Call the restaurant at (859) 846-5565 to make ­reservations
or go to ­Heirloommidway.com or
Pinemountainsettlementschool.com for more information. Heirloom is at 125 Main Street.

Announcement

■ Purple Toad Winery of Paducah won two Concordance gold ­medals at the 2012 Kentucky State Fair ­commercial wine competition Aug. 11. Judges awarded 101 medals to Kentucky wineries in the competition.
Wight-Meyer Vineyard & Winery of Shepherdsville received a Concordance gold medal for its Moore’s Diamond wine. Forest Edge Winery of ­Shepherdsville, MillaNova Winery of Mount Washington and Talon Winery of Lexington each earned gold medals.
Wight-Meyer claimed 15 medals, the most in the 2012 competition. ­MillaNova received 14, Forest Edge and Purple Toad each took home 12, and Brooks Hill Winery of Brooks was awarded 11. For a full list of winners, go to Kentuckywine.com.

Special events

■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, will have a lobster boil from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Whole Maine lobsters will be served with corn on the cob and new potatoes. New England clam chowder and fruit cobbler also are on the menu. Call (859) 278-9424.
■ McConnell Springs is having an ice cream social Saturday. Activities for children include a scavenger hunt and fossil dig. Hours are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the park, 416 Rebmann Lane, off Old Frankfort Pike. Call (859) 225-4073.
■ Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway, will present Noodle Fest at West Sixth Brewing Co., 501 West Sixth Street, at 6 p.m. Saturday. Thai fare will be paired with local craft beers. Noodle bowls include basil beef, coconut noodle, and tofu and veggies. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net.
■ Woodford Reserve Distillery ­celebrates its 200th anniversary this month with a dinner and specialty tours.
Guests will get behind-the-scenes access to the birthplace of bourbon, including many historical relics on the property. The 200-year-old Pepper House, an original spring house, will be open. Tours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 27 to 30.
A bourbon feast, 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 25, will be prepared by chef-in-residence Ouita Michel and her culinary team. Included are carved rack of lamb, ­Woodford Reserve smoked prime rib, Stonecross pork roast with bourbon ­barbecue sauce, bourbon-marinated quail stuffed with fresh figs, corn ­pudding, heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil, pickled okra and cucumber, green beans with bacon, corn pones and butter ­biscuits with tomato jam. The cost is $150. The distillery is at 7855 ­McCracken Pike in Versailles. Call (859) 879-1812 or go to Woodfordreserve.com.

Farmers market report

■ Hughes Farm is the newest ­member of Bluegrass Farmers Market. The farm, which raises rabbits and beef cattle, also sells baked goods at the market. Saturday is Customer ­Appreciation Day, and a limited number of  Bluegrass/Wildcat blue market totes will be given away. 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.
■ Lexington Farmers Market’s ­annual Taste of the Farm dinner will be Aug. 25 in Cheapside Park. Go to ­Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com. Fresh at the markets are blackberries, grapes, sweet corn, summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, ­assorted cheeses, wine, honey, prepared foods and cut flowers.

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.

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.

Seasonal vegetables served at Bluegrass Pizza & Pub in Danville are ­guaranteed fresh from the farm. Owner Colin Masters is starting an organic farm that will supply fresh produce to the restaurant at 235 West Main Street.
Thorny Meadow Farm on Bluegill Lane has been certified by Kentucky Proud. The pub serves specialty pizzas such as pesto chicken and ­Mediterranean, bread sticks, salads, and craft micro brews from across the United States. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Call (859) 236-7737 or go to Bluegrasspizzaandpub.com.

Specials

■ Addie’s at The Woodford Inn, 140 Park Street in Versailles, has new weekly specials on its menu: Monday, 2-for-1 margaritas; Tuesday, kids eat free; Wednesday, Italian; Thursday, fried chicken; Friday, fish fry; and Saturday, surf and turf. Call (859) 948-3974.
Hunter Macey, assistant sous chef at Addie’s, will be a guest chef at the Mountain Mushroom Festival on ­Saturday in downtown Irvine. Macey will cook fresh morels at the ­mushroom tent. Macey is a graduate of ­Sullivan University and has worked at ­Smashburger and Dudley’s Restaurant.
■ Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe has a new flavor of cupcake. The peanut ­butter and jelly cupcake is white cake with strawberry buttercream filling; it’s topped with a swirl of peanut ­butter buttercream icing, and a dollop of strawberry jam. Call (859) 278-7172. Caramanda’s is at 332 Southland Drive, 3805 Dylan Place (off Boston Road), and a kiosk in Fayette Mall.
■ Beginning Monday, The Pub, 3750 Mall Road, is offering a limited “Pub lunch deal” menu that offers smaller portions and value items. Included are grilled chicken sandwich, pint-size fish and chips, smoked gouda and chicken rigatoni, and pot roast sliders. The lunch deal is available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (859) 971-2748.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, is serving lobster tostada with avocado, chile-rubbed prime rib, and lamb fries as specials this weekend. ­Entertaining will be Johnny Roy and The Rubtones on Friday, Paul and Yoonie on Saturday, and John Hedger on lute and guitar during Sunday brunch. Call (859) 226-0300.

Special events

■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, is celebrating the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo on May 5. Specials include posole stew, carne asada tacos, chicken enchiladas, and tres leches cake. Call (859) 278-9424.
■ Tony Roma’s is observing its 40th anniversary. The first Tony Roma’s opened in 1972 in North Miami, Fla., and now there are 170 locations worldwide, with one in Lexington at The Mall at Lexington Green. Guests may enter to win a house party for 30 at Tonyromas.com through July 3.
The anniversary celebration, May 9 to June 26, will feature a ­combination dish of ribs, filet medallions and shrimp; shrimp scampi pasta; and tuxedo cake. Call (859) 272-7526.

Accolades

■ Ted’s Montana Grill has been
named “best gluten-free restaurant chain” in the 2012 About.com
Gluten-Free ­Readers’ Choice Awards.
About.com readers nominated and ­voted on their favorite gluten-free ­products and options. Ted’s introduced its gluten-free menu in 2005 and added a gluten-free salt-and-pepper trout entrée this spring. Ted’s in Lexington is at 2304 Sir Barton Way. Call (859) 263-5228 or go to ­Tedsmontanagrill.com.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers Market will have strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, eggs, green tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, kale, jams, herb seasoning, bedding and herb and vegetable plants 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. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Lexington Farmers Market is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Cheapside Park; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on Southland Drive. The Tuesday and Thursday market at Maxwell Street and South Broadway opens Tuesday. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.
■ Winchester-Clark County ­Farmers Market is in a new spot: 217 South Main Street in the parking lot next to 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.

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.

A rite of spring is upon us: Two of ­Lexington’s farmers markets are ­opening for the season this weekend.
Bluegrass Farmers’ Market opens 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. Farmers will have locally produced spring vegetables, baked goods, herb seasoning, eggs and jams. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
Lexington Farmers Market opens ­Saturday for its 37th season. Items available will include eggs, meats, cheese, bedding and garden plants, honey and wine. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is in Cheapside Park. Parking is free in the Financial Center garage. The Southland Drive market opens Sunday for the season. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Tuesday and Thursday market at Maxwell Street and South Broadway opens May 1. Go to Lexingtonfarmersmarket.com.

Openings, new hours and menus

■ Coles 735 Main is the newest ­tenant at the restaurant spot at East Main Street and North Ashland Avenue that has had a long list of proprietors, most recently Furlong’s and Onizim’s.
Cole Arimes is the chef/owner and has returned to Lexington after spending 18 years in Cincinnati. His menu includes a bit of everything, from burgers and steaks to Greek, French and Latin American specialties. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (859) 266-9000.
■ The second Lexington location of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is open at 3090 Helmsdale Place, in Brighton Place Shoppes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call (859) 263-5555. Go to Fiveguys.com.
■ Stuarto’s Olive Oil Co. will open its second location Saturday at 804 Euclid Avenue in Chevy Chase. The store sells extra virgin olive oils, gourmet oils, ­balsamic vinegar and wine vinegars, from around the world. The store’s other location is at 2200 War Admiral Way. Call (859) 269-0088.
■ Asian Wind, 3735 Palomar Centre Drive, has new hours. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Call (859) 223-0060. Also, children eat free on Tuesday nights with the purchase of an adult entree.
■ Cheapside Bar and Grill, 131 ­Cheapside, now is open for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The menu features “cowboy eggs,” Southwest Benedict, “un-holey doughnuts,” a “rise-and-shine burrito,” and croissant breakfast sandwich. The dinner menu is served beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 254-0046.
■ Jean Farris Winery & Bistro has a new menu for spring. Included are duck pistachio terrine, Newsom’s Kentucky prosciutto, house-made sausage, house-cured smoked salmon, sea scallops, lamb rack, seared duck breast, Kentucky dry-aged rib-eye and striped bass. The winery is at 6825 Old Richmond Road. Call (859) 263-9463.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, is serving lamb fries with red-eye gravy as the weekend special. Also available are chipotle-roasted prime rib with Maytag bleu cheese soufflé and Greek yogurt marinated lamb kebabs.Call (859) 226-0300.
■ Ramsey’s Diner is bringing back its popular chicken salad and fresh local asparagus for spring. Go to ­Ramseysdiners.com for locations of the four Ramsey’s Diners.

Special events

■ Sondra Strunk, owner of Sondra’s Wine Creations, will offer samples of her new product Friday and Saturday at the Kentucky Proud Market in the ­Lexington Convention Center, 410 West Vine Street. Strunk is making ­pineapple wine jelly from her ­homemade ­pineapple wine.
■ Thai Orchid Cafe is celebrating Songkran, the Thai new year, with ­special noodle dishes through ­Sunday. In Thai culture, the long length of ­noodles represents happiness and longevity, owner chef Toa Green said. Dishes include super noodle bowl, drunken spaghetti, spicy tom yum noodle bowl, and curries over egg noodles. Thai Orchid is at 1030 South Broadway. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net.

Announcements

■ Berries on Bryan Station is ­adding a pick-up point for its community-­supported agriculture clients. It’s at Wild Thyme, 1060 Chinoe Road, from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. The farm is at 4744 Bryan Station. Call (859) 293-0077.