Flavors of Kentucky

If you’re traveling on I-75 in the Corbin area, you might want to plan a trip around lunch or dinner time. Bubby’s BBQ, Catfish and Steak restaurant will be the place to stop if you’re hungry.
Bubby’s serves a buffet that includes everything Grandma cooks: fried catfish, fried chicken, corn bread, bean soup, dumplings, broccoli-chicken casserole, greens, green beans, beets, hominy, bread pudding, and chocolate cake. A salad bar is included. Prices range from $6.99 to $9.99.
The BBQ menu includes pulled pork and ribs which are smoked on site. Sandwiches and burgers also are available. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Bubby’s is at 2700 Cumberland Fall Road in Corbin. Call (606) 258-9070.

Announcement

■ Just before Lexington baker James Brown was scheduled to appear on TLC’s season three of the Next Great Baker, Brown received results from a medical test and decided not to compete. He’s now recovering from surgery for a benign brain tumor, and the bakery at 1226 Versailles Road will be closed until Feb. 8. You can go to Brown’s Bakery Facebook page for updates from Brown’s wife Bridget.

Events

■ Jonathan at Gratz Park, 120 West Second Street, will have a Wild Turkey bourbon dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell will be guest speaker. Cost is $85. Call (859) 252-4949 or go to Jagp.info.
■ Sondra Strunk, owner of Sondra’s Wine Creations, will offer samples of her pineapple wine jelly at Good Foods Café & Market on Saturday. Strunk will be at the café at 455 Southland Drive, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
■ Alfalfa Restaurant, 141 East Main Street, will serve its holiday brunch on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Specials, served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, will include heirloom pumpkin pancakes with apple compote, braised Stone Cross pork with pickled butternut squash, and Boone Creek Creamery asiago, spinach and mushroom omelet. Call (859) 253-0014 or go to Alfalfarestaurant.com.
■ Wine + Market, 486 West Second Street, is offering classes this month. “Whiskeys of the World” is the topic for Jan. 24. The whiskey seminar will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and feature whiskeys from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada, and Kentucky bourbon. Cost is $10. “Wine 101” will be from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Jan. 28. Learn how wine is made and tips on tasting. Cost is $12. A beer tasting will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Call (859) 225-0755 or go to Wineandmarket.com.

Etc.

■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 Jefferson Street, is giving a portion of its proceeds on Monday to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Volunteers will be on hand to discuss the nonprofit organization that provides treatment and support to children who are victims of sexual abuse. Call (859) 233-7900 or go to Nickryans.com.
■ Bob Tabor, owner of the Engine House Deli, 9 Lexington Avenue in Winchester, is turning daily operations over to someone else while he devotes time to making River Rat beer cheese. Laine Rogers and Roy White will run the deli and they will retain the same menu. River Rat beer cheese is sold at retail markets in Central Kentucky. Call (859) 737-0560.
■ Double H BBQ, 1244 Versailles Road, is offering special packages for Super Bowl parties. Included are smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, and wings. Customers receive a free pint of a homemade side of choice with every pound of meat ordered for the game day party. Double H’s menu also includes soups, country ham, and a stuffed pork chop entree. Customers received free dessert on Mondays and Tuesdays with orders. Call (859) 523-4227, or go to Doublehbbq.com.

Lexington has plenty of places to grab lunch, but when it comes to breakfast, there aren’t as many choices. First Watch, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch café, now is open at 3071 Richmond Road, in the Kroger shopping plaza.
The menu offers pancakes, omelets, salads, and sandwiches, and specialties include Chickichanga healthy turkey omelet, and fresh fruit crepes. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Call (859) 899-3447 or go to Firstwatch.com.

Events

■ The annual Moon Festival Celebration will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Moondance Amphitheater in the Beaumont Centre Circle. The event, sponsored by the Kentucky Chinese American Association and the Beaumont Centre Family YMCA, will feature live entertainment and a “Best fresh moon cakes” contest. At 2 p.m., there will be children’s activities at the Beaumont YMCA, including lantern making. Go to KYCAA.org for a schedule.
■ Ted’s Montana Grill, 2304 Sir Barton Way, is continuing its 10th anniversary celebration and raising funds to support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Guests who donate $5 or more while dining Sunday through Sept. 22, will receive a certificate good for $5 off a future purchase of $20 or more. Call (859) 263-5228 or go to Tedsmontanagrill.com.

■ Jonathan at Gratz Park, 120 West Second Street, is having a Grgich Hills wine dinner on Wednesday. The five-course dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $75. Call (859) 252-4949. Seating is limited for this event.
■ Stella’s Kentucky Deli, 143 Jefferson Street, continues its Dining for a Cause events on Thursdays. Each week a different non-profit organization receives the proceeds. Here’s the line-up: Broke Spoke, Thursday; Maxwell Legal Clinic, Sept. 27; Community Farm Alliance, Oct. 4; and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Oct. 11. Call (859) 255-3354 or go to Stellaskentuckydeli.com.
■ Wilson Farms will harvest shrimp at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sept. 22. Ponds are in Lancaster on Ky. 1150. Look for signs. The cost is $8 a pound. Bring ice and a cooler to transport the fresh shrimp. Call (859) 339-1802 or (859) 792-1443.
■ Midway School Bakery, 510 South Winter Street in Midway, is preparing a traditional honey cake in honor of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Honey cakes are made with local honey from Midway, Weisenberger Mill flours, and spiced with cinnamon and applesauce. Cakes will be available Saturday through Sept. 25, the beginning of Yom Kippur. Cost is $8.95. Call (859) 846-4336.
The bakery will have caramel apple funnel cakes, and apple cider glazed cake donuts during Midway’s Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

New menus

■ Leonardo Capezzuto, owner of Casanova Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, has returned from a summer trip to Italy with new recipes for his menu. Included are manicotti Bolognese, penne with ricotta pesto, and lamb osso buco in ragu’ sauce. Call (859) 309-3313.
■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 Jefferson Street, has added new items to its Saturday brunch menu. Included are lemon ricotta pancakes and breakfast bread pudding. Call (859) 233-7900 or go to Nickryans.com.
■ Detroit Coney Island, 1301 Winchester Road, in Eastland Shopping Center, has added three Greek sandwiches to its menu. The restaurant has changed its hours and now is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (859) 280-9138.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have green beans, tomatoes, squash, eggplant, peppers, raspberries, watermelons, bok choy, nappa cabbage, kale, and pumpkins.
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.

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.

The Lunch Box at 720 Henry Clay Boulevard has all three meals covered, without an ounce of boredom.

Stop by the newly renovated place at the corner of Liberty Road for an omelet and cheesy grits for breakfast, come back for a sirloin burger at noon, and invite friends to meet for ­dinner over a plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

The owners are Shawn and ­Ashley Hanna, and Justin Clark is the executive chef. They have dozens of years’ experience in the kitchen, and they’re ­combining ­talents to produce a Kentucky Proud menu. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; it’s closed Monday. Call (859) 258-9671 or go to ­Thelunchboxlex.com.

Openings

■ McAlister’s Deli, a fast ­casual restaurant chain based in ­Mississippi known for its spuds, sandwiches and sweet tea, is scheduled to open Monday at 836 Euclid Avenue in Chevy Chase. Go to Mcalistersdeli.com or Facebook at Facebook.com/teafreaks.

■ It looks as if Lexington will have a new barbecue restaurant in the near future. City BBQ has a sign posted on Richmond Road, just south of Man o’ War ­Boulevard, announcing its future arrival. The Web site for the Ohio-based chain says it combines regional BBQ styles: pork shoulder reminiscent of the southeastern United States, Texas-style brisket and sausage, and ribs that are a blend of ­Memphis and Kansas City styles. Go to Citybbq.com.

Specials

■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 ­Jefferson Street, has opened its ­patio and will have specials ­beginning at 8:30 p.m. Friday during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and Kentucky’s game. Included are a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, Pacific cod and chips, Nick’s saloon burger, and a ­specialty pizza for $9 each. A basket of rosemary-­Parmesan fries with bistro sauce is $5. The game between Kentucky and Indiana is scheduled for about 9:45 p.m. Call (859) 233-7900 or go to Nickryans.com.

■ Della’s Diner, 124 North Upper Street, will have its third pop-up art show and burger-inspired menu for the late-night crowd on Friday and Saturday. The works of artist Rick Rose will be featured, along with a “Bri’-bison burger.” Call (859) 281-1141.

Announcements

■ The Starbucks at 325 West Main Street is changing its hours on weeknights. The store at ­Triangle Center will close at 6 p.m. unless there is a downtown event. The hours will remain the same on Friday and Saturday. Call (859) 977-0525.

■ The Merc, at Modern ­Mercantile, 3101 Clays Mill Road, is asking the ­community for help and raising money with the Merc Wall of Fame. “Rather than ­counting our losses and ­disappearing like many ­establishments do, we decided to make a plea to our faithful ­followers,” co-owner Athena ­Bradley said. Names of donors will be posted on the stage wall. Call (859) 223-0471 or go to ­­

Modmerc.com.

Early deadline

I will be off the week of April 2 and will not have a dining ­column April 6. If your restaurant is­having a special Easter menu, email ­information to swthompson@herald-leader.com by noon Tuesday to be included in the March 30 ­edition of my Weekender column.

Old Friends ­Thoroughbred Retirement Farm has partnered with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Nick Ryan’s Saloon to present Hall of Fame Day on Monday.

The event will honor Hall of Fame legend Skip Away, who recently was laid to rest at Old Friends, and Hall of Fame greats Noor and Precisionist, also buried at the farm.

The event starts at 3 p.m. at Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, and will be followed by a benefit hosted by Nick Ryan’s at 6. The menu includes barbecue ribs and pulled pork. Roger Bondurant will entertain.

Festivities also include a barbecue sauce bake-off. A classic recipe from Nick Ryan’s chef will face off against a zesty Cajun-style sauce by Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux and a tangy blend created by staffers at Old Friends. Guests will have the chance to vote on their favorites. Tickets are $50. Call Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

Special events

■ The Bigg Blue Martini at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel, 369 West Vine Street, will host a tailgate party ­Friday in celebration of Big Blue ­Madness. The first open practice of the 2011-12 season for the University of Kentucky’s men’s and women’s ­basketball teams will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Rupp Arena. Bigg Blue’s tailgate party will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and after the practice. Festivities will include live music by Plan B. Go to Thebiggbluemartini.com.

■ Once a month, the Greek Orthodox Church at 920 Tates Creek Road serves authentic Greek dinners. The October dinner, prepared by chef Jim Scalos, will be 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Go to Greekdinner.com.

■ The Oleika Shrine Temple Legion of Honor will have its annual all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $6 for adults; $3 for children; half-price for ­active-duty military members, ­firefighters and police officers; and free for ages 6 and younger. The temple is at 326 Southland Drive.

■ The Crossroad on Southland, 286 Southland Drive, will celebrate its first anniversary Friday. The menu includes Italian beef with house-made giardiniara; smoked Texas links; smoked beef brisket; and pirlau, a South Carolina fish and rice stew. Call (859) 309-3904 or go to Thecrossroadonsouthland.com.

■ Cameron Irvin, executive chef at CastlePost, will be the guest chef Thursday at Dinner at Wingspan art gallery. The four-course prix fixe dinner is $40 and includes a choice of seared diver ­scallops with vegetable confetti or braised veal bourguignon. Wingspan Gallery, 191 Jefferson Street, serves dinner once a month. The reservations deadline is noon Tuesday. Call (859) 225-5765.

New menus, items and hours

■ Jeremy Simpson, the new chef at Bellini’s, 115 West Main Street, has created a new menu for fall. It includes organic chicken or veal marsala, roast pork stuffed with rabbit and chorizo, pan-roasted halibut with parsnip purée, and rabbit leg with ricotta ­gnocchi. Simpson, a graduate of Sullivan ­University in Louisville, has worked at Jack Fry’s, Basa and Avalon in ­Louisville. Call (859) 388-9583.

■ Ramsey’s Diner is celebrating its second annual fall harvest festival. In addition to 22 side items, the menu includes sweet pickled beets, Parmesan deep-fried corn on the cob, organic baked acorn squash and sweet ­potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. The ­produce is from Abell Organics in Scott County. Ramsey’s has four locations. Go to Ramseysdiners.com.

■ The Dish, 438 South Ashland Avenue, has a new fall menu that includes pan-seared sea scallops on a bed of blanched julienne celery root, lemon-honey brined and roasted airline chicken breast, and pork cheeks slow-cooked in apple juice. The patio, which has a fireplace and heaters, will remain open for a few more weeks. Call (859) 317-8438 or go to Thedishlexington.com.

■ Della’s has added a dish to its breakfast and brunch menu. The Nola Bell, named for owner Tom Morris’ grandmother, features two biscuits topped with sausage, fried green tomatoes, eggs and Hollandaise sauce. Della’s, 124 North Upper Street, now carries locally produced Marlow ­Granola. Call (859) 281-1141.

■ Stinky & Coco’s, 1 North Main Street, Winchester, will be open for ­dinner starting next week. Dinner will be served until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call (859) 744-8100 or go to ­Stinkyandcocos.com. The restaurant opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

■ Alice and Greg Keller have taken two Kentucky favorites and jazzed them up to make them specialties at JK’s Café, 50 South Main Street, Winchester. “We don’t use the traditional Mornay sauce on the hot Brown, but we do use country ham,” Greg Keller said. “We’ve gotten great reviews on our burgoo, which is close to Keeneland’s.” Call (859) 744-4255.

■ Detroit Famous Coney Island, known for its giant fish sandwich, now is making the sandwich with whitefish from the northeastern United States. “It’s a better quality of fish,” owner Charles Martha said. Locations are 825 Lane Allen Road, (859) 278-3982, and 1301 Winchester Road, (859) 280-9138. Go to Detroitconeyisland.com.

Specials

■ Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South ­Broadway, is offering a lineup of fall dishes for the weekend, including butter­nut squash and coconut soup, pumpkin curry, and caramel apple roti. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to Thaiorchidcafe.net.

■ Sarah’s Corner Cafe BBQ, 4300 Winchester Road, offers a plate lunch special for $5.95. Call (859) 309-1220.

■ Rossi’s Restaurant is featuring fresh oysters prepared a variety of ways through October. Also, the restaurant, at 1060 Chinoe Road, has a new wine and martini list. Call (859) 335-8788 or go to Rossis-restaurant.com.

■ Weekend specials at The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, include ­Berkshire pork loin with pumpkin ­gnocchi, sweetbreads with charcuterie sauce, and andouille-dirty rice-stuffed quail. Call (859) 226-0300.

Accolades

■ Four awards were presented to marketplace exhibitors at the Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show on Saturday. Judges chose the best sweet, savory and booth display, and show attendees voted for their favorite product.
Best sweet: Applecreek Orchards; honorable mention: Lexington ­Chocolate Co.
Best savory: Kentucky Specialty Sauces; honorable mention: Good ­Shepherd Cheese.
Best booth display: Hillbilly ­Specialties; honorable mention: ­Howard’s Creek Authentic Beer Cheese.
People’s Choice Award: Dad’s ­Favorites.
Gail Greer of Lexington won the God’s Pantry March Madness Dream Dinner, to be prepared by Jonathan Lundy, chef/owner of Jonathan at Gratz Park. Visit Incrediblefoodshow.com.

Farmers market report

■ Bluegrass Farmers Market will have tomatoes, heirloom beans, pumpkins, squash, eggplant, garlic, baked goods and mums. The market is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

■ Woodford County Farmers Market will have customer appreciation day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Versailles’ Courthouse Square. Farmers will have tomatoes, greens, peppers, beans, pumpkins, squash, gourds, baked goodies, homemade breads, beer cheese, fresh eggs and honey. The market also is open 3 to 6 p.m. Monday on Main Street in Midway.

Downtown Lexington is the place to be Friday nights for the next few weeks. A new concert series, Friday Fest in the Pavilion, will run each Friday through Oct. 28.
Sponsored by the Cheapside Entertainment District Association, Friday Fest, which is a little similar to Thursday Night Live, will kick off at 6 p.m. in the park’s Fifth Third Pavilion.
This Friday, Jeremy Ashby, executive chef at Azur Restaurant, will char-grill oysters, and other food vendors include The Courtyard Deli, which will serve Krissy’s famous chili, and Goodfellas Pizza.
Entertainment, from 7 to 11 p.m. will feature Kenny Owens and Fun With Jello on Friday, and Sunday’s Best on Sept. 30.

Specials

■ Orchid Flower, 3090 Old Todds Road, is offering two specials this weekend: tofu satay and Nasi campur bento box (rendang, spicy beef cooked with coconut milk; perkedel jagung, a fried corn cake with shrimp; Labu siam, stir-fried chayote squash and steamed jasmine rice). Call (859) 543-1126 or visit Orchidflowerrestaurant.com.
■ The Ketch Seafood Grill, 2012 Regency Road, is preparing a fresh Maine lobster clambake throughout September. Included are a 1¼-pound lobster with drawn butter, steamed clams, corn on the cob, and red potatoes. The cost is $25. Call (859) 277-5919 to reserve a lobster.

Events

■ John Varanese, chef/owner of Varanese in Louisville, will be guest chef at Azur Restaurant on Tuesday. Azur executive chef Jeremy Ashby will join Varanese at his restaurant at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, on Thursday.
The dinners will feature the bourbon-smoked trout that won Ashby top honors at the Kentucky Seafood Cook-Off, and was prepared by Ashby and Varanese at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in August in New Orleans. Dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $45. Call (859) 296-1007.
■ St. Andrew Orthodox Church’s Heritage Festival will celebrate its 20th year this weekend. The festival will begin at noon Saturday and Sunday at the church, 1136 Higbee Mill Road. Entertainment includes ethnic dancers and authentic foods such as falafels, gyros, pierogies, tabouleh, baklava, and zatar bread. Call (859) 223-5091.

■ The Engine House Deli, 9 West Lexington Avenue in Winchester, is having open mic night on Tuesday. Hannah Mae Rector will participate. The restaurant, which is normally closed evenings, will open at 6 p.m. Call (859) 737-0560.

Announcements

■ Underdog’s Sports Bar and Grill, 805 North Broadway, now is serving barbecue. Owner Danny Beile is hickory-smoking pork, brisket, chicken, ribs and wings. Beile also will smoke turkeys for the home cook. The restaurant serves a country-style menu at lunch that includes meatloaf and turkey and dressing. Call (859) 281-1116.
■ The new patio at Nick Ryan’s Saloon opens Wednesday, and the menu features burgers, jerk chicken and cayenne-buttered shrimp. The new bar will offer drink specials including $5 blueberry mojitos. Nick Ryan’s is at 157 Jefferson Street. Call (859) 233-7900.
■ The overall winner of the second annual PizzaOvens.com’s Bluegrass Pizza Bake-off is Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. The pizza makers won a trip to Italy to compete in the World Pizza Olympics. Second-place winner in the traditional category was Sal’s Pizza in Louisville. Winners of the gourmet category are DiOrios Pizza & Pub in Louisville, and Snappy Tomato of Covington.
■ Addie’s at the Woodford Inn, 140 Park Street in Versailles, has a new management team. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A brunch buffet is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday with bar and dinner specials all evening. The grand opening celebration will be Oct. 1 with music on the patio with Catch 22. Menu items include shrimp and grits, fried or baked chicken, hot Brown, and prime rib. Call (859) 873-5600.
■ Six Friends Café, 191 Kentucky Avenue, now offers delivery service. The menu is at Urbanspoon.com. Call (859) 309-0123.

Farmers market report

■ The Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have heirloom beans, watermelons, tomatoes, pumpkins and mums. The market is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. The Mill Pond Shopping Center location is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Visit Localharvest.org/blog/29529.
■ Saturday is customer appreciation day at the Lexington Farmers Market. From 9 a.m. to noon, there will be drawings for free products and gift certificates from vendors, pony rides and activities for children and samples of seasonal foods prepared by Sullivan University.
Vendors will have a variety of apples and pears, greens, squash, pumpkins, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, pawpaws, eggs, meats, sheep and cow’s milk cheeses, herbs, flowers and fresh pasta.
■ The East End Community Farmers Market, 560 East Third Street in the Pavilion at Midland Avenue, is open 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Farmers will have corn, green beans, melons, tomatoes, butternut squash and peppers.

The royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton will air live at 5 a.m. April 29, but that might be a little early for some people to watch. Debbie Long, owner of Dudley’s Restaurant, said her staff will tape the wedding coverage and show it at noon, along with a royal lunch. The luncheon will be in the second floor private dining room. Cost is $25. Call (859) 252-1010. Dudley’s is at 259 West Short Street.

Dining out on Easter Sunday

Choices for dining out on Easter Sunday include brunches, elaborate buffets, and lamb entrees.
■ Leo Capezzuto, owner of Casanova Fine Italian Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, will serve traditional Italian lamb, but you can also order one of the restaurant’s new pizzas. Choices are white sauce, pizza napoletana, and four seasons. Keeneland fans who bring their entrance tickets will receive 10 percent off their total bill.
■ Hilton Suites Lexington Green, 245 Lexington Green Circle, will serve a lavish brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast fare will be served until 1 p.m. Entrees include honey-mustard ham, Yankee fried chicken, and hickory smoked sliced beef. The dessert table features white chocolate fondue, bread pudding, coconut cake, carrot cakes, fudge brownies, cherry strudel and banana pudding. Call (859) 271-4000.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes: deviled eggs, asparagus soup, Hawaiian ahi tuna and fresh coconut ceviche, BLT quiche, prime rib, lamb loin, Alaskan halibut, and pan roasted chicken breast, coconut cake, lemon curd tart, bread pudding, flourless chocolate cake and crème brulee. Call (859) 226-0300.
■ Brunch will be served at Onizim’s Restaurant, 735 East Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two specials will be offered: Oysters Benedict, shrimp and grits, French Quarter waffles, and a Cajun omelet for $29.95. French toast, pancakes, waffles, and eggs, are $19.95. Call (859) 266-9000 or go to Onizims.com.
■ Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road in Brannon Crossing Shopping Center, will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The brunch buffet includes leg of lamb with mint jelly, baked ham with maple cinnamon glaze, roasted turkey with herb stuffing, pecan fried chicken with praline glaze, and baked haddock with key lime scampi sauce. Cost is $24.95. Call (859) 245-0048.
■ Triangle Grille’s brunch buffet will feature carving stations, traditional brunch selections, and handmade desserts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entrees include roasted spring leg of lamb, smoked beef brisket, roasted rack of pork, seared filet of tilapia, penne paste with grilled chicken, and cheese tortellini with a gorgonzola cream sauce. Cost is $32.95. Call (859) 281-3773 or visit Trianglegrille.com. The restaurant is at 369 West Vine Street inside the Hilton Lexington/Downtown.

Special occasions

■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 Jefferson Street, offers urban specials on Mondays. The menu for the next Urban Monday includes artichoke lasagna in a roasted red pepper sauce, and a smoked chicken-stacked tortilla with pico de gallo and a poblano cream sauce. Cost is $12. Dinners include choice of soup or salad, and a glass of  featured red wine, white wine, or draft beer. Call (859) 233-7900.
■ The Metropol now has daily happy hour and wine Wednesdays. Happy hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and again at 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Wine Wednesdays offer half-price bottles of wine. Metropol is at 307 West Short Street. Call (859) 381-9493.

■ Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway , is celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year, with special noodle dishes. “In Thai culture, the long length of noodles represents happiness and long life. So we celebrate by eating noodles,” Toa Green said. Call (859) 288-2170or visit Thaiorchidcafe.net.

Farmers market report

The Bluegrass Farmers Market will have asparagus, lettuce, greens, onions, herb seasoning, jams, baked goods, honey, on Saturday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is at 3450 Richmond Road, in the parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs. Go to Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

Like any good barbecue joint, Hawg Wild BBQ is off the beaten path.
The restaurant is at 1244 Versailles Road, the former home of JJ Johnson Sisters, and is owned by Keith Bricking, who hails from Texas. His experience comes from catering and cooking at deer camps in the Lone Star State.
He says Hawg Wild’s sliced brisket is “the bomb.”
“People eat a sandwich and come back and buy 2 or 3 pounds of it,” he said.
Customers have a choice of six sauces that are made from scratch to top ribs, pulled pork or pulled chicken. Their names are Sweet Q, Carolina Gold, Texas Heat, Chipotle Cowboy, Ole Carolina and Crazy Sauce. The latter is a combination of all the other sauces.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ­Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ­Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (859) 225-9453.

New menus, new locations

■ Detroit Coney Island is leaving 911 Winchester Road and moving to larger quarters nearby, at Eastland Shopping Center. It will open April 4 in the former Saundra’s Café spot. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through ­Saturday. Call (859) 280-9138 or go to ­Detroitconeyisland.com. The original Detroit Coney Island is still open at 825 Lane Allen Road.
■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 West ­Jefferson Street, is putting some new items on its menu and is asking for customer feedback. Next week, the ­restaurant will run specials that are being proposed for the spring menu. ­Included are: grilled coconut chile chicken breast with bok choy and black rice, cheddar jalapeño grit cake topped with barbecue pork and vinegar slaw, and pan-seared grouper with spring succotash and fingerling potatoes. Call 233-7900 or go to ­Nickryans.com.
■ Three Suns ­Bistro in Nicholasville has new lunch and dinner menus. Lunch includes Angus beef burgers, Kentucky bison burgers, and Bluegrass prime rib sandwiches. At dinner, try the meatloaf with ­portobello mushroom sauce, blackened catfish tacos, bourbon-barbecued pulled pork on cheddar grits, duck meatballs, and Cajun cassoulet. Three Suns is in Brannon Crossing, at 298 East ­Brannon Road. Call (859) 245-0048.

Celebrations

■ On Monday, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is giving away pancakes and hoping for a donation to Give Kids the World. The program fulfills wishes for children with life-threatening ­illnesses. Go to GKTW.org. Perkins, 2401 ­Richmond Road, will accept donations from 6 to 11 a.m.
The restaurant also is celebrating its 20th anniversary at its location in front of the former Lexington Mall. Mark ­Perkins said it’s the only Perkins ­Restaurant still run by a member of the founding family. His uncle started the business 52 years ago. Call (859) 269 1663.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, will continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a ­weekend special that features corned beef and cabbage with horseradish Dijon glaze, and Guinness-braised beef and root vegetable stew. Southern-inspired specials include Texas redfish picante with truffled corn pudding, and bacon-wrapped rabbit loin with fricassee of rabbit leg and wild mushrooms. Call (859) 226-0300.

Wine events

Jonathan at Gratz Park in Lexington and The Brown Hotel in Louisville are hosting “A Kentucky Dinner” at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Jonathan, 120 West Second Street.
Vintner Select’s wine expert David DuBou will discuss the featured wines. The cost is $65. Call (859) 252-4949.
Chefs Jonathan Lundy and Laurent Géroli will prepare a four-course ­dinner featuring ­cornmeal- and pecan-crusted striped bass with sweet potato gratin, green tomatoes and corn relish; and Lancaster-Marksbury Farm pork chop with Kentucky grit cake, smoked tomatoes and blackberry Maker’s Mark gastrique.

Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg will ­introduce its 2011 limited-­edition single-barrel bourbon at a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Jonathan at Gratz Park, 120 West Second Street.
Master distiller Jim ­Rutledge selected a 12-year-old bourbon that uses one of 10 uniquely handcrafted recipes. The bourbon is uncut and non-chill filtered. Only 3,600 bottles will be distributed in May.
The menu features local spring lamb sausage with pea shoots and mint julep jelly, vanilla bean-skewered sea scallops with bourbon-macerated mandarin ­oranges and cherries, Berkshire belly-wrapped roast pork tenderloin with goat cheese ­scalloped turnips, and bourbon ball truffle cake. The cost is $65. Call (859) 252-4949.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

All events are on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day, unless otherwise noted.

■ An Irish dinner at Alfalfa will feature corned beef from local producers, grilled half-rack of lamb with sweet and sour whiskey chutney, colcannon and soda bread. Dancers from the McTeggart School of Irish Dance will perform. Dinner is served 5:30 to 9 p.m. Call (859) 253-0014.

■ Brown’s Bakery, 1397 West Main Street is baking a variety of shamrock cookies and cupcakes for the youngsters to enjoy. Call (859) 225-8400

■ Alex Jenkins, chef at Good Foods Market and Café, will prepare an Irish buffet that includes Guinness beef stew, salmon croquettes, apple- and potato-stuffed cabbage, and cheesy potato pancakes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Good Foods is at 455 Southland Drive. Call (859) 278-1813 or go to Goodfoods.coop.

■ Heirloom Restaurant, 125 East Main Street, Midway, will serve an Irish-inspired menu and Irish beer flight from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The menu includes wild mushroom and barley soup, green garlic-chevre flan, cider-braised beef brisket, and Guinness crème anglaise, The cost is $36. Ben Lacy will entertain from 6 to 9 p.m. Call (859) 846-5565 or go to Heirloommidway.com.
■ Merrick Inn, 1074 Merrick Drive, will serve a corned beef and cabbage entrée for $12.95 and green beer. Call (859) 269-5417.

■ Nick Ryan’s Saloon, 157 West Jefferson Street, is serving Guinness-battered fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage. Customers who ride the trolley to Nick Ryan’s can register  for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Call  (859) 233-7900.

■ The Pub Lexington, 3750 Mall Road, starts the ­celebration early, at 10 a.m. Green Kentucky Ale from Alltech Brewery will be served along with Guinness stew, a corned beef reuben, and corned beef and cabbage The Pauly Zarb Band will entertain from 5 to 9 p.m. Call (859) 971-2748.

■ Ramsey’s Diners will ­celebrate by ­adding some Irish favorites to its menu. Included are slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and Missy’s ­Bailey’s Irish Creme ­cheesecake. Ramsey’s locations are 496 East High Street, 4053 Tates Creek Center, 3090 Helmsdale Drive and 4391 Harrodsburg Road.

■ Both Shamrock Bar & Grille locations will serve spotted dog (corned beef, colcannon, carrots), bogtrotter (corned beef, potato salad and cabbage), traditional (corned beef and potato salad) and shepherd’s pie. There will also be a limited menu of non-Irish fare. Locations are 154 Patchen Drive, (859) 269-7621, and 4750 Hartland Parkway (859) 245-9504. “We will have a bag piper stopping by to play several times at each location and we will have t-shirts for sale.” Heather Trump said.

■ Winchell’s, 348 Southland Drive, is serving corned beef and cabbage; shepherd’s pie, soda bread, and green beer. Call (859) 278-9424.

Openings and events
■ The Glitz reopens for the season Thursday. The restaurant at Irish Acres, 4205 Ford’s Mill Road, Versailles, serves a three-course luncheon Tuesday through Saturday. The menu changes every two weeks. The opening menu features roasted cauliflower soup; spinach and brie baby portobellos; tamarind-glazed roasted chicken breast with white cheddar potato gratin; pappardelle with Finchville Farms country ham, ­broccoli florets and Alfredo sauce; and the Nonesuch Kiss. Call (859) 873-6956 or go to ­Irishacresgallery.com.
■ Casanova Restaurant, 855 South Broadway, now is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Traditional favorites include spaghetti and meatballs, lobster ravioli and veal parmigiana. Call (859) 309-3313.
■ California winemaker Mari Wells Coyle of ­David Girard Vineyards will conduct a tasting of her estate-grown wines at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street, Midway. The wine flight will be paired with a three-course tapas dinner. Dinner and wine flight are $20 each. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to ­Hollyhillinn.com or Dgvwines.com.
■ The Gluten-Free ­Lexington group will meet for dinner at Carrabba’s ­Italian Grill at 5:30 p.m. ­Monday. The restaurant, 1881 Plaudit Place, will showcase some of its most popular gluten-free dishes. Call (859) 264-8395.
■ Alfalfa Restaurant, 141 East Main Street, will have a Polish dinner Friday to ­celebrate the birthday of ­Revolutionary War hero ­Casimir Pulaski, for whom Pulaski County is named. Chef Paul Nowaki will ­prepare Polish specials including ­Kentucky Stone Cross Farm kielbasa slowly simmered in beer, then grilled and served with ­sauerkraut, apples, sour cream and house-made ­mustard. Call (859) 253-0014.
Harvest time
Oliva Bella, 400 Old Vine Street, has received its 2010 harvest of Olio Rustico extra virgin olive oil. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ­Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call (859) 983-3567.

When the owners of South Carolina’s six -Copper River Grill -restaurants decided to venture outside their home state, they chose Nicholasville.

CEO Steve Jackson said the area was selected because of a relationship with the developer and the fast-growing Lexington market.

“Demographically it fits our -customer base,” he said. “We are an all-American scratch kitchen. The -majority of our product is made from scratch, in house. Nothing frozen. All fresh produce, fresh beef, fresh chicken, fresh seafood.”

Nathan Reese owns and operates the Nicholasville store, 501 KeeneCentre Drive. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (859) 885-0044 or go to Copperrivergrill.com.

The menu includes firecracker shrimp mac and cheese, which is fried shrimp on top of corkscrew pasta tossed in a chipotle queso; and the “Bigfoots’ mother-in-law burger,” topped with ham, fried shrimp and remoulade. Stone-fired pizzas, steaks, seafood and pasta also are on the menu. Giant “table-size” desserts include cinnamon apple crumb cobbler, white chocolate banana -pudding, and N’Awlins bread pudding.

More new locations

• Smashing Tomato plans to open its third location this summer, in French Quarter Square, 2573 Richmond Road. Its parent company, Tomato Express, also owns Bella Notte -Italian -Trattoria, 3715 Nicholasville Road. Other -Smashing Tomato restaurants are at The Mall at Fayette Place, and 2200 War Admiral Way in Hamburg. Go to Smashingtomato.com.

• Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shops has opened its seventh Lexington location: 3735 Palomar Centre Drive. Go to Jimmyjohns.com or call (859) 523-6999.

Special events

• Holly Hill Inn, 426 North Winter Street in Midway, is having an Italian -family feast Friday and Saturday. Chef/owner Ouita Michel and sous chef Lisa Laufer will prepare a five-course -dinner that includes potato gnocchi with -Dungeness crab, roast pork with figs and dates served with Weisenberger polenta and cannellini beans with escarole, and Mary Parlanti’s rum custard torte. Seating is at 7 p.m. The cost is $40. A three-glass Italian wine flight is $18. Call (859) 846-4732 or go to -Hollyhillinn.com.

• Bluegrass Catering’s The Barrel House, 903 Manchester Street, serves a champagne brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $20. Call (859) 608-5069 or go to Bluegrasscatering.com.

• Goodfellas Pizzeria at Two Keys Tavern, 333 South Limestone, is -offering “all you can eat Tuesdays” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $7. -Gourmet pizzas include pesto chicken, steak asparagus, tomato basil, and sun-dried tomato and roasted red pepper. Call (859) 523-3353.

Temple’s deli is back on Sunday

If you’ve been hungering for a great deli sandwich, you’re in luck: TAI on Rye, the New York-style deli at Temple Adath Israel, will be back again Sunday.

The sandwich menu includes -pastrami; corned beef; and egg, chicken and tuna salads. There’s also homemade chopped liver. The specials Sunday will be beef brisket with potato kugel, and for dessert there’s hamantaschen, a triangular pastry with fruit, chocolate or poppy seed fillings.

Hours are noon to 2:30 p.m., and food is available for dine-in or carry-out. The menu is at Lextai.org/tai_on_rye.The temple is at 124 North Ashland Avenue.

The temple preschool will hold a -silent auction in conjunction with the deli.

Wine and beer tastings

• Euro Wine Bar, 102 South Main Street, Nicholasville, will have a wine tasting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Arizona Stronghold wines by Maynard Keenan of the band Tool will be tasted along with a viewing of his documentary about the wines. Call (859) 608-4435.

• Chase Tap Room, 135 North Broadway, is hosting Sierra Nevada Pint Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Members of the brewery will be on hand to discuss the pale ale and Glissade. Call (859) 621-5831.

Free T-shirts and cake

Marikka’s Restaurant und Bier Stube, 411 Southland Drive, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and giving away T-shirts and cake. Beginning Tuesday, the first 1,000 customers will receive shirts, and throughout March, diners will receive free German chocolate or Black Forest cake with the purchase of an entrée. Call (859) 275-1925.

An add-on at Nick Ryan’s

Nick Ryan’s Saloon, which opened in November at 157 West Jefferson Street, is expanding to the house next door. The project, which will include more parking spaces for the popular dining spot, a patio, a prep kitchen, and seats for about 30, is expected to be completed in May. Call (859) 233-7900 or go to Nickryans.com.

Making some changes

• J.J. McBrewster’s, 3101 Clays Mill Road, has added items to its menu. The restaurant, recently featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, is serving Southern-style fried catfish, po’ boy sandwiches, and made-from-scratch hush puppies and French fries. Call (859) 224-0040 or go to Jjmcbrewsters.com.

• Lunch has returned at J. Morse on Vine Bistro, 102 West Vine Street. The menu features French dip, reuben, club and hoagie sandwiches; salads, and soups. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. To-go-orders are available. Call (859) 368-9888 or go to Jmorseonvine.com.