Flavors of Kentucky

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

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

Events

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

Farmers market reports

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

This weekend it’s all about celebrating horses, mothers and University of Kentucky graduates.
Restaurants are offering special menus and pricing for Derby Day and UK’s commencement on Saturday and Mother’s Day on Sunday, but you’ll miss out if you don’t make reservations right away. Here are some choices.
Casanova, 855 South Broadway, (859) 309-3313. Mother’s Day specials include three new lasagnas (mushroom-spinach-mozzarella; asparagus-zucchini; and meatball-provolone) and raviolis (chicken and lobster).
The Crossroad on Southland, 286 Southland Drive, (859) 309-3904. Derby Day specials are mint juleps for $5; spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette, hot Brown with house-smoked turkey and ham, and chocolate-nut pie with minted cream and bourbon caramel. A Derby hat competition offers $75 gift cards for best traditional hat and most bizarre. Entertainment by G. Busy Blues Revue begins at 9 p.m.
The Dish, 438 South Ashland Avenue, (859) 317-8438.  Hours for Mother’s Day and UK graduation parties are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Dish has a new spring menu.
Greentree Tearoom, 521 West Short Street, (859) 455-9660. Tea is served for Derby guests and mothers at noon Friday and Saturday, or by appointment. The May menu features chilled fruit soup, asparagus crepe, and chocolate pots de crème.
Hilton Suites, 245 Lexington Green Circle, in The Mall at Lexington Green, (859) 271-4000. Mother’s Day brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrees include carved turkey and roast beef, baked fish, shrimp and grits. The price is $35 for adults.
The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, in The Woodlands. Call (859) 226-0300. Derby specials on Friday and Saturday include burgoo, prime rib and bourbon bread pudding. On Mother’s Day, the Julep Cup will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. serving roasted spring vegetable and heirloom tomato lasagna, phyllo-wrapped Alaskan halibut, and sauteed veal scallopini.
Lovers Leap Winery, 1180 Lanes Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, (502) 839-1299. Celebrate the Derby quietly at the winery. Take a picnic and watch the races on the banquet room’s big screen TV. Reserve your own table with first beverage included for $5 a person.
Natasha’s Bistro and Bar, 112 Esplanade, (859) 259-2754. A Mother’s Day festival of food banquet will be followed by a matinee performance of the play Adventures in Mating, an interactive romantic comedy inspired by the choose your own adventure novels. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m., show time is 2:15 p.m. The cost is $25 for both, or $19 for lunch.
Onizim’s, 735 East Main Street, (859) 266-9000. Derby party, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, is $35 a person. The seafood, steak and chicken buffet includes barbecued chicken, boiled shrimp and grilled steak.
Portofino, 249 East Main Street, (859) 253-9300. Sunday hours have been extended for Mother’s Day and UK commencement. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Large parties can be accommodated.
Serafini, 243 West Broadway, Frankfort, (502) 875-5599. Mother’s Day dinner will be served noon to 6 p.m. with full cocktail service plus its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.
Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road, Nicholasville, (859) 245-0048. The Mother’s Day brunch buffet, 11:30 to 3 p.m., features prime rib, braised pork chops, tilapia and crab Napoleon, and pecan-fried chicken. The price is $26.95 for adults.
Triangle Grille, 369 West Vine Street, in the Hilton Lexington/Downtown hotel, (859) 281-3773. Mother’s Day brunch buffet, noon to 3 p.m. features omelet and pasta stations, carved prime rib, breakfast items. Adults, $29.95.

New location

Brown’s Bakery has a new, and smaller, location. James Brown closed the spot on West Main Street, in Meadowthorpe, and now is at 1226 Versailles Road. “We’re scaling down and not making any more yeast products,” he said. “No more doughnuts.” Brown now will specialize in cakes, cupcakes and individual desserts. Call (859) 948-2352.

Farmers market report

■ Botanica garden center, 6327 Old Richmond Road, is having an open house 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Pick up vegetable plants, herb baskets, and spring wreaths. Bring a canned food item for Lighthouse Ministry and get 10 percent off purchases. Call (859) 806-9424.
■ Bluegrass Farmers’ Market will have asparagus, Derby mint, lettuce, greens, rhubarb, carrots, onions, herb seasoning, jams, baked goods, honey and plants. The market is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3450 Richmond Road. Visit Localharvest.org/blog/29529.

Easter Sunday is a big family day for restaurants and an opportunity to add a little springtime to their menus. Here are places that are offering something special for the holiday, on Sunday.
■ Breaking Bread Café with Jazz, 17 Wainscott Street, in Winchester will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Choice of one meat, three vegetables and dessert is $8.99. The restaurant is in the People Helping People building. Call (859) 771-6108 or (859) 745 6813.
■ The Julep Cup, 111 Woodland Avenue, will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving brunch and dinner. The menu includes roasted leg of lamb, salmon croquettes and eggs Benedict. Call (859) 226-0300.
■ Stonefence Bistro, 730 Main Street in Paris, is normally closed on Sundays but will open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Easter brunch. The menu features half rack of lamb, honey-orange glazed ham and chocolate French toast. Items are priced under $13. Call (859) 402-2009.
■ Three Suns Bistro, 298 East Brannon Road, in Brannon Crossing, Jessamine County, will serve brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes leg of lamb with mint sauce, turkey breast with sage dressing, and pecan fried chicken. Cost is $25. Call (859) 245-0048 or go to www.threesunsbistro.com.
■ Varden’s, 509 Main Street, in Paris will serve an Easter buffet 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included are pork tenderloin, hot Brown, and filet of sole, Cost is $24.95. Call (859) 987-4700 or go to www.vardens.com.
■ Wayne Masterman’s group of restaurants will have specials along with their regular dinner menus. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Portofino, 249 East Main Street, (859) 253-9300, and at Summit, 1097 Duval Street, (859) 271-1400. Frankfort’s Serafini, 243 West Broadway, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; call (502) 875-5599.
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Let the cooks at the Greek Orthodox Church make something special for your Easter feast at home. Stop by the church’s annual pastry sale for spanakopita, baklava, and ravani cake. The bake sale is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the church, 920 Tates Creek Road. Call (859) 245-4057 or (859) 223-6267.
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Wine in Wonderland at Heard It Through the Grapevine features cuisine from 35 restaurant and caterers. The party will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Campbell House, 1375 South Broadway. Tickets are $85. Call (859) 257-3221 or go to www.wuky.org.
One of the vendors at Heard it Through the Grapevine will be Dad’s Favorites. Guests can sample four cheese spreads: Swiss cheese, smokey pimento cheese, chipotle cheddar and asiago sun dried tomato. The product now is available at Jungle Jim’s in Cincinnati. Call (859) 276-0001.
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Thai Orchid Café, 1030 South Broadway, is celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year. Five special noodle dishes will be served Monday through April 18.
“In Thai and Chinese cultures, noodles represent happiness and long life,” chef Toa Veerasethakul Green said.
Included are spaghetti noodles stir-fried with ground beef in a spicy basil sauce, and egg noodles with topped with shrimp, scallops and calamari in a spicy seafood broth. Call (859) 288-2170 or go to www.thaiorchidcafe.net.
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Lexington Farmers Market opens at 7 a.m. Saturday at its new location, in Cheapside Park. Vendors will be selling spring greens and lettuces, hydroponic tomatoes, organic and natural meats, honey, eggs, cheeses, breads, herbs and spices, chocolates, sorghum, plants, flowers and wool products.
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Woodford Reserve’s Picnic on the Porch will feature sandwiches, salads and desserts handmade by Wallace Station. The lunches will be served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through October on the terrace at the Visitor Center. The distillery is at 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles. Call (859) 879-1812.
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Cold Stone Creamery has a new line of frozen and iced coffee treats. The drinks will be priced at $1.99 through June 2. The iced and blended coffees come in five flavors, including sweet cream latte and raspberry truffle mocha latte. They’re also available in a light versions. The Lexington store is at 2337 Sir Barton Way. Call (859) 243-0694.