Category Archives: BY PRICE FOR TWO

Asian “fusion” at Kimis

Kayrouz

(Kimis Asian Bistro, Voice-Tribune, Sept. 13, 2006)

In physics, “fusion” refers to the nuclear process that occurs within stars, where atoms are forced together under high temperature and pressure until they merge, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.

In jazz, fusion is a genre that merges the music with other styles, from rock to rhythm and blues.

And in dining out, fusion represents a creative blend of cuisines that aren’t usually seen on the same plate. At its best, fusion cuisine can be a delight, as pretty as a jazz riff and as energetic as sunlight.

Now restaurateur John Chung brings his gentle brand of fusion to the far East End with Kimis Asian Bistro, offering an easy blend of Japanese dishes accented with Korean and Thai flavors.

Kimis, pronounced “Kim-eez,” represents two Chinese characters that mean “Abundant purity.” It’s independent and locally owned, although stylish modern graphics – and displays of sample bottles of sauces bearing the Kimis brand name, still under development – hint at larger dreams for a chain-to-be.
Continue reading Asian “fusion” at Kimis

Dining among the antiques

Bluegrass Bistro
The Bluegrass Bistro recently opened inside the Derby City Antique Mall in Buechel. Photos by Robin Garr

LEO’s Eat ‘n’ Blog with Louisville HotBytes
(Bluegrass Bistro, Hippo Wings, WingZone)

If you want to find a really good lunch in Louisville for a really good price, go shopping for antiques.

Here’s my theory: People who enjoy the hunt for serious antiques and who know how to distinguish the good stuff from junque are also likely to have a well-honed skill at scouting out lunch.

Evidence abounds. One of the best lunch spots in town is The Cafe at the Louisville Antique Mall on Goss Avenue. Shelbyville’s august Wakefield-Scearce Galleries boast the memorable Science Hill dining room. Middletown’s old Main Street, a major destination for antique-hunters, is well served by the estimable Alley Cat Cafe, and the new A Little Peace Cafe is earning good reviews at the Mellwood Arts Center. East Market and Main streets and Frankfort Avenue and Bardstown Road are all famous for both their antiques and their eateries.

Now add Bluegrass Bistro to the mix. Continue reading Dining among the antiques

Attack of the killer chains

P F Chang'sPardon me if I seem dense, but I’m still having a hard time figuring out just why so many people are willingly lining up for a wait of two to three hours to dine at the two hottest new spots in suburbia – P. F. Chang’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

We’ve checked them both out now – Chang’s twice – and while I’ll grant that they’re both well designed, staffed with competent people and serving food that ranks well above the median for corporate chain fare, still … three hours? Give me a break!
Continue reading Attack of the killer chains

Earlier reviews of luxury restaurants ($60 per person and up)

The links below go to earlier reviews:

Asiatique
Avalon
Blu Italian Mediterranean Grille
Buck’s
Cafe Metro
De La Torre’s
The English Grill
Equus
Le Relais
Lilly’s
Limestone
The Melting Pot
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Morton’s of Chicago
The Oakroom
Park Place
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Seviche
610 Magnolia
The Star of Louisville
Stoney River Legendary Steaks
211 Clover Lane
Vincenzo’s
Volare
Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse

Earlier reviews of restaurants priced in the $20-$40 range

The links below go to earlier reviews:

Artemisia
August Moon
Los Aztecas
Baxter Station
Behar Cafe
Bluegrass Brewing Co.
Brandon’s Barbecue
Bristol Bar & Grille
Café Lou Lou
California Pizza Kitchen
El Caporal
Cardinal Hall of Fame
Carolina Shrimp & Seafood
Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
Come Back Inn
Cottage Inn
Cumberland Brews
Cunningham’s
Ditto’s Grill
Double Dragon Buffet
El Mundo
Emperor/Empress of China
Ernesto’s Mexican
The Fish House
Goose Creek Diner
Joe Huber’s
Koreana
The Irish Rover
Jack’s Lounge
Jade Palace
Joe’s Crab House
Joe’s OK Bayou
John E’s
Kaelin’s
Kashmir
Kentucky State Fair
Kim’s Asian Grill
King Buffet
KT’s
Lee’s Korean
Lemongrass Cafe
Lone Star Steakhouse
Louisville Slugger Field
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe
Mai’s Thai
Maido Essential Japanese
Mama Rosa
Mark’s Feed Store
Mike Linnig’s
Cafe Mimosa
Molly Malone’s
The Monkey Wrench
El Nopal
North End Cafe
Old Spaghetti Factory
Oriental Express
Ray Parrella’s
Ramsi’s Cafe
Red Lounge
Rick’s Ferrari Grille
Rocky’s Italian Grill
Rudyard Kipling
Saffron’s
Sala Thai
Sesame Chinese
Shogun Japanese Steakhouse
Sichuan Garden
Thai Cafe
Thai-Siam
Third Avenue Cafe
Tumbleweed
Uptown Cafe
Wick’s Pizza Parlor
Yaching’s East West Cuisine
Yang Kee Noodle
Za’s Pizza Pub
Zen Garden

Earlier reviews of upscale restaurants ($40 – $60)

The links below go to earlier reviews:

Austin’s
Bendoya Sushi Bar
Bonefish Grill
Bourbons Bistro
Bravo!
Browning’s
Buca di Beppo
Captain’s Quarters
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Club Grotto
Corner Cafe and Pizzeria
Del Frisco’s
Erika’s German Restaurant
Ferd Grisanti’s
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse
Gasthaus
Havana Rumba
India Palace
Jack Fry’s
Kobe
Martini Italian Bistro
Napa River Grill
Osaka, a Sushi Bar
Palermo Viejo
Pat’s Steakhouse
The Patron
Porcini
RockWall
Sakura Blue
Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse
Shakertown At Pleasant Hill
Shalimar Indian Restaurant
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

Earlier reviews of restaurants in the $20 and under price range

The links below go to earlier reviews:

Alley Cat Cafe
Annie Cafe
Asian Buffet
La Bamba
Bazo’s Fresh Mexican Grill
Blue Dog Café and Bakery
Bombay International Market
bw-3 Buffalo Wild Wings
Check’s Cafe
China Inn
City Cafe
Clarksville Seafood
Clifton’s Pizza Company
Dizzy Whizz Drive-In
Double Dragon
Emery’s
The Fishery
Flabby’s Schnitzelburg
Genny’s Diner
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Grape Leaf
Fat Jimmy’s Pizza
Great Wall
Great Wok
Heine Brothers’ Coffee
La Herradura
Jalapeno’s
Jucy’s

Jumbo Buffet & Grill
Ken-Tex Bar-B-Q
Lolita’s Tacos
Lonnie’s Best Taste of Chicago
Luigi’s
Mazzoni’s
Meridian Café
Mexico Tipico
Mr. Z’s Kitchen
Nancy’s Bagel Grounds
A Nice Restaurant
El Nopalito
Nord’s Brown Bag
Ollie’s Trolley
Omar’s Gyro
Panera Bread
Papa Murphy’s
El Paraiso
Petrus
Polly’s Freeze
Prospect Fish Market
El Rey Mexican
Rich O’s
Royal Garden Buffet
Rufad’s Kebob
Santa Fe Grill
Sarajevo
Sonic Drive-In
Spinelli’s Pizzeria
Stan’s Fish Sandwich
La Tapatia
Tacqueria la Mexicana
El Tarasco
Thai Taste
Tony Boombozz Pizzeria
Twice-Told Coffeehouse
Twig and Leaf
Vietnam Kitchen
Vince Staten’s Barbecue
W. W. Cousins
The Widow’s Walk