I recently had the privilege of spending the day with my friends at Bardstown Bourbon Company + Bottle & Bond Kitchen/Bar (which is located in the same property). It was my first time at either location; and, to grossly understate, it won’t be my last.
Upon entering the facility and meeting the staff, one thing was clear: bourbon is their passion and they are doing their best to share it with the world. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, you can experience the tradition, process, and legacy of bourbon — and it doesn’t get much more Kentucky than that.
The facility is state of the art and left me feeling impressed. It is clear that quality is at the forefront of everything that they do; as a consumer, I greatly appreciate that. However, that’s a given in all reality — Steve Nally is their Master Distiller. That says all that needs to be said about Bardstown Bourbon Company in and of itself.
While a tour + tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Company are both ingredients to a fantastic day in the Commonwealth, it doesn’t stop there. Enter: Bottle & Bond Kitchen & Bar.
What I am about to say is something that I do not say lightly; that said, I mean it with full sincerity: this was, hands down, one of the best meals that I have ever had in Kentucky.
The dishes followed my philosophy on food: there need not be a lot of ingredients, just really pure, delicious ones. Bottle & Bond is doing just that — plating up high-end food in an unpretentious, relatable, Kentucky way. They’ve taken classic dishes and elevated them in a way that commands my respect. I can’t wait to bring both my friends and family back to B&B for dinner!
Oh, and before we talk about the food — let’s talk about the interior. Y’all, it’s as posh as all get out. I felt like I was brunching in a Bardstown / Los Angeles hybrid. The location has Kentucky soul and flavor, no doubt — but, aesthetically speaking, it’s something that we haven’t quite seen in the Commonwealth.
Now — what we’ve all been waiting for, the food!
Glazed Brussels Sprouts: pan seared, bourbon bacon, Kentucky blue cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sticks, served with a dunk-worthy, classic tomato soup. How fun are these?
Hand-cut Fries, which are out of this world good, y’all.
Shrimp and Grits, featuring Red Gulf Shrimp + cheddar grits. A southern staple.
A gorgeous Macaroni + Cheese — creamy, cheesy, and the right about of crunch/texture.
Gnocchi, which was – without hesitation – a menu standout for me: sweet potato gnocchi, broccolini, covered in a bourbon-infused mushroom sauce.
A buttery, delicious, 8 oz. prime filet – top-notch quality!
And, naturally, you can’t visit Bottle & Bond without indulging in some libations! The cocktails were unique, artistically crafted, and downright delicious, friends.
Oh, and no meal is complete without The Entrepreneur, a boozy milkshake featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaboration Bourbon, malt chocolate, chocolate syrup, with a chocolate bar garnish. It’s write-your-MeeMaw good, y’all.
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Pro tip: while you’re at Bottle & Bond, don’t miss out on the Whiskey Library, which features over 400 vintage American whiskeys, curated by Fred Minnick.
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Bottle & Bond serves up classic, southern comfort food that is refined, elegant, yet overwhelmingly approachable. Using the finest ingredients, they take familiar dishes and serve them better than you’ve ever had them before. A restaurant — especially on a distillery property — like this was missing from the Kentucky culinary scene and I am so grateful to have had that void filled by Bottle & Bond.
Most importantly, the people behind the operation are top-notch — talented, yet more than anything, kind.
You can visit both Bardstown Bourbon Company + Bottle & Bond at 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004. Reservations can be made online or over the phone at 502-252-6331.
Tell ’em that I sent ya!
As always: Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: This is a commissioned post; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
If you follow me on Instagram or read my Kentucky travel series, you will know that I am no stranger to Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Some might argue as to what is the best part about this Kentucky town. The food? The kind, generous people? The fact that it’s the Saddlebred Capital of the World? The local shops? All of those are, of course, great – however, I would like to add one to the mix: the location.
Conveniently located between Lexington and Louisville, Shelbyville is a true meeting ground of the state. It serves as a central location for all Kentuckians, let alone the city dwellers wishing to escape for a day or weekend trip.
Over the course of the last year, it has turned into one of my favorite destinations (and one of Jude’s, my grandmother + travel partner, favorites, too!). On our most recent trip, I wanted to dive deeper into the small businesses, restaurants, events, and farms that make Shelbyville special. I went in with high expectations – but, y’all, let me tell you… they were greatly surpassed.
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Upon arriving and checking into my hotel (I always stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which is located at 110 Clubhouse Dr. Shelbyville, KY 40065), I joined Chenelle for dinner at the Old Stone Inn.
Stay tuned for an upcoming post to learn more about the Old Stone Inn; but, I’ll say this now: it’s a historic dining experience not to miss. Recently reopened by Chef David Danielson of Churchill Downs, the food and atmosphere is a true highlight for the region.
Also, side note: any restaurant that serves their butter in the shape of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a restaurant that will get my repeat business.
The following morning started bright and early with the first of my Dine & Discover classes, which was held at Citizens Union Bank. Dine & Discover is a fantastic series put on by the ShelbyKY Tourism Commission & Visitors Bureau; both of these classes catered to small businesses and I discussed how one can leverage social media to be a driving factor in their success. It was an honor to be a guest speaker; if you are looking for educational classes in the area, I highly recommend this series!
Between classes, I had to do my due diligence as a food writer and check out a new-to-me local eatery, right? At least that was my justification.
McKinley’s Bread Shop & Deli (615 Main St. Shelbyville, KY 40065)
I stumbled into McKinley’s via Chenelle’s recommendation – and it didn’t let me down. I love casual, local eateries. It was clear that the clientele is predominantly locals — patrons that have dined there for years & will continue to do so. That’s when you know you’re in for a treat, y’all.
The bread is made in-house and is cut via a bread machine that is nearly a century old. If something, or a method, isn’t broken — why fix it? I love that they have maintained their methods; there’s something special about doing so that cannot be ignored.
I chose the Tuscany, which featured Caesar dressing, grated parmesan, black pepper, turkey breast, and romaine lettuce, served on focaccia (my favorite bread). At less than $8, this sandwich is a fantastic value for the budget diner.
Oh, and don’t miss out on their cookies — they are, arguably, the best part. Large, moist, and ringing in at around $1, you can’t go wrong, y’all.
After my second Dine & Discover class, I went and visited my new friends at Lettleiki Icelandics (6105 Eminence Pike, Shelbyville, KY 40065). Now I — and any true Kentuckian — would be amiss to not love the equine industry. However, I must confess: prior to this trip, I was not well-versed in Icelandic horses, a very historic breed.
Lettleiki is the Icelandic word for “lightness”; interestingly enough, each Icelandic horse that is born must have an Icelandic name given to it. Furthermore, in reference to their homeland, Icelandic horses cannot return to Iceland after they leave; this is largely due to the fact that Iceland does not experience vast equine diseases, unlike other countries. As for personal history, the breed’s ancestors are often traced back to Viking-Age Scandinavians that came to the region.
Upon visiting the farm, you will find world-class facilities; seriously, y’all — their barns are the most gorgeous that I have ever seen! Apart from that, they have a gorgeous arena on site, and they offer a wide array of services (breeding, training, clinics, etc).
One of our tour guides was the farm dog — what a sweetie!
I left a big, big fan of Lettleiki Icelandics — be sure to check them out!
While I was in the spirit of the horse industry, I hopped over to Shelby Horse Supply (7022 Shelbyville Rd, Simpsonville, KY 40067) to learn more about their business. The man behind the shop, Vance Riester, very well might be the nicest guy around. He welcomed Jude and I into his shop, walked us through some of his processes, and even made a custom gift for Jude to take home!
A full-service tack shop, Shelby Horse Supply is – and should be – your one-stop shop for all of your equine leather good needs. But, their offerings do not stop there! You can find many personal leather goods in the store, whether it be wallets, key fobs, or a plethora of other items. They custom-made a piece for me a couple of months ago – and y’all, it is truly one of my prized possessions.
The best part? The leather goods are customizable! Many of the belts, fobs, and equine goods can have engraved plates attached to them. A true southerner, I love a good personalization service! If it walks, talks, or moves — monogram it. Am I right?
The quality of their goods is unmatched; be sure to keep them in mind!
After spending the afternoon on the farm and shopping, we decided that we needed a sweet treat. For that, I wanted to try out Serendipity Kandy Kitchen (519 Main St, Shelbyville, KY 40065), a newcomer to Downtown Shelbyville. A mainstay in La Grange for several years, the new shop in Shelby County is a very welcomed addition to the community.
Their best-selling item? Bourbon-infused, chocolate dipped Twinkies. Yes, you read that correctly. That is, simply put, my Kentucky dream. I knew that I had to try one when I visited; however, I was pleasantly surprised that the owner wanted to let me make some of my own!
While the process is self-explanatory, I’ll omit some of the strict details for proprietary purposes. However, believe me when I say that you MUST try one of these. You’ll keep going back for more — thank me later.
Post-refreshing at the hotel, I knew that no trip to Shelby County is complete without a stop at Jeptha Creed Distillery (500 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065). Jeptha Creed’s property is stunning & it is a kick ass, woman-owned business — one of my favorite’s in the Commonwealth.
Luckily for Jude and I, we were there for one of their Farm To Table dinners, which features four courses from Chef Josh Moore of Volare Italian Restaurant in Louisville, KY. What’s even better is that fact that each course is paired with a cocktail! Now that’s the Kentucky way of dining, y’all.
The first course was a stunning salad, which featured Aqua Fresh Farms red oak leaf lettuce, roasted Italian sausage, pepperoncini peppers, Capriole Farms goat cheese, and crispy potatoes, finished with a balsamic & Jeptha Creed blueberry vodka vinaigrette. It was paired with a cranberry-spiced Negroni, which was my favorite cocktail of the evening.
The pasta course was next, which boasted house-made Garganelli pasta in a rich mushroom ragout of Sheltowee Farm mushrooms, Jeptha Creed original moonshine, cream, sage, and ricotta salata cheese. It was simply divine! The pairing was a bay leaf limoncello.
Our main course was a Stone Cross Farm pork loin scallopini (fra diavolo style) in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with onion, rosemary and Jeptha Creed Hot Pepper Vodka. It was accompanied by Tuscan white beans (two thumbs up from me!) and braised, bitter greens. The cocktail? A honey raspberry sgroppino, which was fabulous!
Last, but certainly not least (trust!), was the dessert course: zeppole. Plated were three house-made Italian doughnuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar, joined by cherry preserves & Jeptha Creed apple pie moonshine apple butter. This was a standout, y’all. To wash it down, we were given a coffee & lavender affogato. The lavender was a fantastic touch!
To say the least, it was a night to remember – fabulous food and even more fabulous company. Better yet, as per usual, it was a trip to write home about (or, in my case, to blog about!).
A special thank you to ShelbyKY Tourism for two fabulous days; it is truly a privilege that y’all share your slice of Kentucky heaven with all of us!
As always: Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living.
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: This is a sponsored post; all opinions, however, are my own.
I am so excited to bring the next installment of my guides to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to you today!
I recently had the privilege of spending two nights with my friends at Cynthiana Tourism. While I was familiar with Harrison County on a surface level, I was honored to have the chance to get to know the community through the eyes of the locals.
Home to many notable Kentuckians — such as Joe B. Hall, a famed University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach, and Robert Kirkman, co-creator of the Walking Dead — Cynthiana has permanently placed itself on the radar of all Kentuckians. Upon visiting, you will find that the community has every ounce of small town Kentucky charm that one would imagine it would. Maybe even more, y’all.
I arrived to Cynthiana on Sunday evening. Luckily, my Grandmother Jude and I had the privilege of staying at the Ashford Acres Inn. There’s more information coming soon on Ashford Acres (watch out for that post!); however, I’ll say this — it is a first-rate experience. The setting, charm, details, and food were all spectacular. It was my first time staying at a true bed and breakfast; to say that it was a treat would be a hyperbolic understatement.
You can visit Ashford Acres Inn at 1801 KY-36, Cynthiana, KY 41031.
The Trip, Day 1:
Upon waking up on Monday morning, my nose was immediately greeted by glorious smells coming from the kitchen. The meal started with scones and fresh-squeezed orange juice – what a treat (one that you don’t see often enough in Kentucky)! Upon finishing the first installment, the chef at Ashford Acres Inn bought out a dreamy plate of chicken and waffles. A southern classic, it is one of my favorites. However, this was an elevated take on the dish. The chicken was prepared via a three-day process – and it was smack your MeeMaw good. The waffles were herb-infused, which was a first for me. It took a simple, often bland food into a new realm of flavor. Two thumbs up!
After breakfast, I led a two-hour, intensive Social Media course at the Harrison County Extension Office. This class was brought to the county in collaboration with the Harrison County Tourism Commission and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. Seeing each seat filled warmed my heart; attendees were, by and large, business owners in town — I can’t wait to see what all they will do with their social media presence!
Post-teaching, I had worked up quite an appetite! Enter: Leono’s. This is your classic local, at-home pizza joint from first glance; however the product that is produced is much, much better. Known for their pan crust pizza, diners having been patronizing this institution for years — and for good reason.
Crispy, nearly fried on the bottom; thick and soft in the middle — that’s what makes pan-crust pizza so special.
You can visit Leono’s at 253 S Church St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Directly after leaving Leono’s, I did a portion of the Historic Church Tour. Cynthiana is proud of their religious history – and for good reason. Their churches are stunning and have so much history! From the tour, I learned a lot about architecture from parishioners; furthermore, the churches were especially beautiful this time of year, since they were decorated for Christmas.
The Methodist Church is located at 302 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
The Cynthiana Christian Church is located at 202 N. Main St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
The Episcopal Church (my favorite stop – I’m Episcopalian!) is located at 118 N. Walnut St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Next was the Cynthiana Museum. An overarching theme of this trip is the devotion that locals have towards Harrison County. That, to me, is what makes small towns so very special. Inside the doors of the museum, visitors are able to see almost 3,000 community artifacts! This includes items from Cynthiana’s religious, educational, and agricultural history. There are also rooms dedicated to childhood in Cynthiana, daily life, local industries, and more. This is an awesome resource for Harrison County!
The museum can be visited at 124 S Walnut St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
My final tour stop of the day was the Rohs Opera House – a stop that I was very much looking forward to! Originally built in 1871 as Aeolian Hall, the modern day Rohs Opera House is a weekend theatre + performance venue for shows from the Rohs Theatre Company. However, the best part? It’s haunted! Having been featured on many “Most Haunted” lists, ghost hunting enthusiasts come from all over to experience the paranormal activity inside the doors of Rohs.
You can visit Rohs Opera House at 133 E Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
After a long day of touring, I had to visit my friends at Maiden City Brewing for a beer (or two!). Brewed in Downtown Cynthiana, Maiden City Brewing is a newer addition to the local scene, yet a very special one. Established in 2016, this is the craft beer destination for all beer aficionados. Do not miss it!
You can visit Maiden City Brewing at 123 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Dinner was at Biancke’s, arguably the most known restaurant in the county. Serving up family-style meals for over a decade, Biancke’s is one of Cynthiana’s most beloved, historic businesses. Established in 1894 by Italian immigrants, this is the spot to go to if you want to interact with locals. And, trust me on this – get the fried green tomatoes and a pie topped with their famous meringue!
Biancke’s is located at 102 S. Main St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
The Trip, Day 2:
Breakfast was, once again, held at Ashford Acres Inn. The chef had mentioned the day before that he was going to be pulling out some tricks to make the meal extra special, since it was my last there. What he brought out exceeded any form of preconceived notion that I had. In all honesty, it’s one of the best breakfasts that I have ever had in my life.
Jude and I started with an open-face omelette with foie gras and truffles. It was as decadent, luxurious, and rich as it sounds – I assure you. A showstopper!
Next was Eggs Benedict – but, with a twist. Instead of the traditional bacon or ham, the chef used Alaskan King Crab meat. It was gorgeous and finger-lickin’ good, y’all.
Post-breakfast, my social media tour continued at WCYN. I spent thirty minuets on air with the mayor talking about my class, all things JCP Eats, Kentucky culture, and more. It was my first time doing a live radio show and it was a blast!
To fuel up for the rest of the day, I then visited the Main Cup. A new coffee shop in town, it has a fantastic mission tied to the neighboring Presbyterian Church. Previously used as their parsonage, I love what they did to the building. It’s quirky, yet cozy – and they are serving up some delicious coffee and treats.
Be sure to check out the Main Cup at 105 N. Main St., Cynthiana, Kentucky 4103.
Though it was chilly, I quickly headed off to the Quiet Trails State Nature Preserve. Quiet Trails is a 165 acre area of ridges and ravines – and it’s absolutely stunning. Full of birds, trees, and wildlife, one can truly experience the fauna and flora of the Commonwealth of Kentucky here. For nature enthusiasts, this is a must-see!
Directions:
From Cynthiana, take U.S. 27 north approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto KY 1284, which leads into Sunrise. Continue on Pugh’s Ferry Road after crossing the four-way intersection. The preserve is located on the right, 1.8 miles from the intersection.
After a morning in nature, I decided to spend the afternoon shopping. The thing that impressed me most with Cynthiana was the robust downtown scene they have. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — there’s nothing like a small town downtown; Cynthiana executes this with high precision. Full of eateries and boutiques, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon visiting all of the stores.
I used this opportunity to do a lot of my Christmas shopping. This holiday season, do not forget to shop local, y’all. It’s so important!
Abstract Distractions, 129 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031. (Love my new copper bracelet, y’all!)
Inspired Designs, 134 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Emerson Steel Boutique, 135 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Molly B’s Boutique, 208 E. Pike St., Cynthiana, KY 41031.
I love to gift Candleberry candles during the holiday (Hot Maple Toddy is my favorite); furthermore, local honey makes a great holiday hostess gift!
Flower Depot, 208 S. Main St, Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Last, but certainly not least, I had to finish my time in Cynthiana with the Mural Tour. They are plentiful around town, though some of the highlights include the Joe B. Hall Mural, the Mural of Distillery History, and, of course, the Walking Dead Mural.
These are fantastic photo opportunities to commemorate your trip to Harrison County, y’all.
I cannot thank my friends at Cynthiana Tourism enough for a fabulous trip. If you haven’t been to Cynthiana, or if you aren’t currently planning you’re next trip there, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!
As always: Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: This is a commissioned post; all opinions, however, are my own.
Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the bourbon-lover, Kentucky-aficionado, and/or foodie in your life? If so, it’s your lucky day!
I have VERY exciting news: I am partnering with Stoneware & Co. + the Kentucky Bourbon Pie Company this holiday season. This is a dream partnership for me; I have been a life-long collector of Stoneware & Co. (previously Louisville Stoneware) products.
Here is a video describing the gift crate:
KBP and JCPEats Full Gift Crate Promo – V1 from Stoneware & Co. on Vimeo.
And here is a more detailed taste test:
Kentucky Bourbon Pie Taste Test V1 – Fall 2018 from Stoneware & Co. on Vimeo.
What’s included in the gift crate?
An 11″ Louisville Pottery Collection Thumb Print Pie Plate in White
Two Jars of Kentucky Bourbon Pie In a Jar (Pick your flavor: Pecan, Apple or Cherry)
One Jonathan Spoons Cherry Wood Pie Server
Plus, the crate is great for decor!
Now that, y’all, is a jam-packed, well-rounded gift. I can’t wait to bake in that plate – it’s stunning!
On September 8th, I was honored to attend the 2018 Great Distillery BBQ Cook-Off at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, KY!
This is the second installment of this annual event; seventh generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe hosted the day.
At the core of this event is camaraderie and community, something that I greatly admired.
Attendees included 18 four-person cook teams from The Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton 1792 Distillery, The Glenmore Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, Independent Stave Company, Jim Beam® Brands, Maker’s Mark® Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery, as well as select bourbon industry Master Distillers and hundreds of barbecue fans. Locally renowned Chef John Varanese, owner of Varanese and River House restaurants, was the event barbecue pit host.
As a Kentuckian, and a purveyor of the bourbon industry, I was in awe of the community. In all reality, these are competitors – but, they proved to me that, above all else, they are friends. Colleagues that can come together for a common cause – and that, y’all, is due my respect.
The Great Distillery BBQ Cook-Off not only celebrates a great American food – but, at its core, it’s philanthropic. It honors the efforts of Operation BBQ Relief®, a nonprofit consisting of volunteers from competition barbecue teams who provide hot meals to displaced families and emergency personnel in areas impacted by natural disasters. They are currently, for example, deployed in CA to provide relief to those impacted by the wildfires. I loved getting to hear about the organization from the local representatives; their passion was palpable!
During the day, I was so excited to try out some of Jim Beam’s cocktails and Fred’s, their onsite BBQ restaurant.
I am so excited to bring the third installment of my guides to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to you today!
It was an immense privilege to partner with Go To Louisville (Louisville Tourism) on this post; I am so proud to call this city home and it is an honor to show off all that we have to offer!
Louisville is chock-full of amazing restaurants; thus, we are going to be breaking up this series into neighborhood installments. The first feature is on the Highlands, Butchertown, and Germantown.
About the Highlands:
To quote Louisville Tourism, “Bardstown Road, Louisville’s original “Restaurant Row,” is situated in the city’s Highlands neighborhood. In addition to being a dining Mecca, it’s also known for its eccentric collection of shops and is one of the most popular neighborhoods for local nightlife.”
Where To Dine:
La Pêche Gourmet / Lilly’s Bistro
1147 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY
Lilly’s is one of Louisville’s original farm-to-table restaurants — classic, elegant, and southern excellence are words that come to mind. La Peche, which is attached, is a dine-in or carry-out gourmet delicatessen. You can order made-to-order sandwiches, choose from the case, or from weekly specials.
La Peche is my favorite spot in the city – it’s my go-to, my diamond, my ride-or-die. The Burger’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is, hands down, my favorite fried chicken sandwich in the state (remember: I’m a Kentuckian, y’all). Order it with extra caesar dressing on the side.
Jack Fry’s
1007 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
The warm brie salad is a must-order!
A historic Louisville eatery that is not to be missed; with a history that dates back to 1933, the restaurant is a huge part of Louisville culture. Now a fine dining institution, often acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in both Kentucky and the United States, the menus – both lunch and dinner – aim to surpass all expectations. Walking in is like walking back in time – expect a hybrid of a speak-easy with a white tablecloth eatery. Fabulous.
Crab cakes – one of my favorite lunch specials.
La Chasse
1359 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
Another fabulous eatery off of Bardstown Rd, La Chasse offers an “intricately-woven Southern French and Spanish fusion menu that is prepared with classic French technique and exuberant innovativeness.”
Beautiful octopus
The flavors offered at La Chasse are, to say the least, iconic. Elevated, well-executed, and simple – yet, immensely profound. Also expect to indulge in the amazing wine list and artisan cocktails.
Bonus:
Be sure to visit Seviche, the child of Chef Anthony Lamas. It’s mouthwatering!
1538 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
About Butchertown:
To echo, “These days, though one large meatpacker anchors the area, Butchertown is in the middle of a renaissance and is being spruced up with chic boutiques, the city’s first brandy distillery, and more options for shopping, dining and having fun.”
Where To Dine:
Butchertown Grocery
1076 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206
According to their website, “On the outside, Butchertown Grocery seems like a decidedly simple, 19th-century brick building. But on the inside, you’ll discover a sleek restaurant with cozy banquettes, marble tables, mosaic tile on the floor, and weathered exposed wood on the ceiling.”
As I’ve said before, elevated simplicity is my philosophy on food. I very much relate to their perspective, which is largely why Butchertown Grocery is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
Croissant stuffed with pistachio butter, topped with a raspberry drizzle.
From oysters, to escargot, to the chicken and waffles, to the amazing baked goods — you will leave planning your next visit.
Beignets served with a bourbon-bacon sauce – divine!
Hi-Five Doughnuts
1011 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40206
Known for their inventive flavor combinations, large portion sizes, and delicious, yeasty doughnuts – Hi-Five makes some of my favorite sweets in the city.
I recently had a sweet doughnut topped with a sugar cookie. That was a new one, even for me — and, to understate, it was delicious!
Naive
1001 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206
Naive is new to the Butchertown scene – and it has been welcomed with open arms. They focus on sustainability, locality, freshness, and lightness. The meals have healthy spins, yet are delicious and filling.
Pad Thai
Also, side note: it is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant in Louisville. The interior is so gorgeous!
Red Hot Roasters
1399 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40206
A retro-inspired bakery + coffee shop, Red Hot Roasters serves up some of the most delicious small-batch coffee in the city. Inspired by the owner’s eclectic (and fabulous!) style, the new shop has quickly turned into one of my favorites.
The only thing that makes it better? A cactus cookie!
About Germantown:
To recite, “Germantown, one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods, was named after the influx of German immigrants who first settled there in the mid 1800s. The area is dotted by the largest collection of shotgun and camelback houses in the city. A popular local saying is that there’s a dive bar on every corner. Recently, the neighborhood has become a mix of old and new, maintaining its history, while welcoming hip eateries and bars.”
Where To Dine:
Sarino
1030 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217
Sarino focuses on fresh, homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizza. Trust me when I say that they deliver. It’s a large menu, one that is worth exploring; I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Couvillion
1318 McHenry St, Louisville, KY 40217
Per the restaurant, “Couvillion (‘COO-vee-ohn): A thick, rich fish stew most often prepared with catfish thickened with roux. Or, in our case, a genuine, southern restaurant in the heart of Louisville’s Germantown neighborhood.”
Gumbo Z’herbes
Apple Butter Pie
Located behind the Germantown Mill Lofts, Couvillion serves up some major flavor! The food is heavy, comforting, and downright divine.
Bourbon Banana Pudding
The Post
1045 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217
Can there be a food guide without pizza? In my world, absolutely not. The Post is Germantown’s go-to for New York Style Pizzas (by the slice or served whole), craft beers, and cocktails. The flavors range from classic to experimental, such as stir fry pizza (yes, you read that correctly).
I cannot adequately thank Louisville Tourism (Go To Louisville) for working with me on this post. My city is fabulous – if you aren’t currently planning your trip here, what’s stopping you?
Come hungry!
As always, Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: This is a commissioned post; all opinions, however, are my own.
I am so excited to be partnering with Jeptha Creed Distillery on today’s post! In a matter of a day, they quickly became one of my favorite Kentucky businesses!
First and foremost: it is woman-owned. Enough said, right? The women behind the business = mother and daughter duo, Joyce and Autumn Nethery.
Joyce Nethery serves as the Master Distiller for Jeptha Creed. To quote their website, “As far back as she can remember, Joyce has had a passion for chemistry. She earned a Master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville’s Speed Scientific School, and for 15 years worked as a process engineer in industrial scale distillation. She then spent a decade teaching high school chemistry and physics before her husband Bruce’s dream of opening a distillery reignited her passion for the distillation process—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Her deep love for farm life, as well as her many years working her family’s land, have given her invaluable insight into growing the wide variety of crops used in Jeptha Creed’s products. It has also inspired the distillery’s distinct ground-to-glass maxim. In addition to being a Master Distiller and owner of Jeptha Creed, Joyce is a devoted mother of two who has a passion for all things Kentucky. She couldn’t be prouder to carry on the state’s long history of distilling the finest spirits in the world.”
Autumn Nethery is the co-owner of Jeptha Creed and the Marketing Manager for the distillery. Continued from above, “Autumn comes by her love of distilling honestly—her mother is Jeptha Creed master distiller and co-owner Joyce Nethery. But it took a year at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, studying the craft with some of the best distillers in the world, to truly ignite her passion. Now Autumn is among the youngest distillery owners in the country and an integral part of making Jeptha Creed one of Kentucky’s most groundbreaking distilleries.
Using what she learned traveling abroad with Semester at Sea, as well as through her studies at the University of Kentucky, where she earned her Bachelor’s in marketing, Autumn’s dream is to expand Jeptha Creed’s reach into every state, while still keeping the family feel the distillery is known for. She’s wholly committed to keeping Jeptha Creed spirits as natural and authentic as possible, so customers can always trust what’s in the bottle.”
The Nethery’s have deep ties to the region. They own around 1,000 acres throughout Shelby County, which includes the distillery and their home farm. To quote, “The 64-acres that make up the distillery property are covered in crops that are producing the grain, corn, fruits, and other ingredients that will go straight into the Jeptha Creed vodka, whiskey, and moonshine. The lines of trees are not just to provide a scenic touch. They bear apples, pears, pecans, apricots, and cherries. There are rows and rows of budding raspberries, figs, kiwi, blackberries, blueberries, chocolate mint, peppermint, spearmint, strawberries, and basil—even beehives for honey. It’s truly a farming wonderland.”
Jeptha Creed’s name comes from two sources. First, Jeptha comes from the surrounding area. “(The Nethery home farm) is at the foothills of the Jeptha Knobs in Shelby County, Kentucky – we have to drive through the Knobs to travel from the west side of the farm to the east. These hills were named by Squire Boone and Daniel Boone when they came to explore Kentucky in the late 1700s. Documentation shows they named them Jeptha after a Biblical warrior from Judges 11, because hunting was plentiful there due to a salt lick that attracted the buffalo, deer and turkey.” The Creed stems from the mission statement of the company, “Our Creed is our promise to honor and stand by our history, heritage, and culture. Creed also means we’re a family and work together. We respect our elders and those who came before us: our Founding Fathers who established this country; our veterans who have fought for us to protect our freedom; the hardworking people and risk-takers. Through our Creed, we are building a meeting place of Bourbon.”
I toured the facility and was very impressed with everything that they have going on. Currently, they offer whiskey, moonshine, and vodka – however, they have bourbon aging and I cannot wait to try it when it is ready!
The thing that I was most impressed with was their commitment to sustainability. As seen in the diagram below, they are doing our Earth justice in every move that they make. This is how we all should be – and I commend them for doing so.
Another interesting thing about Jeptha Creed is the fact that they only use Bloody Butcher Corn. According to R.H. Shumway’s, “(Bloody Butcher Corn) is an extremely rare, old heirloom variety dating back to 1845. It features blood-red kernels, streaked with darker red. Also, it is a dent type, with tall, 8 to 12 ft. stalks.” However, at Jeptha Creed, they have been known to grow up to 15 ft.!
After the tour is over, you get to taste four of their current offerings. I tried the Honey Vodka, the Louisville Lemonade (moonshine), the Blackberry Moonshine, and the Six Month Whisky. All were delicious, though my favorite was the Louisville Lemonade — it was so smooth and would be perfect over ice for a front porch drink this summer.
I had to take some of the other offerings with me to try at home, too!
I cannot wait to cook with this Hot Pepper Flavored Vodka — I see a beautiful Bloody Mary in the near future!
The Apple Pie Moonshine is, essentially, fall in a glass – or, differently, America in a glass. You have to taste it to believe it!
After your sampling, be sure to check out all of the offerings in the gift shop. I couldn’t leave without some cornmeal made from the famous Bloody Butcher Corn mentioned above. I can’t wait to make some cornbread and fried green tomatoes with it!
The highlight of the day was getting to sit down at a lunch table with the dream team, Joyce and Autumn, along with my friend Emily. That’s right – lunch! After you tour, don’t miss out on their food offerings, which include the delicious country ham and pimento cheese panini that I ordered. That’s Kentucky on a plate, y’all!
While you’re eating, they also have a fully-encompassing bar! I ordered the Flamin’ Strawberry Fields, which has Jeptha Creed Lemonade Moonshine, Pomegranate Liqueur, Tiki Bitters, Lime Juice, Jalapeño Syrup, Muddled Strawberry & Mint, and a Flaming Lime Wheel. It was delicious — and literally on fire!
I’d like to extend a big ol’ Kentucky “Thank you!” to Jeptha Creed for hosting me for the day. Their hospitality was pure, southern, and appreciated – I can’t wait to go back!
Be sure to follow them on social media, visit their website, and plan a day trip to their facility at 500 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065. Tell them that I sent ya!
As always, Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: I was gifted a fully complimentary day at Jeptha Creed: tour, food, cocktails, and the aforementioned product. No additional compensation was granted.
