#56 - Cheeseburger in Paradise

October 2010

Once again, I broke my "Never Eat Alone" rule again...but didn't have much choice. I was in Indy for training with Truth@Work, and next door to my hotel was a fun looking place....Cheeseburger in Paradise, so I went!

But, I of course had to get the cheeseburger.  I ordered the 3 mini cheeseburgers and a salad along with a Strawberry Daiquiri to really feel as if I were in Paradise even though the temperature was below freezing at the time. It's owned by Jimmy Buffet and is quite a fun atmosphere.


Cheeseburger in Paradise (It's a chain, so they're all around, but I ate at this one)
4670 Southport Crossings Drive
Indianapolis
(317) 883-4386
http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com/default.aspx

#55 - Cottage Cafe

October 2010

FINALLY....[I've lost count] years later...my bestest friend from first grade through college had a chance to have lunch and catch up on the past 20 years. And, the worst part....she lives in Louisville!  :( How sad we cannot get together more frequently. We did promise that we won't wait another 20 years. Next week's her birthday....we will try again.

When I shared with her my goal of "new restaurants," she offered this darling cafe in old Middletown. We walked in the front door and we were handed a fork-full of delectable dessert...mine was "Pumpkin Praline Cake" - heavenly!!! It was Tuesday and we had Bible Study tonight...I think I'll ask about buying the whole cake and taking it tonight.

We both ordered a wonderful meatloaf sandwich with potato salad. Why we didn't have enough forethought to order different lunches to share was beyond me.  Oh well...next time. The sandwich and salad were great. Very hefty portions. I would recommend it if you're looking for a quaint little cafe

Although....I'd not suggest buying a WHOLE cake...are you sitting down? It would be $47.00. I think I"ll make one! Thanks.


Cottage Cafe
11609 Main Street
Middletown, KY 40243
(502) 244-9497

#54 - Red Pepper

September 2010

So, have you ever met someone and thought...I sure would like to get to know them better?  Well, today I had the honor of getting to know one of those "someone's" better...I traveled out to LaGrange, KY to get to know my new friend, Fifi. She's a wonderful Christian lady and an extremely talented artist. I got to go around her studio today and see her amazing works of art and hear the stories behind many of them. We had a wonderful time sharing and getting to know one another and then before we went on a little drive, I got a yummy chicken salad sandwich at the Red Pepper - a local dive in LaGrange on the square. The sandwich was great and the company even better!

If you want to see some of her great artwork, visit her website http://www.fifisart.com. She also is in the process of making many of her originals available in smaller prints and has a charming "angels" series of designs she's done.



Red Pepper


103 East Main Street,
La Grange, Kentucky 40031
502-225-0770
http://www.redpepperdeli.com/index.html

#53 - Patrick O'Shea's

September 2010

Had a fun lunch this afternoon with my friend, Gretchen. We met at Patrick O'Shea's on Main Street in downtown Louisville. Although there was some renovations going on outside, the inside was festive. Ordered a delicious grilled chicken salad. It was perfect...full of good veges and feta cheese! It was huge - enough for two.

I'll bet this is a blast on St.  Patty's day and plenty of green beer to go around I'm sure.



Patrick O'Shea's
123 W Main St
Louisville, KY 40202-1343
(502) 708-2488
http://www.osheaslouisville.net/patricks.php

 

#49 - Little India Cafe (Indian)

September 2010

Happy Birthday, my Indian-lovin' food-friend! So, I searched and urban-spooned to find the best Indian restaurant in Louisville for my friend's birthday before the Casting Crown concert...and Little India Cafe was it. hmmmm.....should have taken him back to Bombay Grill.

It wasn't bad, just we didn't think it was the "best." It was fast, which we needed as we were running late, and the food was good. So, I if you want some fast Indiana (kind of reminded us of a Chinese take-out) which I also have nothing against, then make a stop by Little India Cafe in McMahan Plaza in Hikes Point.


Little India Cafe
3099 Breckenridge Lane
Louisville, KY 40220
(502) 479-3353

#46 - Ferrell’s

September 2010

I was in Madisonville, KY visiting a friend whose mother was in the hospital and happened to call a friend from youth group - Glenn Riggs - who lives in Henderson to see if he was up for dinner. He was! We found a great "greasy spoon" place in Madisonville, KY called Ferrell's. I remember Louisville had a Ferrell's years ago in Oxmoor...but it was great ice cream!

THIS Ferrell's was a burger joint. Fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and good greasy burgers! Reminded me of an old soda fountain place like in "Happy Days."  If you ever happen to be driving through Madisonville, KY...give them a try.


Ferrell's
112 n. main st.
Madisonville, KY 42431
(270) 821-7515

#45 - BBC

August 2010

My food groupies shared with me another one tonight - BBC. After church tonight we enjoyed excellent burgers and BBQ. Everything was delicious. This evening brought back fond memories from my college days where a group of us would hang out after church. The only thing missing was a good game of Spades.

One of our party ordered ribs - yummy! Very tender and juicy. One of our party ordered a burger - great, tasty off the grill!
No beer for this crew, so can't give you a comment on that one, although everyone else did order the ROOTbeer and said it was great.


BBC
3929 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY  
(502) 899-7070
www.bbcbrew.com/ 

 

#42 - Malibu Grill

August 2010

On my way driving back from Oshkosh, I stopped in Bloomington, IN to visit with some friends. I got to add two more new restaurants to the list. The first was lunch at Malibu Grill with Yolanda and her friend. They are known for their fish tacos...so fish tacos it was. Not bad...but fortunately, they're not Bazo's. I'm sort of glad about that...I can get Bazo's anytime I want here in Louisville! But, Malibu Grill was a neat restaurant on the square. It was great to catch up with Yolanda and hear all the exciting things going on in her life and to share all about the airshow.


Malibu Grill
106 N Walnut St
Bloomington, IN 47404
812.332.4334
http://www.malibugrill.net/

#37 - Mulligan's

May 2010

Two of my oldest (not old, but longest) friends were conniving about a new business venture for the three of us...Thanks for letting me in on your plan, guys! So, when David was in town...he, Eric, and I met for some nuts and bolts conversation around the viability of a business together. I'm so very sad to say that one of Louisville's icons, Kaelin's, is no longer in business. Louisville's best hamburgers...gone!  Sadness!!!

In it's place, a new kid on the block...Mulligan's. Mulligan's is your typical neighborhood pub. It reminded me greatly of the pubs we visited throughout Atlantic Canada with Rotary in 2006. Full of personality and character. We enjoyed a drink and an appetizer and excellent conversation along with good plotting for a business venture.  Time will tell where this road takes us in the future.  But, nonetheless...thanks for adding another restaurant on the journey!


Mulligan's Pub & Grill
1801 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 632-2818

#33 - Pita Delights (Mediterranean)

February 2010

My friend and wonderful colleague, Howard, was leaving his current employer and moving on to something new and incredible. He is a gifted consultant and facilitator with non-profit agencies and has been given an opportunity to do what he loves...this and photography. So in celebration of our friendship and his new adventure, he indulged me and my 40 Restaurant Journey and we went to Pita Delights.

Pita Delights is a quaint little Mediterranean restaurant in the Highlands. Pita Delights is near the corner of Bardstown and Grinstead...next to Wendy's.  The cuisine is packed full of flavor and the price is just as delightful. I think I ordered a Shwarma -- A Pita filled with fresh grilled beef, onions, romaine lettuce and mayo. The relaxing family-friendly environment allows you to enjoy cultural music and décor.  It's a fun restaurant for those who are up for something new and exciting.


Pita Delights
1616 Grinstead Drive 
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 569-1122

#31 - Tomo (Japanese)

February 2010

My dear sweet friend, Quita, suggested another great restaurant...a Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi. Quita and I discussed me trying Sushi, but I didn't take the plunge. Enjoyed a delicious (you guessed it) grilled Salmon meal. Tomo is your traditional Japanese steakhouse where the chefs entertain you with their crazy knife talents and skills. Meals come with grilled veges and rice; soup and salad. Thanks Quita for a fun evening and #31...closer to #40!!


Tomo Japanese Steak House
(812) 941-02004317 Charlestown Rd.
New Albany, IN 47150
http://www.tomorestaurant.webs.com/

#22 - Home Run Burgers

September 2009

Today I broke the rule of "Never Eat Alone" as suggested by Keith Ferrazziin his book. I was out and hungry, so I found a new restaurant...Home Run Burgers.  It's very similar to Five Guys, but not as good.  Ordered a burger and fries. They were OK, but nothing to write home about.  They do; however, offer chicken, hot dogs, and fish if you've got folks in the family who don't care for good ole' burger.


http://www.homerunburger.com/

#18 - The Yellow Cactus

August 2009

One of my dear friends and colleagues from the Southern Indiana Chamber - Tonya - and I enjoyed a fairly typical Mexican lunch today. At the Yellow Cactus, you'll find the traditional Mexican menu with your choice of combination plates.

Chips were hot and tasty and the food was fine. Again, nothing to "write home about."

Tonya and I had a great time of laughter and catching up with life with each other.


The Yellow Cactus
3620 Paoli Pike
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
(812) 903-0313

 

#17 - Furlongs (Louisianan)

July 2009

I met a new friend today...Rose. She and I met through a mutual friend who said "you two should meet" and so we did...at a new restaurant - of course! Furlongs on Shelbyville and Hurstbourne in Louisville. Unfortunately, as good of a restaurant as it was, it is sadly...no longer there.

It was a great Cajun choice for Louisville and I enjoyed a very palatable gumbo that gave my taste buds an assortment of flavors with each bite. We enjoyed our lunch outside on the patio and it was a wonderful afternoon. In addition to the delicious food, I made a new friend!

The good news is that there is still a Furlongs in Lexington, KY so if you've got time for a short drive - try it out.

Furlongs
735 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40502-1601
(859) 266-9000

#13 - El Charrito (Mexican)

June 2009

In June of 2009, Cumberland, Kentucky hosted a Touched Twice Clinic at the Southwest College. One night after we were doing some planning work...the group went to the best Mexican restaurant in Cumberland. Authentic Mexican. We ordered an assortment of meals and everything was great. The opportunity to share with our new friends was far better than the food though.

El Charrito
35 Black Bear Ave
Cumberland, KY  
(606) 589-2007

#12 - Tiffany's Cellar

June 2009

I met a friend for lunch at this quaint restaurant in Middletown...Tiffany's Cellar and tall folks - beware. Low ceilings...good food.  We had a simple salad and sandwich and great conversation. If you're looking for a lovely cafe with good food and reasonable prices - give Tiffany's a try.


Tiffany's Cellar Cafe
11601 Main St # 1
Louisville, KY 40243-1384
(502) 245-4411

#9 - Calistoga

June 2009

Colleen ventured out with me again to try another restaurant...actually we were going to see a movie and had to eat first, of course. Since we were going to Village 8, we decided to try Calistoga.  This restaurant is a nice place to eat. Tasty food. Good servings. Very refreshing choices and meals. Salad was huge, but a good salad.

Calistoga has interesting ties to Louisville...although it is owned by Mark Bates, a Florida real estate developer. Our local John Schnatter owns "a big chunk" of the start-up company, but not a majority. He said other members of the company's development team have ties to P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Ruth's Chris Steak House and "Panera type" fast-casual restaurant chains.

Give it a try...I'm sure you'll enjoy it!


Calistoga
4000 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, KY  40205

(502) 895-377

http://www.calistogacafe.com/

#3 - The YUM Factory

January 2009

While visiting family in Texas, they took me to a quaint local dive...The Yum Factory...their specialty...

Fried catfish buffet - all you can eat. WOW. I ate way too much, I could have swam back to their house. The breading was perfect. They were fresh and hot. Fries, Slaw, Hush puppies...all the necessary fixins.'

Thanks Mom & Dad for a wonderful evening of conversation and food.

The YUM Factory
1902 S T Avenue
Lampasas, TX 76550
(512) 556-0550
http://www.theyummfactory.com/

#2 - Senior Iguana's (Mexican)

January 2009

My dear friend Colleen was up to the fun...trying new restaurants. We started with an easy one - Senior Iguana...a typical Mexican restaurant. Nothing fancy. Nothing special. But good nonetheless.

I did try something outside of my usual "#3" and tried "Arroz Con Camarones" which is succulent grilled shrimp with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Served over Spanish rice. Topped with shredded cheese.  Quite tasty.



Senior Iguana's
1415 Broadway Street
Clarksville, IN 47129
Phone: 812-280-8555
http://iguanasmex.com/index.php