Great meals, bargain prices: What’s on the menu for Lexington Restaurant Week?
A Bluegrass staple, Lexington Restaurant Week will be making its return for a week of local cuisine and a wide selection of restaurants to choose from.
A total of 36 local restaurants will be featured on this year’s menu offering three-course specials for the fraction of a typical price, event coordinator Connie Jo Miller said.
Since the creation of the event in 2013, the community has come together and bonded over local food available in Lexington, Miller said.
“Restaurateurs and chefs really go all out,” Miller said in a press release. “We’re lucky in Lexington to have more than our share of great local restaurants — many more innovative, independent restaurants than most cities our size.”
According to the press release, classic restaurants such as Merrick Inn, Dudley’s and Malone’s will be participating this year as well as hot spots such as Bella Cafe and OBC Kitchen.
When is Lexington Restaurant Week? Who is on the list?
Lexington Restaurant Week will be July 18-28 this year and there are more restaurants participating in this year’s event than ever before, according to Miller. Each restaurant offers special meals, and some offer a Maker’s Mark cocktail.
Each restaurant offers a menu priced at $45, $35 or $25; in some cases, customers can choose a dish from each of the courses.
Customers are encouraged to make reservations.
Each restaurant’s menu is available below in this list, or online at lexingtonrestaurantweek.com.
LEXINGTON RESTAURANT WEEK MENU, $25
Agave & Rye, 123 N. Broadway, 3535 Nicholasville Rd.
Starter (choose one):
Birria Eggroll with birria beef, oaxaca, sweet & spicy bacon, diced jalapenos, chopped white onion, A&R barbecue and ranch dipping sauce
Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip with tortilla chips
Entree (choose one):
Huevos Rancheros Smash Burger chorizo & sirloin smash burger, black bean smash burger, avocado crema, queso, fried egg, crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, ranchero sauce, tomato and brioche bun (can order with no chorizo)
Taco Flight (3) 4.5 in epic tacos
Birria Quesadilla with birria beef, mac n cheese, sweet & spicy bacon, A&R barbecue jam, pico de gallo and ranch dipping sauce
Dessert (choose one):
Tres Leches
Mexican Hot Chocolate Pie
Bella Notte, 3715 Nicholasville Rd.
Starter:
Summer Bruschetta with apricot conserve, sundried tomato ricotta, lemon pickled okra and crispy prosciutto arugula salad
Entree:
Grilled Shrimp Scampi Spiedini with preserved chili green beans, fingerling potatoes, peppadew peppers, almonds and roasted red pepper coulis
Dessert:
Ricotta Doughnuts with raspberry curb, candied basil syrup and cinnamon sugar
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, 321 E. Vine St
Starter:
Choose one appetizer: fried pickle spears, fried green tomatoes or fried okra all served with ranch
Entree:
Gus’s Best Fried Chicken Including a breast, thigh, leg and wing plus a choice of two sides Including baked beans, slaw, potato salad, fried okra, greens, mac and cheese or seasoned fries
Dessert:
Choice of slice of homemade pie
Josie’s, 821 Chevy Chase Place
Starter (choose one):
House Tossed Salad with crisp mixed lettuce, diced tomato, fresh egg, croutons
Farmers Market Tomatoes with Libby’s cucumber dressing
Entree (choose one):
Tuscan Chicken, two grilled chicken breasts with grilled zucchini and red onion with house bruschetta and balsamic drizzle
Darling Tilapia with cajun spices, grilled fresh corn tapenade and heirloom tomato butter
Homestyle Pot Roast, slow roasted and with roasted root vegetables and gravy
Dessert (choose one):
Monty’s Bread Pudding of the Day
Pancake with butter, whip cream and syrup
Maker’s Mark Cocktail:
Grandma Hellmann’s Bourbon Slush, Maker’s 46, citrus juices and iced tea (not included in price of special)
Pasta Garage, 962 Delaware Ave.
Starter (choose one):
Insalata Mista with mixed greens, cherry peppers, fresh mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cucumber, carrots, croutons, fried pancetta and house italian dressing
Fried 3 Cheese Spinach Raviolis with alfredo and marinara dipping sauces
Entree (choose one):
Beef and Gnocchi Tuscano with rosemary and garlic marinated beef tips. Roasted mushrooms, red onions and gnocchi tossed in a red wine tomato sauce finished with parmigiano reggiano
Shrimp Scampi with grilled wild caught red argentine shrimp atop lemon pepper tagliolini, leaf spinach and house cured pancetta, tossed in a rich herbed garlic-butter citrus sauce finished with panko and parmigiano reggiano
Classic Chef’s Picks, choose any one of the classic chef’s picks from the menu
Dessert:
Our Classic Famous Cannoli with chocolate dipped pastry shell filled with slightly sweetened ricotta
Ramsey’s, 151 West Zandale, 3090 Helmsdale Dr., 4391 Harrodsburg Rd., 112 Lucille Dr.
Two Dine for $25 special; Entree:
Two Veggie Plates with Cornbread. Each diner picks four from the fresh veggies and side list: Fried Green Tomatoes, Corn, Okra, & Tomatoes, Parmesan Deep Fried Corn on the Cob, Chilled Cucumbers, Onions & Tomatoes, Fiesta Corn, Fried Corn, Fresh Picked Corn on the Cob, Fried Okra, Macaroni n’ Cheese, Mashed Potatoes (with gravy), Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Honey Mustard Carrots, Yellow Squash and Onions, Pinto Beans (with cornbread), Kale Greens, Sautéed Spinach, Stewed Tomatoes, Cole Slaw, Apple Fritters, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Sweet Pickled Beets or a side salad
Dessert to share (choose one):
Missy’s Key Lime Pie
Combo Pie, chocolate brownie and peanut butter
Maker’s Mark Cocktail:
Maker’s Peach Sour with fresh peach puree, infused rosemary honey, fresh lemon juice and Maker’s Mark private selection (not included in price of special)
Ramsey’s $25 one-diner special; Entree:
Chef Oren’s Ribs, a half rack of ribs with famous baked beans and freshly picked corn on the cob
Dessert:
Missy’s Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust
Maker’s Mark Cocktail:
Maker’s Peach Sour with fresh peach puree, infused rosemary honey, fresh lemon juice and Maker’s Mark private selection (not included in price of special)
Zim’s Cafe & The Thirsty Fox at Zim’s Cafe, 215 W. Main St.
Starter (choose one):
Flat Creek Farm Cucumber and Tomatoes marinated with sweet onion, fresh dill, honey and lemon-tahini dressing
Okra Fritters with a spicy remoulade and lemon
Entree (choose one):
Blackened Wild Caught Catfish with cheese grits, slow cooked greens and tobacco onions
Country Style Ribs with Maker’s Mark bourbon peach-punch barbecue sauce, mac and cheese, happy jack’s roma beans stewed with fresh tomatoes and garlic
Dessert (choose one):
Stepping Stone Peach with Blueberry Cobbler with whipped cream
Peanut Butter Mousse Pie
LEXINGTON RESTAURANT WEEK MENU, $35
Bella Cafe & Grille, 890 E High St., 3901 Fountain Blue Lane
Starter:
Roasted Red Pepper Soup with ciabatta crostini, lemon crema and pesto oil
Entree:
Pork Chop with grilled corn “elotes”, peach mostarda and barbecue gastrique
Dessert:
Goat Cheese Bavarois with cinnamon peach conserve, almond shortbread and candied basil syrup
Honeywood, 110 Summit at Fritz Farm
Starter (choose one):
Happy Jack’s Sweet Corn and Crab Bisque with chile oil, crispy shallot and toasted sourdough
Ricotta Dumplings baked with fresh tomatoes and olive oil and a showering of freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano and basil
Entree (choose one):
Smoked 12-ounce Stone Cross Bone-In Pork Chop with barbecue jus, chow chow, slow-cooked happy jack’s roma beans and new potatoes
Big Bleu Chicken -Frenched Chicken Breast stuffed with spinach and gruyere cheese, dusted and pan fried, bourbon mustard cream and arugula salad with pickled peppers and sliced peaches
Summer Vegetable Tian with happy jack’s new potatoes, eggplant, summer squash, tomatoes, spinach, onion and garlic individually cooked and layered and baked with rich bechamel and grated cheese
Dessert (choose one):
Midway Bakery Cheesecake with stepping stone farm blueberries and salted caramel drizzle
Flourless Bourbon Chocolate Torte with stepping stone farm raspberry sauce and whipped cream
J. Render’s, 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle
Starter (choose one):
Nachos served with pulled pork, pulled chicken or brisket with tortilla chips, sweet barbecue sauce, queso cheese, grated cheddar cheese and green onions.
Quesadilla with smoked chicken breast, pork or brisket, cheddar cheese, bourbon barbecue, flour tortilla, sour cream, pico de gallo and avocado
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip with smoked cheddar, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles and tortilla chips
Entree (choose one):
Barbecue Platter with choice of two meats (no duplicates) - pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, quarter chicken, 3 baby back ribs, grilled shrimp or smoked sausage served with sweet jalapeno cornbread and two sides
Southern Cornbread Salad with sweet jalapeno cornbread, mixed greens, pulled pork, bacon bits, smoked cheddar, red onion, tomato, corn, scallions and barbecue ranch
Veggie Platter with choice of four sides, served with jalapeno cornbread
Dessert (choose one):
Banana Pudding with vanilla wafer, banana and sweet custard
Bourbon Chocolate Bread Pudding with a warm bourbon caramel sauce
Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St
Starter:
Tuna Ceviche with passion fruit and citrus ceviche broth, fruit salsa, friend quinoa, peanut sal prieta and green plantains
Entree:
Chicken Tinga Tacos, two tacos per order with refried beans, yogurt sofrito, cotija cheese, pickled white onion and cilantro
Dessert:
Tres Leches with ecuadorian corn cake soaked in three milks, peach compote and shaved chocolate abuelita
Palmers, 161 Lexington Green Circle
Starters (choose one):
Truffled Sidewinder Fries with Parmesan, smoked ketchup and bearnaise
Fried Green Tomato Caprese with pesto, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella
House Salad with mixed greens, kalamata olives, cucumber, tomato, shaved Parmesan and feta vinaigrette
Entree (choose one):
Champagne Chicken with whipped potatoes, seasoned vegetables, sauteed spinach, mozzarella and champagne mushroom cream
Shrimp & Grits with smoked Gouda grits, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, tomato and creole cream sauce
Salmon Oscar with whipped potatoes, lump crab, wood grilled asparagus and sundried beurre blanc
Dessert (choose one):
Bourbon & Salted Caramel Bread Pudding
Key Lime Pie
School Sushi, 163 W. Short St.
Course One:
Summer Vegetable and Wakame Sunomono with fried renkon, honey cashews and seaweed salad
Course two (choose one):
Assorted tempura vegetables and a shrimp
Assorted sashimi
Course three (choose one):
Pork Katsu Curry
Pork Belly Ramen
Canadian Roll, a salmon and avocado roll topped with salmon, white tuna, eel sauce and spicy mayo
Ahi Roll, a tuna roll topped with tuna, avocado, tobiko, sriracha and spicy mayo
AAC Roll and 2 Inari, asparagus, avocado, cucumber roll and two pieces of seasoned deep-fried tofu pouches
Maker’s Mark Cocktail (not included in price of special):
Old School Fashioned with Maker’s Mark, orange, cherry, bitters and simple syrup
Lexington Restaurant Week $45 Menu
Azur Restaurant & Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Circle
Starter (choose one):
Calamari Fries with Parmesan herb crusted, lightly fried. Served with a bourbon smoked-hot honey glaze and marinara for dipping
Kentucky Tomatoes, sliced heirloom tomato, fried green tomato, garlic-herb whipped mozzarella, pickled red onion, roasted corn relish and a jalapeno-basil vinaigrette
Entree (choose one):
AZUR Picatta, marinated chicken breast that is pounded thin, sauteed with herbed bread crumbs and topped with mozzarella cheese. Served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach, heirloom cherry tomatoes and a lemon-caper picatta sauce
Smoked Mozzarella Gnocchi with sauteed shallots, garlic, roasted red peppers, fresh broccoli and mushrooms in a smoked mozzarella cream sauce. Tossed with Lexington Pasta gnocchi
Seafood Risotto with shrimp and salmon and seared scallop. Served over smoked mozzarella risotto with sweet peas, fresh tomato, sweet corn, mushrooms and broccoli topped with balsamic glaze
Dessert (choose one):
Grande Marnier Creme Brulee with torched sugar crust and fresh strawberries
Espresso Toffee Chocolate Torte with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce
Blue Heron Steakhouse, 185 Jefferson St.
Entree:
Creekstone Farms Charbroiled 10-ounce NY Strip Steak. Cooked based on request, served with thick-cut steak fries and choice of side: sauteed spinach, roasted broccoli, steamed broccoli, broccoli with butter, creamed spinach, roasted asparagus, side salad with tomatoes, radishes, carrots & sunflower seeds, sauteed mushrooms or suateed onions
Dessert:
Luscious New York Style Cheesecake
Castle Farm at The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike in Versailles
Starter:
SummerSquash Salad with roasted corn, hazelnuts, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, purple onions and citrus honey
Entree:
Fried Chicken with buttermilk rind fried hot chicken, corn tomato relish, cabbage, slaw and fried leeks
Dessert:
Berry Cobbler with seasonal berries, scone crumble and madagascar vanilla ice cream
Coles 735 Main, 735 E. Main St.
Starters (choose one):
Lobster Bisque with sherry creme fraiche and chives
Warm Brussels and House Bacon, shaved brussel sprouts with carrots, red onion, and Napa cabbage finished with gorgonzola, balsamic drizzle, toasted hazelnuts and pumpkin seed oil
Summer Tomato Salad with red onion, arugula, marinated kalamata olives, feta cheese, herb vinaigrette and balsamic drizzle
Bread service, $4 per table
Entree (choose one):
Beef Shoulder Tender with roasted redskin potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion and heirloom tomato chimi churri
Blackened Mahi Mahi, pan seared, basmati rice, caramelized pineapple broth, sauteed broccolini and grilled pineapple salsa
Gerber Farmers Chicken Breast with garlic whipped potatoes, sauteed haricots vert and Marsala mushroom cream
Dessert:
Assorted Sweet Bites, chef’s choice of assorted bites
Dudley’s on Short, 259 W. Short St.
Starter (choose one):
Strawberry Gazpacho with basil oil and brioche crouton
Baby Wedge with sweet corn, heirloom tomato, cotija, ancho powder and salsa verde
Entree (choose one):
Manhattan Filet with garlic Parmesan fingerlings, barbecue carrots and hickory sauce
Seared Mahi with baby bok choy, dashi, chili crisp and pickled radish
Churrasco Mushroom with ensalada criolla and chimichurri
Dessert (choose one):
Pavlova with kiwi, cherry, mango and lime curd
Cream Horn, puff pastry with mint cream and dark chocolate dipped
Epping’s on Eastside, 264 Walton Ave.
Course one (choose one):
Mixed Greens Fattoush Salad with local greens, cherry tomatoes, cured cucumber, shallot, mint, sumac, crispy pita and lemon & olive oil vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with crispy serrano ham, toasted almond and fresh basil
Course two (choose one):
Spicy Korean Cucumbers with sesame gochujang dressing, shallot, scallion, crispy garlic and micro cilantro
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Bibb lettuce, fresh basil and tamarind sweet & sour
Chicken Satay marinated & seared Gerber Farms chicken skewers, cucumber salad, peanut sauce, pickled chilis, cilantro and crushed cashew
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Compart Farms Duroc pork, house chili rub, red chili honey, smoked pineapple salsa and petite cilantro
Course three (choose one):
House Made Gnocchi with asparagus, sundried tomato, brown butter and lemon, pecorino and herbed bread crumb
Heirloom Barbecue Carrots, smoked & grilled, pinot noir barbeque, lima creme, cashew, cotija cheese and cilantro
Pork Cheek Pozole with braised Berkshire pork, hickory king hominy, red chili broth, radish, onion, cilantro and lime
Meatballs with arrabiata, pistachio pesto, pecorino and grilled sourdough
Course four:
Nightly Selection of Housemade Delights
Granddam, 941 Manchester St.
Starter:
Cajun Deviled Egg, two eggs with grilled Cajun shrimp, tasso ham and egg filling
Entree:
Smoked Pork Hornado with house achiote barbecue rub, corn miso cream, queso fresco sauce, sugar snap peas and corn succotash
Dessert:
Pecans & Coconut Cake, a gluten free pecan cake with caramel buttercream, tree nut creme anglaise and pecan brittle
Holly Hill Inn, 426 N. Winter St. in Midway
Starter (choose one):
Stuffed Zucchini Blossom Fritters with Ouita’s basil patch pesto
Individual Tomato Pie with a buttery pastry crust, aged cheddar cheese, roasted garlic aioli, herbed bread crumbs and fried basil
Chilled Squash Bisque with chicken stock, roasted sun gold tomatoes, lemon, yogurt, dill and sumac
Entree (choose one):
Bouillabaisse of Mussels, Clams, Shrimp and Cod with braised fennel, happy jack’s new potatoes and roasted pepper rouille
Berry Beef Sirloin, marinated, grilled and carved over a sourdough rusk, peperonata and salmorigilo made with our garden oregano
Risotto with local and wild mushrooms, mascarpone, charred corn, white wine and tarragon
Dessert (choose one):
Trio of House made Stepping Stone Sorbettos, choice of raspberry, blackberry and peach
Fallen Chocolate Souffle filled with chantilly cream and topped with fresh berries
ItalX, 160 W. Main St.
Starter (choose one):
Caesar with lettuce, focaccia croutons, white anchovies and reggiano
Caprese with burrata, heirloom cherry tomatoes, arugula, basil, olive oil and balsamic
Gazpacho with chilled green tomato, cucumber giardiniera, Parmesan croutons and ricotta
Entree (choose one):
Cacio e Pepe with garganelli, toasted black pepper, butter, pecorino and reggiano
Chicken Piccata with pan roasted chicken breasts, capers, artichoke hearts, lemon butter sauce and pappardelle
Eggplant Parmesan
Dessert (choose one):
Tiramisu al Marsala with espresso soaked housemade lady fingers and carmel
Budino di Choccolato with chocolate custard, chocolate rocks, shavings and raspberry coulis
Vanilla Bean Gelato with macerated seasonal fruit
Le Deauville, 199 N. Limestone
Starter (choose one):
Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil and vinaigrette
Shrimp and Avocado Salad with pan-seared shrimp, avocado, fresh grapefruit, mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette
Farm Pork Pate with moutarde de Dijon and fresh pickles
Entree (choose one):
Seared Salmon with sorrel sauce and seasonal vegetables
Chicken Basquaise with slow roasted chicken, peppers, tomatoes and shallots in a pepper sauce
Fresh Pasta, ask the server for special pasta of the day
Dessert (choose one):
Creme Brulee with french vanilla custard
Mousse au Chocolat with chocolate mousse
Tarte au Fruits, a fresh fruit tart
Lockbox, 167 W. Main St.
Starter:
Smashed Cucumber Salad with white shoyu, benne sunflower crunch and chili oil
Entree (choose one):
Cornmeal Dusted Trout with dilly beans, sea island peas, half runners, charred onion and buttermilk dressing
Roasted Pork Loin with guinea flint grits, tomatoes conserve and okra corn
Dessert:
Blue Corn Cake with peach, molasses buttercream and basil
Malone’s, 3347 Tates Creek Rd., 3735 Palomar Centre Dr., 1920 Pleasant Ridge Dr.
Select one item from three of four courses
Starter (choose one):
Pasta e Fagioli cooked with chicken broth, cannellini beans, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, ditalini pasta and Tuscan kale
Vegetable Crab Roll with crab, cucumber, carrot, avocado, red leaf lettuce, seaweed, sushi rice and sesame seeds
Sticky Thai Shrimp with crispy rock shrimp a Thai-chili honey glaze and cucumber ponzu salad
Salad (choose one):
Lexingtonian Salad with mixed green bacon, tomato and creamy herb dressing
Caesar salad with chopped romaine hearts, Parmesan, croutons and Caesar dressing
Entree (choose one):
Blackened Atlantic Salmon with Cajun spices, dirty rice and a lemon butter sauce. Gluten free.
Surf and Turf with a 4.5-ounce filet medallion, butter-poached shrimp skewer, lemon butter and a choice of side
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, crispy-fried chicken breast, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, sesame seed bun and a side of choice
Dessert (choose one):
Strawberry Shortstack with a warm coffee cake, creme anglaise, fresh strawberries in strawberry amaretto coulis and vanilla whipped cream
Tollhouse Cookie, a single portion cookie with chocolate drizzle, sea salt, caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream
Merrick Inn, 1074 Merrick Dr.
Starter (choose one):
House Salad with iceberg lettuce, romaine and spring mix, tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion and croutons
Iceberg Wedge with bleu cheese crumbles, applewood bacon topped with our famous bleu cheese dressing
Entree (choose one):
Oscar Filet Medallions, 4-ounce filet medallions, seared and topped with succulent lump crab, fresh asparagus and Bearnaise sauce. Side of choice.
Chili Lime Halibut, glazed with agave and finished with smoked chili citrus butter, served with pineapple salsa. Side of choice.
Dessert (choose one):
Bread pudding of the day
Strawberry Shortcake, topped with strawberries and fresh whipped cream
OBC Kitchen, 3373 Tates Creek Rd.
Starter (choose one):
Summertime Caprese Side Salad with heirloom cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, sherry vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. Gluten free.
Hot Baked Pimento Cheese and Bacon Dip, a single portion dish with seasoned cheese and bacon dip served with crisp butter-toasted sourdough
Octopus Carpaccio, thinly shaved octopus with ceviche aioli, frisee and arugula salad and grilled lemon vinaigrette
Entree (choose one):
Chicken Couscous Salad with marinated grilled chicken, Mediterranean couscous, peppery arugula, fresh herbs, English cucumbers, sundried tomatoes, shallots, creamy goat cheese and honey balsamic vinaigrette
Shrimp and Grits with smoked shrimp, andouille sausage, applewood smoked bacon, cheese grits and creole sauce.
Scallop Benedict, seared scallops, country ham, Cajun hollandaise, foie gras, sourdough crostini, pickled red onion and frisee salad
Dessert (choose one):
Warm Buttermilk Doughnuts, a single portion doughnutwith cinnamon sugar and chocolate ganache
Chocolate Chess Pie, a decadent Southern classic
The Rackhouse Tavern, 1375 S. Broadway
Starter (choose one):
Heirloom Tomato Salad with heirloom tomatoes, buttermilk ranch, pickled red onion and dill
Butter Lemon Salad with butter lettuce, champagne pink peppercorn vinaigrette, radish and sourdough crumbs
Entree (choose one):
Grilled Salmon with bourbon glaze and succotash
Roasted Chicken with asparagus, chile-basil vinaigrette and potatoes
Dessert (choose one):
Bourbon Cheesecake
Grandma’s Chocolate Cake
