Liqour Store For Sale in Central Kentucky

A liqour store is for sale in a county seat town in Central Kentucky. This store has a drive thru window and is fairly new. The owners desire to focus on another business opportunity. The asking price is $55,000 .

Old Silo Golf Course Restaurant in Mt. Sterling

The restaurant at the Old Silo Golf Course ( http://www.oldsilo.com/ ) in Mt. Sterling , KY has revamped its menu and foodservice operation thanks to expert consulting from www.learnandinspire.com . If you are in the area you should check them out

. They have a great menu !

Cozy Bean Cafe in downtown Flemingsburg, KY

Downtown Flemingsburg, KY has a nice coffee shop addition with the recent opening of the Cozy Bean Cafe . Great coffee , sandwiches and more at reasonable prices .

Restaurant Working Capital Funding

The Sievers Company LLC has a working relationship with a company that provides working capital funding and financing for restaurants and other business . If you would like more details please contact us .

Bunk's Gourmet Burgers and Handcut Fries

If you are looking for a great new burger option in Lexington near downtown and the UK campus try Bunk's Gourmet Burgers and Handcut Fries located inside Two Keys Bar. Their burgers and fries are awesome . They also have some nice dipping sauces . The owners and creators of this concept, Ryan Veith and Dallas Rose , are on to something and this location will likely be the first of many.

Lexington Pasta

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of sampling some of the product from Lexington Pasta www.lexingtonpasta.com . I tried three of their many flavors of fresh pasta and all were outstanding . In addition to the great taste and texture of the product, the two minute cook time makes the product very convenient . I strongly recommend this product and the owners are wonderful people. Look for more about this company in an upcoming article in Business Lexington

MAX Music Service

Here is a link to an article I wrote for Business Lexington about a local company that provides ambient music services to restaurants and retailers via the internet .

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-11-11-90352.113117_Local_tech_startup_making_waves_in_ambient_music_service.html

Houstons Dressings and Sauces

Another great find at the Incredible Food Show was the booth for Houston's Dressings and Sauces based in Louisville . This company has some great products that are in my fridge and I can personally attest to how good they are .

1. Louisiana Mayo

2. Vanilla Bean ginger infused Vinaigrette

3. Champagne Dressing ( my fav ! )

Try this stuff ! http://www.houstonsdressings.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=HD

Orchid Flower Restaurant

The following is a link to an article I wrote about the Orchid Flower restaurant in Lexington .


http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-10-14-90029.113117_Lexington_expands_global_flavorwith_states_first_Indonesian_concept.html

Cool Pic of early A and W outlet

Saul Good Pub Growth Plans

Rumor has it that Saul Good Pub www.saulgoodpub.com will be opening a second location in Lexington . Stay tuned for more details .

Road Trip To Bardstown

This weekend my ladyfriend and I are doing a "getaway weekend " in historic Bardstown , Ky which is a historic town and and great tourist destination . We will be staying at the Red Rose Inn and are making plans for several interesting food and beverage opportunities . As a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writer's Association I will be accumulating information for a possible national/regional article . Stay tuned !

Orchid Flower Sake and Plum Wine Tasting

This Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 pm, the Orchid Flower restaurant in Lexington will have a plum wine and sake tasting event . A sake expert will be on hand to explain the types and varieties of sake .


http://www.orchidflowerrestaurant.com/special.html

Lean Lifestyles Health Cuisine

Another interesting product at the Incredible Food show was products produced by a company in Elizabethtown , Ky . The company , Lean Lifestyles Health Cusine LLC makes health snack bars . Check them out at :

www.leanlifestylesbc.com

Coal Country Beeworks

While I was at the Incredible Food Show I discovered many interesting Kentucky food businesses and I will write about many of them. One of the more intriquing ones was Coal Country Beeworks. whose goals include the following :

- Collaboration with coal companies to plant pollinator friendly trees and flowers on reclaimed mine sites .

- Restore the tradition of beekeeping in the region through outreach and developement of a commercial honey in Appalacia .

- Contribute to the body of knowledge about the nation-wide honeybee population by developing "genetic islands" that are isolated from Midwest and California flyways where colony collapse disorder has decimated approximately 30% of migratory operations .

This project is being spearheaded by Dr. Tammy Horn at Eastern Kentucky University .

Orchid Flower Sushi Bar & Satay House

Last week I spent some time with Wiwi Harrison who is the owner of Orchid Flower Sushi Bar and Satay House at 3090 Old Todds Road # 160 in Lexington , KY . This restaurant is the only restaurant in the state of Kentucky that is based on Indonesian cuisine . The next issue of Business Lexington will have an article I wrote about the restaurant but I urge people to give it a try . Here is a link to the restaurant website.

http://www.orchidflowerrestaurant.com

Joe's Older Than Dirt in Louisville

Yesterday I was in Louisville and stopped into a great independent restaurant called Joe's Older Than Dirt . This is great place and their Lodge Burger is awesome and so are their uniqie fries . I highly recommend it .


Joe's Older Than Dirt .
Neighborhood: Lyndon
8131 New LaGrange Road
Louisville, KY 40222

Mobile Coffee Facility

Mobile coffee and smoothie facility available in Louisville. Specs available and asking price is $59,000

Mobile Coffee Facility For Sale

I am assisting a Louisville client sell this brand new mobile coffee and smoothie facility . Asking price is $59,000 and full specs are available .

Congratulations to Your Secret Chef/Chef on the Run Catering

Congratulations to Mr. Larry Murray and Mrs. April Murray , the owners/operators of London , Ky based Your Secret Chef/On the run Catering for winning the 2009 Excellence in Entrepreneurship ( EIEA ) award in the For-Profit Small Business category . The award was presented at yesterday's awards luncheon held at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset , KY .

Learn more about this business at http://www.secretchefworld.com/ .

The Bourbon Chase

Rob Perez , owner of Saul Good Pub , is helping organize a team that will participate in the Bourbon Chase October 9 & 10, 2009 . This event will be conclude in downtown Lexington . This looks like a great event to follow and support !


The Bourbon Chase is a unique, overnight relay adventure in which teams of runners cover about 200 miles of scenic byways along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Participants will experience the best of Kentucky. Starting near Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, and wrapping up with a festive finish in downtown Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, The Bourbon Chase will treat runners to gorgeous Thoroughbred horse farms and the rolling Bluegrass countryside.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter.com: willrun4bourbon

http://www.bourbonchase.com/

Red Rose Inn B&B in Bardstown , KY for sale

The Red Rose Inn in historic Bardstown , KY is for sale . This is a great facility in a convenient location only one block from the town square area of downtown Bardstown. Contact Mark Sievers of The Sievers Company ( affiliate of Apex Realty ) for more details . Asking price is $475,000 . The B&B website is http://www.redroseinnbardstown.com/ .

September 12 Happenings in Midway. KY

There are some cool happening this Saturday afternoon and evening in downtown Midway !

This from Todd Murty, proprietor of Eqwine in Midway :

EqWine Grand Opening Celebration ! 117 E. Mainstreet Midway, KYthis saturday the 12th, we welcome all our friends to selected wine tastings from 4-8 pm. We will aslo have live music out on the patio with hand selected beers, cheeses, as well as Bourbon tastings !!!


This from Laura Wolfrom, proprietor of Bistro La Belle in Midway

Come meet thoroughbred artist Robert Clark on Saturday, September 12, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm! Also , Bistro La Belle will be open Tuesday nights, September 15, 22, 29 and October 13, 20, 27.

Family Sports Bar Available in Lexington

A family sports bar is available in the Lexington, KY market. This would be a good location for the current concept or an independed concept . Contact me if interested .

Brown Cullen NPS updates its website

Louisville based Brown Cullen NPS , a designer and producer of high quality signage for restaurants, , resorts, and other commercial venues has updated its website www.bc-nps.com .

Restaurant Conversion Opportunities

If you have an existing underperforming restaurant you might want to convert to a hot new concept . This concept will work with buildings from 3,000 to 6,000 sq ft . Contact me for details .

Howards Creek Beer Cheese

For authentic Kentucky beer cheese I recomend you try Howards Creek Authentic Beer Cheese . Visit their website for an updated list of where it is available .

http://www.howardscreek.com/

You just found the Authentic Original Beer Cheese, the Judges Choice, and an Award winner in the the 2009 First Beer Cheese Festival held in Winchester, Kentucky June 13, 2009...This is...The Original Kentucky River Delight...that has been enjoyed all around the Kentucky Bluegrass since the 1940's.Voted Best above, Allman's, Hall's, Kentucky Beer Cheese, River Rat, and over 30 other competitors passed down through our family for decades. Howard's Creek Authentic Beer Cheese was made in the Howard's Creek Valley, (also know as Lower Howard's Creek, Clark County, Kentucky) over 70 years ago. Our family has preserved this original recipe. more... Now you, your family and friends can again enjoy the authentic real Beer Cheese receipe, the original Beer Cheese.
Howard's Creek Authentic Beer Cheese comes in 8 oz., (shown), 14 oz. or 7.5 pound party or

Eqwine opens in Midway

Entreprenuer Todd Murty has opened up Eqwine wine , etc. store at 117 E. Main Street in downtown Midway, Ky. A grand opening is scheduled for next month and a patio bar in the back planned for next year . Stay tuned for more details .

Bluegrass Terrior - A Culinary Sense Of Place

Here is a link to my latest article in Business Lexington on Vintner Select and the role they play in bringing high quality wines to Lexington's independent restaurants .

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-08-19-89060.113117_Bluegrass_terrior_a_culinary_sense_of_place.html

Bardstown, KY B&B For Sale

I have a great new listing on a fantastic Bed & Breakfast in historic Bardstown , KY . This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual or especially a couple who seek this lifestyle .

http://www.redroseinnbardstown.com/ $ 475,000

Fully equipped catering facility available in Louisville

A fully equipped catering facility is available in Louisville at a bargain price. Contact me for details .

Jimmy D's East Coast Cafe

A nice dining option on Leestown Road in the Meadowthorpe area is Jimmy D's East Coast Cafe . Located at 1395 West Main Street , Lexington , KY 40508 , this little gem of a restaurant has a great lineup of salads, soups , deli classics, grinders and panini sandwiches and is owned by trained chef Jimmy Duggan . Check out their website at www.jimmydcafe.com .

Cookin' Up Kentucky - Chef Jacob Graves at Lexington Farmer's Market

If you are visiting the Farmer's Market in downtown Lexington I urge you to stop by the COOKIN' UP KENTUCKY booth ably manned by Chef Jacob Graves . There

are several great selections to choose from including crepes , omelets , etc.. One item in particular I recomment is the fried green tomato sandwich with bacon and garlic pesto aoli and great bread. These food offerings are truly signature Kentucky culinary gems and should be tried .

Kentucky Resorts and Restaurants For Sale

For a quick and easy view of resorts and restaurants for sale in Kentucky please check out my website www.resortsandrestaurantsforsale.com .

Saul Good Pub July 4 Fundraiser

NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Rob Perez, Saul Good Restaurant & Pub
(859) 321-5600
Beth Pennington, Military Missions, Inc.
(859) 509-4827
SAUL GOOD RESTAURANT & PUB JOINS FORCES WITH MILITARY MISSIONS
FOR A JULY 4TH FUNDRAISER TO GIVE EVERY SOLDIER
FROM KENTUCKY A CARE PACKAGE
LEXINGTON, June 29, 2009- On July 4th, Saul Good Restaurant & Pub will offer ½ price on all
food as an incentive to generate donations for Military Missions, Inc.
Military Missions, Inc. is dedicated to providing care packages for every Kentucky soldier
deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. These care packages contain essential items (eye drops,
foot powder, socks) and sundries (CD’s, snack food, video games). The cost of each package,
excluding donated items, exceeds $20. In addition, it will cost approximately $11 to mail
each package.
Last December, during OPERATION S.E.N.D. CHRISTMAS, Military Missions sent 1,250
packages to Kentucky soldiers. “We believe it’s important to let our soldiers know we have
not forgotten them,” said Beth Pennington, founder of Military Missions, a Lexington based
non profit organization. “The process of funding the annual Christmas care packages must
begin now. In unsure economic times, we all must start early and dig deeper into our hearts
and pockets to show our appreciation for our military.”
“We are thrilled to be a part of Military Missions quest to encourage and thank our hometown
heroes,” said Rob Perez, owner of Saul Good Restaurant & Pub.
Saul Good Restaurant & Pub is an American pub, which serves a wide variety of chef driven
food, including hand tossed pizzas, gourmet burgers, farm fresh salads and features a
chocolate bar. The restaurant will offer ½ price on all food items on July 4, 2009, from noon
to 8:00 pm. Donations for Military Missions will be accepted.
Saul Good Restaurant & Pub is located at the Plaza at Fayette Mall, 3801 Mall Rd, Lexington,
Kentucky 40503. (859) 273-GOOD (4663) www.saulgoodpub.com
To find out more about Military Missions, Inc. visit www.militarymissionsonline.com.

Talon Winery- Kentucky Wine & Art Festival

2nd AnnualKentucky Wine & Art FestivalBCTCS and Talon pair up for the Kentucky Wine & Art Festival. Starting Friday, June 19th with live Jazz from Mark Gardner on the back porch. Festival hours will be Saturday, June 20th from 11-9 and Sunday, June 21st from 12-7. Come see Kentucky's finest artists, sample Talon Wine, enjoy performing arts, children activities, and great food from local vendors.

Top Ten Ways To Increase Restaurant Sales

This is a nice little article that discusses ways to increase restaurant sales .

http://www.zimbio.com/Franchise+Money+Maker+-+The+place+to+learn+about+business/articles/442/Top+10+ways+increase+restaurant+sales

abbondanza in Lexington , KY

Tucked away at 406 South Brodway near the Maxwell Street intersection is the abbonsansa tasting room which sells artisonal extra virgin olive oils and other products from Italy. They also make some products locally such as bread ,


http://www.olivabella.com/

The Java Joint in Bardstown , KY

I was passing through Bardstown yesterday and was hungry so I stopped in a nice little place at 126 North Main Street called The Java Joint . Good sandwiches , etc.. and a terrific bean salad .

Fusion Cafe in Lexington

The Fusion Cafe' on 919 Winchester Road in Lexinton , KY offers a great selection of Vietnamese Cuisine and I recommend it highly for that alone . However , what many don't realize is that they also serve great Po' Boy Sandwiches ( Shrimp, Oyster and Roast Beef ) along with Shrimp and Oyster Seafood Platters . Just a few more reasons to visit this establishement .

Five Guys Burgers and Fries opens in Lexington

Yesterday I had the pleasure of my first visit to a Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant http://www.fiveguys.com/ . These are great burgers with in house made fries . This new Lexington store is located on Nicholasville Road . The also a veggie burger which my son really enjoyed .

Things are happening in Garrard County

Lancaster and Garrard County are on the move ! As US 27 continues to gradually become a four lane highway between Somerset and Lexington this area is becoming a nexis of economic development activity . This is the 8th fastest growing county in Kentucky . Some examples :

1. Recently Lancaster went "full wet" to help attract new restaurants making them the southern most town in that region to sell alcohol .

2. One restaurant , Mariachi's , upgraded their restaurant with a new bar area and may have to further expand to meet demand .

3. A 140 seat Godfather's Pizza is coming to town this summer .

4. One of several major projects in the area is the $2,200,000 renovation of the Grand Theater . There is a building adjacent to the theater that would make a great place for a restaurant or cafe . There is a very attractive bargain rent incentive for a restaurateur to put a business in there . For information contact the Garrard County Economic Development Dirctor Nathan Mick at 859 792 6624 .

Two Restaurants with real estate for sale in the "twin lakes" area

Two restaurants with real estate are for sale in the "twin lakes" area ( Nolin and Rough River ) . Both are located near the Western KY Parkway . This is a confidential sale process and serious inquires should be directed to me .

Kentucky Wine and Vine in Nicholasville

Don't forget that this Friday and Saturday is the annual Kentucky Wine and Vine event in Nicholasville , KY.


http://www.kywineandvine.com/

2009 might be a good time to sell a restaurant or food business

Due to a combination of circumstances , 2009 might be a good time to sell a business . The following are some good points from a recent newsletter published by the Association of Professional Merger and Acquisition Advisors :

Low Interest Rates

Interest rates are at historic lows. Low interest rates mean that buyers can afford to pay more for a business. Whether it is a "sophisticated” buyer using discounted cash flow analysis, or someone calculating "how much can I afford a month” the same math holds true; lower interest rates mean lower debt service payments and higher cash flows from the business. Debt payment levels and cash flow drive value.

SBA

The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loans that banks make. As part of the current stimulus package, the SBA has raised its loan guarantee level up to 90% for certain loans. At the same time, the SBA has eliminated the processing fees that borrowers normally have to pay. When buyers pay less for loans, they can pay more for the business. Low

Capital Tax Gains Rate

It is what you keep from a sale that really matters. At only 15%, capital gains tax rates are at the lowest levels in 30 years. Many people forget that in the late 70's the highest effective capital gains tax rate reached 49.875% and as recently as the early 1990's the highest capital gains tax rate was still at 29.2% . The current administration has already stated its desire to raise the capital gains tax rate so it is not a question of if but rather how much.

No one has a crystal ball, but what could happen if an owner waited until the economy starts to recover and things "improve” to pursue a sale... As the economy begins to grow, corporations start hiring again, pulling potential buyers off the market and hence reducing demand. With the economy growing, the Federal Reserve starts to worry about inflation and raises interest rates to curb growth (yes, this is what they do). The SBA incentives will have expired, increasing loan fees and reducing bank guarantee rates.

Lots of current opportunities for restaurant growth

The current economy is creating a lof of opportunities for restaurant growth for operators that can take advantage of the market . Rather than grow by spending the capital to build a new facility or convert a non foodservice facility into a restaurant, there are many " second generation space " opportunities which are spaces that have already been built out for a restaurant and can be acquired at a much lower investment than a new build out . Restaurant infrastructure is expensive with costs for HVAC , fire protections systems , cooler/freezer systems, etc.. Opportunities exist out there throughout Kentucky and beyond to grow your business at reduced capital investment costs .

Benedictine - Another Kentucky Original Food Creation

Benedictine is a condiment made with cucumbers and cream cheese . It is used to make cumcumber sandwiches and was invented by Jennie Carter Benedict around the turn of the 20th century . Benedict was a restauratuer and caterer in Louisville, KY who opened her restaurant in 1893 .

Ingredients
1 medium cucumber (the English variety works well) .
1/4 c mayonnaise (Miracle Whip does not work!) .
1-3 drop green food coloring .
2 tbsps grated onions .
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese Directions
Step #1 Peel & seed the cucumber: put in a food chopper & chop until very VERY VERY fine.
Step #2 In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients.
Step #3 Add food coloring to desired shade.
Step #4 Cover up & put in the fridge at least one hr before serving.
Enjoy the Ms. Jenny Benedict's Famous Cucumber Spread recipe

Kentucky's Fort Harrod Beef Festival

Mark your calendars for June 5-7th and the Fort Harrod Beef Festival in historic Harrodsburg , KY . This year's festivities will include the 1st "itty bitty" BURGER BATTLE on June 5 ................... Mini Burgers with a BIG TASTE !



Here is the link to the event : http://www.fortharrodbeeffestival.org/new/

Baxter's Coffee in Somerset , KY

If you are in Somerset , Ky and are looking for a great coffee shop I highly recommend Baxter's Coffee with three convenient locations :

http://baxterscoffee.com/

Fazoli's Social Media Strategy

Lexington , KY based Fazoli's has been one of several national chains using social media as part of its marketing and advertising strategy . Check out the following website and article from Nations Restaurant News :

http://www.freespaghetti.com/


http://www.nrn.com/landingPage.aspx?coll_id=568&keyword=%20internet&id=364592

May's Lick Asparagus Festival

May's Lick Asparagus Festival
Written by editor
Sunday, 22 March 2009 17:55 - Last Updated Saturday, 25 April 2009 07:25
- Craft & Garden Vendors
- Live Entertainment All Day
- Antique Tractor Rally
- The Taste of Asparagus
- Festival Foods of all Kinds
- Asparagus Art Contest & Exhibition
- Children's Games & Activities
- A Special Address from our 16th President
- The May's Lick Asparagus Parade
1 / 2
May's Lick Asparagus Festival
Written by editor
Sunday, 22 March 2009 17:55 - Last Updated Saturday, 25 April 2009 07:25
Join us on Saturday, May 16 for the 2009 May's Lick Asparagus
Festival!
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.!
Find out about this year's Festival HERE!
2 / 2

Article on the Craft Beer Festival

Here is the link to the Business Lexington article on the Craft Beer Festival :


http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-04-29-86596.113117_Move_over_bourbon_and_wine_serious_beer_is_here.html

The Annual Kentucky Wine and Vine event in Nicholasville

Having trouble viewing this email? http://www.kywineandvine.com/KWVF_mailer.htm


Click to buy your Kentucky Wine Country Tour tickets. Or call (859) 881-3820.

Dream Dinners Lexington celebrates three year anniverary

This news from Lexington Dream Dinner :



Mark your calendars!
Can you believe it? Our Dream Dinners store is three years old! Would you like to celebrate with us? Of course you would!*Anniversary Open House* We want you to come and celebrate with us! We will be sampling some of our best dinners, sides and desserts! We will have raffles for door prizes! You can earn tickets for attending the open house, bringing friends, completing your next session order and much more!Gift Certificate Sale - 20% OFF! Oh yea, and we will be giving away a FREE session!Join us:Saturday, May 9th 11:00am-4:00pm*FREEZER SALE* We have decided to make this a monthly tradition! This week, we will be transitioning to the new May menu and making lots of extra meals with the "leftovers" we have in the store.Come by and see us:Thursday, April 30th 4:00-7:00 pmFriday, May 1st 10:00am-1:00 pm*Got Friends?* You can now earn $CASH$ toward your next session when you invite your friends to attend a session! You earn $5 for every friend who completes a "sampler" session and $10 for every friend who completes a regular session! Your account is automatically credited when they list you as the referral!Bring them to the Open House and let them see what we are all about! Show them why you love us and they will too!
So much to tell and so little space to do so! I sincerely hope you will come to the store and celebrate with us! We look forward to seeing you as always!--Stephanie and the Dream TeamP.S. Coming soon...Taste of Dream Dinners, Summer Simplified and Dinners for Life (curious? Just ask!)

Lexington area HVAC resource -B&D's Refrigeration , Inc.

For many in the foodservice business one of their most critical infrastructure items is their HVAC system . If you ever need professional assistance with your system I recomment you consider B&D's Refrigeration . Their website is http://www.wefixhvac.com/ .

Beer Cheese Festival in Winchester, KY

June 13 Beer Cheese Festival
10:00am-8:00pm - Downtown Winchester! - Join us for our first ever Beer Cheese Festival. This event will included a beer cheese cook-off in 2 categories, commercial and homemade. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be given in each category. We'll have a beer cheese recipe contest, food vendors, exhibitors, crafts, games, music, entertainment and lots more! Please call for more information.
737-0923
Winchester First

Ollie's Trolley and Druthers - Two Kentucky Originals Still Standing

Two Kentucky restaurant chains that experienced a lot of growth in the 70's still have a remaining outlet .

Druthers- There is a Druthers in Campbellsville, KY at 101 North Columbia Avenue and it seems to stick to its roots .

Ollie's Trolley- There is an Ollie's Trolley in Louisville, KY at 978 South Third Street . The same burger, same sauce , etc..

Two Kentucky orginals !

Bourbon Trail Passport Program

There is a passport program for the Bourbon Trail to visit the bourbon distilleries throughout Kentucky. Woodford Reserve is part of this tour. For more information about this passport program, visit their Website at www.kybourbontrail.com.

Bluegrass Wine and Spirits Tour

Did you know there is a multi-county tour of the bourbon and wine industry in Anderson-Franklin-Woodford counties? These three counties represent 50 percent of the bourbon industry and home to four wineries that are available for tours. Visit their Website at www.bluegrasswineandspirits.com for more information about this tour.

Newport , KY restaurant location available

The location of the Lightfoots Restaurant http://www.lightfootsrestaurant.com/ is available . This is a fully equipped building with a second floor that could be an apartment or other type of residence . The land ,building and real estate is for sale at an asking price of $400,000 and is presented by The Sievers Company ( affiliate of Apex Realty ) . This location is only a short walk from the Newport on the Levee . Contact Mark Sievers for details .

Brown Forman FINLANDIA news

New news from Louisville, KY's Brown Forman and its imported FINLANDIA brand:


Finlindia Vodka has once again married one ithe best flavors from nature with the crisp, clean taste of its classic vodka to create Findandia Tangerine Fusion. Beginning in May, all-natural Finslandia Tangerine Fusion flavored vodka will be make available in the U.S. market .

www.finlandia.com

Lexington Craft Beer Festival

The Red Mile and the Brewers Of Central Kentucky Homebrew Club ( B.O.C.K. ) are organizing the first Lexington Craft Beer Festival . Information can be found at www.bockbrew.com . There will also be The Bluegrass Cup Homebrew Competition .

Festival Information
General
The festival will be held on the grounds of the historic Red Mile horse racetrack in Lexington, KY. The festival will occur rain or shine and will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. The address is 1200 Red Mile Road; Lexington, KY; 40504.
Date
Saturday, May 16, 2009. Festival starts at 4PM. Beer pouring ends at 7PM.
Tickets ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Tickets will be $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. This gets you beer samples and lots of great food.

Designated driver tickets will be available for $10 at the door. This entitles you to great food and any non-alcoholic drinks.

Beers -We will have over 170 different commercial beers for sampling.

Music ------Live blues will be provided by G. Busy and the Blues Revue.

Food--------Award winning BBQ, Louisiana Jambalaya, and roast pig will be prepared by Bayou Bluegrass Catering. Menu subject to change.

Sober Rides-------Rent-A-Driver will be providing sober rides home for attendees. They pack a folding bicycle in your trunk, drive your car home for you, then bike back to their next pickup.

Charities- A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to ReRun, Inc and the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, both organizations to find new homes for horses.

Tickets are available at The Red Mile , Pazzos , Saul Good Pub and Liquor Barn .


Questions?
Email the event organizer: Chris Vandergrift - chris.vandergrift@gmail.com

Fayette County Rent a Driver Resource

A Lexington area business enterprise ....RAD Rent A Driver is available to you if you have too much to drink and need a ride home . The following is some information from their website
at www.radnoddui.com

Too Much to Drink? We’ll drive you home.
Here’s How:
Call 859-233-4RAD 20-30 minutes in advance.
Give us your name, phone number, location, and type of vehicle.
We ride a bicycle to your location, collapse it, bag it, and place it in your trunk or back seat.
We drive you and seat-belted passengers anywhere in Lexington.
We unfold our bicycle and ride away.Note: You must have an insured, street legal vehicle.
RAD Service Area:Any Lexington, Kentucky address
Why RAD:The average cost of DUI fines and court cost are $2500.00.Have your car in the morning. Everyone gets home safe. Operating 7 days a week
Currently accepting cash or check.

Pre-Fill and Pre-Print a pickup form here
Call Ahead for Reservations
Currently accepting cash or check.GET HOME SAFE
Would you like to be part of the RAD team Send your resume to our e-mail address - rentadriverlexington@gmail.com

Galvin's in Georgetown , KY

Recently I have had the pleasure of visiting Galvin's restaurant on Main Street in Georgetown , KY . This is a gem of what I would characterize as a neighborhood pub and casual theme restaurant/bar . While they have a nice menu variety the two areas where they really seem to stand out are with great sandwiches and beer . This location has great food and is well run with fine service . If you are in the Scott County area I highly recommend it .

http://www.galvinsrestaurant.com/

Slow Food Bluegrass Calendar Released

Calendar of Events
Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM "Everybody Eats!" From the Ground Up: First Annual Louisville Food Summit Metro United Way 334 E Broadway Louisville, KY 40202 This day will reflect the flow of our food from "farm to table" and encourage dialogue between all parties involved in each step to create a synergy that will work to begin efforts to improve Louisville's food system. Slow Food Bluegrass will be an exhibitor.
Join us Saturday, April 18 and Sunday April 19 for Art in the Garden: The 46th Annual Farmington Plant Sale and Louisville Artisans Guild Spring Fair. A wide selection of vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials, are featured in the Sale, which will be held behind the Farmington Museum House adjacent to the historic Anne Bruce Haldeman garden. Hours will be 9:00-3:00 both days. New for this year Farmington has partnered with the LAG for their Spring Art Fair. The Fair will consist of juried artists featuring jewelry, textiles, pottery, stained glass and more. Hours will be 10:00-5:00 Saturday and 12:00-5:00 Sunday. Attendance is free. There will be food and refreshments for sale provided by Slow Food Bluegrass. Farmington will continue its preorder tradition. Please call for an order form. http://www.historichomes.org/farmington/index.html
Saturday, April 25, Whole Foods Market , Louisville, NOON to 4:00pm 4944 Shelbyville Road You are invited to the Whole Foods annual GREEN FAIR – in the heart of St. Matthews in the Whole Foods Market Parking Lot. Slow Food Bluegrass will be an exhibitor.
Sunday, April 26, Whole Foods Market, Lexington Green, Lexington 859-971-8600 Whole Foods Market’s Back to Basics Event, come learn about reducing your carbon foot print through your food choices. One of the educational focuses will be on the Slow Food movement. Slow Food Bluegrass will provide local food samples. Free
Saturday, May 9, 2009, 9am-4pm, Louisville Nature Center and Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve 3745 Illinois Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40213 The Nature Center’s Spring Plant Sale is scheduled for May 9th from 9am to 4pm. There will be food and refreshments for sale provided by Slow Food Bluegrass. Call the Nature Center at 458-1328 for more information.
Saturday, May 16, BloomFest, Bring the entire family and enjoy the glory of the season with something for everyone Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest Clermont, KY502.955.8512 http://www.bernheim.org/ Slow Food Bluegrass will be an exhibitor
Saturday, May 16, Lexington, Bluegrass Community Technical College, “Peace and Global Citizenship Fair”. Slow Food Bluegrass members and Terrapin Hill Farm will prepare local food for sale. http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rebecca.glasscock/peacenew/index.html
Saturday, May 16, Frankfort, Franklin County Fairgrounds, 17th Annual Kentucky Herb Festival. Slow Food members will present a Kentucky herbal feast. http://www.kyherbassociation.com/
Saturday, May 23, Norton Commons Farmers Market, Louisville, “Spring on the Greens” featuring sustainable agriculture farmers and food producers. Slow Food Bluegrass members will prepare samples of food being sold at the market 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m. http://nortoncommons.com/
Saturday, May 30, Louisville, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, NatureFest! featuring nature discovery, music, games, Slow Food, arts and crafts, environmental groups and activities for the whole family 12-5 p.m. http://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/
Sunday, June 14, Louisville, Locust Grove Historic Home and Slow Food Bluegrass present “The 2nd Annual Slow Food + Locust Grove Summer Family Picnic”. Featuring arts and crafts, old fashioned children’s games, farmers, artisan foods, animals, Bluegrass musicians and more! http://www.locustgrove.org/ $5 a carload, bikers free
Friday, June 19, Louisville, Come party with Slow Food at Thieneman’s Herbs and Perennials Annual Summer Solstice Party. http://www.thienemans.com
Saturday, June 20, Jazz in the Garden, Hidden Hill Nursery, 1011 Utica—Charlestown Road, Utica, Indiana 47130Tel: 812-280-0347812-282-0524. Slow Food Bluegrass and Huber Winery come together again for one great night of local food, wine and live jazz. More details to follow.E-mail: bobjanhill@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, June 21, Slow Day and Night, Statewide celebration of local food on the longest (and Slowest) day of the year.
Saturday, June 27, Midway, Francisco’s Farm Fine Arts Festival. Slow Food Bluegrass and Honest Farm will present “The 2nd Annual Starving Artist Party” http://www.franciscosfarm.org/
Slow Food Bluegrass is a nonprofit organization that supports a biodiverse, sustainable food supply, local producers, heritage food traditions, and rediscovery of the pleasures of the table. Please join us! http://slowfoodusa.org/
We also recommend
Vital Food Programs Cooking Classes at Foxhollow Farm Center, Crestwood, KY vitalfoodsprogram@gmail.com, www.foxhollowfarmcenter.org
Rona and Steve Roberts Monday night Cornbread Potluck Suppers at 250 Campsie Place, Lexington more details@ rona.roberts@gmail.com;
April 5-30 Terra Madre & A Taste of Italy Photography exhibit by Jim Embry 7am-11pm daily Third Street Stuff, 257 N Limestone
April 11 Saturday 2-4pm Sustainability Lecture Series Bringing Italy & Terra Madre Home to the Bluegrass... Slide presentation by Jim Embry about his trip to Italy in October 2008. Food and olive oil tasting. Third Street Stuff, 257 N Limestone
Lexington, KY Reforest the Bluegrass (RTB) is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11th at Shillito Park off of W. Reynolds Rd. I hope that you can join us on April 11th. If you have any questions, feel free to call 866.222.1648. Directions: Take the Nicholasville Rd exit off of New Circle Rd. Turn right onto W. Reynolds Rd (right before Fayette Mall). Turn left onto Shillito Park Rd and follow the signs.
April 13 Monday 6pm Central Public Library, Main St. 2008 MacArthur Fellow, Speaker Will Allen, an urban farmer who is transforming the cultivation, production, and delivery of healthy foods to underserved, urban populations. Founder/CEO of Growing Power, (UK Gaines Center)
Growing our Community Food System.From the Ground Up, a regional conference, will be held April, 17 &18 in Lexington, KY. The Friday workshops will address general topics about creating a more sustainable community foods system such as food assessments, farm to table, CSAs, food and hunger. The Saturday workshops will focus primarily on providing practical tools and resources for creating community gardening. Sustainlex@sustainlex.org., 859-312-7024, www.sustainlex.org
Gardening with Class! Creating and Sustaining Your School Garden A One-Day Workshop for Developing School Garden Programs When & Where: Saturday April 18, 2009, 8:30-4:00, Crestwood Christian Church, 1882 Bellefonte Dr or Friday June 12, 2009, 8:30-4:00, University of Kentucky, Gorham Hall Cost: Free to all participants includes lunch Obtain application by email request or at www.sustainlex.org.For more information, contact Jim Embry at embryjim@gmail.com or (859) 312-7024

This year’s Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday April 25, 2008, from 10am to 2pm, at The Arboretum. Our theme for this year’s celebration is “Our Trees, Our Earth, Our Heritage”, and we will be doing activities celebrating Abraham’s Lincoln bicentennial. The Arboretum, 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington, KY 40503.
Saturday, MAY 9th 11-5 at Willow Park in Cherokee Triangle for Louisville's 2nd Annual Mighty Kindness Earth Day Hootenanny Mighty Kindness 502.235.0711 mightykindness@gmail.com http://www.mightykindness.org

Al's Bar at Sixth and Limestone in Lexington, KY

Check out http://www.stellaskentuckydeli.com/alsbar/ for news and events at an orignal bar in Lexington , KY .......... Al's Bar .

The Greatest Bar In The History Of Time

USDA - Food and Beverage Business Financing Resource

Many people are aware of SBA loan guarantee programs . However, there are also loan guarantee programs available through the USDA http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ . These loans are only available for uses in rural areas ( as defined by the USDA ) . As with the SBA , the process is a "process" but can be very useful for many business acquistion and other financing purposes .

Contact us or the Limestone M&A Alliance www.limestonealliance.com for details !

Lock and Key Cafe in Georgetown, KY

A great little spot on Main Street in Georgetown , KY is the Lock and Key Cafe which
is now open seven days a week , have free wirless internet, great food , and an interesting selection of gifts .

http://www.lockandkeycafe.com/

During April through September you can also arrange to have Henna body art done there.

Kentucky Children's Health and Fitness Fund

Mark Sievers is pleased to be associated with http://www.kchff.org/index.html the Kentucky Children's Health and Fitness Fund as a member of their Board of Directors :

The Kentucky Children's Health and Fitness Fund
Providing healthy living education and programming to Kentucky families
Our mission is to give every Kentucky child the chance to grow up healthy and happy. Our goal is to deliver the latest information in a multi-lingual, multi-media, FUN and engaging way that makes every young Kentuckian feel smart about choices toward healthy living.
Founded in 1995 and incorporated as a nonprofit charity in 2009, we are unique to the state in scope and effect. Among other efforts, we provide:+ in-school printed, online and televised healthy living programming to 240,000 children in grades + K-4 through our nationally unique "Fit 4 Fun" campaign;+ statewide youth-sports league support including a low-cost uniform and equipment co-op;+ high-profile, celebrity-driven events that draw media attention to the critical and immediate health+ needs of Kentucky's children; + formal collaboration with four other nonprofit charities serving similar missions around the world.
We're a fun, energetic, pro-active group of professionals. We choose to envision with hope the day all of Kentucky's children grow up healthy, happy and well-educated, contributing members of our society. Our very active Board of Directors is constantly working to improve the lives of all Kentucky children.
If you love Kentucky kids as much as we do, please join us. Send us an email and we'll explain all the ways you can get involved, such as joining our "Play It Forward" team of adults who played sports as kids now bringing that opportunity to today's youngsters.
We welcome everyone working to make Kentucky a healthier place to grow up.

Cafe Bonin in Campbellsville , KY

I had the occasion to be in Campbellsville, KY today to meet with a client and then stopped into the Cafe Bonin on Main Street for lunch and to use their Wi Fi hotspot service to check e-mail . This is a nice little restaurant with a French flair and I recomend it to you . Here is their website link :

http://cafebonin.com/

Kentucky Wineries Do Well at Derby Wine Competition

This is from an announcement by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Kentucky wineries strike gold at Derby wine competition

KAN staff report

Kentucky wineries earned 15 gold medals at the Kentucky Derby Festival wine competition March 24 in Louisville.

Eighteen Kentucky and Indiana wineries brought 145 varietals to the competition. A panel of 17 experts from the American Wine Society judged the competition.

Kentucky wineries and the medals they earned included:
Acres of Land, Richmond – two gold medals (Concord and Chambourcin), three silver and two bronze
Black Oak, Princeton – one silver and one bronze
Brooks Hill, Louisville – three silver and five bronze
Elk Creek, Owenton – two gold (Riesling and Petite Syrah), four silver and four bronze
Felice, Louisville – one bronze
Equus Run, Midway – one gold (Derby Chardonnay) and one silver
River Bend, Louisville – two gold (Chambourcin and Pomegranate)
StoneBrook Winery, Louisville – one bronze
Talon Winery, Lexington – two gold (both red hybrids), one silver and one bronze
Wight-Meyer, Shepherdsville – six gold (Moores Diamond, Concord, Chambourcin, Norton, Zinfandel and Moores Diamond Ice Wine), two silver and three bronze

Some of the winners will be featured at the fifth annual Kentucky Derby Festival WineFest April 28-29 at Kroger’s Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront. Thirteen Kentucky and Indiana wineries will sample 99 varietals at the event.

For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival and the WineFest, go to www.kdf.org.

For more information about Kentucky’s grape and wine industry, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Grape and Wine Program page at www.kyagr.com/marketing/plantmktg/grape.htm. For a complete list of Kentucky medal winners at the Kentucky Derby Festival competition, go to www.kentuckywine.com/news.php

Lexington, Ky Restaurant Venture Opportunity

An established local restaurateur is seeking to raise capital to convert an existing restaurant into a new and exciting concept for Lexington in one of the most desirable trade areas in Fayette County . The amount of capital being raised is $250,000 and ideally they would like to have 10-15 investors who would become partners in this venture . With success of the first restaurant more will follow which will create additional opportunities .

Tough Economy .....try barter

In this tough economy its critically important to conserve cash . I have learned this first hand . Your can leverage your services and products through a barter network and make new business contacts , conserve cash , and expand your business . Two barter groups I am a member of I strongly recommend :

www. imsbarter.com

www. genisis-trade.com

Limestone M&A Alliance created

Kentucky business intermediaries Mark Sievers and Jay Knoblett has created an alliance called the Limestone M&A Alliance www.limestonealliance.com which will work to accelerate "main street " and "mid market" business transaction deal flow in Kentucky and beyond . Services included business brokerage , consulting , troubled company workout assistance , etc...

The Kentucky Paw Paw

pawpaw.kysu provides information on how to grow and use fruit from the North American pawpaw tree.

Coffee Break Cafe Easter Brunch

This year the Coffee Break Cafe' on Harrodsburg Road will have an Easter Brunch from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm .

Adults $12.95 Kids 6-11 yrs $5.95 ( 5 and under FREE )

Barrel Tasting for the Springs

There will be a unique fund raising event for McConnell Springs on Saturday , March 28 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm . Ten regional wineries will participate in the BARREL TASTING for the Springs ............ see link below for information



http://www.mcconnellsprings.org/eventsmission.html

Central Kentucky Chapter of the KRA

The Central Kentucky Chapter of the Kentucky Restaurant Association will have a meeting Monday March 23 at Buddy's Restaurant in Chevy Chase at 3:00 pm . Topics will include the Taste of the Bluegrass and the FEI World Equestrian Games .

Workout plans a viable alternative to troubled food companies

In the current economy many companies are finding themselves in precarious financial situations . This is a link to an article from Franchise Times that explains why developing a workout plan is a good alternative for all involved vs. bankruptcy .

http://www.franchisetimes.com/content/story.php?article=01246

Newport , KY Restaurant Building Available

The building that until recently was the home of Lightfoots Restaurant in Newport, Ky . is for sale . It is located on East 7th Street , is fully equipped , and the second floor could be used as a residence, apartment , extended stay quarters which would be another revenue stream. It could also be used as partial compensation for a manager .

http://www.lightfootsrestaurant.com/


The asking price is $400,000 and if interested please contact me .

Saul Good Pub One Year Anniversary

This evening Saul Good Pub www.saulgoodpub.com will celebrate its one year anniversary . There will be music by " Better Off Dead " from 9:00 to midnight . This restaurant has become a Lexington favorite and it is gratifying to see owners Rob and Diane Perez succeed in the venture .

Restaurant Venture Financing

Following is a link to an article I recently wrote for Business Lexington on the topic of how the current economic environment has impacted restaurant financing .

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2009-03-03-85411.113117_Economic_turbulence_reshuffles_the_deck_for_restaurant_financing.html

Buzgate - Useful Business Resource

I just discovered a business information resource that many small business operators might be useful . Check out www.buzgate.org .

Emerald Cocktail at Bistro La Belle for St. Paddy's Day

Bluegrass bartender and mixologist Walt Mates at Midway's Bistro Labelle ( owned by Laura Wolfrom ) in historic Midway , Kentucky is rumored to be planning to serve the Emerald Coctail for St. Patricks Day . As I understand it , this is an Irish Whiskey version of the venerable Manhattan .

Taste of the Bluegrass

The 2009 Taste of the Bluegrass will be held on Friday , May 29 at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center at Keeneland . This annual event is presented by God's Pantry Food Bank and the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Restaurant Association . Reservations are now being taken for booths .

Old Kentucky BBQ in Lexington , KY

We have a new BBQ restaurant in Lexington and I had the pleasure of dining there for lunch today . It is a bright red building at 771 East New Circle Road near Winchester Road . They have nice variety and some unique items like their Tater-Q which is a one pound potato loaded with either pulled pork, pulled chicken or beef brisket .

Check out their website at www.oldkybbq.com .

First Annual BLUEGRASS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

On Saturday May 16, 2009 the first annual BLUEGRASS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL will be held at The Red Mile from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and hosted by Bayou Bluegrass Catering . The event organizers expect over 100 different samples of beer to be available for sampling .

Live music will be provided by G. Busy and the Blues Revue .

For more information go to the event website www.lexingtonbeerfest.com .

Central Kentucky Restaurant Sites

There are a lot of good restaurant sites available in Lexington and the surrounding areas . With the economy in a downturn this can be a great time to negotiate a favorable lease or purchase . I am aware of several locations .

North American Pizza and Ice Cream Show

I may attend this and wanted to share some information about it . It will be held February 22-23 in Columbus , Ohio http://www.napics.com/ at the Greater Columbus Convention Center .

Top Ten Tips for a Restaurant Sustainability Program

I just finished reading True Restaurant Sustainability : More Success, better future which is guide from QSRWeb, Fast Casual and Pizza Marketplace and Sponsored by Truitt Brothers , Inc which is Food Alliance -certified producer of shelf stable foods for the foodservice industry . This is full of useful information and I thought I would share one except from it. The following is the National Restaurant Association's Top 10 tips for starting a sustainability program :


1. Turn Off
Turn off interior/exterior lights and cooking hoods when not in use. Install motion detectors in storerooms, offices and restrooms. Set lights on timers.
2. Fix Leaks
Repair leaky faucets and toilets. Stop air leaks by caulking and insulating around leaky windows and doors and installing energy curtains in freezer rooms.
3. Replace Lighting
Replace incandescents with longer lasting CFL light bulbs or LED lights. Replace traditional exit signs with LED exit lighting.
4. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Follow the 3 R's of sustainability: reduce, reuse, recyle. Reduce waste. Reuse furniture, flooring. Recycle paper, plastics, glass and aluminum.
5. Unplug
When not in use, unplug computers, electronics, coffee machines, POS system and any small appliances.
6. Use Less Water
Serve customers water upon request. Run dishwashers, washing machines only when full. Install low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, tankless water heaters.
7. Train and Inform
Train employees on energy saving procedures and on the importance of energy conservation and water use. Tell customers about your energy efforts.
8. Clean and Maintain
Clean equipment runs more efficiently. Regularly dust and clean appliances, top to bottom. Perform routine preventive maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, appliances, major equipment.
9. Remodel or Build Green
Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or no-VOC paints, recycled flooring and managed forest wood. Install a reflective roof, sun lights and energy-efficient windows.
10. Look for the ENERGY STAR Label
Purchase appliances, electronics and other EPA-tested equipment that carries the ENERGY STAR label.

More information from the NRA can be found at http://www.conserve.restaurant.org/

Karlo's Bistro Italia - An independent restaurant gem

I had the occasion to have lunch today at Karlo's Bistro Italia at 4911 Houston Road in Florence , KY with easy interstate access and just off Turfway Road .

This restaurant has great food and atmosphere . I had the Karlo's Hot Club which in many ways is an Italian version (in my opionion ) of the venerable Kentucky Hot Brown . The Ministrone Soup was a welcome option to fries .

In a sea of chain restaurants , this place is a great alternative . It is owned by a larger group of restaurants http://www.bistrogroup.com/karlosbistroitalia/index.htm and I encourage a visit .

SILKS Renovation Update

Sandy Fields renovation of the Scarett Lounge into SILKS continues and they recently had a nice discovery as they tore down walls . Check out these old columns from this 1837 building .

Chocolate Event News from Slowfood Bluegrass

The following looks like a pretty nice event :

www. slowfoodbluegrass.org
P.O. Box 976, Pewee Valley, KY 40056, 502-572-0745, Mark Williams, Chapter Leader


Slow Food Bluegrass, in partnership with The Green Building, Whole Foods Market Louisville, and Safai Organic Coffee, are pleased to announce the visit to Louisville by Kallari chocolatier Enrique Cerda of the Kallari Rainfamily Association from the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. We would like to cordially invite you to sample some of the worlds best chocolate with us on Sunday, March 1, 2-4 p.m. at The Green Building, 732 East Market Street, Louisville. Cost for the chocolate sampling and presentation is $10.00 per person, free for Slow Food members. There will also be organic coffee provided by Louisville's Safai Coffee, and local food samples provided by Louisville's Whole Foods Market.

The Kallari Association is the first indigenous organization of cacao growers to receive 100% of the proftis from their own line of chocolate bars, which are retailing nationwide at U.S. Whole Foods Markets. With help from international volunteers and entrepreneur Stephen McDonnell, the Kichwa cooperative of over 850 families has been recognized for this unique line of chocolates by Today Show food guru Phil Lempert.Kallari cacao growers transport their cacao harvest to a nearby factory in Quito Ecuador. The Amazon beans are processed when they are still fresh, only weeks after the harvest. Kallari is one of the few chocolate bars made without the typical Methyl Bromide fumigation of cacao beans prior to export, weeks spend in airtight shipping containers and months/years spent in storage as brokers await price hikes in cacao or chocolate makers churn out bars.Kallari chocolatier Enrique Cerda and intern Rebecca Roebbler will be visiting Louisville to share the techniques of organic cacao production and artesanal chocolate making. Participants will also have the opportunity to sample various chocolates in a blind tasting, including several gourmet, organic, fair trade, and single origin dark chocolate.For more press information, please feel free to contact the Public Relations Manager for Kallari Chocolate Company:Priscilla: office@eleanorbertinopr.comKallari was featured in the New York Times Dining Section, Nov. 5, 2008.When Chocolate is a way of Life: the Story of the Kallari Rainfamily

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/dining/05choc.html?emc=eta1

Bibb lettuce or Limestone lettuce - A Kentucky original

In my opinion not enough Kentuckians realize that Bibb lettuce originated in Frankfort, KY . As a youth I lived near downtown Frankfort in a neighborhood called the Corner in Celebrities because so many famous people once lived there .

Major John Bibb , a veteran of the War of 1812 , lived on Wapping Street in what is currently known as the Bibb-Burnley House . He had a greenhouse in his backyard and it was there he developed and grew Bibb lettuce which was also called Limestone lettuce . This type of lettuce , which is type of oftbutterhead lettuce , thrived in the limestone rich soil of central Kentucky .

At one time Kentucky lead the nation in Bibb lettuce production. It fell somewhat out of favor with the rise of salad bars since its a tender and delicate leaf variety . Today much of the Bibb lettuce that is grown is grown hydroponically .

Bibb lettuce is better for you than iceberg lettuce being a better source of vitamins A & C , calcium, phosphorus, and potassium . It is best served with a mild vinaigrette . It was a standard item on the menu of the Maisonette in Cincinnati where it was called laitue de Kentucky .

Lightfoots Restaurant Location in Newport Available

The location of the now closed Lightfoots Restaurant in Newport, KY http://www.lightfootsrestaurant.com/ is available . The second floor can me used as an apartment , B&B , or extended stay apartment providing another revenue stream or partial compensation for a manager . If interested please contact me .

Mary Todd Lincoln's White Cake Recipe originally by Monsier Giron of Lexington, KY .

This year , 2009 , is the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. Lexington , Kentucky has some rich culinary history ties to Lincoln that I thought worth mentioning . In 1825, a local confectioner Monsieur Mathurin Giron prepared a special vanilla-almond cake to commemorate the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette ( for whom Fayette County was named ) . The cake was a big hit and Mary Todd , who was one of Monsieur Giron's best customers , talked him into sharing the recipe with her . In later years , when Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln were courting in Springfield , Ill she would often make that very cake . The cake became a part of the culinary tradition in the Lincoln household all the way to the White House .



Mary Todd Lincoln's White Cake(adapted from Lincoln's Table by Donna D. McCreary)
1 cup blanched almonds, chopped in a food processor until they resemble a coarse flour1 cup butter2 cups sugar3 cups flour3 teaspoons baking powder1 cup milk6 egg whites1 teaspoon vanilla extractconfectionary sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.
Cream butter and sugar. Sift flour and baking powder 3 times. Add to creamed butter and sugar, alternating with milk. Stir in almonds and beat well.
Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Turn out on a wire rack and cool. When cool, sift confectionary sugar over top

Google tool for getting restaurant and other phone # 's

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, oryour home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog-411 (-800-466-4411). This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free --great when you are on the road. Don't waste your money on information calls and don'twaste your time manually dialing the number. I am drivingalong in my car and I need to call the golf course and Idon't know the number. I hit the speed dial for informationthat I have programmed. The voice at the other end says, 'City & State.' Isay, ' Garland , Texas .' He says, 'Business, Name or Typeof Service.' I say, Firewheel Golf Course.' He says,'Connecting' and Firewheel answers the phone. How great isthat? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free! Click on the link below and watch the short clip for aquick demonstration. http://www.google.com/goog411/

Main & Maple is now serving full breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays

For a great breakfast option in downtown Nicholasville , Ky . I recommend Main & Maple Coffee House and Cafe http://www.mainandmaplecoffeehouse.com/ which is now serving a great full breakfast menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm . They have Omelets, Stuffed French Toast , Breakfast Classics , Waffles ( BIG WAFFLES ) and Pancakes !

USDA Food Pyramid Website

The United States Department of Agriculture has ramped up a website with updated food pyramid information to assist consumers in making healthy eating choices :


http://mypyramid.gov/

One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans, interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices, and advice to help you:
►
Make smart choices from every food group.
►
Find your balance between food and physical activity.
►
Get the most nutrition out of your calories.
►
Stay within your daily calorie needs.

Fit4Fun healthy lifestyle publication

This post is to introduce you to a new publication and healthy lifestyle initiative .

Welcome to Fit 4 Fun, the only healthy lifestyle magazine for kids! Starting in early 2009, the nonprofit Kentucky Children’s Health and Fitness Fund will publish Fit 4 Fun, to deliver important messages about healthy lifestyle to more than 200,000 Kentucky students in kindergarten through grade four.
Copyrighted characters representing education, fitness, nutrition and fun will lead Kentucky kids to better health and a happy life. The print magazine will introduce Chalky, Nimble, Bean and Yay! This companion website will provide extensive related information, including curriculum covering key learning goals.
Our mission is to give every Kentucky child the chance to grow up healthy and happy. Our goal is to deliver the latest information in a fun, engaging way that makes every young Kentuckian feel smart about lifestyle choices.
To learn more about this exciting, unique adventure, email the founder and publisher, Jan Winter, at jan@kyfit4fun.org or call 502.222.8017. We welcome your suggestions and comments. Are you …Fit 4 Fun?

Henry Bain Sauce - A Kentucky Orignal

An overlooked Kentucky culinary gem is Henry Bain sauce . Mr. Henry Bain was a head waiter at the Pendennis Club in Louisville , KY. In 1881 , he developed a sauce for cooking with game animals . In that era the club members would bring their kill to the club and request it be prepared for a meal . This sauce is still served there to this day and is sold in some stores but the recipe can vary . In concept , the sauce uses a combination of tomato , vinegar, and other fruit ingredients .

BB's Italian Restaurant in Leitchfield, KY

Recently I has the pleasure of dining at BB's Italian Restaurant in Leitchfield, KY which is near Elizabethtown ,KY . This place is a great and very affordable restaurant . The pasta , salads , pizza , sandwiches and appetizers are all high quality and in a very affordable price range . If you are in the area I emcourage you to check it out ..........the location is very close to the Leitchfield Western Kentucky Parkway exit .

Nicaraguan Latin Grill in Nicholasville

Recently the Nicholasville area restaurant scene was enriched with the opening of the Nicaraguan Latin Grill at 1001 Elizabeth Drive, Nicholasville , KY . It is adjacent to the Shell station near the Toyota dealership .

This restaurant has a very interesting menu and is a great way to experience authentic latin cusine . They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner . I tried the Lomo de Cerdo Asado which is charbroiled pork loin marinated with aschiote and topped with buttered onions and green peppers . I savored every bite and could easily get addicted to that taste . They have a friendly staff that provides great service .

I encourage anyone to give this place a try .

Super Bowl Party with the Pros

For those of you looking for Super Bowl fun and a worthwhile cause I recommend :


Super Bowl Party with the Pros
Partial Proceeds Benefit VIPS ( Visually Impaired Preschool Services )
Sunday, February 1st, 2009
Marriott Resort& Spa
Kids’ Fun: 3 – 5 p.m.
Game Activities: 5 – 11 p.m.
Tickets: $60/person; $100/couple or $150/family of 4
Call 276-0335 or 888-254-8477 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Email: partywiththeprosky@gmail.com
NFL Players Association - Retired Players Kentucky Chapter

ID + A Facility solutions resource

I recently became aware of a company that can be a great facilities solutions resource for restaurant and foodservice operations . It is ID + A www.id-a.com and they have offices in Lexington , Louisville, Nashville and Evansville .

Town Money Saver Publication Opportunity

Town Money Saver www.townmoneysaver.com is seeking franhisees for Kentucky markets . Many of the natural clients for this monthly coupon publication are restaurants and this would be a great low investment home based business for someone with good sales and communication skills .

If this is of interest , please contact me !

Izzy's comes to Kentucky

Izzy's , a Cincinnati chain with a heritage dating back to 1901 now has a location in Florence, KY. . This is a great little chain with great products :


http://www.izzys.com/locations.html

Scarlett Lounge converting to SILKS

The Scarlett Lounge in downtown Lexington is undergoing a major makeover and concept change . Owner Sandy Fields is converting the bar into SILKS lounge and will have racing silks and other racing mementos . The bar is next door to the Rosebud ( also owned by Sandy Fields ) .

Saratoga Restaurant Sign For Sale

I saw this on Craigslist today and wanted to share :


I am selling the original sign which sat atop the infamous Saratoga restaurant in Lexington's Chevy Chase for many years! Large letters spell out S A R A T O G A on raceway. One piece, approximatly 16 feet long and 2 feet tall. It the original, one of a kind, piece of Lexington history. Use in a new bar or restaurant and bring back the nastoglia! Being offered to a good home for $2500 OR best offer. No reasonable offer will be refused, can be delivered in Lexington/Central Kentucky area at no charge. Email or call 859-421-0011.

Exclusive Hunting Club in Kentucky

A Kentucky entrepreneur is trying to establish one or more exclusive hunting clubs in Kentucky . This is a great opportunity for a group of investors or a private equity fund .

Serious inquiries should contact me ......... Mark Sievers www.thesieverscompany.com .

Midway Makeovers

Two restaurants in Midway , Kentucky have closed temporarily this month to undergo some makeovers . Quirk Cafe and Bistro Labelle are undergoing some changes and will reopen soon .

Nicholasville Restaurant Rennaisance Article

The following is a link to a recent article I wrote for Business Lexington about interesting developments in downtown Nicholasville such as Main and Maple Coffee House and the Euro Bar :

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2008-12-11-83432.113117_Nicholasville_restaurant_renaissance.html

Bourbon Barrel Foods

For genuine and innovative Kentucky food products check out Bourbon Barrell Foods at their website http://www.bourbonbarrelfoods.com/ .

One of their products and related companies is the Bluegrass Soy Sauce Company and their website is http://www.bluegrasssoysauce.com/ .

This sauce is from the only small batch soy sauce brewery in the United States.It's made from whole non-GMO Kentucky grown soybeans and pure limestone filtered Kentucky spring water. The result is a smoky, brothy sauce with hints of oak and a mild sweetness reminiscent of fine Kentucky bourbon.

For information on sales contact Juliet Robison juliet@bourbonbarrelfoods.com

American Cheese Society

I think its an overlooked fact that the American Cheese Society www.cheesesociety.org is based in Louisville , KY . This organization provides American cheesemakers with educational resources and networking opportunities and encourages the highest standards of cheesemaking .

Kentucky Vinyard Society Wine Tasting

On Monday January 5 at 5:30 pm , the Kentucky Vineyard Society will have a wine tasting athe Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference and Trade Show at the Lexington Embassy Suites Hotel .