Ciao Bella

Having only eaten there once and enjoyed music and libations there on several occasions, I can only offer a rare note about Ciao Bella and a good bit of hearsay. The food is nothing to write home about, but done-up well.

What I really support is the mission of the restaurant. They offer a late-night, homey bar scene that isn’t too sketchy and live music most nights of the week. The owners are the previous owners of Seattle’s coffee. They pack in a younger crowd, which is nice; however old folk do fill up the front couches with their bottles of wine, appetizers, and giggles.

As I'm going to post this review I am reading that Ciao Bella is now closed in downtown Wooster. Nuts! I'll have to contact more sources... this is the second time that that has happened for my blog!

Bluegrass Brewing Company

http://www.bbcbrew.com/


I have always had a stigma associated with the BBC. Growing up, their rootbeer wasn't quite as good as IBC's and their pizza was never sensational to me in my middle-school mind. They always seemed to get my father's order wrong and had to comp our meal... every single time we went there. These days, however, times have changed.


Saying that one is going to the BBC conjures up thoughts of freedom and relaxation because at the BBC you're skipping an American stone of yore. You can order any type of food. Be at any one of four locations (3 eateries and one tap room). Choose to imbibe, or not to imbibe. Spelling B-B-C is spelling a good time, whomever you're with.


Their food menu includes a wonderful ricotta and goat cheese dip, which is a staple with my coworkers. It is served with an endless supply of pita bread, to help counter the gurgantuan bowl of dip with onions, pesto and some marinara sauce on top. They also sport a pretzel and beer cheese appetizer, which turns out to be an excellent, fresh-made doughy pretzel with a premade tub of cold beer cheese. The flavor isn't lacking but the show is on the beer cheese (it's kind of flourescent and groudy-looking).


Their salads are a scrumptious delight. They aren't overpriced and their selection of salads is plentiful. For about 4 dollars you can get a good wedge salad that is huge, a bluegrass salad that is kind of like a caesar with parmesaen and tomatoes and different dressing and lettace, or several others including a caesar or ahi tuna salad. They have a full burger and sandwich menu, which include delectable meat and vegetarian options including a veggie and spinach burger. One item I would say is worth skipping over are their quesadillas. Having gotten a sour stomach from them before - and knowing that they don't taste all that great - I wouldn't recommend anyone get the quesadilla of the day.


They also offer - ta da! - pizza. Last time I was at the BBC, I got the lunch buffet for $8.99. The buffet runs through 2pm and gives you unlimited pizza, soup, and salad. It's quite nice because you can actually have them make any pizza you'd like whether it's on the menu or off. When I was there I got a sausage and tomato pizza that was delectable. Their crust and their sauce, I admit, are a little bit bland and generic. However, the overall experience of beer + their pizza = a good time.


Oh yeah. Their beer. The BBC has award winning brews that they concoct right here in good 'old Louisville. Their cherry lambic (usually available bottled only) just won eighth place in a cherry beer competition. They usually have about 8 or more of their brews on tap and offer still more in bottled form. They willingly give samples of the brews so you can try before you buy. Showcasing a full bar in addition, why wouldn't you want to come here to chase your bourbon with some excellent bourbon barrel ale. Hmm?


I have yet to try the desserts. I have yet to travel the desert. There are many things I have yet to do in life. But the BBC helps me start to explore some of the nooks and crannies Louisville has cultivated through the years - a culture of fine, lively enjoyment of moderate alcohol consuption and legitimate tasting experiences.

Addendum: for an article that showcases JJ on the BBC (the other BBC) check out number 26 here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12384236 Why is this in my blog? I get most of my new local eat ideas from the LEO.. as they often sample food before the courier journal has the chance. Enjoy!

Limestone Restaurant

http://www.limestonerestaurant.com/

Wow. Savoring every bite. By far the best dining experience in Louisville… and continental cuisine anywhere.

Limestone Restaurant is a hidden gem that steps under the radar of many Louisville gourmands, I am sure. I didn’t venture out to the new –ish restaurant (now five years old perhaps) until just a year ago, but was absolutely blown away by the dining experience. I had quite simply the best tasting scallops my taste buds would ever know.

The mixed grill there is downright killer! There is a white wine sauce with some green beans and carrots, mashed potatoes, and roasted cauliflower, which is downright scrumptious. And –oh yeah – let’s not forget the main items! Two wonderful cuts of salmon, two scallops, and shrimps. Wow! The preparation shows off the beauty inherent in the freshness and locality of the seafood (they are reportedly raised in Oldham county). Just some butter, white wine, spiciness, and pepper. Wow! – is it perfection.

For the first time the other night I sampled the shrimp and grits appetizer and was blown away by the sauce. I am not sure what was in that sauce, but it was slightly sweet and included several fresh herbs. It was by far one of the best sauces I had ever encountered. The sauce was poured over a grits cake and several shrimp. The grits cake was very good and sweetened and flavored just slightly so that it wasn’t boring nor overwhelming.

I have yet to venture into “meat-land” at this restaurant, but I’m sure its local picks are likewise stellar. I have had, though, the trio of soups, the Bibb lettuce salad, some samples of various items, and a Shirley temple! She was stellar, too.

Dessserts at 8 dollars a pop sound scrumptious, though I’ve never had them. Three types of crème brulee served together: vanilla bean, amaretto, and mixed berry. The description of their dark and white chocolate mousse makes my mouth water. It’s served with pomegranate raspberry sorbet and fresh fruit. Oh how divine!

The service there is always very overdone. We would like to eat and drink without being asked if we are done for a little while longer. And no, we do not want desert with our three course meal, thank you. My waistline has suffered a blow there despite the items being local and healthy, the preparations are not exactly.


The decor is very fun! Fish tanks are abundant and the lighting is low and picturesque. Take a glimpse of the wine cellar as you walk to the bathroom.. Also noteable is the bar. It's rich cherry wood appearence is very elegant. It's clear this is a place of charm and class. Southern.

The head chef, Jim Gerhardt, apparently dines out at either Havana Rumba (and orders the fish there) or Mayan Grill (also known for excellent fish) when he goes out. Good picks!

Head over to Limestone near the industrial park on Husrtborne Lane as soon as you can – and can budget for. It’s well worth the trip if you want to treat your tastebuds right and enjoy a Southern spin!