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!