LEXINGTON, Ky. - Attention central Kentucky foodies: Lexington will host an inaugural Restaurant Week this summer to focus on local cuisine.
The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is coordinating the event. President Jim Browder says Restaurant Week is an extension of a culinary guidebook the bureau began publishing last year called “Beyond Grits.”
“We have quite a diverse culinary selection here. And that’s the beauty of this. It’s not like you’re coming here and it’s strictly southern food. We’ve got influences from all over the world.”
Lexington Restaurant Week is scheduled for July 25 – August 3. Participating restaurants will offer $25 fixed price dinner specials in addition to regular menu options.
Central Kentucky visitors aren't the only target audience. Chef Ouita Michael of Windy Corner Market says it’s a chance for residents to support homegrown food and businesses.
“If you’re only eating food that’s prepared by people or designed by people that don’t live in your community ... then you lose that expression of your culture. So Restaurant Week and this Beyond Grits book is an opportunity to show people in our community and outside of it that hey, this is Lexington’s food community.”
The Convention and Visitors Bureau wants see the event become an annual tradition.
Local restaurants that have signed up for Lexington Restaurant Week so far include:
Jonathan at Gratz Park
Windy Corner Market
Casanova’s Italian
Cheapside Bar and Grill
Jean Farris Winery and Bistro
Josie’s
Malone’s
Merrick Inn
