by whit on January 4, 2012
When I was home for the holidays, I got to enjoy many of Kentucky’s finest beverages. There was bourbon, duh. There was also beer. Beer brewed in my hometown of Lexington, no less! One night I opened up the fridge before tucking into a few slices of pizza and this is what I found.
Kentucky Ale has been around since 2000. They make 3 beers, that’s it. This ale is a combination of an “English Pale Ale and Irish Red Ale” in style. It’s the perfect balance of a slightly richer, malty flavor hanging out in a lighter texture. Good chilly weather beer without the heaviness.
On their website, the Kentucky Ale folks write that the “unique body and character of Kentucky Ale is heavily influenced by the water, drawn from aquifers in the limestone rock underlying the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.” Okay then. Sounds good to me!
There’s ANOTHER brewery set to open any day now in Lexington too! It’s called West 6th Brewing and I can’t wait to check them out when I’m back home. So proud of my peoples!
by whit on September 6, 2011
This is how they do caprese in Kentucky.
With a fried green tomatuh and some corn relish!
Did a little Labor Day dining with the fam at a spot called Portofino’s last night in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. I was in the mood for a spritz (when am I not in the mood for a spritz?) but, alas, there was nada of my favorite Aperol in sight. So, Campari it was. Loved the combo of that balsamic drizzle tang, the herbacious/anise vibe of the basil and bitter Campari. So much so, I tore off some of the balsamic doused basil and chucked it right in my drink. A little muddling action with my teensy straw, and all was right with the world.
Just have to say that if you replaced all the fresh slices of tomato with that of the fried variety, I wouldn’t have been complaining.
by whit on December 26, 2010
Ever wonder what the “liquor cabinet” of a teetotaller looks like? While making kibbeh this morning at my grandparents house, I went snooping and I spied some REALLY old bottles of booze. As well as the piece de resistance – a bottle of Mogen David vino. Ha!
I also spy a photo of my 7 year old self in a red satin pajama set and a pair of my Nana’s knee high black boots. Always at the height of fashion.
A price tag revealed that this Mogen David bottle was purchased at Rite Aid for about $3. Who knows when it was purchased, but my guess is sometime around the year of my birth. Concord grapes, ya’ll. It’s a party.
Don’t you just love the design and colors of these labels? These bottles are from the late 70′s and early 80′s. After I inspected and properly documented them for the relics they are, I put them back in their dark home above the fridge. Which is where I’m sure they’ll stay for at least another few decades.
If you missed what I found in my parent’s cabinet last Winter, take a look.
by whit on December 25, 2009
I sit here on Christmas Day in my childhood home in Kentucky gearing up for a day of baking, cooking and mindless watching of A Christmas Story on repeat. Ah, the good old days! I took a brief trip to the basement to explore some of the boxes and albums of family photos residing there. I stumbled upon quite a few pics that I wouldn’t mind if they never escaped the dark underbelly of our house. And a few others that reminded me of how far I have come in these past 28 years of life. I share with you my humble beginnings circa 1989-90. Back in the days when I would only eat cereal, pasta and macaroni and cheese. And to my first day of photography class with my very first camera.
I still marvel at the fact that I now depend on my palate for my profession. And salivate thinking of pork belly, yellowtail sashimi and (gasp) brussel sprouts. When, at the age of 7 or 8, a single pea in my fried rice at Epcot Center would send me into a panicked frenzy. But, on the positive side, at least I knew what I liked. And didn’t.
Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my past of bad sweaters, odd haircuts and teeth of varying sizes and shapes. Here’s to 2010 and the many more memories to be made…
