In November, my husband and I moved to New Albany. We've loved getting to know the town and trying all of the local restaurants. We were so excited when the New Albany Exchange opened and used our friend's birthday as an excuse to try it.
Located downtown on Main Street, the New Albany Exchange is housed in a historic building. The space is huge with a large bar and ample seating. The decor is pretty basic with salvaged wood and white chairs but the atmosphere is elegant and cozy. A large chalkboard lists the beers on tap with sticks in vintage vases and jars adorn the tabletops.
The first time I ate there my husband and I shared the Bacon Two Ways ($9) appetizer. It was amazing and I'd never had anything like it before. The dish consisted of house cured pork belly, bacon rillette, balsamic fig reduction and mixed greens. For my main course I had the Pan Seared Ulo Scallops ($24) that came with fingerling potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, Gorgonzola, Haricot Vert and a bourbon veal reduction. I'm not normally a blue cheese fan but it was a perfect compliment to the scallops. My husband ordered the Grilled Pork Tenderloin ($18) that came with a maple brown sugar glaze, sweet potato and Capriole Farms goat cheese mash with Haricot Vert.
Only two weeks went by before I had the inkling to eat at The Exchange again. I love the artistry involved in cocktail making so I decided to try one. I settled on the Conquistador which was made with mezcal, grapefruit juice, house made grenadine and elderflower liqueur. It was only $7.50 which is cheaper than cocktails from Meat but just as good. This time my husband and I shared a Charcuterie plate ($12) that came with cured pork, cornichon, preserves and pretzels. We had three kinds of salami, red wine, truffle and salt and pepper. My favorite was truffle because I love all things truffle. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits ($16) which came with White Cheddar Grits, Rock Shrimp, Smoked Tomato Chutney and Fried Leeks. The dish was amazing but only order it if you like a lot of tomatoes. My husband ordered the Steak Frites ($16) which came with garlic butter and parmesan garlic fries. His dish was by far one of the best steaks I've tried. It's definitely what I'm ordering next time I eat there. Who doesn't love red meat and potatoes?
With an appetizer, drinks and a main dish we didn't have any room for dessert. But I would definitely try one of the options. The cheesecake lollipops seemed especially delicious.
If you're from Louisville, don't be afraid to cross the river. The Exchange is amazing and the food is worth every penny you'll spend. The prices aren't cheap but the quality of the food is outstanding so treat yourself and enjoy dinner at The Exchange.
Lunch Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Dinner Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
The New Albany Exchange is located at 118 W Main St New Albany, Indiana 47150
(812) 948-6501
http://www.newalbanyexchange.com/
