It’s no secret that Louisville has food and bourbon locked down. We’re the first stop and jumping off point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail [4], we have the Urban Bourbon Trail [5], and we also have the Hot Brown Hop [6]. We have every conceivable kind of restaurant in Louisville, including a prominent farm to table scene. Louisville chefs are always happy to try something new, placing them on the cutting edge.
On Wednesday October 1, the region’s top chefs, distillers, baristas, mixologists, bartenders, and confectioners will come together for the Taste of Innovation and Bourbon [7] portion of the Louisville Idea Festival. The event will be held at Churchill Downs Millionaire’s Row from 5:45-8 p.m. Tickets [8]will cost $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
According to the event flyer, “With the help of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we are CELEBRATING BOURBON COUNTRY with tastings from major distillers, a walk through the history of bourbon and bourbon cocktails. We’re highlighting our bourbon pride and appreciation for the distilling industry and its continued contribution to our thriving commonwealth.”
According to event promoters, the following local writers will be on had to sign copies of their books:
Whisky Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey
by Fred Minnick
The Old Fashion: An Essential Guide to the Original Whiskey Cocktail
by Albert Schmid
Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Trave Guide
by Susan Reigler
Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage
by Mike Veach
The food lineup looks amazing:
Brasserie Provence | Owner Guy Genoud
Crushed Ice Events | Chef Laurence Agnew
El Camino | Corporate Chef Tyler Powell
Harvest | Chef Coby Ming
Hillbilly Tea | Owner Karter Louis
Jack Binion’s Steakhouse | Chef Tammy Bryan
La Coop | Chef Bobby Benjamin
Levy Restaurants | Chef Dave Danielson
Lilly’s Bistro | Chef Kathy Cary
Manny and Merle | Owner Tony Palombino
Marketplace Restaurant | Chef Dallas McGarity
Mayan Cafe | Chef Bruce Ucan
Momma’s Mustard, Pickles and BBQ | Owner Chad Cooley
Napa River Grill | Chef Brian Curry
Papalinos | Chefs Carla Gresham & Geoff Ormerod
Proof on Main | Chef Levon Wallace
Rye on Market | Chef Tyler Morris
The Seelbach Hotel/The Oak Room | Chefs Matt Durham & Patrick Roney
Shalimar | Chef Sunny Pandher
The Silver Dollar | Corporate Chef Tyler Powell
Tony Boombozz | Owner Tony Palombino
And the beverage lineup isn’t too shabby either:
Chila Orchata
Copper & Kings American Brandy
Easley Winery
Elijah Craig
Evan Williams
Fetzer
Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
Four Roses
Heaven Hill
Heine Bros. Coffee
Jim Beam
Larceny
Louisville Water Pure Tap
Number Juan Tequila
Vint
Wild Turkey
And for dessert:
Art Eatables | Chocolatier Kelly Ramsey
Ghyslain | Chef Ghyslain Maurais
Kern’s Kitchen | Owner Jon Rupp
Spotz Gelato | Owners Philip Enlow & Beth Richardson
The Comfy Cow | Owner Tim Koons-McGee
Photos Courtesy of Taste of Innovation