Author Archives: Rick Redding

Fourth Street Live Welcomes the Family, and Pets, and More

Posted on by Rick Redding
21 Jun

There’s plenty of exciting attractions coming to Fourth Street Live!, including events for fans of basketball, country music, and healthy eating.

FAMILY FUN DAY

Bring the whole family, including those with four legs, to Fourth Street Live! on June 30 for the first-ever Family Fun Day. There will be a full schedule of activities suitable for little ones and furry friends alike.

It’s always fun to bring the family pet to a big event, especially with the opportunity to interact with other animals.

For $5, guests get an all-access wrist band. Proceeds benefit The Arrow Fund, a non-profit with a mission to provide veterinary care and support to animals who have been victims of extreme torture, abuse, and neglect.
From 1:00 through 5:00, activities include a magic show, balloon animals, a bounce house, face painting, a photo booth, Sno-cones and yes, even a doggie kissing booth. Bunny the Fortune Teller will be there to entertain, brought to the Family Fun Day festivities by Rudy Green’s Doggy Cuisine.

Make a day of it by planning a visit to a Fourth Street Live! restaurant before or after the Family Fun Day.

HOT COUNTRY NIGHTS

You can’t listen to a country music station long without hearing a Billy Currington hit, and the Georgia native will play them all in the middle of Fourth Street on Friday, June 22. His string of #1 hits includes “We Are Tonight,” “Hey Girl, “Good Directions,” “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and “People Are Crazy.”

His most recent record, Summer Forever, was released in 2015 and includes the hits “Don’t it”, “Drinkin’ Town with a Football Problem”, “It Don’t Hurt Like it Used To”, and “Do I Make You Wanna”. That song reached #1 on the Country Airplay chart last August.

The opening act is Wild Feathers, a Nashville-based country rock band that released the album “Lonely is a Lifetime” in 2016. Tickets to the show are $20 in advance through Ticketfly.

On August 10, Grainger Smith will perform hits from his 2017 record “When the Good Guys Win.” Smith gained additional fame recently when he performed his hit “Happens Like That” on the TV series “The Bachelorette.” Tickets to Grainger Smith are available on Ticketfly for $11.

RISE ABOVE

Cardinal basketball fans have a special place in their heart for Russ Smith, Peyton Siva, Luke Hancock and other members of the contingent that beat Michigan in the 2013 NCAA Tournament championship game.

On June 29, many of these players will return to Fourth Street Live! to celebrate the team’s accomplishments with fans, sharing their stories of a magical season in which the Cards won the Big East Tournament and finished with a 35-5 record.

There will be opportunities for autographs and photos during the event, and prizes available include championship and team memorabilia.

Ticketholders also will be eligible for prize drawings that include championship and team memorabilia. General admission tickets to the team’s Five-Year Reunion Celebration are $20, and there are VIP and sponsorship opportunities available.

FARMERS MARKET

The first year of Fourth Street Live’s Farmer’s Market is already a big hit with downtown workers. There’s no better way to make good use of the lunch hour than by shopping for fresh and vegetables at what has become the city’s favorite mid-week market.

Every Wednesday, through Oct. 11, local farmers bring their best produce to the Fourth Street Live! Farmer’s Market. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the venue offers free parking for shoppers.

There’s no need to wait for the weekend, or to head for the suburbs, to find fresh vegetables and fruits. You’ll find everything you need for a salad, snack or side dish, and can even take a piece of fruit to enjoy back at the office.

The Fourth Street Live! Farmer’s Market has become increasingly popular among downtown workers and visitors alike. And it’s easy to stop for a quick bite at any of Fourth Street’s restaurants.

Kentucky Double Dollars and SNAP are accepted.

 

Going Beyond Bourbon with Fred Minnick

Posted on by Rick Redding
19 Jun

Bourbon historian and journalist Fred Minnick stops by the studio to talk about his role in September’s Bourbon and Beyond Festival, which features a lineup of master distillers, chefs and musicians that makes the second festival one of the best in the country. Minnick is the author of seven books, mostly about drinking, and is the curator of all things bourbon at the upcoming fest.

Carolyn and Rick were inspired by last week’s appearance on the show by Anoosh Shariat to make our Eat of the Week choices at his two establishments. Carolyn and friends spent a night at Anoosh Bistro, and she raved about the Shrimp Scampi. Across the parking lot, Rick broke free, sort of, from his diet to try a veggie pizza at Noosh Nosh.

We noticed the LEO Weekly story on restaurant noise, and agreed that some of our local hotspots are just too darn loud. Out in the East End, we learned that a favorite haunt, Brownie’s the Shed, is shutting down. Carolyn talked with the owner, who said Brownie’s will continue in the East End, but wouldn’t reveal the location.

Our sponsor, Fourth Street Live!, is revving up for a big concert this weekend, and for the June 30 Family Fun Day, when you’re encouraged to bring your pet to the entertainment venue. Thanks for listening, and check our site out anytime at www.EatDrinkTalk.net.

A Candid Conversation with Anoosh Shariat, And Special Eats of the Week

Posted on by Rick Redding
12 Jun

On the EatDrinkTalk podcast, join us for a candid, heartfelt conversation with culinary legend Anoosh Shariat about his battle with Cancer and what that means for his restaurants and staff.

Shariat said his main concern is making sure his staff at both restaurants (Anoosh Bistro and Noosh Nosh) understand that even though he’s undergoing treatment, the restaurants are operating and their jobs are safe. In fact, he recently brought in Chef Mark Ford to help continue his culinary tradition, with an emphasis on healthy eating.

Carolyn nearly forgot her Eat of the Week choice, but came through to describe some delish dishes at Naive. Rick ventured west to Porkland, a community restaurant that’s making new in Portland.

It’s a bit of a slow news week, but we noticed the new bar in Butchertown, ALEX&NDER, in the Copper & Kings building. We also  speculate about the chances of the region’s 2nd Ax-Throwing concept, opening soon in Clarksville.

We’ve got more tickets to the Russell Dickerson show coming Friday to Fourth Street Live!, so listen in to learn how to win.

 

Anoosh with his beloved oven, Maria

at Porkland, in Portland

 

Uniquely the ‘Ville with Kevin Gibson – and We’re Giving Away Russell Dickerson tickets

Posted on by Rick Redding
05 Jun

We’re continuing to eat and drink our way through the city, and talking about her on the city’s only podcast devoted to the ‘Ville’s culinary scene. And this week, listen to the show to learn how to get FREE, yes, FREE, tickets to the Russell Dickerson concert at Fourth Street Live!

Our guest this week is an expert on the city’s unique eateries. In fact, Kevin Gibson wrote a book about it. In the studio, he talks about some of his old favorites, like Ollie’s Trolley, and a new one, Oskar’s. Then there’s Rick’s old haunt, Angilo’s Pizza on Berry Boulevard. Kevin has three books about Louisville to his credit, and writes frequently about food and beer for Insider Louisville, LEO Weekly and others.

Our Eat of the Week segement includes Carolyn’s visit to the Kentucky Taco Co., near the U of L campus, where she and her husband tried one of about everything on the menu. Rick got special treatment at Hull and Hi

Eat of the Week – El Taco Luchador

gh Water in New Albany for a blackened grouper, a dish that fits with his healthy diet.

Around town, there’s plenty going on, including the opening of 80/20 Kaelin’s, and a steak and sushi spot on Brownsboro. And we let you know where a restaurant called Fort Knockers, not kidding, is going to be. For bourbon lovers, the Kentucky Bourbon Affair has events scheduled all around town this week, and the opening of the Old Forester Distillery downtown is just around the corner.

Remember to listen to the show to learn how to get your FREE tickets to Russell Dickerson. Join us for more at EatDrinkTalk.net, on Twitter (@eatdrinktalklou) and on Facebook at eatdrinktalk.

 

Here for the Beer at Fest of Ale, plus our Eats of the Week

Posted on by Rick Redding
29 May

Come on in and listen to another tasty episode of Louisville’s only podcast devoted to dining and drinking. We start off with a great interview with Tisha Gainey, the queen of local beer festivals, and Courtney Lewis, who has helped organized this year’s 13th annual Fest of Ale on the New Albany riverfront.

While Carolyn missed the interview, she was out west sampling a delicious meal from the Fat Ox in Scottsdale, Arizona. That was her Eat of the Week contribution, while Rick sampled fish tacos at Gravely Brewing and Citizen 7.

We were a bit surprised, but excited, about changes coming to one of our favorite local spots – Jack’s Lounge and Equus. Legendary owner Dean Corbett sold the business to Jared Matthews, but will stay on as Executive Chef. Matthews, who has had success down the street with Cafe Lou Lou, promises a revamped menu featuring more seafood and reasonable pricing.

Local politicians have a knack for sticking their noses where they don’t belong – and that’s true at the Metro Council this week. By a 13-11 vote, the Council passed an ordinance requiring restaurants to offer healthy menus for kids, if they have a kids menu. One dissenting Council member said we’ve gone too far when we tell parents what to feed their kids.

We’re looking forward to the next Hot Country Nights show at Fourth Street Live! It’s Russell Dickerson on the 16th. But this weekend, we’re kicking it at the Denim and Diamonds benefit Friday, then going to Fest of Ale in New Albany on Saturday. Thanks for listening to EatDrinkTalk, and catch us online at EatDrinkTalk.net.

Getting the Lowdown on the Rabbit Hole with Michael Motamedi

Posted on by Rick Redding
22 May

It’s another mouth-watering episode of the city’s only podcast devoted to Eatin’ and Drinkin’, and there’s a lot to say.

First we welcome Michael Motamedi to the studio from Rabbit Hole Distillery, where this week in NuLu the boutique bourbonists are preparing their first batch of product from the shiny new distillery, which just had its ribbon-cutting last month. Motamedi is a former chef who describes his trek to Louisville as a serendipitous journey.

Rick and Carolyn offer up a new segment – Eat of the Week. Carolyn describes her rendezvous with Asian-inspired chicken at Chick”n & Mi on Brownsboro Road. Rick ventured into Butchertown for a date with Naive, the new healthy food spot.

In the news, there’s a bar with a view making its debut at Copper & Kings, a happy result of the Kentucky legislature’s decision to allow distillery’s to serve their product on premises, a law that also affects our new friends at Rabbit Hole. We peaked at a list that showed 41 restaurants have opened since the beginning of the year, and 34 are on the way. That includes, we hope, the new Big Woods restaurant and brewery rumored to be in the works at Waterfront Park.
Our sponsor, Fourth Street Live, is bringing the Average White Band to town as it continues to bring quality concerts downtown.

There’s plenty more to do in our bustling city, and you can see details at EatDrinkTalk.net in addition to listening to this great podcast. Please tell your friends and catch us on iTunes.

Michael Motadeti with Rick at the Louisville.am studio

Sippin’ Forever in Blue Jeans, with Jason Smith and Paul Tuell

Posted on by Rick Redding
15 May

There’s plenty of eatin’ and drinkin’ to talk about in Louisville, and Washington, so let’s get right to it. Carolyn traveled to our nation’s Capitol on business, and feasted at Succotash, owned and operated by our own Edward Lee. At another stop, she came face to eye with a fish, she ordered the catch of the day, and was a bit uncomfortable with its presentation.

Around here we noticed that the new version of the old Kaelin’s on Newburg Road is now hiring, the last step before the new 80/20 Kaelin’s opens there. Flavour is the new restaurant in the Highlands, a Caribbean/Creole spot, taking the place of Asiatique, which closed just a few weeks ago. Rick visited a one-year-old restaurant on West Broadway, Angie’s Home Cooking, which is where you would go if you were looking for good meat loaf.

Our guests made us a succulent sipper – the “Forever in Blue Jeans” special in honor of the Denim & Diamonds fundraiser, coming June 1. Paul Tuell used his Boubon Ball Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey, with a blueberry sauce and ginger beer, to make the special concoction. Jason Smith, the GM at Gordon Biersch, explains how his work for the Parkinson’s Support Center is a chance to give back to the organization that helps those with Parkinson’s. Jason, who has Parkinson’s himself, recruits some of the city’s top chefs to donate their time for the event.

Paul Tuell, Jason Smith, Carolyn McLean and Rick Redding

How Derby 144 Went Down with Kent Taylor, plus a Knock-Knock Joke with Emerson

Posted on by Rick Redding
08 May

We’ve finally dried out from Saturday’s wettest Derby ever, and have plenty to talk about. Rick and Carolyn broke even with an across-the-board bet on Audible, which is, well, better than losing.

Our guest, Kent Taylor, sports director at WAVE 3, spent much of the day in the paddock, and gives us some of the insider story from that vantage point, including an explanation why highly-regarded Mendelssohn, Carolyn’s pick, struggled to finish dead last in the 20-horse field. And Kent brought along his daughter Emerson, who dazzles us with her repertoire of knock-knock jokes.

In the news, we found some stories about things that were supposed to happen by Derby Day, but didn’t. That includes the promising Barret bar spot that was the Monkey Wrench, which was supposed to be a new vegan restaurant and brewery. And then there’s the much-delayed old Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, which the Martin’s Barbecue chain finally has under construction. We also go through the list of the city’s largest breweries, and tell you about a new one under construction.

Carolyn shared a great story about meeting a Derby horse owner, the man behind Vino Rosso. Meanwhile Rick found himself drenched despite having access to covered portions of the track. It was also a big and successful week for our sponsor, Fourth Street Live!, which had patrons dancing in the street for three straight nights. They have a Farmers Market opening this week.

Join us for an engaging and appetizing show with Kent Taylor, and please tell your friends to listen. You can rate us on iTunes, and check out our web site, EatDrinkTalk.net, or our Twitter feed, #eatdrinktalklou.

Kent Taylor, with Emerson

EDT Celebrates Derby in Style with Andre Wilson

Posted on by Rick Redding
01 May

We open the show with a champagne celebration — for the addition of Fourth Street Live! as our fist official sponsor. The entertainment venue has an exciting lineup of Derby Week concerts you’ll want to hear about.

It’s our favorite time of the year and EatDrinkTalk is packed with plenty of entertaining information, starting with our special guest, Andre Wilson. When it comes to finding a knockout outfit for Derby, celebrities and locals alike turn to the city’s style master. Wilson’s clientele includes plenty of big names, many of whom have him on speed dial this week.

Wilson talks about how he got started, working in a clothing store at 15, and how this year he landed a prestigious assignment — designing those jackets worn by Derby Festival board members around town. Wilson’s are a definite improvement.

Rick and Carolyn have decided on the show’s pick in the big race — which of course is Audible. But there’s a world of things to do before Saturday afternoon. In restaurant news, the Tim Tam Tavern has reopened with a special twist – the six-decades old bar will be serving Danny Mac’s pizza. Carolyn is especially thrilled about the new Ehrler’s ice cream store opening downtown. And we can’t wait for the ribbon-cutting this week at Rabbit Hole in NuLu.

Join us as get prepared for a hectic and thrilling Derby Week. Find us on Twitter @EatDrinkTalkLou, and on Facebook, or check out all the news and events at EatDrinkTalk.net.

Andre Wilson

Derby Time Podcast #1: Juleps with Kerri Richardson; Hats with Jana Metcalfe

Posted on by Rick Redding
24 Apr

Finally, Derby Season is officially underway, and here at EatDrinkTalk, we’re on it. Do you have questions about the Mint Julep? We asked Kerri Richardson, president of the Bourbon Women Association, to come to the studio and demonstrate the proper way to make one. Hint: the key is the simple syrup.

Kerri made us two – one with Evan Williams, the other with the higher proof Knob Creek Single Barrel. She even brought pewter mugs, the best container of all. We asked Kerri about the history of the Julep and a little bit about the Bourbon Women Association.

At Derby time, the essential question for women is: Which comes first, the hat or the dress? For Jana Metcalfe, an extraordinary hatmaker, it’s the chapeau that makes the outfit. Metcalfe used to work as a clocker at the track, so she’s also got some advice on how to pick a winner.

Which brings us to Saturday, opening night at Churchill Downs, and you should listen up for some parking advice. There’s some interesting news as well — the opening of Griff’s (actually it’s a move from Cardinal Town) in the old O’Malley’s Corner is set for June, but before all that a new performance venue, Bourbon Hall, is set to open Derby Week on the same block.

And finally, we’re both excited to try the newest healthy-food restaurant – Naive, located on Washington Street near NuLu and Butchertown. Plus, we speculate about hot spots that should be in Kevin Gibson’s new book about local eateries, and congratulate Linda Ruffenach on the publication of her new book, How to Be a Bourbon Badass.

Thanks for joining us for this special Pre-Derby episode. Follow us on Twitter @EatDrinkTalkLou, and check out the EatDrinkTalk.net web site for more.

Bourbon Women Association President Kerri Richardson and Carolyn McLean

Hat Model Carolyn McLean with Jana Metcalfe