The newly opened Airstream bar on the deck and patio at Gospel Bird. Photo courtesy of Gospel Bird

So you thought we were done with openings after Tuesday’s story about eight new operations slated to open this month? You, as we, were wrong. Two more to add to the list to make 10 openings (that we know of) in Louisville in July.

Mellwood Tavern: According to Insider Louisville’s Sara Havens, the Mellwood Tavern is opening today (Thursday) in the space long held by The Rush Inn. (Some, after they went in there, called it The Rush Out. Guess it was bad. I never made it in to see for my own-self.) If you look at Haven’s pics, it appears to be a pretty nice space. The story also says not all the pieces are put together yet, so maybe give it a few days before you belly on up.

Slice Louisville: This new sandwich shop in Old Louisville is set to open next Tuesday, July 12. Owner Matthew Davis (yep, the Lil Cheezer’s truck owner) is the proprietor of this restaurant at 1161 S. Second St., and his menu of sandwiches, wraps, smoothies (lots of vegan and vegetarian offerings) appears to be a biggin’. I’ll be talking with him later today to get details on Slice Louisville that we’ll share next week.

We'll miss this space: the dining room at El Camino. Photo courtesy of El Camino
We’ll miss this space: the dining room at El Camino. Photo courtesy of El Camino

El Camino Highlands final night Thursday: In preparation for its relocation to Germantown, El Camino is throwing a last day party complete with a pig roast on Thursday, July 14. In saying goodbye to this cool facility, the goal is to eat the cupboards bare and drink the bar dry.

Responsibly of course.

Party will run during normal dinner hours, starting 5 p.m.

No word on when or exactly where in Germantown El Camino will reopen.

Cavalcade of cooks return to Seviche for alumni dinner: Not sure how many people know the culinary impact Seviche chef Anthony Lamas has had on this community. Several of his protégés have gone on to open restaurants such as Hammerheads, Game, Gospel Bird, Papalino’s, Fontleroy’s and more. The Courier-Journal had a good piece on who came back to cook at an alumni dinner in June. I can imagine the feast was freaky good.

Side note: Lamas, like nearly all his protégés, has no formal culinary education. Goes to show how hard work and determination can yield amazing success in a noble industry. Congratulations to them all.

Airstream bar open at Gospel Bird: Speaking of Seviche alumni, Eric Morris, owner of Gospel Bird in New Albany, announced the opening of his Airstream bar on Gospel Bird’s massive back deck and patio are now open. You’ve got to love the level of creativity in these independent restaurateurs.

Down One’s Burrows heads to Beam: I’m thrilled to report that Beth Burrows, general

Beth Burrows, newly hired Kentucky brand ambassador, Jim Beam. Photo courtesy of Tooley Photography
Beth Burrows, newly hired Kentucky brand ambassador, Jim Beam. Photo courtesy of Tooley Photography

manager and cocktail queen at Down One Bourbon Bar and Restaurant, has been hired by Jim Beam to be its Kentucky Brand Ambassador. Couldn’t happen to a nicer, more talented and hardworking lady.

In this role she replaces another great lady, Megan Breier, who was sent by Beam to San Francisco to be its West Coast brand ambassador. Same as above: well deserved. (Before Burrows was hired, Breier told me that if Burrows got the job, her considerable cocktail prowess would be a plus. “I didn’t have that kind of experience, but she does. She’ll be amazing if she gets it.”)

Burrows’ last night at Down One will be Saturday. Her goodbye post to her Facebook page says a lot about who she is, her awareness of where she’s come from, her gratitude toward those who mentored her, and her impact on Down One. Proves what a neat lady this is.

Super-proud of you, Beth!