Once again, the Louisville restaurant and bar scene provides us with a heaping helping of news to share as we gear up for Santa’s arrival on Saturday night. First up, we’ve got the last words on the now-closed Germantown Craft House, and news that its successor, Devil’s Due, will offer a completely different look and feel when it opens next year. One of our favorite sushi spots, Wild Ginger, will open a second location in Norton Commons. And we’re thrilled to report that Oldham County’s first brewery, from the owners of 3rd Turn in Jeffersontown, will also open in 2017.

Steve has plenty to say about his travels  — to the new Maker’s Mark Whisky Cellar in Loretto and later to a meeting of the Bourbon Brotherhood’s latest event celebrating Jack Daniel’s.

The holiday party season is in full swing, and that’s where Rick happened upon his favorite taste of the week — a spread of chocolate candy infused with bacon and Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey. Steve was fortunate enough to attend the Chef’s Table event at Harvest Restaurant, where two dishes featuring rabbit highlighted his meal. Plus, he was amazed at the Blackberry Farms’ Classic Saison that complemented Chef Patrick Roney’s selections.

Rick’s interview with chef Reed Johnson occurred in anticipation of a special event coming Dec. 22 — a feast featuring a 300-lb. whole hog Johnson plans to cook at the Red Barn Kitchen. Johnson is from Madisonville, Ky., and can’t imagine doing anything but cooking for a living. Meanwhile, Chef Annie Pettry of Decca is a rising star, and recently was chosen to compete on Bravo’s Top Chef TV show. No, she didn’t tell Steve how she did in the competition (you’ll have to wait until the show airs), but you’ll enjoy hearing about her time in the national spotlight.

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