Looking for a true local's guide to the best restaurants and culinary experiences and attractions in Central Kentucky? Traveling to or through Kentucky and looking for an authentic taste of our southern food culture and culinary heritage? We're putting our two cents in as to where our favorite places and activities are in and around Lexington for your tasting pleasure!
Laura’s Picks
Hi! I’m Laura. I started Bleu Plate Tours in 2010 because Lexington and Central Kentucky have so many culinary offerings that are well-kept secrets unless you have the inside scoop. And I don’t keep secrets very well… so, here is my version!
As a food tour guide, I get lots of questions from guests asking for my recommendations on not only area restaurants, but other food-related attractions. I tend to be a tourist in my own hometown so I thought I would share the places I like to go. This is definitely a food tourism visitor’s guide to the best of Central Kentucky! Hope to see you on a Bleu Plate Tour where we will visit many of the places listed.
Restaurants
Laura’s Picks is a guide to Lexington and area restaurants. These restaurants focus on local ingredients and are owned and operated by folks right here in Lexington. This is definitely a work in progress. To sit down and try to think of every restaurant in town that fits a category that is worth referring folks to is not a simple task! I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few so check back periodically and I’ll add them as they come to mind.
Click a the category below to see Laura’s Picks for each.
Fine: From innovative and modern southern comfort food to upscale French fusion.
Casual: Many levels of casual are available, from leisurely sit down hotspots and local lunch counters to diners and old fashioned drive-ins.
Breakfast/Brunch: Eclectic eateries and diners to upscale experiences.
Regional/Southern: From “Just like Grandma used to make” to tempting new, fine dining creations of classic favorites.
Ethnic: Around the world, from the Caribbean to Thailand and Africa to Mexico.
Watering Holes: The local gathering spots for cold libations and fun.
Deli/Sandwich Shop: From true New York style to the local courtyard.
Attractions
If you’re interested in food, you’ll be interested in some area attractions with similar focuses. This is a work in progress so check back for more in weeks to come!
Click a the category below to see Laura’s Picks for each.
Tours: Taste numerous restaurants on one tour, see how ale and moonshine are made, dine on an old fashioned dinner train and watch bourbon balls in the making.
World Famous: And not just for fried chicken. Guy Fiery has visited a number of Kentucky restaurants and you should, too!
Teas, Luncheons and Antiques: Don’t miss delectable small bites served with gourmet teas or a trip through beautiful horse country to Nonesuch where your eyes will be treated as much as your palate.
Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries: When in Rome… this is bourbon country, you know! Experience the bourbon but also sample Kentucky's other libations that are well worth the trip.
Historic: Restaurant buildings and culinary firsts in history, right here in Kentucky.
Dives: From the back counters of the country stores to greasy spoons.
Bakeries and Sweets: Bread bakers to cookies, cakes and all things sweet.
Tea: From a cup to go and a bag of specialty tea for home to delightful afternoon tea.
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