Great meals, bargain prices: What’s on the menu for Lexington Restaurant Week?

A Bluegrass staple, Lexington Restaurant Week will be making its return for a week of local cuisine and a wide selection of restaurants to choose from.

A total of 36 local restaurants will be featured on this year’s menu offering three-course specials for the fraction of a typical price, event coordinator Connie Jo Miller said.

Since the creation of the event in 2013, the community has come together and bonded over local food available in Lexington, Miller said.

“Restaurateurs and chefs really go all out,” Miller said in a press release. “We’re lucky in Lexington to have more than our share of great local restaurants — many more innovative, independent restaurants than most cities our size.”

According to the press release, classic restaurants such as Merrick Inn, Dudley’s and Malone’s will be participating this year as well as hot spots such as Bella Cafe and OBC Kitchen .

When is Lexington Restaurant Week? Who is on the list?

Lexington Restaurant Week will be July 18-28 this year and there are more restaurants participating in this year’s event than ever before, according to Miller. Each restaurant offers special meals, and some offer a Maker’s Mark cocktail.

Each restaurant offers a menu priced at $45, $35 or $25; in some cases, customers can choose a dish from each of the courses.

Customers are encouraged to make reservations.

Each restaurant’s menu is available below in this list, or online at lexingtonrestaurantweek.com .

LEXINGTON RESTAURANT WEEK MENU, $25

Agave & Rye, 123 N. Broadway, 3535 Nicholasville Rd.

Starter (choose one):

• Birria Eggroll with birria beef, oaxaca, sweet & spicy bacon, diced jalapenos, chopped white onion, A&R barbecue and ranch dipping sauce

• Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip with tortilla chips

Entree (choose one):

• Huevos Rancheros Smash Burger chorizo & sirloin smash burger, black bean smash burger, avocado crema, queso, fried egg, crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, ranchero sauce, tomato and brioche bun (can order with no chorizo)

• Taco Flight (3) 4.5 in epic tacos

• Seasoned ground beef, Mexican rice, ranchero sauce, shredded white cheddar and cowboy candy

• Herbed chicken, chorizo, pineapple, queso, tobacco onions and cilantro

• Chopped cauliflower, queso, corn salsa, serrano aioli and crispy carrots

• Birria Quesadilla with birria beef, mac n cheese, sweet & spicy bacon, A&R barbecue jam, pico de gallo and ranch dipping sauce

Dessert (choose one):

• Tres Leches

• Mexican Hot Chocolate Pie

Bella Notte, 3715 Nicholasville Rd.

Starter:

• Summer Bruschetta with apricot conserve, sundried tomato ricotta, lemon pickled okra and crispy prosciutto arugula salad

Entree:

• Grilled Shrimp Scampi Spiedini with preserved chili green beans, fingerling potatoes, peppadew peppers, almonds and roasted red pepper coulis

Dessert:

• Ricotta Doughnuts with raspberry curb, candied basil syrup and cinnamon sugar

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, 321 E. Vine St

Starter:

• Choose one appetizer: fried pickle spears, fried green tomatoes or fried okra all served with ranch

Entree:

• Gus’s Best Fried Chicken Including a breast, thigh, leg and wing plus a choice of two sides Including baked beans, slaw, potato salad, fried okra, greens, mac and cheese or seasoned fries

Dessert:

• Choice of slice of homemade pie

Josie’s, 821 Chevy Chase Place

Starter (choose one):

• House Tossed Salad with crisp mixed lettuce, diced tomato, fresh egg, croutons

• Farmers Market Tomatoes with Libby’s cucumber dressing

Entree (choose one):

• Tuscan Chicken, two grilled chicken breasts with grilled zucchini and red onion with house bruschetta and balsamic drizzle

• Darling Tilapia with cajun spices, grilled fresh corn tapenade and heirloom tomato butter

• Homestyle Pot Roast, slow roasted and with roasted root vegetables and gravy

Dessert (choose one):

• Monty’s Bread Pudding of the Day

• Pancake with butter, whip cream and syrup

Maker’s Mark Cocktail:

• Grandma Hellmann’s Bourbon Slush, Maker’s 46, citrus juices and iced tea (not included in price of special)

Pasta Garage, 962 Delaware Ave.

Starter (choose one):

• Insalata Mista with mixed greens, cherry peppers, fresh mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cucumber, carrots, croutons, fried pancetta and house italian dressing

• Fried 3 Cheese Spinach Raviolis with alfredo and marinara dipping sauces

Entree (choose one):

• Beef and Gnocchi Tuscano with rosemary and garlic marinated beef tips. Roasted mushrooms, red onions and gnocchi tossed in a red wine tomato sauce finished with parmigiano reggiano

• Shrimp Scampi with grilled wild caught red argentine shrimp atop lemon pepper tagliolini, leaf spinach and house cured pancetta, tossed in a rich herbed garlic-butter citrus sauce finished with panko and parmigiano reggiano

• Classic Chef’s Picks, choose any one of the classic chef’s picks from the menu

Dessert:

• Our Classic Famous Cannoli with chocolate dipped pastry shell filled with slightly sweetened ricotta

Ramsey’s, 151 West Zandale, 3090 Helmsdale Dr., 4391 Harrodsburg Rd., 112 Lucille Dr.

Two Dine for $25 special; Entree:

• Two Veggie Plates with Cornbread. Each diner picks four from the fresh veggies and side list: Fried Green Tomatoes, Corn, Okra, & Tomatoes, Parmesan Deep Fried Corn on the Cob, Chilled Cucumbers, Onions & Tomatoes, Fiesta Corn, Fried Corn, Fresh Picked Corn on the Cob, Fried Okra, Macaroni n’ Cheese, Mashed Potatoes (with gravy), Green Beans, Creamed Corn, Honey Mustard Carrots, Yellow Squash and Onions, Pinto Beans (with cornbread), Kale Greens, Sautéed Spinach, Stewed Tomatoes, Cole Slaw, Apple Fritters, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Sweet Pickled Beets or a side salad

Dessert to share (choose one):

• Missy’s Key Lime Pie

• Combo Pie, chocolate brownie and peanut butter

Maker’s Mark Cocktail:

• Maker’s Peach Sour with fresh peach puree, infused rosemary honey, fresh lemon juice and Maker’s Mark private selection (not included in price of special)

Ramsey’s $25 one-diner special; Entree:

• Chef Oren’s Ribs, a half rack of ribs with famous baked beans and freshly picked corn on the cob

Dessert:

• Missy’s Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust

Maker’s Mark Cocktail:

• Maker’s Peach Sour with fresh peach puree, infused rosemary honey, fresh lemon juice and Maker’s Mark private selection (not included in price of special)

Zim’s Cafe & The Thirsty Fox at Zim’s Cafe, 215 W. Main St.

Starter (choose one):

• Flat Creek Farm Cucumber and Tomatoes marinated with sweet onion, fresh dill, honey and lemon-tahini dressing

• Okra Fritters with a spicy remoulade and lemon

Entree (choose one):

• Blackened Wild Caught Catfish with cheese grits, slow cooked greens and tobacco onions

• Country Style Ribs with Maker’s Mark bourbon peach-punch barbecue sauce, mac and cheese, happy jack’s roma beans stewed with fresh tomatoes and garlic

Dessert (choose one):

• Stepping Stone Peach with Blueberry Cobbler with whipped cream

• Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

LEXINGTON RESTAURANT WEEK MENU, $35

Bella Cafe & Grille, 890 E High St., 3901 Fountain Blue Lane

Starter:

• Roasted Red Pepper Soup with ciabatta crostini, lemon crema and pesto oil

Entree:

• Pork Chop with grilled corn “elotes”, peach mostarda and barbecue gastrique

Dessert:

• Goat Cheese Bavarois with cinnamon peach conserve, almond shortbread and candied basil syrup

Honeywood, 110 Summit at Fritz Farm

Starter (choose one):

• Happy Jack’s Sweet Corn and Crab Bisque with chile oil, crispy shallot and toasted sourdough

• Ricotta Dumplings baked with fresh tomatoes and olive oil and a showering of freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano and basil

Entree (choose one):

• Smoked 12-ounce Stone Cross Bone-In Pork Chop with barbecue jus, chow chow, slow-cooked happy jack’s roma beans and new potatoes

• Big Bleu Chicken -Frenched Chicken Breast stuffed with spinach and gruyere cheese, dusted and pan fried, bourbon mustard cream and arugula salad with pickled peppers and sliced peaches

• Summer Vegetable Tian with happy jack’s new potatoes, eggplant, summer squash, tomatoes, spinach, onion and garlic individually cooked and layered and baked with rich bechamel and grated cheese

Dessert (choose one):

• Midway Bakery Cheesecake with stepping stone farm blueberries and salted caramel drizzle

• Flourless Bourbon Chocolate Torte with stepping stone farm raspberry sauce and whipped cream

J. Render’s, 3191 Beaumont Centre Circle

Starter (choose one):

• Nachos served with pulled pork, pulled chicken or brisket with tortilla chips, sweet barbecue sauce, queso cheese, grated cheddar cheese and green onions.

• Quesadilla with smoked chicken breast, pork or brisket, cheddar cheese, bourbon barbecue, flour tortilla, sour cream, pico de gallo and avocado

• Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip with smoked cheddar, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles and tortilla chips

Entree (choose one):

• Barbecue Platter with choice of two meats (no duplicates) - pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, quarter chicken, 3 baby back ribs, grilled shrimp or smoked sausage served with sweet jalapeno cornbread and two sides

• Southern Cornbread Salad with sweet jalapeno cornbread, mixed greens, pulled pork, bacon bits, smoked cheddar, red onion, tomato, corn, scallions and barbecue ranch

• Veggie Platter with choice of four sides, served with jalapeno cornbread

Dessert (choose one):

• Banana Pudding with vanilla wafer, banana and sweet custard

• Bourbon Chocolate Bread Pudding with a warm bourbon caramel sauce

Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St

Starter:

• Tuna Ceviche with passion fruit and citrus ceviche broth, fruit salsa, friend quinoa, peanut sal prieta and green plantains

Entree:

• Chicken Tinga Tacos, two tacos per order with refried beans, yogurt sofrito, cotija cheese, pickled white onion and cilantro

Dessert:

• Tres Leches with ecuadorian corn cake soaked in three milks, peach compote and shaved chocolate abuelita

Palmers, 161 Lexington Green Circle

Starters (choose one):

• Truffled Sidewinder Fries with Parmesan, smoked ketchup and bearnaise

• Fried Green Tomato Caprese with pesto, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella

• House Salad with mixed greens, kalamata olives, cucumber, tomato, shaved Parmesan and feta vinaigrette

Entree (choose one):

• Champagne Chicken with whipped potatoes, seasoned vegetables, sauteed spinach, mozzarella and champagne mushroom cream

• Shrimp & Grits with smoked Gouda grits, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, tomato and creole cream sauce

• Salmon Oscar with whipped potatoes, lump crab, wood grilled asparagus and sundried beurre blanc

Dessert (choose one):

• Bourbon & Salted Caramel Bread Pudding

• Key Lime Pie

School Sushi, 163 W. Short St.

Course One:

• Summer Vegetable and Wakame Sunomono with fried renkon, honey cashews and seaweed salad

Course two (choose one):

• Assorted tempura vegetables and a shrimp

• Assorted sashimi

Course three (choose one):

• Pork Katsu Curry

• Pork Belly Ramen

• Canadian Roll, a salmon and avocado roll topped with salmon, white tuna, eel sauce and spicy mayo

• Ahi Roll, a tuna roll topped with tuna, avocado, tobiko, sriracha and spicy mayo

• AAC Roll and 2 Inari, asparagus, avocado, cucumber roll and two pieces of seasoned deep-fried tofu pouches

Maker’s Mark Cocktail (not included in price of special):

• Old School Fashioned with Maker’s Mark, orange, cherry, bitters and simple syrup

Lexington Restaurant Week $45 Menu

Azur Restaurant & Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Circle

Starter (choose one):

• Calamari Fries with Parmesan herb crusted, lightly fried. Served with a bourbon smoked-hot honey glaze and marinara for dipping

• Kentucky Tomatoes, sliced heirloom tomato, fried green tomato, garlic-herb whipped mozzarella, pickled red onion, roasted corn relish and a jalapeno-basil vinaigrette

Entree (choose one):

• AZUR Picatta, marinated chicken breast that is pounded thin, sauteed with herbed bread crumbs and topped with mozzarella cheese. Served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach, heirloom cherry tomatoes and a lemon-caper picatta sauce

• Smoked Mozzarella Gnocchi with sauteed shallots, garlic, roasted red peppers, fresh broccoli and mushrooms in a smoked mozzarella cream sauce. Tossed with Lexington Pasta gnocchi

• Seafood Risotto with shrimp and salmon and seared scallop. Served over smoked mozzarella risotto with sweet peas, fresh tomato, sweet corn, mushrooms and broccoli topped with balsamic glaze

Dessert (choose one):

• Grande Marnier Creme Brulee with torched sugar crust and fresh strawberries

• Espresso Toffee Chocolate Torte with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce

Blue Heron Steakhouse, 185 Jefferson St.

Entree:

• Creekstone Farms Charbroiled 10-ounce NY Strip Steak. Cooked based on request, served with thick-cut steak fries and choice of side: sauteed spinach, roasted broccoli, steamed broccoli, broccoli with butter, creamed spinach, roasted asparagus, side salad with tomatoes, radishes, carrots & sunflower seeds, sauteed mushrooms or suateed onions

Dessert:

• Luscious New York Style Cheesecake

Castle Farm at The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike in Versailles

Starter:

• SummerSquash Salad with roasted corn, hazelnuts, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, purple onions and citrus honey

Entree:

• Fried Chicken with buttermilk rind fried hot chicken, corn tomato relish, cabbage, slaw and fried leeks

Dessert:

• Berry Cobbler with seasonal berries, scone crumble and madagascar vanilla ice cream

Coles 735 Main, 735 E. Main St.

Starters (choose one):

• Lobster Bisque with sherry creme fraiche and chives

• Warm Brussels and House Bacon, shaved brussel sprouts with carrots, red onion, and Napa cabbage finished with gorgonzola, balsamic drizzle, toasted hazelnuts and pumpkin seed oil

• Summer Tomato Salad with red onion, arugula, marinated kalamata olives, feta cheese, herb vinaigrette and balsamic drizzle

• Bread service, $4 per table

Entree (choose one):

• Beef Shoulder Tender with roasted redskin potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion and heirloom tomato chimi churri

• Blackened Mahi Mahi, pan seared, basmati rice, caramelized pineapple broth, sauteed broccolini and grilled pineapple salsa

• Gerber Farmers Chicken Breast with garlic whipped potatoes, sauteed haricots vert and Marsala mushroom cream

Dessert:

• Assorted Sweet Bites, chef’s choice of assorted bites

Dudley’s on Short, 259 W. Short St.

Starter (choose one):

• Strawberry Gazpacho with basil oil and brioche crouton

• Baby Wedge with sweet corn, heirloom tomato, cotija, ancho powder and salsa verde

Entree (choose one):

• Manhattan Filet with garlic Parmesan fingerlings, barbecue carrots and hickory sauce

• Seared Mahi with baby bok choy, dashi, chili crisp and pickled radish

• Churrasco Mushroom with ensalada criolla and chimichurri

Dessert (choose one):

• Pavlova with kiwi, cherry, mango and lime curd

• Cream Horn, puff pastry with mint cream and dark chocolate dipped

Epping’s on Eastside, 264 Walton Ave.

Course one (choose one):

• Mixed Greens Fattoush Salad with local greens, cherry tomatoes, cured cucumber, shallot, mint, sumac, crispy pita and lemon & olive oil vinaigrette

• Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with crispy serrano ham, toasted almond and fresh basil

Course two (choose one):

• Spicy Korean Cucumbers with sesame gochujang dressing, shallot, scallion, crispy garlic and micro cilantro

• Vegetable Spring Rolls with Bibb lettuce, fresh basil and tamarind sweet & sour

• Chicken Satay marinated & seared Gerber Farms chicken skewers, cucumber salad, peanut sauce, pickled chilis, cilantro and crushed cashew

• Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Compart Farms Duroc pork, house chili rub, red chili honey, smoked pineapple salsa and petite cilantro

Course three (choose one):

• House Made Gnocchi with asparagus, sundried tomato, brown butter and lemon, pecorino and herbed bread crumb

• Heirloom Barbecue Carrots, smoked & grilled, pinot noir barbeque, lima creme, cashew, cotija cheese and cilantro

• Pork Cheek Pozole with braised Berkshire pork, hickory king hominy, red chili broth, radish, onion, cilantro and lime

• Meatballs with arrabiata, pistachio pesto, pecorino and grilled sourdough

Course four:

• Nightly Selection of Housemade Delights

Granddam, 941 Manchester St.

Starter:

• Cajun Deviled Egg, two eggs with grilled Cajun shrimp, tasso ham and egg filling

Entree:

• Smoked Pork Hornado with house achiote barbecue rub, corn miso cream, queso fresco sauce, sugar snap peas and corn succotash

Dessert:

• Pecans & Coconut Cake, a gluten free pecan cake with caramel buttercream, tree nut creme anglaise and pecan brittle

Holly Hill Inn, 426 N. Winter St. in Midway

Starter (choose one):

• Stuffed Zucchini Blossom Fritters with Ouita’s basil patch pesto

• Individual Tomato Pie with a buttery pastry crust, aged cheddar cheese, roasted garlic aioli, herbed bread crumbs and fried basil

• Chilled Squash Bisque with chicken stock, roasted sun gold tomatoes, lemon, yogurt, dill and sumac

Entree (choose one):

• Bouillabaisse of Mussels, Clams, Shrimp and Cod with braised fennel, happy jack’s new potatoes and roasted pepper rouille

• Berry Beef Sirloin, marinated, grilled and carved over a sourdough rusk, peperonata and salmorigilo made with our garden oregano

• Risotto with local and wild mushrooms, mascarpone, charred corn, white wine and tarragon

Dessert (choose one):

• Trio of House made Stepping Stone Sorbettos, choice of raspberry, blackberry and peach

• Fallen Chocolate Souffle filled with chantilly cream and topped with fresh berries

ItalX, 160 W. Main St.

Starter (choose one):

• Caesar with lettuce, focaccia croutons, white anchovies and reggiano

• Caprese with burrata, heirloom cherry tomatoes, arugula, basil, olive oil and balsamic

• Gazpacho with chilled green tomato, cucumber giardiniera, Parmesan croutons and ricotta

Entree (choose one):

• Cacio e Pepe with garganelli, toasted black pepper, butter, pecorino and reggiano

• Chicken Piccata with pan roasted chicken breasts, capers, artichoke hearts, lemon butter sauce and pappardelle

• Eggplant Parmesan

Dessert (choose one):

• Tiramisu al Marsala with espresso soaked housemade lady fingers and carmel

• Budino di Choccolato with chocolate custard, chocolate rocks, shavings and raspberry coulis

• Vanilla Bean Gelato with macerated seasonal fruit

Le Deauville, 199 N. Limestone

Starter (choose one):

• Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil and vinaigrette

• Shrimp and Avocado Salad with pan-seared shrimp, avocado, fresh grapefruit, mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette

• Farm Pork Pate with moutarde de Dijon and fresh pickles

Entree (choose one):

• Seared Salmon with sorrel sauce and seasonal vegetables

• Chicken Basquaise with slow roasted chicken, peppers, tomatoes and shallots in a pepper sauce

• Fresh Pasta, ask the server for special pasta of the day

Dessert (choose one):

• Creme Brulee with french vanilla custard

• Mousse au Chocolat with chocolate mousse

• Tarte au Fruits, a fresh fruit tart

Lockbox, 167 W. Main St.

Starter:

• Smashed Cucumber Salad with white shoyu, benne sunflower crunch and chili oil

Entree (choose one):

• Cornmeal Dusted Trout with dilly beans, sea island peas, half runners, charred onion and buttermilk dressing

• Roasted Pork Loin with guinea flint grits, tomatoes conserve and okra corn

Dessert:

• Blue Corn Cake with peach, molasses buttercream and basil

Malone’s, 3347 Tates Creek Rd., 3735 Palomar Centre Dr., 1920 Pleasant Ridge Dr.

Select one item from three of four courses

Starter (choose one):

• Pasta e Fagioli cooked with chicken broth, cannellini beans, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, ditalini pasta and Tuscan kale

• Vegetable Crab Roll with crab, cucumber, carrot, avocado, red leaf lettuce, seaweed, sushi rice and sesame seeds

• Sticky Thai Shrimp with crispy rock shrimp a Thai-chili honey glaze and cucumber ponzu salad

Salad (choose one):

• Lexingtonian Salad with mixed green bacon, tomato and creamy herb dressing

• Caesar salad with chopped romaine hearts, Parmesan, croutons and Caesar dressing

Entree (choose one):

• Blackened Atlantic Salmon with Cajun spices, dirty rice and a lemon butter sauce. Gluten free.

• Surf and Turf with a 4.5-ounce filet medallion, butter-poached shrimp skewer, lemon butter and a choice of side

• Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, crispy-fried chicken breast, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, sesame seed bun and a side of choice

Dessert (choose one):

• Strawberry Shortstack with a warm coffee cake, creme anglaise, fresh strawberries in strawberry amaretto coulis and vanilla whipped cream

• Tollhouse Cookie, a single portion cookie with chocolate drizzle, sea salt, caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream

Merrick Inn, 1074 Merrick Dr.

Starter (choose one):

• House Salad with iceberg lettuce, romaine and spring mix, tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion and croutons

• Iceberg Wedge with bleu cheese crumbles, applewood bacon topped with our famous bleu cheese dressing

Entree (choose one):

• Oscar Filet Medallions, 4-ounce filet medallions, seared and topped with succulent lump crab, fresh asparagus and Bearnaise sauce. Side of choice.

• Chili Lime Halibut, glazed with agave and finished with smoked chili citrus butter, served with pineapple salsa. Side of choice.

Dessert (choose one):

• Bread pudding of the day

• Strawberry Shortcake, topped with strawberries and fresh whipped cream

OBC Kitchen, 3373 Tates Creek Rd.

Starter (choose one):

• Summertime Caprese Side Salad with heirloom cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, sherry vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. Gluten free.

• Hot Baked Pimento Cheese and Bacon Dip, a single portion dish with seasoned cheese and bacon dip served with crisp butter-toasted sourdough

• Octopus Carpaccio, thinly shaved octopus with ceviche aioli, frisee and arugula salad and grilled lemon vinaigrette

Entree (choose one):

• Chicken Couscous Salad with marinated grilled chicken, Mediterranean couscous, peppery arugula, fresh herbs, English cucumbers, sundried tomatoes, shallots, creamy goat cheese and honey balsamic vinaigrette

• Shrimp and Grits with smoked shrimp, andouille sausage, applewood smoked bacon, cheese grits and creole sauce.

• Scallop Benedict, seared scallops, country ham, Cajun hollandaise, foie gras, sourdough crostini, pickled red onion and frisee salad

Dessert (choose one):

• Warm Buttermilk Doughnuts, a single portion doughnutwith cinnamon sugar and chocolate ganache

• Chocolate Chess Pie, a decadent Southern classic

The Rackhouse Tavern, 1375 S. Broadway

Starter (choose one):

• Heirloom Tomato Salad with heirloom tomatoes, buttermilk ranch, pickled red onion and dill

• Butter Lemon Salad with butter lettuce, champagne pink peppercorn vinaigrette, radish and sourdough crumbs

Entree (choose one):

• Grilled Salmon with bourbon glaze and succotash

• Roasted Chicken with asparagus, chile-basil vinaigrette and potatoes

Dessert (choose one):

• Bourbon Cheesecake

• Grandma’s Chocolate Cake

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