The Lou Guru

12/28/2025

Last night, I splurged.

Our family had our annual holiday dinner, this year at , and I went with the Australian Wagyu Ribeye Cap from Margaret River Farms.

I'm typically a NY strip guy but it was a special night and I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket so, what the hell.

It was noticeably different, buttery, flavorful and rich. Like a meat bomb going off in my mouth, but to me, a little goes a long way. Like having a great piece of pie that's just too rich. Maybe my palate is too simple. Don't get me wrong, I certainly enjoyed it but I'm not sure I'd go that route again.

Cheers to great meals, family and cherished time together.

12/24/2025

Woke up yesterday looking for a religious burger experience.

After getting in an extended workout in preparation for the calories I knew I was going to consume, I packed up my appetite and headed to the now famous, on Shelby Street.

We got there soon after opening, floors still wet from a fresh swabbing of the deck and it didn't take long for the seats to fill up. There was really no choice on what we'd be going with, a single for my son ($11), a double for Dad ($15), some spectacularly season fries to share ($3.50) and a cold beer for good measure.

These burgers came with a lot of hype as the best smash burgers in town and I'm here to tell you now that the hype is real. Crispy, meaty, juicy, melt in your mouth burgers.

12/14/2025

Off the beaten path, just six minutes from the corner of I-64 and Versailles Rd is a tiny little spot called The Stave 

This roadside watering hole sits cozily inside what appears to be old garage that started as something small and grew to something more. Walk in and you'll find a lively young staff, in an open kitchen concept of what can only be called a bourbon trail version of The Bear. 

On this night it was cooold but nary a seat was free as a mix of locals and travelers filled the room. 

I started with their signature old fashioned which candidly was a bit of a letdown given their obvious focus on brown water clientele. Somewhat bland, no bite and over iced. But we all have our off nights so no harm no foul there. 

For entrees, I was recommended to go with a fan favorite. Seared catfish over Weisenberger Mill cheese grits with creole sauce and braised greens. Overall, it was pretty well executed but at $30 it didn't carry the wow factor I was looking for with the catfish a bit rubbery and the grits stiff. 

My young Guru accomplice choose The Stave Smashburger. He was a fan of the crispy ground beef patty accompanied with gooey American cheese on a brioche bun. Was it $18 good? I'm not sure. 

Overall, cool spot, extensive bourbon list, and decent food. Something tells me it's a whole different vibe when its warm and they can open the porch and large back deck by the creek. One bonus, to my surprise, they do take reservations.

If you've been and had a different experience, I'd love to hear about it. Something tells me they do very well.

12/13/2025

Food binds hearts.

12/11/2025

Check it out.

On the tenth day, our Five-Star Reviewer, Todd, gave Beyondish: Salmon Patties from Shelbyville, Kentucky 🍞

Read all the details at BEYONDISH.COM about a dish that brings on nostalgia

Written by

12/07/2025

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Plate Debate, where me and The Lou Guru dive into one of Louisville’s most argued food topics: Who serves the BEST steak in the city?�We break down the cuts, the vibes, the seasoning, and the spots you absolutely can't miss.
Did we get it right or did we leave off a legend?�Drop your favorite Louisville steakhouse in the comments and let the debate begin.

12/07/2025

So...you guys agree...this list is perfect. Yes?

12/06/2025

Looking for a way to spread some Christmas cheer? Go to registertoring.com and sign up for Christmas Kettles.

For 17 years our family has made this a holiday tradition. We love cranking up the Christmas tunes, handing out candy canes and dancing around to stay warm.

It's tbe perfect way to give a hand up to those that need us most

12/06/2025

About 10 minutes off Interstate 64 sits a little taste of nostalgia called Carriss's Grocery. Where the customers greet each other with a hardy "what cha' know good" and your meal is served under a tin roof, on weathered hardwood floors, next to a wall of old bolts of various sizes.

Order at the counter on a little sheet of paper, go back and make yourself a sweet tea next to the cooler full of ice and grab a seat by the kitchen. Just pay on your way out..."we trust ya."

While you can always get an old school griddled cheeseburger, the specials change daily. On this trip I went with the hand made salmon patties...just like mom used to make for us as kids before before her and dad went out on a Friday night. For sides, broccoli and cauliflower salad and a warm cup of cowboy beans.

Little places like this used to line the roads of small Kentucky towns but sadly, almost all of them have gone by the wayside. So any time I'm near one you best believe I'm stopping by...and I may even take a slice of fruit cake with me for the ride home.

God bless the people that keep places like this alive. Just be sure to tell em the Guru sent ya.

12/04/2025

If you haven't had the tomato bisque from , you're doing it wrong.

Big fan of their pick 2 lunch combo (1/2 salad, soup or 1/2 panini) for $16.

This puff pastry pot of piping perfection is exactly the warmth you need to fill these cold days. And the accompanying roasted turkey, provolone, bacon and veggies with pesto aioli (with chips) ain't half bad either.

Go grab a apot at the bar and treat yo self like I did.

12/04/2025

I love when I'm wrong...for all the right reasons.

The beauty of our great local restaurant scene is that they're accessible, personal and real. And in the off chance that you run into an issue, there's an opportunity to connect, learn and grow.

Months ago we visited and while almost everything hit, the $31 pork chop was off. It lacked flavor and was dry. But here's where we learn. The team at Lou Lou reached out directly to understand, listen, share their concern and offer to make it right. No judgment, no argument, no uncomfortable dialog...just caring and courtesy.

Tonight, when I saw the beef tip ravioli in a demi cream I knew it was time to go back and I'm so glad I did. Our meal, including the ravioli, baked oysters and a stunning blue cheese short rib rotini, were all 100% spot on. Along with a perfectly prepared K**b Creek Rye Old Fashioned.

And come to find out, the pork chop didn't work and was taken off the menu.

Kudos to the entire Lou Lou Middletown team. You guys get it and it shows. Cheers.

12/01/2025

Back on my sandwich grind. This time in Jtown at .

This locally owned spot opened about a year and a half ago and boasts homemade boar's head sandwiches, soups and sides.

For $12 bucks, I rocked this club stacked with freshly sliced meats, cheese and produce along with an amazing cup of jalapeno potato soup.

Quaint, quality, delicious.