Local LEX Spotlight: Coffee Times

As something new to add to the mix, I'm going to feature a "Spotlight" on local businesses that may not necessarily be new to me but are uniquely Lexington and I wouldn't want them to be left out simply because I've been there before.

First up is Coffee Times Coffee House off Regency Road. This month they're celebrating their 27th birthday! As a quirky place they couldn't celebrate (1) their 25th which is more normal and (2) with just balloons so why not fire dancers?

This is a welcome place for me to read and do a little homework and grab a great coffee drink (I don't really like just regular coffee but I'm assuming it's great, too). They roast all their own beans in house and have wide variety of flavors (again not a big coffee drinker but people always look happy to be buying them as well as all their loose tea). I would die to be the buyer for the gift shop 'cause it's always filled with unique items and funky gifts. Don't forget to check out their sister store, Street Scene, stocked with vintage clothing, jewelry and furniture. But beware, they don't have the same hours.

Prices range from $2-$5ish for coffee drinks. They're open 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday -Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cheapside Bar and Grill

After our trip to Lexington History Museum, we decided to have lunch close by at Cheapside. Known for its fabulous patio and rockin' nightlife, I made the mistake of making my first trip there during the day for lunch. The food was kinda 'blah' and the service a little scattered. I'll have to make a return visit and see it in full swing to get real Cheapside experience. Not a great lunch stop.

Wallace Station

I feel like this is turning into "Eat My Way Through Lexington." But that's OK...who doesn't like to eat? Last Thursday took me a little out of Lexington and into Versailles to the fantastic Wallace Station with my wonderful friend Chris. Recently featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this place offers some unique Kentucky flair. Set literally in the middle of nowhere but you'd never know it considering the line to get in is usually out the door. Make sure you either come super hungry or willing to split 'cause the sandwiches are HUGE (we didn't know and each ordered monster size sandwiches). Their desserts and sides all looked fantastic but after eating about half of the Inside Out Hot Brown there just wasn't any room to put anything else. We sat outside on the deck that opens up into a scenic field with a barn and trees. A great place to spend the afternoon.

Most sandwiches run about $7.95.

Osaka

After work tonight, Chrissy, my coworker and friend, and I decided that we needed some sushi. She decided on Osaka off Boston Road since it's a place neither of us had ever been. It's a tiny place and was sparsely populated with diners. They had a full menu which we mostly over looked 'cause we were on a sushi hunt. Pushing Chrissy to be adventurous, I did order fried squid, which I assumed was going to turn out like calamari and was straight up just tiny deep fried squid tentacles, no breading, freaked her out a little but we enjoyed it. We ordered three different sushi rolls - all FANTASTIC! We loved the Crunchy Tuna and A-roll. The check came with a big wedge of sliced pineapple, which made our expensive bill a little sweeter. A little on the higher end, but good sushi usually is.

Most of the higher end rolls ranged from $7.50 - $12.99. I couldn't really tell you what's on the rest of the menu.

Sav's West African Grill

Last night my wonderful friends, Jason, Amanda, Teresa and I had dinner at Sav's Grill. They focus on West African Cuisine and I LOVE different ethnic foods so I was really looking forward to it. In my mind, I tend to assume everything that's not American or European food is spicy like Indian food. So it wasn't quite what I expected. I went for it ordering the peanut goat...not my favorite. After I covered it in hot sauce it was more palatable. I did try the the other dishes: the mafen beef and peanut chicken over fufu (plantain flour dumplings) were both good. The most interesting thing was definitely the cooked plantains. They really offered a different flavor. And, it was such a great evening to sit on the sidewalk and eat.

Different taste but don't expect big, robust flavors.

Located on South Limestone
Entrees range from $5.25-$12.99.

Stella's Kentucky Deli

After McConnell Springs, Trevor and I made our way up the street to Stella's Kentucky Deli. Trevor picked the restaurant after looking it up on his phone and it was a fantastic choice. Great vintage looking place with a menu filled with lots of local fair. Trevor had their hot brown which aired on the lighter side and was not big and heavy. Our waiter recommended the salad special of the day which did not disappoint, local greens topped with grilled asparagus and ham, local bleu
cheese and a red wine vinaigrette...delicious! We sat by the dessert case so we couldn't leave with having a piece of their homemade pies. Friendly staff, cool building, great food...I can't wait to go back and try something else. Oh, and why don't more Lexington restaurants keep Ale8 on tap? Good job Stella's!


Prices range from about $3 - $9