Hey Louisvillians, Katie, Jeff + Mandey here. Between the three of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with LOUtoday readers in your inboxes and on our socials.
Since we recently added someone new to the team, we thought we should formally introduce (and re-introduce) ourselves. Consider this us going in for a fist bump, then switching to a handshake, then settling on a hug.
Meet City Editor Katie
Q: Describe your perfect day in Louisville, in the length of a Tweet.
A: Oat milk latte at Please & Thank You, hike at Bernheim Forest, post-hike beer at Against the Grain, dinner at bar Vetti, and a nightcap at High Horse Bar.
Q: Fill in the blank: The coolest person I’ve met in Louisville is ___________.
A: I met professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley — aka Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind — at a WWE event downtown in 2018. I also climbed into the wrestling ring that night, but that’s a story for a different time.
Q: What were the last 3 things you did downtown?
A: I went to a bourbon tasting at the Frazier History Museum, tried out the new coffee shop Barista Parlor, and saw a play at the Kentucky Center.
Q: If you were taking someone on a tour around Derby City, where are the three places you’re going?
A: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Big Al’s Beeritaville, and Angel’s Envy.
Q: In your opinion, what is LOU’s unofficial mascot?
A: Spike the tortoise or Ethan Almighty
Q: Other than yourself, who would you consider to be the local expert about Louisville?
A: David Dominè — he’s behind the Old Louisville ghost and historical tours and has written several books about the area.
Meet City Editor Jeff
Q: Describe your perfect day in Louisville, in the length of a Tweet.
A: A black coffee + vegan blondie at Full Stop, a walk with my dogs around Cherokee Park, a pre-game beer at West 6th NuLu, a Louisville City FC game at Lynn Family Stadium, and a post-game bite and drink at Hauck’s Corner.
Q: Fill in the blank: The coolest person I’ve met in Louisville is ___________.
A: Muhammad Ali — well, I didn’t exactly meet him, but it’s still a cool story. He and his family ate at the restaurant where I worked as a busboy when I was a teenager. Every single table was full that night, and when he and his family walked in the door the entire place stood up and gave him a standing ovation. It was surreal.
Q: #BeTheBroker: What building in LOU do you want to see revitalized + what would you do with it?
A: The Landmark Building at 3rd and Liberty Streets downtown. The exterior is towering with character and the giant clock is a potential landmark. Given its location, a boutique hotel with a first-floor restaurant seems in order.
Q: You’re taking someone on a date in LOU. Where are you going?
A: We’re stopping at Jay’s Burgers food truck for some grub, then heading to the Iroquois Park overlook for a picnic.
Q: In your opinion, what is LOU’s unofficial mascot?
A: Is Jack Harlow too obvious an answer?
Q: Other than yourself, who would you consider to be the local expert about Louisville?
A: Tom Owen. He’s a historian at the University of Louisville, and for several years he conducted walking tours of Derby City neighborhoods, some of which you can find on YouTube.
Meet Sales Representative Mandey
Q: Describe your perfect day in LOU in the length of a Tweet.
A: Breakfast at First Watch before heading to Churchill Downs on a beautiful, sunny day. After winning lots of money, head to Jeff Ruby or the River House patio to celebrate.
Q: You can only choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which one is it + why?
A: My current favorite is La Bodeguita De Mima. The food is outstanding and they have the best mojitos.
Q: Fill in the blank: The coolest person I’ve met in Louisville is ___________.
A: Bob Valvano. He’s incredibly smart with a heart of gold. I had the honor of working with him for a couple years and I cherish those times.
Q: What were the last three things you did downtown?
A: Ate at Mussel & Burger Bar for my friend Carsyn’s birthday (they have yummy gluten-free buns), walked through 21C museum, and then watched some pickleball at the Baird Urban Sports Park.
Q: Hit us with your favorite piece of local trivia:
A: The song “Happy Birthday” was written by two Louisville sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill.
Q: What’s something every new Louisvillian oughta know about?
A: Subscribe to LOUtoday, obviously. Then you can keep up with all the fun things to do around town and the need-to-know information.
Q: You’re taking someone on a date in LOU. Where are you going?
A: My husband I would say Jeff Ruby. If it’s a girlfriend, we are heading to Mokara Spa.
Q: You’re ordering a drink from a local coffee shop or bar: What’s in it?
A: Mint — it’s my very favorite.
