Lynn’s Paradise Cafe closed its doors in 2014, after 22 years in business. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Earlier this month, we asked: Which Louisville restaurant do you miss the most?
Piece of cake, right? LOUtoday readers sent us food for thought — let’s stroll down memory lane, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.
Lynn’s Paradise Cafe IYKYK. Yes, reader Marbara S., we know.
This Barret Avenue spot was a staple for over two decades before it closed in 2014. While the eats here were good enough to be featured on the Food Network in 2006, LOUtoday readers remember it almost as much for its iconic style.
Reader Marlene S. said, “Great food, eclectic decor, fantastic service! Best buckwheat pancakes I ever had. Biscuits and gravy were phenomenal.”
Eclectic? Reader Mindy H. had another word in mind: “The food was great, the atmosphere was kitschy.”
Decca This NuLu spot “had delicious food,” according to reader Janet F., who also remembered, “There was lots of outdoor seating with heaters for cooler weather.” Sounds like it would’ve been a shoe-in for our outdoor dining guide.
Casa Grisanti From 1959 to 1991, Casa Grisanti brought European continental fine dining to Louisville, and it also spawned a slew of other Louisville restaurants.
Reader Diane K. remembered, “A range of choices from elegant to casual but always wonderful food.” Meanwhile, reader J. Scott-Berger was craving the bread with marinara sauce at spin-off spot Mamma Grisanti — and same.
Allo Spiedo Reader Leah C. had fond recollections of, “Delicious Italian (food) in a nice, quaint spot on Frankfort Ave.” It closed in 2004, and is now home to a Heine Brothers Coffee.
Olmsted Parks Beer Garden | Friday, Oct. 11 | 5-8 p.m. | Bingham Park | Free | Wind down after a long week with a frosty brew from West Sixth Brewing and snacks from local food trucks.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Tai Chi | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Crescent Hill Branch Library | Free | Learn the basics in this introductory class on the Yang Style of this ancient Chinese martial art.
Steins on Main | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 2-7 p.m. | RePurposed | Free | This second annual Oktoberfest celebration is returning to Downtown Louisville, featuring German-inspired cuisine, games, contests, music, and an expanded lineup of local breweries.*
Ouija and Other Ways To Talk To The Dead | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Witches Brew Coffee | $30+ | Experience a spiritual seance, as it would have happened in the 1800s, from magician and fortuneteller Jared Howell.
Sunday, Oct. 13
LOU502 Tequila Fest | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 3-7 p.m. | Mellwood Art Center | $30+ | Sip tequilas, from blanco to anjeo + big brands to small labels, dance the salsa, and try food vendors at this second annual event.
Here’s your sign to plan a getaway to Destin, FL. | Photo provided by Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Did someone say fall getaway? Oh, that’s right — we did.
As cooler weather sets in, it’s time to think about a vacation to warmer destinations. Luckily for Louisvillians, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) has expanded nonstop options starting this month, including:
Bonus: LOUtoday readers have a chance to win two round-trip airline tickets out of SDF to their choice of nonstop destination from a list provided by the airport.
The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon returns to Louisville’s streets tomorrow. Street closures for the race begin at 5 a.m. and will last until 1:30 p.m. Get up to speed on how traffic could affect your Saturday plans.
Cause
Tomorrow, Louisville City FC will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Lynn Family Stadium, and they’re sending their opponents home with help. As Hurricane Milton impacts the Tampa Bay area, LouCity will match up to $10,000 in donations — if you donate $100 or more you could win a signed jersey.
Outdoors
George Rogers Clark Park has added two new pickleball courts. The $180,000 addition is near the Audubon neighborhood park’s other amenities, like a lodge, tennis courts, a sprayground, and more.
Development
A notable water tower in the Germantown + Shelby Park area is set for demolition. Located on top of a building on Kentucky Street, behind Logan Street Market, the building’s new ownership is bringing the tower down due to structural issues. A timeline is TBD.
Award
This year’s Bourbon & Beyond was one for the record books, and now it’s getting some national recognition. The International Entertainment Buyers Association named Bourbon & Beyond its 2024 Festival of the Year.
Sports
Cards football hits the road tomorrow to Charlotesville, VA, where they’ll pay a visit to Virginia Cavaliers at 3:30 p.m. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Award
Psst… Voting is underway for Louisville Tourism’s annual Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards, held now through Friday, Oct. 18 at midnight. Take a look at the award categories before this year’s winners are announced at the gala on Thursday, Nov. 20.*
Nonstop flights out of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) are calling your name. Luckily for Louisvillians, SDF has expanded nonstop options starting this month to sunny destinations like Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX). Plan your vacation.*
Home
Whether you’re a contractor, designer, or do-it-yourselfer, Mees Tile & Marble can help with your latest home project — no matter your budget or style. Swing by one of their showrooms for a complimentary consultation or follow them on Instagram for design inspo from the fourth-generation natural stone + tile supplier.*
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: For a limited time, you can post your listing for free. Give it a try.
Finance
During economic times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. Here’s how they work (hint: 18 months with 0% interest, plus 2% cash back) and why experts recommend this specific card.*
After a career as a music therapist working in hospitals, Schreck is starting a new one as a funeral director. | Photo by Jeremy Kramer
Fun fact: Louisville music therapist Brian Schreck pioneered the art of heartbeat recordings, which are now used in 80+ medical centers across the US.
Now, Schreck is taking his creativity to the funeral business... you read that right.
For the last two years, Schreck has been apprenticing with Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home and will become a licensed funeral director next fall.
“I feel alive. I feel happy — like I’m supposed to be here. I’ve learned from all the sick people I’ve been with, and what I would hear over and over again is ‘do the things you want to do now and don’t wait for the time you’re supposed to do it.’” he said.
Schreck is already approaching funerals through an artistic lens, offering services like Legacy Recordings and Rhythm Reflections, an evolution of his heartbeat recordings. Legacy Recordings preserve a person’s voice, which is typically the first thing people forget after someone dies.
Half Baked Harvest’s “Super Simple Cookbook.” Get inspired by this New York Times best seller with over 125 recipes for hassle-free meals — from spinach and artichoke mac and cheese to slow roasted salmon.
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