Louisville Restaurant Week and a new series of Mint Julep culinary tours

Even if you miss out on Louisville Restaurant Week, Chef David Danielson will have you covered on a Mint Julep culinary tour. (Photo courtesy of Mint Julep Tours.)

Louisville’s bourbon crazy, but it’s darn near just as restaurant crazy. Here we are smack dab in the middle of Louisville Restaurant Week, if you need proof.

Through March 5, you’ll have a chance to check out a newer restaurant you haven’t tried before or revisit an old favorite – and each one will have a special three-course, prix fixe menu for a fixed price.

For example, Walker’s Exchange will offer a special $36 menu for lunch and dinner that includes two choices for all three courses. Start with smoked tomato soup or mixed greens, then enjoy shrimp and grits or chicke paillard for a main course, and finish the meal with bourbon banana pudding or Italian meringue.

If you want a more laid-back experience, check out Four Pegs, which has a $26 lunch and dinner menu with starters like pork belly burnt ends chili, smoked wings and Pop’s fried pickles; main courses such as baby back ribs and fries, a brisket sandwich and fries, and others; and a choice of cheesecake or bourbon bread pudding for dessert.

All in all, the special week of culinary exploration, which is presented by Louisville Tourism and the Kentucky Restaurant Association, features some 20 restaurants around the city, including Charr'd Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge , Fork & Barrel, LouVino, The Fat Lamb, Proof on Main and plenty more.

Meanwhile, Mint Julep Tours announced this week it will continue its Southern Supper Series, monthly three-stop culinary tours involving a variety of restaurants around town. Guests visit a trio of destinations during each tour for a course paired with a crafted cocktail — all based on a common theme. A Mint Julep representative will lead the festivities, escorting guests on their dining journey and sharing local insight while they travel from neighborhood to neighborhood. 

The first in the series is titled “All-Star Chefs of Bourbon City,” with the first tour happening March 12. This tour features fare by Dallas McGarity at ALEX&NDER, David Danielson at Old Stone Inn and Edward Lee at MilkWood. This tour also has dates on April 16, June 18, Sept. 3 and Oct. 15.

Mint Julep tours can be booked online.

Four Pegs smoked wings aren’t a bad choice for a starter to your three-course barbecue dinner. (Photo courtesy of Four Pegs Beer Lounge.)