When we are traveling I try to sample the local cuisine and restaurants whenever possible. There’s something about finding one of the hidden gems the locals frequent that makes the trip more memorable. Plus, when we take the advice of locals for favorite restaurants, we have never been disappointed. Our stops in Shelbyville and Harrodsburg were no exception. Although both of these restaurants are quite different in focus, they are well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Harrodsburg, the oldest town in Kentucky, is revitalizing their main street area. Not only did we find the local theater and the arts council, we found Dedman Drugstore and Kentucky Fudge Company. This restaurant is like a page out of history. Originally established in 1865, this building still has the original cherry cabinetry and soda fountain. The cafe, now owned by Tim and Jennifer Kazimer, bakes homemade treats and lunch items daily. I settled on the Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich to be followed by the Kentucky Derby Pie. I expected a plain grilled cheese sandwich, but I was wrong! This sandwich was topped with three different cheeses, special topping and panini pressed with cheese on the outside. Served with their amazing homemade sour cream potato salad, which could have been a meal in itself, I was sad Dedman’s was not closer to my house!
No matter what you order, be sure to save room for one of their homemade desserts. The Kentucky Derby Pie was rich, chocolately and was warmed before being brought to my table. Although I was offered the chance to make it a la mode, it was delicious the way it was.
In Shelbyville, we stopped for an evening meal at the Bell House restaurant for a relaxing evening meal. Originally built in 1902, it was restored and transformed into a restaurant in 2007. I had the Traditional Meat Lasagna, featuring three cheeses, homemade marinara sauce, beef, sausage and fresh herbs, while Brittany was delighted to discover the Isle of Capri pasta, which could be served with gluten free noodles. Not only was my lasagna flavorful and overflowing with cheesy goodness, it was a large portion. I had enough to make two meals and took half of it with me in a to-go box.
All of the desserts are made from scratch by the Bell House’s talented pastry chef. I sampled the recommended coconut cream pie, while Brittany tried the gluten free Creme Brulee, topped with fresh blueberries. My pie was piled high with meringue, had a cool, creamy coconut center and a light and flaky crust. Brittany didn’t offer to share her Creme Brulee with me, but she declared it “very good.”
The Bell House is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, with a brunch each Saturday. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is cozy and romantic, with small comfortable dining rooms, making it the perfect place to enjoy a special evening out.
For more information on Shelbyville, visit their tourism department at http://www.visitshelbyky.com/. To learn more about Harrodsburg, visit http://www.harrodsburgky.com/.
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I wasn’t even hungry when I came to your blog and now my tummy is growling! That grilled cheese sounds amazing and sour cream potato salad with it? OMG, yes please! I’ll also take BOTH desserts… I would’ve stolen a bite of “Brittany’s” Creme Brulee if I were you, it looks too amazing not to try! 🙂 LOL!
I’ve never been out that way before but all of the food looks so amazing that I want to go now! 🙂 Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful dishes with us!
I miss American food so much since moving abroad! I’ve tried a lot of memorable food in my travels, but there’s nothing like food that reminds me of home! That grilled cheese and potato salad looks delicious, and I’d love to dive into a slice of that Kentucky Derby pie! Feeling a bit homesick now…
All of this food looks amazing! I love to try new foods when we travel; it really is the best part about going to new parts of the country. The lasagna and Crème Brulee look absolutely amazing.
That Kentucky Derby Pie looks absolutely amazing. I love that they warmed it before serving and probably would have gone for the a la mode myself! lol
I enjoy going to local restaurants as well. I have never been to Kentucky, looks like they have some great food though. I love the Belle House decor, looks like a great family place.
The Bell house looks like such a quaint place to eat. The food looks just as good. What an adventure it would be to eat your way around a state! I would love that lunch for sure!
The best part of traveling is experiencing the local cuisine. It’s the easiest way to learn about one’s culture. That looks like a really nice restaurant. I love the atmosphere and the food looks delicious.
Wow, I would love eating at this place! The lasagna looks so delicious and rich in cheese! And that coconut cream pie… absolutely amazing! I would probably put on a few pounds if I ate there a few times! 😉
That lasagna looks DEVINE! That cheese melted over the plate?!?!? YUMMMMMY!!!
I have never been to Kentucky before, but I would love to get there and try that delicious creme brulee! 😀