Old Train Depot - Wallace Station

Food

Like many places in the South, Lexington has had its food specialties influenced through the years by what the land has to offer. Buying local produce is a consistent theme that runs through many menus you’ll find in the area — and the quality and freshness are evident.

Out Back at Wallace Station

Wallace Station is no ordinary deli. Guy Fieri already discovered this gastronomical heaven, but I’m more than happy to be a step behind in reporting to you  — if you’re in the Lexington area, make it a point to go.

The setting is an old train depot that has large deck out back where the scent of tree blossoms and fresh cut grass blend with the savory wonderfulness floating out the back door of the kitchen. Delightful. And then there’s the food: a choice of sandwiches, soups and burgers derived from creative combinations of locally grown ingredients.

Don’t forget to check out the specials chalk board just to the left as you enter the deli – I didn’t notice it until after my meal (not to say my Inside Out Hot Brown on homemade wheat bread was anything short of mouth-watering). Taste is magnified when the produce comes from a few farms down the road. This type of eating experience will wake up your taste buds and propel them into a new world of flavors. Sandwiches range from $3.95 to $8.95 and include sides.

Shaker Village is a whole topic unto itself (I dedicated a whole blog post to it), but as for food — a garden side supper should be on the docket if you make it out there.

Shaker Lemon Pie!

The food is quintessentially Kentuckian and comprised of locally farm fresh goods – dinner was fried chicken seated on top of a ham steak with family style servings of greens, corn pudding and some of the best coleslaw I’ve ever tasted.

Though, in my estimation, the very best thing about my meal was the Shaker lemon pie!  True to the Shaker philosophy no part of the lemon goes to waste when making this pie and — ooooheeee, I was told you either hate or love it, and love it I did. Dinner entrees range from $14.95 – $18.95 and are seasonal.

Fancy with a country view:  high-end food and a good wine selection is what Jean Farris Winery has on offer. The atmosphere is artsy with old world dark wood interior and views of rolling farmland in every direction. This is a couples or grownups only environment, where you linger over the meal enjoying the well-thought-out nuances of each bite.

The winery offers a solid selection, and out of all the wines I tried, I’d recommend the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (please note, I’m not a wine expert – I’m going on my own preference for a hearty multi-layered wine). My only regret is ordering the duck, and I believe that’s mostly due to my bad duck karma. I’ve never had a successful entrée where duck was the leading cast member. This time my dalliance with duck was not so good as well – literally charred on the bottom. The cheeses, charcuterie, salad, desserts and (apparently) all ten of my dinner partners’ meals were outstanding. Dinner Entrees are from $19 – $35, Charcuterie and Cheeses are 1 for $6, or 3 for $14.

Off-roading in Aruba
Off-roading in Aruba
Katie Goldstein
Katie Goldstein
Sunset at Jean Farris Winery

2 Comments On "Lexington, Kentucky - Food"
  1. Mandy|

    You’ve made me miss being there so much. This is a great start and now you must return for the summer. Growing up spending summers there my strongest memory is of food, or rather my family’s reaction to food. I have never had better white corn or tomatoes from anywhere else, ever. My mother says the first time she ever saw yellow corn in the grocery store was in CA. She says that growing up in Kentucky, the yellow corn was only for the pigs. People eat white corn.

  2. Kathy Lacey|

    Ummmm. I may just go for the lemon pie! All sounds yummy.

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