City Dozen: Michael Paley's Louisville
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Credit: Peter Dedina/Flickr
Chef Michael Paley moved to Louisville from Palm Beach, Florida, in 2005. He runs the show at Proof on Main, an art-filled, Italian-Southern restaurant that's been at the vanguard of Louisville's revitalization over the last decade into a vibrant, exciting city where the historic brushes right up against the cutting-edge. This is his Louisville Dozen.
Nord's BakeryNord's is an old-school, family owned bakery that's been in the neighborhood for over 65 years. Their donuts are hands down some of the best I've ever had. The Maple Bacon and apple fritters are legendary everywhere around town.
Sunergos CoffeeSunergos is conveniently located next to Nord's Bakery (and my house). It's a Sunday morning tradition in my family to make a run to Nord's and Sunergos before sitting down with the Sunday paper. (We also serve their espresso at my restaurant.)
Blue Dog Bakery and CaféIf everyone in Louisville doesn't know this spot, they should. Blue Dog is one of the best artisan bread bakers in the country, and it's the first place I recommend to any guests coming into town. They have a rare Llopis brick oven from Spain, which gives the bread a moister crumb and a crisper and more golden brown crust – you can count on one hand the number of bakeries in the U.S. that have these.
Bourbon Barrel FoodsAs a chef, two of the things I have always looked to do are reinvent the classics, and see the importance of utilizing all the things around me that I can. Matt Jamie of Bourbon Barrel Foods did both and came up with something genius: soy sauce aged and fermented in used bourbon barrels, made right here in Louisville.
Mayan CafeChef Bruce Ucán has a great thing going here: authentic, expertly prepared food, utilizing locally sourced products that speaks to the foods of his childhood on the Yucatan peninsula. The lima beans in particular are spectacular.
Creation GardensWe've been working with Creation Gardens since we opened Proof on Main five years ago. They source great produce, cheeses, and dry goods and are always ahead of the curve on what chefs are looking for. They also have a great cult following for their small retail market, where you can get virtually anything from their catalog for home use.
NachbarLocated in Germantown, one of Louisville's coolest and most diverse neighborhoods, this is simply my favorite dive bar in Louisville. There are a lot of hidden gem restaurants, taverns, and bakeries in the neighborhood – it's worth wandering around.
Louisville Beer StoreThis is like a wine shop for beer… with open taps! They have an unbelievable selection of beers from around the world.
Havana RumbaThis has always been one of my go to restaurants in Louisville, with great Cuban food and drinks in a fun and kid friendly environment.
Perfetto PizzaPerfetto is the pizzeria I have been waiting for in Louisville. It reminds me of the pie I ate growing up outside New York City, something I've truly missed since moving away. Owned and operated by a couple from Wisconsin, their pies are a Sunday night ritual in my house.
HammerheadsThis is a great new spot on the border of the Germantown and Smoketown neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown. It's a pork-friendly late night spot with awesome munchies prepared in very serious ways.
Bardstown Road Farmers' MarketThis market is just the greatest community farmers market in Louisville, and a wonderful Saturday morning tradition for the Highlands. Great vendors: meats, cheeses, veggies, flowers, herbs, jarred items. Also music, hot food and coffee… an ideal place to start the weekend.
Interactive Map: Michael Paley's Louisville Dozen
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Where's 610 or Seviche? Both those restaurants are leading the way! How about classics like Jack Fry's, Lillys or equus