"Be there or be square" would be too obvious for something called the Louisville Geek Dinner wouldn't it? I don't care, sometimes I like the obvious. Be there or be square. I'll be there waiting to have an interesting conversation with you on the geeky topic of your choice.

WHAT: A social networking event for those who are passionate about technology.
WHEN: June 30th 2008, 6:00pm EST
WHERE: Bluegrass Brewing Company (Shelbyville Rd, Louisville)
COST: FREE + Whatever you choose to spend on food.

http://www.louisvillegeekdinner.com

I attended the last Louisville Geek Dinner back in January and was almost overwhelmed by all the geekitude, in a good way. Something like 90 people were there and I had lots of interesting conversations.

WHAT: A social networking event for those who are passionate about technology.
WHEN: June 30th 2008, 6:00pm EST
WHERE: Bluegrass Brewing Company (Shelbyville Rd, Louisville)
COST: FREE + Whatever you choose to spend on food.

http://www.louisvillegeekdinner.com

Though you might not know it I'm an introvert by nature so sometimes I need help breaking out of my shell at these kind of events. So won't you come and have a conversation with me? We can talk about whatever flavor of geekiness you like (photography, blogging, web geekery, social media, Flickr, Twitter, etc. etc. etc.). Hope to see you there.

Joy Perrine at Jack's Lounge certainly knows the way to my heart. She let me know that they've added a new slate of drinks to the cocktail menu for summer: refreshing infused Woodford Reserve whiskey sours. Mercy.

The infused bourbons are blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and peach. A couple years ago I had a whiskey sour made with cherry infused Woodford Reserve and it was outstanding. When I return from the left coast I foresee a trip to Jack's Lounge to sample the blackberry and strawberry whiskey sours with the quickness.

Jack's Lounge
122 Sears Avenue
Louisville, KY
897-972

I am a fan of Havana Rumba. Simple as that. I love the bright colors of the decor and the brilliant art on the walls. I love the Cuban music they play. I love that there's a place where I can get plantains and yucca. My birthday is at the end of July and as of this moment Havana Rumba is where I'm planning on having my birthday dinner. So you can believe me when I tell you I love this place. I've never had anything less than stellar food there. The service is usually exuberant and friendly and the portion sizes are "generous" just like we Americans are so fond of.

If you're a devoted carnivore you're in such good shape for a meal at Havana Rumba. From the traditional Cuban sandwich with roasted pork and ham to the famous marinated and slow roasted Lechon Asado Cuban food is a pork lovers dream. Beef and chicken are perhaps even more well represented on the Havana Rumba menu with favorites like Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, Pollo al Mojo and Fricase de Pollo (that's the yumminess in the above photo).

Vegetarians aren't left completely out in the cold.The side dishes, including the aforementioned plantains and yucca are outstanding.There is a vegetarian plate including those items, rice, black beans and a spinach empanada that is very, very tasty. There is also a grilled vegetable dish that I've not tried but I feel comfortable proclaiming it as good since everything else is.

The vegetarian spinach empanada is delicious but if you are a meat eater do yourself a favor and order the empanadas de pollo to start your meal. And then thank me later for the recommendation.

Oh, oh, oh one more thing before I forget: sweets. You absolutely cannot go wrong by ordering a batido (a Caribbean style milkshake, I suggest good old vanilla or mango), flan (oh sweet, sweet flan) or tres leches cake. That is all. Now go forth and enjoy Cuban food my friends.

Havana Rumba
4115 Oechsli Ave
Louisville, KY 40207
502-897-1959

Right around Thanksgiving I was in Whole Foods and this lady was freaking out on a poor Whole Foods employee. Apparently they were out of a couple gluten free items she and her family consumed regularly. This was a huge problem for her and she made sure the poor Whole Foods guy knew it. That was my first real exposure to gluten free issues. I felt bad for the lady and her family but I felt really bad for the guy she was yelling at. I hope that lady finds out about the Gluten Free Tasting Fair at Rainbow Blossom this Saturday.

Are you, a family member or friend one of the over 300 million people diagnosed with Celiac and related diseases?   If so, you know that while making this all-encompassing diet and lifestyle is difficult, the most challenging part can be finding tasty gluten-free foods.  To help you on the road to better health (and happier taste buds), Rainbow Blossom is holding a Gluten-free Tasting Fair at our St. Matthews location next Saturday.  Drop by and sample lots of good tasting wheat- and gluten-free fare while learning the ropes of gluten-free living! 

Saturday, June 7th, 2008 from 12 to 4 PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

I dig Burt's Bees products. They make this amazing peppermint soap that has little pieces of oatmeal in it that exfoliates your skin and makes it feel so good. OK I admit thought that I'm slightly weirded out by the fact that the company is now owned by Clorox. Clorox and all natural skin care products just don't seem to go together. You know?

In any case I'm kind of excited about the Burt's Bees seminar at Rainbow Blossom this Saturday April 12, 2008. Any event that gives me free samples from companies I already gets a check mark by "winner" in my book.

Burt's Bees Seminar
Saturday April 12, 2008
12:30PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

What do get when you mix honey, an old one-room school house and a dream? Burt's Bees, of course. From its humble beginning back in 1984, Burt's Bees has experience phenomenal growth and is now one of the largest and most well-known natural personal care manufacturers in America. Rainbow Blossom's St. Matthews Market, 3738 Lexington Rd. is pleased to host Burt's Bees for a consumer seminar on Saturday, April 12th at 12:30 PM.

Those attending the seminar will learn about new products, have a chance to sniff and try out samples, talk to a knowledgeable Burt's Bees representative about their favorite products along with taking home a goodie bag full of free samples.

Heck of a heck of a deal being offered at Equus every Tuesday during the month of April. Lucky for us April has five Tuesdays this year so you've got five chances for two people to experience a five course tasting menu for just $80 at the very highly regarded local institution.

From the press release:

The refined, classic cuisine of Equus is now offered at a simply delicious price. Every Tuesday during the month of April, two people can enjoy a five-course tasting dinner for $80, plus tax and gratuity. The menu will be created each week by Equus executive chef Josh Hillyard with the region's freshest ingredients. For reservations at Equus, call 502-897-9721.

On a personal level let me say I'm glad Equus is staying on top of their game and offering interesting events and opportunities like this. I've still not been to Corbett's though I've heard wonderful things about it but I can tell you that because of its location Corbett's would be only a few times a year dining event for me even if I could more well afford to eat there. Equus on the other town is in a prime location and is on my list of "eat here more places." Opportunities like this certainly encourage me to do just that.

Equus
122 Sears Ave
Louisville, KY

I drove past the new Heine Brothers on Shelbyville Road yesterday and saw that it was open. You know, the one that shares a building with a Papa John's, near Cafe Lou Lou. That's just not in my normal neighborhood so I suspect this is going to be the first Heine Brothers that I don't spend any time hanging out in so if you go let me know what's it like, how the atmosphere is and whether or not you can smell pizza from next door. 

Tuesday March 11, 2008 is the monthly raw potluck at Rainbow Blossom in St. Matthews. March's potluck will be extra special though. Immediately following the potluck Dr. Craig Sommers will be talking about the benefits of a raw foods diet. If you're interested in a raw food diet or even just curious about it this is a great opportunity to eat some good food and find out more information.

Raw  Potluck 6:00PM
Dr. Craig Sommers 7:15PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

Louisville transplant Alanna Fugate will be celebrating the release of her new CD "Lost A Little" next Friday night February 29, 2008 at BBC St. Matthews.

I don't know much about Alanna Fugate (this is the first I've heard of her) so I'll share info from the press release I got:

"Alanna packed her things and moved to Louisville just seven months ago. Once she arrived, she hit the ground running with over 75 shows and an exciting new album entitled to share entitled Lost A Little.

Originally from Ewing Virginia, Alanna isn't so new to Kentucky, having spent a number of years in Richmond cultivating a large following, gaining fans and friends who essentially catapulted her to her new home in Louisville.  It surely didn't take her long to get acquainted with her new scene though, guests on Lost A Little include Todd Hildreth, Ray Rizzo, Jordan Ellis, Owen Reynolds, Mike Dufresne, Gareth Jones, Ben Sollee, and Mark 'lupe' Hamilton.

Many of the guests on her album, such as Ben Sollee, Todd Hildreth, and Mike Dufresne will be making stage appearances at the release of Lost A Little and will prove to be a rare setting for Alanna seeing she is primarily a solo artist."

Alanna Fugate w/ Eddy Green
Friday, February 29th
Doors open at 10PM, show starts at 10:30PM
Cost: $7

BBC (St. Matthews)
3929 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville KY 40207

I never made it to Cafe Lou Lou when it was in its old location on Frankfort Avenue. I suspect that location had a bit more charm than the present one but that sentiment is just my anti-strip mall bias coming out and should probably be ignored. It should be ignored because the new location on Sears Avenue is a perfectly nice one. It's a bit whimsical in terms of decor and atmosphere with lots of Louisiana influenced touches. And obviously the strip mall has one serious advantage over the old Frankfort Avenue location: a parking lot.

I love that we live in a town that has events like an "interactive workshop on how to grow and use organic sprouts." Naturally this event is at Rainbow Blossom (St. Matthews location) and is free.

The workshop is Thursday February 28, 2008 at 6:30PM

Rainbow Blossom
3728 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY

I knew that Meridian Cafe made a mean sandwich long before I ever stepped foot in the place. Years ago my partner discovered their East Coast Turkey sandwich, a Thanksgiving-esque combination of turkey, Granny Smith apples, cheddar cheese and cranberries. That sandwich became known as "the sandwich" in our house. Years later, when we were living in a different city, occasionally B would say "do you know what sandwich I'm craving" and I'd instantly know it was the Meridian Cafe turkey sandwich.

Four Roses Bourbon and Nanz and Kraft Florist are teaming up for a benefit event for Brightside. A $5 donation at the door gets you premium bourbon samplings from the fine folks at Four Roses Bourbon Hall and bourbon discussion with Hall of Fame Master Distiller Jim Rutledge. You also get hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to shop around Nanz and Kraft's floral playground to buy beautiful Valentine's gifts for your sweetheart.

Four Roses Flower Hour

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 6-8 p.m.
Nanz & Kraft Florist
141 Breckenridge Lane
St. Matthews

Mere weeks after the opening of the new Heine Brothers Gardiner Lane store the local coffee chain is at again. This weekend I saw a brand new "Heine Brothers Coming Soon" sign on Shelbyville Road. This one is next door to a Papa John's, in the same building in fact, quite near the shopping center that holds Cafe Lou Lou and St. Matthews Schwinn (Sears Avenue). So between Clifton and the malls soon we'll have Java Brewing Company on Frankfort Avenue, Heine Brothers on Frankfort Avenue, Starbucks on Frankfort Avenue, Heine Brothers on Chenoweth Lane, this new Heine Brothers on Shelbyville Road, Starbucks on Shelbyville Road, and Starbucks in each of the malls. That's a very well caffeinated part of the city.

If you're interested in going to an event about the benefits of buying local you're probably the kind of person who is already making a concerted effort to buy local. Never mind that detail though because this sponsored by the Louisville Independent Business Alliance is a winner.

Appearances by Congressman John Yarmuth, ear X-tacy owner John Timmons and a presentation from Stacy Mitchell, author of Big Box Swindle are highlights of this Sunday afternoon event at Rainbow Blossom that also includes a panel discussion and an audience Q&A.

If you go tell Yarmuth thanks for donating his salary for me.

Why Buy Local?
Sunday January 27, 2008
3:00PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

Don't forget, one week from today is the Louisville Geek Dinner.  Described as a "social networking event for people who love technology" it's bound to be great fun. I'm definitely going to be there so make sure to say hello.

WHAT:   A social networking event for people who love technology.
WHEN:   Thursday January 24th 2008 @ 6:00pm EST
WHERE: Fox and Hound Pub and Grille (Near Oxmoor)
COST:    FREE + Whatever you choose to spend on food.

Sign-up now/directions:
http://www.louisvillegeekdinner.com

Each Thursday the Louisville branch of Drinking Liberally convenes at the BBC on Shelbyville Road. This Thursday January 17, 2008 they'll have a special guest for the meeting, Representative Reginald Meeks. This is a great opportunity to meet one of Jefferson county's state representatives in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  

It's also a great chance to check out the newly remodeled BBC. I hear they've rearranged things in the bar, added a gargantuan tv for game watching, and tweaked some other things. In addition they've got a new menu that includes some old old favorites but also has lots of new things that definitely sound worth trying.

Drinking Liberally Louisville
Thursday January 17, 2008
BBC

3929 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 899-7070

On occasion I've been called a tree hugger so it's no real surprise that I'd be interested in an event called "Greening Your Home." However after making the leap from apartment dweller to householder this past year and seeing last month's LG&E bill I'd interested in anything that can help "create an energy efficient home" even if I hated the environment and cut down trees just for fun.

Also, events that give me free samples of local organic food? Always high on my to do list.

"Want to “go green” but just don’t know where to begin? Then stop by Rainbow Blossom’s Greening Your Home! Whether you want to start small - simple choices to create an energy efficient home, using chemical-free cleaners, making ‘greener’ food choices - or if you want to make bigger changes, we’ ll have experts from around Kentuckiana on hand to assist you. While getting practical tips to ‘green up’ your living space sample organic, local foods and other products. We’ ll also be raffling off an electric, zero emission scooter. From learning how to compost your kitchen waste to building a house made of straw, this event is a one stop resource for “greening” your home and your life!"

January 12, 2008 Noon-4PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

I'm an unapologetic geek so I'm terribly excited about the next edition of the Louisville Geek Dinner which is on January 24. Any thing described as a "social networking event for people who love technology" sounds like fun not least of all cause I bet there will be other introverts discussing really interesting, geeky things (other introverts be sure to read How To Network: For Introverts) and that's always fun.

WHAT:   A social networking event for people who love technology.
WHEN:   Thursday January 24th 2008 @ 6:00pm EST
WHERE: Fox and Hound Pub and Grille (Near Oxmoor)
COST:    FREE + Whatever you choose to spend on food.

Sign-up now/directions:
http://www.louisvillegeekdinner.com

On Saturday December 8, 2007 from 12PM-4PM local artisans and companies including The Knit Knook, Glass Dreamz, Jackson's Organic Coffee, Just Creations, Grateful Suds, SUSTAINkids and many others will be at the St. Matthews location of Rainbow Blossom with interesting, unique gifts that will make your inner tree hugger feel all warm and fuzzy. And also? There will be free chocolate for your sampling pleasure. I think you'll agree that eco-friendly gift shopping and free chocolate make for a very good afternoon.

Olmsted Parks Conversancy will be on hand to provide gift wrapping for a nominal donation. They will also be offering gift memberships at a special reduced rate - available only through Rainbow Blossom - at the Fair and throughout the holiday season.

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

Thanks Steve for the reminder.

Sometimes you come across something that is so unexpected yet not at all surprising at the same time. Rainbow Blossom having Tibetan Monks blessing holiday gifts is one of those things. 

Friday December 7, the fourth night of Hanukkah, Brigid Kaelin takes over Gerstle's. The Muckrakers are playing around 10:00, Brigid Kaelin will be sitting in and playing a few songs with them. Later her full band, The Brigid Kaelin Show, will take the stage.  I've heard that Kaelin is "bringing out all the stops ... accordions, pianos, musical saws, yodeling, and guitars." Given how fun and festive Kaelin's county Chanukah tunes are I've no doubt this event will be a very good time. If you ask sweetly I'm sure she'll even teach you how to play dreidel.

Brigid Kaelin & The Muckrackers
Saturday December 7, 2007
$5 cover

Gerstle's
3801 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40207

Our friends over at Backseat Sandbar were talking about Buy Nothing Day and I commented that I can't really support the Buy Nothing movement. Something I think we can all support though is working on your holiday gift list by buying locally from independent artisans, craftspeople and companies. Rainbow Blossom is taking that plan a step further by featuring eco-friendly gifts from independent artisans and companies at their Holiday Green Gift Fair.

On Saturday December 8, 2007 from 12PM-4PM local artisans and companies including The Knit Knook, Glass Dreamz, Jackson's Organic Coffee, Just Creations, Grateful Suds, SUSTAINkids and many others will be at the St. Matthews location of Rainbow Blossom with interesting, unique gifts that will make your inner tree hugger feel all warm and fuzzy. And also? There will be free chocolate for your sampling pleasure. I think you'll agree that eco-friendly gift shopping and free chocolate make for a very good afternoon.

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

On this the day after our meat and carbohydrate laden national feast I thought it would be nice to mention a cool regular event that offers a feast of an altogether different sort.

On the second Tuesday of every month Rainbow Blossom in St. Matthews throws a raw, vegan food potluck. Bring a raw, vegan dish and a recipe and then indulge in a delicious, healthy potluck meal. As I've mentioned I eat mostly vegetarian food but I haven't eaten a lot of raw, vegan food so I'm really curious about the variety of dishes that turn up at a raw, vegan potluck.

Second Tuesday of each month at 6PM

Rainbow Blossom
3738 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-0189

Since our friends at Backseat Sandbar mentioned Buy Nothing Day I think they'd like to see the new film produced by Morgan Spurlock that's coming to Village 8 next weekend.

According to Wikipedia What Would Jesus Do "focuses on the issues of the commercialization of Christmas, materialism, the over-consumption in American culture, globalization, and the business practices of large corporations, as well as their economic and cultural effects on American society, as seen through the prism of activist/performance artist Bill Talen, who goes by the alias of Reverend Billy," and his troupe of activists, whose street theater performances take the form of a church choir called "The Church of Stop Shopping," that sings anti-shopping and anti-corporate songs. The film follows Billy and his choir as they take a cross-country trip in the month prior to Christmas 2005, and spread their message against what they perceive as the evils of patronizing the retail outlets of several different large corporate chains."

Well ok then.

What Would Jesus by starts November 30 at Village 8

Village 8
4014 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

Trailer after the jump.

Events galore this weekend, lots of them holiday related which makes me quite happy. I know the holiday season starts earlier and earlier every year but I can't help but enjoy it.

Friday November 9, 2007
The InKY Reading Series offers up more good times with its fiction night at the Rud

The Photographic Correction: Ben Sollee is playing at 4th Street Live in the second week of the Louisville Home Grown Music Series. The Photographic will be playing next week November 16

Shops in the area of the Vogue in St. Matthews are throwing a holiday party and you're invited for shopping and refreshments

Shops in Chenoweth Square are throwing a holiday open house

Saturday November 10, 2007
Highland United Methodist Church at 1140 Cherokee Road is hosting it's annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale from 9AM-2PM. Eat baked goods, buy unique holiday gifts.

The Mid City Mall ValuMarket (a really good store for ethnic foods and vegetarian foods by the way) is having a Holiday Open House from 11AM-8PM. There will be samples throughout the store and staff will be on hand to offer help and holiday entertaining ideas

The Louisville Artisans Guild is having its annual Holiday Showcase at the American Legion Highland Post on Bardstown Road. Hours are Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm

Midnights at The Baxter Present a Jim Henson Double Feature with The Dark Crystal starting at 10PM and Labyrinth starting at Midnight.

Sunday November 11, 2007
Musicians Emergency Resource Foundation Concerts will be happening in three clubs across Louisville.

Writer's Showcase Deathmatch at Molly Malone's brought to you by Art Sanctuary, starts at 8PM

Not ones to be left out in the early holiday shopping cold shops in Chenoweth Square are throwing their own holiday open house and party this Friday November 9 from 5PM-9PM.

Participating shops include:
Tradewinds
FleurDe Lis
Parallel 38
Watermark Gallery
Bedded Bliss
Boutique Serendipity
Gryphon Interiors
St. Matthews Wine Co.
The Spice Merchant
Digs
Three Dog Bakery
The Parfumerie

Let me come out and say that I wish The Vogue was still a great movie theater and not a shopping center but we can't live in the past and a shopping center it is so let's all move on and shop. This Friday November 9 from 6PM-9PM several shops along the Vogue corridor of Lexington Road are participating in the Holiday Walk Around the Vogue event. Many shops will have special promotions and refreshments.

Participating shops include:
Colonial Designs
The Lampmaker
The Nest
You're Sew Vain
Clodhoppers
Miller's Fancy Bath & Kitchen
Poppie Design
Anabel's Oriental Rugs
Dandelion
The Peppermint Palm
House of Denim
It's A Small World/Sahara Cafe
Blink boutique
My Epiphany
Lotsa Pasta