Lexington, KY - Horse Capital of the World

BLUEGRASS FLAVORS AND FEEL:

There are so many cool things happening at Natasha's Balagula on Esplanade, the Palace of Cool, where the beatnik movement never died but just evolved and updated itself. Nothing is missing but the bongos.

http://www.beetnik.com/

Their latest culinary innovation is the weekend Farmer's Market Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-2. As the fall approaches, this is the perfect time to dine there al fresco on a street where sidewalk service makes sense: there is crisp air, fine light and very little carbon monoxide on this street that largely serves pedestrians.

Diana makes the best Bloody Marys ever. I don't know her secret, only that sriracha and horseradish play a role. Sample for yourself, and make sure to order the light, fluffy quiche, packed with seasonal vegetables and starring an excellent flaky crust, to go with it. Thank  you, Chef Saxon. It's served with green salad whose dressing is zesty and bright, as well as a hill of great fresh fruit.

If you go the more traditional and maybe more sensible route, you can't fail with the flax, blueberry and buckwheat pancakes. Cover them with sorghum, maple syrup, or both, and a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee.

Read the next post for Natasha's more offbeat, and more time-sensitive, event that NO ONE else in town is doing!