Yesterday I didn't go to an event, I went to an experience.
Taste is the kind of event that I couldn't normally go to, either through work constraints or due to lack of immediate funds ($100 for two tickets, plus needing the Idea Fest pass), but I was the incredibly lucky winner of the two free tickets graciously presented by Yelp Louisville. I honestly didn't realize how lucky I was until I got there.
Upon arriving there were already at least a hundred people waiting for the doors to open. I was quickly whisked in ahead of almost everybody else (envious stares begin here) and got to be one of the first to try the delectable goods presented by restaurants such as Khalil's (veggie sushi and bourbon icing bacon chocolate chip cupcakes), Shalimars (long grain white rice, garbonzo beans, chicken curry), Stout Burgers and Beer (spicy sliders made with Angus and brisket beef), Farm to Fork catering (braised rabbit and cheese grits), and so many more. While enjoying all of these delectable bites I did not go thirsty. There were exquisite drinks from such venues like The Silver Dollar (4 different kinds of bourbons and whiskeys, topped off with beer), 502 Winery (Bor Dough anyone?) Copper and Kings (both sodas and brandy) and Vint (their Chai latte is to die for).
Sure, there were lots of amazing eatables, from savory to so sweet your teeth melt, but there was so much more. The people there alone were amazing. Once again I must compliment the sheer hospitality shown from my Louisville neighbors. All of the restaurant's personnel explained their unique dishes (most were not available on their regular menu, but made specially for the event) with such passion and were presented with so much finesse and creativity that you didn't even have to eat the food to experience it, you could eat it all with your eyes. The guests at this event were all polite, interactive and simply a joy to be around. I had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people, all with nothing but compliments for the art and food around them.
I also got a chance to stop by the awesome Yelp! table hosted by Emily H. (super cool chick by the way) and her squad to take a spin to match the dish to the restaurant for a prize. I won a chapstick with the Yelp logo if your interested, haha!
I also must mention Copper and Kings. How can a place be elegant, modern and oh so urban at the same time? Don't ask me, visit this place the second you get a chance to. Amazing brandy, I tried several of theirs, from unaged to some that had been aged years, and it was all wonderful. Their staff were all friendly and knowledgeable and seemed thrilled for this event. Their distillery is beautiful and compliments Butchertown's style. I am proud to have such a unique and well put together venue for events such as this that people from other states and towns can visit and really get a vibe of Louisville.
This event is really something special. I got to try so many restaurants that have been on my radar for months, meet amazing people and try out alcohols that would cost a fortune just for a pour, not to mention the cool DJs and talented live artists there for immediate entertainment. I was ecstatic to just be there in the crowd. I know that I will be saving up next year to have this wonderful experience again. Thank you Yelp Louisville, and thank you Idea Fest! read more