It was time for a good burger. Show us what ya got, Lexington.

Brittany directed us to Sidebar Grill - partially because it's the only place she told us she would permit us to eat a burger and partially because her cousin owns it. But it also came highly recommended from a bartender at what ended up being my favorite brewery in Kentucky.

I ordered the burger with all the fixins, including cheddar cheese. I also got the side of sweet potato fries. The burger was juicy and flavorful. Toppings were fresh. Sweet potato fries weren't so much fries, but rather just roasted potatoes - regardless, excellent. With a tasty sweet honey butter dipping sauce.

OK, Lexington, you got good burgers, too.

Grade: A

Azur came highly recommended in the "fine dining" category, and we wanted to hit up at least one of those while in Lexington. We had made reservations and arrived to find a not-too-busy restaurant. We asked if we could sit out on the patio. It had just rained and was drizzling a bit still, but since it was covered, we thought it wouldn't be too chilly. We were seated near the pizza oven, so that combined with the heaters provided for some warmth.



We were first served with some bread and butter - both on the cool side, so nothing super exciting here.

For an appetizer, we tried the fried green tomatoes, which came with bourbon smoked salmon, pimento cheese, peach marmalade and pickled okra. It is certainly a unique combination of ingredients, but I'm not sure it totally meshed. Each component individually was tasty, but I guess I didn't "get it" all together. But points for trying.

My main entree was the woven shrimp. That just sounds fancy, right? These three plump shrimp are covered in a tasty batter, wrapped in the filo dough and pan-fried. They're piled atop a bed of coconut and sweet corn risotto with a red chile and honey sauce garnish.

This dish is really something. I love the crunch of the filo, and the batter has a great flavor. The sweet corn risotto adds a touch of sweetness, while the honey chile glaze adds just a bit of spicy. Very well-balanced and just damn good.

The only downside was that there were people smoking outside while we were trying to eat. I know it's a patio and all, but I just wasn't expecting that. Not a fan.

Grade: B

I LOVE strawberry season, and Sickler Farm came to the rescue. They have animals, crops, flowers and are often found selling beautiful flowers right at the front of the Morgantown Farmers Market.

Recently, I picked up a pint of these little beauties. Tasty. What's your fav from Sickler Farm?

 

I gravitated toward these "buttermilk crumb cakes" from Two Cow Farm at the Morgantown Farmers Market recently. I admitted didn't totally know what I was purchasing, but I'm not sure I've ever been happier with a purchase. It's like a streusel or a coffee cake! And, oh my, is it good.

If you've visited the market before, you may have seen Two Cow Farm's pies, scones, granola bars or beeswax products. They also have milk and honey soaps. Do you have any favorites?

Limestone Blue is a great little cafe and art shop in downtown Lexington. They feature local beer and wine and are a cool hangout for folks to gather.



We ordered an appetizer of the beer cheese, which came with carrots, celery and a spinach tortilla crisp. Beer cheese seems to be a big thing, and a lot of places have their own varieties of house made ones. This one was a bit on the spicier side and pretty creamy.

For my main entree, I ordered "Mojo's Beer Cheese," which was house made beer cheese, local pulled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato on grilled focaccia. I opted for the side of macaroni and cheese, which for the day was the special baked potato mac and cheese.

Holy tastebuds, batman. First off, the bread is delicious. The beer cheese was nice and melted, and the chicken was moist, tender. A perfect combo of salty, crunchy, crisp, cool. And the macaroni and cheese was excellent. More cheese (sensing a theme here?) and crisp potatoes. So good. I'd prefer all my mac and cheese like this, thanks.



Grade: A