6/28/2026 3:21pm
610 Magnolia: A modern approach to the Southern Table $$$$ ***
610 Magnolia is a culinary geyser tucked into the heart of Kentucky. Their Cuisine checks all of the boxes. Created by visionary chef Edward Lee in 1993. 610 is a diamond in the rough and is truly loved by the local gentry. There is nothing in Louisville that even gets close.
Chef Lee has owned and operated 610 Magnolia since 2003. Since then, he has been a multiple finalist for the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southeast. He has written three books, Bourbon Land, Smoke & Pickles and Buttermilk Graffiti for which he received a James Beard Award for Best Writing. He has hosted Mind of a Chef for which he was nominated for an Emmy. His non-profit, LEE Initiative, has spearheaded programs to promote jobs and diversity in the restaurant industry.
Reservations Required
Located in the heart of Old Louisville, Chef Edward Lee’s menu is a modern approach to the Southern Table. Louisville is at the intersection of many different traditions and cultures that make up this historic city. At 610 Magnolia, we celebrate everything that is Louisville, both historic and progressive, diverse and complex.
I think chef Lee would be surprised to know that the "Cat escaped from the Bag", His efforts have paid off! Chefs around the country have noticed. I can say without hesitation that this establishment feels like it was created for chefs.
3/3/2026 5:30pm
Red Hog Restaurant & Butcher Shop
The first time I ate at RED HOG was in 2000. I thought it was new. This notion was reinforced by all of the new shiny stuff inside. At that juncture they had been open for quite some time. The level of cleanliness surpassed anything I had ever seen before. The place looked new! Shiny stainless steel, well-groomed staff. Tables were clean. Menus new and clean, no sticky vinyl covers. No burned-out light bulbs.
Service was quick, accurate and team oriented.
The pizza oven and other cooking elements were spotless. So much so, that they could easily be thought of as new.
Watching the care and pride of the ever-present owner added an intangible feeling of pride.
The dining area is very small. I would use the word intimate and warm. RED HOG uses many aspects of "European" and "Non-Ostentatious" configurations, with respect. Clearly designed for a "Family" style of dining. Most areas are clearly designed to encourage comradery and entertainment.
Food Quality: *****
Out of this world. Every Item oozed pride. Clearly, RED HOG's brilliant interpretation of why food is so important. A celebration of the simple "Goodness" that comes with honesty. Honesty that is focused on their friends and many guests.
Cleanliness: *****
Clearly Effective. Some areas of the dining area show signs of vigorous scrubbing. Stainless steel surrounding the hood fan looks new. The whole place looks new!
Service: *****
Flawless, interesting and team oriented. Good communication Great staff!
Price: $$$
Not cheap. You get what you pay for though.
Over-all: *****
RED HOG exceeded my expectations, by a mile.
