I just returned from a short trip to Louisville and tried a restaurant there that was previously unknown to me called Club Grotto. It was started about 13 years ago by a young chef who died a few years later. His parents took over management and hired one of their son’s assistants as chef. The new chef (whose name happens to be New) has gradually retired some of the original dishes and added his own.
My companion had the house salad, which includes mango, artichoke, chick peas and roasted red peppers. I had the Caesar, which was good except the romaine was a little bitter. One nice touch was the single anchovy filet on top.
My entrée was one of the specials, a 12 oz. grilled veal chop with smashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, grilled haricot verte and grilled tomato slices. The chop was cooked perfectly and enjoyed thoroughly. Everything was very flavorful, although to my taste the vegetables were slightly over-seasoned.
My dining companion had a regular menu item, the Teriyaki-glazed salmon with sautéed red onions and sugared pecans on a bed of creamy grits. The highlight here was the grits. “Creamed” rather than “creamy” might have been a better description. They were virtually the same consistency as my potatoes and used the same way, as a base for the fish and sop for the sauce.
The presentation is formal without being too fussy. Service was very good except that the fine art of providing thorough and attentive service inconspicuously has not been fully developed.
We had a surprisingly excellent Willamette Valley Pinot Noir that was also a good value. The winery is Elk Cove and we found it at Liquor Barn the next day for $19.99.
Overall, great place and a great experience. Highly recommended if you are down that way.
I'm also happy to report that Cunningham's, burned out of its original location after 131 years, has settled into new digs with few changes to either the menu or atmosphere. The fried fish sandwich is the main attraction. Also turtle soup.
Club Grotto
2116 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY
502-459-5275
Cunningham's Restaurant
630 S 4th St
Louisville, KY
502-587-0526