jent103

A couple of years ago I got my brother and sister-in-law a gift card to the Bluegrass Hospitality Group (Malone's, Sal's, Drake's, Harry's, Aqua) as a Christmas gift, thanks to valuable input from Fodorites! Since it's been a little while, is this still a good choice for nice restaurants in Lexington? They like just about anything, and I'm looking for somewhere where $50 will get you a good dinner for two (or at least come really close). My sister-in-law might get a glass of wine, but generally speaking that cost would just be for food. They have two small children, so a good "date night" ambiance is good too.

Thanks so much for your help! I know things can change - just don't want to commit them to anywhere that's gone downhill or changed owners or whatever.

nygvic

Ate at Malone's in October when in Lexington. As good as it has ever been and I have frequented several times over the past 5 years. Also good is the Merrick Inn.

jent103

Thanks so much, nygvic! That's really helpful. I'll check out the Merrick Inn as well.

kybourbon

Sorry jent. I'm rarely on the US board and know it's too late for your Christmas gift.

I ate at Malone's Palomar a few weeks ago. The last couple of times I've been to Malone's I didn't think the beef (had the filet and crab) was quite what it used to be (it's supposed to be known for their beef). Ate at Sal's two nights ago and while flavor was good everything was too salty (had scallops and DD had porcini crusted rib eye). It's been a couple of months since I've been to Drakes and don't really remember what I ate.

I think it's probably still a good choice for gift certificate as there are several restaurants/locations to choose from so it's convenient for your relatives. Regatta is also part of their group. These are all locally started restaurants that are becoming chains (Drake's is now in Louisville and Nashville).

One of my favorite restaurants is Azur. I also enjoy some of the downtown restaurants like Le Deauville and Ala Lucie (Lucie also has the Julep Cup). You can browse their menus online next time to see if they interest you or are in the price range.

http://azurrestaurant.com/default.aspx

http://www.ledeauvilleresto.com/ (all you can eat mussels on Tuesdays prepared about 5 different ways)

http://jagp.info/ (Jonathan's at Gratz Park)

http://www.alalucie.com/

http://thejulepcup.com/

http://www.dudleysrestaurant.com/

http://deshas.com/ (another local that is becoming a chain)

http://themerrickinn.com/

For Italian:

http://www.bellinis.us/ (Bobby Flay always eats here when in town)

http://www.bellalexington.com/ (ate here last week too)

http://giuseppeslexington.com/ (eat here all the time because of convenience).

Portofino's website seems to be down for maintenance.

I like the food at Jean Farris Winery, but they only serve their wines and no other alcohol. It's a few miles outside of Lexington.

http://www.jeanfarris.com/

Hope this list helps for next time.

jent103

Thanks so much, kybourbon! I ended up going with the BHG card, which was well received, but this is GREAT to have some different options for next time. They're hard to shop for in terms of stuff, but date night seems to be a winner most of the time (especially when I can come visit and babysit the niece and nephew - that's what we call a win-win ).