It's a reason to come to Louisville, Kentucky, and a cause for celebration because this is truly a total dining experience. Everything is right, from the back to the front of the room; a true classic - food/ambiance/food/music/ambiance.

Over the several years I have visited, I have never had a meal that was not truly satisfying and hadn't pleased all the senses.

This handsome room has truly been a fixture for many years on the local scene, and has kept its identity and commitment to a true dining establishment. The great American classics are well represented on the menu, all prepared with the finest and artisan crafted ingredients.

The walls are adorned with much nostalgia (including your 'Love Chef's' picture over my favorite booth). The lighting at dinner is just right and the cocktail shaking along with the live, soft jazz trio, gives you a warm and fuzzy sensation on the inside. The kitchen will also titillate your taste buds.

The Food

SHRIMP AND GRITS. Sautéed shrimp in a red eye gravy with shiitake mushrooms and tomatoes served over creamy grits @ $9.75.

COUNTRY PATE. Served with roasted garlic, cornichons, red onions and French bread @ $4.75.

DIVER SCALLOPS. Pan seared and served with a Kentucky Bibb lettuce and brown butter sauce @ $12.00.

ROSEMARY SKEWERED MOZZARELLA. Fresh Dallas mozzarella and Blue Dog Artisan bread on Grated Greens lettuce with roasted portabello and a tomato basil vinaigrette @ $9.00.

SPICY FRIED OYSTERS. Kentucky country ham, green onions and creamy grits @ $12.00.

ESCARGOTS. Broiled with garlic butter and croutons @ $8.00.

SEASONAL SALAD. Mixed greens, roasted beets, corn and herbed croutons. Tossed in a lemon dill buttermilk dressing @ $5.75.

DUCK CONFIT SALAD. Local Bibb lettuce tossed with ripe pears, spice pecans, Fourme D'Amert and duck confit. Dressed with a roasted shallot vanilla bean vinaigrette @ $8.75.

WARM BRIE SALAD. Served on Bibb lettuce with roasted almonds @ $6.50.

POACHED TUNA SALAD. Baby greens, olive oil poached tuna, nicoise olives, tomatoes, radishes, green onions and hard boiled eggs in a roasted red pepper sherry vinaigrette with tapenade toast @ $8.75.

SALMON. Pan seared filet encrusted with almonds and pistachios. Served on sautéed spinach with a tomato, pearl onion and chive beurre blanc @ $23.00.

LAMB CHOPS. Grilled, served with a rosemary natural jus and a gratin of potatoes, shiitakes and thyme @ $29.00.

POUSSIN. Roasted organic chicken with fresh asparagus, shiitake and Pearl onion compote. Served with sun-dried tomato grits and a port wine cream sauce @ $21.00.

HALIBUT. Pan seared with a scallop and white wine jus, piperade, celery oil and a potato fish cake @ $25.00.

PORK CHOP. Twelve ounce center cut loin chop, herb encrusted and seared with a dry vermouth glaze. Served with a medley of roasted new potatoes, asparagus, apple smoked bacon, garlic and shiitakes @ $24.00.

LOBSTER CAMPANELLE. Lobster tails tossed with campanelle pasta. Nicoise olives, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapenos, broccoli rabe and tomato concasse in a rosemary shallot olive oil. Topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano @ $25.00.

POTATO GRATIN. Layers of potatoes, wild mushrooms and thyme topped with goat cheese. Accompanied by grilled vegetables with mixed wild greens in a nutty vinaigrette, and a pepper currant relish @ $16.00.

JACK'S BURGER. Mr. Fry's famous fare from a Highlands landmark. Served with fries, caramelized onions, lettuce, pickle and tomato. Available with Swiss, cheddar or bacon @ $8.25.

Seasonal Delights

By all means they are worth the calories.

Wine list is a great mix, and good wines by the glass assortment.

The cozy bar is the center point of the room.

JACK FRY'S is truly a "Love Chef" favorite and one that you must visit ASAP!

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com