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Gumbo Ya Ya brings its Cajun creations to new downtown site

By Sharon Thompson swthompson@herald-leader.com,

Gumbo Ya Ya Fast Casual Cajun Creole restaurant is having a grand opening party Saturday at its newest location. Doors open at 8 p.m., and free Cajun/creole appetizers will be served. Blues musicians Johnny Roy & The RubTones will entertain.

The newest Gumbo Ya Ya is at 367 East Main Street, in the former A1A/Main Street Live building. The restaurant's official opening will be 11 a.m. Monday. Call (859) 523-9292 or go to www.gumboyayaky.com.

Last call at the old Dudley's

Today is the last day to raise a toast at Dudley's Restaurant in Dudley Square. Debbie Long's restaurant has been at 380 South Mill Street for 28 years. A party will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., with proceeds going to Horses and Hope. Call (859) 252-1010. Dudley's new location, 267 West Short Street, will open in a few weeks.

Quick bites

Lexington Seafood: Stone crab season is here, and the fresh crabs are flown in daily. To place an order, call (859) 266-8888. The store is at 867 East High Street.

Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine: New on the menu this month is fava beans on hummus. An appetizer serving is $4.99, and a dinner portion, with soup or salad, is $8.49. Lunch specials, at $5.99, are served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. A menu for children ages 12 and younger is available. Call (859) 224-1138 or go to www.sahara-lex.com. Sahara is at 3061 Fieldstone Way.

Wallace Station: Customers now can find the deli's menu, hours, directions and catering information at its new Web site, www.wallacestation.com.

Max & Erma's: On Monday, it will introduce three new menu items: a 6-ounce sirloin for $9.99, a Caribbean burger, and funnel cake dessert fries. Guests who bring in three canned food items for God's Pantry will receive a $5 discount. The food drive goes until Nov. 20. Lexington locations are at 1848 Alysheba Way and 3030 Lakecrest Circle. Call (859)543-8111.

Applebee's: All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to eat free on Wednesday, Veterans Day. Go to www.applebees.com/vetsday.

Brown's Bakery: The specials this week are pumpkin and caramel apple cupcakes, pumpkin rolls, Halloween sugar cookies, and cookie suckers. The bakery is at 1397 West Main Street. Call (859) 225-8400 or go to www.brownbakery.com.

Halloween happenings

Put on your scariest Halloween costume and head to one of these parties:

■ The Halloween party at Merrick Inn, 1074 Merrick Drive, starts at 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be live music by Mike Archer, $2 candy bar shots, caramel apples and a costume contest. Call (859) 269-5417.

■ Campbell's in Paris, 519 Main Street, will serve a Halloween buffet on Saturday. Ghoulish entrees and spooky treats will be served from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Cost is $14.95 for adults, $6.95 for ages 3 through 8. Call (859) 986-5164.

■ Winchell's Restaurant is having its fifth annual creepy karaoke party at 10 p.m. Friday. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Winchell's, 348 Southland Drive, has two new menu items: shrimp and grits, and Winchell's brothers sandwich. Call (859) 278-9424.

Thanksgiving meals made for you

Nova Gourmets Personal Chef & Events is getting ready to do your holiday cooking. Chef Ashley Vannoy can prepare a full-course Thanksgiving meal or deliver gourmet gift baskets. Nova is at 2333 Alexandria Drive. Call (859) 948-1874 or go to www.NovaGourmets.com.

Get it while it lasts

The last shipment of this season's Italian olive oil has arrived at Oliva Bella. The shop, 406 South Broadway, is open for tasting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call (859) 983-356.

This week, customers may sample imported Italian single-estate olive oils, house-made pumpkin ravioli, rustic Italian tomato and bread soup, sweet onion and balsamic crostini, pastas, breads and sauces.

Lovers Leap wine wins gold medal

Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery has received the Concordance Gold Medal for its American gewurztraminer wine at the Wines of the South Competition. The event was earlier this month in Knoxville. The winery is at 1180 Lanes Mill Road. Call (502) 839-1299 or go to www.loversleapwine.com.

Farmers market report

This is the last week for the Bluegrass Farmers Market's 2009 season. There are still plenty of homegrown fresh vegetables and fruits available, along with baked goods, honey, herb seasoning, beer cheese, jams, jellies and homemade soap. The market is at 3450 Richmond Road, in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot. Hours are 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Go to www.localharvest.org/blog/29529.