Restaurant News & Reviews
At Smashing Tomato, the pizza is certified as the real thing
Smashing Tomato has been certified by the world organization Verace Pizza Napoletana for preserving the tradition of original, true Neapolitan pizza.
The trade association, founded in 1984 in Naples, Italy, by Antonio Pace, upholds the Neapolitan technique, which means each pizza is formed by hand and cooked in a wood-burning oven at 900 degrees for about 90 seconds.
"Being a member of VPN ranks us with about only 300 or so other pizzerias in the world and the first and only authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in Kentucky," executive chef Kevin Toyoda said. "It is quite an honor and difficult to attain this certification unless you are fully committed to the art and taste of real Italian pizza, including our people and our pizzaiolo."
Smashing Tomato locations are at 2200 War Admiral Way in Hamburg, (859) 264-1500; and 3401 Nicholasville Road, in The Plaza at Fayette Mall, (859) 273-0184.
A selection of sundries
Sunflower Sundries in Mount Olivet is having a Harvest Celebration open house Saturday and Sunday. "We are giving thanks for the harvest of our one acre of Hickory King corn, and the abundant wild blackberries of summer," Jennifer Gleason said. "We will be shucking and grinding the corn on our mill, and serving corn bread made from our own cornmeal."
The farm kitchen is stocked with jars of wild blackberry jam, preserves, pickles, mustard and handmade soap. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The farm is at 5021 Dividing Ridge Road. Call (606) 763-6827 or go to www.sunflowersundries.com.
Other attractions in the area include Frontier Christmas in Old Washington, Ann Legris Pottery Studio and Jeanine Gallagher's Antiques and Crafts.
Stop by for winery's open house
Chateau du Vieux Corbeau Winery at Old Crow Inn Farm in Danville will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. At 1 p.m., André Brousseau will read the Cajun version of The Night Before Christmas, featuring Santa pulled by eight alligators. At 2 and 4 p.m., winemaker Dominique Brousseau will give guided cellar tours. The winery is at 471 Stanford Avenue. Call (859) 236-1808 or (859) 236-1775.
Dinner and all that jazz
The Newcomers' Club of Lexington is hosting a holiday jazz dinner featuring the University of Kentucky student jazz ensemble from 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday at Lexington Country Club, 2500 Paris Pike. Tickets are $35. The buffet menu includes braised Swiss steak, and roast turkey and dressing. The deadline for reservations is Saturday. Call (859) 259-0407.
Join Santa for breakfast
Akeilo Temple Daughters of the Nile Pageantry Unit is having Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon at the Oleika Shrine Temple, 326 Southland Drive. Santa will be available for pictures. Tickets, $5 for adults and $3 for ages 12 and younger, are available at the door.
Farmers market goes indoors
Beginning Saturday, Lexington Farmers Market will be open in Victorian Square on Main Street. Farmers will have Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuces, greens, fresh herbs, garlic, beets, turnips, carrots, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, winter squash, eggs, beef and poultry. In addition to an abundance of cool-weather crops, vendors will have greenery for decorating, fresh flowers, honey, sorghum, artisan cheeses, chocolate truffles, soaps and lotions, breads, jams and jellies. The market opens at 8 a.m.
Quick bites
■ Brown's Bakery, 1397 West Main Street, in Meadowthorpe, is offering classes from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 12. Gingerbread, royal icing and candy will be provided. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 16 and younger. Call (859) 225-8400 or go to www.brownbakery.com.
■ Petra Mediterranean Bar & Grill, 116 Marketplace Drive, is having a belly-dancing show at 8 p.m. Friday. Call (859) 227-0044 or go to www.petrainlex.com.
■ Wines on Vine, 400 Old Vine Street, will have a beer and wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14. A spokesperson from Goose Island Brewery will be the guest speaker. The cost is $20. Call (859) 243-0017 or go to www.winesonvine.net.
■ Denny's is making holiday pies for parties and gift-giving. Flavors are pecan, spiced pumpkin and traditional apple. Prices range from $7.99 to $9.99. Additionally, shoppers receive a $5 gift card with every $25 gift card purchase. Go to www.dennys.com.
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