Sneak peek: New Lexington restaurant has cocktail that tastes like a doughnut
Lexington chef Jonathan Lundy has wanted his own restaurant for a long time — like, 30 years.
And when a cozy 49-seat hideaway tucked onto Short Street downtown opens up on Dec. 10, he’ll finally have it.
You may be thinking, ‘What about Jonathan’s at Gratz Park, or Corto Lima, or even ItalX?’ — all restaurants that featured Lundy’s food and Cox’s wines.
But Lundy and his business partners, TJ and Brie Cox, created ItalX for the developers but have not been part of it for a while now; Lundy owned the restaurant, Jonathan at Gratz Park, while both Lundy and TJ Cox own Corto Lima — but not the buildings. Now, with 3TEN, they own both the business and the building.
The group bought the historic building at 310 Short St. this summer from the owners of Creaux, who closed the place to focus on other interests.
What to expect at new 3TEN
The building has been refreshed inside, according to certified sommelier TJ Cox.
Gone are the mirrors and industrial girders. Now it’s all warm neutrals with a dash of color behind the bar, which is the centerpiece of 3TEN.
Cox and Lundy began their culinary careers at Roy & Nadine’s, an eclectic Beaumont-area restaurant owned by the late Roy and Lucie Slone Meyers.
“It’s where we both learned how to ‘play restaurant,’” Cox said.
Over the last decade, they’ve brainstormed many ideas for what they’d do if they had their own. And they’re taking something from each of those ideas and blending together to make 3TEN.
“It’s an homage to world cuisine,” Cox said.
What’s on the menu, cocktail list
The menu at 3TEN, like the wine list, will be worldly and diverse. It’s small plates, not three-course dinners, pulled from all over. And it’s subject to seasonal changes.
“This is our way of not being pigeon-holed into one concept. ... This will feature any number of things. Very whimsical,” Cox said.
“These are random things that I like and wanted to do,” Lundy said. “There’s seasonality, and it’s geographically spread out.”
Think spicy Spanish potatoes in the form of Papas Bravas, or indulgent lobster Rangoon. Maybe Popcorn Chicken with hot habanero honey, lamb Samosas, pork belly Bao Buns, beef Wellington, black bean Mexican Tlayudas, pork Jager Schnitzel or gingery Snake Beans with tofu. There are both meat and vegetarian options. Prices will range from $12-$30.
“We encourage sharing, we encourage ordering multiple plates,” Cox said.
The cocktail menu is just as playful. There’s the Cashmere, made with Weller 12 bourbon and smoky, peaty Laphroaig, housemade allspice dram, chocolate and walnut bitters.
There are rum drinks that lean into elevated Tiki. And even a Bartender’s Choice: You pick out two words from a list (“fruity,” “smoky,” “herbal,” “floral” and such) and specify non-alcoholic or alcoholic and the bartender will deliver something you’ll like.
3TEN also has its own spin on classic drinks including the Luxury Old Fashioned made with demerara sugar, creole bitters and an ice sphere. You choose between Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye, Stagg Barrel Proof or Japanese A5 Tallow-Washed Col Taylor Small Batch.
“I’m taking Japanese Wagyu beef fat and washing the bourbon with that,” Cox said. “Everyone who tastes this cocktail says it tastes like a fresh, fried Spalding’s doughnut. I know that sounds weird, but it tastes delicious.”
Reservations, seating options
The intimate restaurant will be evenly divided into space for reservations and room for walk-ins, Brie Cox said.
They will have bar seating for walk-ins, as well as small tables and larger banquettes.
Upstairs in the Loft, there’s room for a party of up to 14 to book a semi-private dining experience. Or you can reserve a smaller table overlooking the dining room below.
Day-of reservations are available for groups of eight or fewer; the Loft can be booked in advance.
The restaurant has thoughtful touches like warmers beneath the stone slab tables so you won’t feel chilly, and intimate lighting so you can see your food as well as your dining partners.
3TEN
Where: 310 W. Short St.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 4-11 p.m. Last seating at 10:30 p.m. Closed Monday.
Online: 3tenlex.com; 859-407-2305 for bookings.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
