My favorite T-shirt depicts a fried chicken leg in the shape of the commonwealth and reads “Kentucky Born and Breaded.” That’s me. Kentucky gal who loves to eat.
My roots are in Paducah, and I branched out to Bowling Green after graduating from a high school that, thanks to school consolidation, no longer exists. I couldn’t see myself living outside the Bluegrass after college. I still had more of Kentucky to see.
Fortune smiled on me in 2014 when I met my husband, an experienced Kentucky traveler who knew good places to eat. During our courtship, I learned about Duncan Hines the man, not just the brand. Like me, Hines was a Kentuckian, writer, traveler, and food lover who wanted to share his eatery discoveries, doing so in “Adventures in Good Eating.”
So, in Hines’s tradition, I offer recommendations that get you off the interstate, away from chain restaurants, and into the flavor of southcentral Kentucky.
Ariella Restaurant Bistro & Bar – Russellville
Rich Italian cuisine is tucked just off the square in downtown Russellville. The mood lighting and Old-World atmosphere of Ariella are perfect for a special occasion or an intimate date night. Enjoy warm bread and sip a good wine while waiting for your food. If you’re not in the mood for traditional Italian fare, dig into a monstrous burger, juicy steak, or savory seafood dish. You’ll probably leave full, but you can always order a slice of cheesecake to take home and enjoy later.
Harper’s Catfish – Scottsville
A Scottsville staple for more than four decades, Harper’s has all the trappings of an authentic Southern restaurant, right down to the RC Cola sign on the building. Don’t let the often-packed gravel parking lot deter you; Harper’s folks will get you in quickly, get you comfy, and get you fed. Come hungry, because your plate will be piled with fish, fries, and hushpuppies (my goodness, those hushpuppies!). If you want to deviate from the headlining entrée, try the frog legs, clams, fried shrimp or oysters, or steak. Pair that with a drive through some backroads and you’ve got yourself a great trip.
Spencer’s Coffee – Bowling Green
Every college town needs “that” local coffee shop, and Spencer’s has fit the bill for years. With two locations in Bowling Green, it’s a great spot to grab a cup of joe and granola bar before work, a sandwich for lunch (the Sicilian is my personal favorite), or an afternoon tea with a friend. Students can study and working professionals can relax in the chill, unhurried vibe. “Let’s meet at Spencer’s,” is a common refrain from locals, but it’s a place that will make even a first-time visitor feel at home.
Forgive my puns, but I am eaten up with Kentucky’s cuisine. And trust me, y’all, this is just a taste of what our state has to offer.
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