Jarfi's Bistro opens in the Highlands
Posted on April 11, 2008
By Michelle Jones
michelle@louisville.com
Jarfi’s Bistro recently left its Kentucky Center digs for a new location in the heart of the Highlands. Where Lentini’s dark velvet curtains and old school Italian menu had been for years is now the fresh, updated home for Jarfi’s Bistro. I never visited the Kentucky Center location so I can’t compare the atmosphere or give you specifics about new menu versus old menu. What I can tell you though is that the new Jarfi’s is a very welcome addition to the Bardstown Road dining scene.
Earlier this week I dined there and was really pleased by the crisp, updated decor of the front casual dining room and bar facing Bardstown Road. I didn’t explore the back of the restaurant which houses the sushi bar, a lounge and more formal dining spaces so I can’t judge them. I can say however that the front dining room is comfortable, cozy and the window seats are naturally great for people watching. The vibe I got is that the front room is a welcoming spot for anyone looking for a casually upscale meal and dining experience while the back parts of the restaurant are for those looking for a more formal dining experience.
The menu is a diverse mix of local favorites (like a hot brown that is out of this world), sushi, steaks, seafood, Moroccan influenced dishes and a couple interesting vegetarian dishes (like a Portobello mushroom steak). Everything my dining companion and I tried was outstanding and our service was friendly and competent.
Perhaps my favorite part of my meal at Jarfi’s though was the small touches of whimsy that accompanied the dining experience. Each table has a pot of live herbs on the table. I spotted cilantro, rosemary and thyme and one or two others I didn’t recognize. Also on each table sits a small can of olive oil to accompany bread. The olive oil can has a spout and a shape that resembles a miniature version of oilcans you might have seen in use fifty years ago. Finally, instead of fountain drinks or cans sodas are delivered in small glass bottles. I have a soft spot in my heart for Coke in glass bottles. Jarfi’s could have won me over with Cokes in glass bottles even if the food hadn’t been so good.
We were too stuffed from the hot brown and ahi tuna for dessert but I heard moans of delight coming from a few tables down over the poached pear offering.
Jarfi’s Bistro
1543 Bardstown Road
Monday-Wednesday from 5-10 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday until 11 p.m. (not open at all for lunch or on Sundays)
(502) 589-5060.
|