There are so many advantages to buying local. So, whenever I visit a local establishment or attend a local event, I'm writing an article for it in the back of my mind. Unfortunately, the last two potential reviews have been... less than flattering. Twice now I've hit the town with the goal of having a fun, relaxing time, but instead got aggravation and stress. 

Ugh.

I've decided to post my reviews anyway. Commence rant. 

It's Friday night in Louisville, and you're looking for something to do. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in this town, along with amazing theater, museums and cinema.

But how about something a little different?

When my wife and I moved to Louisville three years ago, we wanted to live in a neighborhood where friendly folks would wave to you as they took their early evening walk down a tree lined street.

We wanted to be in an area where we could enjoy a gourmet dinner, a quick pizza or some chicken wings and a cold pitcher.

We needed to be close to shopping.

And we had to be near places we could unwind after a long day, like a great park.

We found it. We were lucky enough to stumble into Lyndon, and have never looked back!

Do you ever want to go out to eat, but just can't make up your mind as to where to go? Are you a recent transplant to the area? Or maybe you've lived here all your life but never ventured outside the confines of national restaurant chains (shame on you!), or mistakenly think the only good restaurants are in Louisville (a rather metro-centric predjudice, don't you think?). Well, here's your salvation.

If you haven’t heard of Groupon it’s time you learn, as each day you wait to check it out is a day you miss out on a great deal!  Its trademark in success is by collective buying power, and now’s your chance to get in on it.

Last Ale Club meeting
Rich O's
3312 Plaza Dr., New Albany, IN
Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Seasonal and winter brews will be featured at the Louisville Ale Club's last meeting of the year. Check the event's Facebook page for more info.

Hambonus fans move out
Various locations
Dec. 18-19
Old friend Hambone will be melting skulls citywide this weekend with shows

3 in 1 with Fire on the Hop
Kaviar Forge & Gallery
1718 Frankfort Ave.
July 31, 6 p.m. with the fire-breathing performances at 7 and 8 p.m.

It’s not often I sit down in a restaurant and have an entire menu to pore over. I stopped eating meat other than fish about eight years ago and have spent the time since studying restaurant menus searching for a pasta or salad I can order without the chicken. A waitress once commented most unhelpfully, “That’s an awful expensive salad if you don’t get the meat!”

The St. Vincent de Paul Conference of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church invites you to attend a fundraiser to benefit our work with the needy in our community. On Monday, April 20, 2009, from 11am – midnight, 100% of the proceeds from lunch, dinner and beverages at O’Sheas Irish Pub, Flanagan’s Ale House and Brendan’s Restaurant and Pub will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
 
WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2009, from 11am to midnight
 
WHERE: 3 Louisville locations
* O’Sheas Irish Pub, 956 Baxter Ave., 589-7373