Hot Brown

I love when I find out that a city has a signature dish.  I had driven in the rain from Cincinnati (I was on a weekend trip)  to Louisville to spend the day with my dear friend, Beth.  She moved to Kentucky a million years ago and I was so happy that I was finally going to be able to meet her children and spend some time with her.  I had barely arrived when, after kicking around some lunch ideas, she realized that I had never had a "Hot Brown."

It was settled - we were on our way to Lynn's Paradise Cafe,  a quirky, vibrant restaurant with its own "World of Swirl" novelty gift shop.  When my Hot Brown arrived, I could see what all the fuss was about.  A homemade Mornay sauce (which is Bechamel sauce with grated cheese) flooded an open-face turkey sandwich topped with bacon, tomato and cheese.  It was rich, creamy and memorable, for sure.

But hands down, my favorite part of Louisville was being able to sit in a booth across from my dear friend.  Nothing compares to eye contact and after ten years of Christmas cards and emails, we had a lot of story-telling to catch up on.  I loved every minute of my visit and I can assure you, I will be returning to Louisville just as soon as I can.  Beth, I miss you already.