How to visit all the Kentucky places featured on 'Top Chef' 16
We've compiled a list of all of the Kentucky locations you'll see in 'Top Chef' season 16 - with information on how to visit.
How to visit all the Kentucky places featured on 'Top Chef' 16 We've compiled a list of all of the Kentucky locations you'll see in 'Top Chef' season 16 - with information on how to visit. Check out this story on courier-journal.com: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2018/12/06/how-visit-kentucky-places-featured-bravos-top-chef-season-16/2215818002/
Bailey Loosemore, Louisville Courier Journal Published 11:27 a.m. ET Dec. 6, 2018 | Updated 7:29 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2019
Head judge Tom Colicchio greets guests at a Kentucky Derby challenge on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16.(Photo: Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo)
"Top Chef" fans who tune into the show's 16th season can expect to get a broad taste of Kentucky culture, with episodes featuring iconic destinations such as Churchill Downs and the Maker's Mark distillery.
But the only real way to experience the state is to visit it. So for those of you who inevitably get called to Kentucky — or who are interested in exploring new parts of the state, we've compiled a list of all of the places featured in the show.
Below, find information on the locations where judges dined during production, where contestants tackled various challenges and where guest chefs can be found running their kitchens' lines.
We'll update this list as new episodes air.
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Churchill Downs — This famous horse track, which is home to the Kentucky Derby, served as the location of a quickfire challenge in episode 1.
Address: 700 Central Ave., Louisville
Hours: The track's upcoming spring meet runs April 30 through June 29.
Price: General admission starts at $3 per adult for spring, September and fall meets. The on-site Kentucky Derby Museum costs an extra $8 to $15 per person.
More info: Visit churchilldowns.com and derbymuseum.org.
The Henry Clay — This historic building served as the location of a Derby-themed elimination challenge in episode 1 with Churchill Downs executive chef David Danielson guest judging. The building — at 604 S. 3rd St. in Louisville — offers rental space for weddings, corporate outings and social events. It is not regularly open to the public.
Maker's Mark — This bourbon distillery served as the location of an elimination challenge in episode 2. Chef Newman Miller, who leads the distillery's on-site restaurant Star Hill Provisions, acted as a guest judge.
Address: 3350 Burks Spring Road, Loretto
Hours: The distillery offers tours from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Star Hill Provisions is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
Price: Tours cost $14 per adult, $10 for retired military/veterans and $5 for anyone under 21. Entrees at Star Hill Provisions cost between $10 and $13.
More info: Visit makersmark.com.
Seelbach Hotel — This historic hotel was a known haunt for F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone in the Prohibition era. It's basement venue, The Rathskeller, served as the location of an elimination challenge in episode 6.
Address: 500 S. Fourth St., Louisville
Hours: Grab a meal at Gatsby's on Fourth seven days a week, open various times between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Or grab a drink at the Old Seelbach Bar, open various times between noon and 1 a.m. daily.
Price: Dinner and drinks are higher end, with entrees running between $25 and $48. But if you just want a small bite at the bar, appetizers start at $9.
More info: Visit seelbachhilton.com.
Keeneland — This bucolic horse track is located in Lexington — Kentucky's second largest city.
Address: 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington
Hours: The track's spring race meet runs April 5-26 and fall race meet runs Oct. 4-26.
Price: General admission is $5 per adult. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
More info: Visit keeneland.com.
Lake Cumberland — This lake in south central Kentucky is known as the "Houseboat Capital of the World."
Address: 5465 State Park Road, Jamestown
Hours: The state park is open year-round.
Price: Free admittance to trails and other amenities
More info: Visit parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/lake-cumberland
Muhammad Ali Center — This museum honors Louisville native and boxing champion Muhammad Ali.
Address: 144 N. Sixth St., Louisville
Hours: Exhibits are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Price: Admission is $14 per person, with discounts for seniors, military members, students and children under 12.
More info: Visit alicenter.org.
Rupp Arena — This venue in downtown Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky basketball team. It was the site of an elimination challenge with guest judge Coach John Calipari.
Address: 430 W. Vine St., Lexington
Hours: Vary by event
Price: Varies by event
More info: Find upcoming concerts, basketball games and more at rupparena.com.
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Decca Restaurant — This restaurant is owned by former "Top Chef" competitor Annie Pettry.
Address: 812 E. Market St., Louisville
Hours: 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Price: Entrees start at $28, with starter and middle courses falling between $12 and $17. On a budget? Try the bar bites in the restaurant's "Cellar."
More info: Visit deccarestaurant.com.
Inside the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16
Contestants face an elimination challenge on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Sara Bradley, Kelsey Clark and Pablo Lamon compete on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Sara Bradley of Paducah, Kentucky competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
A group of chefs compete on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Eddie Konrad competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Pablo Lamon competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi stand at Churchill Downs for the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Contestants enter Churchill Downs on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Kelsey Clark and Caitlin Steininger compete on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Chefs compete on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16 in a Kentucky Derby challenge at Churchill Downs. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Sarah Bradley and Justin Sutherland compete in the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Judges on the set of the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Head judge Tom Colicchio greets guests at a Kentucky Derby challenge on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Kelsey Clark competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16 in a Kentucky Derby challenge at the Henry Clay in Louisville. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Caitlin Steininger competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16 in a Kentucky Derby challenge at the Henry Clay in Louisville. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Chefs on the set of the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Adrienne Wright competes on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
Judges lead an elimination challenge on the first episode of "Top Chef" season 16. Courtesy of Michael Hickey/Bravo
GUEST CHEFS' RESTAURANTS
Butchertown Grocery — Upscale restaurant serving New American fare. See beverage director Nic Christiansen in episode 6.
Address: 1076 E. Washington St., Louisville
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
Price: Entrees range from $18 to $65.
More info: Visit butchertowngrocery.com.
610 Magnolia — Upscale, seasonally-focused restaurant owned by former "Top Chef" contestant Ed Lee.
Address: 610 Magnolia Ave., Louisville
Hours: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Price: $75 per person for a four course dinner or $95 per person for a six course dinner. Wine pairings are an extra $55 to $75 per person.
More info: Reservations required. Call 502-636-0783 or email manager@610magnolia.com. Visit 610magnolia.com for additional info.
Freight House — Farm-to-table restaurant owned by contestant Sara Bradley.
Address: 330 S. Third St., #102, Paducah
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
More info: Visit freighthousefood.com.
Holly Hill Inn — Fine dining restaurant owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 426 N. Winter St., Midway
Hours: Opens at 5:30 p..m. Wednesday-Saturday
More info: Visit hollyhillinn.com.
Honeywood — Upscale Southern restaurant owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 110 Summit at Fritz Farm, Suite 140, Lexington
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Price: Entrees fall between $11 and $30.
More info: Visit honeywoodrestaurant.com.
Lilly's Bistro — Farm-to-table restaurant owned by guest judge Kathy Cary.
Address: 1147 Bardstown Road, Louisville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m and 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Price: Menu changes seasonally with entrees falling between $18 and $34.
More info: Visit lillysbistro.com.
Midway Bakery — Cafe owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 510 S. Winter St. Midway
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Price: Single serve sweets and sandwiches fall between $1.50 and $7.50.
More info: Visit themidwaybakery.com.
Milkwood — Southern-inspired restaurant owned by former "Top Chef" contestant Ed Lee.
Address: 316 W. Main St., Louisville
Hours: 5:30-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday
Price: Entrees between $12 and $26.
More info: Reservations recommended. Visit milkwoodrestaurant.com.
Smithtown Seafood — Seafood restaurant owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 119 Marion St., Suite 160, Lexington
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Price: Sandwiches, tacos and platters between $2.99 and $14.99.
More info: Visit smithtownseafood.com.
Wallace Station — Deli-style restaurant owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
Price: Sandwiches and dinner plates between $7.99 and $15.99.
More info: Visit wallacestation.com.
Whiskey Dry — Classic American restaurant owned by former "Top Chef" contestant Ed Lee.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Price: Burgers and big plates run between $12 and $35.
More info: Visit whiskeydryrestaurant.com.
Windy Corner Market — Casual Southern restaurant owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 4595 Bryan Station Road, Lexington
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: Sandwiches, burgers and baskets between $7.99 and $14.99.
More info: Visit windycornermarket.com.
Zim's Cafe — Breakfast, lunch and dinner cafe owned by guest judge Ouita Michel.
Address: 215 W. Main St., Lexington
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price: Sandwiches, baskets and entrees ranging between $7.99 and $14.99.
More info: Visit zimscafe.com.
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JUDGES' PICKS
The Barrel of Fun Ice Cream — Judge Graham Elliot took his kids to this local ice cream stand while in town.
Address: 9421 Smyrna Parkway, Louisville
Hours: Season runs April through September
Price: Everything under $10.
More info: Visit facebook.com/The-Barrel-of-Fun-Ice-Cream-115167418576447.
Baxter Avenue Theatres — Host Padma Lakshmi caught "Oceans 8" at this movie theater in between shoots.
Hours: Movies typically scheduled between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Price: Adult tickets cost between $7.50 and $10. All-day Tuesday special is $5.75 per person.
More info: Visit village8.com/baxter_home.htm.
Feast BBQ — This barbecue restaurant was the first stop for host Padma Lakshmi.
Address: 909 E. Market St. and 10318 Taylorsville Road, Louisville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday on Market Street; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Sunday on Taylorsville Road
Price: Entrees start at $8.95. Buy meats on a sandwich, in a half-pound plate or by the pound.
More info: Visit feastbbq.com.
Garage Bar — Host Padma Lakshmi stopped by this downtown Louisville bar, known for its funky outdoor space and brick oven pizzas.
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 4-10 p.m. Sunday with lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Pizzas run between $11 and $16.
More info: Visit garageonmarket.com.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Price: $15 per adult and $8 per child, ages 6-12
More info: Visit sluggermuseum.com.
Lueberry Acai — Host Padma Lakshmi stopped by this acai bowl restaurant during production.
Address: 808 E. Main St., Louisville
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: Bowls, smoothies and super toast run $5 to $9.
More info: Visit facebook.com/Lueberryacai.
Muth's Candies — Judge Graham Elliot stopped by this sweet shop during production.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Price: Boxed chocolates start at $8.95. (But make sure to try the shop's modjeskas, with boxes starting at $10.50.)
More info: Visit muthscandy.com.
Play Louisville — Host Padma Lakshimi visited this gay dance club during PRIDE Week.
Hours: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday
Price: $10 cover charge on weekends, varying prices for scheduled shows
More info: Visit playdancebar.com/index.php/play-louisville.
Please & Thank You — Host Padma Lakshmi and head judge Tom Colicchio both stopped by this coffee shop, known for its gooey chocolate chip cookies.
Address: Three locations in Louisville: 800 E. Market St.; 2341 Frankfort Ave. and 252 E. Market St.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at all locations.
Price: Drinks start at $2.50. Cookies start at $2.
More info: Visit pleaseandthankyoulouisville.com.
Red Hog — Judge Graham Elliot grabbed pimento cheese from this local butcher shop and restaurant while in town.
Address: 2622 Frankfort Ave., Louisville
Hours: Butcher shop open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Restaurant open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Price: The limited restaurant menu features sandwiches from $13 to $15 and specials from $18 to $20.
More info: Visit redhogartisanmeat.com.
Royals Hot Chicken — Host Padma Lakshmi and judge Graham Elliot stopped here during one of their first weeks in town.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Price: Snacks start at $5 while plates start at $7.50
More info: Visit royalshotchicken.com.
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Bailey Loosemore: 502-582-4646; bloosemore@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @bloosemore. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/baileyl.
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