News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky is transforming into a culinary destination for adventurous eaters, offering a diverse array of exotic dishes from unique tacos to specialty meats and unconventional seafood. Highlights include ‘The Big Thumper’ taco that features kangaroo meat, gourmet octopus appetizers, and a variety of specialty meats such as alligator and venison. Local markets and restaurants encourage diners to step outside their comfort zones, making it an exciting hub for those seeking new flavors and dining experiences.
Lexington, Kentucky is emerging as a hotspot for adventurous eaters, offering a variety of exotic culinary delights that cater to those seeking to broaden their taste horizons. From unique taco options to specialty meats and unfamiliar seafood dishes, the city is redefining its food scene.
One of the standout dishes in Lexington is “The Big Thumper” taco, offered at Agave & Rye. This innovative taco features peppercorn kangaroo meat, known for being lean and high in protein, paired with macaroni and cheese beignets, roasted corn, sweet and spicy bacon crumbles, green onions, habanero maple syrup, and queso. Priced at $13.50, it is served in both crispy puffy flour and soft flour shells, making it a must-try for taco enthusiasts.
For those who enjoy unique fruit, Asian Market sells durian, also known as the “King of Fruits,” for $4.99 each. Praised for its sweet flavor and creamy texture, durian is notorious for its strong odor. The market also offers duck eggs at $3.99 per box and alligator meat for $18 per pound, appealing to those who like to experiment with flavors.
Azur Restaurant and Patio features a gourmet appetizer of char-grilled octopus, priced at $22. This dish is served with crispy potato mochi, sweet bell peppers, and manchego aioli, making it a flavorful option for seafood lovers.
For a traditional experience, Brasa serves anticuchos, which are beef heart skewers marinated in Aji Panca sauce. Priced at $20.25, these are considered iconic Peruvian street food and come with golden potatoes and Peruvian corn.
Charlie’s Seafood also enters the exotic meats market with American alligator meat, sometimes available at $22 per pound. This dish has gained popularity due to the influence of the television show “Swamp People.” Meanwhile, Columbia’s Steakhouse offers a rather unconventional delicacy: fried lamb testicles served with white cream gravy. This dish humorously resembles the texture of scallops, as portrayed in the comedy “Funny Farm.”
For those looking for specialty meat options, Critchfield’s offers a range of exotic meats, including ground camel, wild boar, ground ostrich, and even duck bacon.
If you are feeling especially daring, Gfh Wings features Cowboy Caviar, which consists of bull testicles available for $17.49 per half pound or $3.99 each for a fun “Dare Your Friends” option. Adventurous diners may also enjoy Granddam, where Elk Wellington is available for $69 and Venison Wellington for $55—both considered classic dishes made with seasonal ingredients that provide a leaner alternative to beef.
Hyderabad House specializes in goat dishes, featuring the Goat Curry priced at $19 and Goat Dum Ka Keema at $21. These dishes are noted for being excellent protein sources, making them popular among health-conscious diners.
Sushi enthusiasts can visit Tachibana for their Unajyu, a grilled freshwater eel over rice, priced at $22.50, which is often enjoyed for its sweet flavor, and makes for a beloved lunch option in Japanese cuisine. Tony’s of Lexington presents Rassati Beef Tartare, a raw beef delicacy mixed with spices, offered at $23 and topped with a raw egg. Lastly, Zundo Izakaya Sushi Robata serves Geso Karaage, deep-fried squid tentacles available for $10, popular among fans of calamari for its mild taste.
With a range of dining options for the adventurous eater, Lexington’s culinary scene is thriving, encouraging locals and visitors alike to step outside their comfort zones and indulge in unique flavors and experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Exotic Dining in Lexington
- VisitLex: Unique Venues in Lexington
- Kentucky.com: New Restaurant Trends in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Only in Your State: Unique Restaurants in Kentucky
