News Summary
Lexington marks its 250th anniversary with a focus on its rich culinary landscape. The inaugural Bourbon Cup showcased bourbon-infused dishes, with Chef Cole Arimes winning the title. The community also looks forward to Restaurant Week while honoring its extensive culinary history, which includes significant figures and renowned establishments. As festivities unfold, Lexington’s dedication to preserving its gastronomic heritage reflects the city’s vibrant identity shaped by history and the passion of local chefs.
Lexington Celebrates 250 Years of Unique Culinary Heritage
Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a special focus on its vibrant culinary scene. The city kicked off its culinary festivities by hosting the inaugural Bourbon Cup on July 14, 2025. This event showcased an array of bourbon-infused dishes, drawing food enthusiasts from near and far. Chef Cole Arimes of Coles 735 Main emerged victorious, winning the title of the first Bourbon Cup champion. Chief Meteorologist Bill Meck also highlighted the event by serving as the master of ceremonies.
Participants at the Bourbon Cup were able to savor a variety of dishes for a ticket price of $25, with all proceeds benefitting FoodChain, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to fresh and locally sourced food. Following this inaugural event, Restaurant Week is scheduled to begin on July 17, 2025, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences throughout Lexington.
The rich culinary history of Lexington dates back to the late 1700s, when the city was founded. Over the years, it has distinguished itself with unique foods and celebrated restaurants. Among the famous dishes originating from this city are Malone’s Lexingtonian salad, Keeneland’s bread pudding, Joe Bologna’s garlic bread sticks, and Merrick Inn’s fried chicken.
One significant figure in Lexington’s culinary past is Nathan Burrowes, an early settler known for initiating mustard production in the 1780s. Burrowes refined mustard processing methods, and his recipe won prestigious awards at the 1882 World’s Fair. However, production of this mustard ceased in 1893. Meanwhile, Mathurin Giron, who immigrated from France, became a successful candy maker in the early 1800s, even catering events and baking a cake for Marquis de Lafayette.
Lexington’s culinary narrative also includes notable figures such as Laura “Dollie” Johnson Dandridge, who was born into slavery and eventually became a renowned chef at the White House before opening her own restaurants in Lexington. In 1946, William T. Young founded W. T. Foods, which went on to create the Big Top Peanut Butter brand, later renamed Jif Peanut Butter, and now stands as the world’s largest peanut butter factory.
In 1969, Long John Silver’s, a seafood restaurant, was established in Lexington and quickly expanded, alongside its sister brand Fazoli’s, founded in 1988. Additionally, Columbia Steak House has earned recognition as the longest continuously operating restaurant in the city, having opened its doors in 1948. Other well-regarded establishments include Merrick Inn, Keeneland’s Track Kitchen, Joe Bologna’s Restaurant, and Tolly Ho, each contributing to the city’s rich culinary landscape.
Today, the culinary scene in Lexington continues to flourish thanks to the efforts of current chefs such as Sam Fore, Toa Green, and Kuni Toyoda. Ouita Michel of Holly Hill Inn has even gained recognition as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Hospitality category, reflecting the ongoing excellence in Lexington’s gastronomy.
The Lexington History Museum plays an integral role in documenting and celebrating the city’s extensive culinary heritage. As the community engages in various culinary celebrations, Lexington looks forward to preserving its rich gastronomic history while simultaneously embracing the future of its culinary evolution.
As the 250th anniversary festivities unfold, Lexington’s dedication to celebrating its culinary landscape underscores the city’s unique identity shaped by its diverse history, remarkable individuals, and the continuous passion of its local chefs and restaurant workers.
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Additional Resources
- Lex 18: Lexington Celebrates 250 Years with Culinary Event
- Google Search: Lexington 250 years culinary event
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Chef on Top Chef
- Wikipedia: Chef
- Spectrum News 1: Fresh Food Kiosk in Lexington
- Google News: Fresh Food Kiosk Lexington
- Kentucky Today: Celebrity Chef Impact on Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Lexington food culture
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
