Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 128

SoUtHeAsT Bardstown, KY There’s no question about it – Bardstown, Kentucky, is indeed a small town. But the experience it offers is noth- ing short of huge. Steeped in Southern tradition and sur- rounded by breathtaking countryside, Bardstown boasts a quaint and eclectic community spirit, as well as the cov- eted title “Bourbon Capital of the World®.” Bardstown was settled in 1780, making it Kentucky’s sec- ond-oldest city. And in the 237 years since then, its resi- dents have truly perfected the town’s unique culinary atmosphere. It features something special (and deli- cious!) for every kind of hungry traveler – including his- toric restaurants like Old Talbott Tavern, which is rumored to be haunted by the infamous outlaw Jesse James, and My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, an ever-elegant 1940s culinary experience on the move. If you’re new to the Bluegrass state, you’ll want to make sure that no matter where you go, you order the heart and soul of Blue- grass culinary creations – the one and only Kentucky Hot Brown. This decadent comfort dish is an open-faced sandwich with turkey, country ham, and bacon. It’s covered in a creamy Mornay sauce and then sprinkled with parmesan cheese before being broiled to crisp the bread and brown the Mornay. And when they’re in season, home- grown tomatoes are a very popular addition to this sig- nature dish. You can find the Kentucky Hot Brown at various places throughout Bardstown, including Kreso’s, Mammy’s Kitchen, The Old Talbott Tavern, and The Rick- house. Of course, no visit to Bardstown is complete without a nip or two of Kentucky’s signature spirit – Bourbon. Home to seven of the world’s most renowned distilleries, Bardstown has utilized its bourbon industry to help build, sustain, and propel the city’s fascinating culture for more than 200 years. In fact, about 80% of the world's Bour- bon is made here, meaning you can find Bourbon flow- ing into every nook and cranny of central Kentucky. 126 | Summer 2017 | Food Traveler