BLUEGRASS BREWING CO., 3929 Shelbyville Rd., 899-7070, www.bbcbrew.com. The 15-year-old St. Matthews brew house emerged from cosmetic surgery in mid January with a new look and an updated menu, including some old BBC favorites such as brewhouse chili nachos and shepherd’s pie and new editions like a hot bacon and spinach salad and fried polenta fingers. (Reviewed 1/23/08; Rating: 83)

60 WEST BISTRO AND MARTINI BAR, 3939 Shelbyville Rd., 719-9717, www.60westbistro.com. The 5-year-old Cafe Emilie reinvented itself with a new name and image. Owners Emilie and Charles Knieriem are still in charge, and Chef Tim Smith remains in the kitchen, now assisted by sous chef Chris Vanhoozer. (Reviewed 1/23/08; Rating: 84)

J. GUMBO’S, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 896-4046, www.jgumbos.com. At this original location, there’s a down-home, neighborly feeling that results from having the proprietor (the affable Billy Fox Jr., Louisiana-bred Cajun cook and jockey) on the premises, slinging skillets around. I know I can count on a hearty, spicy meal at a price that’s almost laughable. (Reviewed 1/30/08; Rating: 85)

SALA THAI CITY WOK, 526 W. Main St., 583-7238. Sala Thai in Jeffersontown may be one of the three best Thai restaurants in Louisville, but the new Sala Thai’s City Wok downtown is lackluster at best. The buffets offer a fair selection of Thai dishes, but it’s either chicken for the meat eaters and tofu for the vegetarians. (Reviewed 1/30/08; Rating: 68)

PRIMO, 445 E. Market St., 583-1808. Run by Louisville restaurant pioneer “Bim” Deitrich, Primo offers a mix of modern, flashy yet sophisticated style. Chef Michael Hargrove is doing a very serious job with Italian regional cuisine in a menu that changes every week. (Reviewed 2/13/08; Rating: 95)

SITAR INDIAN CUISINE, 1702 Bardstown Rd., 473-8889. This new Highlands spot offers a hearty Indian lunch buffet daily and an expansive Indian menu that includes both standard Northern Indian dishes and less familiar South Indian specialties. (Reviewed 2/20/08; Rating: 86)

TURKEY JOE’S, 2809 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 327-9464, www.turkeyjoes.com. Hot wings are the specialty here, and you can take your pick of chicken, turkey or boneless chicken. Buffalo-style “hot” wings were just as good as could be, crisp and sizzling. (Reviewed 2/20/08; Rating: 76)