CAFÉ LOU LOU, 106 Sears Ave., 893-7776, www.cafeloulou.com. After leaving Clifton for St. Matthews, it’s nice to know that nothing got lost in the move. The popular eatery still serves up lavish Mediterranean-Italian-New Orleans portions, a festive atmosphere and striking art pieces. (Reviewed 8/8; Rating: 86)
CAFFÉ CLASSICO, 2144 Frankfort Ave., 894-9689, www.caffe-classico.com. Caffé Classico stands out on Frankfort Avenue for its cool, sophisticated Euro-style atmosphere and excellent coffee and espresso drinks. Owner-chef Tommie Mudd recently introduced a full dinner menu of reasonably priced French and Mediterranean-accented fare. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)
MOJITO, 2231 Holiday Manor Ctr., 425-0949. The small, attractive venue hasn’t been hard up for business since opening. Their Sunday brunch only costs a laughably modest $15.99 for three tables stuffed with Spanish cuisine, and it’s worth coming back for the desserts alone. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)
ORIGINAL IMPELLIZZERI’S, 1381 Bardstown Rd., 454-2711. The return of Impellizzeri’s lives up the excitement, and Benny Impellizzeri hasn’t forgotten anything with a menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, calzones and piled-high Louisville pie. Expect a noisy crowd and long waits, but it’s definitely worth it. (Reviewed 8/22; Rating: N/A)
TREET’S BAKERY CAFÉ, 133 E. Market St., New Albany, Ind., (812) 945-5440, www.treetscafe.com. This cozy downtown eatery’s home-cooked lunches, baked treats and coffees make you feel as if you’re dining in Mayberry. Plus, its excellent breakfast buffet features just about everything you’d expect from your grandmother’s kitchen. (Reviewed 8/29, Rating: N/A)
SPEAKEASY, 225 State St., New Albany, Ind., (812) 981-0981, www.speakeasyjazz.us. The Speakeasy was modeled after Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, and it’s already being hailed as a winning addition to local dining-and-music venues. The bistro-style fare and New Orleans-inspired menu aren’t quite yet at the same level as the excellent music, though. (Reviewed 8/29, Rating: N/A)
CONNER’S PLACE, 207 E. Main St., New Albany, Ind., (812) 944-0207, www.connorsplace.net. A comfortable bar and grill in what locals still call the Maytag Building, Conner’s Place features mostly American menu essentials so you can kick back and relax over a pint. Lunch is served until 2 p.m., when a pub grub menu kicks in. (Reviewed 8/29; Rating: N/A)
This article appears in September 18, 2007.