Liang’s Café, 3571 Springhurst Blvd., 425-0188. One of the city’s newest top Chinese spots, Liang’s is owned by Roland Wong, who for many years ran the front of the house at Emperor of China. A dozen regional North China dishes are integrated into the regular menu as “House Specialties,” which are listed on the menu in both English and Chinese. (Reviewed 1/3; Rating: 89)
Tony Impellizzeri’s, 108 Vieux Carre Dr. 429-0606, www.tonyimpellizzeris.com. While Impellizzeri’s popular pizzeria on Bardstown Road closed two years ago, son Tony has been building the familiar family pie in a discreet shopping-center just off Shelbyville Road and Hurstbourne Lane for a dozen years. It’s well worth the trip when you crave one of their trademark five-pound pies. (Reviewed 1/10; Rating: N/A)
Taste of Jamaica, 2017 Brownsboro Rd., 896-1055. Open for more than a year in the Clifton area, the Jamaican eatery changed management in October and will introduce a made-over menu this month. Delicious dishes like jerk chicken will remain, and new ones such as curry shrimp and a “jerk patty” dinner will be added. (Reviewed 1/10; Rating: N/A)
Lentini’s Ristorante, 1543 Bardstown Rd., 479-0607. The new owners of the recently re-opened Highlands landmark have transformed the place with well-made, authentic Italian fare and simple physical alterations. Along with familiar antipasti, you’ll find exotica like polipo con ananas, sautéed octopus with a side of pineapple. (Reviewed: 1/17; Rating: 85)
Gumbo A Go-Go, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 896-4046, www.gumboagogo.com. This home-style Cajun eatery in Clifton has become a neighborhood mainstay and is slowly building its hearty, good and affordable fare. The new Voodoo Chicken — an offshoot of the popular Drunken Chicken — significantly ramps up the fiery Cajun spice. (Reviewed: 1/31; Rating: 85)
Schuler’s Family Restaurant, 407 College St., Henryville, Ind., (812) 294-4777. This family-owned Southern Indiana gem has been in continuous operation since 1967. Breakfast is served all day, along with hearty comfort food and delicious desserts. (Reviewed: 2/7; Rating: N/A)
Joe’s OK Bayou, 4308 Charlestown Rd., New Albany, Ind., (812) 948-2080, www.joesokbayou.com. This newest location turns a bland shopping-center space into a replica of a Cajun-country saloon. The large menu includes a variety of appetizers (including fried gator tail and fresh flown-in Gulf oysters), salads, sandwiches and bewildering variety of main dishes. (Reviewed: 2/14; Rating: 88)
This article appears in March 13, 2007.