#louisville - Janel Has Wings

A Dessert That Tastes like a Dream

by janelhaswings | Dec 19, 2019 | Bourbon Tales, local, local business, Uncategorized

Louisville just got a little tastier thanks to Pastelitos by Annia. For those who do not know what pastelitos are, they are a delicious Cuban puff pastry that can put a smile even on the grumpiest face. Annia Garces, a local baker originally from Cuba, has taken the traditional Cuban pastry and put her own spin on them by not just offering the conventional fillings such as guava (guayaba) guava with cheese (guayaba con queso) and coconut (coco) but also adding her own unique flair by making Nutella and dulce de leche (caramel) pastelitos as well.

I saw that Annia had posted some photos on her social media of her pastelitos for sale, so I reached out to her and told her I was interested in trying some, especially the guava with cheese because those are my favorite. Annia invited me to her home to try her pastelitos fresh out of the oven.

Once I arrived at her home, we began to discuss what made her start selling the classic Cuban pastry. Annia explained that ever since she was young, she always wanted to be a baker and have her own bakery. It isn’t weird that being a baker was a dream for her because each generation in her family has at least one baker. She has a great aunt in Cuba who was a baker and an aunt in California who owns her own bakery, so the baking talent is in her genes. She also says that she remembers that when she was around 15 years old, she met a lawyer who not only practiced law but also owned her own bakery, and she thought, “I want to be like her someday.”

Flash forward to 2019, Annia was working in a law firm, but something was still missing. She said that one day she decided to go ahead and bake some traditional Cuban pastries and see what people thought of them. One of the first things she made were pastelitos, and when she decided to make them, she chose a recipe that uses butter instead of lard like most pastelito recipes. She says that the fact that she uses butter is one major thing that sets her pastelitos apart from the rest.

After having friends and family try her pastelitos and confirm that Annia was on to something, she decided it was time to put them out into the world or at least Louisville for that matter. She began announcing that she was making pastelitos via Facebook and giving people notice before when she would be taking orders or how they could place orders. She was surprised at the amount of response that she got because seeing how not everyone in the Louisville community knows what a pastelito is, there was still a lot of interest in trying them. By the time she was finished discussing how many great reviews she has received from people about the taste of the pastelitos, I was ready to get my hands on one.

First, let me say that I am a huge pastelito fan, and I have been since I was a kid, so when I saw Annia post her pastelitos for the first time, I knew I had to get my hands on one. Seeing how I’m a bit of a pastelito connoisseur, my favorite flavor has always been the guava and cheese. I know most people may have a question mark pop up in their head when they read guava with cheese, but trust me, this combination is absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious. I told Annia that I specifically wanted to try the guava and cheese first because those are my favorites, and it would give me some indication of whether I would like the others or not.

One of the first things that I noticed about Annia’s pastelitos is that some of the pastelito fillings overflow on the top of the pastelito, which isn’t typical for the pastry puff but trust me, I’m wasn’t complaining. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but there is nothing worse than biting into a pastry and just tasting the dough and no filling. It’s one of my least favorite things about pastry puffs because they tend not to have enough filling for my liking. Just by looking at the pastelitos that Annia placed in front of me, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed.

The amazing pastelitos featured are coconut in the front, second row is guava with cheese, third row is Nutella and the fourth row is dulce de leche.

All it took was one bite to confirm my suspicions. The flavor of the guava and the taste of the dough were on point. The pastelito isn’t too sweet nor too savory. It’s truly the perfect combination of both. The flakiness was precisely the way it should be (in my opinion), and the fact that I didn’t have to take two bites to get the full flavor taste was beyond my initial expectations. Honestly, it was love at first bite.

After inhaling my first pastelito, because let’s be honest, I don’t play games when it comes to food. I asked Annia which pastelito flavor is her most popular/bestseller, and she said surprisingly it is the dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is the Latino version of caramel. It isn’t quite caramel, but it is incredibly close. Dulce de leche is extremely popular throughout Latin America, especially in South America. For example, if you go to Argentina and don’t try dulce de leche then you haven’t truly lived an Argentine experience because that is how popular it is. I’m very familiar with dulce de leche, and to be honest, sometimes it’s even too sweet for me, so I was a little skeptical about trying it. Still, once I put my skepticism to the side and bit into the dulce de leche, I was officially sold.

Annia’s flavor palette for her pastelitos is perfect for people who crave something sweet but do not want to have a toothache after they eat. A friend of mine accompanied me to Annia’s house, and he is not a fan of any sweets, he refuses to eat chocolate when someone tries to give him a piece. He tried the coconut flavor and said that he liked it because it wasn’t extremely sweet and overpowering. We both agreed that Annia’s pastelitos hit the spot, but don’t make you feel like you are on a sugar high afterward.

It is safe to say that I was highly impressed by Annia’s pastelitos that, in fact, I even took two boxes home with me to save some for later and give to some of my friends to have a taste. The feedback that I got from everyone who tried them is that they loved them, and when I told them that they only cost $1 a piece, they were shocked. That’s right; 1 pastelito costs $1. So if you are looking to take a treat to one of your upcoming holiday parties or think that your office needs a pick me up, you can get a dozen delicious pastelitos for $12. They are great alongside a fresh cup of coffee or just as a mid-day snack or dessert for your events.

In order to get your hands on some delicious Pastelitos by Annia, you must order either through her Facebook page, which I have linked at the end, via email, garces.annia@gmail.com and you can call or text her orders by phone at 502-744-1528. Annia allows customers to mix up the different flavors that they want to buy, and you can order any amount that you choose. She also works with people who have specific food allergies as long as they let her know when ordering. The only thing that Annia said that she cannot accommodate is for people who are following specific diet trends and want a ‘healthier’ version because let’s be honest, in these pastelitos, butter is queen.

Besides pastelitos, Annia has also created cakes, pies, and other pastries for customers. If you aren’t interested in pastelitos but want to try one of her many delicious pastries, then feel free to contact her directly and let her know what you are looking for. Annia is currently dedicating herself solely to her baking business and is no longer with the law firm that she previously worked for. She has decided to take a leap of faith and pursue what most of us consider the American dream, which is to become successful. There is no doubt in my mind that the pastelitos, cakes, and pies are just the beginning of what will be a very successful local Louisville baker.

Annia Garces, baker and founder of Pastelitos by Annia.

https://www.facebook.com/annia.garces.98

Louisville’s Unique Holiday Gift Guide

by janelhaswings | Nov 28, 2019 | Bourbon Tales, local, Uncategorized

First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is enjoying their time with their closest friends and family today. Seeing how it is Thanksgiving, tomorrow is Black Friday and Saturday is Shop Small Saturday, so I figured this is the perfect opportunity to give my readers a gift-giving guide that supports local Kentucky products and businesses.

Black Friday is the day where people all over the U.S. pour their hard-earned money into the pockets of major corporations such as Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, etc. I’m not going to tell anyone to not shop at these major corporations because let’s be real, who doesn’t love Target? But, I wanted to discuss something very important to me and an alternative to handing money over to massive corporations — shopping local.

When we buy local products, shop at local businesses and companies, we support our community directly. The money that we spend at small businesses in Louisville and Kentucky, in general, helps feed families and ensures that people in our state have jobs. It also creates an awareness of local artisans, farmers, designers and entrepreneurs. I love supporting my local friends and local business owners because I know that the money I spend goes to helping their families and maintaining jobs for their employees.

With all of this being said, I’ve come up with a list of what I believe to be as some of the best local finds for the holidays and a way that you can surprise your mom, aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and even grandma with something original and local. The following 15 locals businesses and products (in no particular order) are my top choices.

1. Bourbon

Who would I be kidding if bourbon didn’t make this list? When someone says the name “Kentucky,” people either respond with “Derby,” “fried chicken,” or “bourbon.” Although I know that there is so much more to our state than these three things, I must admit that I love two of the three. Derby and bourbon. With that being said, bourbon makes for a great gift. Plenty of bourbon distilleries make mini bourbon bottles that are great stocking stuffers, and if a family member (or yourself) needs that extra push through the holidays because, well, it’s the holidays, then bless them (or yourself) with the gift of bourbon. It also helps for those awkward moments when your family is fighting at the dinner table at Christmas. (Sips bourbon.) My top three bourbons that are great tasting and easy on the wallet are Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses Small Batch. There are too many bourbons to name, but if you are just now entering into the bourbon realm, these are a good start.

2.Bourbon balls

Lots of people enjoy indulging on sweets during the holidays, and I include myself in that group. Kentucky is known for bourbon, and one of the best things made with bourbon is bourbon balls. A mix of semisweet chocolate, bourbon, and chopped nuts are just part of what makes the yummy chocolates that melt in your mouth and leave you with a bourbon after taste. Sometimes I don’t know whether I ate chocolate or if I sipped bourbon; either way, I love it. One of the best places to buy bourbon balls is at Muth’s Candies in Louisville. It is Louisville’s oldest candy shop and is right in the heart of Nulu. If you can’t make it to Louisville or if a trip downtown sounds like too much of a headache, you can purchase their amazing sweets online. They make great gifts for anyone and since their gift boxes range in sizes, you can even use them as stocking stuffers. You can never go wrong with bourbon balls from Muth’s.

https://www.facebook.com/MuthsCandy1921/

3. Holiday Mug from Play With Clay

Clay is a local artist who creates hand-painted mugs and takes special orders. She has painted famous people such as Frida Khalo and Cardi B and has even created cups of people’s pets per their request. Her unique request mugs cost between $20-$30 per cup, and they are the perfect way to give a personalized gift to someone you love. During the holidays, she is running a special on holiday mugs. They are $15 per holiday theme mug. I got this Grinch and Max cup from her for $15. She is currently creating holiday mugs and taking Christmas orders, so if you are looking for a great way to give a loved one a personalized gift, feel free to reach out to her via Instagram or Facebook.

https://www.instagram.com/playwithclay/

https://www.facebook.com/PlayConClay/

4. Revelry Gallery

Besides being an art gallery, Revelry Gallery features handmade jewelry, art, prints, photography, and home décor that is all made locally. It is one of my favorite places to purchase handmade jewelry, and right now, they have tons of cute jewelry for the holidays. It is also one of my go-to shops for local souvenirs. I have purchased drink coasters for my sister and brother-in-law there because they contain local images such as Old Louisville, Butchertown, etc. Another excellent souvenir gift that they sell is posters of local Louisville neighborhoods. When I was living out of the country, I would also stop by here and pick something up so I could have a little piece of home with me wherever I went. They are another great NuLu find. They will be having special discounts this Saturday for Shop Small Saturday and will also have a Cyber Monday special incase you want to avoid driving around town.

https://revelrygallery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/revelryboutiquegallery/

5. Cross Stitch Coven

Cross Stitch Coven are two local girls who have taken your grandmother’s favorite pass time and turned it into a statement piece that can be placed anywhere around the house. If you have a great sense of humor and you . are not easily offended, then this is about to be your favorite thing. Although their cross stitch features funny phrases and a dose of realness, they also do customized cross stitch pieces and trust me, some of the detailed work that they do is just insane. You can follow them on Instagram and message them directly with your customized order, or you can purchase off their Etsy website. They also have some of their work for purchase in Works The Metal, another local business that features local art and is also excellent to check out for holiday gifts. My recent personal favorite is this one below. If you are from Kentucky or if you keep up with the news, then you know that saying goodbye to Matt Bevin as governor was the best Christmas gift this state could get.

https://www.instagram.com/crossstitchcoven/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/crossstitchcoven

6. Magnolia and Fig

In a city filled with cute boutiques, it’s hard to pick and choose which to go to and what has the best options. After moving home from Panamá, I found Magnolia and Fig in Middletown. What impressed me the most about this cute boutique isn’t just the adorable clothes and jewelry, but it is the fact that they carry sizes S to 3X. Living in a small “big” city, many women want to wear something and not worry about running into someone with the same outfit. Magnolia and Fig provides that same experience to women of all sizes and shapes. They are having tons of Black Friday specials tomorrow, and if you haven’t heard of them and you want to brighten up your closet or surprise someone with a cute beanie or necklace, head over and take advantage of their sale.

https://www.instagram.com/magnolia_and_fig/

https://www.facebook.com/magnoliafig/

7. Pastelitos by Annia

Annia is a local baker who is originally from Cuba, and to represent her roots, she has brought a traditional Cuban recipe to Louisville that will send your taste buds spiraling. Annia uses her family’s original pastelito method to create these delicious pastry puffs. The different flavors include coconut, guava, guava with cream cheese (my favorite), Nutella, dulce de leche, and cream cheese. Each pastelito costs $1 and she asks that you order at least two days prior to the date that you need them. The holidays mean office parties, family gatherings, and potlucks with friends. Take the hassle out of baking something yourself and order some pastelitos. They will be a hit no matter where or with whom you choose to celebrate the holidays. I also suggest eating them for breakfast as actual Cubans do.

https://www.facebook.com/annia.garces.98

https://www.instagram.com/pastelitos_by_annia/

8. 4peaks Woodwork

What holiday setup is complete without a cheeseboard? Any good host would tell you that no party is adequately set up without a meat and cheese board. That’s where Tommy at 4peaks Woodwork has everyone covered. Tommy is a local craftsman in Oldham County who creates fantastic pieces of art made from wood. He makes everything from the boards you see here to furniture. Tommy sells his pieces on Etsy, but he can be contacted via Instagram, Etsy, or Facebook if you are looking for a customized piece. His meat and cheese boards are the perfect gift for the person who loves to host parties, the chef in the family, and if you are looking for one for yourself, then look no further.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/4PeaksWoodworkLLC?ref=ss_profile

https://www.instagram.com/4peakswoodwork/

9. Produce from Faul Family Riverside Farm

Andre is a local farmer who raises organic poultry, beef, pork, and shrimp. He uses a style of farming that ensures that the animals are always moving around the farm and that they have plenty of space. I recently did a feature of him on my blog and the fantastic job his farm does of delivering a product that is organic, fresh, and delicious. The farm is running specials on some of their meats during the holidays, and it’s the perfect gift for the office, your dad who can’t get enough of summer sausage or the person who wants to know that their product is ethically farmed and produced. Besides you are going to need some meat to fill up the board from 4peaks Woodwork.

https://faulriversideky.com/

10. Serena’s Soaps and Salves

Mother/daughter duo Lora and Serena sell homemade goat milk soaps, lotions, and healing salves for a variety of skin conditions. They use all organic products to make the soaps and salves, and I can vouch that they smell and feel amazing. I met Lora at the beginning of fall, and she told me that her daughter, Serena, has Down Syndrome, and they created the business because they wanted her to prove to herself and others that her condition will not keep her from accomplishing anything. Every product is packaged and labeled by Serena herself, and she is very involved in the business. Hearing her story instantly inspired me, and when I checked out their products, I fell in love. Not only are their products incredible, but the fact that they are local and Serena’s story makes supporting them that much better. During the winter our skin tends to get dry and crack, give someone the gift of smooth, healthy skin by gifting them a soap or lotion from Serena’s Soaps and Salves.

https://www.serenas-soaps-and-salves.com/

11. A reading from Alex Grant Medium and Psychic

Maybe you’ve always been curious about what it would be like to see a medium, but you’ve been afraid to do so. My friend Alex Grant is a local medium who offers her services for group events to help take some of the fear of seeing a medium out of the way. Alex is extremely professional and has a very laid back personality that will make anyone feel comfortable. Alex provides answers that make sure that people leave feeling better than when they walked in. For her Black Friday special, Alex is having discounts on all of her one on one readings tomorrow. People also request her services for parties during the holidays as a fun way to spice up a holiday party and get a message from spirits. Contact her through her website or Instagram to book a group party session.

https://www.psychicalexgrant.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alexgrantpsychicmedium/

12. Wine from Old 502 Winery

Kentucky may be known for bourbon, but Old 502 Winery has something for those who pass up the bourbon and go straight for the vino. It is Louisville’s only urban winery, and a fun fact is that all of their wine is created by ingredients that are provided by Kentucky farmers. Although they focus on wine, they haven’t ignored the strong connection that Kentucky has with bourbon. The first-ever wine that they sold is called Bourbon Barrel Red. It is also my personal favorite. It is a red wine aged in bourbon barrels, hence the name. It is my go-to local wine, and I enjoy both the reds and the whites. Their wine is a great way to lift spirits at any holiday party. If you don’t live in Kentucky, you can purchase them online on their website, and they even create cute gift baskets just in time for the holidays. Besides, with the holidays and the amount of things that you have to do, who doesn’t want a great glass of wine-or two?

https://www.facebook.com/old502/

13. Bourbon Barrel Foods

For that person who will take any chance they can get to fire up their grill, or for the aspiring chef, and/or for the parent who likes to add a little flair to their family meals, let me introduce you to Bourbon Barrel Foods. Bourbon Barrel Foods is a local company that is known for its microbrewed soy sauce called Bluegrass Soy Sauce. It is the only microbrewed soy sauce in the U.S. and the first ever to be aged in bourbon barrels. If soy sauce isn’t something that tantalizes your palettes, then no worries, they have plenty of other products that are sure to please any chef. From grilling spices to bourbon smoked sweeteners, they’ve pretty much created it all. My brother-in-law swears by their rubs, and I can vouch for them as well. You can purchase their products online or in their store on Frankfort Avenue in Louisville. They have tons of gift sets available to make your holiday shopping that much easier.

https://www.facebook.com/bourbonbarrelfoods/

14. Create your own ornament at Glassworks

Each year our local glass studio provides the ability to create your own art by blowing your very own glass ornament. It is a way to get hands-on and create a decoration that you will cherish for a lifetime. If you don’t want to blow your own glass ornament but know someone who would, it also makes a great gift. Flame Run is part of the Glassworks family and has a list of several decorative options to choose. You can even blow your own bourbon glass, which is perfect for all of the bourbon you plan on drinking during the holidays. Check them out on their website or visit them in person at Glassworks at 815 West Market St.

https://www.facebook.com/flamerunglass/

15. By Any Means Fitness

The holidays are a time of gathering, drinking, and eating. By the time December is over, we all have to adjust the waistbands on our pants and take a sad sip of reality tea and face that we’ve gained the typical holiday weight. It’s understandable; we are living our best lives. The truth is that the best gift that you could ever give someone or yourself is the gift of your health. Djuan Means and Jordan Parker Means are a dynamic duo of personal trainers that can help you lose those holiday pounds and begin a journey to a healthier version of yourself. They do everything from personal training, HIIT classes, and even female-only boot camps. I go to their gym and swear by them because they are always motivating and inspiring their clients to achieve their goals. They have several different pricing packages depending on what training you are looking for. I have their $99 a month plan where I can go to unlimited boot camp and HIIT classes. Right now, you can get $100 off personal training from today until December 7th when you pay in full. A membership to the gym is an excellent gift for someone that you know wants to improve their health. It’s a wonderful gift to give yourself, as well.

https://www.byanymeansfitness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/byanymeansfitness/

https://www.instagram.com/jordanparkermeans/

No matter what holiday gifts you choose to purchase this season, remember to support our local businesses, artists and products. They are what makes Kentucky proud and what keeps Louisville weird.

Taco Choza: Not Your Ordinary Taco Shack

by janelhaswings | Nov 21, 2019 | Bourbon Tales, local, Uncategorized

The other day I was able to visit and experience St. Matthew’s newest taco sensation, Taco Choza. Taco Choza is a small Mexican restaurant that is making big waves amongst the taco aficionados in Louisville. It’s known for its amazing tacos and excellent dining experience. As a self-proclaimed taco aficionado, of course, I had to check it out.

When I first arrived, I was greeted by one of the owners, Jose Cordoba. He was working the register and was able to assist me in choosing which tacos he thought I would like best. He recommended the street tacos, Baja fish tacos, vaca frita tacos, and veggie tacos to try a little bit of everything. Jose was helpful and walked me through the menu and different choices. He was able to answer any questions that I had about the flavors and varied options. I was a little surprised by the price of their tacos, seeing how they are $3.99 each, but Jose explained that their tacos are the size of two average tacos. Once I ordered the tacos that he suggested, he said that I couldn’t skip out on their margaritas or the guacamole. I figured I’m already eating four tacos; At this point, go big or go home.

While waiting for Juan to work his magic and prepare the tacos, I started discussing the idea and concept of Taco Choza with Jose. Jose explained to me that he met Juan while Jose was assisting his wife in her own business. Jose and Juan hit it off immediately, and Juan invited Jose to the restaurant that he worked at that which was under different ownership. Jose decided to visit Juan, and once he did, he saw an opportunity. Jose pitched the idea of becoming a partner of the restaurant with the previous owner and having Juan work as the chef. Once they accepted Jose’s pitch, they decided to do a rebranding of the business.

He said that one of the essential parts of rebranding the restaurant was coming up with a name. I am bilingual and speak Spanish fluently, so I knew the meaning of the name is Taco Shack, but I asked Jose where they got the name. Jose said that surprisingly, it was the owner of the building who suggested it. The owner pointed out that when you look at the building from the outside, it looks like a shack. Jose and Juan realized that the owner was correct, and they loved the idea, and that’s how Taco Choza was born.

While Jose and I continued discussing the concept and establishing the restaurant, the next thing I knew, my tacos and guac were sitting in front of me. First of all, these tacos are massive. Massive in the sense that they are filled to the brim with toppings. I was expecting just a simple taco with a sprinkle of toppings, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food in front of me. Jose wasn’t kidding when he said that one of their tacos is the equivalent of two tacos anywhere else. The portion size totally justifies the price of their tacos.

One of the tacos that Jose suggested that stuck out to me immediately was the vaca frita taco because vaca frita is a traditional Cuban dish. Jose, who is originally from Cuba, said that he wanted to represent his roots along with his partner and chef Juan Pascual’s Mexican roots. They both decided to create Cuban additions to the menu, so there would be a mix of both of their cultures represented. Honestly, I was skeptical about vaca frita on a taco, but once I tried it, I realized that it is an incredible combination.

Every single bite of each taco was as if I were in my own version of food heaven, which includes tacos and margaritas. The chef, Juan, has mastered the art of making tacos. I lived in Mexico for three years, and I can say with authority that this man knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to making a delicious taco. I can’t tell you how many times I have eaten a carne asada taco in Louisville, and it still hasn’t quite lived up to the street tacos in Mexico, these did. With each bite, I was transported back to San Luis Potosí where I lived and where I would order carne asada tacos almost daily. The tacos weren’t just delicious, but they brought back so many of my fond Mexican gastronomy memories. It was at this moment that I understood all of the hype and why Taco Choza is the talk of the town.

After realizing that the food was as excellent as the customer service, I decided to try their margarita because no visit to a Mexican restaurant is complete without sipping on a margarita. The margarita tasted just the way I would expect one to taste, and I could tell that if I had a few, I’d probably end up standing on a table and singing mariachi songs. Luckily for Jose and Juan, I decided only to have one. If you aren’t a margarita fan, they have plenty of imported and domestic beers to choose from, and they even have White Claw for those of us who prefer to indulge in food calories over alcohol calories. If alcohol isn’t your thing or you are visiting with your children, then they also carry soft drinks and a variety of Mexican beverages such as Jarritos and horchata, which are classic Mexican drinks and add to the authenticity of the restaurant.

Jose and Juan decided to accompany me during my meal and discuss some of the feedback that they have received since opening on November 12th of last year. Jose and Juan said that they envisioned being successful, but they are beyond surprised by the number of fantastic reviews and the success that they have experienced. Neither of them expected to end up being listed on Yelp’s top 50 restaurants in Kentucky, nor were they expecting to be named on The Daily Meal as one of “The Best Restaurants in America for 2019, According to Yelp.” They also pointed out that they were just recently rated the #14 as Best Mexican Restaurants in the U.S., According to Yelp on Buzzfeed.

The truth is, Taco Choza is deserving of all of the recognition that they are receiving. It’s a restaurant where all walks of life can come and enjoy excellent food and a great atmosphere. It’s quaint enough to make hipsters believe that it is a hidden gem, families can take their children and know that they will actually eat their food, and it’s a place for people like me. Someone who loves tacos and looks for authenticity and a great atmosphere. It can all be found in one location, Taco Choza.

What seems to set them apart from the very saturated and competitive Mexican food market is the consistently delicious food and excellent customer service. José makes sure that customers have a pleasant ordering experience, and Juan ensures that they leave satisfied and with their palettes astonished. It’s the perfect combination, and it is what is winning Taco Choza a spot on everyone’s go-to taco destination list, and I promise you it will become your go-to Mexican restaurant once you try it.

Taco Choza is located in the heart of St. Matthews at 3922 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40207. Their hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until 9 p.m.

To view their menu and for additional information check out their website below.

http://www.tacochozaky.com/

You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/TACO-CHOZA-502-2213172858925225/

https://www.instagram.com/tacochoza502/

This Saturday, November 23rd, 2019, they will be doing a special celebration for their year anniversary, and in order to give back to the local community who has supported them since day one, they are offering specials on tacos and margaritas. If you haven’t visited them yet, then this is the perfect opportunity!

Top 10 Things to Do in Louisville During Fall

by janelhaswings | Oct 31, 2019 | Bourbon Tales

It’s that particular time of year where the air gets crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the smell of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes is all around you. It is also when everyone is suddenly excited to wear layers of clothes, only to have to strip the majority of them off by 2 p.m. because it is suddenly 70 degrees outside. That’s right; I’m talking about fall in Louisville, Kentucky.

It’s a special time of year because it is also when Louisville seems to have tons of events and fun things to do for all age groups. I’ve spent this fall doing ALL of the things and have narrowed them down to my personal top 10 things to do in Louisville during the fall season. The list is in no particular order.

1. Walk Hillcrest Avenue

If you are local and you have never walked Hillcrest in October either during the day or night-are you even a local? Hillcrest Avenue is located in the Crescent Hill neighborhood, and they go all out for Halloween. Tons of houses on the block go all out with their decorations. You have everything from guts and blood to a tribute to everyone’s favorite scary sisters-The Sanderson Sisters. (Hocus Pocus lovers know who I’m talking about.) I suggested walking it during the day and at night because you get two different perspectives. During the day, you can see all of the detail that goes into the decorations, and at night, the real spectacle begins. The lights and animation add a spooky touch. My personal favorite is “Hillcrest Cemetery.” The owner creates his own characters and makes up funny tombstones with their names and how they died. I love seeing the new additions each year. If you are in town and looking for something fun to get you in the Halloween spirit, then head towards Hillcrest Avenue. The best news is that it is free and you can walk down the avenue day or night.

My favorite house on Hillcrest Avenue. Read the tombstones!

2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park.

For the past seven years, Louisville has had the privilege to showcase 5,000 jack-o-lanterns in one of our local parks-Iroquois Park. It’s an event that is appropriate for any age group. Take a stroll through the park and awe at the fantastic jack-o-lantern carvings that line the walkway. The spectacular does cost money, and the price depends on if it is a weekday or weekend. My suggestion is to buy your tickets ahead of time and be prepared to wait in a long line. If you buy your ticket for the 6:15 p.m. time, you will not enter until 7:15 p.m. when they open the trail, and depending on how long the line is; you may not walk into the entrance until 8 p.m. The wait is long, but it is worth it.

A pumpkin featured in this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. I loved the wings. 😉

https://www.jack-o-lanternlouisville.com/

3. Go to Huber’s Orchard and Winery

Ok, before anyone gets upset with me, I know that Huber’s Orchard and Winery isn’t located in Louisville or Kentucky and that it is in Starlight, Indiana, but let’s be honest, what Kentuckian hasn’t visited Huber’s? Huber’s Orchard and Winery is a family farm that is mostly known for two things; pumpkin picking and WINE. If you are like me, you go for the wine more than the pumpkins, but if you have a family, then it’s an excellent excuse to take the children and make a family excursion out of it. Huber’s is very family-oriented, and they have a little bit of everything for all ages. Visiting Huber’s is free, and it is around a 30-minute drive from Louisville. Yes, you have to cross the bridge into Indiana, but Huber’s grounds are gorgeous, especially in fall with their pumpkin patches and apple orchards. For those who do enjoy adult alcoholic beverages, they have plenty of wine readily available, and if you haven’t had their sangria, then you haven’t truly lived life yet. It’s a perfect way to spend the day, whether it be with friends, your partner, or your family. No one ever leaves disappointed.

Picking apples at Huber’s Orchard and Winery.

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4. Go to a football game/tailgate

Welcome to Kentucky, where college football and basketball are KING. We do not care about professional sports but bring up college sports, and we won’t stop talking. Football season and fall just so happen to coincide, which means tailgates filled with food, beer, and good old rivalry. There are two major rivals in the state, the University of Louisville (the best team) and the University of Kentucky. We all have our favorite team, and on game days, we are not friends with our rivals until the game is over. If you ever get a chance to go to a tailgate either for a U of L game or a U.K. game, do it! Tailgating is where people grill out, drink beer and bourbon, and party before the game. The name “tailgate” is because people use to drop the tailgate of their trucks and sit on them and drink and eat before the games. The name stuck around, and now it is the thing to do before any football game.

Tailgating a Louisville Cardinal Stadium. GO CARDS!

5. Visit a haunted house/Waverly Hills Sanatorium

One of the fun fall activities for the older crowd is visiting haunted houses and corn mazes. There are tons of haunted houses to visit in Louisville and the surrounding area, and it all just boils down to what you are looking for. My personal favorite is Waverly Hills. The reason why I think it is the best haunted house in Louisville isn’t because of the Halloween production that they put on during October, but it is because the actual building is scary A.F. to look at. Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a hospital built during the tuberculosis outbreak in Louisville. Locals have heard all types of scary stories about Waverly Hills and the many patients that died there who now haunts the building. It’s always featured on the top scariest/haunted places in the U.S., and every year in October, the owners turn it into a haunted house for people to go and get scared. In my opinion, you don’t even have to enter the haunted house to get scared. The outside of the building is scary enough, and knowing that people were tortured and made into guinea pigs to find a cure for tuberculosis, well, that’s enough reason to believe that it is haunted. I don’t recommend taking small children, but if your children are into it, then go right ahead.

https://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/

6. Go hiking at Red River Gorge

A two-hour drive south of Louisville to Slade, Kentucky will put you smack dab in the middle of some of the best fall scenery that you can imagine. If you want the typical fall Instagram photo of red, orange, and yellow leaves, then look no further. The Gorge not only provides the best fall photo backgrounds in Kentucky, but it contains some of the best hiking trails in the state. If you love Mother Nature like me, then you cannot miss out on a chance to hike at Red River Gorge. There are tons of trails for all levels of hikers, and the landscape is breathtaking during fall. It’s a great way to get a breath of fresh air and escape the hustle of the city.

Soaking up all of the sunshine possible before winter, because IT’S COMING!

7. St. James Art Fair

Every year, artists both local and from other parts of the U.S. gather in the most historic part of the city, Old Louisville, to put on the most prominent art show in Louisville. It is something that I look forward to every year because it exposes local artists and also gives you a chance to meet artists from other parts of the country. I always find something special while I’m there. It can be jewelry, paintings, or drawings, but there is always something that calls to me. This year I was able to find a lot of pieces that I loved and bring them back home with me. The location of the show is unique because it is in the historic part of Louisville, so you are surrounded by large Victorian houses and the iconic St. James Court Fountain. The art fair happens on the first weekend of October, and it is free to attend. All ages are welcome.

https://stjamescourtartshow.com/

8. Attend a Fall Harvest Festival

During fall, there are harvest festivals all over the city, it seems. Most of the festivals include food from local vendors, apple cider, beer, face painting, and fun activities for children. It’s a nice way to spend some time out of the house and enjoy local vendor’s foods and buy some local crafts since most of them have local artists attending as well. If the weather is nice, it makes for a great way to spend the day or at least a few hours. Louisville is a food and beverage city; therefore, any excuse to try new food and drinks is a good one.

9. Pick a pumpkin at a local farm

There are several places around Louisville that you can go and pick out the perfect pumpkin for your fall decor. Gallrein Farms is a local farm located in Shelby County that has pumpkin patches, and they also do a lot of fun fall activities, including hayrides, petting zoos, and picking pumpkins. Huber’s in Indiana also has pumpkin patches, but if you want to stay within the state, then definitely check out Gallrein Farms.

Picking pumpkins at Huber’s Orchard and Winery.

10. Attend Colorfest at Bernheim Forest

This is another event for anyone who loves fall and nature. What better way to combine both by attending Colorfest at Bernheim Forest? Bernheim is a quick 30-minute drive from Louisville, and they always have wonderful family-oriented events throughout the year. Their fall event is called Colorfest, which is appropriately named because it is during the time of year when all of the trees have changed color. There are tons of fun activities to do while there, such as going on a hayride, slingshotting pumpkins, face painting, hay mazes, and mud pies. The event takes place on a Saturday and Sunday so you can plan your weekend accordingly. It costs $10 per car, and the money goes towards saving our local forest.

Getting ready to enjoy a hay ride around Bernheim!

Fall in Love with Faul Family Riverside Farm

by janelhaswings | Oct 17, 2019 | Bourbon Tales

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Faul Family Riverside Farm. It is a local farm in Henry County, that is trying to improve the quality of meat products in our area. It is a sprawling farm with 100 acres and several different types of livestock, including cows, chickens, laying hens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Apart from animals, they also have a gorgeous barn that is available for wedding ceremonies, special events, or barn parties.

The owners, the Faul family, along with their son Andre Faul being the chief farmhand, are trying to make clean and healthier made more accessible in our community. I am fortunate that I know Andre personally because we went to high school together, and we’ve kept in touch with each other over the years. Since I moved back to Kentucky, I had wanted to go and check out his farm. I saw posts from the farm on the internet, and he and I had talked back and forth about some of the things he was doing, so my curiosity was peaked. Since there is nothing better than seeing for yourself, I asked Andre if it would be ok for me to come out and take a tour of the farm.

The drive to the farm from Louisville is around 30 minutes, and the roads to get there are a little curvy, but besides that, it’s an easy journey. Once I arrived on the farm, the first thing that I noticed was the massive barn and the quilt on top of the barn. For those who don’t know, it is a widespread practice for barns in Kentucky to have quilts painted on wood at the top of them. It isn’t a concept original to Kentucky, but Kentucky loved the idea, and most barns around here have one at top. The reason why the Faul family’s quilt stands out is that it has the colors of the South African flag. You may ask yourself why the colors of the flag for South Africa would be on a barn in the middle of Kentucky. The answer is that the Faul family is originally from South Africa.

In 2001, Andre’s mom received a job offer at the University of Louisville, and the family decided to pack up and move halfway across the world. The next question you may be asking yourself is, “How does a family from South Africa end up with a farm in Henry County, Kentucky?” The answer was a bit surprising to me, but it once I heard it, I was inspired.

Andre’s grandfather was a citrus farmer in South Africa. He said that hearing his dad’s stories about growing up on a farm and farming the land inspired him and made him want to experience it for himself. His parents decided to buy the farm in 2015 and then offered him the opportunity to turn his dreams into reality.

Andre previously worked as a fish farmer in Miami, and he didn’t enjoy his job whatsoever. (We’ve all been there at least once.) So when his parents offered him the opportunity to run the farm for him, he gladly accepted. Although he traded warm weather and beautiful beaches for the bluegrass and the very brown Ohio River, he did bring back a part of Miami with him. See the Faul Family farm is one of two local farms that harvest shrimp. Andre runs the only farm that supplies fresh shrimp to the local Jefferson, Oldham, and Henry Co. communities and also a local Louisville restaurant, Harvest.

This year alone, they are on track to harvest about 300-350 lbs. of shrimp, and while visiting the farm, he showed me the new expansion that they are working on. Currently, the shrimp are harvested in a building that contains two huge saltwater tanks. Once Andre and his help finish building the new enclosure, he plans to have at least eight containers filled with saltwater shrimp. It will allow him to distribute his product to more local restaurants that are interested in purchasing local, organic harvested shrimp.

The fact that they harvest shrimp isn’t the only thing about the farm that makes them stand apart from others. It’s the way that Andre farms that truly sets them apart. They use a style of farming called ‘Regenerative Agriculture.’ When I asked Andre to explain this type of agriculture to me, this is what he said, “The farming we do has a positive impact on our land, as opposed to most farming practices that destroy the area. We mimic nature in how we move our animals around our pastures, i.e., wild herds of ruminants are always on the move, not staying in one area for more than a couple days. Moving the animals gets them off their manure and decreases the likelihood of them getting sick from constant exposure to parasites and bacteria, and it gives them continuous access to fresh grass. “

According to Andre, all of their animals play vital roles in maintaining the farm, and they all have specific jobs. “The laying hens move around the pasture and scratch through sheep and cow droppings, picking out any parasites and working the manure into the soil. They also leave behind nitrogen-rich manure that benefits the soil. The cows and sheep graze the pastures and promote grass growth by consuming the grass, and they also leave behind beneficial manure that feeds the soil microbes. Our pigs help us in clearing brush and thickets and digging down to disturb the seedbed underneath the pasture, thereby promoting different grasses and legumes to grow once they move on. And our turkeys are efficient grazers and love to graze on grasses, legumes, and even take care of some weeds in the pasture.”

While on the farm, we discussed his schedule and how he has a set amount of days for each enclosure. The most impressive part about their operation is that it is just Andre and a family friend are the only ones working at the farm. His friend is only here temporarily, so once he heads back to South Africa, Andre will be a one-person show again. That means one man will be in charge of taking care of ten cows, one hundred turkeys, ten pigs, three hundred chickens, and ten sheep. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it because I can barely take care of myself, let alone a 100-acre farm with so many animals. Not only does he take care of the land and the cattle, but he is also in charge of taking their animals to their local USDA approved poultry and meat processor. Once they get the meat processed, he also sells it online and at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, KY.

After discussing the entire process of how the farm starts with tiny hatchlings, baby pigs, and shrimp and Andre takes care of them until they are ready to be processed, it makes me have more respect for organic farmers like him. It’s a long process and not an easy one. The number of hours and work that goes into maintaining their farm is crazy, but in the end, it is worth it. As Andre said, when he can have a meal with his family that he knows were raised organically and processed in the least cruel way possible, it creates a sense of accomplishment. It also makes you respect your food, and in turn, you waste less.

The farm typically does a monthly event from spring until fall. Their “Chat & Chews” are where you can take a tour around the farm and have a meal featuring their final products. It’s a great way to educate children and adults on organic farming, and the positive effects that it has on the land. It is also an excellent opportunity to taste the hard work and labor of the farm. Andre also allows people to come out and walk around the farm during the day as long as they contact him prior and give him a heads up that they want to come out.

If you are looking for a taste of what the Faul Family Riverside farm produces, all of the poultry, meat, and shrimp products can be purchased online or at the local Farmer’s Market in LaGrange, Kentucky, from spring until fall. You can also try some of the Faul Family Riverside chicken at Grassa Gramma in Holiday Manor in Louisville, and the shrimp can be found at Harvest on Market St. in Louisville. Don’t be surprised if you start to see the Faul Family Riverside farm name start popping up on more menus around Louisville as they are currently in the talks for being a feature in other local restaurants.

Faul Family Riverside Farm is just another example of a local business that is trying to have a positive impact on our community through hard work, respect, and love for the environment. Their goal is to have a positive impact on the environment and a healthy product on your plate.
To find out more about Faul Family Riverside Farm or to plan your visit, you can contact Andre directly at riversidefarmky@gmail.com. While you visit, you can purchase their products, and you can always buy their products online on their website below.

https://faulriversideky.com/

Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/riversideky/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/riversidefarmky/ for photos and farm updates.

A special thank you to Andre and his family for allowing me to tour around their farm and for taking the time to explain the process to me. It was a great experience!