Monday Morsels: Separation of Food & State
Food For Thought: Separation of Food & State
Hi y’all Monday Morsel Readers!
Looks like Lucy has a lot of ‘splaining to do! Apparently, several busy bodies caught sight of Terri at Juniper in Wellesley with an unidentified bar patron, raising eyebrows and begging the question, where’s the other Rocker? Nosy Parker spotted Nanci shipping out of Boston and boarding a jet plane for the Bluegrass State. Alas, it is admittedly true that The Co-Rockers were dining in different cities but this does not, however, confirm speculation of an uncoupling; simply a parting of the palates for a few days and hence, dear morsellettes, a separation of Food & State.
Whilst one Co-Rocker filled her Market Basket with the Bay State’s iconic food and drinks: Boston Cream Pie, Grinders, New England Clam Chowda, Lobsta Rolls, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and a Sam Adams IPA, the other Co-Rocker went Krogering for Derby Pie, Hot Browns, Burgoo, Benedictine, Beer Cheese, Mint Julep and Bourbon galore!
We submit to you that our United States of America is divided by state lines, party politics, and red vs. blue. Lately, these lines have deepened, fracturing our connections instead of embracing our founding principles. Let’s not get into a history lesson, but we are a nation whose structure and foundation is built on diversity and let’s just say the proof is literally in the pudding! Dive into Jambalaya in Louisiana and immerse yourself in African, Spanish and French influences. Head to Wisconsin and the Swiss will melt your heart. The Neapolitan flavors of Chicago will deepen your love for their pizza. That chicken pot pie you shared with your twin is a Pennsylvania Dutch delight and the nachos at every Chipotle is borderline Tex-Mex. A New York bagel? Oy, shall we go on?! So let’s gather at the table instead of parting ways and when you travel throughout the USA and abroad, immerse yourself in the flavors that embrace culture and diversity, savor the dishes that are built on history, and as we say “Mangia!”
Dear Theresa, I regret to inform you that I must take my leave of Beantown to head to bluer pastures and open trails, as the spirits are calling me. They go by the name of Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye. Whilst you explore The Bay State’s suburban establishments, I will seek the “Life of Nanci” and fill my bucket with all things Kentucky and promise to bring you tidings from the road. Yours sincerely, Nanci of The Co-RockersSTEPPING OUT WITH THE/ (A) CO-ROCKERS: Spirited Away…
Louisville Bourbon Inn Bed & Breakfast, Old Louisville, KY
THE INN: In the heart of Old Louisville there sits a majestic mansion and carriage house built in the 1880s, “where old world charm meets new world convenience.” Operating as a bed and breakfast since 2006, this elegant Victorian home changed hands in 2023. The new proprietors Allen Mitchell and Jeff Ochs have maintained and transformed this B&B into a 5 star establishment on both Tripadvisor & Google (a feat in and of itself!). After a 3-night stay, it is easy to see why. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Allen who oozed with Southern hospitality, open arms and excitement, as if we were long lost friends. Every room of this manor is exquisitely decorated with a design flair that evokes the historic Victorian nature of the house including fresh flowers, and yet each piece of furniture from chairs, sofas, beds and couches are inviting and incredibly comfortable. Modern conveniences are supplied in each suite (Hot Toddy, Kentucky Classic): Smart TVs (that always make us feel stupid), USB charging stations, iron, steamer (for those who can’t iron… Nanci), Maxi Bar, help yourself to candy galore and clear glass bottled (premium) Kentucky water. The bourbon? That’s extra, but Allen & Jeff know their spirits and will gladly guide your choices.
Full disclosure: There is an additional house guest at the Louisville Bourbon Inn and her name is Annie Whipple. She might whoosh in during your stay. She’s known to be a bit of a prankster but kind at heart, let’s just say that her reputation is, well…legendary. 
THE BREAKFAST: The absolute piece de resistance, Breakfast served on an exquisite table setting in the formal dining room. Each morning, our host and chef extraordinaire, Allen, prepared dishes, with a daily excursion in mind, sausage and grits mash, topped with a poached egg & on a freshly baked biscuit prior to our Bourbon Trail tour. French toast with lemon mousse, fresh fruit and candied bourbon bacon for our sojourn to the Kentucky Derby Museum and Barn and our farewell breakfast of a tower of potato, ham hash with spinach and eggs. As of this writing, Allen and Jeff are considering a brunch option on weekends for guests who aren’t staying at the inn. If that’s the case and you aren’t staying there, we say, run, honestly the best breakfast we’ve had since, well…ever. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the powerful, old fashioned that greeted us after a hot day touring the Kentucky sites, by far the best one we’d ever had. We may have felt special, but truth is we know that Allen and Jeff treat every one of their guests this way, offering restaurant suggestions, sites to see, walks to take and of course, did we mention the bourbon?
Location: The Inn is approximately 2 miles in both directions from all the action: NULU (New Louisville), Muhammad Ali Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum and Track, Cardinal Stadium and a bevy of fabulous distilleries.
Mention The Co-Rockers and/or Monday Morsels and make your booking whether it’s for the Bourbon festival, the Derby, a visit to Louisville or the Trail! Allen & Jeff promise to take extra special care of you!Travel the Trail Custom Bourbon Tours
Bourbon: Wait? A tour guide to take you to the Kentucky Bourbon trail? Would this have anything to do with being over-served? Well, yes and no. There are approximately 45 distilleries on the Bourbon Trail that extend over 100 miles from Louisville. We opted for Travel the Trail Custom Bourbon Tours to take us to Bardstown, Kentucky where we sampled Bourbon from Jim Beam, Heaven Hill & Willett. Many of the distilleries were closed on a Monday, but Travel The Trail did a fabulous job of creating an immersive experience that showcased the personalities and histories of each of these distinct distilleries. Bob, our tour guide, was clearly a connoisseur flexing those Bourbon muscles along with good ‘ole down home Kentucky history. The tour included a lunch stop at the historical Talbott Tavern, where Kings, Presidents, and dignitaries stayed, ate and quarreled. Not to mention a famed poker game gone wrong as evidenced by Jesse James’s bullet holes in the tavern walls. As for our party, the Tavern did not disappoint as we enjoyed the delicious fried catfish sandwiches, fried pickles and beer cheese and did we mention bourbon?
When booking make sure to mention Monday Morsels and request Bob for 10% off your package, plus a special bottle of bourbon.
THE ROCKIN’ BANDWAGON: HelLOU there!
Southern Hospitality exists in every corner of your visit to Louisville and beyond. From a visit with a dear friend who showered us with Kentucky delights (derby pie, bourbon balls and a local’s view of the city and a speakeasy to boot) to the welcoming nature of every restaurant, museum, and shop. So much to see, and not enough time, no worries as this Old Kentucky home is worth returning to and next time with a Co-Rocker in tow! Here’s a few of our stops along the way.
La Bodeguita de Mima: Cuban Restaurant & Rum Bar: Move over Miami, there’s a little Havana in Louisville and every day is a celebration with Cuban music, food and atmosphere at this beautiful eatery that embraces Cuban roots. (Try the Ropa Vieja)
Royals Hot Chicken: The heat is on and we mean Gonzo style. Perfectly fried chicken seasoned with sauce of your liking and delicious sides: broccoli & bacon slaw, creamy mac & cheese or potato wedges. If heat is your superpower, we wish you all the best and bring a quart of milk.
Nami-Restaurant: Edward Lee is a James Beard Finalist for Best Chef and it shows in this delicious modern approach to Korean cuisine. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough bourbon to showcase our Karaoke talents…as if. P.S. The peanut butter ice cream with a fried cake that was shaped in a goldfish was outstanding.
Bourbon: It’s everywhere, every corner, street signs, retail shops and culture. Bottom’s up!
*As a reminder, our reviews are biased and we mean that in a confirming way, as it relates to The Co-Rockers tastes and styles. Please note, any discounts you might receive are a result of the relationships we’ve cultivated, NOT in exchange for goods and discounts given to The Co-Rockers. SOMETHING TO CHEW ON!
While you are waiting to book your trip (feel free to message The Co-Rockers for additional information), we suggest you head on over to Bully Boy Distillers as they’ve just released their home grown, Bourbon. It doesn’t have to be made in KY to be bourbon folks, it just has to be good and it is! *Disclaimer, there is a familial relationship involved
Neil Diamond may be belting out “Sweet Caroline” at the 8th inning stretch of every Red Sox game, but if you're a Co-Rocker in Kentucky, it’s a whole different tune!
She shines with her own kind of light
She'd look at you once
And a day that's all wrong looks all right
And I love her, God knows, I love her
Kentucky woman
If she get to know you
She goin' to own you, Kentucky woman
And remember, Enjoy every morsel! XOXO The Co-Rockers
...but you can find a Chinese restaurant in literally every city you visit!