In an effort to provide shoppers with a more thoughtful and environmentally friendly alternative to the run of the mill valentine’s day gifts, over a dozen small businesses and artists will gather to offer a selection of gifts ranging from jewelry and pottery to the more traditional flowers and chocolates approach. Participants include: Green Lady Studio Flowers, Barret Bell, Stellar Sweets, Kinship Press, Only Embry, Kenny Andreozzi, Black Cat Pottery, Cara Anderson, Madpixel, Red Hot Roasters, humankindness, Glass Dreamz, Beech Designs, Hey Tiger, That’s Shantastic, Claire Raabe & Roxann Slate, One Love, and Dolce. Two Louisville is For Lovers 10 Year anniversary tickets will be raffled off to a lucky attendee.

Saturday February 13, 2010
1:00PM-5:00PM

Rainbow Blossom
St. Matthews
3738 Lexington Road

I had been to a Fresh Market once in Indianapolis but I didn’t have much memory of it, so it was nice to have a chance to take a good look around this one. The marketing person there told me that this is the 93rd store in the chain. I’d seen the signs about Fresh Market being under construction because it’s very near my realtor’s office and I wondered what niche the store would fill. I mean we’ve already got several Rainbow Blossom locations as well as Whole Foods and Kroger.

Now, after having seen the store in person I have a little bit better idea of how it can be a useful addition to the food shopping scene.

The prepared foods sections (deli, bakery, antipasto carts) are really impressive. If you’re on your way home to East Egypt after work and want something quick and tasty to take home, a trip to their deli will have you well covered. If you’re throwing a dinner party but don’t have the time or inclination to make a spectacular dessert on your own and you want to pick one up while you’re shopping for other things, they’ve got you covered. If you, like me, just absolutely love olives and get giddy when you can pick and choose from a really good olive bar, they’ve got you covered.

They also have a really nice selection of, I guess upscale is the word here, frozen hors d’oeuvres (mushroom risotto pockets, goat cheese and fig pastry pockets, etc). They’re expensive but if I’m having a small party where I want to impress people but I don’t want to make every single thing from scratch for these seem like a really good option.

The prices seemed reasonable. Definitely no more expensive than Whole Foods and in-line with Kroger on some items. They have lots of Fresh Market branded items (milk, canned goods, coffee, etc) that had beautiful packaging. Obviously I didn’t get to do a head to head comparison on product quality so I can’t tell you if it’s better or worse than other brands but their milk comes in glass bottles and the cream and half and half in adorable little clear plastic bottles which makes me love them instantly.

Also, they had gigantor muffins for $1.09 each. Don’t know if this is just a grand opening price or what but that seems like a pretty good deal.

My favorite part about visiting Fresh Market? Overhearing a conversation between I guess the produce manager and two employees. The produce section was just beautiful, everything perfectly arranged, fresh delicious looking stuff all around and he said “This is the expectation.” That’s the direct quote. I’m going to paraphrase the rest. Essentially he said that when customers come to the store they expect and deserve that level of beauty, care and perfection all the time, every day. I do so appreciate someone who clearly takes pride in their work.

Fresh Market (both this location and the other that is where? Middletown?) is far enough off my normal routes that I don’t think it will be in my regular shopping rotation but I definitely think I’ll hit it when I’m shopping for parties or special dinners. And on those occasions when I have to be out that way for business I’ll definitely stop in. It’s pretty, has a really good selection* and makes grocery shopping pleasant. If you live in the East End and pass that way frequently and describe yourself as a foodie I absolutely expect Fresh Market will become a frequent stop for you.

*A note about “good selection”: What I should say is that it has a really good selection of the kind of things I like to buy. Fresh Market is much smaller than your average Kroger so clearly they don’t carry everything that Kroger does, I’m ok with that.

OK folks this is your last chance to send in your love and romance questions to Fairdale Bigfoot. The write of the best love and romance question, as judged by Fairdale Bigfoot, will receive a gift package from Highland Coffee suitable for sharing with your beloved.

Dear Fairdale Bigfoot,

Perhaps you can solve a mystery for me, one I’ve heard of many times but never fully understood: Why are so many men in love with ‘57 Chevys?

Not-Chevy Girl

Dear N-CG,

So you want to know why so many men go after Chevy’s? Why they accept a Chevy Chase? In general, Chevy Chases are unadvised, unless they are of the pre-1986 variety. You can enjoy your Chevy with three friends (amigos, if you will), but it’s not advised to take the Chevy on a European Vacation. (Better avoid Vegas, too, but feel free to drive it on Christmas, or a standard vacation) Also, beware of humorous rural driving, because putting a Chevy anywhere near a Funny Farm is inadvisable. Furthermore, you should feel free to take your Chevy to the golf course, but only once. A second visit to the Caddy’s shack is a horrible idea. It is also unwise to display your Chevy late at night. NEVER, EVER DO THIS! CHEVY WILL NOT WORK IN LATE NIGHT.

For the three people who understood that last paragraph, Fairdale Bigfoot is grateful.

Now, to answer your question, the 1957 Chevrolet is collectible for several reasons. To begin with, the 1958 Chevrolet marked a horrible dropoff in quality. Chevrolets after 1958 are heavy metal monsters (kind of like Dio’s Holy Diver. Is Fairdale Bigfoot right, people?!). Furthermore, as any fan of the big block can tell you, the lightweight 1957 and 1955 Chevrolet automobiles can fit the three-hundred-sixty-five horsepower 327s (introduced in 1962) and blow Ford hot rods out of the water. (Though why a Ford is in the water is a whole different question) Pack it up, buddy, it’s gonna shut you down. There’s no joke here, just a bunch of car facts and a few music references. You didn’t know Fairdale Bigfoot was such a gearhead, did you?

Have you also considered the fact that any man you meet is a jerk?

Dear Fairdale Bigfoot,

My girlfriend and I have been dating for a little more than four years. We met as frustrated youths in college and bonded over our mutual dislike of Valentine’s Day schlock. We’ve never celebrated Valentine’s, and in fact, we’ve never been together on the 14th before. This year we will be, and my girlfriend insists she doesn’t want to celebrate. I don’t want to celebrate either, but a few of my friends say I’m ignoring the fact that my special lady actually wants me to be romantic, but doesn’t want to admit she’s changed her mind since college. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Flummoxed in Fern Creek

Dear Flummoxed,

This letter presents a solution to the problems Fairdale Bigfoot tried to solve last week. Valentine’s is played out. It’s as overdone as the meat many of you readers will eat on the 14th as you try to buy yourselves a renewal on your romances.

Presumably, you and Mrs. Flummoxed believe you have the type of relationship that transcends days of mawkish jubilation. You think your partnership is worthy of more than a single day and that your actions make the bond between you two a fete 24/7/365.

Well, Cassanova, give it some more thought. Perhaps you’ve wrapped yourself up with a feminine replica of Robert Smith. Are you sure you’re keeping the fire burning in Cairo? Maybe you tell her you love her, but this special lady is secretly screaming “Show me, show me, show me!” How can you know if she’s living on Fascination Street? You just have to. If you’re certain, then there’s no need to worry.

And if you are certain, then tell your friends that some people don’t need to fall into holiday traditions to be happy. Maybe they’re secretly jealous. Maybe that or maybe you’ll be single by Presidents’ Day. If so, feel free to swing by Jefferson Memorial Forest for a consolatory drink, perhaps a ‘57 Chevy (vodka, Southern Comfort, pineapple juice).

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine’s Day. Do whatever makes you both, happy, readers. Just don’t share the details with Fairdale Bigfoot, who will spend this Valentine’s sobbing over soup for one while the woodland creatures woo each other in disgusting displays of beautiful, natural ardor.

Sincerely,
Fairdale Bigfoot

Louisvillians are invited to “Party like it’s 1912” at a free after-hours event on Saturday, February 13, from 11:40 p.m. to 2:20 a.m. at the Louisville Science Center, 727 W. Main St.

The first 200 people to reserve tickets will be admitted free. The event lasts from the time Titanic hit the ill-fated iceberg (11:40 p.m.) until the time it sank (2:20 a.m.). Guests can visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, featuring 150 authentic artifacts. Titanic-related activities will happen throughout the Science Center. Complimentary desserts will be provided and a cash bar will be available, including themed cocktails: the “Sparkling Rose,” named for the fictional character from blockbuster film Titanic; Captain Smith’s Bourbon Tea, in honor of the Ship’s real captain; and an Iceberg Cocktail.

Guests will be eligible to win a trip for two to Las Vegas to see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, courtesy of Premier Exhibitions, Inc., the developers of the Exhibition. The Exhibition in Las Vegas features more than 300 artifacts, including the largest Titanic artifact ever retrieved. A massive piece of the Ship referred to as “The Big Piece,” it weighs 15 tons and measuring more than 26 feet long. The Exhibition also features lifelike replicas from Titanic, including the Grand Staircase. The Vegas giveaway, valued at nearly $1,500, includes two tickets to the Exhibition, plus airfare and a two-night stay at the Luxor. Guests must be present to win the Vegas giveaway, and the winner will be announced at the event.

The event is open to those ages 21 and over. Two hundred free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two free tickets per person, by calling (502) 561-6100, ext. 6580. Thereafter, tickets will be available at the discounted rate of $8 per person. (Regular admission to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is $18 for adults and $14 for children 2-12). Tickets include all activities, desserts, and admission to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and the Science.

To win one of the four tickets I have to give away tell us a good story about seeing James Cameron’s Titanic. I saw it at Tinsel Town when Tinsel Town was new and I had to have someone draw me a map to find our way out there. I’ll also say that I didn’t go of my own free will. B and her best friend just had to go see it and drug me along.

Two winners chosen at at random from all the entries I receive by 4PM on Wednesday February 10, 2010 will each win two tickets.

A musical celebration featuring the Louisville Orchestra, the Louisville Youth Orchestra, pianist Joyce Yang and conductor Jason Seber

Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m.
The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall
FREE EVENT! No tickets required. Doors open at 6 p.m.

This concert will feature works by Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean), Peter Schickele (the composer behind PDQ Bach), Rachmaninoff, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Glinka – performed by the Louisville Orchestra side-by-side with the Louisville Youth Orchestra.

The February 3 concert will also offer a “sneak preview” of pianist Joyce Yang’s upcoming performances wth the Louisville Orchestra. For the Rising Stars concert, Ms. Yang will perform Variations 16-18 from Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

“Rising Stars” is presented by The Kentucky Center in partnership with the Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Youth Orchestra, and Kentucky Music Educators Association, with support from the Gheens Foundation, the Fund for the Arts, Dr. Layman and Mrs. Julie Gray, and Jonathan and Stephi Wolff. Steinway piano provided with support of Gist Piano Center.

We are funded solely through fundraising events, private donations, and adoption fees. This year LWRI is hosting its 3rd Annual “Weim & Cheese” gala on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at The Clifton Center in Louisville, KY. This is an evening of fun with music, a silent and live auction, and, of course, lots of food and drink. All of the proceeds from the 2010 Weim & Cheese event will be used directly to feed, shelter, and provide much needed veterinary care to these rescued animals, who reside with our volunteers in their own homes, with their own pets and families prior to adoption.

Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. (LWRI) is looking for sponsorships of both cash and merchandise for the auctions at Weim & Cheese. Business owners I do hope you’ll help out and sponsor if you can. We crazy dog people will love you forever for it.

Contact Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. (LWRI) for more information about sponsorship opportunities.