Cultural alchemy…The magical process of transformation through combination.  We thrive in this place of being in and between cultures.  Food traditions from Asia and the Caribbean along with some musical dashes from around the world enriched the southern culture of Louisville during our 24 hour visit.

The food offerings in a locale often provide the most transparent expression of cultural alchemy.  During our visit to Louisville, we sampled three distinct restaurants with dishes and drinks rooted in long embraced traditions.

Frankfort Avenue’s District 6 combines Vietnamese flavors and techniques with local ingredients.

La Bodeguita de Mima in Nulu welcomes with a lively ambiance and an authentic Cuban menu.  “Every culture has an affectionate name for the matriarch of the family. Mawmaw, Nonna, Yai-yai, and in Cuban culture it is MIMA. This restaurant is our letter to Mima!”

Home to its namesake sandwich, the hot brown, The Brown Hotel remains a Kentucky cultural icon…pure southern charm.

Music created in different landscapes also transforms when combined.  Pink Martini’s performance at the Brown Theatre provided our impetus for visiting Louisville.  Our first “almost post-pandemic” concert!  Pink Martini embraces this musical mash-up of cultures.  Their songs in Spanish, Croatian, Japanese, Farsi or 20+ other languages link everyone together in the shared struggles and celebrations of life.

More to know…
Louisville is the US city with the second largest population of Cuban immigrants per capita outside of Florida. Read about it here.

Quill’s has various locations around town to enjoy coffee in a relaxing setting. Great lattes and chai lattes!

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