Chef Sam Fore leaning up against a door frame

Chef Sam Fore plans to open her own restaurant in 2023. | Photo by Dennis Cahlo

In case you missed it, Central Kentucky is home to two chefs that were nominated for the Best Chef: Southeast category for the 2023 James Beard Awards. Today we’re sharing six questions with Chef Sam Fore of the pop-up concept Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites.

Bonus: Chef Fore announced that she is opening The Tuk Tuk Snack Shop — a counter-style restaurant that will serve her signature Sri Lankan-Southern fusion flavors — later this year.

What is your favorite dish to cook and favorite dish to eat?
I love long stews — anything easy to set and forget and fill the space with great smells. But, I do love a great plate of mac and cheese though.

Describe your perfect day in Lexington.
Wake up. Grab breakfast at Wheeler’s and chat with the crew there — I really like them a lot. Then maybe a drive out to the country or a day down Old Frankfort Pike. There needs to be a Ramirez stop in there, maybe a cocktail at Ona to cap it all off.

Chefs Sam Fore + Ouita Michel post for a picture in a blue frame — We’ll take whatever they’re cooking. | Photo courtesy of @tuktuklex

Who are three Lexingtonians you look up to and why?

Ouita Michel — For her skill, generosity, and talents. She’s a phenomenal human.
Tanya Torp — A champion of good in our town. I admire her commitment to her family and community, and her continual desire to make Lexington better for everyone.
Ashley Smith — Black Soil has provided me with the best produce I could ask for. She has been a champion of the family farm in Kentucky in a way no one has shown up before and I admire her tremendously. Her work ethic alone is beyond inspirational, but her efforts make us all the better.

3 MORE FUN FACTS HERE

EVENTS

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Monday, Feb. 6

Alexander’s Library: Paintings and Art Books by Kathleen O’Brien | Monday, Feb. 6-Wednesday, March 29 | Times vary | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | Stop by to browse the colorful work of Mercer County artist Kathleen O’Brien.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Lexington’s Future: 2045 Comprehensive Plan Overview | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Ln., Lexington | Free | LFUCG city planners will explain the goals + objectives of Lexington’s proposed comprehensive plan and discuss the next steps for it.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Chicken Babies | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Good Foods Co-op, 455 Southland Dr., Lexington | $5-$8 | This class will cover all the essentials for those considering starting their own chicken flock including breed choices, necessary equipment needs, and techniques for proper handling and care.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Galentine’s Party | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Malone’s Prime Events & Reception, 3373 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington | $160 | Enjoy wine tastings and charcuterie pairings while designing a custom Morton James sweatshirt.

Friday, Feb. 10

Bird Walks | Friday, Feb. 10 | 9-11 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | This new monthly program is suited for beginner and experienced nature lovers who want to explore the birds of Central Kentucky.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

A NEW WEEK OF POSSIBILITIES

FINANCE

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire

Portrait of businesswoman standing against a wooden wall in office.

SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo by Dean Mitchell

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. 👀

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.

In just a few minutes, you can get matched with up to three financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest. Now that’s service.*

TAKE THE FREE QUIZ

NEWS NOTES

Weather

51º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Development

Craft bourbon brand Bluegrass Distillers broke ground last week on its new $8 million distillery in Midway. The operation will move from Lexington to the historic Elkwood Farm located at 158 Leestown Rd. Renovations are currently being done on the 1830s mansion that will serve as the visitor’s center.

Community

If you have a passion for affordable housing, keep reading. Lexington Habitat for Humanity is looking for interested community members to join its Board of Directors. Applications are due by Wednesday, March 15.

Wellness

UK Transportation Services will be set up at Wildcat Alumni Plaza, on Avenue of Champions, on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in honor of Winter Bike to Campus Day. Those commuting by bicycle can stop by for on-the-spot tune-ups from Wildcat Wheels, hot coffee and chocolate, swag + more. (UKNOW)

Read

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning will host the Kentucky Great Writers Series. This free event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature live readings from authors Kiki Petrosino, Michael Patrick F. Smith, and Charles Booker. Their books will also be available for purchase.

Shop

You’ll want to know about this, LEX: Buying gift cards from Kroger earns shoppers fuel points (read: savings at the pump) — and Boost members earn extra. Pro tip: Score 4x fuel points on gift cards and greeting cards (right in time for Valentine’s Day) for a limited time. ⛽ *
From chocolates to candles and cards, we’ve got you covered with all things loveable in our online shop, Six & Main. Explore our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to start shopping for sweet presents such as this bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. 🍫

Travel

Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool. 🏝️ *

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ASKED

Local love stories 💙

A skyline of Lexington with location bubbles on it

We’re looking for love in all the right places. | Photo by Victor Sizemore, Graphic by LEXtoday

For Valentine’s Day 2023, we made a map of places where our readers have made memories around Lexington.

We asked for your help compiling everything from Henry Clay Estate garden proposals to weddings at Woodland Park to meeting your soulmate in federal prison. Y’all did not disappoint.

Explore these local love stories by clicking on the hearts, but here are a couple we just had to share:

“My now husband and I met 10 years ago this February on the front porch of [the original] Two Keys. I was trying to open the always sticky door that led out front, and it swung open finally and I literally fell into his arms. We’ve been together since. Seven years married and we have an almost three-year-old.” — Ashley B.

Let us set the scene here for this one, it’s a totally fun meet-cute. Jacqueline, a lifelong Lexingtonian, was visiting a friend in Ireland celebrating “12 Pubs of Christmas” at a nightclub called Havana’s. A moment of locking eyes, then dancing the night away, was all it took to change their lives.

Fun fact: Trevor and Jacqueline will celebrate 10 years of marriage on Thursday, Feb. 16.

“After 4 years of dating while he was in Ireland and me in Lexington I decided to quit my job, sell my car and all my furniture, and move to Ireland. I stayed for two years but ultimately decided I missed Lexington and my family. So, my boyfriend at the time quit his job, we put our house up for rent and he made the bold decision to relocate to Lexington. We got married and now have a daughter and two dogs.” — Jacqueline C.

SHARE THE LOVE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: I love a good love story and I’m so excited to read what you all share with us. While I first met Jomo in yoga, our first real date actually consisted of pinball and canned red wine on the patio at The Burl Arcade. That little slice of the Distillery District and Creative Yoga will always hold a special place in my heart.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? We’re sharing Lexington’s Spotify playlist according to Every Noise at Once, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

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