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Black Squirrel celebrates grand opening
The steak and eggs features a 10 oz. skirt steak marinated in chimichurri. | Photo by Alexis Baker, LEXtoday
Black Squirrel, the newest addition to Central Kentucky’s restaurant scene, opened today in downtown Versailles.
The Kentucky cafe serves breakfast and lunch with an elevated take on Southern comfort food. Menu items include biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, and a Kentucky hot brown. Lunch sandwiches feature options such as a candied BLT, a chicken salad club, and more.
The concept comes from one of Lexington’s most prominent restaurant teams. Executive chef and owner Cole Arimes, named “Best Chef in Lexington” in 2025, and business partner Richard Turnbull are also behind local favorites Coles 735 Main and Epping’s on Eastside. Arimes is also a chef partner at The V at The Vine.
With recipe ideas, cards, and flowers + Valentine’s treats (available in-store or online), Kroger makes it easy to plan a cozy, personal celebration — all in one grocery run.
The City of Lexington has hired two additional contractors to aid in ice removal efforts following the recent winter storm. The city paid $95,000 for these services with a focus on reopening schools. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Civic
Lexington’s trash and recycling pickup resumes this week after a brief weather pause, but yard waste won’t be collected. Missed carts will be emptied today and Saturday, and residents should place extra trash next to — not on — their carts. Call 311 for any issues. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
History
Celebrate Black History Month at Dunbar Community Center’s Grand Re-Opening Monday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 pm. Tour the renovated space, enjoy activities, and explore new arts, fitness, and teen areas in this historic building that once housed Kentucky’s first all-Black high school.
Plan Ahead
CivicLex gave us a sneak peak of the community clubs you can learn about + join at this month’s Pancake Breakfast Club on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Woodhill Community Center. Stop by for free pancakes, activities, and newfound local connection.
Number
$223,000. That’s how much it costs Fayette County Public Schools each time it uses a non-traditional instruction (NTI) day, according to Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Environment
Lexington residents recycled 2,254 pounds of holiday lights this season. Thanks to community drop-off sites, these lights were kept out of landfills and processed through the city’s Electronics Recycling Program. E-waste — including microwaves, printers, cords, and more — can still be dropped off at 1306 Versailles Road.
Know someone who says they don’t need a financial strategy? Consider this your sign to prove them wrong. These eight financial resolutions are a great place to start — and Gratz Park Private Wealth advisors can help you build a plan from there.*
Health
February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
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The Buy
Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip Blush. Available in eight pigmented shades, it applies like a lightweight balm with smooth, buildable color.
The biscuits and gravy are also available on the restaurant’s “Grab N Go” menu.
Photo by Alexis Baker, LEXtoday
I got to sample a few menu items from Black Squirrel, and to no one’s surprise, the biscuits and gravy are packed with flavor and a must-have for your visit.
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