March 18, 2017
A group of 6 of us met at The Farmer and The Frenchman, near Robards, Kentucky. At the bar, we sampled some wine by ordering a flight and each choosing something to taste. Some chose to buy a bottle of wine to have with their appetizer.
At the table we shared a charcuterie of fresh meats and cheeses. Everyone had a chance to meet and greet each other. In whirlwind style we were on the road and heading north to Henderson,
Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar was ready and waiting for us when we arrived. Our table was set and the appetizers were ready for the fire.
We started with their famous Brussels Sprouts Appetizer, which everyone enjoyed. Then we enjoyed crispy Santa Fe Egg Rolls and another plate of crispy egg rolls whose name eludes me. It was a fast feast and in no time we threw on our coats for the windy walk around the corner to Tacoholics Cantina.
Tacoholics Cantina has a lot of outdoor seating, but we were happy to head inside to our waiting table overlooking the wide Ohio River. Along with crispy, hot nacho chips and salsa, Chef Marco sent out two tacos for each us. One was beef steak with fresh cilantro and tomato, the other was a perfectly seasoned shredded pork taco, again dressed with fresh cilantro and tomato. We ate with gusto, each person seeming to enjoy the unique flavors.
Chef Marco came to check on us and asked if we would like more tacos, this time made with another meat — beef tongue. A few heads shook up and down for “yes”. Come to find out, five out of six people at our table loved them, all agreeing the beef tongue tacos were out of this world delicious. Even better than the beef steak and the perfectly seasoned pork tacos. Tender, flavorful, surprisingly good!
Our tour’s last stop of the day for dessert and coffee was not at a restaurant at all. L&N Bed & Breakfast sits right next to the elevated train tracks at 327 North Main Street. This solid brick gem of a home barely flinches when trains roll by several times a day.
Our hosts, Norris and Mary Elizabeth Priest, along with Nibby Priest and Greg Gibson charmed us with their Southern hospitality. We enjoyed Mary Elizabeth’s homemade Oatmeal Raisin cookies and freshly baked Neiman Marcus cookies with ice cream, choice of coffee or sweet tea, all served with elegance.
Mary Elizabeth gave us a tour of the beautiful four bedroom, four bath home. She shared the vast history of the house and showed us large closets just the right size for a child’s sleep away adventure. Norris shared even more history of the property with us, followed with a delightful magic show! (How did he do that?)
As a rule, L & N Bed & Breakfast is not open for dessert and drinks, except to those who are fortunate enough to book an overnight stay at this landmark brick home. As it goes, Henderson, Kentucky hosts several culture events throughout the year, creating several reasons to stay at the L&N Bed & Breakfast.
Please join Evansville Culinary Tours on the next Kentucky Tour if you would like to sample some of Henderson’s finest and unique foods, see this pretty home up close, and maybe even witness a bit of magic!