Varanese

• 5 Stars.
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It is hard to label Varanese with a specific food specialty, because Chef John Varanese is always mixing and matching different styles to form fun and delicious hybrids that are as pleasant to the eyes, as they are in the stomach. The inside is trendy and chic, but not overdone to the point where you need to book a limousine or buy a tuxedo. Entree prices are reasonable for an upscale eatery, and they are well complimented by a nice selection of signature cocktails. The two summer favorites are Wild Berries -- Stoli raspberry vodka, Chambord and a splash of fresh lime juice garnished with a lemon twist -- and Breakfast at Amy's -- Finlandia grapefruit vodka, cranberry, grapefruit and lemon juices served with simple syrup and rum.

Varanese settled in Louisville because of its successful independent dining scene, and he believes that the people of Louisville will appreciate fresh ingredients, prepared with a creative flair and a culturally diverse menu. Varanese’s eclectic menu boasts an array of options from stuffed grape leaves, and fried green tomato salad, to new signature entrées: the seared boneless pork chop, and caramelized orange salmon. Finish with a fried banana accompanied by a house-made oatmeal cookie dough ice cream dessert. This eclectic Mediterranean style restaurant will comfortably seat 150 guests between its bar, dining room and four seasons patio. The four seasons patio of Varanese is an addition to the building, which has a dramatic 20-foot slate water wall. The space is enclosed by a serpentine of glass doors, which retract to offer an outdoor dining experience. Varanese is located at 2106 Frankfort Ave. in the Historic Clifton neighborhood.