In late summer, my husband and I visited Glendale, Kentucky. Glendale was the first small country town my husband and I explored when we moved back to the state, and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the most charming little southern town, full of cute antique stores, beautiful homes, and a sweet little restaurant called The Whistle Stop. We ate here once, many years ago, but management recently changed hands. It was definitely on my list of places to order the Kentucky Hot Brown!
For all you train fans out there, (like me!) yes, a railroad track runs along side the restaurant. Many trains run through town during the day, and if you happen to be dining at the time, you will definitely hear it and feel it! It really adds the perfect touch to the dining experience, in my opinion.
Thankfully, the charming interior hadn't changed at all! There's just something about that vintage wallpaper that is so reassuring and safe to me. I am a child of the 1980's and I remember wallpapers and drawer liners with the tiny calico prints. As dated as I know they are, I am still drawn to them out of nostalgia.
The coziness of these booths are exactly what I look for in a small country restaurant, and the pressed tin light fixtures add a primitive touch. The entire restaurant is so warm and inviting, but if you can get seated in a booth, I think you'll enjoy your visit much more.
And here we have my new love, the Kentucky Hot Brown. I assume I had probably heard about this dish many moons ago, but my husband and I left the state in 2006 when he got stationed in Alaska. (That's an entirely different and wonderful story!) Being away from the state for so long, I was busy learning about all the new places we were exposed to! When we returned to Kentucky to settle down over a decade later, I was introduced to this marvelous dish!
Now, every restaurant tends to put their own twist on the hot brown, but the following is what you are looking at: A large piece of toast, turkey breast and/or ham, followed by a Mornay sauce, and topped with a slice of tomato and two pieces of bacon. It sounds so simple, right? Yes. But oh my, so incredibly delicious! It has been my mission over the past year to try the Kentucky Hot Brown at various establishments whenever I get the chance. I definitely have a favorite, which I will get to at a later date, but I have to say, I have never had a hot brown that wasn't amazing!
Upstairs they have the cutest little gift shop, and lots of "Whistle Stop" themed souvenirs.
There's just something about supporting a local business - you truly are supporting someone's dream!
If you are ever in Glendale, Kentucky, I highly recommend the following locations:
-Green Top Antiques
-Southern Heart & Home
-Rustic Redemption
-True Kentucky
-Mountain Mike's Coffee
Sometime's the wait at The Whistle Stop can be long, so if you are looking for a quick bite to eat, I recommend Grandma's Bluegrass Kitchen.
Here are some more photos of Glendale that I think any small town lover will enjoy!
Thanks so much for reading!
#willtravelforfood
