A tribute to my favorite Louisville restaurant: Ferd Grisanti
Written: Jun 17 '04 (Updated Jun 17 '04)
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Pros: Quality, consistency, value - the food can't be beat!
Cons: It's simply impossible to have a quick meal here. Stay and savor.
The Bottom Line: Visitors to Louisville, as well as hometown locals, should try Ferd Grisanti Restaurant in Jeffersontown. I guarantee that it will be a highlight of your trip!
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| Krissieliz's Full Review: Ferd Grisanti Restaurant |
Note: This is a re-posted version of a review I have since deleted for not being in the proper category.
This review describes what I consider to be a Louisville landmark -- a restaurant with food so delicious, and service so attentive, that visitors and locals alike should give it a taste.
As many of you may know, I live in the Washington, D.C. metro area. On those rare occasions when I am able to break free from my daily responsibilities, I like to travel to my “hometown” – Louisville, KY. I grew up in Louisville, temporarily moved away for 7 years, and moved back to the general area (to southern Indiana – the “sunny side of Louisville”) for 4 more years before abandoning ship for D.C. In my 25 short years, I can say with certainty that I have had only one favorite restaurant, that it has been my favorite since I can remember (but probably age four), and that despite my residence in other states along the way, my family always made an effort to stop in for a fantastic dinner.
That place is Ferd Grisanti Restaurant.
Ferd’s is truly a family affair
Ferd Grisanti (or Ferd’s, as locals lovingly refer to it), is a jewel located on Taylorsville Road in Jeffersontown, KY. This is a family-run business, and it has been ever since Ferd Grisanti, the man, opened the restaurant in 1972. When Ferd passed away in 1993, his son, Paul Grisanti, took over the hosting and management duties. Another of Ferd’s sons, Vince, has been in charge of the kitchen for years. This delightful tidbit serves to enrich one’s meal experience, and it is one you will not forget. Family portraits adorn the wall behind the host’s stand, and family artwork decorates the entire restaurant.
Only regulars know that many employees have truly become part of the Grisanti family. The fact that the main hostess and several servers have been around for over ten years is a testament to Ferd’s quality and high level of service. And “regulars” become part of the family, as well. My parents first visited the restaurant in 1976, and it became an instant favorite of theirs. They started bringing me once I reached an age that I could behave myself in restaurants (age 4, I believe). My aunt and uncle have also been regular patrons since the late 1970’s. Whenever I come into town, it is just accepted as fact that we will make a visit to Ferd’s.
The nostalgia I feel when eating there now is astounding. We are true loyalists to this restaurant. It is simply delightful to be able to eat the same pasta dish that I used to order when I was in 4th grade, and have it live up to every memory I had of it. I remember telling Paul Grisanti, when I was 7 years old, that I would take my first date to Ferd’s. Unfortunately, I was living in St. Louis by the time my first date rolled around, but I can tell you this: every serious boyfriend I’ve ever had, either from Louisville, or Rhode Island, or Washington, D.C., has dined with me at Ferd’s. It’s just that special to me. And I can also tell you that one of the hardest parts about moving to St. Louis in 4th grade was that I would miss Ferd’s so much. My family vowed to eat at Ferd’s each time we were in Louisville. It became our tradition that we would eat there the night before Thanksgiving, and we followed that tradition every year we lived away from Louisville.
Enough about nostalgia. This restaurant stands up on its own.
Ferd’s specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. I believe it offers some of the best-tasting, most consistent Italian food in the area – at the best value. Ferd’s uses only the finest ingredients, and its portions are rather large. And my family of three can eat there, with appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert, as well as cocktails and wine, for around $150.
The ambience at Ferd’s is incredible. From the moment you drive up to the building, you will be impressed by how romantic it is. Ferd’s is one of the few restaurants in Louisville that accept reservations, so you can call ahead and leave your cares at home. You will walk under an awning into the restaurant. Ferd’s always has classical music or opera playing lightly in the background, to enhance the mood. At night, Ferd’s becomes a candlelit treasure, complete with simple flowers, like daylilies, adorning every table. During the day, you can bask in the sunlight offered by Ferd’s two semi-private sunrooms. And, of course, the Ferd’s experience would not be complete without starched white table linens.
Relax, and enjoy a drink
Once seated, you will be presented with a basked of thin, crispy breadsticks and butter. These snacks have been featured at Ferd’s as long as I can remember. Now is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cocktail from the bar. Ferd’s bar lines part of the main room at the restaurant, and it has never disappointed me. I always order an amaretto sour with diSaronno amaretto, and it always comes out perfectly. My dad will usually try a Manhattan or scotch on the rocks. Ferd’s uses top-shelf liquor, and it shows. However, I can also attest to the non-alcoholic Shirley Temple at Ferd’s, which I used to order from age 4 to age 16. They were always accompanied by plenty of cherries!
While sipping your cocktail, you will begin to browse over Ferd’s extensive menu. If you are like my family, you will decide to order some antipasti (appetizer). We have only ever ordered one antipasti dish, and that is the Assorted Antipasto Speciale for 2 ($9.95). This dish consists of a plate of assorted Italian meats and cheeses, marinated artichokes, and olives, served with cruets of oil and vinegar. It is more than enough to feed three people, and its savory, high-quality ingredients complement the cocktails and whet the appetite.
Move on to the soup or salad course
A meal at Ferd’s is not complete without a sampling of Ferd’s famous minestrone soup ($3.25) or Ferd’s unbelievably crispy salads ($3.00 with dinner). Growing up, I used to always order the soup, while my parents feasted on salad. Nowadays, I enjoy the dinner salad, which consists of cold, crispy mixed greens, red onions, olives, and tomatoes. But the best part of the salad is the dressing. All of Ferd’s dressings are homemade, and my absolute favorite is the blue cheese . It is thick and chunky, and has a robust tartness that perfectly complements the fresh greens. Topped with some freshly ground pepper, this salad is a masterpiece in itself.
Browse the wine list for inspiration
Ferd’s offers an extensive, and affordable, wine list, with ample selections of wines by the glass. As my family can never agree on a bottle of wine to share, we usually order our own glasses of wine to accompany our meals. I enjoy a glass of Firesteed Pinot Noir ($6.25/glass), my mom orders a glass of Fetzer Merlot ($4.95/glass), and my dad orders a glass of Chianti Classico Riserva ($7.95/glass). It is perfect timing to order your glass of wine as you complete your salad course, as this ensures a smooth flow to your leisurely meal.
And now on to the main course – where Ferd’s really shines
The menu at Ferd’s can be quite overwhelming for newcomers. It offers various pastas, as well as “entrée” meals, where the focus is on meat, poultry or seafood. The entrée courses include such favorites as veal parmesan ($18.95), chicken saltimbocca ($16.50), and filet of beef tenderloin ($20.50). All of Ferd’s entrees come with a vegetable and a side of pasta with marinara or cream sauce, or a potato torta.
Despite rave reviews for Ferd’s meat-based entrees, my family has always favored Ferd’s pasta dishes. All of Ferd’s pasta is made fresh in the kitchen, and it has a wonderful flavor and density. For all the years we’ve been coming to Ferd’s, I can tell you that I have only ever tried 4 pasta entrees – which is more than I can say for my parents, who have stuck to their guns and ordered the same exact thing for nearly 20 years!
My mom’s favorite (and mine, too!) is the Baked Lasagne ($12.95). This lasagne features layers of noodles, ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and loads of mozzarella cheese. Ferd’s layers these ingredients in an individual-sized baking dish, then broils the dish in the oven until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly. If you are a lasagne-lover, this might just be the best you’ve ever tasted. And the portion is humongous – you are almost always guaranteed enough for a doggie bag.
My dad always orders the Cannelloni Toscana ($12.95). This rich dish consists of three pasta tubes, filled with finely ground veal, sausage and beef. The cannelloni are then covered in a delicate cream sauce and baked, like the lasagne, under a broiler until the cheese topping is brown and bubbly. I’ve ordered this dish before and was totally pleased, but I tend to favor tomato cream sauces over straight cream sauces. But if cream sauce is your thing, you absolutely must give this dish a try.
A Ferd’s pasta entrée that I sometimes order is the Tortellini alla Panna ($14.95). I order this entrée when I’m in the mood for something lighter than my standard fare. This dish consists of homemade tortellini, topped with mushrooms, proscuitto, and a light tomato cream sauce. The sauce on this dish is incredible, and the proscuitto adds a delicious, savory flavor. This is a perfect substitute for one of the heavier pasta dishes.
Finally, I order the Eggplant Parmesan ($13.95) on Friday nights during Lent, since it is a vegetarian option. Ferd’s slices the eggplant relatively thin, then coats the pieces in a flavorful breading and lightly bakes them. Then, Ferd’s layers the eggplant with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, tops with more cheese, and then broils the entire entrée like a lasagne. This dish is especially hearty and flavorful, and perfect when you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
All of Ferd’s entrees are served with a basked of hot, crusty homemade garlic bread. This is a very nice touch, and shows that Ferd’s has left no stone unturned in providing a complete, delicious meal to its patrons! You have already been greeted with so much food, but be sure to save room for dessert!
One other nice touch, is that Paul Grisanti, the host/manager, will likely make the rounds during your dinner. He checks the reservation list every night so that he knows when his “regulars” will show up, and he always makes a point of stopping by their tables. But he also greets newcomers, in an effort to bring them into the fold! This is a very nice touch, and Paul has become a good friend to us over the years.
Unbuckle your belt and make room for dessert!
Though you may be full, you simply must try Ferd’s dessert – or at least, their cappuccino! Ferd’s makes what I consider to be the best cappuccino in town, and they serve it in a decaf variety, as well! The cappuccino is rich and smooth, and is topped by frothy steamed milk. It is the perfect way to cap off a night of fine Italian dining. If an after-dinner drink interests you, simply consult Ferd’s wine list once again. Ferd’s offers several cognacs, liquers, ports, and grappa to make your meal complete.
If you are interested in dessert, your server will wheel a dessert table by you. The dessert features change nightly, but almost always include a chocolate cake, cannoli, and cheesecake. Their tiramisu is rich and bittersweet – something to treasure! I always order a scoop of spumoni, which I have done for over twenty years. It is light and refreshing after such a hearty meal. And if you decide not to have any dessert at all, you will still get an Andes chocolate mint to savor.
Simply put, Ferd’s represents the best of Italian cuisine, to me!
As a twenty-year patron of Ferd Grisanti, I cannot mention any time that I have been disappointed with this restaurant. It provides a romantic setting for one to enjoy a leisurely meal (and I do mean leisurely – it usually takes us two hours to enjoy the feast). And the food simply cannot be beat, for its flavor, consistency, and value. My family has become part of the Ferd’s family, because we believe this is the best Italian restaurant – heck, the best restaurant overall – in Louisville. Whether you’re a Louisville resident, or are just in town visiting, enjoy the finest Italian that Louisville has to offer. I guarantee you’ll want to be part of the Ferd’s family, too.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations I definitely recommend ordering the Antipasto Speciale as an appetizer, and be sure to order a salad with your meal. I''ve never had a bad entree here, so pick what sounds good to you!
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
Krissieliz
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Location: Washington, DC
Reviews written: 104
Trusted by: 287 members
About Me:
I'm a lawyer who loves to laugh, nap and watch bad TV.
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