Inside the Block

The sweet journey from West Africa to the Warehouse Block unfolds as Mamadou Savane, known affectionately as "Sav," shares the remarkable story behind Sav's Chill. What began as a restaurant venture in 2008 transformed when Sav purchased an ice cream freezer with his space and later learned to make his own frozen treats out of necessity. Now, he's crafting some of Lexington's most innovative flavors.

Sav takes us through how his West African heritage and Kentucky roots merge in his signature creations. Alongside classic favorites, he proudly offers bourbon-infused delights like Kentucky coffee with bourbon and bourbon honey, alongside more unexpected offerings like spicy hot banana ice cream made with his own hot sauce and hibiscus sorbet inspired by West African cuisine. His pink lemonade sorbet even saved the day during the infamous Railbird Festival water shortage, with Sav working through the night to keep festival-goers refreshed.

The Warehouse Block location feels meant to be—discovered through a chance encounter with a neighbor and just minutes from Sav's home. After 32 years in Lexington, he embodies the warm, friendly spirit of the city. His genuine connection with customers, especially children who light up at his presence (and occasionally cry when he's not there), reveals why Sav's Chill has become more than just an ice cream shop!

The John G. Epping Building is more than just a structure; it's a beloved part of Lexington's history. In this episode, we unravel the remarkable transformation from a bustling bottling factory to a culinary landmark. Listeners will learn about the history of the soft drink industry, as we recount how Epping's played a pivotal role in shaping local consumer culture. Imagining the bustling factory of yesterday, churning out popular soft drinks, juxtaposes beautifully with the vibrant atmosphere of today's Epping's restaurant, where culinary creativity thrives!

And as we delve into the fascinating world of historic preservation, we shed light on common misconceptions surrounding the National Register of Historic Places. Here, we clarify how this designation honors properties without restricting the creativity of their owners. The episode emphasizes that preservation is not about stalling modern progress but instead enriching it. 

Join "The Lexington Podcast" duo as we explore the remarkable transformation of Lexington, Kentucky's Warehouse Block. From its humble beginnings as an overlooked industrial area to today's vibrant community hub, we trace this district's fascinating evolution through personal stories and historic records.

We journey from the land's earliest inhabitants through European settlement, examining how key figures like General William Preston shaped the area. Discover how the discovery of clay deposits sparked the Lexington Brick Company's rise in the late 1800s, and how institutions like Perry Lumber Company established the district's industrial foundation.

Today's Warehouse Block tells a story of revival, where former factories and warehouses now house artisanal businesses, breweries, and unique establishments like macaron shops and sake bars. Local favorites like Blue Door Smokehouse share space with hidden gems, including a former undercover police headquarters. Looking ahead, we explore exciting developments like the upcoming farmer's market and green spaces, while previewing our next episode featuring the historic Epping's Bottling Works.

Join us as Lara Levine, owner of the Salt Cave of Lexington, shares her serendipitous journey from a chance visit to an Asheville salt sanctuary to creating her own healing haven in Lexington, KY! Uncover the mysteries of salt therapy, from its roots in Poland to its potential benefits for respiratory and skin health, all within the beautiful confines of Lara's cave. 

We loved hearing how patrons can immerse themselves in practices like yoga, meditation, and sound baths, all set atop the Himalayan salt-covered floor. Imagine unwinding in zero-gravity chairs as you connect with others or retreat into solitude. The space isn't just about relaxation though—it's an invitation to forge deeper connections and rejuvenate your spirit, whether through private sessions or group experiences. With options like ionic foot soaks and the exciting "triple detox" experience -- combining sauna, foot soak, and salt cave sessions -- there's no shortage of ways to embrace wellness. Remember, a consistent routine can transform your life, so let’s breathe and be well together!

Get ready to experience the world of brewing like never before with Derek DeFranco, the head master brewer at Mirror Twin Brewing who takes up behind the scenes! From humble beginnings with a three-barrel system to a thriving 15-barrel setup, Derek shares the brewery's evolution and resilience through challenges like keeping the beer flowing while navigating a pandemic. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the brewing process, from milling grains to sparging and boiling, revealing the artistry and science that go into creating your favorite pint.

Discover the operational side of a brewery, from kegging and canning to adapting to shifting consumer preferences, particularly highlighted during the pandemic when canned beer became pivotal. Derek sheds light on the importance of community and creativity in the craft beer scene, wrapped up with humorous tales behind beer names like "White Girl Wasted." 

From homebrewer to head brewer, Mirror Twin's Derek DeFranco turned his beer passion into something extraordinary. Armed with a law degree and brewing knowledge from both his neighbor and the Siebel Institute, he transformed his hobby into a thriving business -- and certainly a Warehouse Block staple! Listen as Derek recounts Mirror Twin's launch in 2016 when it faced all the usual startup chaos, but a community's incredible support helped it flourish. Now, Derek leads a tight-knit team that feels more like family, crafting everything from decadent pastry stouts to playful cereal-inspired beers. With new taproom locations and creative brews on the horizon, Mirror Twin's future looks as bright as ever.

Join us as we sit down with Chad Walker, owner and pioneer of the Warehouse Block, as he shares the remarkable journey of transforming this once-industrial hub into a vibrant community space. Discover how his father, Randy, a visionary commercial electrician, spearheaded the area's revitalization, blending historical preservation with modern-day retail, breweries, and restaurants. Chad takes us through time, recounting the evolution of the neighborhood and the pivotal role of preserving its unique character.

Later on, the conversation shifts to Kenwick, a neighborhood that has embraced change through thoughtful design and architecture. Learn how a sense of community has flourished amidst diverse aesthetic expressions, aided by initiatives like adaptive reuse programs and accessible parking. We'll explore how Kenwick's appeal skyrocketed during the pandemic, and discuss the critical role of public spaces in fostering neighborly connections.

And of course, we weren't letting Chad get away without some details about himself. Listen as he recounts the joys (?) and quirks of farm life, local food markets, and the entrepreneurial spirit in the Lexington scene. From mischievous goats to accessing fresh produce in this area, he highlights the importance of sustainability and community support.

From undercover police building to elegant bridal boutique, step into the charming world of The White Dress of Lexington, nestled in the historic Warehouse Block. Join the dynamic team—Julia, Beverly, and Daniel—as they share their journey in the bridal industry, reveal current wedding dress trends, and offer insider tips on assembling the perfect crew for your dress shopping adventure.

Warehouse Block developer Chad Walker reveals how theatrical elements and wedding cake tiers inspired the transformation of this unique space into a welcoming bridal haven. Along the way, we celebrate love stories that span generations—from high school sweethearts reuniting in their 70s to starry-eyed brides in their 20s—proving that romance knows no age. And yes, we'll share a few entertaining 'bridezilla' tales that remind us why the bridal industry is never short on drama. Join us for this delightful journey through the world of wedding fashion, where every dress tells a story.

From Indonesia to Lexington, Sylviana Herrin’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We enjoyed chatting with Sylviana, the creative force behind the beloved bakery, La Petite Delicat, and hearing how she swapped her corporate shoes for a baker’s apron. Hear how a serendipitous encounter with macarons in Egypt led her to transform her newfound baking passion into a thriving local enterprise. Sylviana shares the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path, from selling on Etsy to opening her own bakery, embracing each challenge along the way with determination.

Sylviana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance as she navigated the transition from online orders to establishing a brick-and-mortar in Lexington. Her journey didn’t stop with macarons; it expanded into a delightful storefront at 722 National Avenue in the heart of the Warehouse Block. With help from her dedicated team, she offers an array of pastries, including the ever-popular croissants, which most consider the “Best in Lex." It's a very sweet episode!