The Lou Review

What does it feel like to walk into a place with 165 years of history, yet smells as fresh as clean water? This episode with Megan Jones at the Louisville Water Tower uncovers the sensory details and future vision behind one of Louisville’s most quietly remarkable spaces.

Visitors are often surprised the moment they step inside: a crisp, water-like scent, an atmosphere reminiscent of a clean swimming pool, and an instant sense of curiosity. Kids especially give the most authentic reactions, describing the space as fresh, welcoming, and exciting to explore.

As Louisville Water celebrates its 165th anniversary, they're also looking toward 2026 with an elevated focus on education. In this episode, we talk about upcoming plans to enhance experiences for students, teachers, and special groups through expanded learning opportunities and more immersive programming designed to bring this historic landmark to life in new ways.

Plan your own visit and learn more:
Louisville Water Tower: https://louisvillewater.com/louisville-water-tower/

Follow Louisville Water:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleWater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillewater/

And don’t forget to connect with the show:
Follow host Rosa Hart (@RosaRaves) on all social platforms.
Follow The Lou Review Podcast on your favorite listening platform.
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loufoodreviews

Want to be an Impractical Joker? Well here's your sign: James "Murr" Murray is coming back to the Louisville Comedy Club this week, and if you're in the audience, you might get to be part of the action!

In this episode learn about Murr's other passion projects, like saving the Pacific Southern Train Club and raising support for Alzheimers.

Get your tickets at MurrLive.com

He will be doing shows Nov 13-15, with an afterparty celebrating his new bourbon, Don't Move!

For entrance, go to MurrsBourbonParty.com

Louisville knows how to throw a party, and no one captures that spirit better than America’s Chief Entertaining Officer, Tim Laird.

From the creation of the iconic Oaks Lily cocktail to discovering hidden culinary gems, Tim shares stories and insights that highlight the city’s warm hospitality and creative food scene.

Tim embodies Louisville’s spirit of hospitality, showing how food, drink, and celebration can bring people together. He reflects on how easy entertaining—where guests join in meal preparation—can transform simple gatherings into joyful experiences. Their conversation also dives into how the Oaks Lily was created to welcome a wider audience to Derby festivities, and how events like the Kentucky Derby continue to unite the community through shared traditions.

Together, Rosa and Tim celebrate Louisville’s rich and diverse culinary culture, the generosity of local chefs, and the city’s growing recognition for its vibrant food and drink scene. With new flavors, charitable collaborations, and a spirit of connection leading the way, the future of dining in Louisville looks brighter than ever.

Book Tim to speak or commission him to create signature cocktails by emailing:

[email protected]

Follow him on Facebook and Instagram @TimLairdCheers

👉 Follow @RosaRaves on social media for more Louisville highlights, and visit LouReview.com to learn how the Lou Review Foundation gives back by spotlighting the best of our city.

🎙 The Lou Review Podcast
Episode: A Community on Tap — The Story of Hop Atomica with Paul Berrier

In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, host Rosa Hart sits down with Paul Berrier from Hop Atomica to explore how one local spot blends a restaurant, brewery, and distillery into a truly unique Germantown experience.

Paul shares how personal loss inspired his leap into the restaurant industry and how Hop Atomica has grown by focusing on community, quality, and connection. From perfecting pizzas and cocktails to creating spaces that bring people together, this conversation celebrates the heart behind Louisville’s culinary scene.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Paul’s journey into hospitality began with a search for fulfillment after personal loss.

• Hop Atomica is designed to satisfy every craving—pizza, wings, craft beer, and house-made spirits.

• The team continually evolves based on customer feedback, refining both menu and service.

• Sourcing high-quality, local ingredients is a priority across all offerings.

• The distillery crafts vodka, gin, and rum, with whiskey on the horizon.

• Community engagement shines through tasting events and local art exhibits.

• Germantown’s restaurants collaborate rather than compete, fostering local unity.

• Food acts as a unifying force, bringing people together around shared experiences.

• Memorable moments—birthdays, anniversaries, first dates—are at the heart of the Hop Atomica experience.

• Future plans include expanding distribution and opening a second location in Louisville’s East End.

💡 Support Local:

https://www.instagram.com/hopatomica_louisville/?hl=en

Follow @RosaRaves on social media for more stories from Louisville’s tastemakers, and learn how The Lou Review Foundation uplifts local businesses and nonprofits at LouReview.com.

What if your favorite restaurant donated every dollar it made to fight child abuse and s*x trafficking?In this powerful episode of The Lou Review Podcast, host Rosa Hart sits down with Adam Ursprung, founder of Noah’s Kitchen — a Louisville restaurant built entirely on the belief that food can heal communities.At age 52, Adam walked away from corporate America to create a nonprofit restaurant where 100% of profits go to local organizations supporting survivors of s*x trafficking and abused children. He shares how love, purpose, and a sense of calling shaped both his leadership and the restaurant’s mission.Together, Rosa and Adam explore how creating a culture of compassion can transform employees, customers, and entire communities — and why generosity may be the key ingredient to true happiness.👉 Watch for a moving conversation about faith, food, and the fight for freedom happening right here in Louisville.Learn more at: https://eatatnoahskitchen.com/

To see where Rosa visits next, follow: @RosaRavesNoah’s Kitchen blends upscale dining with community impact.100% of profits fund anti–s*x trafficking and child welfare programs.Adam Ursprung made a midlife career shift from corporate to culinary at 52.A loving workplace enhances both staff well-being and customer experience.S*x trafficking is a major issue in Louisville, especially during large events.The average age of trafficking victims is only 12 years old.Generosity leads to fulfillment and strengthens community bonds.Noah’s Kitchen raises awareness about child abuse, adoption, and recovery.Real change requires consistent, compassionate community involvement.

In this episode of The Lou Review podcast, host Rosa Hart interviews Gina Brown (Founder) and Olivia Gamsky (Garden Support Lead) from the non-profit organization Let Us Learn, Inc. Based in Floyd County, Let Us Learn is addressing food insecurity and providing nutrition education through the power of community gardens.

What began with Gina’s passion for food and volunteering has blossomed into a grassroots movement that combines gardening, teaching, and local connection. Olivia brings her hands-on gardening experience to the table, helping with “all the things” to keep gardens thriving and produce flowing into the community.

Together, they share how their work is reshaping not just how people eat—but how communities bond and grow stronger.

The conversation highlights their innovative programs, the joy of teaching children about food and gardening, and the impact of distributing fresh, healthy produce throughout the community.

This episode shines a light on how food is more than nourishment—it’s a way to teach, connect, and empower. From cooking classes for kids to gardens that bring neighborhoods together, Let Us Learn is proving that grassroots initiatives can transform lives.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at: letuslearnkyinc.org

Follow host Rosa Hart as she explores to find the people making a difference @RosaRaves

Join Rosa Hart as she sits down with Tommy Craggs, co-owner of Watch Hill Proper, the largest American whiskey bar in the world. Discover the story behind this internationally recognized bourbon club, located in the heart of Norton Commons, Louisville. Tommy shares insights into the upcoming American Whiskey Fest, the unique concept of Watch Hill Proper, and the journey of building a bourbon-centric haven.

Listen for details about the third annual American Whiskey Fest.

Hear about the vision and creation of Watch Hill Proper by Tommy and his partner Josh. The role of vintage spirit laws in shaping the bourbon industry. Tommy's personal journey and passion for bourbon. The importance of hospitality and service in creating a memorable experience.

Don't miss the American Whiskey Fest on August 16th, 2020, at Norton Commons. Visit Watch Hill Proper's website for more information on events and memberships.

https://www.watchhillproper.com/

Connect with Rosa on Instagram @RosaRaves

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about how The Lou Review Foundation Inc. supports the local businesses and nonprofits making Louisville, KY great through The Lou Review podcast:

https://loureview.com/

#Kentucky Bourbon #AmericanWhiskey #Bourbon #WatchHillProper #Louisville

In this special episode of The Lou Review, host Rosa Hart sits down with two trailblazing women of Kentucky bourbon: Judy Hollis Jones, CEO of Buzzard’s Roost, and Melissa Rift, Master Taster at Old Forester. Together they hint at whats to come during the premium experience at the KBF 2025, “A Celebration of Women Leaders in Kentucky Bourbon,” a dynamic evening spotlighting the powerhouse women shaping the future of whiskey.

The 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held September 5-7 in Bardstown, KY. There will be 65 particpating distilleries. There are a growing number of women in the bourbon industry, and their panel will provide a dedicated time for networking with others of like-minds.

This all-ladies mix-and-mingle event invites bourbon lovers and curious newcomers alike to meet the women behind the barrel—from CEOs to distillers and master tasters. Guests will enjoy cocktails, tasty bites, and plenty of opportunities for selfies, signatures, and stories you’ll want to sip on.

🎉 Featured Guests at the Event:

• Melissa Rift – Master Taster, Old Forester Distillery

• Marci Palatella – Preservation Distillery + Farm

• Mollie Lewis – New Riff Distilling

• Beth Buckner – Maker’s Mark Distillery

• Alex Castle – Augusta Distillery

• Judy Hollis Jones – CEO, Buzzard’s Roost Whiskies

💬 In this episode, you'll hear:

• The backstories behind Melissa and Judy’s rise in the bourbon industry

• What makes this celebration of women in whiskey so unique

• How Kentucky bourbon culture is evolving thanks to women in leadership

• Sneak peeks into what attendees can expect at this unforgettable event

Whether you're a bourbon buff or just bourbon-curious, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to toast to the women behind the barrels.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and raise a glass to Kentucky’s finest!

In this episode of The Lou Review, host Rosa Hart sits down with Louisville entrepreneur Dee Dee Taylor, the powerhouse behind 502 Hemp, to discuss her path to opening a wellness-focused business rooted in advocacy, education, and healing. Dee Dee opens up about how her husband’s health challenges inspired her to explore alternative wellness options, ultimately leading her to launch a mission-driven local business.

Dee Dee has been recognized as one of Women Business First's Enterprising Woman Award Winner and the 2024 Public Policy Catalyst by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

This conversation dives deep into the evolving legal landscape, the power of community support, and the unique hurdles faced by women in business. Whether you’re curious about natural wellness, interested in entrepreneurship, or passionate about supporting local, Dee Dee’s story will leave you inspired.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Real-life success stories from customers drive her passion and keep her going through business and legal challenges.

• Dee Dee encourages ongoing education to help consumers make informed decisions about wellness products.

📍Location Highlight:
502 Hemp is a proudly local business offering guidance and products to help individuals find relief and balance.

🔗 Learn more about 502 Hemp

Want to recommend a local business or inspiring entrepreneur for the podcast? Email [email protected]

In this episode of The Lou Review, host Rosa Hart sits down with Isaiah Dietrich, co-founder of Jubilee Field with his wife Courtney.

Jubilee Field is a new venue space in Louisville’s Meriweather-Fort Hill neighborhood that’s all about building community, sparking joy, and making room for meaningful gatherings.

Isaiah shares the spontaneous and serendipitous journey that led to Jubilee Field’s creation—from his background in real estate to a series of happy accidents that ultimately inspired this unique community hub.

Designed with flexibility and connection in mind, Jubilee Field features a modular layout with a capacity for around 2,000 in the outdoor space, an artistic Gallery indoor venue, and the soon-to-open Field Bar, creating an immersive indoor-outdoor experience for events, food trucks, and neighbors alike.

With intentional infrastructure planning to accomodate multiple food trucks, and a vision for fighting loneliness through shared spaces, Jubilee Field is poised to become a joyful anchor for the community when it opens in August 2025.