Proof on Main Restaurant Debuts in Louisville

February 28, 2006 - Proof on Main restaurant, opening on Wednesday, March 1, will celebrate Kentucky's small family farms, boutique American spirits and cutting-edge contemporary art. Located next to the 21c Museum Hotel at 702 West Main Street, Proof on Main is managed by Drew Nieporent's Myriad Restaurant Group and owned by local philanthropists Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson.

Executive chef Michael Paley's passion for small family farms is evident throughout his menu of Tuscan-influenced American cuisine. Dishes such as Bone-in Bison Tenderloin, Heritage Farms Pork Shank, Buckwheat Pappardelle with Braised Rabbit, and Pork Cheek Milanese all reflect his strong belief in working with local products. The menu will also offer a Cured Meat section featuring Newsom's country ham, duck prosciutto and coppa, and a Relish section showcasing seasonal vegetable preparations (sweet and sour winter squash, barbecued mushrooms and roasted beets). Signature sweets – a collaboration between Chef Paley and Sue McCown, executive pastry chef of Seattle's Earth & Ocean – include Skillet Lemon Pie with Kentucky Honey and Warm Vanilla Cake with Bourbon-Soaked Cherries. Prices range from $6 to $10 for appetizers, from $13 to $26 for entrées, and from $6 to $10 for desserts.

"We're at the heart of such a diverse agricultural area," says Chef Paley. "I'm inspired by the wonderful ingredients from regional farmers and ranchers."

In addition to an extensive wine list, Proof on Main's general manager Cassandra Hobbic has developed a list of boutique American spirits, including 45 of Kentucky's best bourbons. Chef Paley's special bar menu will be available until midnight during the week and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

The 100-seat restaurant can also accommodate private and semi- private parties of 10 to 250 people. Rex Lyons, former general manager of the English Grill, will serve as director of banquets and catering.

Historical elements like original brickwork, arches, and prismatic leaded glass transoms are highlighted in the design by Deborah Berke and Partners Architects. Interior touches include glass-art votives from Glassworks, hand-knotted rugs, hand-blocked linen upholstery and reclaimed wood floors, all in a neutral palette. Local company Louisville Stoneware crafted a line of dinnerware exclusively for Proof on Main.

Gracing the entrance is a unique outdoor bronze chandelier by renowned Austrian artist Werner Reiterer. Inside, a life-sized bronze satyr by San Francisco sculptor Larry Shank greets guests in the bar, along with local artist Shayne Hull's portraits of Louisville's most recognizable faces.

The understated décor is an elegant backdrop for the stunning art, which is from Brown and Wilson's private collection and the 21c Museum Foundation. Proof will also display a rotating selection of contemporary works from both emerging talents and internationally acclaimed artists.

The Myriad Restaurant Group operates destination restaurants around the world, including Tribeca Grill, Nobu, and Montrachet in New York, The Coach House on Martha's Vineyard, Rubicon in San Francisco and Nobu in London. The group has garnered an impressive list of awards for its unparalleled excellence in food, wine, service and charitable efforts.

Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson are local philanthropists, art collectors and conservationists. The couple actively pursues community restoration projects like Louisville's new Museum Plaza. They are also very proud of their bison farm in Goshen, Ky., where they are safeguarding one thousand acres from development.

Proof on Main is open for dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday. Starting in mid April, lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and the restaurant will be open for dinner on Sunday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Brunch will be served on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call (502) 217-6360 or visit www.proofonmain.com.

SOURCE Proof on Main