They say money never sleeps. When it comes to Bernard Dukes, truer words were never spoken. His new restaurant, Carlton’s, is the latest addition to the Downtown dining scene, and he says it’ll be open all hours of the day (and night): brunch, lunch, lupper and dinner. That’s right, we said lupper.
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Carlton’s owner Bernard Dukes expects an early- to mid-December opening for his American-fusion restaurant.Dukes tells Restaurantarama he’ll keep the East Market Street eatery going even after lunch is over. Between the hours of 3 and 5:30pm, Carlton’s will offer a limited menu, then switch to dinner. After that, the restaurant converts to a soft jazz club, with an emphasis on “soft.”
“So many places with live entertainment are just too loud,” Dukes says. “Here, you’ll actually be able to have a conversation.” He’s been getting a good response from the musical community, as well; local jazz acts and the like have reached out for more information.
But let’s talk menu. Dukes says his chef, Nelson Moore, will prepare a “contemporary American fusion” menu, with an ethnic flair. A traditional Moroccan dish like olive chicken, for instance, will incorporate a hint of Indian flavor. For Sunday brunch, Dukes envisions something more New Orleans-style, egg dishes and drinks like Bloody Marys and Brandy Milk Punch.
Dukes sees a lot of potential in the spot, formerly Asia Specialty and, once upon a time, French bistro Bohéme. He plans to make use of the patio and courtyard, possibly bringing the musical acts outside.
“This’ll really fill a niche that’s lacking here,” Dukes says. “I have very high hopes.”
Chef’s in
Restaurantarama’s been following the chef search at Clifton Inn since Dean Maupin moved to Fossett’s at Keswick. Says a PR rep for the hotel, Clifton’s new hire is Tucker Yoder, a former sous chef at Clifton who is returning from a Lexington farm-to-table restaurant called The Red Hen.
Donation creation
Brookville Restaurant’s Harrison Keevil tells Restaurantarama that the Downtown Mall eatery is starting a donation program: Every Tuesday and Wednesday, $1 for every guest will be donated to one of four charities.
Among the charities receiving the benefits are the Local Food Hub, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In other Brookville news, Keevil tells us the restaurant has obtained its ABC license and is now able to sell beer and wine.
Talk it out
Speak! Language Center’s Christina Ball says the local chapter of the Slow Food movement, Slow Food Albemarle Piedmont, will present “The Terra Madre Report” Friday, November 5. Folks returning from a trip to Torino, Italy will speak about Terra Madre, the biannual Slow Food convention held there. Plus, wines and cheeses from the region will be offered. The event starts at 5:30pm and is $10 per person. Visit slow food albemarlepiedmont.com for more info.
