Central Kentucky Local Resturant Scene: DV8 Kitchen & Bakery

DV8 Exterior

   Although DV8 Kitchen & Bakery (located at 867 S. Broadway, #140 Lexington, KY) isn't a new restaurant, it is a restaurant that I am honored to share with you today. It is a jewel in Lexington's headpiece. The owners, Rob and Diane Perez (owners of the local Saul Good), came up with the unique concept to help combat the opioid addiction crisis that is prevalent in today's world. The sobering truth is that over 10 years time they had lost 13 employees to addiction. DV8 is their answer to changing our part of the world for the better. This restaurant only hires people in treatment for addiction. Their workplace serves as an extension of their therapy. Rob and Diane are willing to take a chance on these folks in hopes of changing their behavior patterns that result in changing their lifestyle. They saw a need and they are working to meet it through this very cool and hip place serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily.

Pimento Cheese & Chicken 

   Now we aren't just talking about mediocre, run-of-the-mill offerings. DV8's menu is unique in it's own right. The quality is top notch and the portions are large. My husband, Chris, and I recently visited DV8 for lunch. And, wow! I sure do wish we had stopped by sooner because this place is amazing. We loved the vibe, the mission, and of course the food! It was really neat to see an actual bakery area inside the restaurant.  There was an area to have a sample slice of their delicious sourdough bread. DV8 also sells their breads and jams!

Cinnamon Roll

   When we visited, we ordered a couple of different items to get a decent feel for the food. And boy, we were NOT disappointed! Chris and I shared the DV8 Grilled Cheese served on their sourdough bread, Pimento Cheese and Chicken served on a southern biscuit, BBQ chips, tater tots, and of course their delicious Cinnamon Roll made with croissant dough. It was calorie packed and amazing! Definitely a splurge for lunch, but well worth it! The DV8 Grilled Cheese was served with cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, and dijonaise sauce--so good! Now, the Pimento Cheese and Chicken was packed with an unbelievable combination of flavors--all natural fried chicken tenders, pimento cheese, black strap molasses, and fresh jalapenos all on the gigantic southern biscuit! Wowza! And, we finished with one of their freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls...there are different topping choices, but we opted for the Cream Cheese Icing. So good!
   While DV8's menu is compact, it is very diverse and offers something for everyone! Keep in mind they are only open through lunchtime and close at 2:30p. If the food isn't enough to lure you in, the mission of this restaurant should be. Helping those stuck in addiction "deviate" from their past lifestyles. I love it and cannot believe how great of a city that we live in! Let me know about your experience when you visit!

Until next time,
Melissa