RESTAURANT REVIEW
RESTAURANT REVIEW: DISTRICT 6
S
Reviewed by Jonathan Hodes, MD
t. Matthews has been the understat-
ed neighborhood where you go for
dry cleaning, gas, the ATM, coffee
or on your way elsewhere. Not typ-
ically known for gastronomical in-
novation, it is the origin of Namnam
Café, Tony Boombozz, Majid’s and
has some excellent medium-price-range local
eateries such as Havana Rumba, Sakura Blue and Wild Eggs. The
recently-opened District 6 on Shelbyville Road, near Plehn’s Bakery,
is the newest contender. Serving updated Vietnamese dishes with
fresh ingredients as well as classic and curiously inspired cocktails,
it’s a welcome addition.
The renovated space sports colorful paper lanterns and conical
leaf hats on the walls with moody lighting, and its blues and greens
invoke calm. The dark wood tables and comfortable chairs create
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LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
a nice vibe, neither plush nor spare, with tables far enough apart
for private conversation. The bar for our December visit was be-
decked with festive sparkling string lights; these were absent, but
not missed, later in January.
The bar menu includes some delightful new cocktails along
with classics. The adventuresome among us sampled a Black Thai
Affair, with chai and lemon balancing the soju – a Korean take on
sweet potato vodka; The Jungle Bird, a lovely Tiki-style rum-based
drink with a rinse of absinthe, some Campari and pineapple; and
a Cobra’s Fang, a bourbon-based, ginger syrup-infused and jala-
peno-kicked drink with a little red wine float (sounds odd, but
it really works!). Others were very satisfied with their classic Old
Fashioneds. I also had a surprisingly delicious tea, from a tea bag,
which I was informed was an oolong Taiwanese high mountain tea.
The menu also offers a selection of white and red wines, by the glass
and bottle, as well as beer.
We began with a selection of small plates and shareables in-