»Karem's Pub and Grill
»Gelato Gilberto
»Small Times Bakery & Cafe - Coming Soon
»Tea Station Chinese Bistro
»Village Maria II - Coming Soon

Karem’s Pub and Grill
Owner: Louie Karem
9424 Norton Commons Boulevard
Phone: (502) 327-5646
www.karem.com

Louie Karem is a Louisville native who’s been in the food business for well over 15 years. Though he’s only been in Norton Commons since January 2007, many are familiar with his popular St. Matthews location that has been serving guests since 1992. His Norton Commons location offers a full menu for both lunch and dinner where you might sample anything from the famous marinated triangle to mahi mahi quesadillas to a fried bologna sandwich. His entrees run from $4 to around $11 and his full bar promises to quench any thirst.

Karem’s offers live music every Thursday night from 6:30-9:30. Louie’s street parties were a community favorite during the warm season and featured popular local bands for entertainment. The outdoor music will resume after Derby and will run until early September. Karem’s is closed on Sundays.

Gelato Gilberto
Owners: Kristin and Justin Gilbert
9434 Norton Commons Boulevard
Phone: (502) 423-7751
www.gelatogilberto.com

Gelato Gilberto specializes in fabulously made-from-scratch Italian gelato. Though gelato is akin to ice cream, it is purported to have more intense and delicate flavors due to subtle differences in the creation process. Gelato Gilberto boasts well over 50 delicious flavors in their extensive repertoire, some of those being lighter sorbettos. The gelateria also offers a wide array of Italian coffees, soft drinks and baked goods. Since fall 2007, they offer fresh crepes.

Though Gelato Gilberto has only been open since May 31st, 2007, they have already received at least one outstanding review, which was in Louisville’s Sophisticated Living magazine. This success can be attributed to the owners’ extensive training in the very birthplace of the delicacy—Italy. The couple has spent over two years learning the art of gelato-making in acclaimed facilities all over Italy.

Visit www.gelatogilberto.com for more information.

Tea Station Chinese Bistro
Owner: Paul Yang
9422 Norton Commons Boulevard
(502) 423-1202

Though Paul Yang and his wife Amy are new to Louisville, they’re no strangers to Chinese cuisine. Both of the Yangs are from Taiwan, where they received their primary and perhaps most important lessons in Chinese cooking. They moved to the United States in 1985 and opened their first restaurant in New Mexico. Paul and Amy successfully ran the eatery for over sixteen years when they decided they needed a change of venue. They chose their new Norton Commons location after touring the facility for a mere three hours. The Yangs came to such a quick decision based on the “beautiful area with such unique house designs.” Mrs. Yang says, “We loved the friendly community; it is like a big family. And we really liked the live/work residence design.”

The Tea Station Chinese Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner, and has an extensive menu. Their lunch specials averages around $7 and a dinner entrée costs $9 to $10 dollars. The menu includes several beer and wine selections. The restaurant boasts an absolutely MSG-Free dining experience.

Village Maria II - Coming Soon
9415 Norton Commons Boulevard
Owners: Tammy and Michel Naseem

This charming Italian eatery is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008. Michel (pronounced “mee-shell”) and Tammy currently own Village Maria Restaurant and Pizzeria in Staten Island, NY. Village Maria has been a Staten Island favorite for over 42 years and has been owned by the Naseem family for the last 16. The Village Maria was recently voted as “The Best Pizza in Staten Island.” Michel attributes this successful feat to his dedicated and devoted family.

Michel was born in Egypt and moved to Italy when he was only two years old. He remained in Italy until 1982. While residing there, he was trained in the art of fine Italian cooking and says every dish in his restaurant is made from scratch. Village Maria II in Norton Commons® will be open seven days a week and will have carry-out and delivery available. The menu will have a wide array of fine pastas, pizzas (including specialty), heros, and other Italian delights. Michel and Tammy will also have a variety of beer and wine available to their guests.

Small Times Bakery & Cafe - Coming Soon
10600 Meeting Street