In this Streetscapes, we head back to South Fort Thomas Avenue for some restaurants and bars that we missed the last time. This time we start with charcuterie and cocktails and end with a feast of Cambodian and Chinese cuisines.
Kampuchea Kitchen
The newest addition on this visit, Kampuchea Kitchen is the first premium Cambodian restaurant in the state of Kentucky, and it’s nestled in Fort Thomas.
As with any meal, beverages are the first items served, but as the saying goes, “But first, coffee.” Kampuchea has selections of tea and coffee; although both are great choices, there’s nothing better than authentic Cambodian coffee. This coffee is richer in flavor than what many Americans would be used to from their neighborhood coffee shops. The iced Khmer coffee beautifully balances and blends the richness of the coffee with condensed milk for a sweeter, almost dessert-like iced coffee. (It’s one of the best coffees this Streetscapes series has ever tasted!)
Before delving into main dishes, the banh xeo rolls are a must-try. The turmeric rice crepes are filled with papaya, cucumber, rice noodles and guests’ choice of protein — tofu, chicken, steak or pork. Both savory and refreshing, these are a great introduction of other dishes to come.
For those dining with a group, a great way for everyone to sample the variety of flavors is the Khmer platter, a variety of meats served with lettuce, rice noodles, banh xeo, pickled papaya and veggies.
There are seven options of entrees, with each dish built around a protein. The kuy teav sach ko is a beef bone broth soup with chewy rice noodles, sweet onion, cilantro and fried garlic served with bean sprouts.
Kampuchea Kitchen’s cozy interior is adorned with statues and Cambodian décor to give customers a truly authentic experience.
New Garden
For classic Chinese favorites such as crab rangoon and steamed dumplings or sushi, New Garden has all the best dishes for both Chinese and Japanese food fans. For guests who want classic Chinese, the crab rangoon reigns supreme as the best appetizer on the menu, followed closely by the spring rolls.
For starters for those craving Japanese food, edamame is the obvious choice. Whether guests delve into a California roll or Szechwan chicken with fried rice as their main dish, there’s no wrong choice. With this many options, customers can order off both menus for a taste of all the best dishes.
New Garden’s interior is open and feels spacious, despite being on the smaller side. Chinese fans hang from the ceiling to accent the space with vibrant colors.
There’s wine and beer, both American and Asian. New Garden is the ideal spot for casual and cheap eats with large portions.
Grassroots and Vine
Grassroots and Vine gives guests a vineyard experience in the heart of Fort Thomas. One looks out the window and expects to see rolling hills of grapevines, forgetting they’re not actually in Tuscany. For guests wanting a place to connect with others while enjoying wine, cocktails and charcuterie, Grassroots and Vine is the perfect spot.
Patrons visiting for the wine experience have plenty of options for all palates — reds, whites, pink, dry and sweet, they have it all. Guests looking to expand their wine knowledge should indulge in the Tri-Vini Flight, where guests can sample three wines. Those who aren’t wine connoisseurs have no fear; there are over 20 cocktails, 12 beers and five nonalcoholic beverages and coffee, no one leaves thirsty.
Although many visit for the wine selection, the food choices are just as noteworthy. Food choices consist of charcuterie options, appetizers and flatbreads, all great shareable dishes to pair with a bottle of wine for a relaxing and delicious girls’ night. There are also paninis and salads for those wanting a meal of their own. The food is all sourced from local and regional farms, and the owners pride themselves on offering a farm-to-table restaurant.
They also serve Sunday brunch complete with Bloody Marys and biscuits and gravy.
Have a street, city or business you want to see covered next? Email Maria Hehman at [email protected] and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.
What To Know If You Go
Kampuchea Kitchen
Location: 1045 S. Fort Thomas Ave.
Hours: Sunday and Monday, closed; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m.
Website: kampucheakitchencambodianbistro.square.site/
Phone: 859-781-8800
New Garden
Location: 1031 S. Fort Thomas Ave.
Hours: Tuesday, closed; all other days, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: newgardenftthomas.com/
Phone: 859-781-7888
Grassroots and Vine
Location: 1011 S. Fort Thomas Ave.
Hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.
Website: grassrootsandvine.com
Phone: 859-814-8391