Lennie V. Omalza

City Editor at LOUtoday + Freelance Writer at The Courier-Journal and StyleBlueprint

United States

Freelance professional with more than a decade of experience. Current and former clients include Blackletter Group, The Courier-Journal, EATER, Granted Fundraising, HAWAI'I Magazine, Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine, Heartfelt Solutions, HONOLULU Magazine, LEAD Marketing Agency, Roberts Hawaii, StyleBlueprint, Today's Woman Magazine, and The Voice-Tribune.

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Portfolio

Recently Published

StyleBlueprint
Southern Business Spotlight: Becca Gardner of NKD LDY

Share with your friends! Kentucky-born Becca Gardner grew up on a farm in the Commonwealth. After college, she began a career in strategy consulting and spent more than a decade in New York. Those years in the industry brought on a lot of drinking.

The Courier-Journal
Co-op coffee shop serves more than just drinks

I like to start and end my days with a cup of coffee — and no, the caffeine doesn’t keep me awake at night. I have no trouble drifting off to dreamland shortly after enjoying a late-night latte. This all-hours coffee craving can be a problem when I’m out late and jonesing for some joe. That’s why I was thrilled when Old Louisville Coffee Co-op — which is open 24/7 on the weekends — opened last summer.

StyleBlueprint
Meet Jessica Mattingly of Cultured Cheese & Charcuterie Bar

Share with your friends! Jessica Mattingly was one of the first people in Louisville to break into the charcuterie board business. Her shop and tasting room, Cultured Cheese and Charcuterie Bar, specializes in locally sourced meat, cheese, and bourbon.

Home Stories

The Courier-Journal
This Jeffersontown home is full of Kentucky Derby love and memories

Marita and Bob Willis are both born-and-bred Kentuckians. "Bob and I grew up on the same porch in Park Hill," Marita explained. "We were friends (ever) since our mothers were friends." The two women - both single moms - became quick chums, and their children followed suit.

Restaurant Reviews

Lifestyle Articles

The Voice-Tribune
Lady-led, but catering to all

Most people wouldn't consider owning a catering business akin to leading a circus, but Deborah Lowery does.

The Voice-Tribune
Little Voices, Big Impacts

Growing up in the United States comes with privileges most American children take for granted.

Hiking Guides

Honolulu Magazine
Oʻahu Hike of the Month: Makiki Valley Loop Trail

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life without leaving Honolulu. Photos: Courtesy of Lennie Omalza TRAIL NAME: Makiki Valley Loop Trail DIFFICULTY: Moderate LENGTH: 2.5 miles roundtrip FEE: None WHERE: Hawaiʻi Nature Center, 2131 Maikiki Heights Drive Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person.

Honolulu Magazine
Oʻahu Hike of the Month: Lanikai Pillbox Trail

A quick trek with a breathtaking view in Kailua. Photos: Lennie Omalza TRAIL NAME: Lanikai Pillbox Trail DIFFICULTY: Moderate LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip FEE: None WHERE: Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person.

Honolulu Magazine
Oʻahu Hike of the Month: Moanalua Valley Trail

Also known as Kamananui Valley Road, this relaxing trail is great for the whole family. Editor's Note: We love hiking! Fortunately, O'ahu is full of great hikes. In this web series, we bring you our favorite O'ahu trails once a month.

Fashion & Beauty Stories

Lei Chic
Picture Perfect

Get ready for your next close-up with Cherbu's new spring line.

StyleBlueprint
Your New Summer Beauty Routine

A great beauty routine will keep you looking fabulous during all seasons, but everyone knows a bit of a transition is needed once summer rays start shining. Keep scrolling for the latest tips and tricks from industry experts, as well as new products that will ensure your summer beauty strategy has you looking your best while you soak up the sun.

Lei Chic
New Moon

A mystical clothing line inspired by folklore of the planets.

Advertorial Projects

HONOLULU Magazine
Women's Health

Since its opening in 2001, the Queen's Women's Health Center has offered a variety of services, including physical therapy geared specifically to women's health-related diagnoses.

Content Creation & Project Management

Blackletter Group
Luau & Learn

Blackletter Group created Luau and Learn, a fun and engaging family home activity. Luau and Learn launched online and included a downloadable activity book that taught kids about Hawaii’s diverse food and rich culture all the while reinforcing the authentic L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brand.

Blackletter Group
NEi

NEi Established in 1985, NEi is an employment and vocational rehabilitation non-profit that counsels, trains and matches clients with employers in Hawaii. The Challenge As a non-profit organization dependent on private and public funding, NEi struggled for years to remain relevant in the eyes of its stakeholders.

Dining Column Archive

The Courier-Journal
Bakery and cafe specializes in artisan bagels, pastries

A few years ago, I remember being holed up in my apartment, craving a bagel and searching for a nearby spot that was open amid the COVID-19 closures. That was how I came across Payne Street Bakehouse in Irish Hill. The café was taking text orders and offering curbside pickup. As owner Anne Fuller tells me, this is a service her team still provides today.

The Courier-Journal
Louisville restaurant serves modern Mexican cuisine

Locally owned Mexican restaurant Limón y Sal is just a five-minute drive from my apartment. This week, I caught up with Rachel Carmona, who co-owns the eatery with her husband Diego Carmona, as well as another husband-and-wife pair, Porfirio and Nelly Ledezma.

The Courier-Journal
Authentic Italian food with a touch of soul

One of my favorite questions to ask business owners is how they came up with the name of their company. Sometimes, the reason is clear. Other times, it seems completely random. With The Black Italian, it might seem obvious — but when I caught up with owners Anthony and Paula Hunter, they told me the name of their restaurant in the Highlands isn’t about what many people think.

The Courier-Journal
Cafe serves up lavender-infused French pastries

The café at Little Mount Lavender Company is a hidden gem, literally and figuratively. Though there are probably lots of Simpsonville residents who are familiar with the French-focused eatery, I know few Louisvillians who have had the pleasure of sampling some of its lavender-infused fare. And seeing as it’s an extension of the brand’s retail space — set off to the right side of the historic building in which the company operates — its existence isn’t immediately obvious.

The Courier-Journal
Modern take on Vietnamese food sets this restaurant apart

After Fork & Barrel announced its move to the Morning Fork space in April 2022, I wondered what would take its place. A few months later, Eatz Vietnamese Restaurant relocated there from its original location in the Highlands, and this week, I caught up with owner and chef Nam Huynh.

The Courier-Journal
Louisville’s best sandwiches?

I love a good grilled cheese sandwich. That gooey goodness mashed between heavily buttered and perfectly toasted bread gets me every time. Part of it is nostalgia, as I grew up getting grilled cheese from my hometown diner on a regular basis. But I think another part of it is the fact that while there are so many restaurants around town that offer variations of the classic sandwich, it never seems to get old. One such eatery is Melt 502 on Bardstown Road.

The Courier-Journal
Gourmet Provisions is reenvisioning fine dining meals

There are countless tips, tricks, and apps to increase productivity and make better use of the 24 hours we have every day. For those who spend a ton of time in the kitchen, picking up ready-made meals might be the answer. There is a plethora of options available nowadays, and this week, I chatted with someone who offers one such solution via fine- dining meals to go: Matt Rich, owner of Gourmet Provisions.

The Courier-Journal
Keeping the ‘spirit of Goose Creek Diner’ alive

Over the past two and a half years, I’ve talked to numerous restaurateurs who have had to make major changes – and in some cases, shutter their businesses – due to the pandemic. Chris Mike, who owns Goose Creek Diner and Gander, an American Grill with his wife, Anne, won’t permanently shut any doors – but he will be relocating and revamping Goose Creek Diner next year.

The Courier-Journal
European-style bakery sets itself apart

I’ve gotten so accustomed to having something sweet after nearly every meal, my friends know if we’re dining somewhere that doesn’t serve dessert – the tragedy! – we’ll have to make an extra stop before we head home. On more than one occasion, we’ve popped over to Butchertown Grocery Bakery after an early lunch.

The Courier-Journal
Why this petite St. Matthews restaurant is more than just a cozy spot in town

My first visit to the Colony Center in St. Matthews was five months ago when I was at snapping photos of my friend Julie as she tried on wedding dresses at Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique. At the time, I didn’t even notice the restaurant off to the left. This week, I learned that the eatery – aptly named 211 Clover Lane, like the address of the building – is an adorable little spot that has been around for nearly 30 years.

The Courier-Journal
The best Mediterranean food in the area?

I can’t remember who told me I should check out Aladdin’s Mediterranean Cuisine. But when I finally made it over there last week, it wasn’t exactly easy to find. Navigating around road closures, I eventually found the restaurant, which is in the New Albany business center known as The Underground Station.

The Courier-Journal
Food unlike anything else in Louisville

As a foodie, I like to think I’m familiar with all kinds of cuisine. Back home in Hawaii, I was exposed to a diverse array of dishes from an early age, and over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of dining everywhere from hidden gem hole-in-the-wall eateries to Michelin-star restaurants.

The Courier-Journal
Is this coffee shop Louisville’s best-kept secret?

Stella Mountain, owner of Ntaba Coffee Haus, can appreciate the ritual of coffee drinking. This week, we sat down – mugs in hand – and talked about how the shop came to be and what’s next for the business.

The Courier-Journal
Laid-back East Louisville pizzeria is worth a visit

Though the name Angio’s Italian Restaurant might suggest otherwise, this Jeffersontown joint isn’t a sit-down, full-service, white-tablecloth kind of place where you sip on an aperitif while you wait for the antipasto to arrive – it’s a pizzeria.

The Courier-Journal
Why this cozy Italian restaurant in Crescent Hill is worth a visit

Ever since I moved to Kentucky, I’ve kept a running list of restaurants I’d like to try. Whenever someone recommends an eatery or I hear about another spot that’s opening soon, I add it to my list. I have yet to cross everything off – and the way new places keep popping up, I probably never will – but that’s something I love about Louisville.

The Courier-Journal
This cafe with nearly 50 rotating soups is the 'best-kept secret' on Frankfort Avenue

After living in Louisville for six years and writing about countless restaurants around town, it's rare for someone to mention an established Derby City eatery that I haven't at least heard about. That's why I was surprised to learn of Crave Café & Catering, which has been in business in Clifton - one of my favorite areas!

The Courier-Journal
‘We keep it simple’: Café serves fresh smoothies and baked goods

Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me knows that although smoothies aren’t my favorite food, they’re my most frequently consumed fare. I just love the convenience of a quick, nutrient-dense, and refreshing meal during a busy work- week. Jenifer Wilkinson, who co-owns Honeydew with sisters Hanh Duong and Tram Thai, knows all about the power of a good smoothie.

The Courier-Journal
How this restaurant has stood the test of time

If you asked anyone around town to name a few things that are “distinctly Louisville,” there’s a good chance that the iconic hot brown will come up. But the funny thing is, even though most people in Derby City have heard of the open-faced sandwich, not everyone has tried it. Up until May of last year, I was one of those people.

The Courier-Journal
Ice cream shop fuses Mexican, American flavors

Whenever I go to a new restaurant, the first thing I do is look at the dessert menu. I love discovering new sweet treats, so you can guess how excited I was to happen upon Panchitos Ice Cream on Preston Highway — a Mexican dessert shop with more than 40 ice cream flavors and a bunch of other cold creations I’d never heard of.

The Courier-Journal
California-style Mexican street food with a twist

Though I probably won’t ever participate in an extreme food challenge, I like the idea of them and enjoy being a spectator. My friend Alex creates his own competitions, with participants earning points by consuming certain dishes from local restaurants and completing specific physical activities. He dubbed one such contest the “Five, Fries, and Freeze Challenge.” Competitors were tasked with finishing a five-mile hike, then immediately eating a Cardinal Burrito from Bandido Taqueria Mexicana...

The Courier-Journal
Caribbean restaurant is serving up flavorful food

I’m from Hawaii, and on my quest to find food that has some semblance of the cuisine back home, I came across Open Caribbean Kitchen, an eatery with island flair. The little restaurant on Pop- lar Level Road is easy to miss. Surround- ed by businesses like auto repair shops and appliance stores, it’s a literal dia- mond in the rough.

The Courier-Journal
Sports bar might have the best outdoor patio in Louisville

After an embarrassing volleyball mishap during my freshman year of high school, I avoided the sport like the plague. But in 2019, my friends and I started playing on a sand volleyball rec league. It helped me to get over the trauma, and more importantly, it gave us all a good excuse to get together every week for dinner and drinks after the game.

The Courier-Journal
This micro bakery fuses traditional Oaxacan, European pastry styles

I have always had a sweet tooth. Everyone who knows me knows this, and if we’ve been friends for a while, you’ve probably texted me a time or two to either ask for a dessert recommendation or check to see if I’ve been to the newest ice cream shop, candy store, or bakery in town. The latter is how I learned about La Pana Bakery y Café.

The Courier-Journal
Is this the best Vietnamese food in Louisville?

I wasn’t always a big fan of Vietnamese food. Growing up in Hawaii, I took for granted having access to a plethora of cuisines. So, when I moved to Louisville and couldn’t find a single Hawaiian restau- rant in the area — if you find one, let me know — I instantly started gravitating toward the eateries that serve other kinds of dishes I’d been accustomed to having at my disposal — and that in- cluded things like pho, fried rice, and vermicelli bowls.

The Courier-Journal
Shelby Park ice cream shop serving soft-serve twists on classic treats

Though summer doesn’t officially start for a cou- ple more weeks, as far as I’m concerned, my favor- ite season of the year is already here. I’ve been spending my days wear- ing shorts and tank tops, catching some sun while playing sand volleyball, and enjoying cool sweet treats, like soft serve with fun toppings from Sugar Room.

The Courier-Journal
North of Bourbon brings a Creole-Cajun-inspired menu to Louisville

I don’t think I tried bourbon until I moved to Kentucky – and even then, it took a couple years for me to warm up to the idea and give it a whirl. I’m still a little leery of drinking it straight, but I’ve grown fond of whiskey and bourbon-based cocktails. Most re- cently, I tried a Frozen Kentucky Coffee, an ode to a bar in New Orleans, created by the team at North of Bourbon in Ger- mantown.

The Courier-Journal
'By giving, we get more:' East Louisville restaurant focuses on more than its bottom line

It has been more than two years since this column shifted focus. Instead of dining reviews, it's more of a summary of catch-up conversations with restaurant owners and chefs around town. The weekly convos with people in the industry amid the pandemic have made me hyper aware of their struggles, and I often leave these chats feeling a little worried for them and the state of restaurants in Louisville.

The Courier-Journal
How this Lexington-based steakhouse is taking east Louisville by storm

It has been said that good things come to those who wait. Louisville steak lovers who are familiar with Lexington-based prime beef steakhouse Malone's have waited a long time for the restaurant to come to town. Its first store opened in 1998, and about eight years ago, its co-founders started looking for a Louisville location.

The Courier-Journal
New brewery in Old Louisville serves up craft beers, gourmet pizzas

Noble Funk Brewing Company – which occupies less than half of the 27,000-square-foot building – finally opened its doors on Jan.14 of this year with a grand opening celebration on Saint Patrick’s Day. With a plethora of seating options – including indoor chairs and sofas as well as outdoor picnic tables – it can comfortably accommodate 200-plus people.

The Courier-Journal
Don’t skip trying this quick-service restaurant and its outdoor games

As the weather warms up, ice cream shops are reopening, restaurants are bringing out the patio furniture, and outdoor games at eateries around town are starting to get played once again. I, for one, can’t wait till spring officially begins and alfresco meals become an everyday part of dining out. I think it’s safe to say that the team at Bocce Bowl – particularly operating partner Levi Donaldson and head chef Alex Mikel – feel the same.

The Courier-Journal
Restaurant serving seafood, New Orleans beignets ready for Lent

Growing up in Hawaii, I never noticed an uptick in fish consumption during Lent. With seafood being so common- place, I heard more from my Catholic friends about giving up sweets or rice for the 40-day observance than I did about fish Fridays. For some Louisville restaurant owners, however, Lent is their busiest time of year. Such is the case for Adam Hilsenrad of The Fish House/Café Beignet.

The Courier-Journal
Artisanal gelato shop serves authentic sweets with Italian ingredients

The first sign of inclement weather always gets me daydreaming about moving back home to Hawaii. After living in Louisville for almost six years, I know the feeling will pass. I just have to focus on all the things I’ll be able to do once it warms up: standup paddleboard, kayak, hike, and head back to places that are currently closed for the season, like Gelato Gilberto. I caught up with co-owner Kristin Gilbert to see what she and her husband Justin have in store for their March 1 reopening.

The Courier-Journal
Craft cocktails, small plates and a James Bond vibe

Chef Edward Lee’s Milkwood used to be my go-to restaurant downtown for dinner before shows at Actors Theatre of Louisville or The Kentucky Center. Like so many things in 2020, those shows were canceled, and Milkwood closed.

The Courier-Journal
New boutique bakery serves up artisan breads, European-style pastries

The beginning of the pandemic was a prime time for starting hobbies. I know a few people who discovered a new- found love of gardening, and even more who hopped on the sourdough craze. James Bridges, who co-owns The Grainwright with his wife Claire, also began churning out bread loaves after COVID led to his layoff.

The Courier-Journal
Barbecue, all-you-can-eat-wings & more

Chris Williams, the owner of Four Pegs in Germantown, purchased the pub in March 2019 and recalls exactly how long he was able to run the business before COVID changed everything.

The Courier-Journal
St. Matthews bakery is serving cookies made-from-scratch

Anyone who truly knows me under- stands that cookies are my weakness. I have a wicked sweet tooth and love sweets in general, but there’s something about cookies that have a Lay’s potato chip effect – I can’t eat just one. That’s why I was thrilled to learn about Penny & Pearl’s Bakeshop, a locally owned bakery in St. Matthews that whips up made-from-scratch cookies in all forms.

The Courier-Journal
East Louisville restaurant serves top-notch steak, more

I’m no wine connoisseur, which is why I appreciate places like Brix Wine Bar & Bistro in east Louisville. The staff is always ready with a recommendation; and if wine isn’t your thing, there are other options.

The Courier-Journal
This East Louisville restaurant is serving up authentic Lebanese food

Mediterranean cuisine is interesting in that it includes food from so many countries – Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon, and Egypt, to name a few. Though the dishes of these places tend to be lumped into one category, I recently learned of a differentiator that sets one type of food apart from the others.

The Courier-Journal
The Kitchen Table nods to BBQ and special yeast strain

I recently had the opportunity to do that at The Kitchen Table, a new restaurant on the campus of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont. Over a three-course lunch – plus drinks and desserts – I had the pleasure of chatting with Freddie Noe, distiller and great-great-grandson of Jim Beam; beverage director John Douglass; and chef Brian Landry.

The Courier-Journal
Vegan restaurant is focused on flavorful breakfast food

Thanks to the Daniel Fast – which is basically a 21-day vegan diet with additional restrictions – I’ve had a couple of stints with veganism. I’ll admit that af- ter those three-week periods, I felt great and maintained much healthier eating habits for quite a while afterward.

The Courier-Journal
NuLu restaurant serves unique farm-to-table dishes with a twist

The best thing about new restaurants is discovering unique and interesting dishes to try. On my first visit to Everyday Kitchen — located in a spot dubbed "The Gateway to NuLu" — I realized that every menu item fell into this category.

The Courier-Journal
Is this southern-fusion restaurant the next ‘it’ place in Louisville?

A small blue and white building in Clifton – formerly occupied by Boujie Biscuit – has been in the hands of St. Louis native Nick Bean since March 2021. The Frankfort Avenue space is now known as Phantom Café Modern Eatery & Catering Co., a modern southern-fusion restaurant run solely by Bean.

The Courier-Journal
Tasty and fresh: Why it's all about made-to-order dishes at this popular Indian restaurant

If you asked me a week ago to explain the difference between northern and southern Indian cuisine, I wouldn't have been able to tell you. But after sitting down with Taj Palace Indian Restaurant owner Balwinder Singh over a cup of masala chai tea - a drink made by boiling black tea in milk and water, and adding a mix of herbs and spices - I have a basic understanding of the distinction.

The Courier-Journal
The best Detroit-style pizza in Louisville?

Pizza is one of those dishes that are very personal; there’s no one-size-fits- all recipe for what makes a great pizza. While some prefer a Chicago deep dish, others love a crunchy, thin crust. Top- pings are another controversial topic — is it OK to put anchovies on a pizza? What about olives? I believe in variety and choice; all pizza is good pizza, in my opinion — just do me a favor and don’t call it “Hawaiian” because you’ve thrown some pineapple on it.

The Courier-Journal
CC’s Low Carb Kitchen serves up ‘jovial ambiance’

Brightly colored walls, hot pink unicorn busts, and a big, bold painting by Louisville artist David Green are just a few parts of the playful setting Corey Milliman has created in his downtown restaurant, CC’s Low Carb Kitchen.

The Courier-Journal
Trendy Vietnamese restaurant is serving up the best pho in town

I remember when the Vietnamese restaurant Pho Ba Luu opened in Sep- tember 2016. I’d been living in Louisville for three months, and it was exciting to discover a new eatery that served some of the same dishes I used to enjoy back home in Hawaii. Five years later, I caught up with owner Jessica Mach, who is cur- rently working 60-plus hour weeks to keep her business going.

The Courier-Journal
From knots to skølebröd, Smør Nordic Bakeri is serving treats like no other in Louisville

As someone with an affinity for both bakeries and unique eateries, Smør Nordic Bakeri on Poplar Level Road is right up my alley. It’s the first and only place I’ve found that offers Scandinavian desserts in Louisville; this is unsurprising since owner Liz Huot — who owns Grind Burger Kitchen, Oskar’s Slider Bar and Smør Nordic Bakeri with her husband, Jesse Huot — says Smør is probably the only place in the Bluegrass with similar menu offerings

The Courier-Journal
The hottest wings in Louisville? Take this hot wing challenge

Over the past year, I’ve touched base with restaurant owners, operators, and managers throughout the Louisville area. Aside from a select few, most of their stories have been similar: last year was exceptionally rough, they’re experiencing product shortages, and they can’t seem to hire enough staff. The team at Rootie’s Sports Bar & Grille tells a slightly different story. Though they have their own struggles, 2020 was good for business.

The Courier-Journal
Homestyle cafe is staying afloat amid product, labor issues

I pull up to the more than 100-year-old brick house on Main Street in Middletown. Its pale-yellow roof is offset by bright cyan doors and windows; matching picnic tables with umbrellas are set outside. A pink wooden flamingo stands to the left of the front door, greeting visitors. The little house, however, is not a home — it has been the site of Susan Stivers’ restaurant, Cottage Café, for nearly 30 years.

The Courier-Journal
Unique restaurant is changing the local food scene

There’s a wide variety of cuisine in Louisville, but Lou Lou Food + Drink in St. Matthews is the only restaurant I know of that blends three specific types of fare: “It’s Cajun/Italian with a Mediterranean twist,” explained owner Jared Matthews, who also owns Equus & Jack’s Lounge/Black Rabbit as well as Diamond Street Grub & Hops. He is also a partner at Diamond Pub & Billiards.

The Courier-Journal
Italian restaurant says local food scene is struggling

Caity DiFabio and her husband, Jon Riley, have been the restaurant’s owners and operators since 2012. “My parents actually opened our original location in Madisonville in 1995,” DiFabio told The Courier Journal. “I think it was 2018 when they closed that location. But in the interim, we opened this location in 2010."

The Courier-Journal
New bakery offers made-from-scratch breads and pastries

When I took over the Courier Journal’s weekly restaurant column last year, my focus was on how restaurateurs were managing to keep their businesses afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic. This week, I connected with Kimberly and Zechariah Maxey – the owners of Leaven Bakery, who opened up shop as a result of the pandemic.

The Courier-Journal
This Filipino food truck is exploding on Louisville's food scene

Most of my friends and family back home in Hawaii don’t understand Louisville’s appeal — and the questions about what the city does or doesn’t offer are endless. A recent text message from a friend read: “Can you even get Filipino food over there?” I did a quick Google search and came up with enough information for a response: “There’s a Filipino food market that opened, and supposedly there’s a food truck that sells lumpia.”