Out Harrodsburg Road, located in the restored 1914 Larkin family manor house, sits Murray's Restaurant, the Murray family's second fine-dining establishment. Specializing in Southern cuisine and featuring local ingredients and daily pasta and seafood specials, Executive Chef Josh Winslow has been showcasing his years of varied food experience since his return in 2006.
Winslow began his career with the Murray family's first restaurant, Merrick Inn, in 1991, fell in love with food, and decided to take his culinary skills to the next level, enrolling in Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. He graduated summa cum laude and worked for the renowned Magnolias restaurant before heading to Philadelphia for a stint at Brasserie Perrier and Le Bec Fin. He later moved to New York City to work under Tom Coliccio at world renowned Gramercy Tavern.
Winslow returned to Lexington and rejoined the Murray family business in the spring of 2006, and is currently the executive chef for both Murray's and Merrick Inn.
"Working in all of these different restaurants was a wonderful learning experience," said Winslow. "I gained a lot of experience and afterwards I just wanted to come back homeÖI've come full circle."
Pan-Roasted Alaskan Halibut, with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Katamala Olive Tapinade, and Lobster Saffron Fume
(Serves Four)
For the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto:
1 c sun-dried timatoes in oil, drained (saving oil)†and patted dry
1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
2 lg garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 tbsp fresh basil, very thinly sliced
Reserved tomato oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Add tomatoes, garlic and cheese to food processor and pulse a few times, then puree. While processor is running, drizzle tomato oil
and puree until smooth. Remove, season, and fold in basil. Reserve for service.
Seared Sea Scallops, Sundried Tomato and Caper Beurre Blanc, and Mediterranean Couscous
To plate, simply place a mound of couscous in the center of 4 plates. Top with scallops, divided evenly. Top scallops with sauce, garnish, and serve. Enjoy! Serves 4.