Ensō in the Clifton neighborhood launches new vegetarian items. Here's what we tried

Ensō opened on Frankfort Avenue in late 2023, so you might forget it’s something new.

The Clifton restaurant’s menu, offering surprising blends of Japanese and Southern cuisines, certainly tries to introduce new tastes to Louisville.

This is one goal proclaimed by chef Lawrence Weeks, also known for his chops at North of Bourbon who was recognized earlier this year on the long list of semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards in the Emerging Chef category.

Recently, Ensō launched some vegetarian options, including a rendition of the Frito pie, made with a base of Sea Island red pea chili and Charleston gold rice. Other menu options include mushroom skewers, sesame turnip greens, and an egg sandwich on Texas toast.

Ensō has lots of surprises in store for patrons, including fun signature cocktails, such as one called Rice Thrice, made with rice roku gin and gold rice syrup.

We featured Ensō in the latest installment of our Instagram video series, “Best Thing I Ate This Week,” which you can follow by visiting instagram.com/courierjournal.

Reach food reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com

More: 'End of an era': The Back Door in the Highlands closes after nearly four decades

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Ensō in Louisville's Clifton neighborhood launches vegetarian items