Thai, Mediterranean and lots of chocolate: New restaurants, brewery in Georgetown

If you haven’t spent any time in Georgetown lately, you might be in for a surprise.

At least, where the culinary scene is concerned. In the past month, three new places have either opened or are in the process of opening, while a long-time favorite has changed locations.

With Georgetown’s burgeoning culinary scene, Lexingtonians may find themselves making the 30-minute drive more often.

Here’s what to try just north of Lexington.

New and expanded location: Chocomania

Chocomania, whose name tells you all you need to know, has a new home. The prettily packaged gourmet chocolates can now be found downtown on Broadway.

While admittedly not calorie-free, they are gluten-free as well as Kosher certified. Besides, what are a few calories if these chocolate treats are your reward?

With 55 different options to pick from, in either dark or milk chocolate, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Will it be the tiramisu truffles or the Irish crème bon bons? Perhaps the turtle pecans or the commonwealth favorite, bourbon balls?

Christine Ammari, who owns Chocomania dessert cafe with her husband Adel, says the new location will include an expansion of their former operation.

They will offer breakfast with a twist as chocolate will be the main staple, whether in chocolate croissants or crepes and waffles drizzled with chocolate.

A section of the building has been christened Chocomania Dessert Café where deli sandwiches, salads and, of course, chocolate will be on the lunch menu. Ammari says another new addition is a make-your-own gelato bar. Plus they have soft-serve ice cream — try it in a fish waffle.

Check out their Facebook page to find dates for special events such as wine and chocolate tastings and chocolate liqueur tastings.

117 N. Broadway; 502-316-1345; chocomaniaky.com.

New restaurant open: Bistro M

On the same day Chocomania was relocating, Bistro M was having its opening day right behind Chocomania’s old location.

The owners, who are natives of Bosnia, have brought an international influence to the menu to go along with casual café comfort.

If you want to go Greek, try the spinach and cheese pie with crispy layers of phyllo dough loaded with spinach and feta cheese, or the beef or lamb gyros in traditional pita bread.

If it’s Italian you crave, opt for the Sicilian Panini (pulled chicken, mozzarella and provolone cheeses, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and sauce) or the build your own pizza.

With a nod to the favorite dish of the Middle East, there’s even a Pizza Kebab (a 7x12 pizza with beef/lamb, mozzarella cheese, onions, peppers and tzatziki sauce.)

Dessert choices include Italian Pistachio Cake, Tiramisu, and what is without doubt, the best baklava (made from scratch) that I have ever tasted.

When I asked Sasa Cibula, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Zuhra, the secret to why the baklava was so moist and delicious, he said, “We use the Turkish method which has more syrup than the Greek version.”

751 Slone Drive, Suite 11; 859-693-9655; bistro-m.com

New restaurant open: Thai House

Another newly opened restaurant focuses on the flavors of Asia — Thailand in particular. Open since March, Thai House, advertises itself as modern fusion Thai cuisine.

You’ll find that country’s favorites, including all the Pad (fried) dishes.

The menu includes the more common ones such as Pad Thai Noodles (thin rice noodles, egg, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, scallions, crushed peanuts and lime) and Pad Cashew (garlic, cashew, onions, carrots, scallions and bell peppers.)

But you’ll also find some not-so-familiar ones – Pad See Ew (wide rice noodles, egg, broccoli and carrots) and Pad Woon Sen (thin glass noodles, egg, broccoli, onions, carrots, bamboo shoots, tomatoes and napa cabbage.)

The soups – Tom Yum, a spicy and sour lemongrass and lime leaves broth – and Tom Kha, an infused coconut milk broth – are both worth a try.

104 Lawson Drive; 502-603-0026; thaihouseky.com

New restaurant open: Chinkapin Brewing

Chinkapin Brewing is the newest addition to the Georgetown drinking and dining scene. The brewpub opened in the middle of June for lovers of craft beer and traditional pub grub.

On the drinking side, owner David Miller says Chinkapin will have 10-12 rotating beers on tap, as well as their own beer which he says they will start brewing in a few months. For non-beer lovers, there is a full bar.

On the dining side, his plans for the foreseeable future are to keep it simple with wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, New York-style pretzels and wings.

“We’ll start with that and then see how it goes,” he says.

With an occupancy of 106, the brewpub is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. everyday and will host activities throughout the week, from live music and local art exhibits to trivia nights and games of pool.

149 E. Main St.; facebook.com/ChinkapinBrewing