Just when you think, “Man! Another of my favorite restaurants is closing,” you look up and see that many eateries are just hitting their stride.

If you can believe it, Lolita’s Tacos (4222 Poplar Level Road) just turned 20. Hay caramba, es verdad! This humble Mexican stop near Camp Taylor has not only been doing it right for two decades, it’s weathered the onslaught of so many competitors in the genre. You’ll never walk away hungry from here and you’ll still have money in your pocket.

Feliz cumpleanos, Lolita!

Yang Kee Noodle (located near the middle of Oxmoor Mall) is celebrating its tenth year in biz. Again, another amazing run in a mall location and business climate.

Along with the culinary guidance of John Castro (chef-instructor at Winston’s Restaurant and Sullivan University’s School of Hospitality) and the operational backing of business partners Tom Kohler and Dan Huckstein, this fun fusion restaurant is still serving up wok-fired stir-fry and noodle dishes born of street vendors found throughout Asia.

On a couple of occasions, the owners considered moving elsewhere in Louisville, but they instead extended their lease. They are, however, actively searching for a second location, which is great news for us all.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Yang Kee Noodle is introducing a new menu featuring a variety of new “Street Snacks” and “Lunch Bowls” that essentially are lighter portions of its 10 Signature Asian Flavors paired with such common Street Snacks as Pork Egg Rolls, Potstickers, Crab Rangoon, or the popular House Ginger Salad.

The new menu also features an expanded “Create Your Own Stir-Fry” section where guests can choose their meat, vegetables, noodles or rice, and any house-prepared sauce then watch the wok chefs prepare their dish.

Here’s to 10 more years—at least—for Yang Kee Noodle!