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By Lance Gaither

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com   

On Dec. 6, Murrini Cafe opened its doors to the public. The cafe is the latest step in an expansion of the Arts Center of the Bluegrass. Murrini Cafe focuses on sustainable practices and offers a variety of artisinal charcuterie boards, sandwiches, deserts and more. The restaurant is located at 409 W. Main St. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.   

“We are looking forward to be open on Sundays,” said Art Center of the Bluegrass Communications and Development Director Liz Haffner. “We hope we can be a beacon of light on a Sunday afternoon when someone wants a bite to eat.”

The name Murrini, comes from the Latin term for an art form of creating glass canes with colored patterns.

“Stephen Powell who is featured prominently right now in our glass museum featured Murrini heavily in his works so this is a tie-in for that,” Haffner said. “We hope to have some artisanal flair to everything we do here to tie it back to the art center.”

The cafe features displays of the works of Powell and paintings by world renowned artist Hunt Slonem.

“A patron of his generously donated his works to be featured here,” Hafner said.

The cafe’s food and beverage manager, Shana Followell, is excited to make Murrini Cafe an iconic part of Danville.

“It is a really great opportunity for myself professionally,” Followell said. “Danville needs this. We have built something beautiful with the glass museum and now Murrini is that final piece for now. Danville is becoming a destination and I’m glad to be part of it.”

The Arts Center of the Bluegrass will be opening a culinary kitchen on the floor above the cafe to offer cooking classes and other events. Renovations and designs for the cafe were performed by Shepherd Construction and Liz Betack Design.