Mystery eggs & summer sips — The most unexpected flight in Lexington lands at Char-Bougie

Forget everything you think you know about deviled eggs. At Char-Bougie, they’re reimagined, reinvented, and ready for their close-up.

Now serving out of The Note at 40 E. Main Street in Lexington, Char-Bougie offers a mystery egg flight — a rotating, off-menu special that turns the classic party snack into a playful, gourmet adventure.

The idea hatched on camping trips, where chef and owner Krysten Brown and her friends would one-up each other with the wildest, most unexpected creations. That same spirit of whimsy and surprise lives on in every flight.

“My favorite thing on the menu is definitely the deviled eggs,” Krysten said. “So, having them on the menu and being able to use the ingredients that we have and be creative, I’m excited for this.”

Each order comes with six halves, made six totally different ways. It’s bold, unpredictable, and perfect for anyone who thinks this classic staple deserves a playful twist and a whole lot of pizazz ✨.

That spirit of creativity runs through everything at Char-Bougie. The menu is small but intentional, with gorgeous small plates that feel upscale without being stuffy. Think girl dinner, but elevated. Bougie, but approachable.

“I just love making inexpensive ingredients look beautiful, and you don’t have to have the top end of everything to make it pretty,” Krysten said. “It’s just how you present it.” 

Before taking over the kitchen at The Note, Krysten launched her business at Idea Works Kitchen in Mansfield.

 “Idea Works Kitchen downtown has been my home since I started, but when I was approached by the owners of The Note, this became my space where I can prep and just run my business out of this space, in addition to giving back to Lexington and the community,” she said.

On my visit, the egg flight delivered a mix of nostalgic comfort and wildly inventive takes that showed just how fun food can be.

There was a classic deviled egg, a rich maple bacon version with sweet-salty depth, and a Mediterranean one topped with a crunchy crouton crumble. The Old Bay and pickle combo brought a tangy zip, and the bruschetta egg, loaded with tomato, was packed with flavor; a full dish in one bite.

My favorite? The jalapeño popper egg. Creamy with just enough heat, and topped with a full slice of fresh jalapeño for that clean, spicy crunch.

These eggs were a tiny tasting menu, inventive, and wildly satisfying.

Then came the small plates. Each dish felt designed for summer. Light, bright, and full of flavor.

The brie and prosciutto flatbread hit that perfect balance. A layer of sweet fig jam set the base, topped with sliced brie, peppery arugula, and thin slices of prosciutto. A balsamic drizzle added a sharp sweetness that tied it all together like a charcuterie board in flatbread form.

The bruschetta was anything but ordinary. Served build-your-own style, one dish held a vibrant mix of tomatoes, onion, basil, and olive oil, bursting with flavor. The other featured garlic cream cheese, a twist that made it unforgettable.

I grabbed a balsamic-drizzled crostini and built a flavor-packed bite topped with juicy tomatoes. The creamy garlic added a smooth richness that balanced the bright, fresh flavors. It turned a simple appetizer into something I can’t stop thinking about.

The burrata plate was stunning. Burrata sat on a bed of arugula with balsamic drizzle, fresh peaches, pistachios, and slices of prosciutto. Toasted bread came on the side for scooping. The burrata oozed perfectly onto the plate, blending with the soft sweetness of the fruit. The salt from the prosciutto and crunch of pistachio gave the plate contrast and texture.

Next up was a personal charcuterie board, A nod to where Char-Bougie began.

This version came with four cheeses, salami, pepperoni, fresh berries, grapes, mini pickles, green olives, nuts, edible flowers, and an assortment of crackers. It’s playful and deliciously diverse, with something for everyone to love.

“The charcuterie business for me, it’s just like the movement beyond the table and like how the colors flow… It’s therapy,” she added.

Finally, the drinks. Three summer cocktails, each more refreshing than the last.

The strawberry limoncello spritz was bright and bubbly, made with limoncello, strawberries, sparkling Moscato, and club soda. It’s sweet but not heavy, like the classiest strawberry soda you’ve ever had, all dressed up for summer.

The High Five was the boldest of the bunch. Gin, Aperol, grapefruit juice, and lime gave it a tart, slightly bitter edge, but the simple syrup pulled it all together into something smooth and sippable. If you’re a fan of a citrusy cocktail with a grown-up bite, this one’s for you.

The blueberry basil smash came bursting with ripe blueberries and a bold hit of tequila, grounded by fresh, earthy basil and finished with a citrusy lift, like a summer breeze laced with mischief.

Each cocktail was light, flavorful, and refreshing. The kind of drinks that make you forget how hot it is … at least until your glass is empty.

Char-Boughie’s charm lies in its balance of polish and ease. 

Inside, every room bursts with bold local art, floral walls, and statement murals painted by local artist, Alli Pence. Outside, the patio glows with firepits and high tops made for golden-hour hangs. It’s playful enough for families, bougie enough for champagne toasts.

It’s beautiful without being pretentious, fun without being gimmicky. This is a place where thoughtfully crafted food and community come together naturally.

“I want people to come here and just enjoy their evening,” Krysten said. “Have some small plates and drinks, sit by the fire pits, and relax. Whether you’re out on the patio or inside with us, I just want people to have a good time.”

With that genuine hospitality and a menu full of surprises, Char-Bougie welcomes everyone, whether you’re here for the mystery flight, a summer cocktail, or just a good time with friends.