Let's Eat Out

Vine Street

2012-01-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am impressed with the eating and drinking establishments that have grown in the area of the "Ensemble Theatre" on Vine St. in the last couple of years. Two years ago there was one, "LavOmatic" now there are at least 5 top flight places and several others, who while not rated as highly, are still acceptable. Just to name the other 4, all within a block of the theatre: "A Tavola", "Abigail Street", "Senate" and "Taste of Belgium" (short name "Belgium Bistro"). I have been in all except that I have not eaten, yet, at the latter.

Lunch Tuesday at "Senate" 1212 Vine St. 45202 (513) 421-2020 consisted of a good sized bowl of "mussels charmoula", deadly delicious, and a draft St Ambroise Apricot Ale.
The mussels seem to be all plump and firm and done perfectly. The broth is full of salt, butter, and spices and compliments the mussels beautifully. Of course the 4 pieces of well buttered and toasted french bread, for dipping, makes both calories and taste bud alight.
The beer is a perfect compliment and is served in a 7oz glass shaped like a Brandy sniffer and is the proper amount at lunch and again a great companion.
The "Senate" is famous as a gourmet "hot dog" emporium but anyone who likes mussels must try them, as, so far, they are the best I have had in Cincinnati.

Dinner, last night, at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine Street 45202 (513)421-4040, was another most pleasing introduction. "Abigail Street" is right next to "Senate" but the only hint is a small painted sign on the window and some colored light panels differentiating it from it parent.
There were 4 of us and at the servers suggestion we ordered with the express thought of sharing all that came to the table. They describe the size portions as "tapas size" and they are correct. Some are quite sufficient for two to have a defined share while others only provide a hint of what eating a whole portion would be like. We had many tastes and none left hungry.
The table started with a very reasonably prices bottle of Pinot Gris( $28) and Chirizo stuffed dates in a spicy tomato sauce and a beet salad, both red and golden, sprinkled with nuts were our beginning. Both items give more that a taste when sharing. There was a wonderful gnocchi, in lamb ragout, a Bouliabaisse( heavy in mussels and shrimp) with a delightful broth, grilled and seasoned shrimp and a helping of cubed, roasted potato's and chopped fresh tomato's in a lemon oil, slightly spicy sauce, unusual and delicious.
Several of us also had a glass of Zinfandel to go with the main courses. Total for the 4 before tax and tip $100. Not inexpensive but then nothing good is.

Too much Good Food

2012-01-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

As usual I have consumed too much good food this past week. It's all the fault of the the guy who shows up, when I go out to eat, and the forced feeding he inflicts. Oh well, we all must carry a burden. Here's a report on the burden I'm carrying, mostly around the waist.

Last Sunday we had a farewell brunch for our granddaughter, who returned to Bates College that afternoon. "Cumin Eclectic Cuisine" 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513)-871-8714, as I reported, began serving Brunch about two months ago. Their menu lives up to the name "Eclectic". Several weeks ago, on our first brunch visit I had Shrimp and Grits( great) this time it was "Cumin Benedict", two half's of English Muffins covered with thin sliced, roast pork, fresh steamed spinach, perfectly poached eggs and a pork based creamed sauce with various herbs and spices. Everything blended perfectly and was prepared without a flaw. Others had Shrimp and Grits and "Eggs ur Way", in this case they were fried and served with diced potatos, bacon and a warm croissant. Obvious we were delighted.

Next it was "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave. 45208 where one of my current loves, Julie Francis, puts together meals that are not only interesting but delicious. I had given Julie a recipe for tripe, one of my favorite innards, and to no ones surprise the dish was a "special" that evening.
I had three different items plus a glass of white wine. Starting with a piece of flat bread with ground sauteed sausage layered on a light cheese sauce and topped with caramelized onions and a fried egg. Different textures and flavors, again blending perfectly. This was followed with a crisp romaine heart salad with a wonderful light, tasty dressing and accompanied with a slice poached pear half. My last item was the tripe in a wonderful light spicy tomato sauce with three to four bite croutons. Most of the others had the Moroccan Chicken, served on lentils with Mediterranean vegetables.
For dessert I was treated to a Carmel Brulee. Not a pudding but but a firm custard with both Carmel and Maple flavors, prominently on display. Julie, thanks.

Lastly we were off to "Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, Ky 41016 (859) 491-6678. What can I say, that I haven't already about our "home way from home". New people went with us so we started with the excellent Fried Green Tomato's, a must at "Otto's" and in my opinion the best in the area. For my main course it was one of the evening specials, Golden Tilefish roasted beautifully, firm but still quite juicy. It was served atop a polenta cake with both roasted, caramelized Brussels Sprout, with slivers of brown sugar curred bacon and a portion of sweetened grilled kale . Terrific combination well prepared by Molly and her kitchen staff. Chenin Blanc and white chocolate, apricot bread pudding completed my meal and my week.

First week out

2012-01-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

We really do "eat out" a lot. As I have said before, it is a large part of our social life. Having no Children or Grandchildren in our house there is nothing to keep us home, except wear and tear on the body and the mind.
So here is a rundown of the first week of 2012:

Three of us started our restaurant journey, for the New Year, at "Hugo" 3235a Madison Rd. (513)-321-4846. On a Tuesday night the place was nearly empty with only one other table of 7 or 8 young women filling a spot in another part of the room. With the sparse attendance the noise level was excellent and the service attentive.
We started splitting an order of Fried Green Tomato's, ""Otto's" does not have to worry. They were warm, not hot, and slightly soggy but the biggest revelation was that they were fairly tasteless. Luckily things improved after the first course. I chose several of the smaller plates, Sweetbreads and a Hugo salad, along with a glass of Grunner Veltliner( Austrian white).
The Sweetbreads were a good sized appetizer portion with the meat fried and served on a bed of soft polenta. The preparation was nice and the taste all that one could ask. I followed with the Hugo Salad, mixed greens, quartered new red-skin potatoes, cheese, dried cranberries and chopped nuts, lightly dressed filling, crisp and enough to fill any desire for additional sustenance.
We also split one order of a fresh apple crisp, room temperature, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Besides my disappointment with the tomato's they only other negative was a $5 up charge for biscuits and honey, we had not been informed when the item was discussed during ordering.

Next we returned, once again, to "View Cucina" 2200 Victory Parkway 45206. The restaureant is becoming more popular and thus inhabited. I keep returning for the eggplant salad, grilled eggplant slices topped with chopped fresh tomato's and sprinkeled liberaly with crumbled fetas cheese and pistacio nut kerrals. The slightly tart, light dressing sets it all off. To me is is the best new salad in the area, of course one must like eggplant. I had the ala-carte size, 5 or six eggplant slices and the divided, with Marilyn, the lamb meatloaf, topped with a tomato jam. There is a $5 charge for a split entree but the compensation is that each plate comes with a full serving of vegitable (spinach) and starch (mashed potato's).
Since the 4 of us had visited over drinks and appitizers before we went out the dinner was quite filling.

An evening with a vegetarian and his wife took us to "Dusmesh" 944 Ludlow Ave. 45220 (513)-221-8900, our vote for the best Indian food in the city. We have not hit the suburbs and there are plenty of everything in that geographic area.
"Dusmesh" has no liquor licence and so it is BYOB. Most tables have either wine of beer or both. I brought a bottle of a crisp Italian white which went well with what we and the other couple ordered. Most items a large enough to split between the two of us and still give others at the table a taste. We ordered, chicken tiki marsalla, spinach and mushrooms, cauliflower in a garlic sauce and a nan stuffed with ground lamb, all wonderful. Very tasty if slightly on the salty side. One of the joys is that all the food comes piping hot and is served on warm plates. Most was devoured but a bit of the chicken and cauliflower came with is and served as lunch the next day. Each couple received, besides a large helping of log grained white rice, a fitter dessert, "on the house".

Lastly it was a return to "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 MadisonRd. 45208 (513)-834-5773. I rated, although I am not a food critic, rather a reporter on my activities, Emilia the best new restaurant in Cincinnati. The concept, execution and service( most of the time) are great. I am beginning to come to the conclusion the the kitchen has too heavy a hand with salt and my mouth often has that sodium coated feeling. I know several items, are by their nature, salty; cheese, liver pate, sausage etc but the need for that much "taste enhancer" in pasta, lentils, cauliflower etc is debatable.
Last nights visit was with some friends from the Beechwood home, 2 in mobile chairs, and so the service both to our table and within was important. Our server, Cat, was petite, attractive and very competent while the service amoung the 5 of us enabled all to enjoy the evening and eat the food provided.
Instead of wine I had a Yuengling, the new hot beer in Cincinnati, and tasted both the duck liver Pate and the cheesy bread which others at the table had ordered. My main course was a "special", grilled slices of Italian sausage served of a bed of lentils and topped with watercress leaves. I returned to the kitchen the lentils( way too much salt) but enjoyed the sausage both for flavor and crispness.
Marilyn had her regular pasta Bolognese. Once she finds a dish she returns to it with great regularity.
And so now it is a few nights at home and a chance to unwind and rest our taste buds.

So Long 2011

2011-12-31T07:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight we will go to the CSO concert followed by a Gala, food, wine, auction and dancing. That will ring our the old and in the new. I'm cleaning out the file of places eaten, since I last posted, and that will be it for the year.
Thanks to those who took the time to comment. Most were verbal but I am really indebted to those who made the effort to send a written response. To all Happy New Year and may it be healthy and full of joy for all.

Christmas Eve the whole family(8) went to the "Precinct". We had to settle for a 9 PM reservation , the latest taken, as the holidays have evolved into a big time for eating out. I am of the opinion that this trend has intensified over the last 10 to 20 years.
We were handled promptly and had a good sized round table which is always nice for a group. The regular menu was available but no specials due to pressure on the kitchen.
Our daughter, who has MS, can not eat their famous steaks and so they did make an exception and served her the Crab Brulee, which Marilyn and I had enjoyed the week before in the Bar.
I had the usual, splitting a strip(MR) and baked potato with my wife.
After spreading a few extra buck around, to the staff( Christmas eve) we departed full and satisfied.

Next morning, with some CCM friends, we drove to "Uncle Yips" 10736 Reading Road Cincinnati, OH 45241 for Diem Sum. The friends had just returned from a conducting stint in China and are well versed in the cuisine. We usually go, with them, to "Jen's Chinese" but they had heard that it was under new ownership and had declined. We'll try for ourselves, and make a judgement, as none of us thought the "Uncle Yips" was quite up to "Jen's" at its prime.
We must have consumed, at least, 15 different items, with most quite acceptable, but the temperature and taste left something to be desired. My favorites were the crab balls and scallion cakes, although I managed to down almost everything brought to the table.
Price remains very reasonable with the total around $35 per couple.

Lastly we returned Thursday evening to "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773.
I am happy to announce that they now take reservations, upstairs, for any number. We prefer the first floor and so arrive before 6:30.
As usual we were greeted by the staff and owner, most cordually, and the four of us dined for about 2 hours, although the place fills up, with a wait, after 7 PM. "Emilia" has added several new items to the menu and so after placing an order for wine and a Bianca Pizza( split between the four), wonderful, the table split both the Crispy Pork( belly) and the "Pig n' Fig Terrine'. Plenty of flavor, fat and salt in both. The terrine is a "country pate (good sized slice) and an arugula leaves mixed with chopped fresh figs and balsamic vinegar. We also managed to down 3 orders of pasta Bologense and for dessert an order of Ricotta Fritters, with orange marmalade and chocolate sauce. No one left hunger or disappointed. My new restaurant and wine bar of the year.

Finishing Up

2011-12-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

Just to finish up, what I start yesterday, here are the other places leading up to the Holidays, none new;

"Pelican's Reef" Beechmont near 5 mile road. Always fun with these very nice folks and food actually better than decent. I had grilled Brook Trout with a twice baked potato( creamy and hot) and a Cesar Salad, washed down by a Yuengling Lite( stick with the full flavored lager) while Marilyn had a thin carved prime rib sandwich, somewhat reminiscent of a Penn Station sub but upgraded by sour dough toast and a large house salad.

"Keystone Bar and Grill", Erie in East Hyde Park. With the two granddaughters, home for the holidays, we divided 2 house salad, more than enough for a lunch, not sure how anyone can eat a whole; as well as two orders of Mac and Cheese. On Mondays this item( M&C) is half priced as are the Quesadallas on Tuesday. One of the "specials" contained caramelized onions and bacon while the other had fresh tomatoes and Pesto. Both came in small cast iron skillets and were not only tasty and hot but enough so that some went home to the girls mother. As I mentioned before this new addition to the "hood" is a great place for lunch. large menu, good service and reasonable prices.

Another place with special lunch price is the "Washington Platform Salon" 1000 Elm Street a block below the new SCPA building. I was hankering for fried oysters which I had in an Appetizer portion, 8 oysters, and that would have sufficed until I heard that Tuesdays the Salmon Salad, grilled salmon on a bed of spinach with nuts, blue cheese crumbles and slices of tomato and cucumber, was the daily $1 sale item. Therefore my lunch guest and I each had one. I only ate the salmon and the rest came home for the basis of a dinner side salad, fairly full sized in it's own right. The come on is that each day one item on the full priced menu is paired with a second of the same for only $1 additional. How can one pass? Both items were very good and the place is generous to it's customers and the community.

The other spot has been a lunch at the new "Saigon Cafe" Erie Ave. in East Hyde Park. Marilyn, 2 granddaughter and a male friend, of one, made up our entourage. A 20+ year old male and his feminine companions are a veritable open pit at the table. Crab Rangoon( 2 orders), 5 large Sushi rolls(sp) a Thai omelet and a spicy tuna dish got them stoked enough for the ride home and a raid on their own families refrigerator. It was fun, very good food and thank God for half priced Sushi, a Cincinnati current phenomenon. Also 10% off for cash, don't know how they do it unless rice is very cheap, kept Grandpa solvent.

So now after several dinners at home we look forward to Christmas eve and a big family event.

On to the Holidays

2011-12-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here a run down to the food we have consumed before the holidays. As someone told me, this week, my metabolism must really run on high to keep weight somewhat in check.

"Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine Street Cincinnati 45202 (513) 621-4777.
Good news, the reservation and table situation has been straitened out as has the crowd at the front door. When we arrived at 7:40 PM, Saturday night, for a 7:45 reservation the couple who we were to meet were already seated. Other people we knew, who were there that evening, also received their tables at the reservation time.
The two other changes I noted were the offerings of several more specials and the change in price of my "starter" Bombay. The first a terrific plus and the second a reaffirmation that good things can't go on for ever.
As the server, who did a fine job through out the evening, told us of the "specials" Marilyn's eyes widened with the mention of Dover Sole, her favorite. I chose 2 items off the printed menu, Surf and Turf Tartar and Skate Fish Wings. The Tartar came as a layer of ground beef topped with chopped raw Tuna, which was separated from the beef by thinly sliced well marinated cucumbers. All was mildly seasoned.
The Skate Wing turned out to be a wing shaped piece of Skate(surprise) pleasantly broiled or grilled. It was served with fingerling potato's and a vegetable puree. Both item were beautifully done and sized perfectly.
Marilyn's sole, which I didn't taste, turned out to be small medallions rather than the usual whole fish. She was surprised but not disappointed.

I must digress and cover an oft mentioned subject- my spelling. The subject came up this week when a good friend told me she thinks my spelling is "charming"; whatever that means, certainly not perfect. I have never been able to spell and am well aware of that, what I was not aware of was the amount of misspelling on restaurant menus, which she advised is prevalent.
Since I know I am a "basket case" I rely on three sources, menus, register tapes and mostly cook books or dictionaries. If they lead me astray, which she said the former 2 often do, what you see is what you get.

Other spots in the pre-holiday list have been "Otto's" 521 Main Covington, KY (859) 491-6678 which certainly needs little comment. Brunch Sunday, for 7 family members, consisted, for the table, of Crab Hash, Benedict Otto's and Belgian Waffle with syrup and fresh berries. All are standard "Otto's" items which don't change in flavor or consistency. One thing I did notice was the attentiveness and attractiveness of the wait staff.

Computer has jamed so more later.
price

Tough Time

2011-12-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

December is a very busy time in the restaurant business. Holiday Parties, time off schedules, busy kitchens and often weather related issues.
Opening a new operation during this period is even tougher than opening always has been.

Last night, the second night of general operations Marilyn and I went to the new bar, "Tavern", at "The Precinct", all prior address and phone info remain the same. Not surprisingly there were "hitches" but we are glad we went and experienced this additional Jeff Ruby enterprise.
One enters thru the main lobby 0f the Precinct and climbs a small flight of stairs. The entrance to the fairly large room is thru a set of swinging doors. The room has a large bar, at the far end, (seating at the bar available) and a group of "high tops" filling the center. The "high tops" are surrounded by booths on three sides. The decorations are the turn of the century ( 1800's to 1900's), noise level are typical bar noises and the crowd Thursday night was full but not packed. One can reserve or just show up.
The wait staff is mostly attractive young women and the "Tavern" food is served from the same kitchen as the main restaurant.
Currently there is a very small, 5 item, bar food menu, which will expand after the first of the year, on the table and the regular Precinct menu is presented for those who want to eat more substantially.
We had reserved and therefore had one of the booths. Our server was young( 21) and also works at "Jeff Ruby Steakhouse", down town. She had a slight problem adjusting to the offerings at the "Tavern" and downtown. She could not have been more friendly and anxious to please.
I had 2 Yuengling Lager's, the new "hot" beer in Cincinnati. It is a very good rich, mellow and satisfying brew. The Manager highly recommended the Alaskan King Crab Brulee, a mixture of crab meat, cheese, sauce and topped with Panko Bread Crumbs. This comes in a ramekin, very hot, and served with lime corn chips. It went well with the beer and was plenty for 2 or 3 to share. We each had a large iceberg wedge salad with all the usual additions. Marilyn then had sourdough toast with mushrooms will I tried the chili, meat beans and spices. I had wanted the, listed, Seafood Chowder but was told it wasn't available.
It was a fine sampling from both menus and gave us plenty till we got home to homemade brownies and Graeter's.

Also this week we returned to "View Cucina" 2200 Victory Parkway 45206. Our daughter, whose birthday we celebrated had chosen this after hearing of our experience the week before.
Tuesday is half priced wine night and we ordered a bottle of "Benton Lane", one of my favorite Pinot's. Marilyn and I split a wedge( it's getting to be a habit) which we followed with a divided order of prime rib Canneloni, in a very rich cheese, Alfredo sauce. Half is enough as it is served in a interesting divided round plate ( ying and yang) and is accompanied by linguine with tomato basil sauce. Have some pasta. Our daughter and others had the eggplant salad, see earlier report, which continues to be one of the best, most interesting items. Coffee, for Marilyn, and a table shared Cookie Dough Pie topped with Graeter's vanilla and chocolate sauce finished the birthday dinner.

For lunch Tuesday I met my friend Paul Weckman ( Otto's) at "Pho Lang Thang" in Finley market. I stuck with a cabbage and chicken salad while Paul had several Vietnamiese dishes. Afterward I did some shopping, for shut In's at both Silverglades, cheese spread and grape, pecan chicken salad, across the street, and "Fresh Table" in the market house. There I picked up cauliflower au gratin, pea pod salad with nuts and dried cranberries and Mediterranean Couscous with chopped marinated veggies. Should have been good lunch items for all.

Around the corner

2011-12-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

One of the long time downtown restaurants( more than 20 years in existence) moved from Walnut St, around the corner to a spot in the 580 Building on 6th St, just a door or two East of Walnut.
Our trainer, who is of Italian heritage, recommended that we give it a try. He thought that there were new owners but it is only a fairly new multi-national staff and an improved kitchen that has changed.
"Trattoria Roma" 580 Walnut St. SW 400 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 723 0220 is very convenient and very decent, nothing fancy. With another couple we gave it a try a few nights ago.
The table divided a bottle of Valpolicella, a big week for that wine for me, and I followed with a small, lightly dressed Cesar Salad, which was included with my entree. My main course was fresh clams over perfectly cooked Linguine. The semi-clear broth was heavy in clam juice and my only negative is that the clams could have been scrubbed or soaked longer to remove every trace of grit. The portion size was filling and the dish satisfying. Marilyn had Linguine Bolognese, to large a portion for her, or the other lady, to finish. My taste of Marilyn's proved it to be better than acceptable.
Possibly the best dish of the evening was our friends Veal Picatta, 3 or 4 slices of tender pounded veal in a creamy lemon caper sauce. This was also served over Linguine also, maybe they made a good buy on that Pasta.
If you are in the area or want very good, not great, Italian food try "Trattoria Roma".

More around the corner from us, at Lunken Airport, is "Sky Galley" 262 Wilmer Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513)-871-7400 where we can be found from time to time. With three others we stopped in last week after some drinks and conversation at our home.
We had "noshed"(snacked) for an hour and a half and so I went with my usual lunch items; black bean soup and a Braunschweiger on rye. The soup came nice and hot and the sandwich, which is adorned with sliced hard boiled eggs and spicy, whole grained mustard was up to it's usual freshness. Marilyn, who almost always has the the Tilapia, of course, stuck with her usual while our guest had the advertised "Worlds Best Chicken Livers". Crisp Saratoga chips for all kept our calorie, fat and salt content up above normal. "Sky Galley" is most informal and always friendly and consistent.

A bit further afield we dined at "Cafe Mediterranean" 9525 Kenwood Road, Suite 8-10, Blue Ash (513)745-9386. This relocated Mid-Eastern spot moved about 6 weeks ago from the Beechmont area. Food remains excellent as proven by the Baba Ghanoush and warm pita followed by a Mediterranean style whole, grilled Sea Bass ( rubbed with olive oil, lemon and herbs before grilling). The table also had marinated chicken thighs, really delightful, and Lamb Shish Kebab. Still no liquor licence so we brought our own white wine.
Well worth the drive. ( I still can't figure out what I hit to change the print, any help?)

Interesting dishes

2011-12-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last night we had dinner at "View Cucina" 2200 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513) 751-8439.The restaurant is owned by Gay and Harry Stevens, along with "Bella Luna" . The name for this space was formerly "The View" but the menu has been enhanced with additional Italian, themed dishes and there for the name change.
Last night was "half priced wine" night and consequently I shared a bottle of Valpolicella with the wife of the other couple, with whom we dined. The 2010 Bolla was quite light but went with all the food served.
I started my meal with a wonderful Eggplant salad. Five pieces of grilled eggplant, chilled and then drizzled with a light olive oil dressing. On the slices of eggplant were crumbled Feta and diced fresh tomato's. This was all nestled in a surroundings of golden raisins and pistachio kernel.
It was a wonderful mixture of flavors as well as an attractive plate.
My main course was Lamb Meatloaf, another hit. The lamb was finally ground, mixed with spices and bread crumbs, and baked to a perfect consistency. The thick slice was topped with Tomato Jam, made from crushed cherry tomato's with other seasonings and sweetness added. The combination was terrific. I skipped the potato's and instead had green beans and also asparagus both fixed slight too crispy for my palate.
The vegetables did not detract and the whole meal was a pleasant adventure in various tastes and flavors.
Marilyn had a bowl of much complimented, rich, Minestrone and a large Wedge Salad. The wedge had all the usual compliments, bacon, tomato, crumbled cheese and of course dressing.
It was a surprising evening and I recommend you give "View Cucina" a try.

Pleasent surprises

2011-12-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

During the last 7 days we have continued to eat out. Two of the meals have been really very pleasant surprises.

Last Sunday morning we went, as usual with another couple, to "Cumin Eclectic Cuisine" 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-8714 to sample their new (about a month), Sunday Brunch. We were all very pleasantly surprised. "Cumin" serves from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The menu contains about a dozen offerings and all are served individually to the table. We had our favorite server, Mung, and of course were off on a lovely adventure. I chose Shrimp and Grits which is topped with an "over easy" egg and is plated with a tasty mushroom gravy. It was a wonderful, unusual Sunday morning taste treat. Marilyn had the "eggs ur way" which features up to 3 eggs, any style, with meat, starch and croissant. Since Marilyn only wanted one egg the platter arrived with both bacon and turkey sausage. The other two had waffle with shaved pancetta and a Korean stone bowl, with scrambled eggs instead of poached or fired. Both looked very inviting.
I'm sure we will revisit many times.

The other surprise was at "Tano Bistro" 204 West Loveland Ave Loveland, OH 45140 (513-683-8266). Again with two others, the age of our children, we enjoyed a somewhat new experience at a restaurant to which we had been introduced a year or so ago. It's a long haul from our domicile but this time the trip was certainly worth the drive. The service at "Tano" has always been uniformly good and that night was no exception.
The table ordered a "Bear Boat" Pinot which turned out to be perfect for the entrees. I started with an arranged roasted beet salad, layered with goat cheese on a bed of torn romaine, lightly dressed. Marilyn had not only a cup of rich mushroom soup and she followed with a chopped iceberg wedge. To my surprise she ate both.
Our main courses were Short Rib Bolognese, for me, and Fried Chicken, for her. The Short Rib presentation was something new to me with the rib meat serving as the protein in a tomato vodka sauce to which peas and a few chopped mushrooms had been added. The pasta was a large helping of excellent Gnocchi which made the whole dish outstanding. Marilyn's fried chicken turned out to be just a fully crusted, sauteed chicken breast made crisp with bread crumbs and butter topping. The other couple started with mussels in a tomato and ground Andouille sauce. They had as their main courses, grilled, stuffed salmon and a pumpkin blackened swordfish.
For dessert we ordered Apple Tarte Tatin witch came as two sizable, star shaped pieces with a scoop of Cinnamon ice cream in the center of each. The other chose pumpkin Creme Brulee. Marilyn's decaf finished the meal.
Twenty some miles but worth every one.

Everyone must start sometime

2011-12-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

A couple of nights ago we went, with another couple, to "Meritage" 1140 Congress Ave. Glendale, 45246 (513)376-8134. The owner, Mike Francy, had spoken to the "Let's Eat Out" class at UC (OLLI) a couple of weeks ago we we were anxious to give it a try. During his presentation he had said that they had taken the old "Glendale Gaslite Tavern" and fully redone the place and had a menu from very "family friendly" ( soaps, salads and sandwiches) to "fine dinning dishes" with a stress on their wine selections.
Our server, on this initial visit, was "on his own" for the first time and I must comment that he was pleasant and accommodating but in my opinion had not been sufficiently trained. He misquoted the prices of the specials, brought the wrong salads( not sure if it was his mistake or the kitchens) and presented the checks with the salads not corrected. Nothing in it's omission terrible but combined showing a lack of management supervision. Can you imagine having me for your first evening "on your own".
The new owner was very available and wanted our "honest comments". He did all the correct things in rectifying the situation.
Now for the positive. The food was good, ample and served hot or cold as the dish demanded.
(I get criticized for my spelling and syntax but what I try to do is just report on places we eat and my reaction)
No wine was ever mentioned, a surprise after the OLLI presentation, so I started with the usual Bombay and followed with the Iceberg Wedge. For my main item I chose the fish sandwich which came perfectly grilled and hot on a whole wheat bun with crisp pickle slices. Instead of French Fries I substituted excellent potato salad and the combination was perfect. A fine picnic on a snowy November night.
Marilyn had the steak sandwich, which she report was very good, and wonderful Macaroni and Cheese which I tasted several times, and will do so again, on my own.
This obviously is a mixed review but overall the food is worth your time and the place is clean, bright a convenient for those on the north side of Cincinnati and the "burbs. "Meritage" is a good effort and we all wish them success.

We have also been to a couple of regulars which remain on our "preferred" list.
"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513)834-573. Still terrific Italian food and wine with good service and a lively spot and"Otto's" 521 Main St Covington KY 41016 (859) 491-6678 which was buzzing last Saturday night but handled approximately 150 "covers" throughout the evening in a very professional way, especially for a small restaurant with a very small kitchen.
Food and service a both remains "up to par" or beyond.

Yesterday a friend who is going to Prague ask about places to eat there. We had been in 2008 so I directed him to the posting for May of that month. European places often last longer than those in the US and I noticed that the first night in Prague we, and a group of followers, spent the evening in a "beer hall" that had opened in 1499. My blog may help people who travel so check it from time to time.

Calvin Trillin and Woody Allen

2011-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

I don't think "depression" is exactly the correct word but I am sure feeling "discouraged" as I approach writing my Blog. I read the short Calvin Trillin article in the "New Yorker" and once again was impressed with his humorous and chatty style( he maybe my favorite food writer). Then I saw the 2 programs of Woody Allen, on PBS, and feel that there just are people given so much talent and creativity that the rest of us just have to accept "meritocracy"( or normality) and "give up the chase".
Anyway here are some comment of what we have been doing and eating over the last few days.

Over the weekend we went with our Dermatologist, and friend, to "Brio Tuscan Grille" 1 Levee Way Newport, KY 41071 (859) 431-0900. His wife was smart enough to call ahead and get on the list, which probably saved us 15 or 20 minutes of waiting time. Brio is a very decent, chain, Italian Restaurant which is run in a production mode but produces good Italian dishes. My guess is that it seats well over 100 and on the weekend it is full from 5 to 10PM or later.
I usually have the same thing( recommended by our trainer, who happens to be of Italian decent).
Starting with the Bombay( not his recommendation) I follow with the Chopped Salad, which I always find good, crisp and dressed correctly. I follow with the Margaretta Flat bread which comes crisp with a thin crust, fresh tomato slices, melted cheese and fresh basil. It is really too much for one person, unless you want to get to my usual restaurant stage, STUFFED. Marilyn had the same, as I, except instead of Bombay, first, she had decaf last. That night some of each portion of Flat bread accompanied us when we left.

With or Granddaughter, Monday for lunch, we went to "Saigon Cafe", new for all of us, 3672 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-7999. Monday lunch is a very slow time and we were one of only two tables, which guaranteed very attentive service. Our server described item and answered, patiently, our many questions. Marilyn had the Chicken Pad Thai, which I tasted. The Pad Thai was a manageable portion well prepared and reasonably seasoned, not to sweet and sticky.
Kathryn and I split two "special" sushi roles ( 8 pieces each), "Saigon Cafe Role" and the "Hyde Park Roll". Both were fresh and excellent. The Hyde Park was topped with avocado and had crab and salmon in it's interior, with some spicy condiments and a bit of creamed cheese. The Saigon Cafe Role came hot and contained soft shell crab and several other items and was topped, or wrapped, in thin sliced tuna. Each platter had the usual wasabi and ginger slices. Both roles were delicious. We will return.

Just a mention "The Keystone Grill" has opened an outlet on Erie Ave, in Hyde Park and I have been there the last 2 Tuesdays for wonderful half priced Quesadillas, 9 to 10 selections.

Last night we went with two friends, in the wine distribution business, to "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave, Northside, (513) 541-4300. "Honey" is one of the very inventive, chef owned and run, establishments that our city can count as a culinary blessing. The owner had gone to, out of town, family, for Thanksgiving, but the kitchen and wait staff both did her proud.
As you might guess we had an excellent Pinot Noir (not inexpensive) which, of course, is handled by our friends. As a Thanksgiving treat "Honey" sent us an order of their very thin "french fries"( 3 kinds of potato's) and a plate of home made humus and tabbouleh. We should have had dessert and left but as mentioned above( to stuff ourselves) we went on to "Rabbit Confit" served with Quinoa and braised "Beef Short Ribs", with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Even splitting these were large amounts. The table also had an order of roasted Brussels Sprouts and ended with a portion of Chocolate Bread pudding, with raspberry sauce and vanilla Geloto. Much too much terrific food and no one will diet today at the Thanksgiving table.

Repaired

2011-11-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

My car is repaired, new muffler system, my nose is repaired, stitches all out, and my credit card is repaired, new bank, so it's time to "Eat Out".
"Cumin" Eclectic Cuise"( notice the change in name since the opening and the new ownership) 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-8714. Still an attractive space with very good food and very good service, especially when "Mung", our special friend, is in charge of the table.
A fine, expensive Cotes du Rhone, for the table, split 3 ways took the place of Bombay and other libations for the evening. Marilyn and I split entrees of "Short Ribs Wellington" and Agnolottti. The beef was tender, flavorful and the pastry shell was just right. The Agnolotti( large ravioli shaped pasta pockets) were also outstanding. The were stuffed with chopped mushrooms, spinach and cheese. Sauces for both made perfect compliments. A small portion of chopped salad had started our meal and some Naan made a perfect "mop" for the excess sauce. The table also split a light carrot cake and there was no wonder some of the pasta accompanied us on the drive home.

"Sung Korean Bistro" 700 Elm St 45202 (513) 721-7864 a place we don't often visit, and I'm not sure why. It was "Happy Hour" but to the surprise of the 4 of us, to take advantage of this you must purchase from only one of their bars, not table service, and there is a special drink menu. I did some negociation and got my Bombay included. Marilyn had her usual Cranberry juice and club soda and so the evening was underway. I'm still trying to watch my salt intake and since many items include Soy Sauce( 1100 mg of Sodium) I opted for a Sushi roll which was good, but not memorable. Marilyn had a dish with chicken, chinese vegetables plus cauliflower and mushrooms all mixed with thin noodles. It was very tasty. The meal started with a pancake with scallions, sweet peppers and bean sprouts which was an excellent appetizer. Not sure how we will rate "Sung"in our firmament of places but it's certainly handy to downtown and Music Hall and hardly ever crowded.

"Spell check" is not working so be forwarned.

Last week we ventured to Blue Ash and the newly relocated "Cafe Mediterranean" 9525 Kenwood Road (513)745-9386. The move from '5 mile' has been made by one partner and about the same menu, although the dining area is more compact. The 3 of us put ourselves in the hands of our server who brought a delectable cold mix of appetizers and a basket of warm pita. "Cafe Mediterranean" has no liquor license and so I trudged two stores north to CVS and returned with their one Malbec( acceptable). Next time I'll bring my own wine, which they pour with no corkage.
Our dinner consisted of two platters, one of their roast meats and the other of a whole Doro (fish) that had been grilled and then filleted at our table. The platters had some salad in a vinegrette and rice pilaf. Pleanty of delicious food. The move had in no way diminished the quality of this fine middle east restaurant.

Car Repair

2011-11-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

This posting is really not about "car repair" but I am starting to write while I am waiting for the garage to call and tell me when my car will be ready for pick up. So there is no guarantee of length or even of content.

Another great meal at "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave 45208 513-929-0525. Bombay, Sea Scallops and fall plum tart. As I have mentioned all the food is fresh, prepared without additives, including extra salt, and yet wonderful flavor and taste. Proteins always come with fresh veggies and light sauces and I enjoy Julie France's cooking, presentation and hospitality.

On a Tuesday a OLLI lunch( the same course that took us all to Orchid's) this time at "The Summit" the restaurant run by the culinary school at Cincinnati State (Clifton). The menu started with a Shrimp bisque, which to our benefit turned out to be a lump crab meat bisque, instead. It was accompanied by a Cranberry Blue Cheese salad( mixed greens) with a cinnamon poppy seed yogurt dressing. A very satisfying first course and possibly a sufficient amount to eat before the over the top dessert. However, we were served, as a second course, Moroccan spiced chicken with couscous, spicy lentils and tomato jam. The plate was very attractive with the spiced chicken served a golden brown, but unfortunately chicken breast is hard to keep warm and moist for a fair sized group. Next came an intermezzo, caused by a fire alarm which cleared the building. The few that did not return missed the "best for last"
Dessert was a large sized portion of Chocolate cake tower with white chocolate pieces, whipped cream and fresh red raspberries. Absolutely wonderful, perfect balance of sweet, moist filling and light dark cake. Try this restaurant Thursday, Friday or Saturday night for their offerings.

With a new couple we returned to one of our new favorites( Ed maybe we're going too much) "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773. After heavy hors d'oeures at our home I settled for a Calamari and shrimp salad, large, crisp and filling which had been proceeded by two starters, Duck liver pate( rich, creamy and full flavored) and a hot ricotta mixture which seem bland by comparison. I accompanied my food with a crisp Orviato. Marilyn had her usual main course of Pasta Bolognese which they do very well. She also was part of the 4 sharing the starters, all served with toasted Italian bread slices. "Emilia is a treat any time of the evening.

Off for the car, more in the next few days.

Out a lot, from good to bad

2011-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

When I don't write every few days there are a number of eating adventures, as well as others, to cover. Some of the experiences are "good to excellent" while other are "poor to bad". So here is what has happened since the last posting:

On Oct. 28, a Friday we tried "National Expemplar" in Mariemont. Cousins had been there and they told us that there was a new menu and the food was very good. I can't argue about the menu, although it looked pretty much the same to us, but my take on what we were served, and especially the service, would not warrant any sort of a recommendation.
Our server said he had been there 2 weeks but we knew, right from the start, that he was very inexperience. Marilyn's soup had to be returned several times( not necessarily the servers fault) before it was served "hot". The server never looked at us and we had the feeling that he did not try to remember the orders. Dishes were placed before the wrong person and when the check finally arrived it, of course, was not correct. The calf liver we both ordered was acceptable but nothing which would bring us back.

The next night, with another couple, there had also been 4 of us the night before, we went to the "Precinct" Delta and Columbia Parkway, 513-321-5454, for an always above average meal with very good service. As usual Marilyn and I split the NY Strip, "medium rare". The server, who we have had several times, knew our requests before we ordered, as this is our usual approach. We did change our usual salads to dividing a iceberg wedge with 1000 island dressing. The kitchen must have been overstocked on lettuce as each of us received an extremely large portion. Good meal, prepared perfectly, good service with the only negative being the liquor prices, which are at the high end.

Tuesday Nov. 1 our OLLI( Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) class from UC went to lunch at "Orchids at Palm Court" in the Netherlands Hilton at 5th and Race, in downtown Cincinnati. The most beautiful room and best food, in our opinion, that the city has to offer. For the class Todd Kelly, the executive chef, and his staff prepared the following, no one course more outstanding the the others. First course: Blue Cheese Beignets( crisp on the outside, smooth on the inside) served on a plate with Spiced Honey Gastrigue( a squirt of fresh seasoned honey), Tart Greens, Asian Pears and Almond Tuile. The greens had a wonderful citric vinaigrette.
Second Course: either Monkfish Paillard, Lychees, Arugula, Melrose Apples, Smoked Bacon and Cashews( this was my choice) or Braised Beef Cheeks( similar to tender beef short ribs), Spinach Gnudi, Roasted Tomatoes and Enoki Mushrooms( Marilyn's main course). We traded generous tastes and it is impossible to say which was better. Finally the Third Course was Buckeye Whoopie Pies, Chocolate, Candied Peanuts and Spiced Carmel Sauce. A beautiful filling lunch that left us all in a state of delicious repose.

That night, after saying we wouldn't eat again till morning, we quickly "back petaled" and joined a single friend at "Enoteca Emilia" the Italian wine bar that has become a neighborhood hang out in "Obrianville" at 2038 Madison Road, 45208 (513) 834-5773. The three of us split everything from Deviled Eggs and "cheesy bread( a loaf with layers of cheese between each slice) to Shrimp Spiedini( with wonderfully roasted pork belly prepared on small wooden secures), two salads, Roasted Beet and a Caesar and one order of Pasta, Garganelli( large tubes) with wild mushroom sauce. Not too light a meal after a very filling lunch. The food here remains first class.

Next day I had surgery for a skin growth and so it has been home with Marilyn's good cooking from then on.

CVG-SFO-CVG

2011-10-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

For those few that aren't familiar with Airport codes the title refers to Cincinnati- San Francisco and back to Cincinnati. That's where we have been in the last two weeks since posting.
The SF trip was for a family funeral which came up unexpectedly, but it was a blessing.

Starting with the earliest meal( Oct 16) and working to the present here goes:
"Bonefish" Grill", Edwards and Madison Roads in Hyde Park. After my Bombay I stuck with the grilled salmon, asparagus and a head lettuce wedge, oil and wine vinegar on the side. All were good but not exciting. It's hard going somewhere between healthy and "good for you" and exciting. Marilyn had the Tilapia and a house salad, As I have said many times Bonefish is a good standard seafood emporium.

"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773, the new neighborhood "hot" spot, full almost every night, with good reason. That evening along with a Formaggio( cheese) loaf, bread cut and cheese layered between each slice and then the whole loaf toasted,which the 4 of us split, I had a Calamari and Shrimp salad consisting of greens, a light dressing and the two mentioned protein sources. This plus taste of Marilyn Ferro( grain) salad with onions, peppers and diced tomato's and one of her terrific mushroom Ravioli was sufficient. My wine was a Gavi and new experience for me cultivated in the last month.

The next night, we go out too much, "The Cheesecake Factory, Kenwood mall, was our place to dine with cousins. Again the usual drink followed by excellent Wild Mushroom soup, plenty of salt but also plenty of mushrooms. I chose the chopped salad, from the exceedingly large selection of menu items while Marilyn followed the soup with a Fire-Roasted fresh Artichoke, more than she could handle in one sitting. Good visit with the family and a decent dinner.

It's hard to be in SF without thinking of both seafood and Italian, or a mix of both. So even though all the meals were brought in, one night we called upon "Fishermen's Grotto #9, 9 Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco 94133 (415) 673-7025 to provide dinner for 12. This they did packing two large boxes with Large Crab Louis salad( lot of fresh crab meat), with a marvelous 1000 Island dressing, one of the hits of the evening, 2 cracked and sectioned whole Crabs to finish the heavy appetizer. Main courses ( 2 orders of each item) were Prawns in a butter, wine a mushroom sauce ( good portions of mushrooms) Petrole Sole, a bow to Marilyn's favorite ( of course after Dover Sole), Halibut stuffed with bay shrimp and crab and 2 orders of Fruti Di Mare, fettuccine in a light tomato sauce covered with scampi, clams and mussels. The restaurant is a large tourist spot but the items they sent were all substantial and quite satisfactory, no complaints.

Don't usually throw in non-public places but I must remark the the food at LCC ( Losantiville Country Club) have become real a treat. This week I had a wonderful crispy roast duck with orange sauce which was a good as I can remember. Just had to comment.

Lastly, I'm sorry Ed< last night we went to an OLLI( Osher Life Long Learning) at the "Oriental Wok-Hyde Park. The restaurant provided a hot and cold appetizer buffet( paid for by OLLI) and a cash bar and for those of us who stayed for dinner the regular menu and accommodations.
Guy Burgess, the chef, is a friend and so knowing my low salt needs, especially after the appetizers, he gave me grilled Salmon covered with a very tasty fresh tomato sauces mixed with sweet rice wine and various spices, super. He also steamed vegetables and so my dinner countered the salty snacks of which like all I had imbibed.
Now were all up to date and I'll post more as with keep "eating out".

4 places in one week

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a report on 4 places with different styles, but all good, and even can be somewhat healthy.

"Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 929-0525. As I reported this is high on my list because of the preponderance of items on the menu made from fresh ingredients with very little additives, All interestingly and well prepared and attractively served.
Last Saturday night we went to celebrate my Birthday, a day late( Yom Kipper was on the exact day. Along with Marilyn and me were our, in town two children. I brought a home made birthday cake, but more of that latter.
We started, during drinks with a plate of beautiful golden and crisp Shrimp Fritters, not in the least greasy. I followed with a taco of duck Carnitas, shredded and roasted covered by a fried egg and a light fresh tomato salsa. Knowing that the others would over order I received an empty plate and an opportunity to enjoy a large sample of Marilyn's Beef Stew, chunks of roasted beef sirloin and vegetables in a beautiful bourguignon sauce. I also enjoyed a good size sample of "Golden Tilefish" poached in a very light curry broth. Both were wonderful. For desert, as mentioned, we brought a special cake, my favorite, three layer yellow cake with one layer filling of Apricot jam and another of Red Raspberry jam, all iced with dark chocolate icing, I really didn't need dinner. Some Birthday feast.

On to "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)834-5773. We had had a wine and Italian dinner, with 5 wines, at our house the night before and I brought the remains of a Sicilian Chardonnay for the two owners to taste, I also ordered a glass of "Gavi" to which I had been introduced on the previous evening( light, crisp, Italian white). For my appetizer I chose the Stuffed figs, bacon wrapped, covered with a spicy tomato sauce, a beautiful contrast of flavors, sweet and sharp. The main course was there excellent mushroom ravioli and for desert the table shared the terrific ricotta fritters. Three items that are actually fairly light and yet quite filling.

Next it was our neighborhood steak house, the always reliable "Precinct" 311 Delta Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 321-5454. The man himself, Jeff Ruby was at the next table, and after registering my displeasure at the price of the "Bombay" I downed one before dinner( more bark than bite). Marilyn and I, almost always, share a 12 oz Sirloin and baked potato, with of course the crisp onion straws. I have the Greek salad while she enjoys the "Freddie". The kitchen skipped the rub, on the steak and brushed the Kosher salt from the skin of the potato, so I felt somewhat virtuous, while knowing down deep I wasn't. but still enjoying the excellently prepared meal. For desert the table had "Banana's Foster"deadly but delicious. No using the scale the next morning. The Precinct is still our favorite "chop house" and it's just down the hill.

Lastly, my standby Chinese, "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park, Madison and Dana Avenues, 45208 (513) 871-6888. I took a bit of Marilyn's crisp,hot egg roll before she had a dish of chicken, mushrooms, broccoli and noodles while I had a special rendition of "Shrimp Chinatown", slivers of crisp carrots, celery, onions and water chestnuts with grilled shrimp crowning the vegetables. All fixed with no salt or soy, can you believe. It was beautiful, tastee and probably the most healthy thing of the week. From there we took off to the "Ensemble Theatre" and a very wordy play, not particular to our liking.

False Alarm

2011-10-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what happened that brought up the warning, yesterday, but it turned out to be a false alarm. The post printed, just as always and the computer unlocked in just a few seconds, all's right with the world, at least my computer functions, so let go on.

Next spot was "Lemon Grass" 2666 Madison Rd, Hyde Park 513-321-2882. This restaurant is the parent of "Wild Ginger" and while there is no Sushi most other items, in some form, can be found on their menu. It has probably been at it's current location for 15 years and their prices, as well as the decor are still "old fashioned". A lot of their business is "carry out" and it is very convenient for the Hyde Park, Oakley neighborhoods.
Marilyn and I split a good sized salad with a fresh peanut dressing and she followed with her usual Pad Thai, I on the other hand had the excellent Pineapple Fried rice with shrimp. It contains a healthy amount of pineapple as well as roast cashews. Four large shrimp grace the top. Unusually it has more Curry, than Monday evening, but then I had asked no salt and little soy so the whole dish, until I added some seasoning was good, but to mild and I have learned that I am better to let well enough alone. Whole dinner including tax and tip ran $16 each.

Tuesday night we again tried going to "Honey" in North side, only to find it closed therefore, with another couple we landed at "La Poste" in Clifton, 513-282-3663. Just as the week before we enjoyed our evening splitting a "house salad", greens, julienned beets, and a few nuts. The vinaigrette was delicious as always. Marilyn had her mushroom ravioli, her fall back, still a good dish, and I had the grilled Wahoo, grilled and served on a bed of apricot jam, delightful. The plate also contained thin strip of celery which had been pan sauteed and some strips of picked onion, both items crunchy to contrast with the Wahoo( sword fish texture). I split a bottle of red wine with the other couple and it all made for a very pleasant evening and meal. I'll have to find out what is going on at "Honey".

Lastly, another favorite, "Pelican's Reef" Beechmont Ave in Anderson Township. The fresh trout special was recommended and the recommendation was an excellent one. It was extremely fresh, having arrive the same day, at noon, and the restaurant was sold out, of this item, by 8 PM. The chief grilled it to perfection. Marilyn and I had the same thing and also the same sides, large house salad, balsamic dressing, and wonderful "twice baked" potato's. Unbelievable at $14.95. "Pelican Reef" is a favorite for several reason, food, price, service and the wonderful hospitality extended by the two couples who own the place. I have described it previously as a "Key West Seafood Bar" and they live up to that billing or a little more.

Let's get caught up

2011-10-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how far I'll get before some other duty calls but I'll bring the postings somewhat up to date. There have not been a lot of memorable eating experiences although there have been quite a number of meals out, and in most instances they have decent or above.
"Cumin" 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-8714 remains good, as always. It's one of many where we have become well know. I started with a String bean salad, served over a bed of mixed greens with vinaigrette, on the side, while Marilyn's opening dish was a creamy beer cheese soup, unusual for her. It was flavorful and served at exactly the right temperature( yes, I tasted). We both had a homemade Pasta, wide noodles, and a somewhat spicy tomato sauce, which included red and yellow grape tomato halves and a taste of sauteed, either, spinach or kale. A fine vegetarian dish not on the regular menu.
On Saturday we picked up a cousin at the airport and stopped for lunch at the "Hitching Post" Edwards and Madison Roads in Hyde Park. Good chain for fried chicken which the three of us had plus a side of cole slaw. That evening 5 of us went to the "old standby" "Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, KY 41016( doubt that ZIP Codes are necessary, who writes a letter unless they are complaining), phone 859-491-6678. No explanation or description necessary. The mandatory Fried Green Tomato's( outstanding) came for the table. I had another pasta in tomato sauce but this one included excellently done scollop's, a very nice addition. Marilyn had her usual Tilapia, which they do exceedingly well and we split an iceberg wedge which comes with bacon bits, blue cheese crumbles and a rich house vinaigrette, a bit repetitious from the night before.
The next night we were guests at "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" Kentucky route 915. Remote New Orleans type restaurant and Bar( mostly Cajun). I gravitate to the Grouper, which Marilyn does as well. It's one of their best dishes, if your ducking fried and spicy, in our opinion. My side, beside a very nice chilled salad, was a cup of Etouffee, a new experience for me as a side but better in my opinion that what is normally offered.
Just got a computer signal, which I don't understand, that this may fail and so I'll stop and continue at a later date. Don't want to drop too many pearls.

Not sure

2011-09-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how to proceed. I wrote the last time about a new diet, strongly suggested by my Cardiologist and being somewhat neurotic I have probably over done the control of salt content. This, of course, makes my "eating out" fairly bland and somewhat monotones. So hear is the dilemma, do I post what I am doing, what people I am with are eating or do I just take some time off and only write when there is really something special to report or my diet gets changed?

Anyway, we have been eating out less and here is what I have done since the last posting.
"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 513-834-5773( although I have never gotten a live person to answer my call) was the spot Monday 9/19, a 3rd time for Marilyn and me. After a "Quartino", about 8 1/2 oz or a 1/4 of a 5th, of fine Barbera I settled for the Calamari and Shrimp salad, an excellent choice. Mine was large enough that it would have serficed for a light meal, however I added 2 small secures of lamb, only 4 pieces, total, but the secures also had some fingerling potato's and some slices of grilled sweet onion. The lamb was grilled perfectly, medium rare, and although this dish wasn't necessary it made a nice contrast to the salad. The table split and order of "Emilia's" wonderful Ricotta Fritters. The other three had the mushroom Ravioli, which on previous occasions had been great but that night was too heavily salted even for normal consumption. "Emilia" handled the situation well and we were all satisfied by the outcome.
"La Poste" 3410 Telford Ave, Clifton 513-281-3663. We went after an "open house" at CCM(UC) which served drinks and hors dorves. Marilyn and I both had the superb Grilled Pork Chops. Mine had no seasoning, none was needed , and Marilyn's had just enough, she reported, to bring out the flavor. The major difference in the two plates was that under hers were vegetables and polenta, with a sauce, while mine was on the vegetables without a starch or sauce. The meat was grilled to perfection and each chop provided protein for another meal, the next night.
"Sky Galley" Wilmer Ave, Lunken Airport. This informal, super frendly, family restaurant hosted 6 of us on a Sunday night, including 8 year old twins. They prepared their"world famous"( I'm not sure) Chicken livers which I believe are some of the best in the area, without salt, at my request. My accompaniment was a very good baked potato and a large helping of virtue. A fine meal but somewhat restricted, at my desire. Marilyn had a Mushroom Swiss burger, which she reported was just fine.
Lastly, Monday night, 9/26, was "Bonefish Grill", Madison and Edwards Road 513-321-5222. Marilyn's usual is the Parmesan Crusted Trout and she did not deviate. I started with the Iceberg Wedge with sliced tomato's, and by design, the Bleu Cheese crumbles on the side, and NO Bacon, Italian or otherwise, please. I followed with an order of Ahi Tuna Sashami, not seasoned in the kitchen, but served on a bed of greens with the usual thin sliced Ginger and Wasabi. The meal was satisfying, if not a taste treat, but the Blood Pressure is staying controlled, and that is the whole point.

We'll see what happens next; either reports only on outstanding, like "Nectar" or a relaxation of the guidelines as I become more realistic. End of the "Organ Recital"

New Doctor/New Life-Style

2011-09-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

This week I changed Cardiologists. I liked my previous one but his practice was bought out and his in-hospital work will only be in a somewhat distant location. Times have changed and so have I. To make the change was not difficult but the new doctor has a much different philosophy built on a holistic approach with much heavier stress on diet, exercise and especially a drastic( for me) reduction in Sodium. Therefore, I'm going to give a shot to a very low Sodium diet and see what happens. Already I have been able to cut some of my Blood Pressure Meds in half or more.
I wont stay home but my food choices may be quite different from people with no Blood Pressure problems or other heart concerns.

"Nectar" Restaurant 1000 Delta Ave 45208 is easy and a pleasure, why we don't go more I don't understand. Most of the food, which Julie Francis prepares is made from fresh, organic, fruits, vegetables and meats or fish and if one asks for, "no salt added" you can have pretty much your choice of all items on the menu. I began with one beautifully prepared shrimp fritter served with a fresh peach salsa and a streak of spicy sauce. Next came a bowel of "sweet corn" soup,( room temperature) very reminiscent of Vichyssoise but containing kernels of steamed sweet corn, finely chopped red onions and a few bits of chopped Italian parsley. It was light, sweet and refreshing and more filling than I imagined.
Luckily Marilyn shared the "summer salad". Chunked Heirloom tomato's, marinated onion pieces, celery and a few corn chips for crispness. My "main" was a starter sized Ahi Tuna Tarter covered with, again, chopped Tomatillos which accompanied the Tomatillos salsa and Wasabi creme fraiche. The platter had a few house made corn chips, with some salt topping which "pawned off" on others. I accompanied the food with a "Torrantes", light, crisp, Chilean wine, perfect drink with perfect food. The table shared 2 desserts, Panna Cotta and a fresh peach tart tatin and I concentrated on the latter which had an accompaniment of Pistachio Gelato( I'm pretty sure that this wasn't on my diet, but virtue and health have to stop somewhere).

Last night, I really did behave. At "Trio's Bistro" in Kenwood, 7565 Kenwood Road 513-984-1905 I started with a house chopped salad, dressed with nothing but olive oil and balsamic vinegar and followed with a pan seared wonderful, fresh piece of Salmon, sauce( yogurt and cucumber) on the side. The salmon was perched on a bed of orzo which contained fresh mushrooms, spinach and cooked red onion slivers. There was a very small amout of cheese, but not of any consequence or saltiness( what virtue). I had a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, just to make my table mates, who had ordered a bottle, fell right at home. Of course the wine did not diminish the dinner in any way. Not stuffed, but happy, I went off to the movie, down the street. Marilyn had the Cesar salad and Lemon chicken, an attractive dish in it own right. She, of course, join the group for the movie.

Sultans

2011-09-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

After "Cafe Mediterranean" at 5 mile and Beechmont closed I wondered why and would there be a place, as good for Turkish and Mid-Easter food? Then I heard that some of the people and owners had moved and opened a new restaurant, "Sultans Mediterranean Cuisine" 7305 Tyler Corners Place, West Chester( or beyond) 513-847-1535. We went Friday evening and I was not disappointed, although as I have said many times("if I want to go to Columbus for a meal I'll do that"). The last statement is unfair and only implies that it is a long haul for us inner city folk. Northern inhabitants will find the location much more convenient.
The new location is near a mid-east shopping center and just beyond a US Bank branch. Use exit 22 from I-75 North. The decor is a little more upscale that the former but the food and service are just as good and the portions are plentiful.
Marilyn and I split the Shish Kebab, each receiving 3 good sized pieces of well marinated, and beautifully grilled lamb; and an order of what is billed as "chicken steak", de-boned chicken thighs also marinated and well grilled( 1/1/2 each) this is served with rice pilaf and small salad of crisp lettuce, carrots, onions and celery. Earlier we had shared a full portion of Shepherd Salad, lots of cucumber, tomato, sweet onion. and Italian parsley, with an oil and lemon juice marinade. I added a dark Turkish beer while Marilyn had her usual de-cafe.
The dinner was great, filling and came at just the right tempo.

Earlier in the week we had returned to "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773. This was our second visit and and we enjoyed the "Italian wine bar", just as much as the first. The food, service and wines( all Italian) remain first class. That evening there were 5 and so we split most items.
We started with "Cheesy Bread( Formaggio) which couldn't have been better. A warm loaf of crisp, outside, Italian Bread, while soft and cheese covered on the inside of each slice( I could make a meal of the loaf and some wine); deviled eggs( 3 different toppings), stuffed figs( wrapped in pancetta) in a spicy tomato sauce. excellent grilled cauliflower, overly salted and spiced clams( a substitiue that evening for Cockles) and wonderful mushroom and cheese filled ravioli. The finish, for the table, was an order of Ricotta Fritters and a ramekin of Peach and Strawberry cobbler. Once again I had wine and Marilyn de-cafe. The place is a joy.

Before the Ensemble Theatre a return visit to "A Tavola Pizza" 1220 Vine St. 513-246-0192. To me it is very noisy and not a place to linger. Food comes out as it is prepared and the check is presented promptly.
There 3 of us enjoyed bacon wrapped dates( stuffed with sausage) Eggplant sliders( small soft buns with deep fried eggplant slices and fresh tomato with an ample pesto sauce). A cold cauliflower salad, Margarita Pizza( cheese, sliced fresh tomato's and basil) and a larger sweeter peach cobbler than Emilia. My drink of the evening was Bell's Oberon as wonderful Michigan beer.

Too much

2011-09-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have been eating out too much. Too much good food, too much good wine and possibly too much Bombay. They company is great but we have to find another way to get together with friends and family.

Starting Friday August 26 it was "Barresi's Italian Restaurant" 4111 Webster Ave. Deer Park, Ohio (513) 793-2540. Deer Park is out of our orbit and so we hardly ever go in that direction. That evening we were with a new couple, for us, the husband of which loves this place, and since we are happy to have others suggest where to eat, a job that usually falls to us, we readily agreed.
I think it has been at least 15 years since we have eaten at "Barresi's" and I am in no rush to return.
Since our last visit they have added several rooms, but a week ago Friday they hardly filled the small room, in which they were serving. The decor is fairly dark and the food is decent, old time Italian. I chose a Torrentes( white, crisp Chilean) to go with my Linguine and Clams. The clams were sliced into flat pieces the size of a quarter. The dish was plenty but nothing to rave about. Marilyn had a large serving of Veal Marsala with a hugh amount of sliced mushrooms. She brought home plenty for her lunch for the next day. Prices seem to run in the $25 to $35 range for a main courses and side salad. Good company, but as the wife commented 'we'll try some place else the next time'.

The next outing was a week ago( 8/28) when the whole family, 7 of us, went to "Bella Luna" 4632 Eastern Ave 45226 (513) 871-5862. We had as many dishes as there were people, and maybe more. I tasted most. Among the favorites were a beef short rib Cannelloni( shredded short ribs wrapped in the dough and given the full Cannelloni treatment), Lobster and Crab Ravioli in a Lobster sauce, several pastas with different sauces, several wedges of iceberg split and dressed with all the trimmings( cheese, bacon, tomato and dressing), Calamari in a spicy tomato sauce plus a real winner, Chocolate Chip-Blueberry bread pudding with a warm vanilla sauce. The bar was given business as were the coffee and tea machines. Now you see what I mean by "too much food". Fun evening with Granddaughters, family and good food. "Bella Luna" is perfectly fine Italian and we certainly don't have to drive to Deer Park.

Monday, with our art instructor( he teaches a course in contemporary art at OLLI) and his wife, was a place I have been wanting to try while meeting some resistance from my loving wife. "Dancing Wasabi" 3520 Edwards Rd 45208 (513) 533-4444. "Dancing Wasabi" originated in Mt. Lookout Square and moved a couple of months ago to the vacated "Beluga" space on Edwards Rd. just off of Hyde Park Square. It is fairly large, very noisy and full of young(20/30) people, and why not, since they are the originators of 1/2 price sushi, a much copied idea, all over Cincinnati. There sushi is decent and plentiful, but not being fools, it is heavy on the rice and light on the fillings. We had a very good time, even as we raised the average age by at least 20 years. My two "rolls" were Spider( soft shelled crab) and Spicy Lobster. With Sushi my drink of choice is "Kirin Ichiban"and I tackled the 22 oz bottle. Marilyn had Yakisoba Chicken which was noodles, which she likes, with strips of chicken and vegetables. Hers' was full price($13) while my two 1/2 price rolls( 15 pieces) added up to the exact same amount. Unfortunately the restaurant is not handicapped accessible.

Lunch Wednesday, with our two Granddaughters, was at "La Poste" 3410 Teleford, Clifton (513)-281-3663. Knowing we were also going out that evening I ordered only the crab cake, but shared some pom frites and some chocolate, cherry bread pudding( just a taste). Marilyn had an imported(French) cheese sandwich, grilled, and a salad while the Granddaughters had roasted pear salad, as the main course for one and sliced pork tenderloin sandwich( the best item of the four) for the other.
That evening, again with another couple, we climbed Price Hill to "Primavista" 810 Matson Place (513)251-6467. Beautiful view of the city as the lights came on, great service from an intelligent server and good Italian( 3rd time in a week). After my Bombay it was salad and then Scampi Rigano( the scampi have shrunk to mid-sized shrimp) accompanied by a glass of "Benton Lane Pinot Noir" one of my favorite Pinot's. Marilyn stuck with a veal dish, the nights special, with two of her favorites, mushrooms and artichokes. Not cheap, but a meal never is with both whiskey and wine, especially if they are good.

Thursday night we were guests at Losantiville Country Club(LCC). Thursday is "big Bob's Burger night" and so after drinks, and nosh, we all ordered burgers, large, grilled perfectly, as ordered. They are accompanied by and array of toppings of which Marilyn and I chose sauteed onions and fresh sliced sauteed mushrooms. Marilyn, being smarter than I, passed on the bun. A salad bar is provided and I had a cup of excellent chili( loose hamburger etc) a small Cesar salad and to end the meal fresh pineapple and chocolate chip cookies.
Friday, with the whole 7 family members we celebrated our daughters' and son-in-laws' anniversary and a Granddaughter's September Birthday at "Orchids" 35 W 5th St.( in the Netherland Plaza Hotel) 513-421-9100. There are 3 postings about "Orchids' written in August and it is not necessary to, therefore, go into detail. They did not let us down and 3 bottles of wine later we left well content and as well feed and served and as any place we go in Cincinnati.

Last night, we went with a couple, for their first visit to "Otto's" 521 Main St, Covington KY
(859) 491-6678. The lady has really major problems with steps and since there are two, one must negotiate before entering, it took a maximum effort. Luckily the draw of "Fired Green Tomato's" was strong enough to help her summons the energy, with help, to gain entry. She assured us it was worth the effort.
After that build up we had to begin the meal with an order of Fried Green Tomato's. No one had any alcoholic beverage( I needed to dry out from the night before) and while the others had "soft drinks" and juices I started on my first, of several, glasses of water. Again I have written many time about "Otto's", sort of a home away from home, and last night was no exception. Wonderful assistance from Doug( with the entry and exit), fine service from attractive and attentive Meghan and fine food from Molly and the kitchen staff. Marilyn had her regular Tilapia( which they do as well as anyone). I find that fish too mild for my taste. While I had the Shrimp and Grits, a half dozen large shrimp over a grits cake and served with an slightly spicy tomato, onion and spinach broth. The other couple had the justly famous tomato dill soup and the women had her own order of the Fried Green Tomato's, since the table had shared the first. Her husband selected the Sea Scallops over a spinach risotto( I couldn't come up with that name at dinner last night). They both raved appropriately and I'll be interested to see if they summons up the courage to try it on there own, or with another couple. Great evening for us all.

"Emilia" and others

2011-08-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

We may have a winner. The reason I modify is because, "Emilia" 2038 Madison Road, Cincinnati 45208 (513)-843-5773 is certainly starting out as a fun, first class Italian Wine Bar, with excellent food and wine. The service is good, and after a bit more training and familiarity with the wines, will also be above average. Pricing is reasonable and the "pour" is decent.
They opened a week ago and four of us went at approximately 6:45 PM last evening, at that time we were offered our choice of two tables. By 7:30 the place was full with a short wait unless patrons wished to be seated at the bar, where food service is also available.The pricing of the "ala carte" menu is $10 to $14 for the specialty salads( a small salad is available at $2 to accompany dinner items) and $15 to $17 for the Pasta's. There are skewers of Shrimp, Lamb and Chicken for $12 to $14 and Pizza's at $12 to $14. Bar snacks, cheeses and Dolce(sweets) cover most of the other food items. Wines are Whites, Rose and Red, all Italian, and some by the glass( 2 sizes) and all with full bottles available.
I started with a glass, approx a 5oz pour, of Barbera d' Alba( medium red) but unfortunately was brought a Rose. It was returned promptly and replaced correctly. That was the only "slip up" of the evening. Nothing major.
For dinner I enjoyed the Avocado and Grapefruit salad, crisp romaine, cucumbers and ricotta shavings with 4 or 5 pieces of ripe avocado but only two small part sections of grapefruit. The salad had a nice balsamic vinaigrette and make a good opening salad course.
My Pasta was Squid Ink Spaghetti, made in house as are all the pastas, with roasted( sweet) corn, scallions, squid( bite sized) in a light and slightly spicy jalapeno oil. The dish was delicious and our table and visitors, from another table, who we knew, all took a tastes. The portion size, while not hugh( goody), was plenty. For dessert we, 4, shared an order of perfect Fried Ricotta Fritters served with homemade marmalletta(marmalade) and chocolate sauce. The fritters were crisp on the outside, but not at all greasy, and soft and silky inside.
Marilyn had the Black Pepper Pappardelle with Bolognese sauce. I took a taste and found it wonderful. The other couple had a "Pizza con Speck" and the Shrimp and pancetta skewer. It was an auspicious opening, for a new spot, to which we will return.

Other spots, since we are out and around, have been "Terry's Turf Club" 4618 Eastern Ave, 45226 (513)533-4222 for what I consider the best burger and fries in the area, although that evening I had a shitake mushroom sandwich with grilled onions and Mango-Jalapeno sauce. Our group(5), one from Barcelona( age 14) who we took to have the quintessential meal, devoured 2 orders of "well done' French fries for starters, terrific.
"Mecklenberg Garden" 302 East University Ave. 45219 (513)221-5353), where the food though not wonderful has improved, for a night "under the vines", in the beer garden. That night we started with a warm soft pretzel with mustard dipping sauce and a medium dark Germany beer. I had Hungarian Grilled shrimp, just what the name implies, shrimp with Hungarian spices, while Marilyn split a hugh Wiener Schnitzel with the other women.
Last but not least, what do you expect, the Oriental Wok-Hyde Park and another outstanding Chinese dinner, for 7, starting with Chinese Ribs, followed by Lobster and a steamed Salmon in scallion and ginger sauce and an order of the nights special "shrimp and grits", how Chinese can one get.

Addendum

2011-08-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Jason Hirschhorn, our Grandson, wrote the last posting about "Orchids" which he also pictured, a first for "Let's Eat Out". Nothing he said could quite cover all our feelings at being together for this wonderful evening.
However, because he drinks "Shirley Temple's" while Marilyn has Cranberry Juice and Club Soda I feel I would be remiss if I didn't list the wonderful wines which I was served as "pairings".

My libations started with a crisp White Burgundy from, of course, the Macon region;
next came a light Pinot Noir from Oregon, to me the best area for this variety and finally,
a full bodied Chambertin, perfect for the duck and beef courses.

The whole evening was "over the top"and in my mind there is no place that compares with "Orchids" for the combination of food, service and ambiance. Finally the hotel Management has found food to go with the elegant setting.

Orchids by Jason Hirschhorn

2011-08-12T11:58:00.001-07:00

Last night, Grandma, Grandpa and I ate dinner at the best table in the best restaurant in Cincinnati. It couldn't have been a more perfect evening.

Orchids is located in the main ballroom of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel. Tucked away in a corner booth, our conversation was dwarfed by the half-acre of Brazilian rosewood paneling, German silver light fixtures and soaring ceiling murals all in the French Art Deco style. However, the decor paled in comparisons to our dishes. Yes, Orchids is truly fantastic.

I opened my meal with a Shirley Temple. Then came the bread - three pieces served on your plate and accompanied by three delicious dips. Then came the amuse-bouche, a hollow egg shell filled with egg and truffle custard and topped with more truffles (evidently, you can buy an egg topper to perfectly open eggs every time; for us, this was the most exciting part, of the amuse-bouche). Chef Todd Kelly had bought plates especially for this dish. It was good, but it paled in comparison to the ensuing onslaught of edible excitement. Woo...what a mouthful!

Pictures and descriptions of each course are located in an accompanying post, so look there for more in depth details. I'd prefer to focus on one in particular, the "Main Lobster Salad." Throughout the meal, we would rate each dish after we had finished, and early on we had to be careful with our higher grades...but this was still a 10. It has everything you want in a dish: crunchy, chewy, pasty and stringy textures; hot, warm and cold elements; sweet, salty, fishy, eggy and a mixture of tastes. Each bite was like looking around a corner without knowing what you might see, but then being incredibly excited by what you found. Each bite added to the complexity of the dish, adding layers upon layers to a beautifully painted masterpiece.

Oh, and the Shirley Temple was also fantastic!

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better evening with better company. Grandpa has been trying to get me to come and visit Cincinnati for a while; if I had known this was what was in store me, I would have made the Midwest trek much sooner!

Orchids (Pictures)

2011-08-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lobster salad topped with hard boiled egg and fried onion strips

Heirloom tomatoes with a mozzarella ball on and bread cheese crisp over jellied olive oil infused with lemon

Seared scallop and fried pork belly on corn polenta with a tempura blossom

Duck breast, foie gras, savoy cabbage stuffed with fresh mushrooms and potato ganache

Steak and fried potato disk with portobello mushrooms and a grilled pearl onion

Breaded and fried short rib patties in horseradish sauce

Rich chocolate torte topped with chocolate mouse, brandied cherry and coated chocolate strip

Macaroons, blackberry jellies and chocolate truffles

Specials

2011-08-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

This week is Restaurant Week in Cincinnati and several downtown restaurants are taking part with special menus and good value combination. We are going to at least three, in part because of this promotion but also other influences, such as the arrival tomorrow of our Grandson from LA.

Monday night we went with a friend to "Nicola's" 1420 Sycamore St. 45202 513-721-6200, possibly the best Italian Restaurant in the area. Every Monday night "Nicola's runs an unbelievable "special". For $13 one receives a large bread basket, including bite sized Bruschetta, Italian bread stick, Focaccia etc. Next a nice sized salad, greens and sliced tomato's and a full portion of pasta with the wonderful house made Bolognese. If someone stopped there and augmented in no way it would be a great dinner at an unbelievable price, however, how would "Nicola's" survive. So out of the "milk (or wine) of human kindness the tree of us added drinks, a very good Volpolicella and a smooth Barbera plus an outstanding Lettuce Soup, about both the proprietor and the server raved. They were not mistaken. The lettuce Soup was a Green Gazpacho, like, pureed cold soup made with a base of Romaine, Arugula and Spinach, with kernels of white, sweet corn, pearl onion and stock added. Shredded Blue Crab and a few coarsely ground croutons were floated on the surface. The total effect was amazing. The total cost for the evening was $33/person, a bit different from the $13 special but a wonderful meal. Incidentally, but not unimportant our server was excellent, through out the evening.

The next night we went, with another couple, to "Via Vite" (same ownership as "Nicola's) 520 Vine St, Fountain Square, 45202 (513)721-8483. Their special was unbelievable, a 3 course dinner for $35/couple($17.50 each). There were 2 items in each category, starters, pastas and meat or fish course, and each of the couple, sharing the meal, could choose which they wanted. After my Bombay, I had a wonderful tomato based, pureed, Gazpacho, again with some crab in the center, a good sized portion of potato Gnocchi in a quite rich Vodka Sauce and for my 3rd course, a small pork tenderloin served on a bed of sauteed onions, pepper and tomato's, seasoned perfectly to compliment the pork.

So now you have my report on the first two nights of "Cincinnati restaurant week.

Mobile again

2011-08-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

When I made the last posting, July 10 I had no idea how long it would be until we really started "eating out". Our surgeries are over and we are becoming mobile again. In the mean time we have rejoined Losantiville Country Club( LCC) so that name is bound to show up in our list of places. Since any Country Club is open just to members and their guest most of my comments, concerning LCC, will be restricted to interesting items, either food, or service, ambiance or pricing.

Tonight, with another couple, we went to one of the new "hot spots" that have opened recently.
" Tavola" 1220 Vine St. (OTR) Cincinnati, OH 513-246-0192 opened a little over two months ago. It is located in the "Gateway" section of "Over the Rhine"(OTR) in what is becoming an area for young people to eat and "bar hop". The ambiance is minimal, strait lines, a full bar and a Pizza oven, clean wooden tables with matching chairs but the food makes up for any minimalism by being innovative and flavorful.
We arrived about 5:40 PM and so were seated immediately. The place was almost a full by 6 PM, possibly a couple of 2 tops were empty.
The noise level is high and the service prompt, with dishes arriving as the kitchen dictates. They did bring the one or two appetizers before the Pizza.
Our group ordered a couple of draft beers, Bell's Oberon and a order of Sausage( homemade) Bacon Dates(4), in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. Another starter was Artichoke pesto Bruschetta. Both were very well prepared but not large portions. Three salads: cauliflower, wood roasted in a slightly thick lemon vinaigrette and 2 orders of grilled asparagus salad ended the cold portion of our, divided dinner. The Pizza(14 inch) was their #1 seller, fig jam + prosciutto + fontina + arugula, most interesting but slightly salty. The whole dinner was one of different flavors and textures and for me it was a fun experience. Price per couple $28 plus tip and tax. I will return.

Other spot was have visited are: "The Pelican's Reef", you know how I feel about them. Unusual items last Saturday; Brat sliders, made very tasty with just the right amount of sauerkraut and an excellent spicy mustard and an outstanding( my Grandchildren would say "awesome) roast veal rack, resulting in 7 lovely small chops. Who would expect wonderful veal chops at a "Key West" seafood bar.
LCC, with an outstanding "happy hour", cocktails less than soft drinks, and plentiful hors d'oeuvers certainly got my attention.
"Wild Ginger" where Marilyn sticks with the 3 flavor Walleye and I should too, unless I'm having sushi and "J. Alexander's"( Rookwood) where again Marilyn's regular "prime rib" sandwich is the way to go.

So now we're getting back on track and we'll see what interesting "places, dishes and things" we can dig up to compete with Guy Fieri.

Explaination

2011-07-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Postings have been sparse and will remain so for the month of July, especially the first part.
We have some medical matters which have kept us from venturing out and will continue to do so at least through the first 15 or 20 days of the month.

We did try a new spot, for us, on July 1. Along with another couple, our usual routine, we crossed the river to "Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar" 519 Main St. Covington KY 41011 (859) 491-7777.
It was a Friday night and there was a decent crowd but short of a "full house". The other couple had been there before and knew the server who was quite attentive and helpful.
Being a warm night and wanting eat on the lite side I started with chilled Peach Soup which was delicious. It combined sweetness and savory and I probably should have ordered a double portion, both for flavor and quantity. I followed with what I recall was described as a "fish taco" which consisted of two nicely grilled pieces of a firm, filleted fish each laying upon a half slice of pita bread. The sauce was of the salsa variety combining sweetness and a slight spice. A rough slaw completed the dish. The whole thing was very satisfying.
For desert two of us split an order of Peach Sorbet. You might say it was a "Peachy" evening.

Food was good, price reasonable and service, as mentioned, attentive.
It's a shame that the location is next to "Otto's" and therefore, unfortunately, I came away with some slight guilt feeling, no one else will carry this burden.

Rest of June

2011-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I gave enough detail of the productions and events of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) which are truly outstanding. If anyone has real interest I suggest that first you go on line and check out their extensive web site. If you have a need for a more personal descriptions or specific questions you can always contact me at jwhirschhorn@fuse.net. It is truly a must for anyone interested in dramatic art.

Now back to the main thrust of "Let's Eat Out".
Our son suggested a family dinner for the 5 of us at "Coquina" 542 A St. Ashland OR 97520 (541) 488-0521 instead of a play on Friday night June 17. This chef owned restaurant has been in business for less than a year and has an interesting array or dishes. As usual, when our family eats, together, we all sample whatever anyone orders.
After my Bombay I followed with a Beet Salad, large enough to divide in half or thirds, fixed with several kinds of beets and mushroom. It was truly enough for a whole delicious dinner but this was just the beginning, that evening. My "main course" was veal osso bucco which while very filling was not as tender nor flavorful as I had hopped. I, of course, shared and our Granddaughter and son had no problems with good sized helping of my "main". In exchange I had a good taste of Gnocchi and of a fine grilled Flat Iron Steak. I passed on Quail and Halibut, two other dishes at the table.
The two split desserts, a White (cake) Lemon Raspberry and a rich, chocolate torte were both right on the mark.

The next night the whole group( of playgoers), ten in all, ventured to "Taj Indian Cuisine" 31 Water St. Ashland (541) 488-5900. Our 5:30 dinner was a mixture of different flavors, textures, smells and tastes.
I started with a King Fisher Beer and Gobi Manchurian ( Cauliflower with a spicy sauce reminiscent of an American Bar-B-Que Sauce) All items were offer to all who wished to taste, of which many participated. Next I had an Organic Pear salad, just what the name implies, onion Nan and major tastes of Chicken Tiki Marsala, Lamb and spinach, Karahi Shrimp and Aloo Mutter ( potato's roasted with spices). Long ago I learned that when a group, or young children, order it is wise to go lightly and keep a large plate available for part of what everyone thinks they will eat.
Our meals in California, after Ashland were nothing special, do to circumstances with those we visited the rest of the time.

Home for two days( laundry) and then off to Wisconsin for a week, at Camp Nebagamon, starting June 24. That nights dinner at the "Essen Haus" in Madison WI was a throw back to the old German American restaurants which populated Cincinnati when I was a child(1930/1960 ). Outside tables under an awning, music and food; a dining service plus a large bar and dining area in a chalet type building.
I had a wonderful, dark German beer, "Spaten Optimator" to accompany my "combo plate" of excellent Wiener Schnitzel (veal), Jaeger Schnitzel (pork), and a pork and veal grilled sausage ( dark spicy mustard, a must). Also, besides the meat, there was a helping of red cabbage, which I substituted for kraut, and hot German potato salad. The meats were perfect, the accompaniments ordinary.
Marilyn ate only a large portion of the Wiener Schnitzel, which was undoubtedly wise. There is also a branch of "Essen House" in the Dells, for those who venture that far.
The other noteworthy Wisconsin meal was at the "Deep Lake Lodge" 67975 E. Deep Lake Rd. Iron River WI ( not a place you'll probably visit). Wisconsin "road houses" know how to deep fry Walleye. Maybe it their experience or just the surroundings that make this unhealthy dish delicious. That, salad and crisp hash browns and a beer are the perfect evening as the "sun sets" (literally) over a lake.

So now we're home and into July and a hot muggy Cincinnati summer. I'm sure we'll find something to do and somewhere to Eat Out.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

2011-06-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

The main reason for our West Coast visit was to spend 5 days at the OSF( Oregon Shakespeare Festival) in Ashland, OR with our son Raven and his wife Becky. They are part of a group of 10 people who visit the festival each year and we tagged along.
We headed south, Monday morning, from Seattle stopping in Tacoma, to visit the "Museum of Glass". Continuing on to our destination, that day, Lake Oswego, a beautiful southern suburb of Portland, and a meeting with good friends who came from Bend OR to spend a day and evening with us.
That night, along with 8 family members we celebrated the Grandma's ( our friend) Birthday at a downtown, Portland hotel, which houses a pleasant, "old fashioned", Italian restaurant. Meal was fine, company wonderful.

Our Granddaughter is teaching sailing, this summer, in Eugene OR before entering the University of Washington law school, this September. Tuesday morning, around 10 AM we met her and her "boyfriend"( old fashioned term) for breakfast at "Off the Waffle" 2540 Willamette St. Eugene, OR 97405 (541) 515-6926. This small neighborhood spot, run by 2 Israelis, turned out to be delightful. They specialize in Liege (Belgium) Waffles with as many toppings as one can imagine. I was prosaic and stuck with bacon and egg and real maple syrup, but the younger generation went for Gouda, apples and Canadian bacon or another combination of Feta, berries and cinnamon. All with an assortment of syrups and other additives. When we left the line was "out the door". They say they have expanded once, currently about 10 tables, but I feel that another move is in the offing.

We drove on to Ashland, taking the "boyfriend" to his Mothers house before checking in at our hotel. That night, with our son and wife we dined at "Thai Pepper", 84 North Main St. Ashland, OR 97520 (541)482-8058. The place had been touted by a young chef friend of ours, currently working in Seattle. He did not lead us astray. We had a table, outside, by a heavily running creek( snow Melt), which added plenty of ambiance to a wonderful dinner.The table shared; Cucumber Salad, perfectly marinated, Fried Calamari, crisp and firm, beautiful, medium rare lamb strips marinated and served in a wonderful Asian sauce, outstanding, and a Crispy Fish, fresh and succulent, before we piled into a Chocolate Torte and grilled Banana's wrapped in a flaky, light dough ( egg roll wrapper), with the mandatory Carmel and chocolate sauces. What an introduction to Ashland and the OSF. In our opinion the best meal we had in Ashland.

After two plays on Wednesday we took a daytime trip to Crater Lake, about 75 miles East and 4000 feet up. For the last ten miles we drove through cleared highway and piled snow, which eventually reach 6 to 10 feet. The snow doesn't melt till Aug 15 and starts again Oct 15, a short summer. The lake is all it is cracked up to be and the Lodge dining room serves much better food than the average park fare. Our attractive server, DeLacey, was not only helpful, suggesting we split a salad and a Pasta ( "Forest", including mushrooms, cherry tomato's and asparagus) but added a pleasant and polite demeanor to our lunch.
The ride back had to be down-hill for the first 10 miles( what a place for a "soap-box" derby race) but fun seeing the snow recede and spring and summer approach, as the altitude changed.
We stopped in Medford, OR for a visit to "Harry and David" where we stocked up on giant Bing Cherries and red plums, a mainstay for our son.
That night before the play the group ventured to a Greek Restaurant, "Blue" having had Italian, Macaroni's" the night before. If not gourmets we are certainly cosmopolitan.

More reporting in a week or so, after we finish a trip to Northern WI and then Chicago.

Seattle

2011-06-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

We have just finished an eleven day trip to the West Coast. We flew to Seattle, rented a car and after several day drove through Oregon, with several stops, to the San Fransisco area before returning late last evening.
I am not going to try to write of all the things we did, places we saw or interesting meals but I will try to highlight those that were really out of the ordinary. As is my custom I will break down reports and thus it will take a few days to cover everything.

Our first night in Seattle we had dinner with Marilyn's niece and her husband. They had chosen a restaurant in the Ballard area, "Staple and Fancy" 4739 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 789-1200. The Ballard area is in the midst of a transformation from a warehouse and manufacturing district to one with several restaurants and multi-housing buildings. "Staple and Fancy" was a hardware retail and wholesale shop, in it's most current life, previous to becoming half of two new restaurants, the other an oyster bar plus "small plates. "Staple and Fancy" is definitely Italian with menu and ambiance to match. It is fun, relaxed and turned out to be one of our better and most interesting meals.
The menu arrived, stapled to a wood shingle. It listed 4 appetizer, 4 main courses and four desserts. In the far right hand portion was a paragraph stating that if the table wished to put themselves in the hands of the chef he would serve a 4 course dinner at $45/person. We, of course, chose that option. A good bottle of Berrolo and we were off for our adventure.
The seven appetizers, all served to accommodate 4 people were; olives, escolar crudo( cucumber slices with chili and avocado), crostini of fish blended with chicken liver into a paste, deep fried oysters( delicious) , buratta(fish) served with prosciutto, and finally grilled asparagus. After this who needed dinner, but we persevered.
Next came the Pasta course: potato gnocchi with morels, fava beans and pancetta with a very light butter and cream sauce and tonarelli( long, thin, wavy noodles) with cuttlefish strips and a squid ink collis.
The two main courses were a perfectly roasted whole chicken with roasted new potato segments and roasted onion slices. All perfectly done and doused with the roasted chicken juices. Also a beautiful Bronzino( fish) grilled with a slightly crunchy skin and a gleaming white inside.
We forced ourselves to devour the cheesecake with fresh rhubarb sauce and a slightly warm chocolate cake served with almond ice cream and carmel sauce.
A simply wonderful eating experience.

The next night 6 of us went to the "Golden Beetle" 1744 NW Market St. Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 706-2977. Incidentally both restaurants were written up in the New York Times Restaurant section which was on our breakfast table Sunday morning. Are we "foodies" or what. There was no way that the "Golden Beetle" could out do our experience the night before but they gave it a fair try. Unfortunately I neither took notes nor translated the listings on the bill but all of the food was mid-eastern and some of the more memorable dishes were the Chicken Tagine( Moroccan), a wonderful dish of sweet fresh clams, marinated and grilled beef strips and two other Turkish dishes that I am ashamed that my failing memory, currently, can't or wont recall. I do know that the shared desserts were Donut holes, with a honey dipping sauce, and Baklava. Also there were plates of pita with the standard humus and other sauces.
I've learned a lesson that I either look at the statement and make notes or that I recall before I hit the sack after food and drink.

We left Seattle the next morning after two days of beautiful weather, great food, excellent company and a full adjustment to West Coast life.

Lobster

2011-06-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is my 300th Posting since I started this Blog. Many are comments on the same places we frequent, often. Most are here in the Cincinnati area but I have tried to cover our travels from New York to California and Lake Nebagamon to Barcelona. Thanks to you who have braved my writing, poor spelling and grammar, and to the few that have taken time to comment, my special thanks.

A couple nights ago we had an outstanding meal at the "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park. (Sorry about that Ed) Guy Burgess, the chef, had told us that he had been getting excellent, live Lobsters and fixing them Cantonese Style. Guy cuts the Lobsters into manageable pieces, sears them in extremely hot oil, washes off the excess oil and stirs them in a "dry' Wok, with Ginger, Scallions and rice wine. Unbelievably delicious. The searing makes the perfectly firm meat come away from the shell and makes the eating easy, if somewhat messy to those of us who really tear into the crustaceans. Six of us devoured 3 (1.7#) lobsters plus assorted, hot hors d'oeuvres, Halibut stir fried with asparagus and a few green Chinese veggies, plus two orders of Mei Fun Noodles, a more original, true Chinese Chou Mien. As I have mentioned, several times it is a good thing to put yourself in the Chefs hands, especially if you are an adventurous eater.
If you want to have the Lobster give them 24 to 48 hours notice (513-871-6888) so that they can have them on hand, if available, and hold them for you. The night we were there they sold out, of the lobsters, before 7 PM.

We have been out almost every night, for the last two weeks. Most of the time at restaurants. We did have a Birthday dinner prepared completely by our two local granddaughters and one or two other meals have been a friends tables. Eating out that much gives one a large group of experiences and a waist line to match.
Here, not necessarily, in order are some of the spots and a comment or two about various dishes:
"The Bistro" 413 Vine, Cincinnati, 513-621-1465. Decent food but spotty service the night we were there. The apple, endive and Swiss cheese salad was almost entirely apple and should be renamed essence of endive.
"La Poste" 3410 Telford 513-281-3663. Hot spot, good food, interestingly prepared and the Chocolate, cherry bread pudding covered with Carmel sauce is still "outrageous".
"National Exemplar" Mariemont is still easy for the senior crowd and the food and menu changes very little. I usually have the calf's liver but the accompanying bacon and onions are now chopped or minced. In my mind not a positive change.
"The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike ( Mariemont) 513-271-5400 always seems lively with a good mixture of ages if not locales. Service is uniformly good and this apple, endive and Gorgonzola salad had all the items in abundance. The chicken BBQ pizza was overwhelmed by the sauce, too sweet and too much.
"Wild Ginger" 3655 Edwards Rd. 45208 (513) 533-9500. Four of us divided 5 Sushi Rolls and several beers. This, after Pot stickers left no one hungry.
"Bonefish Grill" Madison and Edwards roads, Hyde Park is still in the midst's of their "soft shelled" promotions. Why eat anything else if that what they're pushing.
"Cumin Eclectic Cuisine" 3520 Erie Ave 45208 (513) 871-8714. Noise level drove us outside but it was a lovely night with lovely food. In my opinion that have become much less Indian and more continental.
"Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington KY 859-491-6678. Caught them over Memorial weekend, for brunch, and although it wasn't bad there was something lacking due to people on the staff on holiday.

We're headed to the West Coast this coming week so you may hear about food in the Pacific NW and other spots when next I write.

Training

2011-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's been another very big week of eating out but I'm going to start with a Wednesday night dinner at Cincinnati State.
"The Summit" is the restaurant open Thursday thru Saturday, for dinner, at Cincinnati State. It is staffed by recent graduates of the Culinary Institute and is a bridge for both the kitchen and front of the house, staff, before they move on to other spots.
On Tuesday and Wednesdays, near the end of each semester, the location is taken over by students who are in their last weeks, before graduation. Those nights it is a requirement that they be there and take the jobs to which they are assigned. They practice on "customers" who are in the most part family and college staff. We were happy to find out about this and were pleased to be included last Wednesday night. The food and service were both very good and there was very little difference between what happens later in the week and the meal we had that night.
The menu, ala carte, consists of first courses( one prepared "table side"), salads and Main. I had 3 excellent courses, White Gazpacho, pureed cucumbers, onions, grapes and apples in a semi-thick base ( slightly sweet for my taste but otherwise refreshing), Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad, drizzled with Virgin Olive Oil, and a Main course of Artic Char, done perfectly( crispy skin and juicy flesh) on a bed of sweet and sour Kale and a sweet potato puree. All had wine while the others had a variety of dishes. The prices were very reasonable and the whole staff could not have been more attentive.

The rest of the week were familiar places and well prepared items, some seasonal and some "main stays". Monday night at "Bonefish Grill", Edwards and Madison Roads, I dove into soft shelled crab stuffed with a lump crab cake, wonderful, while Marilyn had Tilapia. It was pouring rain and the dining room showed it, but the service and food were of their usual high standard. Still a very good seafood chain restaurant.
Speaking of service, I don't know how they do it, but "J. Alexander's", Rookwood Plaza, seems to higher and train attractive, well groomed, efficient servers who almost never disappoint. We join another couple there Thursday night and the only disappointment was that they ran out of the "side" of roast beets before our order was fill, the server was also disappointed as she had told us they were her favorite and she planed on some that evening. Oh well, the Cheeseburger and Hugh mound of French fries over stuffed me and my cholesterol count for the next 36 hours. Very good and very naughty. Marilyn had her regular Prime Rib Sandwich and baked potato which is one of the best buys around.

Last night, again with friends, we drove up the block to "Nectar Restaurant", Mt. Lookout Square, and let Julie Francis over satisfy us with her wonderful cooking. The table divided the Mediterranean Meze a collection of mid-eastern tastes and textures from Farfalle to Humus and also including, pickled beets, eggplant relish, thin sliced cucumbers and yogurt with marinated onion strips to name some. It's a large appetizer which the four of us made "all gone" Three of us, including the writer, had fillets of Flounder sauteed with a cornmeal crust and served on a combination sweet corn and green pepper and bean cold relish. All surrounded by a fairly strong mint coulis. A beautiful dish even more flavorful than it looked.
This wasn't enough so we split a Peach Tar Tartan covered with Carmel sauce and topped with a scoop of Lavender Gelato, overkill.
Who knows what may come next.

One never knows

2011-05-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

When any of us go out for dinner we never know how it will turn out. That's one of the joys of the whole dinning experience. Even if you're like Marilyn and usually order the same item, that she has eaten many times before, she nor anyone knows if it will be exactly the same. For those of us who like to be challenged, and menu hop, each time is a new experience.
So it was on the last three times out.

"Oriental Wok" Hyde Park, which I write so often about, even I feel guilty, always seems to come up with something different. Maybe Guy Burgess, the chef, hides things till we arrive, but I doubt it.
Friday night we started with Egg Rolls, as our granddaughter, who spent the winter in Ghana, had brought home a sauce she said we had to taste and it was "perfect" on Egg Rolls. Well it would only be "perfect" if one had a cast iron esophagus and stomach lined with asbestos.
"Devil's Fire Paste" is my best description. I put a reasonable amount on the end of the appetizer and after one bite grabbed for my half finished Bombay. I should have had a quart of milk. We love our granddaughter but will use the sauce sparingly, if at all.
The rest of the meal was a delight. Marilyn and another women shared a whole Flounder beautifully prepared and served with crisp Chinese vegetables while I had broiled frogs legs, medium sized, and tender, on a bed of semi-sweet tomato and herb sauce. Whose to know what to expect at this unusual Chinese restaurant.

Monday, I knew going in what we were in for. We had a date with a top flight local chef and his wife and I had told Marilyn that we would let him have the lead on the evening. when one chef goes to anothers dining room for dinner you can count on the food and wine both flowing at an amazing level. Monday was at the "Palace Restaurant" in the Cincinnatian Hotel. Jose Salazar is the new chef and we started dinner at 7 and made our first move to leave at 10:30 ( made it out by 11).
We started with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc planed to get us thru our first course. As you remember Marilyn doesn't drink, so the job feel to the 3 of us. For a first course I ordered a lime cured Fluke( their take on Ceviche). Marilyn passed as she pland a whole Dover Sole for her dinner. Before our appetizers arrived the kitchen sent 4 plates of items we had not ordered, Roast Duck Confit with apricots, Roasted Pork belly laced with mousse, a lovely arranged salad ( various grilled, roasted and raw vegetables) and two Manicotti is a light Italian spiced, stained, meat sauce. These, of course, were complements of Chef Jose.
Our starters came as ordered and were followed by a bottle of Pinot Noir( all alcohol was, of course, on the four of us) to accompany our main course. As mentioned Marilyn had Dover Sole, perfectly prepared, while I had equally well handled crispy skin Redfish served on a bed of spicy lentils with strips of white asparagus.
We debated desert, but we shouldn't have, as the pastry Chef sent four plates of her specialities which we all shared. A strip of Chocolate Mousse Cake with a clinging Butterscotch sauce and ground nuts; Strawberry-Rhubarb short cake, presented on wafer's of English short bread and accompanied by a small scoop of double vanilla ice cream; Buttermilk Creme Brulee with fresh red raspberries while the fourth plate contained a Chocolate Cherry Crepe. An after dinner drink and a stiff bill sent us on our way stuffed and full of memories.

In a posting a couple of times ago I wrote glowingly about "Pelican's Reef" and their treatment of our daughter. We returned last night to a less crowded but still nicely full side dining room. I love Soft shelled crabs and since they had them on the menu, I ignored the warning that they were served fried in a beer batter. The dish turned out to be too heavy, for my taste, and although the new item, sweet and spicy crispy cole slaw, turned out to be a pleasure as well as the twice baked potato, I was mad at myself for making a poor choice. One of the party had a piece of the recommended Barramundi, and gave me a taste, which in this instance, it would have been a much superior choice. Live and learn, even at our age. as I said "one never knows". Still love "the Reef" but will listen to their suggestions the next time.

A couple new

2011-05-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we ate out several times, I reported two earlier. Of the other evenings we hit two new spots, for us, and renewed our acquaintance with one.
The renewal was with "J. Alexander's Restaurant" 2629 Edmondson Rd (Rookwood Center) 45209 (513) 531-7495. We were on our way to a show with a 7:30 "Curtain", a quaint old term as most live theatre does not use a curtain anymore. We arrived at the restaurant around 5:30 and had no trouble being ushered to one of many open tables.
Our excellent server, I find most of them well trained and helpful, there, suggested we try the nights featured appetizer, smoked Salmon salad( more a spread), which we happily did, as accompaniment to our drinks. It was more than enough and very tasty. I settled for the evenings "special soup", the Chef's family recipe, Polish Gumbo, thick brown broth well seasoned with chicken, Kielbasa and rice. A filing dish. That and the appetizer would have been enough but I added a half portion of Ceasar salad, large enough to be a main course. All the food was good and the service, from everyone, was excellent.

The two new spots, for us were both downtown.
"Bar 5-0-6" is the new cocktail lounge at the renovated "Residency Inn at the Phelps", 506 E. Fourth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202. We went with two other couples Saturday night, before the Symphony concert, to watch the Kentucky Derby, have a drink and try their "bar food". Nothing was disappointing, if taken in that context. Large TV screens made the Derby easily accessible, the drinks came as ordered and the food was what one would expect. Service was attentive. The table started with two orders of Saratoga Chips, warm, crisp and with two dipping sauces. I had a Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Bacon sandwich( including caramelized onions and slices of Granny Smith Apples) served on an oblong plate with a bowl of steaming tomato soup. The quintessential camp lunch, or Sunday night supper. Marilyn had the Mini Mo Sliders, beef patties on small buns. Others had the Kobe Beef sliders or a fish taco. At 6 PM there was no crowd and on street parking was easy( no ball game).

The other newbie was the "Walnut Street Grill" 631 Walnut St( space previously "Bootsie's) Cincinnati (513)-241-0707. This new effort by Jeff Ruby, and his group, lives up to their reputation of good food well prepared and served. WSG is not a steak house and their menu is varied and somewhere between "down home", chicken pot pie, meatloaf etc, and big city bar and grille. I found the ambiance "hard" ( hard walls, ceilings, tables, bar fronts etc) and very very noisy. I would return if I could be assured of a table in the small alcove, in the rear, were we would have a chance of somewhat normal level conversation.
Marilyn and I split a "Shanghai Salad", chopped greens, tomato's, green onions, bacon bits and Chinese crispy noodles in a light and very tasty ginger vinaigrette( good sized and appetizing) I had the Lake Superior Whitefish, perfectly done and a more than fair sized portion plus broccolini, while she went for the Chicken Pot Pie, which she managed to down half while the rest followed us home. The others had a salad with grilled shrimp and one of several specialty burgers. It is not cheap, especially with the $8 valet parking, but the portions are generous and compaired to the proprietors steak houses the tab is reasonable.

Wonderful people

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

To often we take for granted the people who serve us, in many ways. This is especially true of those working in the restaurant business. From chefs to busser we wonder if that is really their vocation or if they are just filling time till something else comes along.
Regardless of their "long term plans" the great majority of these folks really are dedicated to what they are doing and deserve our respect and thanks.

Following this thought let me report on just two, outstanding examples, of the kind of "special interest" of which I refer.
"Pelican's Reef" 7261 Beechmont Ave Cincinnati, OH 45230 (513) 232-2526 is a place I have posted numerous times. Fun, "Key West" Seafood based and almost always good companions and food to match.
But this posting is a "Love Letter" to the management and serves. Our daughter, an MS patient, is wheel chair bound. She also needs help with all her daily activities. Friday night she, along with her husband and daughter joined us for a somewhat special evening (she had just been released from a hospital stay and our granddaughter was on her way overseas). In the afternoon I called "the reef" to tell them we would be coming, around 7. I was giving them a "head up" for our daughters special needs. I spoke only with whoever answered the phone, not expecting "special treatment". When we arrived there was the usual mob, which the place richly deserves, waiting patiently their turn in line, as we all do. To our surprise one of the owners meet us outside the restaurant and took us thru another door to a perfect table, for our group, which was open and obviously set for us and the wheeled chair. A wonderful server appeared and we were under way. I don't know if any explanation was given, or needed, to those waiting but the treatment of our daughter was outstanding. Who doesn't love people who are nice to ones children?
Incidentally the food that night was as good as always but a couple outstanding items were the "tomato basil lobster chowder" and the "chocolate eclair pie', very much like the "Boston Cream Pie" I remember as a child.

The other special mention is "La Poste" 3410 Telford Ave, Clifton, (513)281-3663. Last night three of us went to dinner at 7 PM. It was the first night of a new menu and that is always exciting to me and my taste buds. Our waitress, Amy, explained each new item thoroughly as
well as bringing our guest ( first time for her) up to speed on the "old standbys".
I wished to try several of the new items and Amy was extremely accommodating, especially with one which was just the side item for another main course( sweetbread hash to go with a steak).
We mixed and matched through the whole meal and ended with a wonderful "old favorite"( written about many times)the superb cherry bread pudding, covered with Carmel sauce, plus a "newbie" lemon panna cotta with apricot sauce. The meal was handled flawlessly by Amy and the whole kitchen staff. Besides the sweetbread hash, chopped sweetbreads and mushrooms in an excellent wine emulsion, I had started with a lobster salad which contained not only the lobster meat but pineapple chunks, sweet peppers, orange bits and arugula all tossed in a light vinaigrette. A blown away evening.

More on a new place of two in the next posting.

Places and comments

2011-05-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

In no particular order here are some spot, all in the Cincinnati area, we visited in April since our return from the Cruise.

"The Precinct" Columbia Pkwy and Delta 321-5454. Always dependable with good food, service and management. They are nice as can be when we split a steak, potato and onion rings. Drinks are small and expensive but at least that should keep one away from DUI's.

"Indigo" 2637 Erie Ave 321-9952. Went the other night with a young Mother and her 7 year old twins. That seems to be the crowd that "Indigo" attracts, although that night the 7 year olds were slightly on the high side for children in attendance. I'm not a fan of their food. Little flavor or seasoning. Pizza was fair ( I had one slice which I doctored with extra cheese and red pepper flakes), Apple Walnut Salad decent but fairly expensive at $14 and dressing was overly sweet( no Balsamic vinegar). Marilyn's Tomato Pasta( they don't have spaghetti which is strange with the number over very young who thrive on "white spaghetti") close to tasteless. We hardly ever go and you can see why.

"Trio" 7565 Kenwood Road 984-1905 Lunch for 3 at a $66 cost, which to me is on the expensive side. Marilyn had a cup of soup and a half Cobb Salad ; our guest Caesar Salad with Ahi Tuna and Diet Coke and I a Groper Ruben. I had noticed the price increases the last time we had dinner there but this $22/person including tip didn't resemble Cincinnati pricing. The place still draws a crowd so I probably have to adjust my thinking. Food is good but not remarkable.

"The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike, Mariemont (513) 271-5400. The place is "jumping". Lively, fairly young crowd, to us ( but we're ancient) but service remains good and food comes out promptly and in most cases hot. I had another Apple and Gorgonzola Salad, this one with crisp Belgium Endive and a nice complimentary dressing, $7, and a main course of fish Tacos ($14) in which I found the fish slightly chewy and dry. The other items in the Taco were enough that I enjoyed the soft Taco's with some of the fish removed. Marilyn had a rich, if somewhat salty, Mushroom Pizza with plenty of cheese and mushrooms.

"Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington KY 859-491-6678. I'm not objective and admit it, being too involved with Paul and Emily. It was during Passover and we brought our own box of Matzo. Martini's were on special so my Bombay, with no Vermouth, was only $5. Marilyn had her usual Duck but since I was fighting a cold and loss of appetite I had and order of Fried Green Tomato's, which I dearly love for their crispness and flavor, and an Iceberg Wedge Salad, filling enough.

There you have a rundown with my personal feelings. There is a place for comments, if one is so inclined.

Interesting Meals

2011-04-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

We have had several interesting meals in the last few days. Obviously, we are home, in Cincinnati, and have been here since April 11, our 57th Wedding Anniversary. I have spent most of my time, on the Blog, reporting on our travels but now it's time to get back to covering what we're doing in the "hood".
Working on the most recent to the longer ago here is where we have been "Eating Out".

Last night was a new and most interesting experience. We were guest at an event held at "the Art of Entertaining" 2019 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513)871-5170. This venue in the space previously occupied by Chateau Pomijie. Under current ownership it is both a wine store and a party venue, catering to groups and smaller private affairs, family dinners, birthdays etc.
There are several dining areas and a kitchen with enough space to seat up to twenty. In the whole place I would guess that they can easily handle groups up to 50 or 60, seated.
The owner plus several chefs, and helpers, provide the staffing, as well as the food preparation and service. Our chef, Jason( large ego, like a lot of chefs and others) believes in full flavoring, to which I heartily subscribe. Last nights menu was as follows:
Sweet Potato "Latkies" served warm and crisp with a dab of Creme fraiche and a pecan half. It was easy to discern the Cinnamon, Clove and Fennel. Along with this came a platter of small Polenta "pucks" covered with wine marinated mushrooms, excellent wine taste carried the combination, generously sliced and applied.
A steaming bowl of Curried Cauliflower Soap, hot and thick was ladled into individual mugs to which was then added parsley aoli came as the next course.
The two main entrees were seared and semi-crisp, chicken slices, both white and dark meat with home made tomato Salsa and Mojo Sauce and a medium sliced sirloin strip topped with sauteed, caramelized onions and served with a horseradish cream sauce.
To make sure we all left too full they cut overly generous slices, of their neighbors, "Bonbonerie" opera cream cake.
A wonderful evening of food and wine.

The night before, with two other couples, it was "Cumin Eclectic Cuisine" 3520 Erie Ave. Cincinnati 45208 513-871-8714. We lucked in to opening night for the new Spring menu, too many new item for us to try in one night. Coming from an extended cocktail hour, at home, we only sample a very few.
I started with a Spring Bean Salad, Haricot Vert mixed with curly crisp greens, shreds of Parmesan and sugar coated pecans all dressed with a light, slightly peppery, vinaigrette.
Next came one of my favorites, sweetbreads, crisp with coated large pistachio kernels, all, decorated lightly with a sweet citrus sauce.
Marilyn chose fried Artichoke hearts, first, and followed with a starter size Chicken pot pie, plenty for one.
I ordered for the table two orders of Nan and for dessert, we six, split another new item, Grapefruit Short Cake, house made English style Biscuits, lightly coated with Strawberry puree on which was placed Grapefruit sections which had been salted with sugar and run under a broiler, till they were golden. All this was topped with generous portions of home made whipped cream, Divine.

I think I'll stop now and watch part of the NFL Draft, the Bengal's are on the clock, not that it makes any difference till the Management changes, and return to this over the weekend.

Barcelona 3

2011-04-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Our last full day in Barcelona we struck out on our own. That is our usual procedure after we have had time to get acclimated.
After another good breakfast, at the Hotel, we walked 5 short blocks to "Palau Musica Catalana" ( the Palace of Music). This is a must see on nearly every ones list.
We had been warned that the English speaking tour( only one per day) was sold out but we wanted to get the closest tour, timing) available. The 10:30 Catalan tour was open and so we booked space, along with some other non-Spanish speaking people. As a German friend, we had met the day before, said, the architecture and decorations are in no language. The building, is impressive and we'll worth a hour of little understandable communication. The preview film is in several languages and our guide did give one or two instructions in English. I was not only impressed with the hall, the most rococo place I have ever seen( bright, colorful and a terrific example of the time and art that flourished a century of more ago), but also with the acoustics and sight lines. A women's chorus was practicing while we were there. The building, especially the interior has to be seen.
From there it was on to "Mercat Santa Caterina", a new, much brighter and less crowded food market, with striking architecture, wider aisles but a sparkling array of food.
I talked Marilyn into spending a couple of hours at the "Museum for the City" and I am very glad we did. After a video, tracing the history f Barcelona, from pre-historic times we walked down a ramp and were immediately transported back to "Barsco", the original Roman walled city built on that site, of present day Barcelona, in 200 to 400 AD. It was one of the most complete archaeological excavations I have ever seen. The viewing is all on a metal and glass walkway suspended above and covers, in my estimation, about 3 full acres, maybe more. I was blown away. All the excavation is under a present day Plaza and city streets

Lunch beckoned and I though a smart move would be to walk back to "L'Academia" and ask for another suggestion. Low and behold the metal curtain was down, as they do not serve lunch on Saturday. Marilyn had stoped by a shop, in the neighborhood and thought we should ask the proprietor. Interesting experience as he spoke little or no English and we no Catalan. English, French and Spanish had him drawing a map and 15 minutes later we were seated At "Parellada" Argenteria, 37 Tel 93 310 50 94, a definitely up scale room with a mixed clientele, soccer fans to business people. Conversation, halting, with the adjoining tables made us realize the difference with Spanish lunch( 3 or 4 large courses) and our usual repast. We split a very large salad and a grilled sole with nut crust. Both very nice.
Since it was the last night, with our shipmates from California, and since they enjoy, slightly "upscale" I booked a table for 8:30 that evening.
The rest of the afternoon was spent getting ourselves in shape for our return flight. Marilyn bought a book and got her glasses fixed, temporarily, and then is was sorting and pre-packing time.
"Parellada" must have a tourist following as the hallway was full at 8:30 but they handled us well. We chose several dishes we had seen at lunch. We, the table, tried the local fried potato strips with two dipping sauces. I a Paella Pan, this time filled with very thin chopped noodles, slightly crispy and garnished with scampi, while Marilyn ended her Barcelona dining with a beautify roasted half duck.
The table shared wine and two desserts, as had become our custom, and we left full, happy and promising to return to Barcelona.

Barcelona 2

2011-04-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday we planed and executed a full day of sightseeing. After a full breakfast buffet at the hotel, it's included in the room price, we walked the short block to"Que" up for the "Bus Turistic".
We had gotten our all day tickets at the hotel (2 Euro savings) and so only had to wait till a bus came with some room( no standing) so that we could begin our adventure. Each major bus stop has red vested ticket sellers and info person who speak 5 languages. We were on the bus by 10 AM and on our way. We transferred from the Red Route to the Blue as that touched most of the famous Gaudi spots.

Arriving at the first major attraction, "Sagrada Familia', Gaudi's iconic church ( not completely finished) we were told that the wait was over 3 hours. I mentioned in the last Blog there were about half a million tourists. We decide to "stay on the bus"and try our luck at "Park Guadi" several stops later.
Off we went, and exited at that stop, which turned out to be six steep blocks from the actual Park. The climb was especially hard on Marilyn and she, wisely, decided, to sit near the entrance and visit with two ladies from Israel while I climbed higher and saw a bit of his architectural work.
A wise decision put us in a cab till we could hook back up with the Red line and continue our travels. The bus climbed "Montjuic"( Jewish mountain) named to commemorate the site of one of the first Jewish cemeteries. The ride was impressive through beautiful green areas and past churches, monuments, museums and the site of the Olympic games and all their sports venues.

We excited, next at the Miro Museum where we spent several hours viewing a video, which included scenes of his work at the "Terrace Plaza Hotel"( Cincinnati) in the Gourmet room, his first mural commision in the United States. Lunch was typical museum fair, Tuna Salad on white and a lemonade. The works in the museum made me a Miro enthusiast, but that's for an art report. The view, over the valley and Barcelona, from the roof terrace was impressive. Back on the bus, two more stops and back to the Hotel at 5.

Mark Gibson's( mentioned in the previous posting) ex wife picked us up at 5:30 and after a half hour get acquainted session we were off again. This time we strolled thru more nearby streets(small) the most interesting of which was one with over a dozen Chocolate shops serving anything from chocolate slabs and candies to hot liquid and, of course, cake and pastries. She explained the chocolate sculptures, in several shops, from Pirate ships to Cathedrals, are given as Easter presents. Cost's, of those we saw, seemed to be in the hundreds or thousands, either Euros or Dollars, take your pick.
The women, with me in tow, ended at "Zara's", the Spanish equivalent of H&M. Luckily nothing fit Marilyn.
A cab ride to her neighborhood, with an attractive Gaudi house( green, white and yellow tiles), along the way, and an introduction to Mark's attractive 13 year old daughter and a short visit in their bright and cheerful apartment.

By now we are semi- Spanish and so we walked to a neighborhood restaurant, "La Bodega", Plaza Molina, 2 Tel 93 237 8434 arriving a little after 9 PM.
The restaurant was wonderful with my biggest shock, the servers are all Filipino's and all speak English. The staff are more interested in the "LA Lakers" and Kobe Bryan than the Barcelona soccer team.
Second biggest surprise, all the specials and dessert are presented, as prepared by the kitchen, to ones table at the appropriate time for personal viewing and decision.

We shared a large order of Fried Artichokes( babies) and a small plate of beautifully cured Smoked Sliced Salmon.
With the help of our hostess I asked for a received an excellent Seafood Paella, created by the kitchen for the visiting American. It was terrific, I have never had a better, although I don't get a chance to order this often and am by no means an expert. Besides, shrimp, clams, octopus and mussels there were small strips of 2 or 3 other fish. The rice, seasoning and consistency and light crust was perfect.
I tasted part of Marilyn's beautiful mixed salad and a bite of her main course.
A half bottle of white wine, I shared with Georgiana, our guide and hostess, and 2 dessert, a pastry similar to "doughnut holes" and an outstanding Apple Tart with Ice Cream over filled us.

Midnight hailed a cab back to the hotel for a much needed rest.

Barcelona 1

2011-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

We have been home almost 10 days and the glow has not gone away. Here is a report ( broken in sections) of our 3 plus days in Barcelona (a city of almost 2 million residents and about a half a million visitors, daily, in high season).

Got to our hotel, "Hotel Colon" about 9 AM. The hotel is wonderfully situated across a plaza from the main Cathedral. Also less than a block from a main artery which carries many forms of transportation, including the "Bus Turistic", hop on-hop off service to over 40 main sightseeing attractions in the city. Unloaded our bags and took off on foot for a neighborhood stroll. The main old Government square, Jewish Quarter, alleys and small streets full of shops and eating places, "La Rambla" ( Barcelona's main walking street) and one of the world's great food markets, "La Boqueria". The market has literally everything from soup to nuts. Hundreds of stalls, fresh seafood, of all kinds on ice, too excess, vegetables and along with this a good number of pick-pockets. Be careful in any large city in crowded places.
Back to the hotel at 1 PM to meet another couple from the cruise and lunch at "Cafe de L'Academia". This, plus other spots, had been recommended by our friend Mark Gibson who gets to Barcelona 3 or 4 times a year to visit his daughter. We had the hotel make a reservation for 1:30, early lunch by Spanish standards, and when we arrived at 1:25 the metal shutter was still down, but others were waiting. The curtain rose at 1:35 and the four of us were seated in the small main dining area. Service from the staff, who are not fluent in English, but who have a working knowledge, was friendly, helpful and prompt. Most Spaniards arrive for lunch between 2 and 3. The restaurant is on a small street at the "Plaza Sant Just"( name of the church) and the phone number is 93 319 82 53.
Our first meal consisted of a shared bowl of fresh Green Beans, Peas, Bacon and tomato's all simmered in a stock until taste blended and they were just the right consistency. My following first course was a beautiful small stacked salad of crisp greens, Parmesan slices and pear pieces all doused with light Spanish olive oil cut with just a few drops of vinegar. The olive oil was the best that I can remember.
I followed with a small plate of Spanish sausage, poached egg and sliced asparagus. A beautiful and tasty combination. The four of us shared a bottle of white wine and two desserts, lemon tart and apple bars. Not a bad introduction to the Barcelona restaurant scene.
On the way out I asked for a recommendation of an equally good place for dinner and was given a card of restaurant "AGUT" which when I returned to the hotel was a number one priority for that evenings reservation. I often ask a good restaurant where else they recommend, when I am in a new locale.
A stroll back, people watching from a bench on the Plaza and a long siesta filled the afternoon and early evening, until a third couple, from the ship joined the 4 of us for the walk to "AGUT".

We were slightly better in our timing for dinner, arriving at 8:45, they opened at 8:30 to find one other table already occupied. Natives seem to begin their evening meals between 9 and 11. There large meal is often "lunch".
The restaurant was slightly larger than "L'Academia" but again not over run with American tourists, although the next table contained a very attractive young couple from Finland.
My meal was outstanding, simple and wonderful. Again the table shared a bottle of wine, although several people ordered individual drinks. I started with a full plate of baby frogs legs with a Beurre Blanc sauce and several fresh ground herbs dusted on the seafood. For my main course I selected Oxtails in a Red Wine sauce, OUTSTANDING. It maybe one of the most wonderful dishes I have ever had. The Oxtails had been caramelized and braised with a few small carrots and onions in this stupendous Red Wine sauce. It came in a wide medium deep bowl and if Marilyn had not pulled me away I would still be eating wonderful warm rolls dipped in the sauce, obviously no meat or trimmings remained. If you should happen to be in Barcelona try Restaurant AGAT, Gignas, 16-08002Barcelona Tel. 93 315 17 09. Whatever they serve will be worth the visit. A walk home, a little conversation on the Plaza and bed as in the morning we would be off again, and so will this narrative.

Here we go

2011-04-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

This posting has a double meaning. It's getting started, after almost a full month without writing anything and it's the first of several which will describe, at least some of the eating, of our recently concluded 3 week vacation. We boarded the Regent Seven Seas "Mariner", in Ft. Lauderdale FL, on Wednesday March 23 and set sail that evening on a 15 day Atlantic Crossing to Barcelona Spain. We knew no one on board, but that condition was only temporary. The temperature at boarding was 76F and we elected to have our first diner on the "fan tail" the open deck of the less than formal dining area. Of course, we expected in March that the weather, in crossing the Atlantic, would be cool and possibly rainy. What a wrong guess, we were blessed with 19 days of almost perfect weather. To finish the nautical description we where also bless with what can only be described as the smoothest Ocean Crossing within memory of passengers and crew. The food, on the ship was uniformly well prepared, interesting and beautifully presented. With a day or two advanced advice the kitchen tried to offer and special item which a passenger desired. Two nights we took advantage of this. There are 4 venues, two large dining rooms and two specialty restaurants, one a steak house, where I ate Lobster and Dover Sole, the other French, Sea Bass. Another excellent feature was that portions were the correct size to enjoy as many courses as one wanted. I would classify them as slightly larger than a "tasting portion". Our two special request, for dinners, were bone in Brazed Beef Short ribs and Veal Osso Buco. The ribs were sliced "off the bone" but the bone, from the cooking, was present. The Osso Buco came as imagined with plenty of good sauce for dipping. After the first night we only dined alone, by choice as we meet many interesting, pleasent couples and either ate with one or two of them each evening, after drinks in one of ther lounges. Our itinerary took us first to Bermuda and then after 5 days at sea to the island of Madeira. Madeira was especially beautiful with high sea cliffs, mountains and lush vegetation. The local wine and honey cake, both of which we sampled, on our all day tour, were memorable. Next we spent a day in Casablanca ( Rick was no where to be seen) and Rebat. Not sure where the King was but his Palace and red fessed guards were present. In Rebat our buffet lunch was a memorable selection of Moroccan food from Vegetable Cos-Cos, Tangine ( chicken, olives, onions, carrots and spices all stewed in an inviting sauce), roasted peppers and local tubers, fish pieces marinated and fried, cooked and raw fruit and wonderful apricot and even better pineapple up-side-down cake. A terrific meal. In Malaga we boarded buses for the trip to Granada and a three hour tour of the Alhambra, bring your walking shoes. At 2 PM, were now in Spain, we assembled for lunch at the "Alhambra Palace Hotel", adjacent to the grounds. There were 80 to 100 of us, from the tour, and we had a special dining room and set menu. The round tables were set with 10 places, both red and white wine and rolls and butter. Serves brought a lovely large plated salad of greens, beets, tomato's, shredded carrots, artichoke hearts, hard boiled egg, all topped with grilled fish, either Tuna or whole Sardine ( the jury is still out). From the table setting we guessed that this would be followed by dessert. Wrong, when this plate was cleared in came the main course, a tenderloin, medium rare, sliced potato's, broiled tomato and green beans. I ate a slice or two of Marilyn's steak and awaited the ice cream Sundae which ended an overloaded Spanish lunch. Cartagena was our next port of call and Marilyn and I took separate tours. Mine the Bullas Wine Route was the only disappointment, as far as tours were concerned. Our guide knew nothing of the territory and even less about wine. We visited one winery (Bodega) and a museum, long ride with little return. Last stop before Barcelona was the island of Mallorcia. We choose wisely and spent a wonderful day in Valldemosa, an old resort village, for the rich early island inhabitants about 12 miles up in the mountains. Current home owner, Michael Douglas and Tom Cruise. Fredrick Chopin lived there with George Sands. At noon there was a short piano concert of a couple of Chopin etudes. We walked around, had a Gelotto, peach for me, and took the bus back to the ship and on to Barcelona. Next report in a day or two.

We're about to shove off

2011-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is almost assuredly the final posting before we take a 3 week cruise and land extension which departs Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday and ends in Barcelona where we will remain until returning the week of April 11.

This past week, eating out, was at several regulars and one place, "Eddie Merlot's" that this marked our return visit
I have always wanted to try the grilled Salmon at "The Precinct" Delta and Columbia Parkway, 513-321-5454, so Tuesday night I summoned up the courage to break the steak.
After the "Bombay" and Greek Salad I was served a beautifully grilled, large piece, of Salmon which had been rubbed with Olive Oil and sprinked with lemon juice, as it was prepared. It was done perfectly and was indeed delicious. The accompaniment, on the plate, was a watercrest salad( bright green) marrinated lightly in olive oil and either lemon or a light vinegar. Also accompaning was the usual excellent baked potato with all the butter and sour cream ones diet will allow. Marilyn had the strip Serloin, again done perfectly, half of which came home, as dis some of the baked potatos.We are always treated wonderfully by the wait staff and therefore it is hard to stay away although many meals, there, for me, means many extra pounds.
The next night before the Ensamble Theater we ate up the block at "The Senate" 1212 Vine St 513-421-2020. I tried to have the most healthy thing on the menu, so ended up with "My Wifes Salad", Arugila( Cincinnati has become Arugila crazy) cherry tomatos, avacado and cheese curds with a pleasent but powerful Balsamic vinegrett. I followed with an order of their muscels, which are really outstanding. The sauce is a mixture of white wine, butter, clam juice and many herbs. Marilyn had an interesting dish, Poutine. A bed of French fries and melted cheese curds was covered with a beef short rib ragout seasoned beautifully and delicious, I nibbled.
A lunch at the "Oriental Wok" Regency was my attempt to rest my arterys. I asked, and they complied, that the just steam a dish of scallops, bean sprouts and scallions. I did mix a little of the hot mustard and "duck sauce" to dip the scallops as I cut them into bite sized pieces. Behaving has it pluses and minuses.

Last night we returned to "Eddie Merlot's' 10808 Montgomery Road, just of the I 275 Montgomery exit, 513-489-1212. The restaurant seats approximatly 340 and it was 90% or more filled on Saturday night. They handle the crowd well and the service, although our waiter was away several times, for extended periods, was on the whole quite satisfactory. Marilyn had the 3 course Prix Fixe Menu which for $31.95 is not out of line. Her Walleye was especially good.
I put together 3 dishes, which proved to be to much. New England clam chowder, came in a large bowl and that plus my Romaine Waldorf salad would have been sufficent. I add to these a spicy tuna roll which either becasue I had eated quite a bit, before I got to it or because it was nothing special was not overly tempting. (Wild Ginger and Dancing Wassabi don't have to worry).
The clam chowder was slightly on the thin side but it did contain a fair amount of chopped clams and diced potatos. The salad, a romain heart, sliced granny Smith apples, spiced pecans and blue cheese crumbles was, to me the best of the three dishes. The "Bombay" was loaded with cocktail onions and now you have a full report and I'll start thinkng about packing.

Bending the rules

2011-03-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have to do something that I have generally avoided. I make it a policy to only give my reaction to public establishments where all of us can go, and thus judge for themselves.
However, I have been to two private events in the last 10 days that I feel must be mentioned.

Last Tuesday, Marilyn Harris( Cincinnati's food maven), hosted a Party of Note, benefiting the CSO( Cincinnati Symphony) at her home. It was held on "fat Tuesday" and the menu was defiantly New Orleans: Shrimp with an authentic Remoulade sauce, Oyster Rockefeller( served on toast rounds) and again authentic( no creamed spinach), a perfectly seasoned Jambalaya (without seafood), lightly dressed green salad and a Bread pudding( with golden raisins and Makers Mark flavoring) as they say "to die for". I was blow away.
Last night a small dinner party, to celebrate a good friends 75th Birthday( yes, were at that age or older)including: beautiful North Carolina lump crab, in a sauce with caper, lemon and mayonnaise; a rich Parmesan and pepper corn dip, on pita chips; homemade chicken pot pie( superb wine reduction sauce), colorful vegetable Terrine( layers of grilled red and yellow peppers, eggplant, zucchini and sweet onion) and a heavily laden apricot torte.
Now you see why I had to bend the rules( self set).

So here are some of the commercial places we have eaten over the last 10 days:
"Gabby's Cafe" 515 Wyoming Ave Cincinnati(Wyoming) OH 45215. A neighborhood bar and eatery in the closest North Central suburb. "Gabby's" is informal and caters to family's and old and young alike. The food is passable to good with my Shrimp Andrea being highly acceptable. Shrimp(scampi sized) mixed with spaghetti, bacon, onion and several herbs and spices in an oil based sauce. Marilyn's Spaghetti and meatballs was a passable dish. We went with friends and several more, in our age group, came in while we were at dinner.
The next night at "Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, with a wonderful couple of new friends, I had what I can only describe as a disappointment from one of my favorites. I again chose shrimp and pasta, wanting to compare, and was disappointed in both the flavor and the crispness of the shrimp. I was probably expecting too much, Marilyn had duck breast which she reported as being great.
Early last week five of us held a business dinner and social evening at "Suzie Wong's" 1544 Madison Road Cincinnati OH 45208 (513) 751-3333. I have been there twice before and enjoyed my Korean dinner, a rice bowl with beef and veggies. On this occasion I took the advice of the only Asian in our group and ordered the Korean Bar-B-Qued Short Ribs. I received a very large portion of short rib slices, sans the bones, in a heavy sweet and salty sauce. Too over powering for my taste and more than twice what I was able to consume.
On Wednesday night we went to "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave Cincinnati 45208 in a driving rain storm. "Nectar" has started serving, on Wednesdays, a Prix Fixe Menu of three courses for $25. After our drinks this menu is what both Marilyn and I chose.
The first course was a Mushroom Cake with chopped spinach, fennel and Parmesan served in a pear and orange Buerre Blanc sauce with several slices of fresh orange, very tasty.
Next came Duck Leg Confit( more essence of duck, than meat present) with a frisee of crisp vegetables and a thin slice of "house cured" bacon liberally sprinkled with a mustard vinaigrette, all topped with a fried egg. Hardly what either of us expected but interesting and flavorful none the less. The meal ended this a small ramekin of Maple Crema( flan consistency) under several slices of fresh strawberry and a home made peanut brittle. A delightful dolce to end the evening.
Lastly we met the conductor of the CCM Orchestras for a pre rehearsal dinner(5:30) at "La Poste" 3410 Telford Cincinnati( Clifton) 513-281-3663( his new favorite). Since it was early I settled for a beet salad, heavy on Arugula and light on the beets, and a crab cake, fair sized but no lump crab to be found. In fairness to the restaurant there was no mention of lump crab and I quite possibly let expectation get too far ahead of reality.

Now you see why I felt the necessity of reporting on the private meals, which to me, in this latest period, outshone anything I had in a commercial establishment. Suffering is relative.

So where have we been for 10 days

2011-03-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

The past 10 days have not been any kind of eating frenzy or even greatly memorable compared to the last posting. No tasting menus, reminiscences, of things past, or even new groups or societies making an appearance. Mostly we have been eating at home, preparing one special dinner for guests( my brazed short ribs and root vegetables), or going out on one or two occasions where food was included, but not the main attraction. Three pubic places are as follows:

"Maggiano's Little Italy" Kenwood Towne Center,( good standard, chain Italian, as the name implies) which has been covered several times previously. Besides splitting a salad and three main courses, with another couple, I enjoyed the super rich crab Cannelloni the most, of the entrees, the high point was our servers trek next door to "The Cheesecake Factory" to get cocktail onions to go in my Bombay. That was real hospitality and a true understanding of customer service( and also working for tips).

A night at the "Oriental Wok" in Hyde Park where our friend Guy Burgess, the chef, had managed to get one of five kegs of an excellent English beer, "Fuller's London Pale" which he invited us to enjoy, the night he had the tapping. The beer was amber, smooth, very tasty and had littler carbonation so it went down a little too easy. Egg rolls and entrees made us the four of us feel less like "pub crawlers" and more like the diners we were supposed to be.

A return visit to "Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine St. for a diner off the menu or announced "specials" turned out to be pleasant, indeed. The restaurants bar prices, for good sized pours, are very much in line, or slightly under other comparable establishments, and food can be had at all price points. I had a delicious shrimp salad, large shrimp cut in half lengthwise and moulded with crisp vegetables into a form producing an over sized "hockey puck" of flavor and pleasing, crunchy consistency.
I followed with the "French Castle Burger", a full plate containing a very good sized burger, medium rare, on a brioche bun( toasted) and covered with a "house" slaw, sauce and slices of fresh tomato. This is paired with very good, fresh fries which came as I requested "extra crispy" ( price $13). Reasonable for the quality and amount. Marilyn had the Boston Sole, special, as described in my last entree. I believe that John Robert has used the tasting menu for a template is getting the kitchen to prepare a number of the specials he is serving currently.

Outstanding

2011-02-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

As we finished dinner Friday night at "Orchid's" at the Hilton Netherland Plaza the Wine Stewart and Maitre'De stopped by our table to ask how our dinner was; I could only think of one word "Outstanding". At the time I thought I was only describing our meal of that evening. As it turned out I was to be describing most of the "eating out" over the weekend.

But lets start with Friday night and the meals that 4 of us enjoyed at one of, if not the, top restaurants in the city. I and our women guest had the regular Tasting Menu while Marilyn chose her dishes from the main menu and the other man in the party had the Vegetarian Tasting ( a rarity in Cincinnati and according to him the best selection of Vegetarian dishes he had ever had) I am not going to rave about each dish and it's presentation but they all deserved the accolades which we bestowed upon them.
The regular Tasting menu that evening was:
Maine Lobster Salad( organic "fried" egg, parsley, creme fraiche and caviar cream)
Loup de Mer( caramelized cauliflower, Nantucket Bay scallops, orange and sage)
Veal Sweetbreads( haricot vert, braised cardoons, Shiitake mushrooms and sherry vinaigrette)
Jamison Farm Lamb, grilled perfectly( celery root, oyster mushrooms, salsify, almonds and juniper berry sauce)
Dessert Duet( warm chocolate custard and frozen Carmel mouse)
This meal was prefaced with a bite of "house cured Pancetta' first, with our bar drinks, and accompanied with an excellent "Boony Doon 'le Cigare' Volant". Beautiful wine with a beautiful meal.
To satisfy curiosity the Vegetarian tasting( not fully described) was:
Tart Greens
Spinach Gnudi
Crisp Tofu
Fettuccine( truffles and mushrooms)
Dessert Duet- same as above
Marilyn had full portions of Spinach Gnudi (hedgehog mushrooms and preserved tomatoes) and the Jamison Farms Lamb.
"Orchids" is by no means inexpensive but the value is great and the kitchen and front of the house, lead by Todd Kelley, are both memorable.

Saturday night was an interesting evening of nostalgia with a Presbyterian Minister whose first pulpit was in a small town in Northern WI where I have spent many summers for the last 70 years.
Or dinner was at the "National Exemplar" in the heart of Mariemont. There were 8 of us and this restaurant does a better than adequate job of preparing their well known standards with great consistency.
Marilyn and I split everything: Hungarian Mushroom soup( very rich and flavorful), Crisp Iceberg wedge with blue cheese, bacon and tomato, Veal Suzanne( 2 cutlets dipped in an egg wash and sauteed served on fettuccine) and calf's liver( one of the better places around for this special item) with onions, bacon and creamy mashed potato's
A short stroll down the street to "Greater's" for a bowl of toffee chip topped off a pleasant evening with new friends.

Sunday night I was a guest at "Jean-Robert's Table", Vine and Garfield Place, for a "Chaine des Rotisseurs" dinner. The "Chaine" is a world wide organization of foodies with a chapter in Cincinnati. They support restaurants and provide funds for the education of young chefs.
Again a tasting menu( over the top) with wines to match.
Upon arrival we were met by servers with trays of Champagne and others with an assortment of hors dourves, ranging from smoked salmon on thin toast points to crisp pastry filled with sweetbread mousse.
The dinner and wines were as follows:
Maine Lobster salad( firm good sized pieces, pomegranate, grapefruit, "carrot, celery root and snow pea slaw") Wine- Pouilly Fume, Loire 2009
Arugula and endive salad( with duck leg confit and foie gras served over a most interesting and tastee apple, blue cheese and quinoa in phyllo - a first for me, but hopefully not a last) Wine-Schloss Vollrads Spatlese, 2007
Boston sole pinot noir in light truffle sauce( parsnip, wilted rapini, spaghetti of black trumpet mushrooms) Wine- Chteauneuf-du-Pape, 2008
Venison( medium) with poivrade sauce( Duo of potatoes gratin, medley of mushroom, fondue of cabbage, goat cheese flan, chestnut puree and cranberry chutney) Imagine the textures and flavors all on one plate, the sole paled by comparison. Wine- Clarendon Hills Genache, 2004
Dessert was an assortment of sweets, about two small bites each: Cake with apricot filling topped with cinnamon gelloto, Shortbread round with citron mouse and fresh raspberry, chocolate tart with shredded hazel nuts and last but not least a Latte mouse.

As I said in the title "Outstanding" weekend.

Eating alone

2011-02-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

Eating alone is subsisting. Eating with one companion or more is a social event enhanced by company and the chance to share and taste more dishes than you would ever consume on your own.
Obviously the more people, and the more sharing, the better, at least in my opinion.

Valentine weekend we ventured, with 2 other couples to "Cafe Mediterranean" in the Mall, just past "5 mile" at 7454 Beechmont Ave. Suite 300, Anderson Township, 513-232-2400. We found it lively and full, the first time we have seen it in that condition since we have been going their for our Turkish and other Mediterranean dishes. With six of us we could eat as one ofter does in other ethnic restaurants, sharing several items.
In the center of the table were placed Baba Ganoush, Shepard's Salad, Excellent Tabbouleh and a regular Greek Salad( to me the least interesting). They were accompanied by hot thick Pita and all made the rounds for several nice tastings. My favorites were the Tabbouleh and the Baba Ganoush. Marilyn and I both had the marinated and grilled chicken thighs, butterflied, off the bone and served with mixed vegetables( nothing to rave about) and rice. The thighs are tender, juicy and slightly peppery. Others had Sea Bass, worth a nice taste, Moussaka, Salmon and lamb kabobs. All items nicely done and plenty of food for all. Several of us had Turkish beer( EFFS) and a couple others had wine. We ended a very nice meal splitting a Pistachio Baklava. We still think they serve the best Mid-eastern food in the area.

Another venture to "LaPoste", our 4th or 5th, 3410 Teleford, Clifton, 513-281-3663 found us again splitting but this time only with another friend. As I have mentioned some of the help has deserted "Honey" and even thought the menu at La Poste" is not quite as extensive as "Honey" the food and service, on our visits, have been first class. our server, who had taken care of all 3 of us before, asked if we wanted out regular libations and when we answered in the affirmative my "Bombay" and Marilyn's Cranberry arrive promptly. House supplied roasted red pepper humus with pita points accompanied the drinks, and an order of "frites" with a mustard dipping sauce held us though our social drinking and conversation period. The kitchen sent each of us a seared scallop on Melba toast and a bed of greens, which may have been the "extra" for regulars that evening.(Good business, some places send a drink, others dessert, you get the point).
I chose the John Dory special, grilled with a strawberry sweet onion salsa and accompanied by bitter greens. Marilyn had her favorite Mushroom Ravioli, and one taste confirmed why, while the other member of our group had veal prepared in several fashions, including sweetbreads, hard for me to turn down a taste. All items were delicious and quite different.
We couldn't resist the warm cherry bread pudding covered with Carmel sauce and topped with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, one of the best, and always filling, deserts in the area.

If you must eat alone, grab a burger and fries or an egg sandwich and save the real eating out till you have at least one companion and hopefully more.

Disenting opinions

2011-02-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Usually I get no feed back from my postings, but two people thought the I was being unfair to "Jean Robert's Table" in my last posting, and voiced their complaint. The particular discussion focused on the Lamb Shank and I was accused of being to harsh and expecting too much.
Others who ate the dish, last Wednesday, argued that the shank was perfectly prepared, coming off the bone easily and that the accompaniment of polenta and spinach was most appropriate. They even reminded me that there was sufficient sauce.
One of the party, who had the lemon tart, said that I should have raved even more about this dessert.
Writing a Blog, or running a restaurant ends up with opinions that are very subjective, and often divergent. Lamb Shank lovers, don't unite, but go try it for yourselves.

A new bar, "Bag Pipes Irish Pub", has moved into the spot formerly "Redfish" at 700 Race St( corner of Race and 7th St) and opened about 2 weeks ago. Phone is 513-421-7468 and FAX, if you want to carry out, is 513-421-7471.
We went Thursday night with a younger couple( but most are) who live downtown. The population, that evening seemed mostly in their 30's and 40's and the noise level is at decibels which they can live with, but we find difficult. The bar and front room was quite active( noisy) with the clients imbibing and ordering some of the Irish Themed bar food. Bar prices are reasonable and food runs in the $10 to $15 dollar range for most dinner items. There are some nightly specials both in food and drink.
After my Bombay($6), again no onions, I followed with a cup of chili, good flavor and plenty of ground beef, and a salad of greens, goat cheese and pecan bits. Marilyn had Irish stew, which had the consistency of my chili, with several pieces of lamb or beef included. The other couple had a Ruben( which she deconstructed) and "Bangers and Mashed", which turned out to be two Bratwurst's on a mound of mashed potato's.
We all ate our dinners but none completely finished, what they were served( except for the cup of chili) and even though I am somewhat touchy, at the moment, I can say without too much fear of contradiction that the food is very ordinary.
If you like an active bar scene you may want to give the place a try.

Nurses

2011-02-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

Our daughter has been in the hospital for two weeks. This has curtailed our eating out and the time available for postings. One thing that has happened, however, is that we have found a whole new group of professionals who are interested it the various dining places in the Cincinnati area.
Several new readers have commented that it would be easier if there were some sort of alphabetical way to find restaurants about which we Blog. Not being, in any way, computer literate I have to leave it up to someone with a lot more knowledge to give me some idea about how this could be accomplished.

So in the last 10 or 12 days where have we eaten out and what have we enjoyed:
"Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine St., Cincinnati 513-621-4777. We were guests so the only comment I can have on the wine was that it was a Bordeaux and six of us went through several bottles. I paid the price afterwards. The "Bombay" came without cocktail onions so I may have to start carrying my own. For a first course I had excellent sweetbreads served on a mild blue cheese tart and covered with a plentifully veal reduction. The plate was decorated with sweet grape halves. The dish was terrific.
My Lamb Shank was plentiful and done nicely but really had nothing to differentiate it from those served elsewhere. It was plated on a bed of polenta, to which had been added a few mushroom pieces. Divided desserts were the lemon tart, wonderful, and a pleasant pumpkin moose and spice cake which unfortunately seem either slightly too chilled( the cake) or stale.

Todd Kelly, the Executive chef at the Netherlands Hilton, which includes Orchids, gave a cooking demonstration at "The Party Source" in Belleview KY (859) 291-4007. He is a delight and his food is always good and interesting. The evening we were present he made a wonderful salad of bitter greens, served with blue cheese Beignets( with local honey) and the greens in a vinaigrette were topped with a light almond brittle, absolutely outstanding. This was followed by Braised Short Ribs and Ricotta Gnudi. The short ribs were good, but I have invited Todd to try mine and the Gnudi seemed like a small dumpling in search of some filling. I have some nerve commenting like this on food from one of the best chefs in the area.
Dessert was Liquid Center Chocolate cake which by the time it was served had turned into a lovely most chocolate cake round. Three wines, a Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Carmenere topped off the evening. It is a wonderful event at only $55 per person. Fun, education and good food. Call "The Party Source"and get their calendar of events.

Two other evening, at chef owned and run establishments filled out our time. "Honey" in Northside served me beautiful grilled salmon on cauliflower puree and ala carte a very large side of roasted Brussels Sprouts and for Marilyn favorable short ribs over barley and mushrooms. There were enough Brussels Sprouts for us to trade large taste of each of the accompaniments. As a starter we single had large sized ravioli stuffed with golden squash in a very light butter and wine and cream sauce. Chef centered restaurants remain our favorites.
Staying with that theme we also enjoyed another trip to "Nectar" 1000 Delta Ave for a repeat of the Turner Farm calf's liver which we had enjoyed a few weeks ago at brunch there. This time the liver was accompanied by spinach, potato au grautine and a "gritz cake". Our appetite had been heightened by a small ramekin of superb cream of celery soup containing strips of tart firm apple. The meal was wonderful and it is only though the pressure of present circumstances that my weight has remained in bounds. Of course, having cocktails before these feasts have added more than a few "empty calories"

MEI

2011-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

"MEI", Japanese Restaurant, located at 8608 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, OH 45242 (513) 891-6880 has been in business for almost 10 years but it wasn't until last night, when we went with friends from the neighborhood, that we had heard of it, or given it a try.
This clean, bright, minimally decorated place in Montgomery has several dining spaces. The largest contains 4 Hibachi tables with flat tops and counters seating 8 or 10 while the other area has the entrance, a Sushi Bar, and one section with tables and another with 3 or 4 booths.
Our server a very worldly Caucasian( teaches at UC, English as a second language) was pleasant, knowledgeable, patient and accommodating.
The menu is large and there is a separate listing of house specials and one of Sushi combinations.

We came from having drinks and nibbles at the other couple's house and so the four of us opted to split several small dishes and only one major "role". Each dish would easily serve as a first course for one, a decent split for 2 and a taste for three or more. Our selections were: Tempura( 2 shrimp and a selection of vegetables) all fried in a light batter and served with a very light sauce for dipping. Deep fried Smelts, crisp, warm and enough that we all had two or three. An excellent grilled duck slices(5) beautifully seasoned and done just right, firm and crunchy.
Meat filled Dumplings(5) which may have been the least interesting to me; Yakitori( slightly grilled chicken pieces on a skewer) and a Spicy Tuna Roll( 8 pieces) nicely put together but nothing special to distinguish "MEI" from other Asian spots. These dishes call for beer and we each had Kirin Ichiban, except for Marilyn. Total, before tip $58, for the four.
I was pleased that we went( always like a new place and someone else's suggestion) but if I do go again, I will explore some of the larger dishes and probably some that are less ordinary.

Also this week we have gone to two standbys. "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" where the best items remain their Grouper( excellent, possibly the best in the area) and the Etouffee, slightly spicy and very rich. Also the "Turbo Dog Ale" remains my favorite to accompany Cajun dishes.
The other evening we stoped by the Oriental Wok( Regency) before theatre, to help them finish the "flown in" "Laughing Bird Shrimp" which I, and the restaurant, originally attributed to Argentina but which actually come from Belize. Any way they served us a large platter, which a friend and I split, half prepared with whole pepper corns in a slightly sweet sauce and the other half prepared as we had last Friday, lightly stir fried in a Wok. Marilyn went with Pork Chow Mien which must have been good as she made "all gone"

Earth, Water, Wind, Fire

2011-01-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

According to Asian beliefs these( above) are the basic elements that govern everything, even their cooking, for health and long life. Some are more obvious when it comes to selecting a meal than others but all can be included, one way or another. I give you this preface as several of our meals out, during the past week, have been at Asian restaurants. See if you can find the elements.

"Pho Long Thong"(Vietnamese) Findlay Market, 114 W Elder, 45202 (513) 257-7014 opened about 2 months ago. I had walked past, when shopping, but had to find the right "adventurous" person to join for a first experience. Wednesday, mission accomplished, and I'm glad it was.
The restaurant, stand alone, not in the main market building, is small, clean and bright. There seem to be about 8/10 tables and a stand up area where people wait for "carry out". The staff is very friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable, which helped. There are a couple of starters, two salads and several sandwiches and wraps. Most people, we included, tend to order the noodle dishes, in our case the Pho( hot Vietnamese traditional rice noodle soup) but there are also two cold noodle dishes.
We started by splitting an order of spring roles, served very hot, crisp and filled with pork, mushrooms, carrots and glass noodles. As mention we each had a bowl of Pho, which comes either small($5), medium($6.50) or large($8), the latter can serve as a hot tub. We chose the small, which for us was plenty, although younger guest seemed to go with the medium. There are 4 choices of meat: beef( the most popular) , chicken, pork and tripe. My friend had the chicken and I the tripe.
The broth is poured over the thinly sliced meat and is hot enough to cook or sear that ingredient. The soup is pungent, flavorful and keeps the bowl full of noodles, herbs and spices tasty and warm through out the meal. It was great and I am sure we will both return. If there is any down side it is a need for a better air circulating system but that will be fixed, don't stay away.

Back to "Bombay Brazier" 7791 Cooper Rd 45242 (513) 794-0000, our new Indian hang out in the "burbs". Four of us enjoyed a wonderful dinner based on each of our individual suggestions to Rip and Gee, the delightful owners. We again ate in the "wine room" which is quiet, attractive and a great place to relax and visit. Our four selections were: "Chicken Mango", grilled chicken breasts sliced and cooked with sweet Mango in a slightly thicken sauce; Lamb Tiki Marsala, grilled chunks of tender lamb is a generous sauce with a tomato and cream base( I think) seasoned with Marsala wine and various spices, great over rice; Tandoori Prawns, large shrimp baked in a tandoori oven and seasoned with onion, tomato's and peppers and our unusual creamed spiced spinach with mushrooms. All items can be ordered with the amount of spicy "heat" desired. Accompanying were two Nan's, one onion and the other garlic and bottles of a wonderful French beer, "Foster Amber". We never leave empty and often with a carry out box for lunch the next day. The people, food and brew are all great.

The third ethnic was our friends the Wong's', "Oriental Wok" at the Regency( Hyde Park). We are spoiled, there, by Guy Burgess the chef and Susannah Wong, his wife and co-manager.
Guy had fixed a couple of special dishes, a hot, hearty Oxtail soup, not your usual Asian first course, but terrific on a sub zero evening. The broth had an excellent beef flavor and the oxtail was cooked perfectly. Next came a most interesting Duck Con fit Salad. A coarsely cut cabbage slaw and pieces of roasted duck leg both slightly marinated and served, interestingly, on a divided crisp puff pastry, something really new and delicious.
There were four of us, all either had our own helping or we split orders, which is what we did with the last two additions,"Laughing Bird Shrimp"( I believe from Argentina) which Guy dragged lightly through corn starch and flashed fried in a wok with an extremely light seasoning and one full order of roasted Bar-B-Qued pork on a bed of bean sprouts and mushrooms.
Ed, can you blame us from going often.

Topping off this ethnic week was lunch at "Oakley Pub and Grill" 3924 Isabella Ave 45209 (513) 531-2500 where I almost always eat the grilled Grouper sandwich with the crispy cold slaw. The Grouper which is one of the better around town comes on marbled rye. I have tried to buy the rye in stores but have just recently learned that it only sold to restaurants, Oakley, here I come with wallet in hand.

Interesting Week

2011-01-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

I usually don't comment on private dinners but last Saturday night, our friend and trainor, Pat Gaito, fixed an outstanding Italian dinner, for eight.
He started with a cold Antipasto, meats, cheeses, olives, roasted peppers and a fairly spice mix. That was followed by a large bowl of steamed shell fish( shrimp, mussels, clams) all cooked in a broth with white wine and a dish he claims to have invented, Chicken Scappilla( slices of grilled chicken breast, spicy Italian sausage, red and yellow belle pepper slices plus mushrooms and onions also sliced and cooked in a very tasty, fairly thick, herb seasoned, broth). All this was accompanied by large baskets of fresh Italian bread and several bottle of excellent wine. Come to your own conclusions.

Monday night was good, but not outstanding, shared Italian food at "Maggiano's" in Kenwood Mall. A well run large Italian chain dinning establishment which is always pleasant and offers good standard fair and attentive service, Monday was no exception.
Four of us divided two orders of Capellini, made to order, with artichokes, mushrooms and sun dried tomato's all tossed in light Olive oil and garlic sauce. We also split a large chopped salad which came, unfortunately, with it usual toppings( avocado, onions, prosciutto and cherry tomato's) but this time not in abundance. We should have sent the salad back for the more usual treatment. Drinks before, our usual, and coffee after brought the charge to $34.74 for the two of us.

Thursday was a fine visit at "Otto's" 521 Main in Covington and I feel that reporting in depth is "gilding the lilly" as we go there enough that any regular reader knows "the drill". Marilyn and I each had the "Wedge of Iceberg"( covered with blue cheese crumbles and bacon bits) while for our main courses I had Salmon and she Tilapia. My Salmon, rubbed with sauce, was roasted and came on a bed of sweet potato fries all topped with fresh asparagus spears. The tilapia, which was sauteed in lemon butter and capers, came with fingerling potato's and asparagus. We completed the meal by sharing, with the other couple, an order of warm apricot bread pudding covered with vanilla sauce. A very fine full dinner, as usual, at one of our "homes away from home".

The last spot, this week, was Friday at "Maribelle's Tavern" 2062 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati 45202 (513)861-2484. We have been there several time and have seen an evaluation from a bar and "hamburger joint" to a more diverse and slightly upscale dining spot. The "Bombay" is good and reasonable as is Marilyn's, large, cranberry juice and soda. I started with a half order( plenty large) of the Goat Cheese salad; mixed greens, sweet potato slices, goat cheese, nuts and cranberries, followed by lamb sliders and an order of Brussels Sprouts( small sprouts sauteed in brown butter). Marilyn had a large portion of Duck roasted nicely and covered with a light citrus sauce. The duck came with eggplant slices and cornbread dressing, with berries, as a foundation for the dish. We also had a good taste of their jalapenos grits. A fun evening with good friends and good interesting food, in a spot where in the past you could walk in but you now better have a reservation, especially on the weekend.

"Raving Fans"

2011-01-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading, "Raving Fans" by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. The book is a general approach to Customer Service on a broader level than my restaurant hospitality bible, "Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer. It is a worthwhile read for anyone in any business.

I have been a "Raving Fan" of "La Poste" 3410 Teleford (Clifton) 513-281-3663 since it opened several months ago. This week my experience dropped me from that category to just a fan. No one can expected everything at every meal be up to their imagined expectation and so it is not surprising that my meal left me slightly disappointed with my choices and the results from the kitchen. "La Poste" was reviewed in the current issue of "Cincinnati Magazine" with a full color picture of the wild mushroom Flat bread topped by a beautiful fried egg.
I ordered this as a starter and to my surprise received the flat bread in quarters( no problem) with a mound of watercress nestling a coddled egg, hardly done. The flat bread and mushrooms were quite tasty but the egg added nothing to the enjoyment of the dish.
Next I chose a new menu item "Veal Shot Ribs" which unfortunately, that evening, were quite stringy and chewy. They came with a couple of pieces of underdone sweetbreads, in a delightful sauce on a bed of soft polenta and all was topped with caramelized onions. The flavors were terrific but the meat detracted.
For dessert we shared the white chocolate, sour cherry, bread pudding smothered in Carmel sauce and including a scoop of vanilla ice cream, deliciously deadly.

The other venture this week was to "The Wine Guy Wine Shop, Wine Bar and Bistro", (a mouth full) in Rookwood Pavilion, 2692 Madison Road 513-834-571. This was a new spot for us. It is not our "cup of tea" or glass of wine.
"The Wine Guy" has taken over the space previously occupied by "Smith and Hawkins". The space is fairly large and has been divided into, wine bar and retail wine shop, and restaurant and kitchen. Decorations are pleasant, mostly wine rack and bottles, however the cement floor, heavy chairs and large tables make managing less than easy for us ancients. It is defiantly a "young persons spot". The noise level is on the high side, and if I go again, doubtful, I may take a tablet to communicate with the server and our dinner companions. I was medically restricted from alcohol( only 24 hours) and so I had no wine. Marilyn, as reported previously, does not drink alcoholic beverages. The couple we were with each had several glasses which they reported a standard while the tables around us had 4 glass "flights" which are the trademark of the place.
Our Italian Wedding soup came luke warm, always a deterrant, and was nothing special. My Seafood Carbonara had sufficient shrimp, mussels and clams along with bacon, ham, peas, mushrooms and spinach all mixed in bow tie pasta with a creamy egg and cheese sauce. The dish was quite salty but the portion was large enough to satisfy both that evening and at lunch the next day. My main course was the most expensive pasta on the menu that evening at $19.99.
It was an interesting new experience but it is doubtful that we will return of our own volition.

Happy New Year

2011-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have been tardy in bringing my postings up to date and I will not list all the excuses. Yes, we did "Eat Out" over the holidays, but not quite as much as usual, since there were other activities and of course family events.

No place new was added, in the almost two weeks since I have written, but we did have some very good meals and several "old stand bys" did them self proud.
Maybe the most enjoyable was our dinner, with family, at "The Precinct", our neighborhood steak house, less than 5 minutes away at 311 Delta Ave. 513-321-5454.
Marilyn and I usually split a steak but that evening we decided to divide a Veal Chop and that was a great choice. It came perfectly prepared(medium rare +) and divided beautifully. The meat had been grilled and was presented in a bath of natural gravy with some finally diced mushrooms and possibly a splash of wine.. Our usual accompaniment, a house baked potato, also divided, seemed even better than ever. They seem to have a special knack of finding and baking sweet, firm potato's with a delicious crusty skin, never mealy inside. Perfect accompaniment for whatever meat one orders. We each order our own salad. I usually choose the "Greek" and we again divide some onion straws. That evening everything was outstanding.

Several visits to "J Alexander's Restaurant"( Rookwood Plaza) 2629 Edmondson Road (513) 531-7495 once again confirmed that a well run chain restaurant can provide a pleasant dining experience. One night Marilyn and I each had the "prime roast beef sandwich", a generous 8 oz, or more, cut of nicely roasted prime roast beef, served as ordered. Ours were both medium rare. I requested horse radish and received both the grated and the sour cream mixed, on the side. The beef comes with shoe string French fries but substitutions are willingly made. One of us stuck with the FF while the other had steamed broccoli, these we of course divided. Service always seems attentive and accommodating.
The other visit I went with the "soup and salad" and demolished a decent sized bowl of Chicken Pasta Soup( light on the chicken and heavy on the tasty, but thick, soup) plus a full helping of crisp Cesar salad. The meal was not as memorable as the "prime rib" but decent, none the less.

Other regular visits included "Senate" 1212 Vine St. (over the Rhine) 513-421-2020. My creamy tomato soup was certainly "creamy" but did have some tomato flavor while my "Mcbelly" Sandwich was a terrific combination of chopped roasted pork, cole slaw and bar-b-Que sauce, topped by FF onion rings, on a wonderful Gimmenetti bun. A filling and a delicious lunch, at a fun "in" spot.
"Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport, again in our neighborhood, is always easy to get in and serves decent food, usually from pleasant servers. The other night was no exception. I often have fried chicken livers with bacon and onions, very bad for me but prepared as well as any in the area and beyond. That night the rest of my meal was fairly healthy as I had two "sides", steamed broccoli and apple sauce. I tried in a small way to make up for the fat and cholesterol in the main course. Remorse!
We're headed for a new spot tonight and so when I next rouse myself I'll at least report on something different.

Ethnic America

2010-12-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

It is interesting, to me, all the debate we have about immigration policies, ethnicity, population make up and how we want to see ourselves and our country. Feelings are obviously based on each of our backgrounds and beliefs, and are reinforced by our personal situation and history.
Yet when it gets time to vote with our stomach or pocketbook we often chose ethnic( foreign food) over the standard American fare. At least in this household, we do.

It is also an interesting fact that there are more Chinese Restaurants in this country than Mc Donald's and several other "fast f0od" outlets combined. Since the last posting we have supported two of them: "China Gourmet" 3340 Erie Ave. Cincinnati OH 45208 (513)871-6612 and "Jans Chinese" 10012 Montromery Rd. Cincinnati OH 45242 (513)891-3100.
Working backwards, this morning(Christmas) we had a Diem Sum Brunch at "Jans" along with three other friends. I really should try to keep a list of all the dumplings, stuffed leaves, and dough covered items that we consume, although that would probably have me losing my place as the items make their appearance. I do remember: Chinese eggplant stuffed with shrimp, two other shrimp offerings, scallops, pork buns; pork, shrimp and veggie mixture wrapped in translucent dough( as are several of the offerings), Fried chive and pork dumplings, Chinese broccoli, yam cakes, pineapple fritters and sesame dumplings and several others that were tasty but which either slipped by my grasp or memory.
One of the participants spends an amount of time in China and he believes that "Jens" can hold it's own against many of the places there. All this very good food comes at a very reasonable price; today, $12/person before tip. The restaurant was crowded and as is usual, at "Jens", from the several times we have been there about half or more of the patrons are Asian.
Wednesday evening at the "China Gourmet" we had a pleasant meal consisting of an egg role, cucumber and chicken salad( both split as an appetizer), a whole steamed walleye pike( also divided) in ginger and scallion sauce and a mixed vegetable of crisp bean sprouts and sliced scallions. The "China Gourmet" has always done fish excellently and some believe it should bill itself as an Asian fish house. The clientele has been supportive for many years and are generally well know to the servers and owners, therefore service is attentive and friendly. Prices are slightly on the high side for what one might expect at a "Chinese Restaurant" although not for a first class "fish house".

Our other venture, this week, was a return visit to "Bombay Brazier" 7791 Cooper Rd. Montgomery OH 45242 (513) 513-794-0000. Because they had a party in the main dining area(hooray) we were seated in their wine room, a lovely quiet spot with either 3 or 4 tables. Once again we put ourselves in the hands of the owners, Rip and Gee, and were delighted with the choices. Starting with "Pappadi Chaat", crisp tortilla chips topped with onion, tomato, green peppers, chickpeas, apples and 3 different ralishes( Rip's spelling) we then proceeded to two main courses. I should mention that the vegetarian, slightly sweet "Pappadi Chaat" was an excellent accompaniment to our drinks and was more than ample for the four of us.
Next came "Saag", delicately cooked and minced spinach and broccoli in a buttery garlic sauce with cream and spices, to which had been added lamb chunks and sizable pieces of fresh mushrooms. Our third item was "Mango Chicken", tandori roasted chicken in onion, ginger garlic sauce with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, spices, mango chutney and mango slices. Sweet and pungent at the same time and a wonderful dish to compliment the "Saag" and white rice with peas, which was placed on the table.
As mentioned, before, we are lucky to have this upscale Indian restaurant added to our dining scene.

Interesting Food, Interesting Places

2010-12-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Our eldest Grandchild, Trisha Wolf, is spending 6 months in Ghana working for a Micro Lending Organization. In her latest report she began by saying that I would be upset if she did not report on the food. What followed was an interesting and lengthy description of some of the things she eats with the family( Fufu, Kenkey and Ampesi) and some "street food" (Akyeke). You can look these items up on Wikipedia, if you can get by the State Dept. cables and gossip.
That got me to thinking of some of the different, or unusually items, we have had in the last two weeks at places you might not consider as serving these. Part of this comes from our friendship with owners and chefs and their knowledge that I love the unusual. It also drives home the fact that "one should not judge a book by it's cover" and that cooks everywhere love to expand their horizon's.

Brunch at Julie Francis' "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave, Cincinnati (513) 929-0525 brought a plate of sauteed Turner Farm Calf's Liver, lightly fried polenta cake and sauteed fresh spinach, accompanied by a smooth chipolte Hollandaise. The liver was tender, done medium( not overcooked) and had been basted with butter and vinegar. The polenta firm and crispy, with out being greasy, and the spinach was bright green and slightly crisp to the bite. it was an outstanding Brunch, which 3 of us enjoyed while our fourth chose smoked trout Benedict, not bad in it's own right.

Saturday night, before Symphony( a Mozart Violin Concerto preformed by Hillery Hahn) I reveled in a special seafood treat at the "Oriental Wok" ( sorry about that Ed) in the Regency, Hyde Park, corner of Dana and Madison Road. Guy Burgess, the chef, and another friend, had called to say he was picking fresh, clams, oysters and crabs, at the airport, which he was going to serve for the next few days. It took us a couple of days to get there and by then he had turned the little neck clams into a wonderful Clam Chowder, but the Oysters had been kept on ice and were still exceedingly fresh. One could taste the sea water in the oyster liquor.
I feasted on a large very hot bowl of beautifully prepared chowder, creamy, but not heavy on flour, with diced firm potato's, chives and of course, bursting with good sized sizzling whole clams. The seasoning was perfect with just the slightest touch of sweetness. The oysters, which were expensive, but you pay for what you get, were also exceptional, firm, flavorful and a full mouthful each. Not wanting to diminish the taste I ate them with a slight squeeze of fresh lemon and no heavy sauce.
Ambrosia for a frustrated coast dweller.
Marilyn who had joined in the calf's liver, at "Nectar", went with the "Oriental Wok's" fine Won Ton Soup and a mixed plate of their wonderful appetizers.

Our dining out, this past week or so also saw us at the "Sky Galley" at Lunken airport, for a week night dinner with friends( Hamburgers) and at "Bonefish Grill" Hyde Park at the corner of Madison and Edwards. "Bonefish" remains a perfectly acceptable, seafood based, chain operation with good food and service. I am partial to their house salad and often ask for a larger portion to augment whatever else I order. On this last visit it was Ceviche.
We have been fortunate to be included in several Christmas celebrations so some of our eating has taken place at the hosts well laden holiday tables, but then it's that time of the year.

Number 275

2010-12-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

According to the web-site this is posting #275 in something over 4 years. That's a fair amount of commenting on meals we have eaten out. When I go for a period without posting I do get comments so it seems some of the readers pay attention to my ramblings.

I thought of titling this this entry "Outstanding" as I am about to comment on the meal 4 of us enjoyed at "La Poste" 3410 Telford St. Cincinnati( Clifton) OH 45220 (513) 281-3663, last evening. In my opinion "La Poste" has improved with each visit. Food, service and ambiance all combined to make the evening memorable and this a go to spot.

I usually only report on what I actually eat but since we split several dishes, and everyone tasted some of everything served I plan to give each item, brought to the table, a mention.
Contradicting myself, I was the only one with the "Bombay", which was not shared. Three of us did share a "Wellington" Syrah which had enough body to go with all the food.

We started with a bowl of mussels, plump, cooked perfectly and well bathed in a white wine and butter sauce. Along with that we had an order of their delightful Ricotta Fritters, which are actually sweet enough that they could be served for dessert and hold their own with a dessert wine.
My main course was made up of two different salads; the Lemon Ceaser, which I have had before and which has a very nice tang to compliment the romaine, chopped pimento and sweet pepper strips, and a Nicoise beautifully arranged on a plate with slightly seared tuna and a salmon deviled egg topped with red caviar topping the bed which consists of strips of thinly sliced cucumber enclosing asparagus( french cut), cherry tomatoes and a few pieces of greens. Both salads were crisp, tasty and somewhat complimentary.
Marilyn had their justly famous Mushroom Ravioli, light, flavorful and not overwhelming in taste or portion. Our young women friend had the same. The other man, who prides himself on "eating clean", ( although he did share all items served) had a season salad, greens, pomegranate, nuts and cherry tomato's. His main course was a large perfectly grilled piece of salmon served on what to me appeared to be medium sized grain.
With coffee( not for me) we all shared and order of cherry bread pudding, a true delight and a perfect ending.
To me the evening could not have been better and I certainly put "La Poste" near the top of my "eating out" list.

Nectar

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

As I thought about our dinner Friday night at "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave( Mt. Lookout Square) Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 929-0525 I couldn't help repeating, to myself, the first lines of the refrain of "Swanee", the song Al Jolson made famous. If I'm not mistaken it goes;"I've been away from you a long time. I never thought I'd miss you so". That pretty well sums up my feeling about Julie Francis' interesting, well thought out offerings which she always prepares with style, flavor and attractive presentation.

Julie personifies the "locavor" movement. She has always stressed locally grown, fresh, organic products and items produced by individual small producers who either grow or process into other items that are based on item combinations, such as pickles or kim-chee, jams or spreads. She also has instigated a "Dinner Club" whose four course, price fixed, menu includes one item used in the preparation of all four courses( mustard to mushrooms).

After, you know what(Bombay), I decided to sample 3 first course offerings for my meal.
Starting with Shrimp Fritters I then moved on to salad and ended with a plate of scollop's and sweetbreads.
The Shrimp Fritters(3) were crispy on the outside and moist within. Each contained a medium sized crustacean. They were topped with small dab of mustard, mayonnaise remoulade type sauce and came on a bed of chopped mango and avocado- delightful.
Next the salad, and I should have stopped there, came, filling a large bowl with mixed organic greens, beets, sliced apples, candied pecans and large blue cheese crumbles. The dressing, which seems to me to be an oil and vinegar mixture, whipped and possibly slightly thickened may have had a touch of honey or some other sweetener. It was a meal in itself and the flavors blended beautifully.
My semi-main, course was the combination of scollop's, sauteed, with golden edges and sweetbreads, crisp and mild. They were surrounded by citrus sections, orange and grapefruit, and drizzled lightly with a lemon butter. I am a sweetbreads devotee and I have feeling Julie starts preparing them when we make a reservation.
My only slight disappointment was the shared dessert, which I certainly did not need. It was listed as a pear and Michigan cherry cobbler, with vanilla bean ice cream. I mentally envisioned a light pastry, crisp with lots of fruit; instead it was a fairly heavy dough with some cubes of pear and a few cherries. next time I'll lobby for Cherry Pie Ala mode.
Marilyn had a sliced sirloin, medium rare, served on cous-cous with dried cranberry's and pine nuts. One does not have to eat innards.

Julie promises real calf liver, another favorite, within the next couple of weeks and so it wont be a "long time" before I'm back on the "Swanee".

Bombay Brazier

2010-12-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Following the advice of Marilyn Harris four of us last night made our way to "Bombay Brazier" 7791 Cooper Rd. Cincinnati( Montgomery) OH 45242 (513) 791-0000. When I say "made our way" it is because this somewhat unique Indian restaurant occupies the "graveyard" of other places, for whom the location has been the death knell. I only hope this does not repeat. The location is off of Cooper Road, to the west of Montgomery Road, and behind "Gattle's", the upscale linen emporium.
It takes some effort to find the restaurant and the entrance but I am hopeful that enough people do, as they will be richly rewarded.

"Bombay Brazier" now occupies the space formerly serving as "Jimmy D's", a suburban steak house. It is run by Rip Sidhu and his wife and is attractive to the eye and to the taste. It is a "cut" above the usual Indian restaurant both in decor and food. The large space contains a bar, large dining area( actually two rooms) and a fire place, inviting on any cold night.
One is first struck by the rich colors and the attractive, but serviceable, china included in the well set tables.

After drinks, and they have a full selection of liquor, wine and beer, we allowed Rip's wife to suggest a first course.
She brought us a platter of diced chicken breasts which had been marinated, then baked with mixed diced peppers, onions and tomato's in a slightly sweet sauce. Moist and crunchy at the same time. A wonderful starter and a compliment to our before dinner drinks and the wine and beer that followed.
In no way do I feel even remotely able to try to decipher the cooking techniques nor spices or other ingredients use in preparing this special food. There are cooking classes offer by the chef for those who want to learn( healthy eating). At the moment I remain only a reporter.
We then shared 3 different items which showed the chef's(Rip) skill in different food media. Cubes of lamb mixed with slices of Okra and some onions and herbs made a hearty meat entree. Large, perfectly cooked, shrimp floating in a coconut milk bath again spiced, but not in anyway to detract from the seafood, left a sense of sweetness and the sea as well.
Lastly the creamed spinach, to which had been added sizable mushroom pieces, at our request, was not only smooth but blended perfectly to provide a compliment to the heavier meat and light seafood.
Two different Nans( oven baked flat breads), both crisp and flavorful gave us useful pushers and moppers for the mixture of flavors adorning our dinner plates.
We took home a very small amount of Okra and Spinach but should have "carried out" more and not had to waddle to our car.

The owner and his wife are not only hospitable but generous, as well, and we all hope that this first class dining spot will draw the kind of following it deserves. Turn on your GPS or call and get exact instructions to treat yourself to a fine dining experience.

Black Friday

2010-11-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Why is it that everything one reads and hears about "Black Friday" seems to be centered on the hard goods and apparel part of our economy. Around our house expenditures tend to be much heavier in the food area than either of the afore mentioned. Where did the term "Black Friday" come from, anyway? I assume that it is a reference to the hope that merchants will do enough business, on that one day, to assure themselves a solvent year( in the "black).

We had two Granddaughters in town. They are both out of their teens, just, and attend college, in the East. One is part of our daughters family, who live here, and the other is a West Coast son's eldest. Marilyn and the girls did visit "The Gap" on Thanksgiving afternoon but I feel their purchases assured the parent corporation only that three more people graced one of their establishments. On the other hand the expenditures for food, both in home and out took on a much larger boost to the economy, yet no TV cameras were present near us, nor as far as I know at any grocery store or restaurant. Maybe I just missed it.
Not counting the Thanksgiving dinner, largely catered at our son-in-laws mothers condo, containing all the requisites, plus wine and other items we managed in just 48 hours to leave the Cincinnati economy enhanced by about $400, most with items not prepared in our kitchen.

"Finley Market" between Race St and Elm St, north of Liberty St. was only in partial operation Friday. Maybe the merchants not present were out buying flat screen TV's.
As I have mentioned before "Finley Market" has grown to be an interesting place for lunch or "carry out". A new addition, since Oct 7, is the "Fresh Table", a large, attractive stall near the Race St. door. They seem to offer 20 to 30 prepared items, all attractive, fresh and possibly organic, and I would guess well prepared, the ones we had were. Our group sampled a Greek Pasta salad, curried chicken salad, grilled shrimp dusted with jerk seasoning, Gravlax and bread pudding. This did not touch the surface as I remember seeing in the cases other salads, vegetables, several pot pies, pasta dishes, grilled meats( beef tenderloin and possibly pork) and on and on. Well worth a visit. The Greek stand provided large Gyro's, easily enough for two unless you have an gargantuan appetite, and several salads. We did not have any of their various humus spreads nor other cold dishes( stuffed grape leaves, spicy cabbage etc). They also have an array of desserts.
This trip we past up "Silvergades"( deli sandwiches), the Belgium Waffle stand, the new Vietnamese Restaurant, Skertz and Johnson, Big Mikes and other who were open, but you get the idea. When the place is in full operation it is a wonderful destination.

We waited till Friday to decide whether to eat out or at home, that night. Not a good idea on any weekend. Marilyn had made her "French Cracker Pie", a family favorite, so when we decided, Friday morning, that 7 of us wanted to "eat out", at 7 PM no less, it was not a hard choice to ask "Otto's" to accommodate us on short notice and with our own dessert. They came through, as usual, with the small kitchen kitchen turning out delicious food to each of our specifications. Unfortunately we are like most and tweak the menu items to our own liking. It's nice to have friends in the business, and I have the feeling that most placeses are accommodating to their regular customers, if possible. The special last night at "Otto's" was flank steak which Marilyn reported was delicious, my salmon couldn't have been better. The pie served us, a piece for the kitchen and an inquisitive table next to ours.
I have to start accounting for our expenditures at other than markets places and eateries to see if we can do something to help the balance of trade and the unemployment figures, although the hospitality business certainly has to count.

Single Names

2010-11-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

I know that we seem to go to chef run restaurants and I have become aware that many have a single name, often part or in whole connected with the owner.
This past week we have been to several: Terry's( real name Terry's Turf Club), Hugo's, Tano's, Senate and Otto's.

Most Cincinnatians know that "Terry's Turf Club" on Eastern Ave. has become the hot "dive" for burgers and fries, but let me add that they have some very interesting other offerings.
Monday night I had a pork loin sandwich( a pork chop minus the bone) with a whipped goat cheese and large grilled pimento slice placed strategically on top. I only wish it had stayed in place, then I could have come away with less sticky fingers and a cleaner shirt. The whole thing was on a bun liberally doused with a red pepper fresh tomato puree, house made, not ketchup, spicier and thiner. A great combination but bring your own utensils and bib, or a clean bath towel. Certainly something delicious and different.

"Tano's" 204 West Loveland Ave 45140 (513) 683-8266 was just as good the second time as it had been the first. It's a long drive( 17 miles each way) for us but once there it is pleasant and the food and service very good. "Bombay" was exceptionally reasonable( poor English but good price), as I imagine most of the spirits are; while Marilyn and I were overjoyed when the "wedge" came divided in 4 nice sized crisp, firm pieces. It made sharing a joy.
For my main course I had Fluke, blackened and grilled perfectly, moist and firm. The fish rested on a bed of sauteed spinach and was surrounded with black beans and rice. A full meal which complimented the tacos consumed at lunch the day before. I am sure I mention before that the service was not only attentive but interested in us as customers. Thursday night Tano( the last part of his first name) stoped by several times to answer questions and see that we were pleased.

Friday lunch, OTR (over the Rhine) at "Senate" 1212 Vine St 45202 (513) 421-2020 took us back to a place we had not been for several months. The menu has changed slightly( probably seasonal availability of items) but they still feature gourmet street food, plus mussels, and their $9 to $12 all beef hot dogs. If you are watching your weight don't have any but the croque madam, a hot dog with bechamel and cheese sauce plus a poached egg looked wicked and probably overly filling. Our guest licked her lips often.
I was proud of myself settling for the Bangkok Dog which included shaved raw carrots and chopped scallions on a soft bun with peanut and Wasabi sauce, spicy and very good.
Marilyn had a very creamy mushroom soup heavy in mushroom flavor from several types well chopped and sauteed prior to adding to the stock."Senate" remains popular with an interesting crowd both at lunch , dinner and late into the evening.

"Hugo" was mentioned in my previous posting and "Otto's",( our home away from home) both Friday night and for Brunch today, Sunday, has been in so many of these reports that to write more boarders on excessive repetition. So hit a single named place or start calling your favorite by your own, one name, abbreviation.

Catching up

2010-11-18T12:15:00.001-08:00

There is no way that I can put detailed comments on all the places we have been since we returned from the East, Oct 28 and Chicago, Nov. 7. Nor even mention them all. Therefore this is a poor attempt to list some that seem to me to have something new or slightly different to report.
In Chicago we have found a new, to us, Rib place in the Northern suburb of Highland Park, IL. I'm sure anyone really interested can use the web to get location and all the other info one might desire, on this or any place I mention.
"Ravinia Grill", Highland Park IL, competes favorably with any ribs, pork( baby back) or beef, that we have had anywhere. Everyone has his or her favorite but we were partial to "Walt's Hitching Post"( Wilder KY) and felt a loss when they went out of business. "Ravinia" has taken there place, and may be better, but over 300 miles is a long drive for a wonderful rib dinner.
"The Precinct", just down the hill, at Delta and Columbia Parkway, continues to be our neighborhood restaurant and our personal top "Jeff Ruby" establishment. Over solicitous servers and hosts, not withstanding, the food is great and they are overly kind to "small spenders".(If you order very lightly, or split a small amount remember your server works for a living and lives off tips. The average cover in an upscale steak house is well over $50 a head.)
"La Mexicana" 642 Manmouth St. Newport KY 41071 (859) 261-6112 is probably the closest to real Mexican food around the area, except for a Mexican family home cooked dinner. The small soft Taco's come with about 15 different choices of ingredients. Even though it often makes my companions turn a bright green I usually have tripe, tongue or some other exotic, to most, meat. I have not been overly enamored of their tamales, to much corn meal to little stuffing and flavor. Be careful of the red hot sauce unless you really like "heat"
"Pelican's Reef" Beachmont Ave in Anderson Township besides have interesting( especially the "specials") well cooked and presented seafood's have at least 3 great homemade desserts. Key Lime Pie, Peanut butter Pie with chocolate topping and an eclair cake( to me it is like Boston Cream Pie) all made either "in house" or by a friend and delivered daily. I have not been in the habit of saving room for dessert, there, but that is about to change. The "Reef" remains very reasonable and extreemly pleasent and friendly.
"Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine St. (513) 621-4777 remains the "hot spot" with the local, eating out crowd. We have been there on both a Saturday night and a Wednesday, at about an hour later. Saturday at 8:30 was a mad house, Wednesday at 9:30 was excellent. Prompt but not obtrusive service, very reasonably priced libations and food served hot and prepared beautifully, to order. As the floor management says, "everyone and their friends want to come on Saturday night, so don't if you can help it". I doubt that one has to be as late as 9:30 on a week night to be seated promptly and served attentively.
"Hugo" 3235a Madison Road (513) 321-4846. Remains a quiet, pleasant environment, at least during the week. I hope they make, it but their pricing seems to be on the high end for the portions and selections. The are attentive and there are no complaints on the food preparation but to me the value is not as great as other places we choose., and the menu is not "that" outstanding.
We have been to "La Poste"( which took over "Tinks" space), at 3410 Telford, Clifton several times and have been please with service and food. The mushroom Ravioli, Cheese Fritters, rack of Lamb and good sized salads are worth a mention and a try.
I believe that this sort of sizes up some of the spots we have hit in the last few weeks. A couple were for lunch but most have been evenings out with friends. Waist line not withstanding I'll post more as we get back into our routine. Good to be home.

"Maialino" and "Union Square Cafe"

2010-11-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

The last two nights in New York City we treated ourselves to two different restaurants, both part of the Union Square Hospitality Group. As many of you, who know us, know we have a very special feeling for not only Danny Meyer, the founder, but for all of those who join him making the word HOSPITALITY have special meaning.

Our evening at "Maialino", Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave, NYC was EXCEPTIONAL. Nothing about the food, service, hospitality or ambiance was standard. Everyone from the Director of Service to the bussers made our 3 hours of dining OUTSTANDING. If there was a 6 star rating for a restaurant "Maialino", that night, certainly won it, in our book.
We arrived promptly for our 7 PM reservation( make them well in advance) and were seated immediately. The room was busy with a contented hum and fully staffed so that everyone received the proper attention. Our attractive, knowledgeable server, Genesa, greeted us and took our drink order. "Maialino" not only offers wine by the glass and bottle but also a carafe, 1 and 1/2 glasses, and a half glass pour. Since they did not offer Bombay I ordered a glass and a half of Barbera, as did the others. The drinks arrived promptly followed by the Director of Service who apologized for the lack of Bombay and offered to see if another Bar in the hotel had some. Within minutes my "old stand-by" arrived. That's Hospitality!!
Explaining the menu took a couple of minutes as we had many questions and Genesa not only answered all but made suggestions as to house special items. We started our meal with Fig Crostini, thin slices of figs on a creamy cheese spread mounted on crisp toast and drizzled with honey(yummy) and an order of fried beets, crisp on the outside and warm and tender through out, new to us and delicious. For my first course I had Trippa(Tripe) in a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce. I am a Tripe lover and scourer menus for this offering.
Next came a small order of firm and tender Porchini Mushrooms, for the table and also individual helpings of Rissoto covered with white truffels( it wasn't a cheap evening, but worth every cent).
We split several dishes, Carciofini( fried, baby, artichokes) and several pasta's ranging from Carbonara and Malfatti to a large Ravioli filled with a light creamy sauce with spinach and herbs and a poached egg which, of course, spread when the pasta was cut. Paul( I believe) the wine Steward stoped by and give us each a small pour of a excellent, light Gattinaro( 100% Nebbiola). An perfect compliment to the Pasta's and us.
We needed dessert, like a nutritional supplement, but had two, for the three of us, a lovely Chocolate concoction and a Pine Nut Tart.
I know that I have failed to mention some of the people who helped, from the line cooks to the food delivery staff, but everyone and everything just fit together for perfection.

"Union Square Cafe" 21 East 16th St. NYC (212-243-4020) is our personal "home away from home" on the New York restaurant scene. We have been going there since they opened, 25 years ago. The night following "Maialino" they had a hard act to follow. Not only had we been "blown away" but as you can imagine were still stuffed. The cousin and her friend who had been with us at "North" joined us for this final evening and so we were 5 in all.
Bombay is on the premises and as usual that's where I started. I love their mixed bib, red leaf and shaved Gruyere salad and have a hard time ordering anything else, for my salad course. Others had tuna tartare, a tomato and bread soup (wonderful tomato flavor) an apple salad( slices caramelized and crisp greens) and a pasta which seemed reminiscent of German Spaetzele with a wonder butter, cream and Herb sauce.
We shared an excellent dish of small pasta clouds stuffed with mushrooms and possibly a liver paste, terrific. My main course was a grilled juicy red Snapper accompanied by a slaw of shredded carrots, golden raisins and pine nuts, also terrific. Others also had Snapper, Scallops, Swordfish and Venison.
For dessert we shared an order of Brioche French toast and a plate of chocolate goodies the latter compliments of the staff.
As I said "Union Square Cafe" is a standby for us and the only disappointment that evening was that things did not seem to function quite as well as they have in the past. I'm sure part was our euphoria from the night before.

And so the trip East ends. The drive home, 13 hours, from mid-town Manhattan to our front door, went smoothly and I don't need to Blog about "Cracker Barrel" or the "Waffle House".

Armonk and the "Big Apple"

2010-11-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

Steve Mancini, an alumni of USHG( Union Square Hospitality Group) and partners have open a new restaurant in Armonk NY, suburban NYC. "North" 386 Main St. Armonk NY 10504 (914)-273-8686 is the new "hot spot" in this area. it is fairly small with a bar and tables on the first floor( very noisy), swinging, and a somewhat quieter, but still active, dinning area on the second.
Reservations are taken 30 days in advance and are a necessity.
Five us ventured from Mamarineck to Armonk on Friday Oct 22 to try out this, slightly connected, Danny Meyer outpost, in a small strip mall on a quiet downtown suburban street.
The parking lot was full as was the restaurant when we arrived for our 6:30 seating.
We found the food "upscale" and fully priced, while the service was pleasant, attentive but at times slow. They are in their third month of operation and still have a few kinks to smooth out.
The table started with a bottle of Cinquante Viognier, as the other couple, cousins, enjoy white over red. I followed with a mixed beet salad, red, golden and purple all sliced or cubed and placed on a base of goat cheese and shredded greens. Next came both Mussel Flat bread, excellent with plenty of whole fresh mussels prepared in a slightly spicy butter sauce and then grilled and an accompanying mushroom flat bread, same preparation but in a much milder butter sauce.
My main course was a brazed short rib( I miss the "bone in", an attempt at easier handling by the guest) which was surrounded by a smattering of vegetables, also brazed. I found it tasty but slightly stringy. Others had Tuna Tartare, Orrechiette, Swordfish and Scallops for their maim courses.
Our Granddaughter and my cousin lead us to the outstanding desserts: "Chocolate Chip Skillet", with Vanilla Ice Cream, Fig Tart and a Brownie Skillet with Chocolate Ice Cream( have some chocolate). The skillets come to the table HOT with the dough that has been cooked therein steaming. Obviously the Ice Cream doesn't stay firm long.
Our meal ended with a small bottle of Ice Wine, from Long Island, a gift from Steve, who had been the wine director at both "Maialino" and "Union Square Cafe"more on both of those in a future posting. Too much food but a terrific show of this new places ability.

Into the city and Saturday night at "Sandro's" 306 East 81st St (212-288-7374). Marilyn had found a squib in a magazine recommending this place as Mimi Sheridan's favorite neighborhood Italian spot. She was not mistaken. That night there were 4 of us; Granddaughter, who had been with us since Boston, and our hostess for the 4 nights we spent in the city.
"Sandro's" is an expensive, small, bustling neighborhood establishment with very few tourists and a center aisle hardly large enough to accommodate the Huge Chef, owner. He rules the roost
The clientele seems to stretch from business to "mob" but all are welcome and treated as guests.
From the 15 to 20 "specials", ( they present a printed menu) we all chose our dinner.
We started with a Montpulician( rich red Barbera) after which came a beautiful platter of fresh tomato crostini's, compliments of the Chef and a small bowel of spicy peppers also with his compliments.
Two each divided a first course, Marilyn and GD a Tropea Salad( tomato's, cucumbers , peppers and cheese) while I, and our other guest, had a delicious Polpo( Grilled Octopus and firm potato's marinated in oil and spices). I was the only carnivore ordering a perfectly grilled, bone in, veal chop, which was absolutely delicious. The other three each chose "house made" Pastas which floated off the plate. One each, Pennette( butter and cheese), Fettucine( Bolognese) and Papardelle( a ragu of wild boar), the later the most interesting to me, as I sampled all, everyone excellent.
At this point, as plates were being cleared the Chef commanded that we be served "Grapa".
To rerun his favor we ordered Fragole Balsamic, a vanilla Gelato covered with fresh berries and a Balsamic reduction. Wow.

The next evening, after our Granddaughter returned to school in Maine, an arduous journey that took all day Sunday, the three of us again went for dinner in the neighborhood. I have written, previously, about "Atlantic Grill" 1341 3rd Ave (212) 988-9200. this upscale seafood chain has never disappointed us with there good food, service and location, for us, when we're in the city.
Having stuffed myself on the two previous nights I tried to show some restraint. After the Bombay I chose three first courses; a wonderful and interesting Cauliflower soup, with pear croutons, A pear, nut and greens salad and a single crab cake, full of white lump-fin crab meat. The two women shared a Chinese Dumpling appetizer and followed with a grilled snapper, for one and the crab cake(2) dinner, for the other
This left room for one large piece of Molten Chocolate Cake with three forks. A walk home on a beautiful Indian Summer evening competed our first two nights "eating out".

Boston-"Home of the Bean and the Cod"

2010-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Unpacked and awaited the arrival of our Granddaughter, this one a Junior at Bates College in Lewiston ME. Since it was her "fall break" she joined us for the next 4 days. Our local(Cambridge) Grandson is a Freshman at Harvard and ostensibly that was the reason for the two days in the Boston area. His home is in the LA area and already he thought the weather was cold, nights in the high 50's during our visit.
Wednesday night 7 of us, 2 grandchildren and a cousins daughter and her two teenagers had a mostly seafood dinner at "Legal Sea Foods"-617-491-9400- in the Charles Hotel just off Harvard Sq. in Cambridge.
Knowing there would be many things to taste I ordered reasonably, Bombay, Lobster Roll, my only dealing with this crustacean on the trip, and an iceberg wedge salad, with the usual bacon bits, tomato's, blue cheese crumbles etc. I was not disappointed with anything nor was I with my tastes of crab cakes( from two of our party), plenty of good lump crab, Baked Scrod( Marilyn's entree), salmon and of course the shared desserts, Chocolate pudding cake and Banana's Foster. My Lobster roll was almost exclusively claw meat and was accompanied on the plate with fried onion rings and very good slaw. There was plenty, as all the items which are served are good sized portions."Legal Sea Food" is a chain, very well run with high quality food and attentive service.

Next morning, after some time at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, we met some of our granddaughter's friends on Newberry St. for lunch and some shopping. The friends had chosen "Sonsie" on Newberry St. and had scoped out a table for 5. I enjoyed a wonderful Butternut Squash soup with plenty of curry and a few other additions, crab, apple slices and mango. This I followed with Cauliflower Pizza, a first. The Cauliflower was sauteed, roasted and flavored with various spices. The pizza also contained thinly sliced prosciutto, tomato's and caramelized onions. It was an interesting combination and I shared several pieces with others. All in all it was a fun and different lunch.

The evening was a special treat. Our grandson had made a reservation at "Craigie on Main" 853 Main St. Cambridge MA, 617-497-5511. His sister had seen a food channel show on this restaurant and he and his Dad had been there for the 6 course tasting menu ( a whole evening).
At Craigie's all the food is cooked to order and the whole menu and experience is well merchandised. That's is not to say that the food and service is not first class, they are, but the selling is fairly obvious.
When Marilyn and GD ordered the "whole roast chicken", a specialty, we were told that it would take approximately 50 minutes, a very good projection. Therefore after a drink we all sampled one order of fried Pig's Tails, small bone in, slightly bar-b-qued, pork pieces which were grill to crisp perfection. For dinner I had the Veal 2 ways, veal tenderloin( slightly chewy) and beautifully prepared sweetbreads( one of my favorite foods). Our granddaughter knew what I would order before I had looked at the menu, I'm that predictable. A side of sauteed Brussels Sprout in butter and herbs completed my main course with enough of the vegetables for all to share. I drank a glass of Gunner Ventliner, as you know Austrian white, which complimented everything. A very satisfying shared berry crisp concluded my intake for the evening.
As mentioned the two women had the whole roast chicken, with Grandson taking home what was left, carcase and all, while for his main item he had the Grilled House bacon burger, he had started with Hiramsa, a sushi grade white fish first course.
The menu has very interesting selections and the wine list also contains unusual items, with prices to match.

On to Poughkeepsie

2010-10-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Monday morning, Oct 18, we loaded our car and headed for Poughkeepsie NY. We have a Granddaughter who is a Sophomore at Vassar College. The routing took us off the Interstates on to Route 206 in the vicinity of Princeton NJ. The hour ride along that route was absolutely beautiful with the fall foliage combining with the beautiful homes, lawns and well maintained stone fences. That plus the Hudson River Valley area were several of the high points of our 2000 mile journey.
We arrived in late afternoon and after checking in at our Motel we drove to the campus to meet our Granddaughter and see her dorm room. She is not an adventurous eater, although she did manage to survive the summer in Alexandra Egypt, her favorite seem to be Pud Thai and so we were not surprised when she recommended "Spicy Thai" near the campus. We were a little surprised when she ordered Pineapple Fried Rice instead of her favorite. Marilyn had the Pad Thai and I tried a cold salad which besides the usual had a generous portion of well prepared crispy roasted duck.
The next day things fell more into our hands. The three of us headed to Rhinebeck about 20 miles north, still in the Valley. Rhinebeck has a number of shops and eating places and has developed as a regular tourist destination. The oldest continuing INN is at the main intersection, as it probably was in Colonial days, long before dress, wine, souvenir and patisseries made the sceen. We chose a local tavern for lunch and GD continued her experimenting with a "tuna melt". I tried a combination of local cheeses and sausage. Our server was experienced, humorous and a delight
In the afternoon we drove south to Hyde Park and toured the Vanderbilt's Mansion, operated, as are the Roosevelt properties, by the National Park Service. Marilyn and I have visited the Roosevelt home and Library so this was a new addition for us.
Tuesday night the three of us had dinner at the Culinary Institute of America(CIA). Marilyn and I had eaten there a good 15 or more years ago, with another couple, when it was a much smaller and less known school. Tuesday night we chose "American Bounty", which as the name implies, is the "finishing school restaurant" for soon to graduate students. Kitchen, front of the house and back up are all Seniors about to graduate. Our server, Frank, was scheduled to graduate the Friday following our visit.
The room is beautiful but our table had a poor location, at the far end next to a serving station. Everyone can't be in "Booth #1".
The menu is well thought out and several specials are added nightly. The place, incidentally was full. Reservations are a necessity and are made either on the web or by calling 845-471-6808. The campus is located in very southern Hyde Park NY less that a mile from Poughkeepsee.

I followed the Chef''s suggestion and went with the Pork Chop, grilled medium, served with a light tomato sauce including white beans, clams and chorizo. It was the largest single bone in pork chop that I have ever seen. I didn't have a ruler but I would not be surprised if it was 4" thick and covered at least half the plate. That said, it was prepared perfectly and it was a shame that since we were traveling it could not "go home with us". I had started with the usual Bombay followed by a Country Salad of greens, cranberry's, pear, nuts and blue cheese crumbles.
Marilyn began with Gnocchi and followed with Beef Short Ribs while GD settled for Caesar salad and Steak, as Marilyn commented the students have to learn to cook the basics.
For dessert we shared an Apple Tart done very well with apples just the right consistency and a tart crust, flaky and sufficiently crisp. Since we are from Cincinnati most ice cream, which in this instance was the accompaniment, pales by comparison to "Graeter's".
The evening was very pleasant and the student servers, while not quite yet professional, were pleasant and very interested in us as guests.

East

2010-10-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

The hardest thing for me, as for many people who write, is to sit down and get going.
We arrived back in Cincinnati last Wednesday night, Oct 27, after a 13 day sojourn along the East Coast and passing thru the land in between.
I am going to recap some of our adventures, and as usual put a little emphasis on "Eating Out"

The purpose of our trip was a family wedding in Baltimore, visits with three Grandchildren at their eastern colleges, or in the vicinity, and a visit with a cousin and good friend in the NYC area. We accomplished this all with the help of our 1999 Honda CRV, some current, approved, credit cards and too much clothing, but who knew the weather would be so beautiful and so warm.

The drive to Baltimore went smoothly till we hit the Baltimore County line. Friday night traffic on the East coast make our local traffic look like we're still in the horse and buggy age. It took us almost 2 hours to get across the city to our hotel at the "inner harbor". Baltimore has done a wonderful job of development of that harbor area.
After unloading we joined a number of the "out of town wedding guest" at the "Pratt Street Ale House", about 4 blocks from our hotel. The Ale House is a fairly large establishment which looks as though it dates back one or more centuries. It has a large open area on the street, Friday night, and I am told most others, filled with 20 and 30 year olds. There specialty is Ale and there are over a dozen on tap. We had a private room on the third floor with a buffet table loaded with dips, bar foods, pasta's, shrimp and crudities. Eating and drinking to fast sent me home early.
The next day, Saturday Oct 16, Marilyn and I took the train into Washington to meet Marilyn's nephew and his family for lunch and the Norman Rockwell exhibit( wonderful) at the National Portrait Gallery. That evening, back in Baltimore, was a "welcoming party" for all the families and again "out of town guests", at "McCormick & Schmick's", part of the national seafood chain, in the Inner Harbor.
Food was again buffet style but this time I showed better sense and concentrated of the crab cakes (acceptable) and a few sides. All went well.
Sunday morning we joined a cousin's daughter and her twin boy for brunch at "Miss Shirley's Cafe" again in the Inner Harbor area, on Pratt street. After a half hour wait, for a table, we were seated, outside( beautiful day) and presented with the largest Breakfast menu I have ever seen.
I had a glass of fresh squeezed Orange Juice and then a delightful plate of Crab Benedict. The poached eggs were placed on fried green tomato slices which rested on a bed of lump crab meat, fresh sweet corn and diced tomato's. All was covered with a delightful light Hollandaise sauce. The service lacked, but the food didn't.
That afternoon we boarded buses for the 45 minute trip to a Manor House and grounds between Baltimore and Washington, the wedding site. Beautiful and stately house and grounds and a lovely personal ceremony. After the wedding there were drinks and passed Hors d'oeuvre's on the terrace, loaded tables of col appetizers in an anti room and full seated dinner, served family style, is a covered garden room. Only the main course came on an individually served plate with is appropriate side( I had Short rib with potato). The wedding cake was cut and another room stocked with deserts, so no one went hungry.
We left the festivities around 9:30 PM in preparation of our departure next more for Poughkeepsie, NY. There the report will continue.

Tough business--Tough weekend

2010-10-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you are a Cincinnati sports fan, and I can not be put in that category, this has been a tough weekend. The Reds who gave us 6 months of pleasure tangled with some of the best pitching in the major leagues and the Bengals began showing the results of intransigence ownership who, in my opinion, will never be responsible for a professional winning organization.
All of that said I once again saw what a difficult business the restaurant business is and how inside and outside forces make demands that only well trained professionals, at all levels, can overcome. As I tell people who have attended my OLLI course at UC " if you are thinking of going into the restaurant business go buy a parking lot".

Friday night we met another couple at "The Quarter( Bistro)" 6904 Wooster Pike Mariemont, OH 45227 (513-271-5400). The food, once again was very good to excellent. The service "ordinary", but I'll get to that in a moment. After my usual Bombay, a nice pour, I followed with the evenings special, Tobia( a firm, flaky, white fish) grilled perfectly and served on Risotto, beautifully done, with asparagus, caramelized onions and chopped mushrooms. The plate was decorated with a lime, citrus sauce which added just the right touch to the two main items. I like my food exceedingly hot( temperature) and so I ask that some additional heat be applied, which was done promptly.
Marilyn had French onion soup, well crusted, and a Mushroom Pizza, at least we thought it was listed that way, which was good but did not seem to have the mushrooms in attendance. Possibly we had read the menu incorrectly.

As mentioned the service was "ordinary". Friday night was the second "playoff game" for the Reds and so there was an extra large crowd and numerous distractions, both for customers and help. It was also the second day of a new menu and a shortage in the serving staff. I titled this "tough business". Although the General Manager worked diligently along with the staff it could not compensate for all the things effecting the tempo and details.
I spoke to the GM the next day( he returned my call very promptly) and he graciously thanked me for my interest and for pointing out many of the specifics. I am sure he covered them with his staff later in the day.
As I noted the food was great and everyone, or place, has a "bad hair day".

La Poste

2010-10-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Last night, Tuesday, five of us went to "La Poste" 3410 Telford St. Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513-281-3663). The location was the former home of "Tink's" and is well located near the Esquire Theatre and "Graeter's"." La Poste" had opened for business the previous night. The dining room, and adjoining wine room, have been lightened and minimally decorated with several paintings and prints. Tables are nicely spaced and all have white linen, and last night yellow, fresh flowers. David Taylor is the Executive Chef and he and several others of the service and kitchen staff were previously at "Honey" in Northside.
After my signature Bombay, the cocktail onions had not yet arrived, I shared, with the others, a helping of ricotta fritters. The fritters were the consistency of a "doughnut holes" but slightly larger. They were excellent, just the right amount of ricotta had been worked into the dough to have a nice flavor but not be overwhelming. A "Smoked Lemon Caesar Salad" was next and was also large enough for several of us to share. The greens and other ingredients were well chopped, except the anchovy fillets, and the flavor again was more than satisfactory.
Marilyn and I divided a brazed lamb shank served with French fried potato's and a rich, but not too thick, gravy. Some of the potato's soaked up some of the juice and the others remained crisp. Lastly I ordered, for the table, sour cherry Bread pudding. Two good sized slices, probably from a baked loaf with a crusty outside and a firm overall consistency. The sauce was a syrup mixture of sugar, cherry juice, possibly some alcoholic beverage and lots of poached sour cherries. A fitting finish for an excellent meal.
Prices seemed reasonable and although we were guests I would imagine a dinner with drinks would run in the $40 range. Service and hospitality were evident throughout the evening.

Monday night we went to "Allyn's" an Eastside fixture. Located at 3538 Colombia Parkway, in Columbia Tusculum 45226 (513-871-5779) it has been in operation, I believe over 20 years. We were drawn by the Monday music provided by the "Faux Frenchmen" a string jazz ensemble, playing our kind of music.
Over the years "Allyn's" has upgraded their mostly Tex-Mex and beer menu to now include various dishes and a wide selection of wines. I had Red Snapper picatta( sauce on the side) with a nicely baked potato and a side salad. Marilyn chose the Tillapia and also the potato and salad, both items were $14.95. The food was decent and the entertainment fun and exciting.

Sunday night "Cafe Mediterranean" 7454 Beechmont Ave. (513-232-2400) beckoned to us after drinks and conversation at home with our dinner companions. "Cafe Mediterranean" is our favorite Turkish dining place in the area. We all divided Lahmacum, a three level Turkish pizza, with very thin dough covered with ground, seasoned lamb placed on a very light tomato sauce. It is served with fresh lemon, chopped onions, romaine and thinly sliced tomato's which are eaten on the pizza wedges. Marilyn and I split an order of marinated, grilled chicken thighs, beautifully done and flavorful, accompanied with fresh steamed vegetables. I sampled a dark Turkish beer (Efes) which I found fit perfectly. Total for our share before tip was $32.50.

A Dream-realized, partially

2010-10-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

For years it has been my dream to open and run a first class, Jewish Deli in Cincinnati. There have always been a few things that have stood in the way; MONEY, actual restaurant experience and partners who were as enthusiastically as I and more knowledgeable. Now my dream has been partially answered.
"Rascals (NY) Deli", Blue Ash Ohio, (513) 429-4567 opened about a month ago in a strip center at the corner of Kenwood Rd and Cooper Rd in Blue Ash, behind the US Bank building. We went Thursday for lunch, along with another couple, and tried an array of their items. Some were "tastes" or "samples" and others were regularly sized portions. I asked for and received, willingly, a taste of both the chopped liver and the Sable. The first I found only fair, to my taste, and the second was fine, standard, cured Sable. Incidentally the servers and managers( probably partners) did everything possible to be accommodating.
I ordered "soup and half sandwich". My soap was the sweet and sour cabbage, a favorite of mine, which I found to heavy for my taste with too much beef, other delis versions run from no noticeable beef to very light, and two thick a sweet base. It came only warm (temperature) but was soon corrected to nice and hot. Along with this I had a half of a pickled tongue on dark rye which was exactly as advertised. The tongue had good flavor and the rye, while too thick for my preference, was hard crusted and with good rye flavor. The table ordered the two kinds of cucumber salads and we were very please with the standard vinegar one but not happy with the Israeli seasoned version which had a fermented taste.
Marilyn had beef barley soup and a half corned beef on light rye which she reported to be just fine, on both. The others had Matzo Ball and noodle soup and one tongue and one Pastrami.
The restaurant is fair sized and I would guess seats around 50. We arrived at 11:30 AM and were seated immediately but before noon there was a line waiting for seating. All items can be "carried out".
The menu is extensive and runs from breakfast items to dinner plates. Prices for these not too usual Cincinnati items seem to be in line with costs in other locals. The "soup and sandwich" was 7.95 and also included one potato pancake, a small cup of apple sauce and a generous slice of dill pickle.
I wish them luck and will return to try the Sable in some form, sandwich, plate or omelet, and possibly some of the other fish or deli items.

Also we split our time this week from eating in and going out, hitting "Pelican's Reef", "Suzy Wong's" and the "National Exemplar' in Mariemont. The first two are regulars but the last has been absent from our dinning scene for several years.
"The National Exemplar Restaurant" in Mariemont, OH is on the village square in the "Best Western Hotel". It is large, quiet and frequented by many of the "older" set, of which we are prime examples. Nice place to go for relaxed dining and a menu that rarely changes. They have a full bar and serve a decent sized drink. Starting with my Bombay I followed with the excellent rich Hungarian Mushroom Soup. For a main course I chose calf's liver, medium( which was slightly too done) that is accompanied by creamy mashed potato's and in my case fresh spinach. The calf's liver was both tasty and tender.Others had prime rib, salmon and halibut. All the food was well prepared and nicely presented We should venture there a little more often.

Ann Arbor

2010-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

We spent this past weekend in Ann Arbor MI with approximately 70 others who had either gone to the U of M or had married one of the guys that had attended. It was a reunion for some of the fraternity "brothers" who had graduated in the classes of 1950's.
Several of our meals were eaten at local restaurants as the group only has a set dinner, Saturday night and a group "brunch" Sunday morning.

Some of our closest, long time friends, joined Marilyn and me Friday night at "Zingerman's Road House" 2501 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor MI (743-663-3663), the were 10 in all. The "Roadhouse" really has the appearance of what the name implies. It is right off Jackson Road and is large, several rooms, with a full bar, booths and tables configured to seat 2 to 20. The menu may have been one of the most diverse I have seen lately and all were struck by the variety of items. There were 9 fresh fish offerings alone. Various items ranged from Burgers and Bar-B-Q to Steak and fresh iced oysters.
After a good sized Bombay I followed with a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes( not as good as "Otto's", my standard), fried with a corn meal crust and doused with ranch dressing and hot sauce. I shared the plate, 7 slices. with half the table. For my main course I chose Sardines grilled over hardwood. I had tried to find then in Portugal, several years ago, but they were not "in season", the server, who was excellent, warned me that they came with "bone in" and heads on, which they did. I was not dissuaded. I combined the fish with sauteed fresh spinach and mill ground grits. I think I'll stick with Sardines from a can as they are a lot easier and not much different in taste. Marilyn had a delicious Lamb Burgoo with onion, carrot. celery, corn and wonderful halved small new potatoes all cooked together. I had several good sized tastes and the lamb was tender and flavorful while the potatoes, which had soaked up a good amount of juice and flavor still staying firm, OUTSTANDING. Just to prove that I am a "bottomless pit" I ordered the Michigan Cherry pie ala mode, again shared, a disappointment in size, flavor and cost.
Other had items ranging from oysters to fried chicken and all seemed pleased.

The next day for lunch 5 of us went to "Zingerman's Deli" the original base of the Zingerman food empire, in Ann Arbor. The deli is located downtown adjacent to the Farmers Market and is an impressive operation that has been in business for over 30 years. Many young people have worked their way thru "Michigan" working at Zingerman's. For lunch I had a Sable, scallion cream cheese and fresh tomato sandwich on pumpernickel. My "side" was a very rich Swiss cheese potato salad with fresh bacon bits and a creamy Dijon mustard mayonnaise dressing. Marilyn went for Matzo ball soup and a corned beef sandwich on light rye, real deli food.
Believe it or not I did not gain weight, which I attribute mostly to a faulty scale, or metabolism.

Before we took this weekend trip we had had dinner during the week at "Suzie Wong's" 1544 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513)751-3333, our second visit. At that point they did not have a liquor licence but I believe it arrived that very evening. The table split a "Laub Gai", ground beef and lamb in a slightly spiced sauce and served with lettuce leaves into which it is rolled, an Asian wrap. I had the Bi Bim Bap a Korean stone bowl with rice covered by marinated grilled beef, sauteed spinach, kimche and bean sprouts, all topped with a fried egg and infused with a lightly seasoned sauce. Marilyn had "Chicken Chow Mein" while the others chose shrimp "Pad Thai" and "Mandarin Orange Beef". I find "Suzie Wong's" very good and very reasonable, a good addition to the East Walnut Hills-Hyde Park Asian scene.

Old places-new delights

2010-09-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we went to "Pelican's Reef" 7261 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati 45230 (513)232-2526, with another couple, after drinks and nibbles at our place.
"Pelican's Reef", a sort of Key West Seafood Bar, has always been good for not only food and service but a general, relaxed, atmosphere as well. Maybe it's because we have been close to the owners for several years we feel that way.
Any way I believe the food quality and preparation have improved, from a good level, to one approaching any top seafood restaurant in the area.
Each week they send out an email notice of the weekend specials( I'm sure they will add you to the list) and I have found tempting items, almost without exception. One special this week was a killer dessert but we'll get to that shortly.
Our friends had a crumb crusted fresh John Dory, a firm, flaky white fish. The fish was crusted and baked and then placed in individual baking dishes on a bed of pasta and then baked again for a short time, heating and melding all the ingredients. It was outstanding.( I stole a fair sized taste)
I had large shrimp(scampi), split in the shell and stuffed with a crab stuffing. The shrimp were broiled and were firm and juicy while the stuffing was grainy, a good contrast, and had enough crab to give it a definite crab flavor. This was served on 3 cheese grits, in a large flat soup bowl, with a Southwest sauce( tomato's, peppers, onions etc) well seasoned but not overpowering. Another winner.
Now for dessert, and this may have been what brought us to the Reef. A large bowl, the four of us didn't finish it all, of deep fried chocolate, pecan, Carmel brownies, cut into strips and wrapped in an egg roll shell and popped into the deep fryer. When you cut into them the chocolate oozed out and mixed with the very large scoop of praline ice cream which made the center piece. As if this wasn't enough the ice cream was topped with whipped cream. No wonder we have an obesity problem in this country. Unconscionable but absolutely delicious. Total cost for the two of us with beer, salads, tip and tax $48.

The other pleasant surprise, at a favorite, was lunch at "Otto's" 521 Main St Covington KY 41011 (859-491-6678) I have posted comments about "Otto's, one of my emotional favorites, so that it is unfair to write more. The good news is the Paul Weckman is very much back in evidence and the food and service show it. The lunch menu seemed somewhat expanded and everything came out of the kitchen hot, tasty and delicious.
Sticking to my diet(Ha) I had an item that used to be only on the brunch menu, a Fried green tomato, bacon, lettuce sandwich, on a croissant with a fried egg added. Undoubtedly as many calories as a bacon cheese burger. To continue my wayward behavior instead of fruit, salad or soup I choose the home made, wonderful Saratoga chips.
My companion, a vegetarian had the excellent tomato soup followed by the always great tomato cheese pie. After all how much longer will the fresh tomato season last?
It was a great weekend of eating and I am thankful that our trainer doesn't have a computer and that the new treadmill, in the work out room, is functioning as it should.

Rib's N Things

2010-09-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

This mornings newspaper said that among the most distrusted things are Blogs. It made me feel that once again I should reiterate my philosophy of what I post.
I try just to report on places I go and things that I personal eat and what I feel about each establishment. I don't hold myself out to be a restaurant reviewer, a chef or a professional in the service field in any way. I appreciate comment, of which I receive very few in writing, and several verbally and I am well aware the my tastes are not in any way universal. I am not a trained writer and never learned either to type or spell. So to sum it up, "What you see is what you get" That said her is my latest post.

Every since "Walt's Hitching Post", in Northern KY closed I have set out to try different preparations of Bar-B-Q Ribs. The closest to "Walts", or possibly even better, are at the "Ravinia Grill" in Highland Park IL a long drive from out base in Cincinnati.
Last night, upon notification of the chef, we went to the "Oriental Wok" at the Regency(513-871-6888) to have the Chinese Ribs, which he has prepared and is serving this week, as part of his "Restaurant Week" special $26.10 dinner. We, 3 of us, were on our way to theatre and so only had drinks and several appetizers( pot stickers, egg rolls, etc). The ribs were meaty, not at all fatty, done perfectly(firm on the bone) and covered with a sweet heavy Chinese Bar-B-Q Sauce. We ate with our fingers and were pleased to be served steaming towels and lemon slices to clean our hands and mouths as we finished. They will be on the menu this week and I'm not sure when he will repeat.

For the first time in several years I went, yesterday, to the "Dilly Cafe and Wines" 6818 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227 (513)-561-5233. I meet a young man for lunch and found the food and service good and the atmosphere conducive to conversation. There is both inside and outside seating and an almost full house at 12:30 PM. An extensive menu guarantees that I will return again. For lunch I had excellent Gazpacho, while he chose tomato basil soup. The Gazpacho was nicely seasoned, although I add a little extra Tabasco, and had nicely chopped tomato's, green and red peppers, onions and celery in a "not to thick not to thin" tomato base.
We both followed the serves suggestion and had the grilled Salmon Burger, very tasty, served on toasted facahio with a slight covering of dill aoli. I removed the top piece although my guest ate the whole thing as a sandwich. This was accompanied by nicely done sweet potato fries($11). Pleasant lunch and mission accomplished.

Also this week we had dinner with our young friend and her 7 year old twins in the garden at "Arthur's" on Edward Road in Hyde Park. Dinner with this group is always a fun evening( we are extra grandparents to another family). Monday night was "Burger Madness( $7) which gave us all a choice of as many topping, up to 12, as we wanted at no extra cost. On my burger( medium, next time it will be medium-rare) I added blue cheese, sauteed onions and mushrooms, banana peppers and topped it all off with A-1 sauce. Messy but good. This and a Mt Carmel Amber covered dinner and held me till we got around the corner to "Graeter's" and several tastes of jelly roll and Marilyn's toffee chip cone.

Comments

2010-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

After 3 or 4 nights eating at home we decided to venture out to Hyde Park Square and try the current occupant of the space in the square which seem to turn over regularly.
"Poco a Poco" (which translates to "little by little"), 2724 Erie Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 321-7626 now occupies the space formerly operated by "Red". I have heard that one of the owners also owns the real estate and that is one of the reasons behind the switch.
The menu has a number of small offerings meant to taste and share. Our server, John, was new to the restaurant business but was very patient and knowledgeable and therefore was able to guide us in making decisions. "Poco a Poco" turned out to be a good choice as neither of us wanted to eat heavily. Marilyn had more trouble with the menu than I but then she is more restrictive of her choices than am I.
After my Bombay, yes, they have a full bar, which I would class as no more than a medium pour($9) I followed with a fine Ceviche consisting of firm, sweet shrimp, sliced calamari and some small pieces of white fish, well marinated and served in an "old fashion" glass; and an order of Chili Rellanos, pablano pepper stuff with the shredded pepper insides, chess and a few bread crumbs, then deep fried, but not heavily or greasy, on a light bed of lightly spiced tomato sauce.
The pepper was only medium sized and would not have given more that a couple of bites if shared by more than one other person.
Marilyn chose fish tacos(2) rather small and slightly spicy. The fish was firm and the other fillings standard. Upon request, John brought a basket of chips which being warm and very crisp tuned out to be a good addition( no charge). The bill before tip came to slightly under $44.

A couple of other spots since last posting where the "Oakley Pub and Grill", for lunch with a friend. She had the grilled Grouper Fillet, which I think they do very well, and I tried the Chef's Special Hamburger, based on the article in "Cincinnati Magazine" about the best hamburgers in Cincinnati. This offering had A1 sauce, pepper jack cheese, deep fried onion rings and some mayo. Luckily I removed the bottom of the bun with the mayo and probably limited my intake to less than 1000 calories. The burger was fine but I'll return to the grouper.

Last night we returned to "Prima Vista" for the second time in 8 days and although I like the owners very much and the food is always as advertised this rapid of a return is not recommended. The menu changes very little and even the "specials" are often repeated. Last night was highlighted by the excellent bread pudding with rum soaked rasins and Carmel sauce with which we ended the meal. If I go soon again I may just stick to the house salad, adding Gorgonzola and fried Calamari and have the bread pudding all to myself.

Two more new

2010-09-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

In the last ten days we have been to four new restaurants in the Greater Cincinnati area, almost a record for us. We have not neglected our regular haunts as we keep eating out 3 or 4 nights a week.

Last night our family, six of us, battled the crowd at "Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 621-4777. We were celebrating a 26th Anniversary, of our children, and a 21st Birthday of a Grandchild. The only time available, when the reservation was made, several week ago, was 8:30 PM. We all arrived a couple of minutes early but were not seated until 9. The place was full, including the bar, and people were standing around the hostess stand.
It is great to see something so successful, however, I would avoid Saturday night, if possible, and if not, only go with an early seating, unless, of course, you enjoy eating late.
The building has gone thru many iterations, housing stores and restaurants, the latter running from "Longhorn Steak House", thru Thai and now an upscale French Bistro. The current food matches the current Chef and proprietor. The staff is professional, competent and all the servers and managers have come from other prominent food emporiums.

Our group is into sharing and so I was able to taste most of the dishes presented although my two courses, both starters, because of their nature, were a little less popular.
The table shared a bottle of French Bordeaux, compliments of the Manager( because of the wait) and tried the special heirloom tomato salad, which although very nice, always seems overrated and priced, to me, since the local tomato's are wonderful, and in season.
I stared with a Snail and Frog legs combination both in the same garlic-butter and pureed parsley sauce. This was placed in a large bowl around a green, grilled tomato slice and a small mound of grated, mashed potato's with a few bacon crumbles( I believe the item just described had been run under a broiler before added to the dish.( Details would have to come from the kitchen) The three snails( of which I had two) were very good but the two frog legs I thought were tough. I mopped the plate with excellent French Bread, from the tables bread basket. My other item was a single Sweetbread served on a medium sized pastry shell and accompanied by button mushrooms and roasted grapes. The sauce was a wine reduction which added to the combination.
Others had, for their main courses, Salmon wrapped in Bacon, served as a rouille, "Trio Cochon" ( pork for us who need translation) consisting of an excellent perfectly done pork chop, one slightly fatty pork rib and a small amount of pork belly, which I always question if served with the large amount of fat in place. Lastly there were two orders of the lamb special, three medium rare chops, per order, and a fair sized piece of spicy lamb sausage. All items came with appropriate sauces and starch or vegetables.
We finished with coffee, for those who wished, and a shared Lemon Tart with spots of raspberry coulis on the plate. Our tab just a little over $200, including tax and tip.

Wednesday we journeyed to Loveland Ohio to meet a friend, at a place she recommended, "Tano's" 204 West Loveland Ave. Loveland OH 45140 (513)683-8266. We're glad we did.
"Tano's" owned and run by Gaetano Williams, formerly a chef at McCormick & Schmick's, is a small( 20 tables) Bistro and Bar on the main street of downtown Loveland.It serves as a pleasant restaurant and a base for a very nice catering business. The menu is varied, if not extensive, and there are always one or two fresh fish specials. Drinks, including wine, are reasonable.
I started with the "house" salad, mixed, upscale greens, including spinach, with nuts, cranberry's and cheese crumbles while the other two had "heirloom" tomato salad.( see comments above). For my main course I had Pacific Coast striped Sea Bass with a wonderful "house made" pineapple and sour cherry chutney and accompanying rice and broccoli rabe. A lovely plate, well prepared with a marriage of interesting tastes. Marilyn had Pasta Pomodoro with fresh tomato's, fennel, spinach and onions, in a light favorable broth. Our friends diner was the same as mine and with a $24 bottle of wine, and coffee the entire evening ran less than $45 a head including tax and tip.
I can't leave "Tano" without commenting on the two serves working that evening. Besides being attentive, attractive and efficient they were both intelligent, interesting young women. Our friend had a current best seller with her which evoked from our serves, with our encouragement, a detailed discussion covering literature and the arts. Unusual to say the least. I'm sure we will return although its a long haul from the Ohio River.

Two New

2010-08-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

As everyone, who reads this, knows we go out a lot. Most of the restaurants are repeats and unless there is something special I am not going to report on the same places over and over.
Since we have gotten back, in town, we have gone to two new spots, for us. Both are in suburban locations and have built their menus around steaks, although they both have several other offerings.

"Tony's" 12110 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, Oh 45249 (513) 677-1993 is headed by Tony Ricci, the long time host at "the Precinct". Now he has his own "show" and is very much in evidence to both his staff and customers. In fact one slight negative might be the "over attention" one, as a guest, receives from the servers.
Our dinner was well prepared, tastee and served at the correct temperature. All important ingredients to any successful meal.
I started with the usual Bombay($8.95) followed by a very good Greek salad, very lightly but pleasantly dressed, which was included with the entree. Wednesday night I choose the Linguine with fresh Muscles. The muscles were sweet and tender and the Linguine "al dente" both up to or above expectations. I also ordered a "side" of Brussels Sprouts, small and firmly prepared. I expected the table to share my "side" but had to "pig out" and eat almost all. Both of the dishes were as advertised and my only suggestion would be the amount of Tasso Ham, and therefore salt, that both of these dishes contained. I have become "salt taste sensitive" and so others might like the strong addition to each of these dishes.
Marilyn had the "house wedge", also included, with her 9 oz, Fillet and baked potato. The fillet and potato were both excellent and the later was large enough that she had some left over for lunch the next day. The potato deserves special mention as it was sweet, nicely crusted and as mentioned quite large.
Total cost, for the two of us, with tax and tip was slightly under $100. It's a long way for us, from the river, but I am sure we will return.

Three nights later we joined another couple at "Eddie Merlot's" 10808 Montgomery Road Cincinnati OH 45242 (513) 489-1212. This restaurant, part of a small group based in Ft. Wayne, IN has been in the area for about two years. The name is fiction( not a real person) and there are currently 5,"stores" operating, all in the mid-west.
The other couple arrived slightly before we and asked to be seated in a more quiet location than the main dining room. That made for a very pleasant, easy to converse evening.
Our server Terry, a large, pleasant and knowledgeable man, was very patient and helpful but his size, in my instance, led him to recommend more that I needed. Of course there was no one with a gun making me eat everything that was served. Bombay here was also $8.95 and I followed with "in house" Gumbo with both chicken and sausage. The tomato base had been blended with a thick rhue and made a fairly heavy and filling first course. It was slightly spicy but I missed the Okra that usually is the thickener. The bowls are attractive and large and "slant cut". Next came a chopped salad, in the same sized bowl which was very refreshing, filling and large, especially considering that it was the half sized portion. (At that point I should have cancel the rest) My main course was "Ceder Planked", grilled Salmon served with fresh spinach and fingerling potato's. I gave the potatoes to Marilyn to go with her 6 oz fillet. She had started with a half Iceberg wedge and so the potato's filled her plate and helped empty mine.
The table shared, for dessert, a "S'more Tart( gram cracker crust, chocolate filling and baby marshmallows) served with both chocolate and Carmel sauce. With coffee and Marilyn's usual Cranberry and club soda the entire evening came in at $120 for the two of us.
The restaurant does offer specially priced dinners but we chose to go "ala carte".

A couple of other comments. We went to the "View" 2200 Victory Parkway for lunch and were impressed with their lunch time selections.
A night at "Cumin" 3520 Erie Ave. reinforced the well know strategy to always, at least listen to the serves ideas, especially on the non standard items. The summer vegetable soup was outstanding.

Chicago/North Shore

2010-08-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

At the end of our trip to northern Wisconsin we spent a couple of days in the North Shore communities, along the lake, north of Chicago. We stay with good friends in Glencoe IL where we lived for almost 13 years and enjoy catching up with people who currently live in the area.
The first night, with our hosts, we had a late diner at "Ravinia Grill" 594 Roger Williams Ave. Highland Park IL 60035 847-433-1111. We have eaten there before and returned for the ribs which we have found good on other occasions. Wednesday night they were outstanding. We have been bemoaning the news that "Walt's", in northern KY, is closing, at least temporarily, but left the "Rivinia Grill" knowing that rib preparation is in good hands and that even though we only get to Chicago once or twice a year we could satisfy ourselves with a product at least as good, if not better, than those we may miss here. The ribs are dry rubbed, seasoned, grilled and served with sauce,"on the side", which I did not find a necessary addition. The meat is firm, has to be chewed of the bone, and full of flavor and very little fat. Along with the ribs we had an interesting "special salad". a mixture of slaw in a light, creamy, season dressing and iceberg lettuce, different and quite good. There is a large selection of potato's( home fries, baked, both white and sweet, regular fried, both white and sweet and mashed). I passed on the potato's, although Marilyn's home fries were super, and chose instead sauteed fresh spinach. What lengths I wont go too to feel I'm eating healthy.

The next day we joined another couple for lunch at "Max and Benny's" 461 Waukegan Rd. Northbrook IL 60062 847-272-9490. If in the area "Max and Benny's" is a must for us as Cincinnati is a "deli free" zone, too bad. This establishment has a really complete deli menu and choosing is a chore, but a pleasant one. I have never been disappointed whether it was soup, meat, fish or any spread or combination. For the meal in question I had a "sweet and sour" cabbage soup followed by a wonderful copped liver sandwich( on excellent rye) to which I added a slice of sweet onion and fresh tomato slices.The dill pickle spear was green and crisp and the slaw pleasantly tart.
Marilyn went with Mushroom Barely soup, her comfort food, and a "corned beef on rye". What could be more indigenous.

That evening 7 of us had dinner At "Demetri's" Lake Cook Road just two lights West of Waukegan Rd. 847-940-0777. This fine basic, blue and white, Greek Restaurant has a full fish menu, which changes often and is prepared very well. Marilyn's favorite fish is "Dover Sole" and it is quite often found at "Demetri's" at a very reasonable price( that night $32). The group started with an array of hot and cold appetizers and they literally pecked at the offerings leaving Hugh amounts on the platter. Seeing the proceeding I passed on a main course and filled myself, to overflowing, with an eggplant caponata, minced chicken and chives in tsatsiki sauce and a mixture of creamed cheese, anchovy paste, mashed white fish seasoned with paprika and cayenne pepper all accompanied by toasted Greek bread chips. The hot items were roasted peppers, calamari, grilled shrimp, Greek sausage and a marinated( oil and vinegar) red cabbage slaw. I'm stuff just writing about about it.
The smarter people had ,Dover Sole, Tilapia, whole roasted Snapper, Gyros and Spanakotiropti( a spanikopita pie). All the main courses come with a Greek salad and are quite sufficient in of themselves. White wine and coffee completed our Greek seafood evening out.
Good food and drink at a reasonable price, $195, before tip, for the 7 of us.

3D/2D

2010-08-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Food Network program, "Diners, Drive Inns and Dives" refers to itself as "3 D". I'm about to report on two spots in the Northern part of Minnesota and Wisconsin which qualify for this description.
"The Duluth Grill", 118 South 27th Ave. W Duluth MN 55806-218-726-1150 has actually been on the afore mentioned show, as pictures in their vestibule attest. I'm not sure when it was featured but it was interesting to us, that in all the years of visits to that area, this was the first time we or our Duluth friend where aware of this family run diner. It is a large space on a busy street and when we arrived around noon the wait was 10 to 15 minutes.
Atmosphere is minimal but the menu is fairly large and certainly contains items which cater to all tastes. Everything is made "in house". The 3 of us had the Walleye Wrap($9.99) which is served with a choice of soup, salad, slaw or chips, and comes with a couple of crispy sweet pickle chips. I had chili, a mild, tomatoey, fairly thick soup with sufficient ground beef and beans. I passed on the cheese. The two women both had the tomato basil bisque. The wrap, itself, is a large multi-grained soft tortillas filled with lettuce, tomato, bacon and grilled walleye. The sauce seems to be a thin remoulade. The combination is quite good and plenty for even the local lumbering patrons. ( There you are Cyndi.)

Have you every gone on an eating excursion expecting to be disappointed? The next day, for lunch, we set out for "The Delta Diner" 14385 County Highway H, Delta, WI. 54856 715-372-6666. The location of this old, reconditioned RR dining car, for us city folk, is really "in the middle of nowhere"; 12 miles south of Iron River WI, which on US 2 and 12 miles north of Cable WI, neither of which are meaningful population centers.
We were spending 6 days at the camp in Lake Nebagamon, WI, with which we have been associated for many year( 71 for me) and all the "eating out" talk was of the "Delta Diner" and so when out eldest Grandson insisted that the family had to go we, of course, agreed.
The 40 minute drive ended in front of this chrome plated dining car perched on the side of a not very major highway with a gravel parking lot, in front, filled with cars, vans and motor cycles. At 12:45 the wait was 45 minutes. I still was very skeptical. We sat out side until we were ushered in and seated 5 in a booth an 2 at the counter near by. The menu is over the grill and cooler and is fully repeated, with explanations by one of the two servers. I should have asked if there is a written copy as the items are all interesting, different and outstanding.
A rundown on what we had is translated as follows:
A Mexican presentation of eggs, perfectly fried, on a corn Polenta, including kernels of sweet corn, and a sprinkling of finely chopped pepper all covered with a light tomato and cream based sauce with ground Chorizo. A wonderful mixture of spicy, sweet and mild- firm and soft.
Our Grandson insisted that everyone have some of their "apple smoked bacon" and the "grilled" has browns, so of courses, he ordered several sides of those for all to share. He was correct, they were delicious.
Others had: Prime Rib sandwiches on rye toast liberally covered with melted cheese( after all this is Wisconsin) with the beef topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions and a light beef stock.
Dutch pancake, oven prepared, with fresh strawberries and whipped fresh cream ladled as directed by the consumer.
Beautiful stuffed French toast, each piece 1 to 2 inches high stiffed with a mixture of a creamy cheese and fresh blueberry's all doused with powdered sugar. Wisconsin Maple Syrup, on the side.
As anyone reading this can tell I came away a believer. I would not make the 800 mile drive from Cincinnati, just for this, but sure blessed the 40 minutes expended to find this gourmet oasis in the North Woods. Wish that "Joe's Diner" could hold even a little candle.

Just in passing, we had diner on our drive up at the "Oliver Garden" a very passable chain Italian restaurant, who incidentally was complimented in a recent WSJ for their easy to understand wine list. No surprise I had Bombay.