Interesting Weekend

Our social life hit on all cylinders over the weekend.
Friday night we were invited to a CSO Picnic given by one of the Board members at their home. My guess is that there were about 200 in attendance. Orchestra Members, their guests, Board Members, Administration and others. They had all my favorites, Bombay Gin, Cashew Nuts and several kinds of grilled Sausage, along with very interesting people. A pleasant evening in a lovely setting and a great beginning for the weekend.
Saturday night we had dinner, with another couple, at "Aqua" 1020 Delta Ave, Cincinnati. We have been there several times and I have written comments on the other visits. I especially enjoy the Sushi Bar and usually have a plate of mixed items, all of which I have enjoyed. Marilyn and others usually stick with the seafood or meat dishes. Saturday I had a wonderful smoked salmon salad which included figs, cashew nuts, currents and greens. I followed with several "oriental rolls" and a beer. Marilyn had the chicken in a finally seasoned sauce and served with mushrooms and fingerling potato's. The others had Gazpacho and grilled coconut covered prawns. The main room was full, and noisy, and so we moved to the terrace abutting the sidewalk where the four of us dined alone along with an interesting array of passersby.
Sunday night was a new experience for us. Several people had recommended "Cafe Mediterranean" which opened while we were out of town this summer. The owner is Mehmet Coskun and he takes a personal interest in his guests. "Cafe Mediterranean" is located in the Anderson Towne Center at 7454 Beechmont Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45255, phone-513-232-2400.
The are open 7 days a week and are located in the shopping center behind Macy's and next to the "Cold stone Creamery". The restaurant is handicapped accessible and has full bar service.
After drinks our table shared a combo platters of cold Mediterranean appetizers. The platter of food was beautiful and very tasty and had about eight different items. The combo platter plus a salad or one main course, split, would serve most couples, especially after one or two drinks.
Our main courses were a lamb shishkabob, for Marilyn, which again was excellent, and and a large serving of home made gyro meat for me. The shishkabob was accompanied with a Bulgar wheat pilaf and grilled peppers and tomato while my meat had the low fat vegetable mix, fresh broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus. Hot pita comes with everything. The food was very good, although my vegetables could have used some kind of sauce, possibly yogurt, and the service was pleasant but unfortunately spotty. We will return and go for the appetizer and a salad. The total cost was approximately $50/couple plus tip.