On the way home last night from dinner at "Honey" we stoped at the Baskin-Robbins store in Clifton. Only the "drive-thru" is open after 8 PM but we purchased a single scoop of "rocky road" ice cream, in a cup, to consume at red lights on the way home. This produce still remains my favorite dark chocolate treat. I am not sure of the recipe but it tastes as though besides the small marshmallow bits they also include some marshmallow syrup mixed with the dark chocolate ice cream and almonds. I think it's special.
We have been doing our part to stimulate the economy. Lunch today at the "Senate" 1212 Vine St. (513-421-2020) where three of us shared 4 dishes: Today's feature hot dog, a lamb sausage dressed with date chutney, caramelized onions and fried carrot slivers, a trailer park hot dog with onions, Wasahbi sauce and relish, a red curry eggplant sandwich, beautifully grilled and coated with seasoned crumbs and sauce and an order of ricotta+asparagus toast, 4 pieces of bruschetta toast pieces covered with ricotta creamed cheese and shaved asparagus, scallions and halved grape tomato's on a light Worcestershire sauce dressing. Obviously too much food but a delightful lunch with two pleasant companions.
Last night is was "Honey" in Northside. Unfortunately Shoshanna had taken the evening off, and although Andrew, who used to be at "Otto's" is more than competent the selection of features are limited when Shoshanna is not adding to the set menu and overseeing the kitchen. I had a honey glazed grilled salmon, extremely rare, at my request, on a bed of mid-eastern grain and shaved fresh vegetables. Marilyn had the brazed short ribs served on fresh spinach and mashed potato's and our guest had mahi-mahi on a risotto cake with again shaved vegetables. The food at "Honey" is always good to excellent and I continue to be amazed as to why the "Cincinnati Magazine" food reviewer passes over this spot year after year in her listing of either the city's 1o best or probably actually her 10 favorites.
If I list every meal that either I, or we, have eaten during the last couple of weeks you will be more tired than I, with my slow typing ability, of reading my calorie intake; which I would never admit to our trainer, who luckily doesn't own a computer or care to follow my misadventures. What I will do, to clear my pile of restaurant receipts is list the places and my eaten items, with possibly a comment or two if I feel like editorializing, which I usually do:
"Via Vite(lunch) 529 Vine St. on Fountain Sq. Excellent, spicy Cioppino and a beet and roasted asparagus salad;
"Primavista"(dinner) 810 Matson Place, Price Hill. House salad and Carbonara, a special order,made just at my request, and a mistake.
"Greyhound Tavern"(dinner) Dixie Hwy in Ft. Mitchel KY. Monday night special family style fried chicken dinner with Onions Rings, first, with our drinks. Nine people in our group, which they handle well. Always good but the price keeps rising, now $14.95 each just for the chicken dinner
"Wild Ginger"(dinner) 3655 Edwards Rd. Hyde Park. Kirin Ichiban(22 oz) very good beer and a "King of the Sea" Roll. To me their Sushi is the best, although I don't go to many high end Japanese restaurants. An aside most of my dinners start with Bombay Gin which I have not always listed.
"Sky Galley"(dinner) Lunken Airport. Fried chicken livers, don't tell the trainer if you know or use him. I love liver, and most innards.
"Bonefish Grill"(dinner) Edwards and Madison Rd, Hyde Park. A grilled salmon salad very good and for once a health choice.
Now I've cleared the deck, just like we did tonight to our refrigerator. It will be a few days but I'll start saving notes and reporting on any new finds, as they come along.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Nectar-Dinner Club
Julie Francis, the chef and owner of "Nectar Restaurant", Mt Lookout Square at 1000 Delta Ave-513-929-0525 serves a 5 course, price fixed($55) meal, approximately once a month featuring an ingredient, in all 5 courses, produce or processed locally. She calls these events the "Dinner Club". I have attended several including the last two offerings.
In February the featured item was Chocolate. Now I like chocolate but I am partial to a good dark or semi-sweet morsel, piece, bite or sauce. At last months dinner the uses varied from a white chocolate coating to a mild chocolate rub on a different item. Personally I wasn't thrilled.
This past week the Dinner Club featured "Kimchi" the spicy, fermented vegetable mix most usually associated with Asia, often Korean Food. The local company producing the "Kimchi" featured is "Fab Ferments" run by 2 young people who make and sell their product at "farmers markets", health food stores and street booths. The sample they left with us was very very spicy(hot) but the ones that were served, at "Nectar", ran the gambit from mild to heavily spiced. I really enjoyed my meal and listed below you will find the courses as described on the printed menu. Parenthesis and comment are mine:
Turner Farm Pork and veal Dumplings( Pot Sticker) with Kimchi and Pomegranate Dipping Sauce.
Kimchi Pancake with Shrimp, Scallions, Sesame, and Pea Sprout Salad.-I should add that each table had a small dish of soy sauce and one of Korean HOT pepper paste, for use as the guests wished.
Salad of Black Beans Avocado, Kimchi, Chayate Squash and pickled Mushrooms with Beet Kvass( sauce) Vinaigrette. This came in the newest shape for chopped salads- enlarged hocky puck.
Greenacres Beef Short Rib Stew with Kimchi and Quail egg. The stew had pieced of dicon radish, tofu and possibly turnips. I am partial to my "short ribs' and am unfairly hard to please when others go that route.
Grape Kombucha Float with Korean Pear and Sesame Tuille. A light last course and my least favorite although it was a fitting ending for a meal of varying flavors.
Most guest seemed to order the Claiborne and Church Dry Riesling which I have served in my home, and find very drinkable, but with my propensity towards Bombay I started with that and then switch to a craft beer which I often do when eating spicy or salty food.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Nectar Dinner Club offerings give "Nectar" a call and ask them to add you to their email or snail mail list.
In February the featured item was Chocolate. Now I like chocolate but I am partial to a good dark or semi-sweet morsel, piece, bite or sauce. At last months dinner the uses varied from a white chocolate coating to a mild chocolate rub on a different item. Personally I wasn't thrilled.
This past week the Dinner Club featured "Kimchi" the spicy, fermented vegetable mix most usually associated with Asia, often Korean Food. The local company producing the "Kimchi" featured is "Fab Ferments" run by 2 young people who make and sell their product at "farmers markets", health food stores and street booths. The sample they left with us was very very spicy(hot) but the ones that were served, at "Nectar", ran the gambit from mild to heavily spiced. I really enjoyed my meal and listed below you will find the courses as described on the printed menu. Parenthesis and comment are mine:
Turner Farm Pork and veal Dumplings( Pot Sticker) with Kimchi and Pomegranate Dipping Sauce.
Kimchi Pancake with Shrimp, Scallions, Sesame, and Pea Sprout Salad.-I should add that each table had a small dish of soy sauce and one of Korean HOT pepper paste, for use as the guests wished.
Salad of Black Beans Avocado, Kimchi, Chayate Squash and pickled Mushrooms with Beet Kvass( sauce) Vinaigrette. This came in the newest shape for chopped salads- enlarged hocky puck.
Greenacres Beef Short Rib Stew with Kimchi and Quail egg. The stew had pieced of dicon radish, tofu and possibly turnips. I am partial to my "short ribs' and am unfairly hard to please when others go that route.
Grape Kombucha Float with Korean Pear and Sesame Tuille. A light last course and my least favorite although it was a fitting ending for a meal of varying flavors.
Most guest seemed to order the Claiborne and Church Dry Riesling which I have served in my home, and find very drinkable, but with my propensity towards Bombay I started with that and then switch to a craft beer which I often do when eating spicy or salty food.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Nectar Dinner Club offerings give "Nectar" a call and ask them to add you to their email or snail mail list.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
You Choose
This week I had interesting experiences which once again reinforced the choices which all of us must make when we choose to "eat out". All involved restaurants on which I have posted items from a few to many times.
Sunday night we met a group of younger, that's not hard, at our age, to do, relatives and children at the "Oriental Wok" at the Regency. Marilyn and I have become good friends with the owners and especially the chef. Because of this I almost always put myself in his hands, not a bad thing to do if you know the kind of preparations in which he/she specializes and are adventurous. It is my recommendation that all of us try to get acquainted with the person who prepares our food.
Instead of food from the regular menu, Guy, suggested I try the special spicy shrimp salad, which he intended to feature during Restaurant week and also suggested the soft shelled crabs, as he had done in the past. The crab( singular, I ordered only one) were just as good as I had had previously( see earlier postings) and to me the salad was outstanding. The shrimp had been grilled, seasoned, cut in quarters, or smaller, and covered with a light sweet and pungent sauce. The shrimp were then placed on a "hockey puck" shaped bed of chopped Granny Smith apples, celery, red onions and golden raisins. A perfect combination and an outstanding creation. The regular food is good but given the choice I'll go with my, and your, special treatment when choosing to follow the chef's recommendation.
I now want to describe two dinners at different seafood restaurants:
Monday we went to a perennial favorite "The Pelican's Reef". Arriving late, after drinks and cheese at home, we tried to order a meal but not a feast. I had one of the evening specials, a Grouper Ruben served with one side. For my side I ask to substitute a cup of the Cajun Black Bean soup which turned our to be delicious. It had just the right amount of spice and sausage to compliment the perfectly done beans and tomato based liquid. The Ruben came on marbled rye and consisted of a large piece of grilled Grouper placed on a light layer of sauerkraut and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Instead of a heavy 1000 island dressing the top piece of bread had been spread with a very light Cajun mayo and tomato mixture. Plenty of wonderful food at the unbelievable price of $9.95.
The next night we ventured to "McCormick & Schmick's in the Westin Hotel at 5th and Vine( the heart of downtown) The accutrements and ambiance are much more up scale, as is the location but the food, and especially the service, was no better, overall, than the night before.
I had a different meal at M&S, with a good chilled head of lettuce covered by a tastee creamy blue cheese dressing while for a main course I chose Artic Char grilled and served with sauteed peppers and onions on a bed of orzo. Certainly more "classy" than soup and a sandwich. The food was good, not outstanding, the service was spotty and the price for the two dishes of $32 dollars certainly quite a bit more expensive
It's up to each of us to choose in dining out, as it is in most things in life, which impulse to follow.
Sunday night we met a group of younger, that's not hard, at our age, to do, relatives and children at the "Oriental Wok" at the Regency. Marilyn and I have become good friends with the owners and especially the chef. Because of this I almost always put myself in his hands, not a bad thing to do if you know the kind of preparations in which he/she specializes and are adventurous. It is my recommendation that all of us try to get acquainted with the person who prepares our food.
Instead of food from the regular menu, Guy, suggested I try the special spicy shrimp salad, which he intended to feature during Restaurant week and also suggested the soft shelled crabs, as he had done in the past. The crab( singular, I ordered only one) were just as good as I had had previously( see earlier postings) and to me the salad was outstanding. The shrimp had been grilled, seasoned, cut in quarters, or smaller, and covered with a light sweet and pungent sauce. The shrimp were then placed on a "hockey puck" shaped bed of chopped Granny Smith apples, celery, red onions and golden raisins. A perfect combination and an outstanding creation. The regular food is good but given the choice I'll go with my, and your, special treatment when choosing to follow the chef's recommendation.
I now want to describe two dinners at different seafood restaurants:
Monday we went to a perennial favorite "The Pelican's Reef". Arriving late, after drinks and cheese at home, we tried to order a meal but not a feast. I had one of the evening specials, a Grouper Ruben served with one side. For my side I ask to substitute a cup of the Cajun Black Bean soup which turned our to be delicious. It had just the right amount of spice and sausage to compliment the perfectly done beans and tomato based liquid. The Ruben came on marbled rye and consisted of a large piece of grilled Grouper placed on a light layer of sauerkraut and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Instead of a heavy 1000 island dressing the top piece of bread had been spread with a very light Cajun mayo and tomato mixture. Plenty of wonderful food at the unbelievable price of $9.95.
The next night we ventured to "McCormick & Schmick's in the Westin Hotel at 5th and Vine( the heart of downtown) The accutrements and ambiance are much more up scale, as is the location but the food, and especially the service, was no better, overall, than the night before.
I had a different meal at M&S, with a good chilled head of lettuce covered by a tastee creamy blue cheese dressing while for a main course I chose Artic Char grilled and served with sauteed peppers and onions on a bed of orzo. Certainly more "classy" than soup and a sandwich. The food was good, not outstanding, the service was spotty and the price for the two dishes of $32 dollars certainly quite a bit more expensive
It's up to each of us to choose in dining out, as it is in most things in life, which impulse to follow.
More on the Senate
Since my first visit I have been back to "The Senate" twice, once for dinner, before theatre, and again, today, to "carry out" for lunch with a "shut in' friend. Access will probably improve as the city finishes tearing up Vice St and blocking the sidewalk up to just before the restaurant from the south.
As you may recall the "Senate" is located in the Gateway district, on Vine St, just north of 12th. It's owners, Daniel and Lana Wright came back to Cincinnati from Chicago to open this most interesting "watering hole" and serve "gourmet street food". They have done that and more.
For dinner, last week, I chose the "special" which that evening consisted of grilled Scallops served on a bed of Cauliflower puree and accompanied with sauteed Brussels Sprouts flavored by the addition of Bacon and onion. The whole dish made a wonderful light meal and would have keep me in "fighting trim" had I stoped there. Unfortunately the Chocolate and Bourbon Bread pudding was just too hard to resist and by the time the three of us had demolished a Hugh piece there was no way the scale would weight what I wished.
David introduced me to St.Ambroise Apricot wheat ale from Canada. This golden brew went perfectly with the dinner as it would, I am sure, with most items on the menu.
I don't report on food not eaten or tasted but I should mention, since we were seated nearby, that the kitchen was producing several items about which we asked. An especially attractive plate was the "housemade ricotta+asparagus toast"and another the "red curry eggplant sandwich"
Today, I returned at noon to pick up two specialty Hot Dogs. I described the "dogs" in the last posting, when I had the "Korean", but today the choices were the "Chicago" made with all the proper trimmings, including the very bright green relish and today Feature, a grilled Bratwurst with sauerkraut, carmelized onions, bacon and a German mustard. Bacon must be one of Daniel's loves, besides Lana. As I mentioned the last time the "dogs are grilled, something I like, the buns are soft and even though the hot dogs are not cheap( $8 to $10/each) they are filling and delightful.
Fight the construction and venture to "The Senate". I believe you'll be rewarded
As you may recall the "Senate" is located in the Gateway district, on Vine St, just north of 12th. It's owners, Daniel and Lana Wright came back to Cincinnati from Chicago to open this most interesting "watering hole" and serve "gourmet street food". They have done that and more.
For dinner, last week, I chose the "special" which that evening consisted of grilled Scallops served on a bed of Cauliflower puree and accompanied with sauteed Brussels Sprouts flavored by the addition of Bacon and onion. The whole dish made a wonderful light meal and would have keep me in "fighting trim" had I stoped there. Unfortunately the Chocolate and Bourbon Bread pudding was just too hard to resist and by the time the three of us had demolished a Hugh piece there was no way the scale would weight what I wished.
David introduced me to St.Ambroise Apricot wheat ale from Canada. This golden brew went perfectly with the dinner as it would, I am sure, with most items on the menu.
I don't report on food not eaten or tasted but I should mention, since we were seated nearby, that the kitchen was producing several items about which we asked. An especially attractive plate was the "housemade ricotta+asparagus toast"and another the "red curry eggplant sandwich"
Today, I returned at noon to pick up two specialty Hot Dogs. I described the "dogs" in the last posting, when I had the "Korean", but today the choices were the "Chicago" made with all the proper trimmings, including the very bright green relish and today Feature, a grilled Bratwurst with sauerkraut, carmelized onions, bacon and a German mustard. Bacon must be one of Daniel's loves, besides Lana. As I mentioned the last time the "dogs are grilled, something I like, the buns are soft and even though the hot dogs are not cheap( $8 to $10/each) they are filling and delightful.
Fight the construction and venture to "The Senate". I believe you'll be rewarded
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hugo
We have been eating out our normal 3 to 4 nights a week, mostly at places we frequent regularly. I'll list some on the next posting along with and special dishes.
In the mean time I want to report on "Hugo" 3235 Madison Rd. (Oakley) Cincinnati 513-321-4846. "Hugo" is currently ranked #8 in Cincinnati Magazine list of the "Best Restaurants" and I don't have a "beef" with it's being listed but I do with the reviewer who leaves out several excellent spots for "personal reasons" having nothing to do with food, ambiance, service, etc.
Sean Daly has been cooking and operating "Hugo's" for about three years and in my opinion it has gotten better and more interesting over that time. The dining area is well spaced and conversation, at normal levels, is easily maintained. The place Friday night was pleasantly full, even though the weather was a deterring factor, the bar area, when we left was jammed.
Our server was able to answer questions about various items and offered suggestion when asked. Service was good but not outstanding. No comment on the attractive "busier" who is the son of friends.
For my meal I chose the First Course special, Pork Belly, another First Course Item, Grits, and a salad. This turned out to be not only plenty of food but on the filling side considering the preparations.
The Pork Belly, came first after my Bombay( there you are Stan), and was beautifully roasted and served on a bed of chopped apples and raisins, heated, with a light raisin sauce. It was a wonderful rich dish although the cut, as always, is heavy on fat. Next the "southern Caesar salad" was served on a cool plate, as salad should be, and consisted of a nice size portion of a crisp romaine head with both bacon chips and croutons. The whole was sprinkled, liberally, with a spicy Caesar dressing, house made and colored a pleasant pink, excellent and interesting to my taste buds.
My last dish was the "stone ground grits' served in a warm deep bowl with an egg and very thin crisp shoestring potatoes on top. I could not get all the flavors in the grits but I am sure there was a liberal amount of cheese and either bacon, tasso ham or sausage embedded. Another very rich and satisfying dish.
Marilyn, showing better sense, ordering a half of a small beautifully grilled chicken served with a savory bread pudding, baked and firm, which I tasted and enjoyed. The meal came to approximately $68 before gratuity which seems appropriate considering the time of preparation and the quality of the food.
In the mean time I want to report on "Hugo" 3235 Madison Rd. (Oakley) Cincinnati 513-321-4846. "Hugo" is currently ranked #8 in Cincinnati Magazine list of the "Best Restaurants" and I don't have a "beef" with it's being listed but I do with the reviewer who leaves out several excellent spots for "personal reasons" having nothing to do with food, ambiance, service, etc.
Sean Daly has been cooking and operating "Hugo's" for about three years and in my opinion it has gotten better and more interesting over that time. The dining area is well spaced and conversation, at normal levels, is easily maintained. The place Friday night was pleasantly full, even though the weather was a deterring factor, the bar area, when we left was jammed.
Our server was able to answer questions about various items and offered suggestion when asked. Service was good but not outstanding. No comment on the attractive "busier" who is the son of friends.
For my meal I chose the First Course special, Pork Belly, another First Course Item, Grits, and a salad. This turned out to be not only plenty of food but on the filling side considering the preparations.
The Pork Belly, came first after my Bombay( there you are Stan), and was beautifully roasted and served on a bed of chopped apples and raisins, heated, with a light raisin sauce. It was a wonderful rich dish although the cut, as always, is heavy on fat. Next the "southern Caesar salad" was served on a cool plate, as salad should be, and consisted of a nice size portion of a crisp romaine head with both bacon chips and croutons. The whole was sprinkled, liberally, with a spicy Caesar dressing, house made and colored a pleasant pink, excellent and interesting to my taste buds.
My last dish was the "stone ground grits' served in a warm deep bowl with an egg and very thin crisp shoestring potatoes on top. I could not get all the flavors in the grits but I am sure there was a liberal amount of cheese and either bacon, tasso ham or sausage embedded. Another very rich and satisfying dish.
Marilyn, showing better sense, ordering a half of a small beautifully grilled chicken served with a savory bread pudding, baked and firm, which I tasted and enjoyed. The meal came to approximately $68 before gratuity which seems appropriate considering the time of preparation and the quality of the food.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
View
In my posting of Feb. 6 I reported on the "View" 2200 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45206 phone 513-751-8439 and our evening there during their first week of operation.
I felt I owed myself and them another visit and so 4 of us went last night for a dinner that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Gay Stephens, one of the owners, and a welcoming true presence in the restaurant. Marilyn and I were both surprised when she started the conversation with comments on what we had had on our previous visit and also a reference to the banter in which we had engaged. The place at 6:30 was about 1/3rd full, although others came in as the evening progressed, and so we had our choice of several tables. There is a slightly restricted "Pre-View" menu served from 4:30 to 6:30, at reduced prices, but after ordering drinks we perused the regular offerings plus the "View Parallel Tasting Menu", a four course meal at a price fixed $42.
Besides the early dinner menu Tuesdays are half price wine night so it should be of no surprise that are table chose a pleasant Chardonnay to be shared by the 3 of us who enjoy wine while we dine.
I opted for the Parallel Tasting Menu and am delighted that I did. The others had dishes from the regular list, chicken, calf's liver and shrimp, and all were please with their selections.
My dinner consisted of a First Course of Duck, prepared two different ways, as each subsequent course offering was. The duck came as a Crispy wonton stuffed with ground duck breast and goat cheese served on snow peas and hoison sauce. The other preparation was a crisp pizzelle with slices of duck breast, foie gras and an orange cranberry relish. The chef, a native of Argentina appeared with each course and gave a short explanation. He couldn't have been more accommodating.
The second course was built around scollop's. a Katalfi-wrapped oven roasted one over warm Napa cabbage Asian Slaw and another seared with roasted shitake mushrooms over a cauliflower puree to which was added a touch of tomato puree for coloring.
Because each of my dishes were prepared "from scratch" the pacing of the whole meal was leisurely, a fact the Gay had explained to the table when I ordered. At this point everyone was served a "pallet cleanser", a small scoop of lemon gellato topped by one fresh red raspberry. This came in a beautiful clear, heavy stemmed "Martini Glass".
On to course three: Bison. This plate contained Macadamian Crusted Bison Bracciole with fresh mozzarella and golden raisins over lemon infused pepe pasta( almost a grain) and a helping of Bison Tartar with thin sliced radish and a truffle(oil) quail egg over a micro green salad.
Before the fourth course arrived, one built around strawberries, the server, who was helpful, pleasant and officiant all evening, made a mistake of bring the dessert tray for the others to view. Unfortunately right in the middle was an attractive glass, divided platter, with three small wells, containing three different types of bread pudding, impossible for me to resist. Having no shame I asked if by any chance the bread pudding could be substituted for the 4th course of Strawberries. A few moments later the server returned with small plates, folks and spoons for all of us and a serving to the 3 bread puddings, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry and Orange Zest, for a us to taste and enjoy. What a true show of Hospitality. Not to be outdone the Chef sent out one of the the two Strawberry dishes, a large berry stuffed with nutella mascarpone served on a waffle like bisect with a covering of goat cheese "dulce se leche".
Luckily the portions are "tasting size" so that the wonderful meal is not overwhelming but just terrifically satisfying.
Having returned to the "View" for a second try was one of this "foodies" better decisions. It wont be our last visit.
I felt I owed myself and them another visit and so 4 of us went last night for a dinner that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Gay Stephens, one of the owners, and a welcoming true presence in the restaurant. Marilyn and I were both surprised when she started the conversation with comments on what we had had on our previous visit and also a reference to the banter in which we had engaged. The place at 6:30 was about 1/3rd full, although others came in as the evening progressed, and so we had our choice of several tables. There is a slightly restricted "Pre-View" menu served from 4:30 to 6:30, at reduced prices, but after ordering drinks we perused the regular offerings plus the "View Parallel Tasting Menu", a four course meal at a price fixed $42.
Besides the early dinner menu Tuesdays are half price wine night so it should be of no surprise that are table chose a pleasant Chardonnay to be shared by the 3 of us who enjoy wine while we dine.
I opted for the Parallel Tasting Menu and am delighted that I did. The others had dishes from the regular list, chicken, calf's liver and shrimp, and all were please with their selections.
My dinner consisted of a First Course of Duck, prepared two different ways, as each subsequent course offering was. The duck came as a Crispy wonton stuffed with ground duck breast and goat cheese served on snow peas and hoison sauce. The other preparation was a crisp pizzelle with slices of duck breast, foie gras and an orange cranberry relish. The chef, a native of Argentina appeared with each course and gave a short explanation. He couldn't have been more accommodating.
The second course was built around scollop's. a Katalfi-wrapped oven roasted one over warm Napa cabbage Asian Slaw and another seared with roasted shitake mushrooms over a cauliflower puree to which was added a touch of tomato puree for coloring.
Because each of my dishes were prepared "from scratch" the pacing of the whole meal was leisurely, a fact the Gay had explained to the table when I ordered. At this point everyone was served a "pallet cleanser", a small scoop of lemon gellato topped by one fresh red raspberry. This came in a beautiful clear, heavy stemmed "Martini Glass".
On to course three: Bison. This plate contained Macadamian Crusted Bison Bracciole with fresh mozzarella and golden raisins over lemon infused pepe pasta( almost a grain) and a helping of Bison Tartar with thin sliced radish and a truffle(oil) quail egg over a micro green salad.
Before the fourth course arrived, one built around strawberries, the server, who was helpful, pleasant and officiant all evening, made a mistake of bring the dessert tray for the others to view. Unfortunately right in the middle was an attractive glass, divided platter, with three small wells, containing three different types of bread pudding, impossible for me to resist. Having no shame I asked if by any chance the bread pudding could be substituted for the 4th course of Strawberries. A few moments later the server returned with small plates, folks and spoons for all of us and a serving to the 3 bread puddings, Chocolate Chip, Blueberry and Orange Zest, for a us to taste and enjoy. What a true show of Hospitality. Not to be outdone the Chef sent out one of the the two Strawberry dishes, a large berry stuffed with nutella mascarpone served on a waffle like bisect with a covering of goat cheese "dulce se leche".
Luckily the portions are "tasting size" so that the wonderful meal is not overwhelming but just terrifically satisfying.
Having returned to the "View" for a second try was one of this "foodies" better decisions. It wont be our last visit.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Senate
The new "kid on the block", at least the block in the "Gateway District" between 12th and 13th on Vine, is "Then Senate" 1212 Vine St. Cincinnati, phone 513-421-2020 (they don't take reservations but you can check hours and attendance). I went there for lunch on Thursday, as I was in the neighborhood, and found a long thin renovated space in one of the old buildings on Vine. The atmosphere congenial and the decorations, from the bare brick, to the pleasant lighting, brings to mind "watering holes" is crowded metropolitan areas. Small, long space used efficiently. There is a bar down one side, a long banquet seating on the other and an open kitchen in the rear.
The menu is varied and trendy stressing "Hot Dogs" and other bar items in different forms. There seem to be 4 to 5 special "dogs" from Korean to Chicago, I concentrated on them. As I remember, and I should have brought home a menu, there were an array of sandwiches, Lobster BLT and PB&J with foie gras being the most memorable, salads a soup and several entrees.
I started with an excellent, creamy split pea soup served with several croutons and shreds of roasted pork shoulder. I followed with the "Korean Hot Dog", a nine ounce grilled all beef sausage topped with shredded beef short rib, Kim chi, marinated cucs and a sauce whose flavor was lost in the combinations of tastes. The dog, in it's bun, was served on a small wood cutting board and it is recommended that to eat you preform at least minor surgery( cut the offering in half). There is an extensive been and other beverage menu, as well. I believe the owners idea in a "brew pub" with interesting eats.
The young couple who own the place are in attendance. The day I was there he was in the kitchen cooking and expediting and she was on the floor servicing and helping. According to them they have already developed a night time crowd and the day I was there the were about 2/3 full at lunch. It's a good addition to the "downtown scene and keeps stretching the boundaries, in several ways.
The menu is varied and trendy stressing "Hot Dogs" and other bar items in different forms. There seem to be 4 to 5 special "dogs" from Korean to Chicago, I concentrated on them. As I remember, and I should have brought home a menu, there were an array of sandwiches, Lobster BLT and PB&J with foie gras being the most memorable, salads a soup and several entrees.
I started with an excellent, creamy split pea soup served with several croutons and shreds of roasted pork shoulder. I followed with the "Korean Hot Dog", a nine ounce grilled all beef sausage topped with shredded beef short rib, Kim chi, marinated cucs and a sauce whose flavor was lost in the combinations of tastes. The dog, in it's bun, was served on a small wood cutting board and it is recommended that to eat you preform at least minor surgery( cut the offering in half). There is an extensive been and other beverage menu, as well. I believe the owners idea in a "brew pub" with interesting eats.
The young couple who own the place are in attendance. The day I was there he was in the kitchen cooking and expediting and she was on the floor servicing and helping. According to them they have already developed a night time crowd and the day I was there the were about 2/3 full at lunch. It's a good addition to the "downtown scene and keeps stretching the boundaries, in several ways.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Anything Goes
I'm not referring to the 1934 Cole Porter musical which we saw produced at UC Friday night but rather to the meals all last week that proceeded and followed.
Only one place was new, "Jan's Chinese", but all the food intake was excellent.
Wednesday night was "Primavista" 810 Matson Pl.,Price Hill 513-251-6467. After my usual, I had Scampi Rigano, which I understand has been on the menu ever since the restaurant opened more than 20 years ago. I know why. It is an excellent compilation of grilled scampi, angle hair pasta, in a rich white wine and butter sauce, with sauteed mushrooms and onions added. The plate usually contains a nice sized portion of green beans, which add color and crunch. Marilyn choose Veal Scallopine Picatta, her usual, to which they added mushrooms, at her request. The view from "Primavista", on a clear night, is unequalled and the food, at least on the "West side" is the same.
Friday was a wonderful mixture, with the only constant, high caloric content. Testing Guy Burgesses skills, at the "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park 513-871-6888 I ask him to whip up, literally, some Oyster Stew with the fresh Oysters he received the day before. Rich, creamy, smooth with a hint of Cayenne and of course the mollusk floating in the midst of it all. Delightful. That's two weeks in a row I have disturbed the Asian calm of the "Orient Wok".(refer back one week if interested)
Friday night before theatre we were joined by a friend at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave, Northside 513-541-4300 for what can only be described as a delightful "gorge fest". I entered to regular Bombay sitting on the bar, some greeting. For dinner we shared a first course of roasted pork belly, superbly done and lying on a bed of corn and apple Salas. Next, again shared, was a crisp Cesar salad with a spicy anchovy dressing. My main course was rack of lamb, six chops, medium rare, paired with a mushroom risotto cake and braised Brussels sprouts. Shashonnah Hafner should be enshrined somewhere for her inventive mixtures of colors, flavors and textures, one better than the next. If "Honey" is not the most interesting and possibly best restaurant in Cincinnati I personally, don't know what is. Oh yes Marilyn had a beautiful filet with a cheesy potato pancake and also Brussels Sprouts.
Sunday at 11 AM we met our companion of Friday night and his wife at "Jan's Chinese" 10000 Montgomery Rd. Montgomery, OH 45242 513-891-3100, a new experience for us. On both Saturday and Sunday "Jan's" serves an authentic Dim Sum brunch. Even with my foodie(poetic) licence, which I use freely in these postings, I am unsure of my memory for all the dishes we enjoyed. I know there were at least 4 shrimp dishes, 2 steamed dumplings, one with scallops and the other with asparagus, and two fried, one a ball and the other pancake shaped( flattened). An order of octopus, one of tofu and vegetable mini egg rolls, eggplant, steamed seafood buns, stuffed peppers with pork and cheese, pineapple buns and several other dishes, one more interesting than the other had us rolling from the place a little after 12:30. As I mentioned this is a new find and a must. I couldn't believe the bill, under $20 for the two of us. Don't brake the speed limit but go. You may find that you are the only Caucasians but that should be considered a good sign. You will find it family friendly.
Only one place was new, "Jan's Chinese", but all the food intake was excellent.
Wednesday night was "Primavista" 810 Matson Pl.,Price Hill 513-251-6467. After my usual, I had Scampi Rigano, which I understand has been on the menu ever since the restaurant opened more than 20 years ago. I know why. It is an excellent compilation of grilled scampi, angle hair pasta, in a rich white wine and butter sauce, with sauteed mushrooms and onions added. The plate usually contains a nice sized portion of green beans, which add color and crunch. Marilyn choose Veal Scallopine Picatta, her usual, to which they added mushrooms, at her request. The view from "Primavista", on a clear night, is unequalled and the food, at least on the "West side" is the same.
Friday was a wonderful mixture, with the only constant, high caloric content. Testing Guy Burgesses skills, at the "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park 513-871-6888 I ask him to whip up, literally, some Oyster Stew with the fresh Oysters he received the day before. Rich, creamy, smooth with a hint of Cayenne and of course the mollusk floating in the midst of it all. Delightful. That's two weeks in a row I have disturbed the Asian calm of the "Orient Wok".(refer back one week if interested)
Friday night before theatre we were joined by a friend at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave, Northside 513-541-4300 for what can only be described as a delightful "gorge fest". I entered to regular Bombay sitting on the bar, some greeting. For dinner we shared a first course of roasted pork belly, superbly done and lying on a bed of corn and apple Salas. Next, again shared, was a crisp Cesar salad with a spicy anchovy dressing. My main course was rack of lamb, six chops, medium rare, paired with a mushroom risotto cake and braised Brussels sprouts. Shashonnah Hafner should be enshrined somewhere for her inventive mixtures of colors, flavors and textures, one better than the next. If "Honey" is not the most interesting and possibly best restaurant in Cincinnati I personally, don't know what is. Oh yes Marilyn had a beautiful filet with a cheesy potato pancake and also Brussels Sprouts.
Sunday at 11 AM we met our companion of Friday night and his wife at "Jan's Chinese" 10000 Montgomery Rd. Montgomery, OH 45242 513-891-3100, a new experience for us. On both Saturday and Sunday "Jan's" serves an authentic Dim Sum brunch. Even with my foodie(poetic) licence, which I use freely in these postings, I am unsure of my memory for all the dishes we enjoyed. I know there were at least 4 shrimp dishes, 2 steamed dumplings, one with scallops and the other with asparagus, and two fried, one a ball and the other pancake shaped( flattened). An order of octopus, one of tofu and vegetable mini egg rolls, eggplant, steamed seafood buns, stuffed peppers with pork and cheese, pineapple buns and several other dishes, one more interesting than the other had us rolling from the place a little after 12:30. As I mentioned this is a new find and a must. I couldn't believe the bill, under $20 for the two of us. Don't brake the speed limit but go. You may find that you are the only Caucasians but that should be considered a good sign. You will find it family friendly.
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