Big week-contiued

I hasten to post promptly as I forgot to include the good sized Croissants drizzled with honey butter that we had with our meals at "J. Alexanders". Since our companion and I both had the Ahi Tuna salad they were a perfect accompaniment and Marilyn even managed to down hers, substituting for the bread on which the beef was served.

Meanwhile on to Thursday night; after drinks at a friends home, in Indian Hill (wow), the four of us had dinner at the "Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike Mariemont, OH 45227 513-271-5400. We have not been there for several years, our loss, and I'm not sure why? It is less than 15 minutes from our home and we have been missing a very acceptable place for dinner of any dimension. Jim Evans, the managing owner was on hand and although we don't personally know him it was evident that management was paying attention, it make a difference. The place was clean, bright and the personnel, from Front House Manager to bussers were competent and attentive.
Having had drinks and light spreads we got right to our meal. Marilyn had the "Burger"( Rated # 30 in this months "Cincinnati Magazines" listing of the best 40 burgers in the area. In my opinion it is rated too low as it is a good sized patty of fine chopped beef cooked MR.) served with very good thin, crisp, French Fries. I started with a salad of Belgium Endive mixed with Granny Smith Apples and blue cheese, all topped with a Balsamic Vinegar dressing. This was followed with 3 soft Tacos, filled fully, with marinated roasted pork chunks, slightly spicy and sauteed onions and pineapple. The table downed a bottle of crisp white wine, an appropriate meal for an evening, which before the front went thru was one where the temperature and humidity was above standard Cincinnati summer.

Friday night was an interesting evening at "Maggiano's" in Kenwood Mall. We have eaten there often and find it a value packed, good, Italian, chain "store". The food is quite good, the servings are more than ample and the prices are reasonable, to say the least. Usually we split 3 half portions for a table of 4. We also find that the in house management pays attention, which usually makes for a very pleasant evening.
Because we were kept waiting, for our reservation, the hostess provided a first course "on the house". So with our drinks, I was the only "drunk"( Bombay) in the group, there arrived an order of Deep Fried Zucchini. This excellent, filling dish has always been well prepared with Zucchini slices covered with a crispy coating and topped with Parmesan Cheese. The dish is accompanied by a light "ranch" lemon dressing. It's almost a meal in itself.
Not to be discouraged we barged ahead with a half order of "angle hair" with meat sauce, another of chopped salad and a third of mussels. Of course like any Italian restaurant there is ample bread, olive oil and grated cheese. As you can tell we were not deprived.
I had scored two $10 gift certificates, on previous visits, and so splitting the check, and using this largess, each of us paid $15/couple before tip, one can't do that well at Skyline. Now we owe them one and since the food is really very good we'll see that they recoup.