Last night 3 of us went to the new( opened Dec 7) wine bar and light fare "Unwind", 3435 Michigan Ave Cincinnati 45208 ( just around the corner and up the block from the Fire House on Hyde Park Square) phone 321-9463. It was terrific.
The place, which formerly housed a garage, has been transformed into a very welcoming wine bar and lounge. Tables and comfortable chairs are mixed with sofas and easy chairs. A large fireplace, (with flame) and a bar with extensive selections dominate the main room. It is a more home like treatment than I have seen elsewhere. We settled for a table as we intended to sample several of the "small plates".
Our friend, a wine merchant, started with a 6 oz pour of Syrah, wine is offered in either a 3 oz pour, a 6 oz or by the bottle. There are also soft drinks and a limited selection of "spirits", I began with a Gruner Vetliner( 3 oz) while Marilyn had a diet Coke. Later in the evening our friend switched to Malbec and I to Barberra.
Our food selections were an order each of the flat bread presentations, Margharita and Pesto, both were excellent. Cooked perfectly with a very thin crust and toppings well flavored. We also enjoyed a presentation of Camembert( medium soft) served with thick, poached pear slices, and an Arugula Salad with Pistachio's and Blueberries. A beautiful presentation and quite pleasing. The Parmesan/ Artichoke dip came steaming hot, as it should, accompanied with French bread toast. To my taste it was on the salty side( I try to restrict salt intake, mostly unsuccessfully) but quite enjoyable. Lastly we had an order of Roasted Red Pepper Humus served with warmed Pita triangles.
The evening was pleasant, relaxing and calls for a return visit.
So what else have we done, since last posting. Friday night it was off to "downtown" and "Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine Street (513) 621-4777. Full but not overflowing. We probably should go more than we do as the food is uniformly interesting and well prepared while the atmosphere remains an informal, up scale Bistro. Greeted by Lu we were seated promptly and served well, even though we arrived just after a group of 45 had been seated. I almost always start with a "Bombay on the rocks" and that evening was no exception. My "Shrimp Salad" turned out to be mostly marinated red cabbage and other vegetables, shredded, and topped with a sliced Shrimp and dressing. Not what I expected but very good. My main course was Salmon( medium rare, done but juicy) topping a mixturee of Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms layered with a cheese and breadcrumb dressing. Beurre Blanc Sauce topped the whole. The fish, done perfectly, and the base made a wonderful combination. The other man and I split a bottle of Gruner Vetliner, I'm in a narrow white wine channel, at the moment. The table split a Sticky Pudding dessert to end an eventful evening.
One additional note: We went to a retirement party last week at "deSha's" 11320 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati 45249 (513) 247-9930. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and the service. Marilyn and I split the lettuce Wedge, a generous portion for each. I followed with Shrimp and Cheese Grits, plenty of shrimp and likewise cheese in the grits. Marilyn had Buttermilk fried chicken which she reported was very satisfactory. It's a long drive but for a neighborhood place, part of a group of management owned restaurants and I'm happy to report they are doing a very nice job.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Oh,well
Eating out as much as we do not every experience, new or old, will not be top rate. The last couple fit in the "OK" but nothing special category.
A first visit to "Kaze" 1400 Vine Street, Cincinnati 513-218-3432 , Jon Zipperstein's venture into Asian (aimed at Japanese) left me less than egar to return. Although I wish to be a firm supporter of activities that enhance OTR ( Over The Rhine) this restaurant, as it is now, will not be on my "must return list". It is open 7 nights a week, which is certainly in it's favor.
The menu has several divisions from "Share" thru Grille, Soup and Salads to "Main" and Sushi Rolls. There are very few items that do not have an Asian twist. There is also a side list of Nigiri and Sashimi.
Marilyn and I started by splitting an order of NIKU Sliders, Beef Short Ribs, Cucumber Kimchi( mild) and Korean BBQ. The two small buns contained a good amount of well prepared beef with little Kimchi but an appropriate amount of sauce. We both agreed that this was the best dish of the evening.I followed with a Kaze Salad; field greens, cucumber, Avocado, green onion, radish, topped with lotus root chips. The salad came so lightly dressed that I asked for another portion of dressing. My last dish was was "The Drop Kick" Sushi Roll; 5 small pieces of Tampura Fried Striped Bass with house made Kimchi and a Japanese mustard sauce. I expected some "kick" but was disappointed in both amount and flavor.
Marilyn, had a Yuko Salad, mescalin greens, arugula, blood orange and radish sprouts; the light ginger dressing did not bother her. She also ordered a Momo grill, two skewers, each, with a bite or two of chicken thigh marinated in a Saam sauce and Japanese honey mustard. She said that they were tasty but hardly enough to even slightly satisfy.
We will not rush back but both hope that they get enough "feed back" to rethink their menu and portion size. Maybe it's just the age difference but I hardly believe it is.
The other night out was a return to "M" now referred to as "M.Wood Fire Oven" at 3514 Erie Ave 45208 (513) 386-7783. This is our third visit and my feelings continue to go up and down.
Splitting a salad( Caesar) still gives one enough, if you are looking at it as a starter. Since we had had drinks and appetizer's at home, we continued splitting a Pizza, which still, unfortunately, lacks sufficient topping to cover all the dough, and and excellent ramekin of Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Pine Nuts, bread crumbs and a very pleasant cream sauce. This served very hot was the hit of the evening. Our service was slow with the salad coming very promptly but a good half hour, or more, wait, for the rest of our dinner. It was a very cold night and possibly the Glacieral pace can somewhat be attributed to the weather.
A first visit to "Kaze" 1400 Vine Street, Cincinnati 513-218-3432 , Jon Zipperstein's venture into Asian (aimed at Japanese) left me less than egar to return. Although I wish to be a firm supporter of activities that enhance OTR ( Over The Rhine) this restaurant, as it is now, will not be on my "must return list". It is open 7 nights a week, which is certainly in it's favor.
The menu has several divisions from "Share" thru Grille, Soup and Salads to "Main" and Sushi Rolls. There are very few items that do not have an Asian twist. There is also a side list of Nigiri and Sashimi.
Marilyn and I started by splitting an order of NIKU Sliders, Beef Short Ribs, Cucumber Kimchi( mild) and Korean BBQ. The two small buns contained a good amount of well prepared beef with little Kimchi but an appropriate amount of sauce. We both agreed that this was the best dish of the evening.I followed with a Kaze Salad; field greens, cucumber, Avocado, green onion, radish, topped with lotus root chips. The salad came so lightly dressed that I asked for another portion of dressing. My last dish was was "The Drop Kick" Sushi Roll; 5 small pieces of Tampura Fried Striped Bass with house made Kimchi and a Japanese mustard sauce. I expected some "kick" but was disappointed in both amount and flavor.
Marilyn, had a Yuko Salad, mescalin greens, arugula, blood orange and radish sprouts; the light ginger dressing did not bother her. She also ordered a Momo grill, two skewers, each, with a bite or two of chicken thigh marinated in a Saam sauce and Japanese honey mustard. She said that they were tasty but hardly enough to even slightly satisfy.
We will not rush back but both hope that they get enough "feed back" to rethink their menu and portion size. Maybe it's just the age difference but I hardly believe it is.
The other night out was a return to "M" now referred to as "M.Wood Fire Oven" at 3514 Erie Ave 45208 (513) 386-7783. This is our third visit and my feelings continue to go up and down.
Splitting a salad( Caesar) still gives one enough, if you are looking at it as a starter. Since we had had drinks and appetizer's at home, we continued splitting a Pizza, which still, unfortunately, lacks sufficient topping to cover all the dough, and and excellent ramekin of Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Pine Nuts, bread crumbs and a very pleasant cream sauce. This served very hot was the hit of the evening. Our service was slow with the salad coming very promptly but a good half hour, or more, wait, for the rest of our dinner. It was a very cold night and possibly the Glacieral pace can somewhat be attributed to the weather.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Empty and Full
This could be a discription on me going to "eat out", sort of a before and after, but in this instance it is a discription of two restaurant's which we enjoyed this week, although a full place is a lot more fun than and empty one.
It's been a long time since we have eaten at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave. Northside (513)541-4300. The chef, Shoshanna has not been present on either of our last two visits and maybe that has something to do with the lack of customers, although the food remains very tasty. The night we were there the 3 of us were the only ones present for the whole evening( creepy)
I had a main course, Potato Gnocchi served in a delightful sauce with Lamb Bacon( firm and salty) and Brussels Sprouts. The combination made a pleasant, filling meal. Marilyn had a Burger and excellent fries while our companion had great looking Beef Short ribs.
Moving on to where the crowds are; "Over the Rhine" on Vine St. we and another couple had dinner at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St. (513)421-4040. We arrived at 6:30 and filled one of the remaining 2 empty tables.
The addition of Chef Salazar, formerly with the "Palace", has brought and upgrade to the food which was just fine before he arrived. His imagination and delicate hand with spices made our dinner outstanding. "Abigail Street" is basically "small plate" Mediterranean. The four of us split four different dinner items and one bottle of the "house special" red wine. Starting with the two specials, that evening; Monk Fish grilled and served with chickpeas bathed in a marvelous tomato, eggplant, lemon sauce( with a slight hint of Cayenne) and Pork Kebabs on Israeli Cous-Cous (some oxymoron). The first dish had two small pieces of grilled Monk fish and lots of Chickpeas and sauce while the Pork Kebabs also came with two pieces of Pork on each Kebab( skewer) covered with Pesto and also on the skewer were pieces of red and yellow pepper, tomato and mushroom.
After a pause we moved on to an order of Bouillabaisse, 2 shrimp, 3 mussels and two bit sized pieces of fish in a terrific broth which remained me of the broth on the mussels next door at "The Senate" (same owners). The other dish was grilled Flank Steak, which had been marinated and grilled to perfection ( as ordered, medium rare). It came on a bed of fried, cubed potatoes covered with a tangy yogurt sauce, bring on more. Oh, yes there was a fried egg included with the last dish which we asked for on the side.
Warm Baklava for dessert was just the icing on the cake.
Rave review, well deserved..
It's been a long time since we have eaten at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave. Northside (513)541-4300. The chef, Shoshanna has not been present on either of our last two visits and maybe that has something to do with the lack of customers, although the food remains very tasty. The night we were there the 3 of us were the only ones present for the whole evening( creepy)
I had a main course, Potato Gnocchi served in a delightful sauce with Lamb Bacon( firm and salty) and Brussels Sprouts. The combination made a pleasant, filling meal. Marilyn had a Burger and excellent fries while our companion had great looking Beef Short ribs.
Moving on to where the crowds are; "Over the Rhine" on Vine St. we and another couple had dinner at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St. (513)421-4040. We arrived at 6:30 and filled one of the remaining 2 empty tables.
The addition of Chef Salazar, formerly with the "Palace", has brought and upgrade to the food which was just fine before he arrived. His imagination and delicate hand with spices made our dinner outstanding. "Abigail Street" is basically "small plate" Mediterranean. The four of us split four different dinner items and one bottle of the "house special" red wine. Starting with the two specials, that evening; Monk Fish grilled and served with chickpeas bathed in a marvelous tomato, eggplant, lemon sauce( with a slight hint of Cayenne) and Pork Kebabs on Israeli Cous-Cous (some oxymoron). The first dish had two small pieces of grilled Monk fish and lots of Chickpeas and sauce while the Pork Kebabs also came with two pieces of Pork on each Kebab( skewer) covered with Pesto and also on the skewer were pieces of red and yellow pepper, tomato and mushroom.
After a pause we moved on to an order of Bouillabaisse, 2 shrimp, 3 mussels and two bit sized pieces of fish in a terrific broth which remained me of the broth on the mussels next door at "The Senate" (same owners). The other dish was grilled Flank Steak, which had been marinated and grilled to perfection ( as ordered, medium rare). It came on a bed of fried, cubed potatoes covered with a tangy yogurt sauce, bring on more. Oh, yes there was a fried egg included with the last dish which we asked for on the side.
Warm Baklava for dessert was just the icing on the cake.
Rave review, well deserved..
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Taking a risk
For a friends 70th Birthday we alerted Guy Burgess, the terrific chef, at the "Oriental; Wok - Hyde Park" ( Dana and Madison, in the Regency). I really like putting ourselves in his hands and once again he did not disappoint.
I am going to try to discribe the meal, with out any notes or prompting from Guy, so if I use too much Poetic (food) licence please forgive.
After salutations and drinks we started with a first course, which I describe as a boiled and then fried egg. Guy told me that in the preparation he takes the eggs and boils them for exactly 7 minutes and then ices them for an hour to "set the white". After carefully peeling he coats them, sightly, with powdered bread crumbs and stir fries them in the Wok until they have a slightly golden crust. The warm egg is placed on a piece of molded toast and criss-crossed with duck sauce. The toast is surrounded with cooked sliced mushrooms, onions and sprouts and has it's own light sauce. When the egg is cut the yellow is still warm and runny. Some opening dish.
Next came 2 crisp sauteed Soft Shell Crabs on a bed of greens and chopped fruit, with a citrus dressing. The slight saltiness of the crabs made a perfect compliment to the sweet and tangy salad.
Third course consisted of several slices of Duck Brest, pink to brown, which had been grilled to form a slight, crispy coating. On the same plate were cold rice noodles, seasoned with herbs and a few green leaves of Chinese Broccoli.
Finally, and we had asked Guy not to over feed us, or we would still be eating, he produced two steamed and grilled fish, turned inside out and de-boned, covered with a rich sauced of cubed Chinese vegetables and fish stock and possibly a hint of rice wine. The rich sauce is perfect with the white fish and the ginger fried rice that accompanies the seafood.
I can't go there for my 70th, which has passed, but I can hardly wait until we have other friends to entertain.
I am going to try to discribe the meal, with out any notes or prompting from Guy, so if I use too much Poetic (food) licence please forgive.
After salutations and drinks we started with a first course, which I describe as a boiled and then fried egg. Guy told me that in the preparation he takes the eggs and boils them for exactly 7 minutes and then ices them for an hour to "set the white". After carefully peeling he coats them, sightly, with powdered bread crumbs and stir fries them in the Wok until they have a slightly golden crust. The warm egg is placed on a piece of molded toast and criss-crossed with duck sauce. The toast is surrounded with cooked sliced mushrooms, onions and sprouts and has it's own light sauce. When the egg is cut the yellow is still warm and runny. Some opening dish.
Next came 2 crisp sauteed Soft Shell Crabs on a bed of greens and chopped fruit, with a citrus dressing. The slight saltiness of the crabs made a perfect compliment to the sweet and tangy salad.
Third course consisted of several slices of Duck Brest, pink to brown, which had been grilled to form a slight, crispy coating. On the same plate were cold rice noodles, seasoned with herbs and a few green leaves of Chinese Broccoli.
Finally, and we had asked Guy not to over feed us, or we would still be eating, he produced two steamed and grilled fish, turned inside out and de-boned, covered with a rich sauced of cubed Chinese vegetables and fish stock and possibly a hint of rice wine. The rich sauce is perfect with the white fish and the ginger fried rice that accompanies the seafood.
I can't go there for my 70th, which has passed, but I can hardly wait until we have other friends to entertain.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
2013
Welcome to 2013. As I mentioned, with all the electronic media and restaurant websites available, I sometimes feel that a personal website(Blog) has very little value. I'll keep posting for a time but I encourage you to research places mentioned and make you own decisions.
After eating at home the first week in January we began our routine of supporting the Cincinnati restaurant industry. The first venture was to "Eat Well Cafe and Takeaway" 3009 O'Bryon St. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 871-2233. This new operation of Renee Schuler( a caterer and past Chef of the "Murphin Ridge Inn") open to the public in the space formerly occupied by "What's for Dinner" in O'Bryonville. The hours are 8:30 AM to 7 PM, 5 days a week and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, closed Sunday. Breakfast is served until 11 AM and there are no restrictions on the rest of the menu. The offerings run from Snacks(Hummus, Guacamole,etc) to Beverages (coffee and tea plus house made concoctions)
At a trial lunch I had a Pasta Bowl( the pasta was pearl couscous with grilled vegetables and housemade pesto. I substituted golden roasted cauliflower (for the zucchini and yellow squash.) which made the bowl delicious and filling. My drink was a white cranberry, fresh lemonade, with half a dozen red berries floating on top.
There are Salads, Sandwiches, Soups and Sides plus a Kids menu, so bring the off-spring.
Another new spot, for us, although it has been open almost 7 months is "Django" 4046 Hamilton Ave. Northside, OH 45223 (513) 542-3664. The restaurant, run by the same people who operate "La Poste" in Clifton and occupies the space vacated by "Slims". It is very informal and strictly Mexican( or at least their representation). I found the food very good and not heavily spiced. Four of us started with corn chips and Guacamole,( later came some Salsa) accompanied by beer, the perfect compliment. The table split an order of Molcajete, del mar, a seafood stew with Okra, Corn, Tomato and seasoning. It comes boiling in a stone bowl and is improved by adding spicy rice( extra) as a thickener.The order contained 5 fair sized servings, with plenty of seafood in each. Marilyn and I each had a Fish Taco including slaw and chipotle lime sauce, the sauce was a plus to the fried Talapia. We ordered a small bowl of picked veggies( carrots, peppers, onions and cucumbers which were fine but not necessary. For dessert we had doughy doughnut holes fried and covered with granulated sugar then served with a milk chocolate sauce. I found everything, with the possible exception of dessert, worth another try. Prices are reasonable and serving quite adequate.
Other past week outings have been to "Brio Tuscan Grille" 1 Levee Way Newport KY (859) 431-0900. A very good Italian chain Restaurant. Be sure to ask your server how to join their loyalty program. The last several times Marilyn and I have split a chopped salad( nice portion) and I have eaten a full order of Shrimp Verduta, shrimp served on Angle Hair with sun dried tomato's, artichoke hearts and pine nuts. Marilyn ends up with some form of Cappellini.
"Montgomery Inn", the original in Montgomery, (513)-791-3482. I had the Beef ribs, Saratoga Chips and Onion Staws and enough salt an grease to last a life time, or maybe cut it short. No one made me.
The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike Mariemont OH 45227 (513) 271-5400. This place remains convenient to the theater and to "our side" of town, and the crowd shows it. Being on a rib "kick" I had the short rib tacos, tasty and bridging my Mexican and Beef rib experiences.
After eating at home the first week in January we began our routine of supporting the Cincinnati restaurant industry. The first venture was to "Eat Well Cafe and Takeaway" 3009 O'Bryon St. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 871-2233. This new operation of Renee Schuler( a caterer and past Chef of the "Murphin Ridge Inn") open to the public in the space formerly occupied by "What's for Dinner" in O'Bryonville. The hours are 8:30 AM to 7 PM, 5 days a week and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, closed Sunday. Breakfast is served until 11 AM and there are no restrictions on the rest of the menu. The offerings run from Snacks(Hummus, Guacamole,etc) to Beverages (coffee and tea plus house made concoctions)
At a trial lunch I had a Pasta Bowl( the pasta was pearl couscous with grilled vegetables and housemade pesto. I substituted golden roasted cauliflower (for the zucchini and yellow squash.) which made the bowl delicious and filling. My drink was a white cranberry, fresh lemonade, with half a dozen red berries floating on top.
There are Salads, Sandwiches, Soups and Sides plus a Kids menu, so bring the off-spring.
Another new spot, for us, although it has been open almost 7 months is "Django" 4046 Hamilton Ave. Northside, OH 45223 (513) 542-3664. The restaurant, run by the same people who operate "La Poste" in Clifton and occupies the space vacated by "Slims". It is very informal and strictly Mexican( or at least their representation). I found the food very good and not heavily spiced. Four of us started with corn chips and Guacamole,( later came some Salsa) accompanied by beer, the perfect compliment. The table split an order of Molcajete, del mar, a seafood stew with Okra, Corn, Tomato and seasoning. It comes boiling in a stone bowl and is improved by adding spicy rice( extra) as a thickener.The order contained 5 fair sized servings, with plenty of seafood in each. Marilyn and I each had a Fish Taco including slaw and chipotle lime sauce, the sauce was a plus to the fried Talapia. We ordered a small bowl of picked veggies( carrots, peppers, onions and cucumbers which were fine but not necessary. For dessert we had doughy doughnut holes fried and covered with granulated sugar then served with a milk chocolate sauce. I found everything, with the possible exception of dessert, worth another try. Prices are reasonable and serving quite adequate.
Other past week outings have been to "Brio Tuscan Grille" 1 Levee Way Newport KY (859) 431-0900. A very good Italian chain Restaurant. Be sure to ask your server how to join their loyalty program. The last several times Marilyn and I have split a chopped salad( nice portion) and I have eaten a full order of Shrimp Verduta, shrimp served on Angle Hair with sun dried tomato's, artichoke hearts and pine nuts. Marilyn ends up with some form of Cappellini.
"Montgomery Inn", the original in Montgomery, (513)-791-3482. I had the Beef ribs, Saratoga Chips and Onion Staws and enough salt an grease to last a life time, or maybe cut it short. No one made me.
The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike Mariemont OH 45227 (513) 271-5400. This place remains convenient to the theater and to "our side" of town, and the crowd shows it. Being on a rib "kick" I had the short rib tacos, tasty and bridging my Mexican and Beef rib experiences.
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