Dusmesh

If spelling and guess work bother you read no further. I made an error last night in not asking for a menu so I am going to report with only a faulty memory and my usual poor spelling.
Our friend Marilyn Harris calls the Clifton area of Cincinnati, "Curry ville". If this be true, and I have no reason to doubt, it has been extended down Ludlow Ave, almost to the viaduct.
"Dusmesh Indian Restaurant" 944 Ludlow Ave, across from Cincinnati State, 45220-phone-513-221-8900, is the newest entry and a worthy one.
They opened last November and have received rave reviews in several papers. In our opinion the reviews are well deserved. We think it is the best of the many Indian restaurants in the area.
Last night, after a movie at the "Esquire" we drove "down the hill" for dinner. "Dusmesh" is open 7 days per week and serve a lunch buffet Monday thru Friday. They do not have a liquor licence so you are encouraged to bring your own beer or wine.
There were 4 of us and we split 3 dishes plus a salad and two Indian Breads, don't tell the Rabbis. Plenty of food.
We started with Fish Tiki. Excellent grilled Salmon cut in chunks and coated with Indian spices. The fish comes on a sizzling platter with a large amount of grilled sweet onions and green pepper slices. The veggies are taken off the grill and allowed to mix with the juice so they are delicious.
Next came a Califlower Nam and a Pikit(sp) or puffed fried whole wheat bread. Both great.
The two other main courses were Lamb Sang, chunks of lamb in creamed spinach, to which we asked that mushrooms be added, and Chicken Tiki Marcella, strips of chicken in a rich tomato, onion and butter sauce. Large platters of perfectly done rice accompanied the main courses. We also had one chopped salad of cucumber, onion and carrot, the spiciest thing we ordered. Spice amount runs from 0 to 6 and we settled on a one, since I am the only one of the 4 who likes spicy food. At one there is a taste of Indian spices but not much heat.
What sets "Dusmesh" above other Indian Restaurants is the freshness of the ingredients and the lightness and timeliness of their preparation. Also the service, from Maya, and attitude are true hospitality.
We were hosted to a small but delightful dessert of a golf ball sized fried cheese ball in a light warm honey syrup. A fitting ending for a wonderful meal. Total cost, including a proper tip, was approximately $15/person. One can't beat that.

Two Seder's

I assume anyone reading this Blog knows that the Seder is the service heralding the 8 days of Passover. Different Jews celebrate one or two nights, as is their tradition. We usually do just one but this year we were invited to a 2nd, at "Murphin Ridge Inn" which we eagerly accepted.
Wednesday night we held our Seder hosting our 2 in town children, cousins, in-laws and guests, 10 in all. It is our habit to invite first timers, usually non-Jews as well as regulars. We do my Fathers condensed service and after this have our meal, uninterrupted by more ritual.
Our traditional starters are Gefilte Fish, from a jar, served with horseradish and Marilyn's Alsatian Matzo Ball soup. We found Yehuda Gefite Fish, this year, and it was much more tastie than what we have used in the past. the Matzo balls in the broth of beef vegetable soup, run thru a follie food mill, are made starting with soaking sheets of matzo, not meal, and then sauteing the pressed matzo with egg, parsley, ginger, onion and salt and pepper. Superb.
This year we followed with marinated and grilled, boned leg of lamb, wild rice, form Minnesota, and mushrooms, spinach and kale Gratinee, cut up fresh fruit and a great flowerless chocolate cake from Bon Bonerie. All was accompanied by several bottles of Havens Merlot.
Thursday night was special, for us. There were 18 in all and a beautiful table had been set in a private dinning area. We arrived early, as Marilyn provided the Matzo Ball soup. During the pre dinner visit we were treated to excellent hostess made chopped liver and several red wines.
The family had written there own service, which rivals ours in length and concluded when dinner was served, the same as is our custom.
Besides the Gilfilte Fish, not much taste, and the soup, of which I had two portions we all were served a hard boiled egg, which is another tradition. Lots of Matzo, Haroses(chopped apples, nuts, honey, etc) and wine went with the starters.
Dinner, close to 4000 calories for me, were platters of roast chicken, beef brisket and Matzo brie, along with bowels of wonderful roast new potato's, fresh asparagus, "Simmes"( cooked sweet potato's, carrots, fruit and root veggies) and a delicious course vinegar cabbage and peppers Cole slaw. As if this wasn't enough there were 3 dessert plates. Delightful layered sponge cake with coarsely chopped, baked apples and powdered sugar, rich flowerless chocolate cake and assorted candies and pastries. All the dishes one thinks about when imagining an old time, traditional Seder. We were blown a way. What a treat. Luckily Marilyn doesn't drink so the ride home was incident free except for the moaning and groaning caused by overeating.

On the way to Passover

Before we sat down to two large Passover meals I had to warm up with a few stops at regular or new haunts. I'll report on the home cooked holiday feasts shortly.
Monday night, with another couple, we went once again to "Pelican's Reef" on Beechmont Ave near 5 mile. Phone 513-232-2526, although they don't take reservations. Here is another owner operated spot with good, not exceptional, food and wonderful hospitality. Since they have expanded their space we have never had to wait more than 10 minutes, and that wait was on a weekend night.
I had Fried Oysters, with two kinds of dipping sauce, one cocktail and the other a wonderful, slightly sweet, curry and lime sauce. This latter is made in house and is delicious. Along with the Oysters I had a tossed salad, and theirs are quite large, and sweet potato fries. This called for a beer and "Sam Adams" came to my rescue. Marilyn had a very good grilled snapper while the others had a rolled sole, stuffed with shrimp and scallops. Not bad for a neighborhood seafood bar on a Monday night. Weekends there are always specials.
Tuesday was Asian day with lunch at "Mekong Thai Cuisine", 7687 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, 45236. I don't know where I had heard about Mekong but it was on my list. It is located in a small strip center, next to La Rosa, with one or two tables "up front" and approximately 8, 4 person booths adjacent. The menu is fairly extensive, the food good and reasonable, but the location for me, a city dweller, means that is fairly doubtful that I will return, unless someone in the vicinity wants to meet for lunch or dinner. No knock on Mekong but I live in the Thai belt of Cincinnati.
Tuesday evening found us once again at the "Oriental Wok" in The Regency. At least the 4th or 5th time since they opened a month ago. We were on our way to a 7 PM adult education class and this was easy, for us and our friends, and the service is always prompt. After the standard Bombay, this one accompanying a very good egg roll I chose Szechun Eggplant, vegetarian style. The serving was large enough that I took a good part home for lunch the next day. The eggplant was surrounded by other veggies and all was glazed with a semi sweet crust, interesting and good. The accompaniment was fried rice, well prepared but slightly salty for my taste. We arrived at 5:30 PM and made our class with no effort, even after several in attendance had an after dinner coffee. I'm afraid I am becoming a regular and my waist line shows it. Old fashioned Chinese-American food is not in any way thinning and sodium retains water, if you had any doubt.

Sunday afternoon

I'm sitting here waiting for a projected storm and change in temperature. a drop from high 60's to the mid 30's. Great weather for the opening of the baseball season. I just returned from 5 hours at "Otto's" in Covington, KY where, as guest chef I produce my "southern Ruben sandwich". A dreamt up version of a sandwich I had in Atlanta over a year ago. The main stays are fried catfish and country ham; not on any one's health diet agenda.
We have been in and out since I last sat down to Post. Last Monday, as I reported it was "Walt's Hitching Post" and Bar-B-Q'ed ribs.
Tuesday an early dinner at "Floyd's" in Clifton on Calhoun St. "Floyd's" has been around for fifteen years or more and is roasted Chicken with a Mediterranean flair. Little has changed at this store front restaurant except the price, which started at $2.95 for a chicken dinner with 2 sides and has since risen to a more reasonable $13.95. It is remarkable that they didn't go out of business in the early stages. I usually skip the chicken and just order 2 or 3 sides. The best, in my opinion, is the fresh Tabbouleh, with more than a hint of lemon, served with warm pita.
Thursday was a musical theatre presentation, at CCM, with "Dinner by the Bite" following the performance. This is a yearly event to send the Senior Class off to showcase their talent for producers and booking agent in NYC. The dinner, usually a hastile, was surprisingly good and well handled this year. The beef tenderloin, marinated shrimp squires and stuffed Belgium endive being among my favorites, not to mention an excellent, bite sized, lemon tart, heavy on the lemon.
Last night before Symphony 4 of us went to "Rookwood" for a sandwich, beer and wonderful French fries. A large bowl, of the latter, for the table, is a nice touch, especially if ordered extra crispy. They are among the best fries around.
We'll see if the storm develops and what else happens in the next couple of days.

Month end

For my few regular readers, who question why there hasn't been anything in a while here is a slight explanation. For some health reasons we have been going out a little less and almost entirely repeating place that have already been reported. Also I am still working, although not very diligently, on trying to loose a pound or two. Easier to do at home than out. That doesn't mean that we have suffered as the "grub" here "ain't bad".
Since last writing we have been to "Bonefish Grille", "Oriental Wok", twice, once lunch and once an open house, "Otto's" and "Walt's". Doesn't sound like we have suffered.
A couple of comment: I like "Bonefish", especially their "house" salad and always find something that I enjoy. As I mentioned they do a very good job for a chain restaurant. I had Salmon, which was good, but the next night, at home I fixed Artic Char, for myself, and decided I do just as good a job, as they, if not better.
The "Oriental Wok", which I reported, opened a new place in the "Regency". It is very convenient. I play bridge in that building and have started a regular table for lunch on Bridge Day( Friday). For lunch I had the "mini burgers" which were very good and filling but I have to remember to ask that things be prepared with a minimum of Sodium, they have a heavy hand otherwise. They will gladly comply. Last night they had an open house for their loyal Kentucky customers and they were nice enough to include us. We had other plans for the evening but not wanting to miss anything, especially if it is free, we stoped by on the way to meeting and eating at "Walt's" The Wong's, owners of the O.W., certainly don't skimp and we both filled a plate from the raw bar which served as a wonderful appetizer.
At "Walt's" I returned to the Bar-B-Qued Ribs and am glad I did. I had tried the Chicken Livers, the last time, and it it's good to be "back home" with the excellent ribs.
Saturday night "Paul Weckman" Chef and owner, of "Otto's" fixed my recipe, for brazed beef short ribs, entirely on his own. The first time he served them I had prepared them in my kitchen and all he had to do was reheat. The second time we fixed them on site and Saturday he soloed. They we very good, and as I told him the second best I have eaten. The only problem was that he made only 11 servings and so guests after 7 PM had none. "Otto's" was full.
I will be producing our "JP Ruben" Sandwich on Sunday April 5 at "Otto's" Drop by for Brunch.
See you in April.

Upbeat

This morning we were having a discussion, with our trainer, about the restaurant business, here in Cincinnati. It seems to us that things are holding up very well, and that except for a few instances, the places we frequent are serving as many customers, give or take a few in either direction, as they were previously. This should be viewed as good news, at least, for this segment of the economy.
Another point he made, was that young people, instead of giving up candy, alcohol or smoking for Lent are giving time or money to those less fortunate than themselves. If this is a national trend it is certainly a sign of maturity and sharing.
Back to my food reporting:
A week ago we went, with a young friend and her 5 year old twins, to "Gordo's Pub and Grill", 4328 Montgomery Road Cincinnati(Norwood) OH, 45212-513-351-1999. "Gordo's" is a bar with table service and a menu that is larger that just "bar food". Their specialties are Burgers but the menu ranges from Crab Cakes and baked mixed Mushrooms to Ribeye and also Shrimp Linguini.
I choose the "Jean-Robert" Burger. The owner and chef used to work in Jean-Robert's kitchen. It is a half pound burger with a mix of bacon, onion compote, blue cheese and mixed herbs topped with a grape and goat cheese compote. The topping is lightly applied, but sufficient, so the meat flavor is predominant. It is served with "steak fries" and even though I ordered them "well done" I would rather have the thin FF's. Marilyn had the "Pub" Burger, which in other venues is a cheese burger with lettuce, tomato and onions. The two 5 year old's had chicken strips and Mac&Cheese, the later being very good. The other adult had a BLT, good but nothing special.
They have a full bar and a large array of beer's. The crowd is more upscale than I had imagined and all the table were full.
After dinner, with two 5 year old's, it was mandatory for a stop for Ice Cream, and that night we gave our business to a Norwood UDF. The outstanding desert was Marilyn's scoop of Vanilla Carmel crunch, a winner.
We have been out twice to "Pelican's Reef", one a Saturday and one a Sunday, and both times they were full. I reported in "Bits and Bites" on the Sunday meal and this past Saturday night I had an excellent grilled fish sandwich with Cajun seasoning. I am ashamed that I did not write down the fish but is was something starting with a "C" which makes it's home in the Florida Keys. Some food reporter,I.
Yesterday lunch was at "J Alexander" in Rookwood Commons. Again I have reported. They were full, with people waiting in line for tables to turn. I had very tasty Artic Char, one of my favorites, done to perfection on the grill with a lemon butter topping.
It is my hope that my observations of decent to good business bodes well for the restaurant business and the economy in general. A toast to the glass half full.

Bits and Bites

I haven't tried many new places, in the last couple of weeks, or had meals that were really special, with a couple of exceptions. That doesn't mean I haven't eaten out. I have been doing a little more cooking and we have been eating at home because it was just easier that way.
Here are a few spots that have keep me from having to eat only my cooking, which isn't bad:
Lunch at "Asiana Restaurant" 3922 Edwards Road..Cincinnati 45209-513-351-0999. This small family run Thai and Sushi restaurant has caught my eye, as I rode by many times. It wasn't till yesterday that a friend and I stoped in for lunch. "Asiana" is one of many Asian restaurants that have populated the Hyde Park area over the last 10 years. Whereas Clifton( "Curryville" to quote Marilyn Harris) is populated by Indian eating places we seem to have been the new settlement for Asian.
The lunch was nothing special. Acceptable but in no way outstanding. I had a "Bano Box" with spicy shrimp rolls, tuna rolls, salmon rolls and California rolls. More than enough food for anyone. I doubt though that it will gander a return visit.
On the other hand, "Wild Ginger" 3655 Edwards Road, Cincinnati 45208-513-533-9500. Stays first class and has grown in popularity. I went late one evening a week or more ago with a cousin, whose wife was in the hospital, for a hip replacement. My wife was four floors above, for a series of tests. It was natural that we would dine together. We managed to consume several large Japanese Beers( Kirin) along with a plate of "summer rolls" for an appetizer. We then split a Venus Roll( Lobster, seaweed salad and crab) and an order of 3 Flavored Walleye. A wonderful meal that filled us both. Again "Wild Ginger" is in Hyde Park and remains one of the best Thai and Sushi spots in town., in my estimation.
A surprise was "Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport, Wilmer Ave.-513-871-7400. We go often to this very relaxed eating place. Surely the best "airport restaurant" in the area. The surprise last week was a diner special of pasta with an excellent tomato vodka sauce. The chef had added some sauteed onions and mushrooms to the sauces preparation and served the pasta either plain or with a choice of shrimp, salmon or chicken. I chose the salmon while Marilyn had it plain and one of our companions had the shrimp. Our server, a bright young women, had brought us all a sample of the sauce and made 3 sales for her effort. It was a wonderful meal.
Last night before the 'Ensamble Theatre" we had dinner with a friend at "Lavomatic Cafe and Wine Bar" 1211 Vine St.-513-621-1999. We often go there before the "Ensamble" as it is in the next block North on Vine. After my large "Bano Box" lunch I settled on a salad of Arugula, Grapefruit sections and fried Haloumi cheese( a little too salty for my taste) and a Tarte Flambee with is an individual Pizza with sauteed onions and dried, black figs on a very tastee thin crust. It was the correct amount for a medium weight dinner for a not medium weight person.
Tonight we're off to meet a young widow friend and her 5 year old, adorable twins at "Gordo's" in Norwood. More about that later.