As most of you know yesterday, Monday was Yom Kippur, "the Day of Atonement". That is a solemn day of meditation and fasting. Therefore Sunday night was Erev(the night before) Yom Kippur. All Jewish Holidays start at sundown the previous day. Remember "there was darkness and then there was light". so far I haven't taxed my knowledge of Judaism, but I'm not far from doing so. What has all this to do with a "food Blog"?
We'll Sunday night is also an unofficial ritual Holiday, for on that evening many Jewish Families eat "carry out Chinese". So in keeping with tradition, that is just what we did.
Our friend Guy Burgess, of the "Oriental Wok- Regency" put together a special package, which our daughter, who has special needs could enjoy. We had "pot stickers" followed by a chopped Chinese Chicken Salad, small strips of chicken and a mix of marinated Chinese vegetables, plus his "Oriental Wok" chow mein, not Kosher since it includes Chinese roasted pork and grilled shrimp, in soft noodles, and excellent taste Pad Thai. Great food and plenty to see me through the next 24 hours.
To "break the fast" we often sample, near sundown, herring and a white fish salad. Just to get the juices running, as if that is necessary. Yesterday it was just the herring and then we were off to a delightful treat at "Nicola's" 1420 Sycamore St. Cincinnati 45202 513-721-6200. "Nicola's" is acknowledged to be one of the best, if not "the best" Italian Restaurant in Cincinnati, with a price point to match their rating.
Our good friend, and trainer, had tipped us off to what just might be the best deal in town, especially if you like outstanding, cooked to order Italian food. Monday night "Nicola's" offers an "in the bar special" of a medium sized house salad, with some of the best tasting simple dressing, virgin olive oil and well aged Balsamic vinegar, and a bowl of Pasta Bolognese, accompanied by a wonderful bread basket stuffed with a variety of items all for $13, drinks and any additions, including tips, are extra. Unbelievable food, especially the Bolognese, in a most congenial atmosphere for a terrific price. Everything was superb. What a way to "break a fast" or chow down any Monday night. I hope I don't do for "Nicola's" what Polly Campbell did for "Terry's Turf Club", but then I don't have the readership.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Pleasent Surprise
Yesterday I had two events, "eating out", somewhat out of the ordinary.
At Noon a companion and I went to "Ichiban" (Japanese Cuisine) 1020 Delta Ave. Cincinnati 45208-513-321-8686. "Ichiban", which means number one or first in Japanese, almost my total knowledge of that language, opened about 2 weeks ago in Mt. Lookout Square, in the spot previously occupied by "Aqua". The interior remains the same.
Unfortunately, for the restaurant, we were the only guests during the noon to one o'clock time frame. I hope as people get to know this will change as both of our lunches were excellent.
Upon entering we were greeted by an attractive Japanese lady server who showed us the display of the "Ichiban Box" which I eventually ordered. Obviously we had our choice of tables or booth and chose the latter as we had a lot to discuss.
The sever explained the menu, and as I said I chose the "Ichiban Box", six or more compartment each with a different offering, while my companion had the prime rib teriyaki served with fresh green beans and oven roasted potato strips. I sampled one piece of meat and it was wonderful. My "Ichiban box had crisp, not oily, shrimp and vegetable tempura, a beef and onion combination with a scoop of Potato salad with Japanese mayonnaise, a small quiche like wedge of egg, bacon and mushroom again accompanied by green cold veggie salad, 6 California rolls and some mixture of marinated noodle like, gelatinous, unknown except for the marinated mushrooms.
All lunches come with a flavorful Miso soup, ordered with or without tofu, and a small green salad with dressing. My lunch was $10 for much too much excellent food while the prime rib was $14 for again a very filling meal.
Do yourself a favor, be adventurous and go, you'll be rewarded.
In the evening, along with our cousins, we went to "The Cheesecake Factory" 7875 Montgomery Road (Kenwood shopping center) Cincinnati 45236-513-984-6911. it was my second visit, the first being shorly after they opened and before I started "Blogging". The first surprise was the crowd. The place was overwhelmed, to the surprise of management. They had not schedule enough servers for a Tuesday night and so there was a 30 minute wait to be seated, even thought there were plenty of empty tables. We did check one other restaurant, next door, and found the same situation with a 45 minute wait. We stayed the course.
After being seated we were please to receive excellent service for the young man who took care of all of out needs. We all had the "wild mushroom soup", ordering a "cup", which turned out to be a good sized bowel, of delicious, hot, very mushroomey soup. This is a regular Tuesday night offering. The four of us next shared "home made Guacamole" with warm chips, salsa and sour cream, on the side followed by beef sliders and French Fry's. Each order had 4 mini hamburgers with good crisp pickle chips and ketchup. All items came promptly, were hot or cold, as desired, and made for a pleasant meal. For this kind of mass dining( over 450 seats) establishment it was beyond reproach. Our total per couple, with a generous tip and tax was $33.
A very pleasant day as mention in the outset.
At Noon a companion and I went to "Ichiban" (Japanese Cuisine) 1020 Delta Ave. Cincinnati 45208-513-321-8686. "Ichiban", which means number one or first in Japanese, almost my total knowledge of that language, opened about 2 weeks ago in Mt. Lookout Square, in the spot previously occupied by "Aqua". The interior remains the same.
Unfortunately, for the restaurant, we were the only guests during the noon to one o'clock time frame. I hope as people get to know this will change as both of our lunches were excellent.
Upon entering we were greeted by an attractive Japanese lady server who showed us the display of the "Ichiban Box" which I eventually ordered. Obviously we had our choice of tables or booth and chose the latter as we had a lot to discuss.
The sever explained the menu, and as I said I chose the "Ichiban Box", six or more compartment each with a different offering, while my companion had the prime rib teriyaki served with fresh green beans and oven roasted potato strips. I sampled one piece of meat and it was wonderful. My "Ichiban box had crisp, not oily, shrimp and vegetable tempura, a beef and onion combination with a scoop of Potato salad with Japanese mayonnaise, a small quiche like wedge of egg, bacon and mushroom again accompanied by green cold veggie salad, 6 California rolls and some mixture of marinated noodle like, gelatinous, unknown except for the marinated mushrooms.
All lunches come with a flavorful Miso soup, ordered with or without tofu, and a small green salad with dressing. My lunch was $10 for much too much excellent food while the prime rib was $14 for again a very filling meal.
Do yourself a favor, be adventurous and go, you'll be rewarded.
In the evening, along with our cousins, we went to "The Cheesecake Factory" 7875 Montgomery Road (Kenwood shopping center) Cincinnati 45236-513-984-6911. it was my second visit, the first being shorly after they opened and before I started "Blogging". The first surprise was the crowd. The place was overwhelmed, to the surprise of management. They had not schedule enough servers for a Tuesday night and so there was a 30 minute wait to be seated, even thought there were plenty of empty tables. We did check one other restaurant, next door, and found the same situation with a 45 minute wait. We stayed the course.
After being seated we were please to receive excellent service for the young man who took care of all of out needs. We all had the "wild mushroom soup", ordering a "cup", which turned out to be a good sized bowel, of delicious, hot, very mushroomey soup. This is a regular Tuesday night offering. The four of us next shared "home made Guacamole" with warm chips, salsa and sour cream, on the side followed by beef sliders and French Fry's. Each order had 4 mini hamburgers with good crisp pickle chips and ketchup. All items came promptly, were hot or cold, as desired, and made for a pleasant meal. For this kind of mass dining( over 450 seats) establishment it was beyond reproach. Our total per couple, with a generous tip and tax was $33.
A very pleasant day as mention in the outset.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
No excuse
I have not posted anything since Aug 25. There are two reasons: one, we have not been to any place new, although some of the regulars have been very good, as usual; and two, the next night, Aug. 26, after dinner at "Otto's" Marilyn slipped on the sidewalk and ended in the street, with lacerations and blood from head to toe. Because she has been on strong medications, for a Kidney problem, the fall was a cosmetic disaster, not to mention the psychological discomfort.
We have been out, actually quite a few times, but they have been with some effort on her part and plenty of understanding from out dinner companions.
As I mentioned, we had finished a fine dinner at "Otto's", where Marilyn was the youngest of the six, the eldest being 94. Our next venture was to "Walt's Hitching Post, followed by a Birthday dinner(9 in all), at our home, for a friend who just celebrated her 90th. Several of us did the food and Marilyn was more of a guest than an active hostess. I provided "hors d'oeuvres", with an asst from Costco.
We joined a couple at "Floyd's" in Clifton for good home cooked Lebanese( spit roasted chicken), but because UC was not in session the owner and cook decided that she would cut back on her menu till the students returned. There was plenty of good food but a couple of items I wanted to try she was not cooking that evening. Three nights in a row, in early Sept. we graced "Knotty Pine on the Bayou"( pan seared grouper), the "Sky Galley", crowded and not up to usual, and again "Otto's", to let them know there were no hard feelings, only "hard knocks"
The last two ventures out were to "Bonefish", sparsely populated and "Honey"( North side) where Shoshanna is still holding forth with her interesting and inventive combinations of flavors and textures.
I have been doing a fair amount of cooking and last night dreamt up a new Roasted Fresh Tomato preparation to top some Pasta. Our farmer's market, this time of year, is a treasure chest of excellent home grown produce. The Concord Grapes have put in an appearance, which means fall is not to far away.
Several agency and community picnics over the weekend so it will be hamburger and hot dog time until the next report.
We have been out, actually quite a few times, but they have been with some effort on her part and plenty of understanding from out dinner companions.
As I mentioned, we had finished a fine dinner at "Otto's", where Marilyn was the youngest of the six, the eldest being 94. Our next venture was to "Walt's Hitching Post, followed by a Birthday dinner(9 in all), at our home, for a friend who just celebrated her 90th. Several of us did the food and Marilyn was more of a guest than an active hostess. I provided "hors d'oeuvres", with an asst from Costco.
We joined a couple at "Floyd's" in Clifton for good home cooked Lebanese( spit roasted chicken), but because UC was not in session the owner and cook decided that she would cut back on her menu till the students returned. There was plenty of good food but a couple of items I wanted to try she was not cooking that evening. Three nights in a row, in early Sept. we graced "Knotty Pine on the Bayou"( pan seared grouper), the "Sky Galley", crowded and not up to usual, and again "Otto's", to let them know there were no hard feelings, only "hard knocks"
The last two ventures out were to "Bonefish", sparsely populated and "Honey"( North side) where Shoshanna is still holding forth with her interesting and inventive combinations of flavors and textures.
I have been doing a fair amount of cooking and last night dreamt up a new Roasted Fresh Tomato preparation to top some Pasta. Our farmer's market, this time of year, is a treasure chest of excellent home grown produce. The Concord Grapes have put in an appearance, which means fall is not to far away.
Several agency and community picnics over the weekend so it will be hamburger and hot dog time until the next report.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Two different experiences
Continuing my report on the "heavy week" I'll fill you in on our evenings out both Friday and Saturday. Each time we were joined by another couple.
Friday night, without reservations, we showed up at "Wild Ginger" on Edwards Road. "Wild Ginger" has expanded and has 3 dining area plus an outdoor patio. We were immediately shown to a comfortable table for 4 and waited only a minute or two for our most attractive server. She explained the menu, which has grown with the restaurant, and took our drink order.
With Asian food I often drink beer and went that route Friday.; A cousin, who knows brews, introduced me to Kirin Ichiban( number one) and the 22 oz bottle is sufficient to last though out the meal or be split at the table.
Marilyn and I split an order of pot stickers while the other couple had summer rolls and regular spring rolls. For my main course I selected the "King of the Ocean Roll" built around fried soft shell crabs. Marilyn had her favorite "3 Flavored Walleye", a pan fried fillet served with wilted spinach and a delightful slightly sweet sauce. She shared a bit with me so I had the best of both dishes. "Wild Ginger" remains reasonable, about $25/person, and very pleasant.
The next night was not the same. With our very close relatives and friends we went to "Daveed's" 934 Hatch Street(Mt. Adams) Cincinnati 45202, phone 513-721-2665. We had a 6:30 reservation, earlier than we had requested. The place was full, noisy and although there were sufficient servers the kitchen was struggling. We started by sharing an order of "pommes frits" for the 4 of us. This we requested with the drinks and when they arrived, slightly after the drinks were served, they turned our to be somewhat soggy French Fries, ordinary at best. We all followed with salads, Marilyn had the "Heirloom" Tomato Salad, for $10, which turned out to be about a half slice of tomato with a few greens and a cherry tomato, cut in half. I had the Blue Cheese Beignet which consisted of 3 ping pong ball sized dough with no stand alone flavor($8). Our main courses were quite satisfactory, my Rigatoni Carbonara had good flavor with a generous amount of pacetta and sweet peas added to the rich sauce. Marilyn had Duck Brest which she said was excellent. We ended with coffee and no dolce.
Our server, a well spoken statuesque young women, spent more time conversing with the Bartender than she did seeing how our dinner was perceived. She was quite surprised when, with the checks, we gave her an uncomplimentary report on our first two courses.
The total for the evening was approximately $50 each, a poor value for what we received.
Sunday night we took several dishes, Southern homemade green beans and a gourmet salad next door where our neighbors provided drinks, grilled hamburgers and a rich chocolate brownie desert. A nice wrap up for a "heavy week"
Friday night, without reservations, we showed up at "Wild Ginger" on Edwards Road. "Wild Ginger" has expanded and has 3 dining area plus an outdoor patio. We were immediately shown to a comfortable table for 4 and waited only a minute or two for our most attractive server. She explained the menu, which has grown with the restaurant, and took our drink order.
With Asian food I often drink beer and went that route Friday.; A cousin, who knows brews, introduced me to Kirin Ichiban( number one) and the 22 oz bottle is sufficient to last though out the meal or be split at the table.
Marilyn and I split an order of pot stickers while the other couple had summer rolls and regular spring rolls. For my main course I selected the "King of the Ocean Roll" built around fried soft shell crabs. Marilyn had her favorite "3 Flavored Walleye", a pan fried fillet served with wilted spinach and a delightful slightly sweet sauce. She shared a bit with me so I had the best of both dishes. "Wild Ginger" remains reasonable, about $25/person, and very pleasant.
The next night was not the same. With our very close relatives and friends we went to "Daveed's" 934 Hatch Street(Mt. Adams) Cincinnati 45202, phone 513-721-2665. We had a 6:30 reservation, earlier than we had requested. The place was full, noisy and although there were sufficient servers the kitchen was struggling. We started by sharing an order of "pommes frits" for the 4 of us. This we requested with the drinks and when they arrived, slightly after the drinks were served, they turned our to be somewhat soggy French Fries, ordinary at best. We all followed with salads, Marilyn had the "Heirloom" Tomato Salad, for $10, which turned out to be about a half slice of tomato with a few greens and a cherry tomato, cut in half. I had the Blue Cheese Beignet which consisted of 3 ping pong ball sized dough with no stand alone flavor($8). Our main courses were quite satisfactory, my Rigatoni Carbonara had good flavor with a generous amount of pacetta and sweet peas added to the rich sauce. Marilyn had Duck Brest which she said was excellent. We ended with coffee and no dolce.
Our server, a well spoken statuesque young women, spent more time conversing with the Bartender than she did seeing how our dinner was perceived. She was quite surprised when, with the checks, we gave her an uncomplimentary report on our first two courses.
The total for the evening was approximately $50 each, a poor value for what we received.
Sunday night we took several dishes, Southern homemade green beans and a gourmet salad next door where our neighbors provided drinks, grilled hamburgers and a rich chocolate brownie desert. A nice wrap up for a "heavy week"
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Pattern
As you will see a pattern is developing. We go out, a lot, almost always with friends, I eat a lot and then complain about a weight gain. At least the reason is not hard to figure out.
It was a "heavy week", both in dinners and calories.
Tuesday night, with the young couple that own "Otto's", we went to "Cumin" in East Hyde Park. We have always liked "Cumin" and in my opinion it has only gotten better with the addition of a new Chef, from New York, who now works along with "Yash". Their menu has expanded slightly and the new dishes add to ones choices. We began the meal with an order of Eggplant Chips, always a good bet, and a Cumin Salad, for the table. The Cumin salad was very interesting and delicious. They take the "spring roll wrappers", brake them, sauteed and then add, excellent thinly sliced new potatoes and chickpeas. The dressing contains Indian spices, lemon juice and a touch of vinegar.
The four main courses were: Lobster Pasta, with large pieces of the crustacean in a light tomato sauce mixed with spaghetti; Heirloom Polenta, a creamy polenta with mushrooms, tomato bits and chives in a very light cream sauce; excellent well executed roast pork and for me an Ahai Tuna Pizza served on a large lavash type crust with some raw salmon and onions and tomatoes.
Two different Nams filled us with delightful food and pleasant drinks.
Wednesday, with 3 others we went to "Oriental Wok-Regency" for another of Guy's special meals. After drinks we started with a repeat of the chicken salad( described in a previous "posting" and egg roll appetizer. This was followed with 4 main dishes. A whole Roasted Crispy chicken,( Guy has been working to perfect this for almost a month, and has succeeded). The skin is indeed crispy while the inside is full cooked and very moist. A platter of sliced Roast Pork with Bar-B-Que sauce on a bed of lettuce, Eggplant with a yogurt sauce and wonderful vegetable, pan fried Lo Mein, heavy on mushrooms and scallions.
Thursday it was "Primavista", ouch my waist line. We were seated at a table window and watched the city go from daylight to darkness as the lights came on all over downtown. For our dinners we chose, veal Picatta, veal Discepoli( mushrooms, artichokes and grilled shrimp), veal with a roasted tomato and pepper sauce and the evening fresh fish special, all dinners are served with a nice size house salad and one or two sides. For dessert the 4 of us shared a Gelati Misti, 3 scoops of extremely smooth Gelati; dark chocolate, raspberry and hazel nut.
Oh, by the way, as if I wasn't eating enough I returned to "Virgils" Wednesday for a Pastrami Rubin.
I think I'll continue with the weekend later.
It was a "heavy week", both in dinners and calories.
Tuesday night, with the young couple that own "Otto's", we went to "Cumin" in East Hyde Park. We have always liked "Cumin" and in my opinion it has only gotten better with the addition of a new Chef, from New York, who now works along with "Yash". Their menu has expanded slightly and the new dishes add to ones choices. We began the meal with an order of Eggplant Chips, always a good bet, and a Cumin Salad, for the table. The Cumin salad was very interesting and delicious. They take the "spring roll wrappers", brake them, sauteed and then add, excellent thinly sliced new potatoes and chickpeas. The dressing contains Indian spices, lemon juice and a touch of vinegar.
The four main courses were: Lobster Pasta, with large pieces of the crustacean in a light tomato sauce mixed with spaghetti; Heirloom Polenta, a creamy polenta with mushrooms, tomato bits and chives in a very light cream sauce; excellent well executed roast pork and for me an Ahai Tuna Pizza served on a large lavash type crust with some raw salmon and onions and tomatoes.
Two different Nams filled us with delightful food and pleasant drinks.
Wednesday, with 3 others we went to "Oriental Wok-Regency" for another of Guy's special meals. After drinks we started with a repeat of the chicken salad( described in a previous "posting" and egg roll appetizer. This was followed with 4 main dishes. A whole Roasted Crispy chicken,( Guy has been working to perfect this for almost a month, and has succeeded). The skin is indeed crispy while the inside is full cooked and very moist. A platter of sliced Roast Pork with Bar-B-Que sauce on a bed of lettuce, Eggplant with a yogurt sauce and wonderful vegetable, pan fried Lo Mein, heavy on mushrooms and scallions.
Thursday it was "Primavista", ouch my waist line. We were seated at a table window and watched the city go from daylight to darkness as the lights came on all over downtown. For our dinners we chose, veal Picatta, veal Discepoli( mushrooms, artichokes and grilled shrimp), veal with a roasted tomato and pepper sauce and the evening fresh fish special, all dinners are served with a nice size house salad and one or two sides. For dessert the 4 of us shared a Gelati Misti, 3 scoops of extremely smooth Gelati; dark chocolate, raspberry and hazel nut.
Oh, by the way, as if I wasn't eating enough I returned to "Virgils" Wednesday for a Pastrami Rubin.
I think I'll continue with the weekend later.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Yes,I'm OK
In response to the numerous questions concerning my health, because I haven't posted anything in almost 2 weeks, here it is. Thanks to the both of you who inquired, I'm fine and just haven't had a lot of eating out, comments, that were worth your time or mine.
Have we eaten out in the last 12 days, of course. Have the dinners been good, some yes and some no. But do I remember anything worth reporting, we'll see.
A week and a half ago we had some long time friends, from Nashville, dropped by for a couple of days. They left the food decisions up to us, with some input from questions I posed. The first night we went to "The Precinct" which impressed them, not just with the food but with the ambiance. For lunch the next day it was off to Clifton and "Skyline" and "Greater's", true "down home Cincinnati. That evening to a regular spot for us "Otto's" All the food was "right on"
After they departed we had a meal at "Oriental Wok-Regency" where once again the chef sent too much food, each dish better than we should have to endure. Among my favorites were the Chinese Ribs, the duck Won ton's and the pork with onions and vegetables. I found the "tiger fish somewhat dry, more like swordfish, which is not my favorite sea creature.
A treat this past week was lunch at "Virgil's" with his "homemade Pastrami", as good as I have had anywhere and that included New York and LA. It is the best thing I have had at this new restaurant. Another trip to "Virgil's", for dinner met with mixed feelings. The homemade chili was excellent, lots of meat and well seasoned while my main dish, Huevos Rancheros were very ordinary. The eggs were over cooked and the pico de guyo was not as good as you can get in a jar. A disappointment. I must say that on both visits the service was good and welcoming.
A meal at "Amarin" yielded very ordinary sushi, another disappointment, although Marilyn's Pad Thai was very good and plentiful. The other evening brought "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" with wonderful crab and crayfish Etouffee and too many deep fried Oysters, which I regretted later.
So now you you know where I've been and some of what I've had.
Have we eaten out in the last 12 days, of course. Have the dinners been good, some yes and some no. But do I remember anything worth reporting, we'll see.
A week and a half ago we had some long time friends, from Nashville, dropped by for a couple of days. They left the food decisions up to us, with some input from questions I posed. The first night we went to "The Precinct" which impressed them, not just with the food but with the ambiance. For lunch the next day it was off to Clifton and "Skyline" and "Greater's", true "down home Cincinnati. That evening to a regular spot for us "Otto's" All the food was "right on"
After they departed we had a meal at "Oriental Wok-Regency" where once again the chef sent too much food, each dish better than we should have to endure. Among my favorites were the Chinese Ribs, the duck Won ton's and the pork with onions and vegetables. I found the "tiger fish somewhat dry, more like swordfish, which is not my favorite sea creature.
A treat this past week was lunch at "Virgil's" with his "homemade Pastrami", as good as I have had anywhere and that included New York and LA. It is the best thing I have had at this new restaurant. Another trip to "Virgil's", for dinner met with mixed feelings. The homemade chili was excellent, lots of meat and well seasoned while my main dish, Huevos Rancheros were very ordinary. The eggs were over cooked and the pico de guyo was not as good as you can get in a jar. A disappointment. I must say that on both visits the service was good and welcoming.
A meal at "Amarin" yielded very ordinary sushi, another disappointment, although Marilyn's Pad Thai was very good and plentiful. The other evening brought "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" with wonderful crab and crayfish Etouffee and too many deep fried Oysters, which I regretted later.
So now you you know where I've been and some of what I've had.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ambience, Food, Service
The title speaks to most of the things we use to judge a restaurant.
Ambience is pretty much the same on any of your visits No one would confuse the settings at "Walt's", a KY road house and "Orchid's", the prime restaurant at the Netherlands, downtown. As long as someone is paying attention to cleanliness, lights that aren't burnt out and chairs that hold us, we all return for the food and service.
Here are six places we have been in the last two weeks, with my feelings on food and service. Most are fairly regular with us, although "Aqua" and the "Iron Horse" have not been regular haunts.
"Oriental Wok" at the Regency: You must tire of hearing that we went and had an outstanding meal and service. We have never been disappointed. We always ask the chef for guidance and that enhances our fun and pleasure. The last visit saw us trying a "chicken salad", which seemed like a marinated slaw, made with Chinese Vegetables and shredded roast chicken, delightful. Other new dishes were Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Sauteed Pork with leaks and onions and Abalone with Chinese vegetable's. Service is first rate 99% of the time, they are human( not Hanan).
"Terry's Turf Club" Eastern Ave. What can one say? We were there before Polly Campbell and the mobs found it, but it remains the consummate Cincinnati hamburger joint and bar. We arrived at 5:15 and had a 10 minute wait for a both, our choice, for the 5 of us. When we left at 6:30 people were lined up on the street. Service is fast, efficient and almost overly solicitous. with all the servers working together so many eyes are watching.
"Otto's" Main St Covington. As anyone who has read this Blog knows, this is our home away from home. This last time was for a special Birthday, for one of our guests and food and service couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. It's one of our few special occasion restaurants, and to us merits that status.
"Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport. When we can't get into "Terry's", which is often since a half to hour wait is not attractive, this is where we go. Food is standard, with no surprises. Menu is meant to cover all bases except very high end. Service is always pleasant and accommodating and if it isn't to your liking when first served it is changed and made correct promptly. Price is reasonable and there is full bar service and management that's on the floor and full service also.
"Iron Horse" Glendale. A restaurant that has been there a long time and goes thru new owners and chefs with some regularity. The current owners have been there a few years but the Chef has recently joined them after a position as one of the top people in the kitchen at "Mesh". Our dinner Saturday night was our first test of his reign and we'll return to give it another try. Our server was experienced and after a slow start, for some unexplained reason, and the place was sparsely populated, gave us excellent service. A nice feature is the attitude that if a side is paired, on the menu, with something else, all one must do is ask that it be served on your dinner as a substitute. Marilyn's Spaghetti and "meatballs" made of mushrooms instead of "meat" was the most innovative and interesting. My spetzals came in a close second.
"Aqua" Delta Ave, Mt Lookout. It is had to write about the food, which I thought had slipped, since we last were there, because the service was so poor. Any food would have had a hard time satisfying. A 30 to 45 minute wait, plus prompting from us was necessary to get a drink and things deteriorated from there. You get the picture. It is very doubtful that we will return. A mild suggestion is to have some kind of "Management" on the floor, not walking out the door at 7:00 PM.
Ambience is pretty much the same on any of your visits No one would confuse the settings at "Walt's", a KY road house and "Orchid's", the prime restaurant at the Netherlands, downtown. As long as someone is paying attention to cleanliness, lights that aren't burnt out and chairs that hold us, we all return for the food and service.
Here are six places we have been in the last two weeks, with my feelings on food and service. Most are fairly regular with us, although "Aqua" and the "Iron Horse" have not been regular haunts.
"Oriental Wok" at the Regency: You must tire of hearing that we went and had an outstanding meal and service. We have never been disappointed. We always ask the chef for guidance and that enhances our fun and pleasure. The last visit saw us trying a "chicken salad", which seemed like a marinated slaw, made with Chinese Vegetables and shredded roast chicken, delightful. Other new dishes were Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Sauteed Pork with leaks and onions and Abalone with Chinese vegetable's. Service is first rate 99% of the time, they are human( not Hanan).
"Terry's Turf Club" Eastern Ave. What can one say? We were there before Polly Campbell and the mobs found it, but it remains the consummate Cincinnati hamburger joint and bar. We arrived at 5:15 and had a 10 minute wait for a both, our choice, for the 5 of us. When we left at 6:30 people were lined up on the street. Service is fast, efficient and almost overly solicitous. with all the servers working together so many eyes are watching.
"Otto's" Main St Covington. As anyone who has read this Blog knows, this is our home away from home. This last time was for a special Birthday, for one of our guests and food and service couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. It's one of our few special occasion restaurants, and to us merits that status.
"Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport. When we can't get into "Terry's", which is often since a half to hour wait is not attractive, this is where we go. Food is standard, with no surprises. Menu is meant to cover all bases except very high end. Service is always pleasant and accommodating and if it isn't to your liking when first served it is changed and made correct promptly. Price is reasonable and there is full bar service and management that's on the floor and full service also.
"Iron Horse" Glendale. A restaurant that has been there a long time and goes thru new owners and chefs with some regularity. The current owners have been there a few years but the Chef has recently joined them after a position as one of the top people in the kitchen at "Mesh". Our dinner Saturday night was our first test of his reign and we'll return to give it another try. Our server was experienced and after a slow start, for some unexplained reason, and the place was sparsely populated, gave us excellent service. A nice feature is the attitude that if a side is paired, on the menu, with something else, all one must do is ask that it be served on your dinner as a substitute. Marilyn's Spaghetti and "meatballs" made of mushrooms instead of "meat" was the most innovative and interesting. My spetzals came in a close second.
"Aqua" Delta Ave, Mt Lookout. It is had to write about the food, which I thought had slipped, since we last were there, because the service was so poor. Any food would have had a hard time satisfying. A 30 to 45 minute wait, plus prompting from us was necessary to get a drink and things deteriorated from there. You get the picture. It is very doubtful that we will return. A mild suggestion is to have some kind of "Management" on the floor, not walking out the door at 7:00 PM.
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