Outstanding

What more can I say about a dinner at "Orchid's" at the Hilton Netherland Plaza, 5th and Race Sts. in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. As special as it always is, it is even more so when eating with the wife of the chef( Todd Kelly) in this beautifully appointed and served "art deco" dining room.

Thursday night the three of us dined and were later joined by the chef, himself.
After a bottle of Puligny-Montrachet, a wonderful white Burgundy, we decided to let Todd send out a meal of his choosing. The only thing we had to decide was how many courses(3 ) and whether we had any restrictions. Unfortunately Marilyn was not feeling well and so she restricted her dinner to a light clam broth and a chicken breast main course. Emily, Todd's wife, an I let the dishes come as the feeling moved our host.

Before going further I must tell you that our wonderful cousin had given us a gift certificate for "Orchid's" and therefore I felt no bounds, as you can tell from the beginning wine, thanks Nancy.

Dinner was as follows, all accompanied by selected wines, which I couldn't by name or vintage identify, but all, of course, matched the course as served. Our "amuse boche" was a basket of Parmesan stripes, baked and crispy, holding a white gelatin of lamb and drizzled with a sour cherry jelly sweeten to just compliment the balance of the presentation.
The first of the three courses was the incomparable Lobster salad, a medallion of chopped lobster meat, slightly moistened and covered with a poached egg and crisp onion straws.
The 2nd courses, diverged, with Emily having roast duck Brest, fruit compote garnish, accompanying, while I was served sauteed sweetbreads and caramelized Brussels Sprouts, two of my favorites. "Orchid's" either has an excellent computer system of an Executive chef who really knows his customers. I was smiling with every bite. As I recall the wines, all red after the opener were a Zinfandel, a Pinto and a Merlot, but this is subject to a clouded memory from my imbibing.
Our main, and third course, was a beef plate with a 3 oz piece of medium rare sirloin strip, topped with a mixed nut butter and roasted, plus a pulled, beef, short rib molded into a miniature "hockey puck" and roasted or quickly fried again covered and browned to perfection.
The vegetable accompaniment was shaved, marinated, fennel with the consistency of a crisp sauerkraut or inside of a cabbage head, wow.
We added a cheese plate for desert, Maytag Blue with a raspberry jam, french goat with a drip of fresh honey and a cows milk with candied orange peels and a sugar coated pecan half. We killed the last 1/2 bottle of wine as the dinner came to a glorious end.
Thanks to all.

Repetative

There have been several comment's, of late, that I am repeating places we eat too often. Some readers believe that limiting postings on the same restaurants would make reading more current and useful. Of course, that assumes that we will get to enough new places to still have something to post.
Trying to listen, and still hoping people will post "comments" on this site, I will probably make some compromises and write more in detail about some place we have not been for a while, or ever, and just list others unless some special item has stimulated me and my taste buds.

"Betta's Italian Oven" 3764 Montgomery Road, Norwood (513) 631-6836 Eat in or carry out.
We have not been there in over 3 years. Probably only once or twice since they moved from Mt. Lookout Square. "Betta's" was rated #1 by Cincinnati magazine for Pizza. I don't claim to be a judge of this item but their Pizza's are very good, especially if one likes "thin crust" as I do.
Last night we went with a young women and her 8 year old twins( adorable, all). There is a children's menu and after a full order of "garlic-cheese bread" the twins ordered items from that menu. We three adults(?) ordered 3 different pizza, some of each accompanied us home, Sandy and Marilyn each made up their own, which all shared. I like Sandy's the most because I thought the spinach added both color and taste. I went with the house special, an all white, which contained cut cherry tomato's, arugula, Parmesan shavings and prosciutto. Too bland for my taste.
With several; glasses of wine, beer and soft drinks the total bill, including tax came to $100.

Here are other places the credit card worked in the last week or so; "Brio Tuscan Grille" "Newport on the Levee" (859) 431-0900. Had the Bruschetta Sampler for the first time. Eight pieces, four varieties all interesting and good.
"Nectar Restaurant 1000 Delta Ave (513) 929-0525. A constant favorite with Julie Francis at the helm. All fresh and interesting. I had cauliflower soap with a crab salad and Grilled Ruby Trout.
"Cumin" 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-8714. I love Mung who makes every evening a success. Sampling allowed and we four did; from a special cheese appetizer, thru mussels, agnolotti( large cheese and spinach filled ravioli type pasta), lamb shank and salads. Wow.
Tuesday special at the "Keystone Bar and Grille" Erie Ave. Hyde Park, for lunch. Half priced Quesadillas.
And finally "Dilly Cafe" 6818 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227 (513) 561-5233. New for dinner which for me was a wonderful Grilled shrimp and Asparagus salad with tomato's, greens, feta cheese as well as a full secure of shrimp (8 or 9 medium) and several grilled asparagus spears, light dressing.
I also had a Stilton Pasta with sun dried tomato's all in a light Stilton cream sauce. The salad and a desert would have been plenty. Food was good and wine "Hirsch Gruner Veltliner" was also as desired. They do have a nice wine list which all at our table, except Marilyn enjoyed.

So much for the new posting scheme. What do you think?

Good Food

When Marilyn was in school, in Boston, a few years ago, the dorm would empty on "gray meat" nights and go to a neighborhood eatery run by an Asian man. I have asked her the name of this place, of her youth, and all she can remember was a sign in the window, "Good Food".
Obviously the place has not transferred here but the concept has, so here are a few places we have been and things we have eaten that come under that category.

"Cumin" 3520 Erie Ave. (513) 871-8714. Excellent cauliflower( a big item currently on menus) first course, the vegetable was perfectly roasted and mixed with golden raisins, pistachio nuts and a few other items and spices, all in a very light dressing. The excellent, too large, braised lamb shank came with surrounding items, and a moist and fine textured carrot cake slice had a delicious white cream topping.
"La Poste" 3410 Telford (513)281-3663. Whatever you do save room for the "chocolate-cherry" bread pudding covered with Carmel sauce. If you're a small eater have a cup of soup and desert, if your like me have the sweetbreads, crispy and flavorful, and the veal strip, much too much, ( take some home). You also have choices of brazed short ribs (sometimes over done) or one or two pastas along with plenty of other items. But again have the bread pudding, it's worth the trip.
"Cafe Mediterranean" (BYOB) 9525 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, (513) 745-9386. A reincarnation of the namesake in Anderson with all the favorites. We share the appetizer platter and usual have a fish or calves liver but the meat dishes are also well prepared, interesting and tasty.
"Otto's" 521 Main St Covington, KY (859) 491-6678. Do I need to write? Whatever I put in this posting will be repetitious. Brunch, go with the Benedict Otto's( their take on Eggs Benedict), the B.L.F.G.T- bacon, lettuce and fried green tomato's on a croissant or the crab meat hash. Dinner scallops, shrimp and grits, tilapia or any of the meat dishes, all "good food". Some times I feel it's a waste to have the fried green tomato's other than as a separate item, they are outstanding.
Finally, a chain "Keystone Bar and Grill" in both KY and the Cincinnati area. Nothing fancy but decent upscale bar food with specials on Monday and Tuesday, all day. Monday's are approximately 10 Mac and cheese dishes and Tuesday's are half priced Quesadillas as are the Mac and cheeses on Monday's . The salads are large( read splittable) crisp and interesting while the home-made chips come crisp, plentiful and are perfect with the house barbecue sauce, they will also be happy to serve you a drink while you munch the chips or at any time.

Sorry Ed

I sometimes get comments, all verbal, that I write about the same restaurants too much. It's hard not to do when we are served outstanding meals. That was the case Tuesday night at the "Oriental Wok-Hyde Park". Four of us arrived on a rainy cool evening and turned Guy Burgess, the chef free to feed us. To say he did not disappoint is an under statement.
After drinks the meal started with a tender sea-scallop placed upon a slice of purple eggplant which had been sauteed to crispen the egg white wash, into which it had been dipped. It was covered by the broiled scallop and a semi sweet sesame sauce. It was a combination of French and Asian all rolled into one wonderful item. This was followed, with a bow to Marilyn, with a half portion of crisp vegetable spring roll and a single "Pot sticker".
The main course was a pound and a half fresh, Maine, Lobster, cut into pieces and wok prepared with a very light Cantonese sauce. The large platter had not only 3 different types of mushroom slices, each one better that the other, but also baby bok-choy and a few scallions. Some dish!!
Guy also prepared "Ants on a Hill" a typical Chinese dish which Lang Lang had enjoyed 3 times on his recent visit to Cincinnati. This dish is seasoned ground pork with a few veggies, bean sprouts, carrot slivers, scallions etc, mixed in and all mounded over very thin gelatinous noodles.
We ended with a mango flan, slightly more firm, but equally pleasing. Some meal and some evening. There wasn't one item below the rave category.

Another interesting evening was our first visit to "Jimmy G's" 435 Elm St. Cincinnati, 45202 (513) 623-8555. This new addition (opened early December 2011) to downtown dining is run by a chef with much experience in the Cincinnati area and a distinctive twist on the items he prepares.
With another couple we decided to mix and match. I had my "Bombay"( $10.50), with house marinated, cocktail onions, almost large enough to count as a vegetable course and then the table split a bottle of fine Oregon Pinot( slightly pricey). The kitchen split two "house" salads, a wonderful combination of fresh greens, thin apple slices, golden raisins and all topped with fried parsnip shavings. It was beautifully presented and dressed. As sides we had an order of 4 Fat Fries, potato's made deadly by twice frying them, at different temperatures, in the above mentioned fat. We'll done both texture and taste and also an interesting Cauliflower Caponeta, cauliflower taking the place of the usual eggplant. The caponeta( their spelling) is described as spicy but don't be turned off it's mid-range and delicious. For main courses there was a "rib eye tenderloin" done medium, but pink throughout, which had fine taste but was a bit chewy, a yellow fin tuna steak, done rare and living up to it's billing and an order of "Gribbles"( their term) which are secured meats, 3 secures That evening pork tenderloin, in it's own distinctive sauce, cherry barbecue, and served with an accompanying item. The sauce and items were slightly disappointing, sauce extremely mild and the apricot kim-chee turned out to be thin strips of apples.
The owned and chef, Jimmy Gibson, was very evident and stoped by several times to chat.
Our split deserts were a dense Chocolate fig pate, heavy and rich, but an interesting combination and a deconstructed key lime pie served as a key lime custard in a cup topped with whipped cream and accompanied by wonderful house made pistachio biscotti. A most interesting dining experience.
A couple comment about "Jimmy G's". It has a very lively bar scene which is separated from the dining area but the noise of the band( loud) carries. Also the handicapped entrance( elevator) is thru the lobby of the building, a fact we were not given when we called to make a reservation.
As older dinners both of these have some importance. "Jimmy G's" is in the space formerly occupied by Wham-Mee and so is below street level.

More to report later as we are back to eating out.

Vine Street

I am impressed with the eating and drinking establishments that have grown in the area of the "Ensemble Theatre" on Vine St. in the last couple of years. Two years ago there was one, "LavOmatic" now there are at least 5 top flight places and several others, who while not rated as highly, are still acceptable. Just to name the other 4, all within a block of the theatre: "A Tavola", "Abigail Street", "Senate" and "Taste of Belgium" (short name "Belgium Bistro"). I have been in all except that I have not eaten, yet, at the latter.

Lunch Tuesday at "Senate" 1212 Vine St. 45202 (513) 421-2020 consisted of a good sized bowl of "mussels charmoula", deadly delicious, and a draft St Ambroise Apricot Ale.
The mussels seem to be all plump and firm and done perfectly. The broth is full of salt, butter, and spices and compliments the mussels beautifully. Of course the 4 pieces of well buttered and toasted french bread, for dipping, makes both calories and taste bud alight.
The beer is a perfect compliment and is served in a 7oz glass shaped like a Brandy sniffer and is the proper amount at lunch and again a great companion.
The "Senate" is famous as a gourmet "hot dog" emporium but anyone who likes mussels must try them, as, so far, they are the best I have had in Cincinnati.

Dinner, last night, at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine Street 45202 (513)421-4040, was another most pleasing introduction. "Abigail Street" is right next to "Senate" but the only hint is a small painted sign on the window and some colored light panels differentiating it from it parent.
There were 4 of us and at the servers suggestion we ordered with the express thought of sharing all that came to the table. They describe the size portions as "tapas size" and they are correct. Some are quite sufficient for two to have a defined share while others only provide a hint of what eating a whole portion would be like. We had many tastes and none left hungry.
The table started with a very reasonably prices bottle of Pinot Gris( $28) and Chirizo stuffed dates in a spicy tomato sauce and a beet salad, both red and golden, sprinkled with nuts were our beginning. Both items give more that a taste when sharing. There was a wonderful gnocchi, in lamb ragout, a Bouliabaisse( heavy in mussels and shrimp) with a delightful broth, grilled and seasoned shrimp and a helping of cubed, roasted potato's and chopped fresh tomato's in a lemon oil, slightly spicy sauce, unusual and delicious.
Several of us also had a glass of Zinfandel to go with the main courses. Total for the 4 before tax and tip $100. Not inexpensive but then nothing good is.

Too much Good Food

As usual I have consumed too much good food this past week. It's all the fault of the the guy who shows up, when I go out to eat, and the forced feeding he inflicts. Oh well, we all must carry a burden. Here's a report on the burden I'm carrying, mostly around the waist.

Last Sunday we had a farewell brunch for our granddaughter, who returned to Bates College that afternoon. "Cumin Eclectic Cuisine" 3520 Erie Ave. 45208 (513)-871-8714, as I reported, began serving Brunch about two months ago. Their menu lives up to the name "Eclectic". Several weeks ago, on our first brunch visit I had Shrimp and Grits( great) this time it was "Cumin Benedict", two half's of English Muffins covered with thin sliced, roast pork, fresh steamed spinach, perfectly poached eggs and a pork based creamed sauce with various herbs and spices. Everything blended perfectly and was prepared without a flaw. Others had Shrimp and Grits and "Eggs ur Way", in this case they were fried and served with diced potatos, bacon and a warm croissant. Obvious we were delighted.

Next it was "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave. 45208 where one of my current loves, Julie Francis, puts together meals that are not only interesting but delicious. I had given Julie a recipe for tripe, one of my favorite innards, and to no ones surprise the dish was a "special" that evening.
I had three different items plus a glass of white wine. Starting with a piece of flat bread with ground sauteed sausage layered on a light cheese sauce and topped with caramelized onions and a fried egg. Different textures and flavors, again blending perfectly. This was followed with a crisp romaine heart salad with a wonderful light, tasty dressing and accompanied with a slice poached pear half. My last item was the tripe in a wonderful light spicy tomato sauce with three to four bite croutons. Most of the others had the Moroccan Chicken, served on lentils with Mediterranean vegetables.
For dessert I was treated to a Carmel Brulee. Not a pudding but but a firm custard with both Carmel and Maple flavors, prominently on display. Julie, thanks.

Lastly we were off to "Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, Ky 41016 (859) 491-6678. What can I say, that I haven't already about our "home way from home". New people went with us so we started with the excellent Fried Green Tomato's, a must at "Otto's" and in my opinion the best in the area. For my main course it was one of the evening specials, Golden Tilefish roasted beautifully, firm but still quite juicy. It was served atop a polenta cake with both roasted, caramelized Brussels Sprout, with slivers of brown sugar curred bacon and a portion of sweetened grilled kale . Terrific combination well prepared by Molly and her kitchen staff. Chenin Blanc and white chocolate, apricot bread pudding completed my meal and my week.

First week out

We really do "eat out" a lot. As I have said before, it is a large part of our social life. Having no Children or Grandchildren in our house there is nothing to keep us home, except wear and tear on the body and the mind.
So here is a rundown of the first week of 2012:

Three of us started our restaurant journey, for the New Year, at "Hugo" 3235a Madison Rd. (513)-321-4846. On a Tuesday night the place was nearly empty with only one other table of 7 or 8 young women filling a spot in another part of the room. With the sparse attendance the noise level was excellent and the service attentive.
We started splitting an order of Fried Green Tomato's, ""Otto's" does not have to worry. They were warm, not hot, and slightly soggy but the biggest revelation was that they were fairly tasteless. Luckily things improved after the first course. I chose several of the smaller plates, Sweetbreads and a Hugo salad, along with a glass of Grunner Veltliner( Austrian white).
The Sweetbreads were a good sized appetizer portion with the meat fried and served on a bed of soft polenta. The preparation was nice and the taste all that one could ask. I followed with the Hugo Salad, mixed greens, quartered new red-skin potatoes, cheese, dried cranberries and chopped nuts, lightly dressed filling, crisp and enough to fill any desire for additional sustenance.
We also split one order of a fresh apple crisp, room temperature, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Besides my disappointment with the tomato's they only other negative was a $5 up charge for biscuits and honey, we had not been informed when the item was discussed during ordering.

Next we returned, once again, to "View Cucina" 2200 Victory Parkway 45206. The restaureant is becoming more popular and thus inhabited. I keep returning for the eggplant salad, grilled eggplant slices topped with chopped fresh tomato's and sprinkeled liberaly with crumbled fetas cheese and pistacio nut kerrals. The slightly tart, light dressing sets it all off. To me is is the best new salad in the area, of course one must like eggplant. I had the ala-carte size, 5 or six eggplant slices and the divided, with Marilyn, the lamb meatloaf, topped with a tomato jam. There is a $5 charge for a split entree but the compensation is that each plate comes with a full serving of vegitable (spinach) and starch (mashed potato's).
Since the 4 of us had visited over drinks and appitizers before we went out the dinner was quite filling.

An evening with a vegetarian and his wife took us to "Dusmesh" 944 Ludlow Ave. 45220 (513)-221-8900, our vote for the best Indian food in the city. We have not hit the suburbs and there are plenty of everything in that geographic area.
"Dusmesh" has no liquor licence and so it is BYOB. Most tables have either wine of beer or both. I brought a bottle of a crisp Italian white which went well with what we and the other couple ordered. Most items a large enough to split between the two of us and still give others at the table a taste. We ordered, chicken tiki marsalla, spinach and mushrooms, cauliflower in a garlic sauce and a nan stuffed with ground lamb, all wonderful. Very tasty if slightly on the salty side. One of the joys is that all the food comes piping hot and is served on warm plates. Most was devoured but a bit of the chicken and cauliflower came with is and served as lunch the next day. Each couple received, besides a large helping of log grained white rice, a fitter dessert, "on the house".

Lastly it was a return to "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 MadisonRd. 45208 (513)-834-5773. I rated, although I am not a food critic, rather a reporter on my activities, Emilia the best new restaurant in Cincinnati. The concept, execution and service( most of the time) are great. I am beginning to come to the conclusion the the kitchen has too heavy a hand with salt and my mouth often has that sodium coated feeling. I know several items, are by their nature, salty; cheese, liver pate, sausage etc but the need for that much "taste enhancer" in pasta, lentils, cauliflower etc is debatable.
Last nights visit was with some friends from the Beechwood home, 2 in mobile chairs, and so the service both to our table and within was important. Our server, Cat, was petite, attractive and very competent while the service amoung the 5 of us enabled all to enjoy the evening and eat the food provided.
Instead of wine I had a Yuengling, the new hot beer in Cincinnati, and tasted both the duck liver Pate and the cheesy bread which others at the table had ordered. My main course was a "special", grilled slices of Italian sausage served of a bed of lentils and topped with watercress leaves. I returned to the kitchen the lentils( way too much salt) but enjoyed the sausage both for flavor and crispness.
Marilyn had her regular pasta Bolognese. Once she finds a dish she returns to it with great regularity.
And so now it is a few nights at home and a chance to unwind and rest our taste buds.