As I said in my previous posting, one can not really judge a restaurant with only one visit. We returned to "BrewRiver GastroPub" 2062 Riverside Dr. (513) 861-2484 on a beautiful summer night this week. This time we enjoy their reconditioned patio, which I am happy to report has a ramp, making it accessable to handicaped patrons.
The service remained completly satisfactory with the proper attention and knowledge paid to any questions we had. Several beer samples were provided before we decided on our final selection. The do offer flights of beer for those interested in trying many.
I realized several thing about this new endevor. First and formost they are what their name implies, a "Brew-Pub". I didn't take a count, but I would guess that they offer 40 or 50 different beers and this is the premise around which everything else functions. The food, as it was the first time, was very well prepared and tasty, with several items carrying the mark of the New Orleans trained kitchen staff, liberal use of spice.
There were four of us and we split many items. Our meal started with "Amish Chicken Liver Pate", this was accomplanied by sauteed, seasoned onions. I found the pate slightly less hearty than the normal Bar Mitzvah offering. Next came Caprese Salad, which when split gave several pieces of field ripened tomato and firm Mozzarella to each dinner. The salad had a drizzel of Balsamic. Marilyn had the Buttermilk dipped Amish chicken, a very small helping, which was nicly done, while I split an Oyster Po'Boy and a Muffaletta with the other wife. The Po'Boy was very good but had a spicy Remoulade which overpowered all the other flavors. The Muffaletta while good needed, in my estimation, more of the olive salad to be up to it's origin, Southern Louisiana. For desssert we all split a very rich "Arrogant Brownie" made with Arrogant Ale.
The meal was ample, well prepared and an interesting mix of textures and flavors, most extremely complmentary to the beer served.
The only other adventure this past week has been to "Otto's", who make the Blog with great regularity. A Bombay, excellent Fried green tomatoes and a terrific Lobster salad proceeded my main course of Pan Sauteed Grouper on a bed of Risotto mixed with pear, apricot and nuts. An outstanding meal, but then I admit to being very prejudiced and not always objective. Marilyn had flank steak, medium rare, as orderd.
I'm sure we will return to both spots. Interesting places, to me, are habit forming.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Two questions
The two questions I am asked most often are "what is your favorite reastaurant" and "have you found any new place that you recommend". The first gets the standard answer that I can't compare a steak house and a sushi bar, at least in food. I can give a feeling of amibiance and my ideas of service but niether of those are digestible.
As far as the second question I often hesitate to give a recommendation of any new place on just one trial. I can tell those, who read this Blog, if it is a first time for me and how I reacted.
In the category of new spots we ate lunch this week at "BrewRiver GastroPub" 2062 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati (513) 861-2484 and were pleasently surprised by both the food and the service. Our guest and I had two different salads, both very fresh and lightly dressed. Each salad was enought for a light lunch. Marilyn had a BLT, usually fairly standard, but this one was outstanding. The bread, freshly baked, had a crisp crust and a soft, grainy center. The mayonise was light and contained herbs. The tomato's are field grown and come direct to the restaurant from a local farmer and the "bacon" in this case was house cured "pork belly" with no preservitive. It was thin sliced, and cooked to a tenderness which brought out the sweet pork flavor. It still managed to be crisp enough to contrast nicly with all the other ingredients. A real winner.
Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and the chef paid a visit to see that all was satisfactory, which it was.
Also this week we visited two "regulars". The "Oriental Wok-Regency" and "Cumin".
At "the Wok" the chef prepared "Empress Fish" which I have lovingly described before but will repeat that it is a whole bass, turned inside out, skin dipped in a light egg wash and then fried while the inside remains still juicy. The sauce is a mixture of sweet and salty, very Asian, with flecks of red and green peppers and hints of scallions. The fish easily is a full dinner for two and could be split for as many as 6, if desired.
At "Cumin" beside an evening with another couple we enjoyed the attention of Alex, the propioter, and Mung, one of, if not the best, servers in town. Alex took us on a tour of his new restaurant next door which will open in Oct.( Food to be cooked in a brick oven, remanicent of "Fore St." in Portland Maine)
The food from Owen Mass's kitchen was outstanding with Marilyn enjoying a sliced cucumber salad and pan seared trout served on black Quinoa; while I had the fresh fig salad, slices of fig with fresh bacon bit, small amount of cheese and shreaded mixed greens. My main course was a wonderful Rissotto, topped with small cubes of fresh field grown tomatos, all in a lightly creamy sauce with a hint of sharp cheese. We ate outside on one of the pleasantest evening of the year, so all was well with our world.
As far as the second question I often hesitate to give a recommendation of any new place on just one trial. I can tell those, who read this Blog, if it is a first time for me and how I reacted.
In the category of new spots we ate lunch this week at "BrewRiver GastroPub" 2062 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati (513) 861-2484 and were pleasently surprised by both the food and the service. Our guest and I had two different salads, both very fresh and lightly dressed. Each salad was enought for a light lunch. Marilyn had a BLT, usually fairly standard, but this one was outstanding. The bread, freshly baked, had a crisp crust and a soft, grainy center. The mayonise was light and contained herbs. The tomato's are field grown and come direct to the restaurant from a local farmer and the "bacon" in this case was house cured "pork belly" with no preservitive. It was thin sliced, and cooked to a tenderness which brought out the sweet pork flavor. It still managed to be crisp enough to contrast nicly with all the other ingredients. A real winner.
Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and the chef paid a visit to see that all was satisfactory, which it was.
Also this week we visited two "regulars". The "Oriental Wok-Regency" and "Cumin".
At "the Wok" the chef prepared "Empress Fish" which I have lovingly described before but will repeat that it is a whole bass, turned inside out, skin dipped in a light egg wash and then fried while the inside remains still juicy. The sauce is a mixture of sweet and salty, very Asian, with flecks of red and green peppers and hints of scallions. The fish easily is a full dinner for two and could be split for as many as 6, if desired.
At "Cumin" beside an evening with another couple we enjoyed the attention of Alex, the propioter, and Mung, one of, if not the best, servers in town. Alex took us on a tour of his new restaurant next door which will open in Oct.( Food to be cooked in a brick oven, remanicent of "Fore St." in Portland Maine)
The food from Owen Mass's kitchen was outstanding with Marilyn enjoying a sliced cucumber salad and pan seared trout served on black Quinoa; while I had the fresh fig salad, slices of fig with fresh bacon bit, small amount of cheese and shreaded mixed greens. My main course was a wonderful Rissotto, topped with small cubes of fresh field grown tomatos, all in a lightly creamy sauce with a hint of sharp cheese. We ate outside on one of the pleasantest evening of the year, so all was well with our world.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Minor Disaster
On Aug 1 I spent over an hour getting caught up on some of the places we had eaten, While "proof" reading I hit some key, on the keyboard, and sent the message into cyberspace. I have tried everything, I know, to retrieve it but have failed in every attempt. I'm sure it is in the computer, somewhere, but how to get it onto my Blog is beyond my capability.
I know that I mentioned, in detail, the Lobster Rolls at "Bonefish" The Vietnamiese crepe at the "Saigon Cafe" and the bread pudding at "La Poste". All are well worth the visit.
"Vito's Cafe" was a mixed bag with good food and poor service and "mucho" noise and activities.
Wednsday night we had our first visit to "Mayberry Restaurant" 1211 Main St. Cincinnati (513) 381-5999, they do take reservations. There was a very small crowd inside and we did not venture on to the outside dining area. Our server was most attentive and helpful. The have a small, adventuous menu and seem to specialize of draft beers, mostly of the IPA( India Pale Ale) varity.
The two women had salads while I split an order of Bacon wrapped figs served with a fresh berry sauce, wonderful. I also had 2 sides, Buffalo Mac N Cheese, mostly cubed chicken breast in a spicy sauce and steamed Cauliflower mixed with Feta cheese and finely chopped fresh tomatos and sweet red peppers, an interesting presentation.
The other male ended with a large perfectly cooked tenderloin on a bed of truffle fried potatoes all top with a fried egg.
We'll probably try again as our server said that the menu changes often reflecting what is available, daily, at Finley Market.
Hope this posting makes it "on line"
I know that I mentioned, in detail, the Lobster Rolls at "Bonefish" The Vietnamiese crepe at the "Saigon Cafe" and the bread pudding at "La Poste". All are well worth the visit.
"Vito's Cafe" was a mixed bag with good food and poor service and "mucho" noise and activities.
Wednsday night we had our first visit to "Mayberry Restaurant" 1211 Main St. Cincinnati (513) 381-5999, they do take reservations. There was a very small crowd inside and we did not venture on to the outside dining area. Our server was most attentive and helpful. The have a small, adventuous menu and seem to specialize of draft beers, mostly of the IPA( India Pale Ale) varity.
The two women had salads while I split an order of Bacon wrapped figs served with a fresh berry sauce, wonderful. I also had 2 sides, Buffalo Mac N Cheese, mostly cubed chicken breast in a spicy sauce and steamed Cauliflower mixed with Feta cheese and finely chopped fresh tomatos and sweet red peppers, an interesting presentation.
The other male ended with a large perfectly cooked tenderloin on a bed of truffle fried potatoes all top with a fried egg.
We'll probably try again as our server said that the menu changes often reflecting what is available, daily, at Finley Market.
Hope this posting makes it "on line"
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Some thoughts
We go out a lot, probably 4 to 5 nights a week. It's our social life and a good chance to visit with friends. However I do like to eat at home and Marilyn and I share both the planning and cooking, I am a combiner of items while she is more of a purist.
Recently field ripened tomato's have come to the farmers market and consiquentially these have been front and center on our menus. Today I bought cucumbers which Marilyn will marinate, in the Danish fashion, and we will add some slices of sweet onion before we serve this, chilled, over fresh tomato slices.
Yesterday I used some of the same onions as an addition to our Sunday morning scrambled eggs. I chop and saute the onions, until brown, in butter with a touch of Worcestershire and a pinch of herbs. After I pour in the eggs, usually more whites than whole, I douse the concoction with a good helping of grated Parmesan Cheese. Cook till almost firm and remove pan from the heat which allows the eggs to firm up as they are placed on the plate.
I've also found that eating my dry cereal, bulk Granola and Fiber One, with peach or raspberry Yogurt makes a delious breakfast and more than satisfies my sweet tooth.
Oh yes, we have eaten a couple of meals out since last posting. One at "Parkers Blue Ash Tavern" 4200 Cooper Road 45242 (513) 891-8300 a neighborhood stand-by for the Blue Ash area and a very passable lunch or dinner spot. While Marilyn had the house Cheeseburger I experimented with the Caesar Salad topped with a good sized helping of deep fried Calamari. Filling but not too healthy if one is watching intake of fat or salt.
Another night we went to "Maggiano's Little Italy" in the Kenwood shopping Center. We used our head and split a large chopped salad and an order of Veal Marsala. As most of you know "Maggiano's" is a chain but their food is quite acceptable. The chopped salad, a mixture of head lettuce and romaine contains also chopped tomato's, cheese, bacon bits and avocado. The dressing is light but slightly spicy and refreshing. The Veal order contained 3 medalions, easily splitable, and a large amount of buttom mushrooms. There is enough, nicly seasoned wine sauce, to well moisen the angel hair pasta with which the veal is served. A pleasent, reasonable dinner and not at all bad for a chain.
I've rambled enough so I'll call Marilyn and get the "spell checked" before it's posted.
Recently field ripened tomato's have come to the farmers market and consiquentially these have been front and center on our menus. Today I bought cucumbers which Marilyn will marinate, in the Danish fashion, and we will add some slices of sweet onion before we serve this, chilled, over fresh tomato slices.
Yesterday I used some of the same onions as an addition to our Sunday morning scrambled eggs. I chop and saute the onions, until brown, in butter with a touch of Worcestershire and a pinch of herbs. After I pour in the eggs, usually more whites than whole, I douse the concoction with a good helping of grated Parmesan Cheese. Cook till almost firm and remove pan from the heat which allows the eggs to firm up as they are placed on the plate.
I've also found that eating my dry cereal, bulk Granola and Fiber One, with peach or raspberry Yogurt makes a delious breakfast and more than satisfies my sweet tooth.
Oh yes, we have eaten a couple of meals out since last posting. One at "Parkers Blue Ash Tavern" 4200 Cooper Road 45242 (513) 891-8300 a neighborhood stand-by for the Blue Ash area and a very passable lunch or dinner spot. While Marilyn had the house Cheeseburger I experimented with the Caesar Salad topped with a good sized helping of deep fried Calamari. Filling but not too healthy if one is watching intake of fat or salt.
Another night we went to "Maggiano's Little Italy" in the Kenwood shopping Center. We used our head and split a large chopped salad and an order of Veal Marsala. As most of you know "Maggiano's" is a chain but their food is quite acceptable. The chopped salad, a mixture of head lettuce and romaine contains also chopped tomato's, cheese, bacon bits and avocado. The dressing is light but slightly spicy and refreshing. The Veal order contained 3 medalions, easily splitable, and a large amount of buttom mushrooms. There is enough, nicly seasoned wine sauce, to well moisen the angel hair pasta with which the veal is served. A pleasent, reasonable dinner and not at all bad for a chain.
I've rambled enough so I'll call Marilyn and get the "spell checked" before it's posted.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Cincinnati
Now that we're home and back to a normal routine, which includes "eating out" I'll try to bring things "up to date". Places I have written about, recently, will only be listed with a comment. Anything really new will receive more attention.
"Cafe Mediterranean", Blue Ash, excellent Zucchini Pancake, new to the menu
"Maribelle's", new location, 3235 Madison Rd., Oakley (513) 321-9111. They have moved into the spot formerly occupied by "Hugo's" and have upgrade their "bar food" menu. Had an oyster salad, interesting but skimpy on the oysters( three small) and a grilled salmon on a bed of greens. Good but not outstanding.
"Abigail Street" 1214 Vine. In my opinion the best of the "hot new" spots in the Gateway District on Vine.
Small plates but interesting selections and excellent preperation. For 6 people, a few night ago, we divided 3 appitizers, a tangine of summer vegetables served on cous-cous, cold marinated and spiced vegies and English pea crostini. Four main courses, none exceedingly large, lamb sliders ( 2 orders), lamb shank, scallops( 1 order, not enough) and halibut. Dessert was deep fried donut rolls. A good wine list and most libations are available.
"Oriental Wok" Regency, they fixed a grilled whole bass which was "out of this world"
"The Rookwood" 1077 Celestial St, (HINT) oysters are either half priced or $1 each on Sunday night, to clear the inventory.
"The Precinct" There are several new menu items, which Marilyn and I each tried. She had wonderful Dover Sole and I chose the brasied short rib, served on Pappardelle
So now were up to date after our trip West, the World Choir Games and, of course, a stop at Camp Nebagamon.
"Cafe Mediterranean", Blue Ash, excellent Zucchini Pancake, new to the menu
"Maribelle's", new location, 3235 Madison Rd., Oakley (513) 321-9111. They have moved into the spot formerly occupied by "Hugo's" and have upgrade their "bar food" menu. Had an oyster salad, interesting but skimpy on the oysters( three small) and a grilled salmon on a bed of greens. Good but not outstanding.
"Abigail Street" 1214 Vine. In my opinion the best of the "hot new" spots in the Gateway District on Vine.
Small plates but interesting selections and excellent preperation. For 6 people, a few night ago, we divided 3 appitizers, a tangine of summer vegetables served on cous-cous, cold marinated and spiced vegies and English pea crostini. Four main courses, none exceedingly large, lamb sliders ( 2 orders), lamb shank, scallops( 1 order, not enough) and halibut. Dessert was deep fried donut rolls. A good wine list and most libations are available.
"Oriental Wok" Regency, they fixed a grilled whole bass which was "out of this world"
"The Rookwood" 1077 Celestial St, (HINT) oysters are either half priced or $1 each on Sunday night, to clear the inventory.
"The Precinct" There are several new menu items, which Marilyn and I each tried. She had wonderful Dover Sole and I chose the brasied short rib, served on Pappardelle
So now were up to date after our trip West, the World Choir Games and, of course, a stop at Camp Nebagamon.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Home again
We were gone for almost a month and when we returned we volunteered for the World Choir Games and so have been very tardy about posting. Reporting on West Coast eating places only serves a few who read this and happen to live there or travel as we did.
I will mention some spots we enjoyed so if any of you are following in our footsteps you'll have a name as a starting point.
Ashland OR (Oregon Shakespeare Festival)
"Morning Glory"-excellent breakfasts and lunch
"Thai Pepper"- Asian, get a table overlooking the creek
Mendocino-Ft.Bragg area
""Libby's Restaurant" Philo, CA- homemade Mexican
"Chapter and Moon"-Ft.Bragg CA-Noyo Harbor- fresh seafood and salads
"Herons By the Sea"-Ft. Bragg CA-Noyo Harbor-ditto
Eugene OR
"Off the Waffle"-store front- just what the name implys, waffles you can imagine
"Cafe Marche"- excellent dinner spot
"Sweet Life Patisserie"-a wonderful bakery that is perfect for dessert( by the slice) and coffee
Seattle WA
"Coterie"- fairly expensive but most interesting food and wine
"Toulouse Petite"-huge, wondeful menu for all three daily meals, especially breakfast and lunch
Delta(Mason) WI
"Delta Diner"- Nowhere, but a Chicagoian gave up the financial business nine years ago and moved to the "north woods" to run a place Jane and Michael Stern should visit. It's about 7 miles south of Iron River WI but doubt that any of you, except family, will make the treck, even though it's worth it.
I'll get back to Cincinnati area in the next blog.
I will mention some spots we enjoyed so if any of you are following in our footsteps you'll have a name as a starting point.
Ashland OR (Oregon Shakespeare Festival)
"Morning Glory"-excellent breakfasts and lunch
"Thai Pepper"- Asian, get a table overlooking the creek
Mendocino-Ft.Bragg area
""Libby's Restaurant" Philo, CA- homemade Mexican
"Chapter and Moon"-Ft.Bragg CA-Noyo Harbor- fresh seafood and salads
"Herons By the Sea"-Ft. Bragg CA-Noyo Harbor-ditto
Eugene OR
"Off the Waffle"-store front- just what the name implys, waffles you can imagine
"Cafe Marche"- excellent dinner spot
"Sweet Life Patisserie"-a wonderful bakery that is perfect for dessert( by the slice) and coffee
Seattle WA
"Coterie"- fairly expensive but most interesting food and wine
"Toulouse Petite"-huge, wondeful menu for all three daily meals, especially breakfast and lunch
Delta(Mason) WI
"Delta Diner"- Nowhere, but a Chicagoian gave up the financial business nine years ago and moved to the "north woods" to run a place Jane and Michael Stern should visit. It's about 7 miles south of Iron River WI but doubt that any of you, except family, will make the treck, even though it's worth it.
I'll get back to Cincinnati area in the next blog.
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