When I stopped posting every week one of the facts I used to support that decision was that a lot of the places we went were just repeats. That has turned out to be the case, however, several readers have commented that they often used the Blog for ideas and locations and so they urged that I continue to post, from time to time.
Here, in no particular order are placed we have been in the last several weeks;
"M.Wood Fire Oven" 3514 Erie Ave. 45238 (513) 386-7783.
The night was beautiful and so we ate outside. All the outside tables were filled an so service was somewhat spotty. As I told Alex, the proprietor, the food was not as good as usual. The Cauliflower Gratins, one of my favorite dishes was runny and void of it's usual flavor. The Chipinno turned out to be six shrimp covered with a fairly thick tomato sauce with a few small chunks of Salmon. Very little broth.
"Red Feather" 3200 Madison Road, Oakley"
Have been there several times. It is in the space that previously housed "Boca", before their move down town. I had excellent Vichyssoise, highly recommended by our companion, and good Shrimp and Grits. Marilyn's grilled Pork Chop looked perfect, but I was never offered a taste, maybe that's the highest praise.
"Zula" 1400 Race St. (OTR) 513-744-9852
This remains one of our favorite "Over the Rhine" (OTR) spots. That night we had the terrific Eggplant Fries, with our drinks followed by a large Beet salad, for me, and Citrus Cured Salmon for Marilyn. We then split an order of Gnocchi served in a lamb Ragu, out of this world!
"Salazar Restaurant" 1401 Republic St. (OTR) 513-621-7000 Down(east) 14th St. from Zula and open Monday nights.
With our drinks we had pan fried Broccoli with a slightly spiced dipping sauce and a Rillette of duck, one of Marilyn's favorite. She followed with roast chicken served on a bead of corn and mixed beans( succotash). My main was a good sized Panzanella Salad built around Romaine, Cucumbers, tomato's, onions and seasoned croutons.
"Wurst Bar" 3204 Linwood Ave 45226 (513) 321-0709. If the weather permits, eat outside on the back patio.
I started with a cool Avocado soup which was thick and spicy. Followed by the "Hans Gruber" a very good Knackwurst on a brioche bun. The sausage was covered with grilled onion and green pepper slices. The whole thing was bathed in good German mustard. Marilyn had very good chicken tortilla soup, again with some spice, it is a bar selling beer, and a "Wurst Burger".
"Montgomery Inn - Montgomery" 9440 Montgomery Road 45242 (513) 791-3482 A Cincinnati favorite for ribs but we are "Walt's" people. One of the local big controversies.
We split a Matula's salad( named for someone in the family) and the chopped steak plus chips and onion straws. Plenty for us.
"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (5130 834-5773
Wonderful Veal Meat balls and a Caesar salad split while Marilyn had Pasta Bolognese, her favorite sauce and I ate half of a 4 Cheese Pizza, shared with one of our companions. This place in O'Brianville remains a very good neighborhood restaurant, both in food and service
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
I'm Back
Now at home and working on "old faithful" or at least on machine that I have used for many years, some successfully and some not.
Let's start with "Ruth's Parkside Cafe, 4101 Spring Grove Ave. 45223 (513)542-7884. This reincarnation of Mullain's Parkside Cafe, downtown is now located in the rehabed American can Co. building, which has both retail and residential. In my opinion the Cafe is a steep up from the one downtown, both in menu, more items, and quaitty of the food and service. This restaurant, open for both lunch and dinner, offers more and different items and is not concentrated on vegetarian or salads.
We went with another couple, as we often do and consiquently got to see, and taste several items.
After my Bombay I had the Cajan catfish, served on a rice cake. Tasty and enough unless one is in a feeding mode. I had seen on the menu Cherry Pie, an item I had been chasing for a month or more and so I wanted to "save room" for for that, and of course, ala mode.
Marilyn had an excellent Lamb Shank with root vegetables which was reasonably priced. As large enough to, again, satisfy most.
Others had a Spinach Satey and and order of Red Beans and rice, to my taste a bit on the mild side.
All the rests are repeat but deserve some comments:
Dinner, two different times, within seven days at "China Gourmet" 3340 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-6612, argumenetly the best seafood prepairer in the area. One night I, along with Marilyn, shared a grilled Walleye, while the other I had the Lobster in Black bean sauce. Tuesday night is "Lobster special" with a pound and a half Maine Lobster for 18 dollars. That night Marilyn had shrimp Lo Mein. Bth nights we had side orders of vegetables.
"Greyhound Tavern" 2500 Dixie Hwy, Ft Wright KY. There it were two families, the other with their 6 year old, and we split four chicken, full family style, dinners. This added two several draft beers and giant onion rings sent us all away happy and satisfied and the 6 year old excited to be included with the adults while her sister was at Girl Scout camp.
"Salazar Restaurant" 1401 Republic St. 45202 (OTR) 513-621-7000, part of the Vine St.eating scene which is open Monday nights. This is the one that went into space and I'll write a new posting staring with Salazar
Let's start with "Ruth's Parkside Cafe, 4101 Spring Grove Ave. 45223 (513)542-7884. This reincarnation of Mullain's Parkside Cafe, downtown is now located in the rehabed American can Co. building, which has both retail and residential. In my opinion the Cafe is a steep up from the one downtown, both in menu, more items, and quaitty of the food and service. This restaurant, open for both lunch and dinner, offers more and different items and is not concentrated on vegetarian or salads.
We went with another couple, as we often do and consiquently got to see, and taste several items.
After my Bombay I had the Cajan catfish, served on a rice cake. Tasty and enough unless one is in a feeding mode. I had seen on the menu Cherry Pie, an item I had been chasing for a month or more and so I wanted to "save room" for for that, and of course, ala mode.
Marilyn had an excellent Lamb Shank with root vegetables which was reasonably priced. As large enough to, again, satisfy most.
Others had a Spinach Satey and and order of Red Beans and rice, to my taste a bit on the mild side.
All the rests are repeat but deserve some comments:
Dinner, two different times, within seven days at "China Gourmet" 3340 Erie Ave. 45208 (513) 871-6612, argumenetly the best seafood prepairer in the area. One night I, along with Marilyn, shared a grilled Walleye, while the other I had the Lobster in Black bean sauce. Tuesday night is "Lobster special" with a pound and a half Maine Lobster for 18 dollars. That night Marilyn had shrimp Lo Mein. Bth nights we had side orders of vegetables.
"Greyhound Tavern" 2500 Dixie Hwy, Ft Wright KY. There it were two families, the other with their 6 year old, and we split four chicken, full family style, dinners. This added two several draft beers and giant onion rings sent us all away happy and satisfied and the 6 year old excited to be included with the adults while her sister was at Girl Scout camp.
"Salazar Restaurant" 1401 Republic St. 45202 (OTR) 513-621-7000, part of the Vine St.eating scene which is open Monday nights. This is the one that went into space and I'll write a new posting staring with Salazar
I need an 8 year old
Yesterday after returning from the Visitor Center, I sat now and wrote a long post. Really I did. More that half way through I did something that sent it into space, never to be seen again.
I'll try and recap, very briefly.
Ruth's Parkside Cafe 4101 Spring Grove Ave. 45223 (513) 542-7884. This 6 month old restaurant is in the old American Can Co. building which is now commercial and residential. It is run by the people who operated Mullain's Parkside Cafe, down town but has expanded their menu and in my opinion has a better Chef and a more interesting menu. They are open both lunch and dinner and the food was good and reasonable.
I had Cajun Catfish on a rice cake while Marilyn had a nice sized Lamb Shank with root vegetables. I ended with Cherry Pie, ala mode, for which I had been searching several months. Give it a try.
I also reported on two Meals at "Chins Gourmet", one of the best fish houses in town. One night it was Walleye, split for the two of us and the other Lobster( $18 on Tuesday night), for me, and Shrimp Lo Mien. Both nights we had sides of specially prepared vegetables. They are used to preparing food to special orders.
With another couple, and their 6 year old, it was "Greyhound Tavern" in Fort Wight ( Dixie Hwy) for their family style Chicken dinners plus huge onion rings and draft beers( not the 6 year old or Marilyn).
I'll do another shortly but I think I have remembered how far I got, but in greater detail in the original.
Maybe this time it will get posted. It's been two interesting computer days.
I'll try and recap, very briefly.
Ruth's Parkside Cafe 4101 Spring Grove Ave. 45223 (513) 542-7884. This 6 month old restaurant is in the old American Can Co. building which is now commercial and residential. It is run by the people who operated Mullain's Parkside Cafe, down town but has expanded their menu and in my opinion has a better Chef and a more interesting menu. They are open both lunch and dinner and the food was good and reasonable.
I had Cajun Catfish on a rice cake while Marilyn had a nice sized Lamb Shank with root vegetables. I ended with Cherry Pie, ala mode, for which I had been searching several months. Give it a try.
I also reported on two Meals at "Chins Gourmet", one of the best fish houses in town. One night it was Walleye, split for the two of us and the other Lobster( $18 on Tuesday night), for me, and Shrimp Lo Mien. Both nights we had sides of specially prepared vegetables. They are used to preparing food to special orders.
With another couple, and their 6 year old, it was "Greyhound Tavern" in Fort Wight ( Dixie Hwy) for their family style Chicken dinners plus huge onion rings and draft beers( not the 6 year old or Marilyn).
I'll do another shortly but I think I have remembered how far I got, but in greater detail in the original.
Maybe this time it will get posted. It's been two interesting computer days.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
By the seat of my pants
We are at work, The Cincinnati Visitors on Foutain Square, on Sunday from 12 to 3 and I thought I'd try to do a post. I have nothing to guide, including restaurent bills, a food cook book, for spelling, or magazines for addresses. I could, of course, look some of this up but that would take advanced planning.
In writting I find the I am unable to use the mouse and so this will end, to be continued, hopefully this evening, with the proper background material.
So much for a try.
In writting I find the I am unable to use the mouse and so this will end, to be continued, hopefully this evening, with the proper background material.
So much for a try.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
The Other Coast
In the last posting I reported on our trip to the East Coast, now it's time to review the trip to Seattle for our Granddaughters Law School Graduation.
In between we had a dinner at "Otto's" with the usual Fried green tomato's, a bottle of Gamay( half priced wine night), Brazed, bone in short ribs, Pasta, and Apricot Bread Pudding. All well prepared and served perfectly. It's hard for us to try "Bouquet" next door, but we'll have to some time, if for no other reason than to stay abreast of the Covington food scene.
Hopped the plane to Seattle June 6 at 9:15 AM, arriving in time to check in our hotel and walk two blocks, down the street, to "Portage Bay", 4130 Roosevelt Way, Seattle -206-547-8230. This large, excellent, well run restaurant is open both for breakfast and lunch, 6 or 7 days/week. Not in the evening. The food is uniformly good and plentifully and we so enjoyed the experience, we ate our next two Breakfasts there. Some of the items that came to our table, and that we especially enjoyed were: Heirloom Tomato's Benedict, Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberrys, Spanish Skillet with 3 eggs, turkey sausage, ham and croutons all on top of Italian tomato's and with a slightly spicy sauce, served in an iron skillet right from the oven, "Migas" a mixture similar but without the bread, ham or whole Roma tomato's. The "Migas" can be ordered with Chicken, instead of sausage. Another hit was the crab cake Benedict. There is a large "breakfast bar" with toppings for pancakes, waffles and Oatmeal. Plenty for a variety of tastes and multiple meals.
The first evening 7 of us went to "Blind Pig Bistro", 2238 Eastlake Ave. Seattle - 206-329-2744, reservations highly recommended. It is a small restaurant seating no more that 40 and helpings are of the small plate fashion, encouraging people to have several, for sharing. We split 3 orders of Arctic Char, 4 orders of Gnocchi, two small loafs of french bread, one each of Octopus, Scallops, and 3 desserts. Several glasses of wine for those who imbibe. Food was excellent and the service was even better, with our server guiding us through all the offerings.
Next night was a South American picnic for 11 of us at "Gas Work Park", overlooking the water. Sunday was Graduation, in the afternoon, followed by a reception for the Law School. Then on to "Anchovies and Olives" where 12 of us we're greeted with a "price fixed", multi-course dinner selected by the chef. Too many items and courses to try to remember.
Monday Breakfast was at "Voula's Offshore Cafe, 658 NE Northlake Way Seattle - 206-634-0183. It's on the ship channel and a must try place if your in that neighborhood and like "old fashion Diner food". Bacon( thick), eggs, outstanding hash browns, pancakes, omelets and anything else you desire from a diner menu.
That night, before the "red eye" a reduced and stuffed group had one final meal at "Etta's Seafood", 2020 Western Ave near the Pike St. Market. "Etta's specialty is fresh grilled or broiled Salmon with the "house" rub. It lived up to it's billing, with mine coming "rare, as ordered, and others fixed perfectly to their specifications. They know their business. Those who had no interest in the salmon had Crab Cakes, and would you believe it, Cheeseburgers.
Done with Graduations till this winter and back in Cincinnati, for several months.
In between we had a dinner at "Otto's" with the usual Fried green tomato's, a bottle of Gamay( half priced wine night), Brazed, bone in short ribs, Pasta, and Apricot Bread Pudding. All well prepared and served perfectly. It's hard for us to try "Bouquet" next door, but we'll have to some time, if for no other reason than to stay abreast of the Covington food scene.
Hopped the plane to Seattle June 6 at 9:15 AM, arriving in time to check in our hotel and walk two blocks, down the street, to "Portage Bay", 4130 Roosevelt Way, Seattle -206-547-8230. This large, excellent, well run restaurant is open both for breakfast and lunch, 6 or 7 days/week. Not in the evening. The food is uniformly good and plentifully and we so enjoyed the experience, we ate our next two Breakfasts there. Some of the items that came to our table, and that we especially enjoyed were: Heirloom Tomato's Benedict, Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberrys, Spanish Skillet with 3 eggs, turkey sausage, ham and croutons all on top of Italian tomato's and with a slightly spicy sauce, served in an iron skillet right from the oven, "Migas" a mixture similar but without the bread, ham or whole Roma tomato's. The "Migas" can be ordered with Chicken, instead of sausage. Another hit was the crab cake Benedict. There is a large "breakfast bar" with toppings for pancakes, waffles and Oatmeal. Plenty for a variety of tastes and multiple meals.
The first evening 7 of us went to "Blind Pig Bistro", 2238 Eastlake Ave. Seattle - 206-329-2744, reservations highly recommended. It is a small restaurant seating no more that 40 and helpings are of the small plate fashion, encouraging people to have several, for sharing. We split 3 orders of Arctic Char, 4 orders of Gnocchi, two small loafs of french bread, one each of Octopus, Scallops, and 3 desserts. Several glasses of wine for those who imbibe. Food was excellent and the service was even better, with our server guiding us through all the offerings.
Next night was a South American picnic for 11 of us at "Gas Work Park", overlooking the water. Sunday was Graduation, in the afternoon, followed by a reception for the Law School. Then on to "Anchovies and Olives" where 12 of us we're greeted with a "price fixed", multi-course dinner selected by the chef. Too many items and courses to try to remember.
Monday Breakfast was at "Voula's Offshore Cafe, 658 NE Northlake Way Seattle - 206-634-0183. It's on the ship channel and a must try place if your in that neighborhood and like "old fashion Diner food". Bacon( thick), eggs, outstanding hash browns, pancakes, omelets and anything else you desire from a diner menu.
That night, before the "red eye" a reduced and stuffed group had one final meal at "Etta's Seafood", 2020 Western Ave near the Pike St. Market. "Etta's specialty is fresh grilled or broiled Salmon with the "house" rub. It lived up to it's billing, with mine coming "rare, as ordered, and others fixed perfectly to their specifications. They know their business. Those who had no interest in the salmon had Crab Cakes, and would you believe it, Cheeseburgers.
Done with Graduations till this winter and back in Cincinnati, for several months.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Travel
Every time I do a posting, not centered on the local region I heard from 1 or 2 readers, not quite a majority of my following, that there is really very little interest in what we do, "out of town". In spit of this, once in a while I am compelled to report on something unusual.
Sunday we returned from an 8 day driving trip to our Grandsons Graduation (Commencement) in Cambridge. During this Eastern swing I had neither a Lobster dinner or Lobster roll, an affront to some loyal crustacean lovers. I did have "soft shelled" crabs for three of the evening meals, it's that( short) season.
First stop Cleveland and dinner at the "Mayfair CC" a private club in the Tudor mode with an excellent menu and food staff. My first night with soft shelled crabs. Next two nights as guests of the former owners of "The Murfin Ridge Inn" who have retired to Northampton Mass. Home cooking the first night, excellent, crabs again the next.
On to Cambridge Mass for 3 nights, and days, all scheduled around the Harvard commencement. First night an outdoor dinner, at the stadium for the graduation class, family and friends, approx. 5000. Hard rain, tent with food stations; seafood, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian etc. All tables outside, none occupied and people all jammed under the one tent. Who knows how the food was, before it was attacked.
The next night, and the real reason for this posting; guest of the President of Turkey and his family. More latter.
Thursday night at a very interesting Tapas restaurant in Cambridge. Everything from fried Rabbit cutlet to a mystery burger.( Beef Burger to us mid-westerners.).
On to Mamaroneck NY and dinner, crabs again in the original home of James Feathermoor Cooper. Looks like it should have had repairs. but the food was very good, basically Italian and Seafood.
Hitting Cincinnati at 7:30 PM we stopped at the "Piada" outlet in Hyde Park Plaza, for some Italian street food. I had wonderful Calamari salad which hit the spot and I recommend.
Back to the dinner with the President of Turkey( name dropping), our first experience with a sitting President of any country, and all because his son in one of our Grandson's "house mates". There were 20 to 25 in attendance with another dozen security personnel. The President and family are Muslim and therefore no alcohol was served or offered. The Presidents son ordered and array of dishes, potato bread, tuna tartar, sea bass tartar, marinated octopus, peppers and onions in olive oil, asparagus, fried oysters on a spicy tarter sauce and fruit chutney.
We were each presented with the full menu( sans prices) of the restaurant, "Ostra", One Charles Street South, mostly seafood, from which I selected a seafood Paella, with some pieces of Lobster and many other sea creatures. Most of the guests choose "salt crusted whole roasted Bronzini, divided among 2 dinners. Dessert followed with coffee and tea and an eventful evening drew to a close.
Next entry, maybe, our trip starting the end of this week to Seattle, for another Granddaughter law school graduation, and more seafood, I am sure, but no more dignitaries.
Sunday we returned from an 8 day driving trip to our Grandsons Graduation (Commencement) in Cambridge. During this Eastern swing I had neither a Lobster dinner or Lobster roll, an affront to some loyal crustacean lovers. I did have "soft shelled" crabs for three of the evening meals, it's that( short) season.
First stop Cleveland and dinner at the "Mayfair CC" a private club in the Tudor mode with an excellent menu and food staff. My first night with soft shelled crabs. Next two nights as guests of the former owners of "The Murfin Ridge Inn" who have retired to Northampton Mass. Home cooking the first night, excellent, crabs again the next.
On to Cambridge Mass for 3 nights, and days, all scheduled around the Harvard commencement. First night an outdoor dinner, at the stadium for the graduation class, family and friends, approx. 5000. Hard rain, tent with food stations; seafood, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian etc. All tables outside, none occupied and people all jammed under the one tent. Who knows how the food was, before it was attacked.
The next night, and the real reason for this posting; guest of the President of Turkey and his family. More latter.
Thursday night at a very interesting Tapas restaurant in Cambridge. Everything from fried Rabbit cutlet to a mystery burger.( Beef Burger to us mid-westerners.).
On to Mamaroneck NY and dinner, crabs again in the original home of James Feathermoor Cooper. Looks like it should have had repairs. but the food was very good, basically Italian and Seafood.
Hitting Cincinnati at 7:30 PM we stopped at the "Piada" outlet in Hyde Park Plaza, for some Italian street food. I had wonderful Calamari salad which hit the spot and I recommend.
Back to the dinner with the President of Turkey( name dropping), our first experience with a sitting President of any country, and all because his son in one of our Grandson's "house mates". There were 20 to 25 in attendance with another dozen security personnel. The President and family are Muslim and therefore no alcohol was served or offered. The Presidents son ordered and array of dishes, potato bread, tuna tartar, sea bass tartar, marinated octopus, peppers and onions in olive oil, asparagus, fried oysters on a spicy tarter sauce and fruit chutney.
We were each presented with the full menu( sans prices) of the restaurant, "Ostra", One Charles Street South, mostly seafood, from which I selected a seafood Paella, with some pieces of Lobster and many other sea creatures. Most of the guests choose "salt crusted whole roasted Bronzini, divided among 2 dinners. Dessert followed with coffee and tea and an eventful evening drew to a close.
Next entry, maybe, our trip starting the end of this week to Seattle, for another Granddaughter law school graduation, and more seafood, I am sure, but no more dignitaries.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Catching up
I wrote only 2 days ago but that was only to report on new spots. Now I'll do a quick review of a bunch of regulars so you don't get the idea that we have only ventured out 3 times in the last 30 days.
Here in some order are a list, plus a few comments covering many regular haunts.
"Seasons 52" 3819 Edwards Road, Norwood ( Rookwood Commons). This chain, started in Florida, specializes in light( under 500 calorie) items. When people tell us they want to eat light this is one of the spots we suggest. Some of the tempting and tasty dishes are scallops, entree sized salads, flat breads( very thin crusts) and stuffed mushrooms. It's easy to control you intake if you stay away from much alcohol. Service is good and accommodating and prices are mid-range. Reservations recommended.
"Oakley Pub and Grill" 3924 Isabella Ave. 45209 (513)531-2500. Just what the name implies a watering hole, filled with young( 20's and 30''s) but nice to the much older generation with good bar food especially the grilled grouper sandwich and the crispy Cole slaw. Also burgers, wraps etc. A great place to drop in if you want a relaxed lunch or a quick dinner.
"Orchid's" at the Netherlands Plaza. The other end of the food chain with elegant food and service. Both Brunch and dinner are a treat and are terrific, not just for special occasions but also if ones budget allows upgrade from the usual fair and surrounding. The room is the most elegant in the city and the food, also, in my opinion is the most special.
"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773. Open for about 2 years this Hyde Park (Obrianville) Norther Italian seems to have hit the right spot with locals and followers throughout the city. Reservations highly recommended as most nights the fill up by 6:30 or the latest 7. An active bar and a busy restaurant full of a mixed age crowd including a few children. Good food from interesting starters through pizza, pastas and on to main courses. Attentive service from the management on down. Nice wine list and full bar.
"Zula" 1400 Race St. ( OTR) 513-744-9852. Very popular, Over the Rhine, spot open about 18 months and a hit not only in the neighborhood but throughout the area. Reservations almost a necessity. The "cold plates", read salads, are outstanding as are the flat breads and to many the mussels, in which they specialize.
We gravitate, after a shared "cold plate", to the fish items of which Walleye, done to perfection, is our favorite. Very reasonable prices on wine and also a full bar to handle other requests.
"Salazar Restaurant" 1401 Republic St. (OTR) 513-621-7000. Just down the street from Zula, actually behind, is a much smaller restaurant run by Jose Salazar. It has a small, different menu and produces excellent items from the kitchen and pantry. Some of the offerings are not seen too often on menus around town. The menu changes as items and the chefs desires dictate. No reservations so go early in the evening and in the week. One of the few OTR spots open on Monday nights.
"Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St (OTR) 513-421-4040. In case anyone doesn't know OTR is Over the Rhine in the "Gateway" district North of Central Parkway. Getting back to "Abigail St" they serve a selection of "small plates" running from stuffed dates to Bouillabaisse. We doat on the Gnocchi served with mushrooms and asparagus slivers. No reservations so you take your chances but most times the staff will find a place for you to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and a fun dinner.
Here in some order are a list, plus a few comments covering many regular haunts.
"Seasons 52" 3819 Edwards Road, Norwood ( Rookwood Commons). This chain, started in Florida, specializes in light( under 500 calorie) items. When people tell us they want to eat light this is one of the spots we suggest. Some of the tempting and tasty dishes are scallops, entree sized salads, flat breads( very thin crusts) and stuffed mushrooms. It's easy to control you intake if you stay away from much alcohol. Service is good and accommodating and prices are mid-range. Reservations recommended.
"Oakley Pub and Grill" 3924 Isabella Ave. 45209 (513)531-2500. Just what the name implies a watering hole, filled with young( 20's and 30''s) but nice to the much older generation with good bar food especially the grilled grouper sandwich and the crispy Cole slaw. Also burgers, wraps etc. A great place to drop in if you want a relaxed lunch or a quick dinner.
"Orchid's" at the Netherlands Plaza. The other end of the food chain with elegant food and service. Both Brunch and dinner are a treat and are terrific, not just for special occasions but also if ones budget allows upgrade from the usual fair and surrounding. The room is the most elegant in the city and the food, also, in my opinion is the most special.
"Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (513) 834-5773. Open for about 2 years this Hyde Park (Obrianville) Norther Italian seems to have hit the right spot with locals and followers throughout the city. Reservations highly recommended as most nights the fill up by 6:30 or the latest 7. An active bar and a busy restaurant full of a mixed age crowd including a few children. Good food from interesting starters through pizza, pastas and on to main courses. Attentive service from the management on down. Nice wine list and full bar.
"Zula" 1400 Race St. ( OTR) 513-744-9852. Very popular, Over the Rhine, spot open about 18 months and a hit not only in the neighborhood but throughout the area. Reservations almost a necessity. The "cold plates", read salads, are outstanding as are the flat breads and to many the mussels, in which they specialize.
We gravitate, after a shared "cold plate", to the fish items of which Walleye, done to perfection, is our favorite. Very reasonable prices on wine and also a full bar to handle other requests.
"Salazar Restaurant" 1401 Republic St. (OTR) 513-621-7000. Just down the street from Zula, actually behind, is a much smaller restaurant run by Jose Salazar. It has a small, different menu and produces excellent items from the kitchen and pantry. Some of the offerings are not seen too often on menus around town. The menu changes as items and the chefs desires dictate. No reservations so go early in the evening and in the week. One of the few OTR spots open on Monday nights.
"Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St (OTR) 513-421-4040. In case anyone doesn't know OTR is Over the Rhine in the "Gateway" district North of Central Parkway. Getting back to "Abigail St" they serve a selection of "small plates" running from stuffed dates to Bouillabaisse. We doat on the Gnocchi served with mushrooms and asparagus slivers. No reservations so you take your chances but most times the staff will find a place for you to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and a fun dinner.
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