That was our first experience at "Zula" 1400 Race St. (OTR) Cincinnati 45202 (513).744.9852. Maybe it was the items we ordered, or not being inquisitive enough, but all three dishes that Marilyn and I shared contained a volume of roasted Garlic.
We started with a salad, billed as "Haricot Vert" which turned out to not only contain thin green beans but greens, roasted sun dried tomato's, hearts of palm and roasted garlic buds as well. The salad was perfectly dressed and was really very good. Next came a mushroom Flat bread, loaded with the roasted garlic buds and various mushrooms, and finally a full portion of Mussels, Mediterranean style, I should have known. All the items were quite good but a wider selection would have helped the taste buds. The Artisan Bread is extra and a must to "mop" up the mussel sauce.
They have a nice selection of wines, by the bottle or glass, and several dessert among them the Raspberry Muffin cake, which we chose for the table. Prices are reasonable but with extras it can easily run $50 each.
"M.Wood Fire Oven" 3514 Erie Ave (East Hyde Park) 513-386-7783 in our estimation has been uneven, but Tuesday night everything we ordered came as described and was excellent. Marilyn and I split the meal. We had had drinks and nibbles at our house before we moved on to "M". As our salad course we shared an order Local Greens with the addition of tomato's and carrot strips and it came crisp, cold and tasty. The Gnocchi, with some spring vegetables, were as nice as one could desire and the Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin was a treat. It came bubbling hot with the inclusion of fresh green peas and a creamy sauce made from pureed Cauliflower. It went over big with us and especially our friends.
Last night was slightly disappointing at "Mantra on the Hill" 934 Hatch Street ( Mt. Adams) 513-621-1100.
This was not our first visit but last night everything from the service to the food seemed rather ordinary.
Again we were with friends and so everything we ordered was handled "family style". From the stuffed mushroom appetizer ( in our opinion better at the "Brew River Gastro Pub") thru a seafood medley, lamb stewed with apricots, spicy so that the flavors fought for recognition, and the yogurt with cucumber shreds, nothing shone. Possibly we had worn out our restaurant pallet on previous occasions (especially the Garlic heavy meal). I'm sure we'll try "Manta" again but I doubt that we will put it on our "must" list.
Richard Brown, the Cincinnati restaurant fixture, is no longer there and while I doubt that his absence effects the food preparation I'm am sure that our server could have used his guiding presence.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
The Wait is Over
I usually don't post my report after a first visit, to a new or reopened place, but because of all the calls, from family members and friends, I feel that I should tell about our Wednesday night visit to "Walt's Hitching Post" 3300 Madison Pike, Ft. Mitchell, KY (859) 331-0494. The restaurant has been open for less than 2 weeks and there are still "kinks" to work out, but overall they are on their way. Some things are different and some are quite familiar.
On arriving the first noticeable change is a relined front parking area with Valet Parking, at $3. There is still free parking on the side and in the back. The fire pit is still operating, at the end of the parking area, and the flames are visible whether meat is being prepared or not.
A new front door and slightly more formal entree ushers one into a place that has lost some of the "down home road house" feel but is slightly more decorated and sophisticated in looks and atmosphere. The tables are new and the padded chairs fit in with the overall red and black color scheme.
Wednesday, reservations were still a must and "carry-out" had not begun to function.
The serving staff are younger, slimmer and dressed in black with silver buttons on their collars with a script "W". They are uniformly pleasant and hospitable.
There was a slight wait at the front desk and another before our server, Travis, appeared. We had an early seating, 5:30, so as to be feed and on our way by 7 P.M.
The menu is large and several items have been added.( I did not study it, completely, but will the next time) We ordered promptly and our salad, with the same "tomato garlic dressing" came shortly after the buttered and grilled salt rye bread, another hold over.
All of our party ordered "Ribs-Half Rack" which included the salad and a baked or mashed potato. With mine I added chicken livers which increased the price from $14 to $17 for the combo.
David Wilson ("Sanchez) stopped by our table, early in the evening, and when I asked him to add a Fried Green Tomato to my order, at an up charge, he insisted that we all try one, compliments of him. (The chef also made an appearance just adding to the welcoming atmosphere.)
I wanted to try this item( FGT) to compair with others in the area. ( I must admit that I am still partial to "Otto's)
"Sanchez" advised that the ribs are not the same cut that was served previously. The are meatier and thus have more flesh per unit and some more marbleing. One is well aware that the amount of meat has been increased per rib. A Half Rack was quite filling. They are not "dry rubbed" and need the sauce( same as the original), served on the side, to resemble the taste that I had learned to savor.
The food was all prepared well and certainly calls for another visit.
Nothing was really negative, although the timing of the dinners from the kitchen, came much to quickly after the salad had arrived. (We could be partially responsible as we had stressed a time limit) The other slight annoyance was the fact that our server had tables in various different locations of the building and that made some of the wait, for coffee and the checks lenghtly.
As I said the restaurant is in a "shake down" and just like a vessel there are a few things that need to be tweaked.
Besides "Walt's" the week also saw us with friends at "Maggiano's" in Kenwood Plaza for a dinner of mixed salad, Veal Piccata and Angle Hair, all worth the very reasonable price.
On arriving the first noticeable change is a relined front parking area with Valet Parking, at $3. There is still free parking on the side and in the back. The fire pit is still operating, at the end of the parking area, and the flames are visible whether meat is being prepared or not.
A new front door and slightly more formal entree ushers one into a place that has lost some of the "down home road house" feel but is slightly more decorated and sophisticated in looks and atmosphere. The tables are new and the padded chairs fit in with the overall red and black color scheme.
Wednesday, reservations were still a must and "carry-out" had not begun to function.
The serving staff are younger, slimmer and dressed in black with silver buttons on their collars with a script "W". They are uniformly pleasant and hospitable.
There was a slight wait at the front desk and another before our server, Travis, appeared. We had an early seating, 5:30, so as to be feed and on our way by 7 P.M.
The menu is large and several items have been added.( I did not study it, completely, but will the next time) We ordered promptly and our salad, with the same "tomato garlic dressing" came shortly after the buttered and grilled salt rye bread, another hold over.
All of our party ordered "Ribs-Half Rack" which included the salad and a baked or mashed potato. With mine I added chicken livers which increased the price from $14 to $17 for the combo.
David Wilson ("Sanchez) stopped by our table, early in the evening, and when I asked him to add a Fried Green Tomato to my order, at an up charge, he insisted that we all try one, compliments of him. (The chef also made an appearance just adding to the welcoming atmosphere.)
I wanted to try this item( FGT) to compair with others in the area. ( I must admit that I am still partial to "Otto's)
"Sanchez" advised that the ribs are not the same cut that was served previously. The are meatier and thus have more flesh per unit and some more marbleing. One is well aware that the amount of meat has been increased per rib. A Half Rack was quite filling. They are not "dry rubbed" and need the sauce( same as the original), served on the side, to resemble the taste that I had learned to savor.
The food was all prepared well and certainly calls for another visit.
Nothing was really negative, although the timing of the dinners from the kitchen, came much to quickly after the salad had arrived. (We could be partially responsible as we had stressed a time limit) The other slight annoyance was the fact that our server had tables in various different locations of the building and that made some of the wait, for coffee and the checks lenghtly.
As I said the restaurant is in a "shake down" and just like a vessel there are a few things that need to be tweaked.
Besides "Walt's" the week also saw us with friends at "Maggiano's" in Kenwood Plaza for a dinner of mixed salad, Veal Piccata and Angle Hair, all worth the very reasonable price.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
60 to 8
No, this is not a rundown on our extended family nor a list of high and low temperature that have set records but it is two evening meals, in succession, and the prices paid.
Thursday night we joined a group of Artichoke lovers at a price fixed dinner ($60) at "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave (513) 929-0525. Julie Francis, the owner and excellent chef, offers, once a month, a 5 course dinner build around one product. That night it was the Artichoke.
The meal started with Cream of Artichoke Soup with Lump Crab and local Radish Sprouts. The soup base was pureed baby Artichoke hearts, creamy consistency while the lump crab lived up to it's name. For my taste the soup needed a little more "Oomph" which I accomplished by adding an amount of freshly ground pepper.
Next came Shaved Raw Artichoke Salad with Poached Shrimp, Carrot, Mint, Edamame and Pecorino. The raw heart had been shaved thin and then marinated in a lemon marinade before it was mixed with the other ingredients. The whole affair was doused with a bit more of the dressing and the Pecorino was a nice compliment to the other fairly bland ingredients. As one can tell I'm more into spice that bland.
Jewish Style Friend Artichokes ( an extremely popular rendition in Rome) with Cracked Black Pepper and Coriander Brown Butter was for me the hit of the evening. The half of Artichoke heart with the stubs of a few leaves had been fried perfectly so the the vegetable was crisp on the outside and yet retained firmness and moisture in the center. The Artichoke was placed on a romaine leaf with just a touch of Caesar dressing.
The main course was Marksbury Farm Beef Skirt Steak with Artichoke Potato Hash and Chimichurri. The steak had just enough fat to enhance the flavor and the hash, in fairly large pieces, was a nice accompaniment but was outshone by the flavor of the meat.
For dessert Julie and her pastry chef offered Candied Artichokes in Puff Pastry with local honey cider Gastrique (sauce) and Honey Custard. The Artichoke failed to add to the light pastry and custard with the drizzled honey sauce.
All in all it was a nobel effort, which was well received, by all, to feature a vegetable with it's own unique flavor and constancy.
The next "Dinner Club", as Julie calls the meals, will be build around Asparagus.
The next night, in an entirely different vain, we ventured to "Wunderbar" 1132 Lee St. Covington KY (859) 815-8027 where at striped picnic tables we were served home made sausages, 2 for $8 dollars including a "side", for me Brussels Sprouts, and a warm roll. Marilyn had a beautiful Ruben and very good potato salad.
My sausages were an Apple spice and a Wassbi ginger, the latter having the right amount of heat.
The night before the beverage had been an Austrian White Wine but the beverage of choice at "Wunderbar" was a hoppy dark beer. At the bar there was also much more ganter with the folks around . A shift of locales and food is probably what keeps us "eating out".
As an after thought, in this posting, we did drop by "Season 52", Rookwood for a shared "spring salad" after a show. The server recommended the Stuffed Mushrooms and we were glad she did. They come in a hot dish, usually used for snails, and are button mushrooms stuffed with spinach and cheese and then covered with panko bread crumbs and light butter sauce before being heated till bubbly, under the broiler. It could be a main as well as a side., and is highly recommended.
Thursday night we joined a group of Artichoke lovers at a price fixed dinner ($60) at "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave (513) 929-0525. Julie Francis, the owner and excellent chef, offers, once a month, a 5 course dinner build around one product. That night it was the Artichoke.
The meal started with Cream of Artichoke Soup with Lump Crab and local Radish Sprouts. The soup base was pureed baby Artichoke hearts, creamy consistency while the lump crab lived up to it's name. For my taste the soup needed a little more "Oomph" which I accomplished by adding an amount of freshly ground pepper.
Next came Shaved Raw Artichoke Salad with Poached Shrimp, Carrot, Mint, Edamame and Pecorino. The raw heart had been shaved thin and then marinated in a lemon marinade before it was mixed with the other ingredients. The whole affair was doused with a bit more of the dressing and the Pecorino was a nice compliment to the other fairly bland ingredients. As one can tell I'm more into spice that bland.
Jewish Style Friend Artichokes ( an extremely popular rendition in Rome) with Cracked Black Pepper and Coriander Brown Butter was for me the hit of the evening. The half of Artichoke heart with the stubs of a few leaves had been fried perfectly so the the vegetable was crisp on the outside and yet retained firmness and moisture in the center. The Artichoke was placed on a romaine leaf with just a touch of Caesar dressing.
The main course was Marksbury Farm Beef Skirt Steak with Artichoke Potato Hash and Chimichurri. The steak had just enough fat to enhance the flavor and the hash, in fairly large pieces, was a nice accompaniment but was outshone by the flavor of the meat.
For dessert Julie and her pastry chef offered Candied Artichokes in Puff Pastry with local honey cider Gastrique (sauce) and Honey Custard. The Artichoke failed to add to the light pastry and custard with the drizzled honey sauce.
All in all it was a nobel effort, which was well received, by all, to feature a vegetable with it's own unique flavor and constancy.
The next "Dinner Club", as Julie calls the meals, will be build around Asparagus.
The next night, in an entirely different vain, we ventured to "Wunderbar" 1132 Lee St. Covington KY (859) 815-8027 where at striped picnic tables we were served home made sausages, 2 for $8 dollars including a "side", for me Brussels Sprouts, and a warm roll. Marilyn had a beautiful Ruben and very good potato salad.
My sausages were an Apple spice and a Wassbi ginger, the latter having the right amount of heat.
The night before the beverage had been an Austrian White Wine but the beverage of choice at "Wunderbar" was a hoppy dark beer. At the bar there was also much more ganter with the folks around . A shift of locales and food is probably what keeps us "eating out".
As an after thought, in this posting, we did drop by "Season 52", Rookwood for a shared "spring salad" after a show. The server recommended the Stuffed Mushrooms and we were glad she did. They come in a hot dish, usually used for snails, and are button mushrooms stuffed with spinach and cheese and then covered with panko bread crumbs and light butter sauce before being heated till bubbly, under the broiler. It could be a main as well as a side., and is highly recommended.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Happy Returns
We eat out quite a bit, but as everyone else, we have our favorites and they are often as much for the feeling of belonging as for the food we are served. This is undoubtedly true for almost everyone. Whether it is the neighborhood "Cheers", "Tucker's Cafe" or "Jeff Ruby's" we all tend to go to "where everyone knows your name". It's one of the great pleasures of eating out. Since the last posting here are our spots:
"Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, KY (859) 491-6678. Lauren met us at the door with a smile and a hug.
The table we occupy is in the back and we are often greeted by the chef, this night it was Molly Costello, bright, attractive and exceptionally competent. The pasta special, which Marilyn and our companion ordered was a Penne with asparagus, mushrooms, artichokes, sun dried tomato's and shrimp, in a very light cream parmesan sauce. They both gave it "thumbs up" for flavor and attractiveness.
I went with the newly revised pork tenderloin which has been upgraded by additional marinating and the addition of a very flavorful slaw topping doused with a Dijon vinaigrette. The meat rests on a perfectly prepared sweet potato hash. I was ecstatic.
Wednesday night was 1/2 price wine night and of course, we had to take advantage of that with a starter of the best fried green tomato's in our area, and maybe anywhere.
We ended by ordering one helping of apricot bread pudding which topped off our delicious meal.
"Oriental Wok" Hyde Park in the Regency (513) 871-6888. Greeting from all the staff and meal selection left in the hands of Guy Burgess, chef.
On Friday he started our meal with shrimp poppers ( ground shrimp mixed with spices and bread crumbs) flash fried. Along with this came numerous slices of pork belly ( a trendy menu item ) roasted and served on Hosin sauce. Our three main courses where: crispy chicken, chopped chicken pieces, bone in, which in my opinion adds to flavor, roasted to perfection, crisp on the outside; juicy on the inside, BBQ pork tenderloin on Chinese water spinach, the flavors complimented each other, and a combination fried rice( loaded with ingredients) which gave a wonderful base for the two other dishes, especially the pork and spinach which had it's own distinctive sauce.
Dessert was Mango gelatin, surrounded with fresh sliced strawberry's and fresh whipped cream drizzled with raspberry sauce. Lucky there were four of us to share everything. Guy even suggested the beer accompaniment, which complimented the food.
Two other spots, without special greetings but yet hospitable were; "Montgomery Inn - Montgomery, 9440 Montgomery Road (513) 791-3482. Marilyn and I have learned the secret, for us; split a wedge salad and a chopped steak dinner, which is accompanied by onion straws and Saratoga Chips. Plenty of tasty food and a meal rivaling the works at "Skyline" in price.
"Brew River Gastro Pub" 2062 Riverside Dr. (513) 861-2484. We stopped there twice in the past week, to be with friends, and had Gumbo, BLT, East End Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms (an outstanding appetizer) and a more than adequate burger and fresh cut fries, with house made ketchup.
"Otto's" 521 Main St. Covington, KY (859) 491-6678. Lauren met us at the door with a smile and a hug.
The table we occupy is in the back and we are often greeted by the chef, this night it was Molly Costello, bright, attractive and exceptionally competent. The pasta special, which Marilyn and our companion ordered was a Penne with asparagus, mushrooms, artichokes, sun dried tomato's and shrimp, in a very light cream parmesan sauce. They both gave it "thumbs up" for flavor and attractiveness.
I went with the newly revised pork tenderloin which has been upgraded by additional marinating and the addition of a very flavorful slaw topping doused with a Dijon vinaigrette. The meat rests on a perfectly prepared sweet potato hash. I was ecstatic.
Wednesday night was 1/2 price wine night and of course, we had to take advantage of that with a starter of the best fried green tomato's in our area, and maybe anywhere.
We ended by ordering one helping of apricot bread pudding which topped off our delicious meal.
"Oriental Wok" Hyde Park in the Regency (513) 871-6888. Greeting from all the staff and meal selection left in the hands of Guy Burgess, chef.
On Friday he started our meal with shrimp poppers ( ground shrimp mixed with spices and bread crumbs) flash fried. Along with this came numerous slices of pork belly ( a trendy menu item ) roasted and served on Hosin sauce. Our three main courses where: crispy chicken, chopped chicken pieces, bone in, which in my opinion adds to flavor, roasted to perfection, crisp on the outside; juicy on the inside, BBQ pork tenderloin on Chinese water spinach, the flavors complimented each other, and a combination fried rice( loaded with ingredients) which gave a wonderful base for the two other dishes, especially the pork and spinach which had it's own distinctive sauce.
Dessert was Mango gelatin, surrounded with fresh sliced strawberry's and fresh whipped cream drizzled with raspberry sauce. Lucky there were four of us to share everything. Guy even suggested the beer accompaniment, which complimented the food.
Two other spots, without special greetings but yet hospitable were; "Montgomery Inn - Montgomery, 9440 Montgomery Road (513) 791-3482. Marilyn and I have learned the secret, for us; split a wedge salad and a chopped steak dinner, which is accompanied by onion straws and Saratoga Chips. Plenty of tasty food and a meal rivaling the works at "Skyline" in price.
"Brew River Gastro Pub" 2062 Riverside Dr. (513) 861-2484. We stopped there twice in the past week, to be with friends, and had Gumbo, BLT, East End Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms (an outstanding appetizer) and a more than adequate burger and fresh cut fries, with house made ketchup.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Sotto
Cincinnati has another star in the downtown restaurant firmament.
"Sotto Restaurant" opened 2 weeks ago in the space occupied by "La Normandie" at 116 E.6th St.. Phone (513) 977-6886. We went last night, with another couple and had a wonderful evening.
The ambiance remains one of scrubbed wooden tables, brick, cement and wood walls and subdued lighting. The noise level is a bit high in the main dining area ( out came the hearing aids) but is considerably reduced as one sits further from the bar and open kitchen. Our table was excellent and enjoy by our ourselves and our young, but over 50 companions. Reservations, in my opinion, are a necessity and there is also an elevator to assits those who choose not, or can't, navigate the steps from street level.
I did not "cop" a menu, but from memory, the four sections seemed to be Bruschetta's, Antipasto and Salads, Pasta's and Main Courses. Without total recall here is what the four of us ate, shared and tasted:
Mozzarella, doused in olive oil, with slivers of fried onions and served with grilled Italian bread.
Arugiua Salad with oil and balsamic vinegar
Baby Kale Caesar Salad, croutons and strips of Parmesan
Polenta topped with a fried egg - smooth, creamy and outstanding
Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes - spicy but truly basic Italian
Linguine Carbonara - house made bacon and a rich preparation
Small Ravioli ( different name on the menu) stuffed with braised short ribs
Penne in a spicy tomato based sauce
(All Pasta dishes are a manageable size, served hot, and of course, as a separate course).
And a wonderful piece of grilled Cod, not an easy fish to cook, and served flaky and moist.
For dessert we split an order of Ricotta Doughnuts with three sauces, Pistachio, Berry and light Carmel (yum)
We also managed to finish 2 bottles of red win, one a Volpolicella and the other a "super Tuscan"
The service was most satisfatory and the "Hospitality", which goes beyond service, was obvious from all of the staff; from the owner to the floor Managers, servers and food runners. In summary a blissful, most satisfying evening.
"Sotto Restaurant" opened 2 weeks ago in the space occupied by "La Normandie" at 116 E.6th St.. Phone (513) 977-6886. We went last night, with another couple and had a wonderful evening.
The ambiance remains one of scrubbed wooden tables, brick, cement and wood walls and subdued lighting. The noise level is a bit high in the main dining area ( out came the hearing aids) but is considerably reduced as one sits further from the bar and open kitchen. Our table was excellent and enjoy by our ourselves and our young, but over 50 companions. Reservations, in my opinion, are a necessity and there is also an elevator to assits those who choose not, or can't, navigate the steps from street level.
I did not "cop" a menu, but from memory, the four sections seemed to be Bruschetta's, Antipasto and Salads, Pasta's and Main Courses. Without total recall here is what the four of us ate, shared and tasted:
Mozzarella, doused in olive oil, with slivers of fried onions and served with grilled Italian bread.
Arugiua Salad with oil and balsamic vinegar
Baby Kale Caesar Salad, croutons and strips of Parmesan
Polenta topped with a fried egg - smooth, creamy and outstanding
Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes - spicy but truly basic Italian
Linguine Carbonara - house made bacon and a rich preparation
Small Ravioli ( different name on the menu) stuffed with braised short ribs
Penne in a spicy tomato based sauce
(All Pasta dishes are a manageable size, served hot, and of course, as a separate course).
And a wonderful piece of grilled Cod, not an easy fish to cook, and served flaky and moist.
For dessert we split an order of Ricotta Doughnuts with three sauces, Pistachio, Berry and light Carmel (yum)
We also managed to finish 2 bottles of red win, one a Volpolicella and the other a "super Tuscan"
The service was most satisfatory and the "Hospitality", which goes beyond service, was obvious from all of the staff; from the owner to the floor Managers, servers and food runners. In summary a blissful, most satisfying evening.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Louisville KY
We went to Louisville over last weekend, not to bar hop and watch the final four, although that was what a lot of Louisvillians were doing, but rather to attend the Humana Festival at "The Actors Theatre". We had a package deal that covered 5 plays in 3 days plus a reception, with food, and a gala ( which we missed, Michigan was in the late night game).
The theatre was uniformly well staged, well acted and thought provoking. There were mixed reactions among our group to the new American plays, which we saw and then discussed.
To me the outstanding dinner was at "Milkwood" 316 W. Main St., in the basement of the Actors Theatre. Reservation highly recommended The chef, David Lee, is defiantly one of the cities top food personality, with a national reputation. His food lived up to the billing.
I started with a Sweetbread Salad, mixed greens, perfectly marinated and chopped, mixed with blue cheese, country ham slivers, sweet red pepper bits and all topped with crisp Sweetbread nuggets, delicious.
Marilyn had a share of a Romaine salad which she pronounced great.
Our main course was Peking Duck, served on a garnished platter with the breast sliced and the leg meat shredded and chopped and mixed in a light duck sauce. Scallion Pancakes, light and warm were provided as well as Hoisin sauce and shredded scallions. A perfect dish meant to serve at least 2 ($38). We stretched it to serve 3 with no trouble.
David Lee recommeded "Hillbilly Tea" for breakfast or Brunch the next day. The extended tea room, actually a restaurant specializing in tea, is on 1st Avenue just a block away from the downtown Marriott Courtyard, where we stayed with a special Festival rate.
The tea at "Hillbilly Tea" is served piping hot meant to steep and be poured thru a strainer. The menu is definitely "down South". Marilyn had poached eggs on biscuits covered with Mushroom Gravy while I had deep fried chicken livers and a plate of grilled catfish. A fun, good recommendation from the Chef.
Besides the two memorable places we chowed down at "O'Shay"s", an expanded bar, before the Saturday night show. Marilyn had a "Hot Brown"(sliced turkey, tomato's, bacon, covered with a cheese sauce) made famous by the Brown Hotel. while I shared "fish and chips'. The fish was crisp and hot, the chips ordinary, 50% "ain't bad". Buffet breakfast, Sunday morning, at "Milkwood", plentiful but not outstanding.
A salad Sunday at 2 at the "Old Spaghetti Factory" 235 W.Market St. again Marilyn and I split. Typical chain.
Good weekend and next time, and there will be a next time, we may survey more of the dining scene in Louisville.
The theatre was uniformly well staged, well acted and thought provoking. There were mixed reactions among our group to the new American plays, which we saw and then discussed.
To me the outstanding dinner was at "Milkwood" 316 W. Main St., in the basement of the Actors Theatre. Reservation highly recommended The chef, David Lee, is defiantly one of the cities top food personality, with a national reputation. His food lived up to the billing.
I started with a Sweetbread Salad, mixed greens, perfectly marinated and chopped, mixed with blue cheese, country ham slivers, sweet red pepper bits and all topped with crisp Sweetbread nuggets, delicious.
Marilyn had a share of a Romaine salad which she pronounced great.
Our main course was Peking Duck, served on a garnished platter with the breast sliced and the leg meat shredded and chopped and mixed in a light duck sauce. Scallion Pancakes, light and warm were provided as well as Hoisin sauce and shredded scallions. A perfect dish meant to serve at least 2 ($38). We stretched it to serve 3 with no trouble.
David Lee recommeded "Hillbilly Tea" for breakfast or Brunch the next day. The extended tea room, actually a restaurant specializing in tea, is on 1st Avenue just a block away from the downtown Marriott Courtyard, where we stayed with a special Festival rate.
The tea at "Hillbilly Tea" is served piping hot meant to steep and be poured thru a strainer. The menu is definitely "down South". Marilyn had poached eggs on biscuits covered with Mushroom Gravy while I had deep fried chicken livers and a plate of grilled catfish. A fun, good recommendation from the Chef.
Besides the two memorable places we chowed down at "O'Shay"s", an expanded bar, before the Saturday night show. Marilyn had a "Hot Brown"(sliced turkey, tomato's, bacon, covered with a cheese sauce) made famous by the Brown Hotel. while I shared "fish and chips'. The fish was crisp and hot, the chips ordinary, 50% "ain't bad". Buffet breakfast, Sunday morning, at "Milkwood", plentiful but not outstanding.
A salad Sunday at 2 at the "Old Spaghetti Factory" 235 W.Market St. again Marilyn and I split. Typical chain.
Good weekend and next time, and there will be a next time, we may survey more of the dining scene in Louisville.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Visitors
Marilyn and I spend one or two days a month volunteering at the Cincinnati Visitor Center on Fountain Square. It is a good connection with the city and a good way to meet people who come to our area.
Yesterday, our first couple were "roamers". They sold their house in California in 1999 and moved to Texas. After a short spell there they bought a truck and have been on the move, ever since. They will be spending about 4 days in the Cincinnati area.
Next came a young women from Singapore. A speech therapist who is visiting hospitals in this country. She is spending 2 weeks at the Children's Hospital Medical Center. Next a lady from Ludlow KY, and so on.
After our 3 hours "on duty" we closed the Center and met some friends at "Abigail St." our favorite OTR destination. If you don't already know, "Abigail St" is at 1214 Vine St. "Over the Rhine" (513) 421-4040, and is owned and run by Daniel Wright and his wife Lana, the same duo that own "Senate", next door. Dan and his chef buddy Salazar, were both on the floor last evening( I'm name dropping).
I chose poorly. I started with an excellent Bouillabaisse and followed with a very good Paella. The reason that I say I chose poorly is they are both a mixture of fresh shellfish either in a creamy, tasteful broth, or on a bed of Risotto, seasoned rice.
Both were great dishes but a mixture of tastes might be a better choice. Not that having both was not enjoyable. Acompaning I had a Belgium Raspberry Beer, Framboise, a first for me.
Marilyn had the always excellent Gnocchi, with asparagus and mushrooms and a delicious Lamb Tangine, full of flavor and served on a bed of Cous-Cous, seasons with herbs and golden raisins.
Earlier in the week, with a young(47) friend we went "bar hoping", at least our version.
We started at "Unwind" on Michigan Ave. in Hyde Park. Our idea of what a wine bar should be, comfortable, welcoming and a nicely mixed clientele. Tables, easy chairs, couches and a bar and fireplace make up the decor. We had a glass of wine and a wonderful pesto and artichoke flat bread baked to perfection. Moving on we stopped at the "Brew River-Gastro Pub" on Riverside drive. Here our drink selection shifted from wine to beer, each of the drinkers choosing one from their offering of 18.
So as not to starve we split and order of stuffed white mushrooms, half a tennis ball size, and stuffed with pesto and bread crumbs, then oven fried and served on a platter layered with mushroom sauce.. To please ourselves, and the table next door we ending with a house made "pig in a blanket". Special mild sausage wrapped in a corn bread dough and sitting on house made "German" mustard. It was a somewhat new experience and we are rethinking our "old folks" attitude to an evening out.
Other sports since last posting have been "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park where Guy Burgess and Susannah Wong run our hospitable, tasty, Chinese haven. "The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, nice, handy but a tad on the expensive side, especially the "specials". And lastly "Grand Finale" 3 East Sharon Road, Glendale, with things just the opposite, on the Wednesday night we were there. Food good, reasonable, and a long drive from our river view home. Only regret were the extra pounds, the next day, after Marilyn and I split an order of crepes, stuffed with ice cream and covered with a warm Apricot sauce.
Yesterday, our first couple were "roamers". They sold their house in California in 1999 and moved to Texas. After a short spell there they bought a truck and have been on the move, ever since. They will be spending about 4 days in the Cincinnati area.
Next came a young women from Singapore. A speech therapist who is visiting hospitals in this country. She is spending 2 weeks at the Children's Hospital Medical Center. Next a lady from Ludlow KY, and so on.
After our 3 hours "on duty" we closed the Center and met some friends at "Abigail St." our favorite OTR destination. If you don't already know, "Abigail St" is at 1214 Vine St. "Over the Rhine" (513) 421-4040, and is owned and run by Daniel Wright and his wife Lana, the same duo that own "Senate", next door. Dan and his chef buddy Salazar, were both on the floor last evening( I'm name dropping).
I chose poorly. I started with an excellent Bouillabaisse and followed with a very good Paella. The reason that I say I chose poorly is they are both a mixture of fresh shellfish either in a creamy, tasteful broth, or on a bed of Risotto, seasoned rice.
Both were great dishes but a mixture of tastes might be a better choice. Not that having both was not enjoyable. Acompaning I had a Belgium Raspberry Beer, Framboise, a first for me.
Marilyn had the always excellent Gnocchi, with asparagus and mushrooms and a delicious Lamb Tangine, full of flavor and served on a bed of Cous-Cous, seasons with herbs and golden raisins.
Earlier in the week, with a young(47) friend we went "bar hoping", at least our version.
We started at "Unwind" on Michigan Ave. in Hyde Park. Our idea of what a wine bar should be, comfortable, welcoming and a nicely mixed clientele. Tables, easy chairs, couches and a bar and fireplace make up the decor. We had a glass of wine and a wonderful pesto and artichoke flat bread baked to perfection. Moving on we stopped at the "Brew River-Gastro Pub" on Riverside drive. Here our drink selection shifted from wine to beer, each of the drinkers choosing one from their offering of 18.
So as not to starve we split and order of stuffed white mushrooms, half a tennis ball size, and stuffed with pesto and bread crumbs, then oven fried and served on a platter layered with mushroom sauce.. To please ourselves, and the table next door we ending with a house made "pig in a blanket". Special mild sausage wrapped in a corn bread dough and sitting on house made "German" mustard. It was a somewhat new experience and we are rethinking our "old folks" attitude to an evening out.
Other sports since last posting have been "Oriental Wok" Hyde Park where Guy Burgess and Susannah Wong run our hospitable, tasty, Chinese haven. "The Quarter Bistro" 6904 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, nice, handy but a tad on the expensive side, especially the "specials". And lastly "Grand Finale" 3 East Sharon Road, Glendale, with things just the opposite, on the Wednesday night we were there. Food good, reasonable, and a long drive from our river view home. Only regret were the extra pounds, the next day, after Marilyn and I split an order of crepes, stuffed with ice cream and covered with a warm Apricot sauce.
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