tapas's Profile
Kid Friendly/Veg Friendly in Cincy
I'm also vegetarian and agree that you could find good options at most of the suggested places. Melt, First Watch and Dewey's would probably fit the cheap/moderate and kid-friendly categories best. I've always found something delicious to eat at Honey, but I don't know that I would call it kid-friendly at all. It's really loud, and I would think that normal kid noises would be amplified in a potentially uncomfortable way. It's definitely in the moderate price range.
In Clifton (just north of downtown/Over-the-Rhine), my favorite places are Myra's and Floyd's (within a few doors of each other on Calhoun Ave; both have nice patios/courtyards); Cilantro (Vietnamese on Clifton Ave.; would be better for take-out than dining in since it's so tiny); Thai Cafe (on Ludlow Ave.; lunch is a better deal than dinner); and Sitwell's (also on Ludlow; good sandwiches and salads).
Enjoy your visit!
Cincinnati Thai & Italian
I'm not sure that Lemon Grass is romantic, but it's small and therefore a bit more intimate than Bangkok Bistro for Thai. I've never been to Teak in Mt. Adams, but I've heard good things -- maybe someone can speak to its atmosphere.
Jamaican food in Cincinnati?
In a web search for Jamaican restaurants, I found Gillie's http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/dining/detail.asp?RestID=10907. Has anyone been? I'm intrigued.
New to Cincinnati, looking for Dan-Dan?
Clearly we're missing out on a great dish if you're so committed to finding it! Definitely keep us posted -- I'm intrigued.
New to Cincinnati, looking for Dan-Dan?
Hi Thomas,
Welcome to Cincinnati! I wish I had some suggestions for you, but I can't recall ever seeing Dan-Dan noodles on a menu here. Maybe you've already searched the few threads about Chinese restaurants in Cincinnati, but if not ...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/125608?tag=search_results;results_list
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/503986?tag=search_results;results_list
According to another thread, Szechuan Wok has closed. Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Cincinnati Restaurant Week 3/16-22 2009
I had dinner tonight at Brown Dog Cafe and loved every bite. Great service, excellent options. They'd even added a sixth option to their listed entrees. The place was absolutely packed and apparently had been most (if not all) week. I wish I'd had a chance to try Mesh ... maybe next time. I so appreciated the vegetarian entree; few places seemed to have one this week.
Mediterranean in Cincinnati: A Step Up
I'm not sure why I waited so long to try Cafe Mediterranean. (Maybe because it's in a shopping mall? Probably. But once you're inside you forget about that.) After dinner there tonight, I know I'll be going back often. I could have made a meal out of the appetizer plate alone, but of course had a bottle of wine, an entree, and baklava. I was very, very pleased with the entire experience -- food, service and prices. I am still stuffed but already thinking of my next meal there.
Place for casual group lunch in downtown Cincinnati?
I'm sorry this hasn't generated any responses. I'm never downtown for lunch, so I have no idea how busy places get. First Watch springs to mind -- it's moderately priced and would accommodate kids. I'm not sure if you'd feel rushed though -- I know it gets hectic on the weekends. I haven't been to Burrito Joe's in a very long time, but I recall it being good for what it was. Hopefully others have better suggestions!
Pigall's to close (Cincy)
This is a loss. Of course I feel part of the problem, because I didn't go often. I was surprised to learn in the follow-up article in the Enquirer that diners could order less than the three course meal. I wish I would have known that ... although the three course meal would have been too tempting, once I was there.
I am thinking about going before it closes. I hope people will post their experiences if they go as well.
Cincinnati: Kona Bistro closing Oakley location on Dec. 31, 2008
I just received Kona's email about their plans to close the Oakley location after their New Year's Eve celebration. I am so bummed -- it was one of my go-to places no matter what the occasion. The Oxford location will remain open, according to the email.
I am anxious to get back to town after the holidays and have a few more delicious meals there.
Best Indian & Vietnamese restaurants on Ludlow near U/Cincinnati?
Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. I go to Cilantro often and love it. I have no frame of reference for Vietnamese other than Cilantro, but to me, it's tasty! Ambar is also my choice of Indian food near UC. Where did you end up?
Cincinnati: Need suggestions for a Friday night dinner near Wyoming
We did end up at Gabby's, which we really enjoyed. You're right -- it's not fine dining -- but our pasta was tasty and the service was perfect. Very comfortable neighborhood place that I could see myself going to more often if it were in my neighborhood! Thanks again for the suggestion.
Just read the review of Iron Horse ... it was definitely one of the more negative reviews I've read recently, but it looks like there were some bright spots too. Hopefully it can recover.
Cincinnati: Need suggestions for a Friday night dinner near Wyoming
Thanks for the tip on Gabby's -- that looks perfect! Though, the tavern above The Iron Horse sounds like a good fit too ... I'd looked at their website and completely missed the upstairs option, which is definitely more within our price range than the main dining room. Has anyone been?
I'll let you know where we end up ... my guess is Gabby's.
Cincinnati: Need suggestions for a Friday night dinner near Wyoming
My husband and I are taking my mother-in-law and her friend to dinner on Friday night somewhere in the vicinity of Wyoming, which is not a part of town that's familiar to us. Their request is to find a "cozy" spot ... my interpretation of that is someplace that's conducive to conversation (not too loud) where we're also not too rushed. My MIL is not a super-adventurous eater, so someplace with soups/salads/sandwiches/traditional meat entrees would be best. We'd prefer spending $20 or less/person if possible.
From my internet research, I'm thinking Grand Finale (been there for lunch but never dinner), Vincenzo's, Glendale Gaslight Cafe or College Hill Coffee Company -- quite a range, I know. Any thoughts about any of these places, or recommendations for other places? We don't HAVE to eat near Wyoming, but we just thought it might make things a little easier.
Thanks!
Family foods I thought was normal
Around Halloween, my dad would mix candy corn with salty, roasted peanuts. Until a Halloween party this year, I'd never seen it anywhere else.
Did anyone else listen to the episode of This American Life this summer in which a girl's family ate chicken every single night? She was amazed by the masterful chefs at her college's dining hall. It's in the first act of the show (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1251) and so worth listening to.
cincy 2 weeks
I haven't been to Dilly Deli in a few years, but it's not something I'd put on your list unless you're staying in or near Mariemont. (And in that case, I'd recommend The Quarter instead as a splurge). The sandwiches and salads I had at Dilly Deli were good, but I always felt like I was spending a lot for what I got. The value just wasn't there for me. But again, I haven't been there for awhile, so maybe someone else can provide a different perspective. My favorite local place (not as far east as Dilly Deli) is Kona Bistro in Oakley ... a few blocks away from Boca.
Cincinnati Restaurants And Markets
There are some nice suggestions here. I don't think anyone's mentioned Clifton/University of Cincinnati places ... my favorites are Cilantro, Myra's Dionysus and Floyd's. There are several Indian restaurants (Ambar is usually where I go, but the others could be just as good) and Thai restaurants (Thai Cafe is my favorite). Tink's and Honey (in nearby Northside) are good upscale options.
In Oakley, Kona Bistro is my favorite. No matter when I go and what I order (specials and menu items), I always enjoy my meal. What I love about it is it can be both a special occasion place or an I-just-want-a-good-meal place. Lemongrass Cafe and Bangkok Bistro in Hyde Park are consistently tasty too.
Keep us posted on your experiences and finds in Cincinnati ... it will be fun for us to see the city through new tastebuds :)
Cincinnati Restaurants And Markets
I've been trying to go to Findlay Market more often this summer ... the Saturday farmer's market is really nice. I typically only buy fruits, veggies and bread at the market, and I don't find them to be overpriced at all -- especially if buying from the produce folks at the end of the main market building. And, if I do end up paying a few dollars more than I would at a grocery chain, I don't mind at all ... I enjoy chatting with and supporting the people connected with the food I'm eating. I've also enjoyed the Hyde Park farmer's market this year too. I highly suggest both.
cincinnati good party platter?
I have never tried their catering, but I always enjoy dinner at Kona in Oakley ... here's their catering menu: http://www.konabistro.com/menus/kona%20carry-out%20catering%20final.pdf
I'm sure others will chime in with suggestions, and I'll add some too if I think of more.
Need Suggestions for Cincinnati Anniversary Party
What a generous in-law you are! Maybe if you can give us a few more details (Traditional or more eclectic menu? Formal or casual location? Night or afternoon party? Mostly or all adult guests?) we could offer more appropriate suggestions.
Off the top of my head, I'm thinking that you can't go wrong (but you may go way over budget) with one of Jean-Robert's restaurants: http://jeanrobertgroup.com/private-dining . I doubt that Pigall's could do $40/person, but JeanRo Bistro possibly could. (FYI - the Pho Paris space is now Chalk, but it seems like the party would be too big for most of the spaces and too small for the main dining room.)
The Cincinnati Art Museum could be a good spot ... the last party I went to had appetizers rather than dinner, and they were decent. It looks like you have to use their catering service (not sure if that was in place with the party I attended), but the menus are "inspired" by a favorite chef in Cincinnati (David Cook of Daveed's), so depending on what that means, it could be a very good thing.
Definitely less "fancy" but more eclectic and still very good would be Kona Bistro ( www.konabistro.com ). I don't know that they host private parties in their restaurant, and I've not been to a party they've catered, but my dining experiences in the restaurant have always been wonderful.
Downtown Cinci-near Westin Hotel
Go to Arnold's for a beer or lunch, possibly dinner if you're looking for something a little lower key ... it's not as upscale as any of the restaurants listed in johnbycz's first paragraph, but it's an interesting local choice. I think the food is good, prices are reasonable and the (now covered) courtyard is very fun when a band is playing (usually jazz or bluegrass).
210 East 8th Street
www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com
(513) 421-6234
According to a summer 2007 Business Courier article (http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/07/30/story4.html ), Mejana closed and the owner planned to reopen as Pita Grill in the Tri-County mall food court. That's a switch!
Dining around Cincinnati
Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing your report. We'll forgive you for not getting Skyline because you tried other local places and flavors :) You've reminded me that I really do need to get to Tucker's soon.
Come back for happy hour any time!
What are your tried and true favorites from Epicurious.com
I LOVE the Orzo Salad recipe. You're right, it makes so much -- perfect for a cook-out or potluck -- but there's usually none left.
What are your tried and true favorites from Epicurious.com
What a great thread! It's reminding me of some I'd forgotten and introducing me to great new recipes. Some of my faves (mostly appetizers):
Guacamole With Pear And Pomegranate Seeds. You just can't imagine how delicious this combination of flavors is until you taste it.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105897
Celery Stuffed With Smoked Gouda And Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Follow the suggestions in the reviews.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/104289
Salsa-Baked Goat Cheese. I've become so lazy with this concept that I just dump a bottle of salsa over a log of goat cheese and bake. It's still good!
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105446
Korean Barbecued Beef
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/102721
Feta And Marinated Nicoise Olives With Grilled Pitas
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/101876
Sesame Wonton Crisps. People go nuts over these. The Herbed Lima Bean Hummus (pictures with the crisps) is pretty good too.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/103045
Make-Your-Own Salad With Lemon Garlic Dressing. Great, super-simple dressing over anything.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/14638
Stilton Tart With Cranberry Chutney.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105906
Black Bean And Vegetable Burritos. Great base for burritos, chilaquiles, rice, etc.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/1192
Aunt Enza's Tiramisu
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105093
Sweet Olive Oil Quick Bread
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/15309
What are your tried and true favorites from Epicurious.com
Another vote for the Roasted Curried Cauliflower. I think it's good straight from the oven or from the refrigerator.
What are your tried and true favorites from Epicurious.com
Muhammara is the best! Such a great dip to make for any kind of party or just to have at home, especially when you (or guests) are tired of hummus.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/10982
Dining around Cincinnati
For a casual lunch, I suggest Floyd's and Myra's in Clifton (a few doors away from each other on Calhoun St., across from UC's campus). Floyd's has a smaller, mostly Lebanese, menu. Delicious garlic lima beans and moussaka. I'm told the chicken and stuffed peppers are amazing too. Myra's has a more extensive menu -- more soups, salads, rice and bean dishes. I had lunch at both places last week, and, as always, both were good meals. Just FYI -- these are both small places, so a group of 6 will probably need to pull a table or two together. Might be best to go early or late for lunch.
http://www.floydscincy.com/
http://myrasrestaurant.com/
Enjoy Cincinnati, and let us know where you end up!
Tinks Cafe report (Cincinnati)
Thanks for the tip. It's been awhile at this point, but I really can't imagine what would have made the salad non-vegetarian ... I would never have thought to ask if it contained meat.
Did you eat at Tinks or did you just check out the menu? What's the menu like these days?
Good food in Canton, Ohio
I finally had a chance to visit Sahara Grille over the weekend ... you were right on with the tabouli (so delicious!) and the hummus (really pasty). We tried the appetizer portions of spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and sambusic, which we enjoyed, but I sense that they're better in entree form. My parents and husband and I each tried variations of the "Tour of Sahara" entree (rice, choice of grilled veggies/and or meat) -- all were very good. My mom especially enjoyed her grilled salmon. Next time I will try the baba ghanoush and moussaka.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Breakfast in Cincinnati / Northern KY?
I like The Echo, too, but suggest the following places for their more interesting menus:
1. Greenup Cafe in Covington, KY (308 Greenup St Covington KY 41011; http://jeanrobertgroup.com/greenup). According to the online menu you can order an entree of goetta or add it as a side to something else. I love the atmosphere -- it's in an old house -- and I can vouch for the omelet and pancakes. You can also buy some pastries to go for the rest of your drive.
2. Kaldi's (1204 Main St., Cincinnati OH 45202; 513-241-3070). When I was there in May, brunch was great (I had a breakfast burrito) and the beer with it was even better! My friend enjoyed the goetta immensely. It's a bar/coffeehouse/library/music venue/restaurant that's as unique as it sounds, but it's not as polished as Greenup Cafe or The Echo. (FYI: Some chowhounders feel that out-of-towners should be given a heads-up about Over-the-Rhine, where Kaldi's is located. I've not felt unsafe when I've been there, but it's possible you might run into someone asking for money.)
Enjoy your meal, and let us know where you end up!
