Flavor

Local Beer Stand Gets Bigger, Badder and Better Than Ever

2010-04-08T23:10:21Z

Written and photographed by Courtney Tsitouris, author of www.epi-ventures.com, a blog about dining in and dining out in Cincinnati

Does Ashton Kutcher need to give it a big kiss on the lips to remind you how sexy it is? Does it need to be remodeled, painted red or offer bacon ice cream to get you excited? I'm talking bout Dutch's Wine Merchant and Beer Dock on Erie Avenue in Hyde Park. Sure it's been around for 60 years and yeah it's kind of a hole in the wall. But next time your walking to the neighboring UDF for a double dip of frozen yogurt or a 4-pack of toilet paper, stop and appreciate it for what it is -- mature, tasteful, and undeniably interesting. ]]>

By the way, if remodeling really would help spark your interest, you're in luck. Hyde Parkers have already noticed the construction going on around the store. This summer, Dutch's will reopen as an expanded, full-service, sit down bar. Not only will the friendly folks pour your suds in a tall, shiny glass for you to enjoy, but you'll also be able to nosh while you drink. Though the menu isn't quite set yet, Dutch's owner says the concept may involve the ability to order a wheel of pizza from Hyde Park Pizzeria down the street.

In addition to being a perfect place to stop and collect beer before a party, it'll serve as a place to relax, commiserate with friends and throw back some bubbles. The new and improved Dutch's will feature a quiet patio out back, bocce ball area, and all the craft beer they've been known for all these years. And look out -- the owner promises that it will open no later than June 1st.

So let us not forget, in our pursuit of younger, flash-in-the pan bars, that there's still mystique in what's been under our nose for years. As expansion and renovation approaches completiton, Dutch's really is proof that bigger is better. And sometimes, so is age.

How Carl's Deli Defied the Odds

2010-03-23T12:35:08Z

Written and photographed by Courtney Tsitouris, author of www.epi-ventures.com, a blog about dining in and dining out in Cincinnati

While other Cincinnati restaurant owners stamp clever slogans on their menus and hire PR directors to handle media outlets, Anne McManus uses an old, often forgotten formula to run Carl's Deli in Hyde Park - word of mouth. It's a shocking strategy and an edgy game plan given our changing times. But it's just crazy enough to work.

]]> At the top of the lunch hour, customers pile in through the door and I watch Anne as she shifts her sandwich production to second gear. While constantly pivoting on one leg, she moves from the back counter to the cash register with surprising speed and efficiency. The massive menus hung overhead reveal an impressive 31 different sandwich selections and she knows them all by heart.

As she slams out four or five made-to-order, gourmet stacks of deli meats, cheeses and toppings, she somehow remembers to smile and greet each customer. "My people would tell you that I'm straight up and fair," she tells me, "but I don't tolerate rude behavior on the staff level. Our trump card here is that we're not a chain and we can watch very carefully how every customer is treated."

It's not a new or a revolutionary restaurant tactic, but it's one that's born from many years in the business. Anne was just a kid when her parents bought Carl's Deli back in 1968 and some of her earliest memories are of weaving through its narrow isles. "I wasn't even tall enough to see over the countertops," she laughs.

Her mom and dad operated the store for over thirty years and maintained a simple business motto: provide homemade, fresh food in an easy-to-grab deli environment and do it with a smile. Styling the space after classic delis in New York, Carl's became known for its sprawling display case full of wholesome food, its absence of formal seating, its quick bites to eat and its superior service. As one of the few authentic delicatessens in Cincinnati, it became a beloved Hyde Park gem.

When her parents retired from the business, a close friend of the family purchased Carl's Deli and Anne went off to explore other career options. But in the summer of 2004 - about six years later - she was ready to come back. "I've got a sentimental attachment to the place," she tells me. "I did some social work, some banking, some accounting. But I was ready to buy the deli back. I love it here," she adds.

Today, Anne spends 50 to 60 hours a week working at Carl's - making 90 percent of the food herself, doing the bookkeeping, taking care of the payroll and tracking the inventory. Now, it's her eight-year old son who wonders through the store, forming emotional ties to it the same way she did as a child. It becomes clear to me, that for Anne, this isn't just business, it's personal.

In an age of restaurant advertising, self-promotion and blatant brand-peddling, Ann McManus is both an industry renegade and a breath of fresh air. "Oh, we're putting up a website soon," she informs me. "About time," I think to myself. But then, as I take the first bite of my massive turkey club and glance over at the constantly swinging front door, I know she's already got all of the marketing she needs.

Carl's Deli is at 2836 Observatory Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208

-----

Writer's Note: Realizing its great potential, Anne's father originally bought Carl's Deli back in '68. After Anne's parents divorced, her mother operated the deli by herself for many years. It was under her direction that the deli's sales sky-rocketed. Most notably, she tore down the frozed food section, eliminated the massive grocery department, added fine wines and created an array of sandwich, soup and salad options. She is also known for creating the deli's cozy atmoshere with small cafe tables.

The Cincinnati Bar Revolution

2010-03-05T13:49:15Z

Written and photographed by Courtney Tsitouris, author of www.epi-ventures.com, a blog about dining in and dining out in Cincinnati

Slowly emerging in Cincinnati, a line of no-nonsense bartenders are looking to eradicate the overly-hyped, dumbed-down cocktails and flavorless combinations that have become so prevalent today. You won't, for example, find a Strawberry Daiquiri at Rookwood Bar and Restaurant, where Rommel Wells is mixing serious, handcrafted drinks.

He is, so to speak, raising the bar with his nod to classic, respectable beverages filtered through his own creative lens. In a world of noisy, drink-slinging madness, Wells breathes life into the bar experience.
]]> "I like the concept of a classic bar," he says. "I want to get back to the point where bartenders are as important as chefs. If you're going to have a great meal, you should have a great drink, too."

Under the appropriately named "Proper Drinks" section on his menu, 1940's style cocktails include incarnations of a Tom Collins and a Negroni. The Sazerac, an unabashed combination of rye bourbon, sugar, bitters and an absinthe rise, is serious enough to make you question your ride home but gentle and smooth enough for over-drinking.

But it is perhaps the original Les Fleurs Du Mal, in all of it's artistic, elaborate glory that grabs the attention of bar enthusiasts looking for a classic with a twist. Here, Wells drops an absynth-soaked sugar cube into a long glass and tops it with a concoction of candied rose petal, rose simple syrup and Hendrick's Gin. The crisp addition of Prosseco makes the drink as delicious as it is visually compelling.

One gets the sense, watching Wells attend to a lined bar full of thirsty customers, that he is, indeed, every bit as authentic as his cocktails. Dressed in a smart suit and even sporting a handlebar mustache, he has certainly picked the perfect historical establishment from which to pour his drinks. After all, Rookwood Bar and Restaurant, high on top of a Mount Adams hill, was once the studio and manufacturing facility for the famous Rookwood Pottery, Co.

As a regular frequenter of nearby vendors like Herbs Spice and Everything Nice, Wells also places heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. It's a nice touch -- along with his attentive service and commitment to quality.

Watch out. Rookwood Bar and Restaurant is part of a crackling fire, a slow but steady bar revolution rising in Cincinnati, reminding us all that there's more to drinking than just drinking. There's craft.

What's the buzz tell me what's a happening!?!

2009-09-17T20:54:00Z

Unless you've been living under a rock - you probably know what twitter is. According to Wikipedia:

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author's profile page and delivered to the author's subscribers who are known as followers.

Lots and lots of Cincinnati restaurants have twitter and you should be following them!

Why?

They post specials, events, new menu items and so much more! Some places offer secret word discounts and others post their daily specials. Some even have contests for free stuff!

So where do you go? Well start with me! That's right - @foodhussy!

]]>

Well - now that my self-promotion is out of the way...what about actual restaurants?

Here is a comprehensive list of all local restaurants in the Cincinnati area. There are others that are part of a chain that have local presence - but I didn't include those.

@andyjajjar (Andy's)

So - make yourself a Twitter account and start following!

Also - here's the Greater Cincinnati Independents twitter as well - they're the ones running Restaurant Week! @gcindependents

Happy Twittering!

World Food Bar to Open Second Location Downtown

2009-09-14T23:33:28Z

Julie over at wine me, dine me is reporting that World Food Bar, Findlay Market's foodie-haven of eclectic food, is opening a second location downtown on Vine St. between 9th and Court.

Though the Mon.-Fri. lunch crowd is sure to be the focus, there's no word on complete hours yet. Here's to a successful expansion!

90% off on Restaurant.com!

2009-09-09T13:10:18Z

For today only - being 9/9/9 - Restaurant.com is offering 90% off - that means a $25 gift certificate that is normally $10 is now $1.

]]> Be aware - if you're new to Restaurant.com - these are not $25 gift cards - they typically have restrictions. They are typically $25 off two entrees with a minimum of $35 spent - or something like that.

But still - A FANTASTIC DEAL!

They are good for a year so you have plenty of time to use them.

Best part - there are TONS of locally owned restaurants on their list! Cafe Bella, China Gourmet, Cumin, Hugo, Latitudes, Maribelle's, Red, The Vineyard, Tinks and more!

So take advantage of 9/9/9 and dine out with some great locally owned restaurants!

Restaurant Week - Fall 2009! Sept 14-20

2009-08-31T22:30:16Z

The Greater Cincinnati Independents are having Restaurant Week again and it's right around the corner.

For those of you that haven't heard of this - NYC started the trend in 1992 and restaurants offer a price fixe menu for a week. There are typically 3 courses and the restaurants will offer you 2-5 choices for each of the courses. It's either appetizer, entree and dessert or salad, appetizer and entree.

]]> Cincinnati has been doing this for 3 years. A few weeks back the downtown restaurants had their Restaurant Week but now it's back to the Greater Cincinnati Independents.

Most of the restaurants that are members participate and the menus will be coming online in the days to come.

For the more high-dollar restaurants on the list - you should call NOW and get a reservation. Some places you'll just be able to walk in and take advantage of the deal.

This fall it's 3 courses for $26.09 and it is a good deal - especially at Hugo, Daveeds, etc...

Now I've been obsessed with RW - so here are a few tips. These are my personal opinions - so no hatin!

1. Call and make reservations. Be aggressive when you call - make sure you mention that you're calling about Restaurant Week and find out what (if any) restrictions they have. You might have to only eat in the bar area or only between 5-7.

2. Don't go places you've been - UNLESS it's your favorite! Try someplace new - you're getting a great deal - so try it now!

3. Sign up for the contest! This year GCI is having a contest giving away free gift certificates - make sure you sign up!

4. If it's a new place - get the specialty of the house. If you're at Red - get a steak. If you're at Hugo - get something with grits. If you're at Bella Luna - get the bread pudding.

5. I've gone to every Restaurant Week here in Cincinnati - so I have some opinions. Here are the must-haves:

Mesh vs. Jags - they're across the street from each other - they both do RW - which do you pick? MESH! Mesh is so refreshing and unique. They have a new chef - so I'm definitely interested in finding out how it is - but I've never been disappointed.

Steak fan? If you're a steak fan - go to Red. It's what they do best. The first year of RW they did a very small steak and got a lot of complaints - now they do it UP! It was perfectly cooked and delicious.
The best place you HAVEN'T been? Brown Dog Cafe - most definitely - 100% - no questions asked. You have to go.

I'd like to try Primavista and Tinks - not sure it'll happen this time...I've got reservations for Iron Horse - I've been told I need to give it another try - so here I go!

Where are you going? What's your favorite?

Hungry for some Country Food?

2009-08-25T01:59:29Z

I'm from Iowa originally and sometimes I just have a hankerin - yes - I said hankerin - for some good old country cookin...

What's country cooking? Oh I don't know - it's just a feeling - it might be a pork tenderloin or it might be eating in a log cabin or maybe some fried chicken! Whatever it might be - there are definitely some places in the Greater Cincinnati area that you can find a country feast!

]]> Let's start with the Pork Tenderloin - while I readily admit - this is NOT an Iowa pork tenderloin - it's better than nothing!

Frank's Old Town Cafe in Covington has a sandwich called the Frying Pig - it's a pork tenderloin with cheese, grilled onions and BBQ sauce. Why isn't this as good as one from Iowa - well those usually have a very different bun/loin ratio. But - it is a tasty and it's my usual order from Franks!

Next up - the log cabin. Seriously - who doesn't want to eat in a log cabin?

It's a pretty standard menu fare - steaks, sandwiches and lots of fried fried and fried foods!

It's not fancy but it's good solid food and a very comfortable restaurant.

And what is country cooking without fried chicken????

Of course - if you're talking fried chicken in Cincinnati - you have to mention the Greyhound Tavern on Dixie Highway in NKY. The average age of the diners - well - let's just say the Golden Girls would feel comfortable.

Even with that - the chicken is damn good! Crispy and juicy - just delicious. The sides aren't always my favorite - but the chicken is worth it!

So - even though I'm in the big city now - I still have that hankering for country cooking. If only there was a Maid Rite just a little closer!!!!

Vito's Cafe Introduces Red Ear Brewing Company

2009-08-24T22:37:57Z

Greater Cincinnati has a new brewpub - and its not from a place you might expect. Vito's Cafe in Ft. Thomas has just announced their in-house brewery operation, Red Ear Brewing Company.

Maybe more well known for their Italian cuisine and singing servers, the restaurant is starting its brewery operation one batch at a time. Brewmaster Matt Wehmeyer, son of owners Mary and Vito Ciepiel's is starting out with Endless Summer Ale, a seasonal beer that will give way in autumn to what Matt describes as "something more bold."

In the name of research, we might just have to go and try it.

Vito's Cafe

654 Highland Ave. Suite 29
Ft. Thomas, KY 41075
859-442-9444
www.vitoscafe.com

Gilpin's Expands Hours, Delivers on Segways

2009-07-28T01:03:55Z

Gilpin's Bagel & Deli has been serving up steamed bagels on 7th St. to the weekday lunch (8am - 2:30pm Mon.-Fri.) and weekend late night crowd (8pm - 3:30am Fri. and Sat.) since their March opening, but they are now gearing up to feed the masses with expanded hours and a delivery service. The shop has added Sunday brunch (10am - 1:30pm) and Wednesday and Thursday late night (8pm - 3:30am) hours.

Though we are certainly excited about that, we're even more excited about getting a Gilpin's sandwich delivered for lunch by Segway or late night via scooter.

]]>
According to owner Brad Gilpin, delivery goes "as far west as Central Ave., east as Broadway st., south as 3rd st., and north as Central Parkway - and last, but not least, to Gateway Quarter residents." There is an $8 minimum and $2.75 delivery fee.

Other items of interest from the brother-owned shop: The introduction of a catering service, addition of 2 four-person tables outside the shop, and a new local source for the shop's veggies - Findlay Market.

It is apparent that the crew at Gilpin's is not resting on their laurels. Color us impressed...and a bit hungry. Late night bagel and beer here we come.

Gilpin's Bagel & Deli
37 East 7th St.
421-GBAD (4223)
www.eatgbad.com

Help Findlay Market Win $5,000

2009-07-28T00:53:50Z

We saw this over on UrbanCincy and had to help spread the word. Care2 and Local Harvest have put together the "Love Your Farmers' Market" contest and are giving away $5,000 to the market that gets the most vote. Many of the city's best markets are involved, including the Farm Market of College Hill, Northside Farmers' Market, and Hyde Park Farmers' Market.

However, Findlay Market, as you might expect, has the best change of bringing home the locally-produced bacon. As I type, Findlay is 11th. Click on the banner below to visit the site and help push Findlay Market to the top.

20 Brix: Shopping day in Milford? Here's where to dine!

2009-07-22T03:17:46Z

I recently went through Milford - it's such a cute neighborhood lined with shops. While there I decided to grab a bite at 20 Brix - I've heard so much about it...

]]> We had a lot of great things - here are a few of them...

The Nice Salad - delicious and had a feta dressing - it was really good and only $7!

Friend got the pizza with prosciutto - again - really great - $11!

I had the Nice salad and decided to pair it with the roasted pepper and tomato soup. Look at all that crab! It was sooooo good - I want to go back just for this soup! Again - $7.

Overall - $14 for my dinner and a beautiful seat outside - it was great!

La Mexicana in Newport

2009-07-09T01:55:06Z

As its spot in our list of Cincinnati's best vegetarian restaurants might indicate, Newport's La Mexicana has a loyal following. And why not? The restaurant is affordable, tasty, and laid back, the perfect trifecta for a recession Friday evening out. Hidden along a stretch of Monmouth Street that is perhaps best known for "antique" shops and the infamous Brass Ass, La Mexicana doens't get the recognition it deserves. For authentic burritos, sopas, and quesadillas, there are few rivals in the city. ]]> Carnivores, don't worry about the BuyCincy veggie designation, there's meat here, plenty of it, and more types than you might expect. Want a goat burrito? Done. One with cow tongue? Go for it. This is BuyCincy's go-to place when we need to satisfy the food preferences of all our friends.

And, like any good Mexican restaurant, there is plenty of Tecate, Dos Equis, and Pacifica to wash down the chips and salsa. All in all, after sharing chips and guac, a burrito as big as your head, and 2 beers, my bill was $15. Not bad at all for a delicious night out.

Need a great breakfast? Pick your price!

2009-07-07T01:09:41Z

I'm a huge breakfast fan! I love pancakes and sausage and bacon and eggs and french toast and syrup!!!! I really love it all.

Thus I love eating breakfast - I am typically a breakfast in the morning kind of girl - but sometimes I'll even hit it up for lunch or dinner!

That said - I am not a fan of Ihop - I know I might be the only one - but I'm not. I like to find hole-in-the-wall places for yummy breakfasts. So here are some you might not know about!

They are also in a variety of prices - so you can pick your price point too!

]]> Annabel's in Mt. Lookout - we'll start fancy. It's fancy-ish - they serve things like veggie delight scrambled eggs with feta (I subbed goat and it was great). It's a small place and very fresh and bright with lots of great food photography. They also have a great lunch menu as well as delightful desserts!

Price: $7-11

Sugar 'n' Spice is on Reading Rd. sort of in the Paddock Hills area - pretty close to the Norwood Lateral. I never knew what it was - I just knew it was the pink place on Reading! Kinda thought it was a strip club or something! haha - it's not - it's an adorable breakfast/lunch spot! The decor is fantastic!

Price: $3-8

Caffe Barista is located on the street level of the 4th & Plum apartments. It's a little market (just for essentials) but is also a deli, breakfast and lunch spot! The breakfast has been a great find! They have amazing breakfast sandwiches and burritos for $2.50 and the most delectable cinnamon rolls for $1.50!!! They also have fruit and muffins. The sandwiches, burritos and omelettes (yes those too) are made-to-order. They also have great lunches...

Price: $1.50-4

So now - you have no excuse for skipping the
most important meal of the day!!!!

My new favorite downtown lunch spots!

2009-06-23T03:33:31Z

I work downtown and have gotten into a rut - nearly every day - Barrista - then Paulas - then Barrista - then Paulas.

While I love both - I needed some new lunches!

So here we have it - my new favorites!
]]>

Spot #1: Elm Street Deli!

Who: Owner used to be part owner of the place in the current Bagel Stop in the Enquirer buildling

What: Wide variety of sandwiches - we had Brueggers bagels with tuna salad!

Where: Between Hustler and the former Wah-mee

Why: Soup is good and they have frozen yogurt - combine that with fun-loving staff at the deli counter - it's a great spot!

Spot #2: Cold Turkey

Who: Couple of guys with very little restaurant experience giving it a whirl. Jameson also plays guitar.

What: Sandwiches and Salads - $7, Soup - $4, Sides $2 - that's a vegetarian philly cheese - good stuff!

Where: Old Frisch's on 6th next to Benihana

Why: Cuz it's fresh ingredients and has unique options and great artwork throughout.

Spot #3: Red Squirrel

Who: No idea...but there are a lot of male customers - seems like a good ol' boys club

What: The special is always a good option - I had tuna pasta salad. Today I went for the grilled cheese with bacon and tomato - that's my new favorite!

Where: Walnut between 3rd & 4th down a little flight of steps

Why:Cuz it's the "House of Meat" - seriously - you get a lot of damn meat there! I'm a fan.

So there you have it - three new lunch spots - at least for me. Check them out and let me know your favorite spot - what am I missing?