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To commemorate Christian Moerlein's Barbarossa Double Dark Lager, Rookwood Pottery has released its own limited edition "Barbarossa" stein. The anticipated unveiling at Bockfest Hall was delayed by inclement weather conditions, but now beer lovers all over Cincinnati are clamoring to get their hands on their own Rookwood stein (this writer included).
BarrelHouse Brewery began as a brewpub in Over the Rhine with an immense selection of locally brewed, handcrafted beer. Operating as such from 1995 until 2005, BarrelHouse is now a full-fledged brewery in West End with distribution across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We at BuyCincy were afforded the opportunity of a tour and interview at this local craft brewery.
Tucked away on an unassuming corner near Dana Ave in Evanston lies an unassuming red brick building with an unassuming green door. Inside the old warehouse, though, lies Ohio's first microdistillery and one of Cincinnati's few urban wineries. Woodstone Creek has been at this Evanston location for the past 6 years in Evanston (and 3 years before that in Lebanon), creating local, national and internationally-awarded wines, meads and even a locally-produced vodka.
What's the deal?
When Curtis Heuser casually accepted a sidejob to paint a mural for a customer of the photo lab he worked for, upon finishing he found that he had six months of mural work lined up. He then quit his menial job and never looked back. That was 1987. Since then Heuser has been hard at work doing murals and faux finishes. His most recent project was the complete remodel of a house in the Eastrow Historic District of Newport, KY. Run down and filled with junk, Heuser's remodel of the house turned into a rigorous full-time job that, as fate would have it, landed him a book deal detailing the entire process.
BJ Foreman's great-grandfather was a jeweler to the Czar of Russia. When he moved to America he taught his son Boris how to make jewelry and together, in 1913, they founded The Litwin Company. Although the company is now known as Boris Litwin Jewelers, the Cincinnati business has since been handed down four generations of the family line, and they still continue to sell unique and quality custom jewelry. As if their history and their hand crafted Cincinnati charms weren't enough to prove that this business is rooted in Cincinnati pride, former Cincinnati Post art critic and current owner, BJ Foreman has now expanded Litwin's repertoire to include the works of artist Diana Duncan Holmes. Holmes reworks digital snapshots of Cincinnati ranging from the famous to the less seen treasures (take for instance the back of 8th Street buildings.) The photos are then layered on wallpaper leaving an antiqued touch with just a hint of the wallpaper patterns showing through.
What's the deal?
Christian Moerlien and Little King earring. Or, as we like to call them - beerings. Local crafter and Mount Notre Dame student Emily Bolte started making bottle cap earrings as a hobby last summer, and they soon became a hit with friends and family. "When my Irish family would get together for summer reunions, I would collect the different caps from their multiple drinks and punch holes into them to make earrings. It wasn't until later when my different family members asked me to make them some earrings with bottle caps from their favorite beers."
Our good friends over at City Roots are usually more geared towards urban gardening (and awesome bonsai trees) than floristry. But, this time of year, cut flowers are in demand, and although you could get your flowers from some dude on a corner, don't expect that to exude amore. Instead, show some heart (har har) and get flowers from people who know plants. For the next few days, City Roots will be carrying single stem and rose arrangements to help you (or the recipient) get in the Valentine's Day mood.
Overwhelmed by shopping for jewelry? This Valentine's Day, instead of taking a shot in the dark at what that special someone wants, try things the Paolo way. Men, all you have to do is pick out a loose gemstone, diamond, or unstrung strand of pearls, and then let the Paolo jewelry design certificate do the rest. Paolo will wrap the chosen gift along with the design certificate, and after the gift has been presented they will set up a date for you and your loved-one to come in and create a beautiful piece of jewelry...exactly how she wants it!
What's the deal?
A family can only drink so much milk. And, when your family raises dairy goats, that can be a problem. Instead of throwing the excess milk away, Diane Emmich went looking for other ways to use more than a gallon of milk that her goats produced every day. So, Diane started tinkering with goat's milk soap recipes she found online. Soon, she had the perfect soap recipe and was ready to spread the love - B&D Goats was born.
What's the deal?Step away from the Russell Stover box. We repeat, step away from the Russell Stover box. If you really want to make an impression on Valentine's Day, you should leave the cheap chocolates behind and give some real chocolate goodness - Embrace Sweets brownies. "Give Your Heart Away Brownie Bites" is a sampler from the local brownie experts featuring 9-20 bite size pieces all wrapped up in a heart-shaped box.
Your sampler could include the following flavors: Triple Chocolate Chunk, Chunky Walnut, Toffee Almond Crunch, Butter Pecan, Peanut Butter 'Buckeye' Blitz, Raspberry Soiree, Hot Chocolate (Aztec Spicy), Kona Buzz (Espresso), Cheesecake.
What's the deal?It seems some folks can be creative in just about anything they do, whether it is designing cars or designing t-shirts. This seems to be the case for downtown resident Bryan Johnson, who last year moved from an auto design position in Detriot to start his own t-shirt company here in the Queen City. The venture, MyTeeGuy, is the culmination of Bryan's interest in graphic design and 18 years of experience in airbrushing. MyTeeGuy has already helped to design and produce tees for businesses such as Tony's 8th St Deli and organizations such as the Christ Church Cathedral, but Bryan hopes to break into the consumer market by selling his graphic t-shirt designs through the MyTeeGuy website, and hopefully soon through local boutiques.
What's the deal?Maya Drozdz moved to Cincinnati only a year and a half ago, but she is already hard at work celebrating her adopted neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. After producing a coffee-table style book highlighting images from her first Cincinnati residence - a commune hidden away in OTR - she is now at work producing a line of functional art that owes as much to cartography as it does to color. Through her Etsy site (a website that helps artists and crafters sell their works), Maya is rolling out a line of homegoods that draw inspiration from the geography of Cincinnati. The aim, Maya says, is to help to give objects we use everyday "a sense of place."
What's the deal?It's getting down to the wire as far as Christmas gifts go, and you need something that is easy to find and sure to please. Enter Teaposy. Part art, part tea, Teaposy takes high-quality tea and adds a little life - blooming flowers. The tea/flower misture is purchased in bulb form. When exposed to hot water, the flowers bloom inside of the glass teapot, and the tea brews like a typical sachet or loose-leaf variety. It would be easy to recommend this as a gift for tea conneseuirs, but we think anyone with a passing interest in tea would be captivated by the blooming tea process. Don't believe us? Check out the video after the jump.
What's the deal?
Local husband/wife musical duo, Ellery, is providing fans with a thrifty option for enjoying their music during the holiday season. Ellery consists of Justin and Tasha Golden, Cincinnati transplants since the early 2000s when they began attending Cincinnati Christian University (then known as Cincinnati Bible College) in Price Hill. Signing to Seattle label Virt Records in 2005 has helped them to continually gain national recognition, which includes a PBS television special. Don't think its gone to the couple's collective head, though. Just yesterday, Ellery performed for free at Joseph Beth Booksellers in the Rookwood Pavilion as a thank you for strong local support.
What's the deal?
You don't need to be Flava Flav to gift clocks during the holidays (though you do if you plan on wearing them). We spotted both of these recycled dandies at Park + Vine recently.
On the left of the picture above is a small desk clock made by a company that specializes in reusing bicycle parts, Resource Revival. This particular item was recycled from an old bike cog. Know someone who can't be separated from their wheels? This is the gift...run and get it now. To the right, we have the clock made for the geek in your life - one made from recycled computer circuit boards. That's not all the circuit board madness Park + Vine carries either. Check out the luggage tags and business card holders for a complete set of geekery. And if you don't think that's cool, obviously you're a n00b.
Perfect for?
The friend who always asks where your recycling bin is.
Where to get it?
Park + Vine
1109 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45220
How much?
$22-$29
It takes a comfortable couch, dedication, Tivo and a couple beers to coerce your significant other to watch football with you for a full 8 hours on Sunday. It probably takes a bit of stupidity to ask them to play a card game based on football right after that. Luckily, Quick Count is not only to be enjoyed by football fanatics, but - as I thankfully found out - by most anyone who puts up with them as well.
Quick Count is a new football game invented and manufactured (by US Playing Card) here in the city. The concept is simple - players take turns trying to gain yardage by playing "rush," "pass," and "catch" cards until they score. However, like any good card game, a little luck and a little strategy is needed to crush your opponent. Quick Count is interesting and involved enough that this 20-something, happily raised on TV and video games, sat down and played a card game until he lost track of time. But, the simplicity of the rules, which are written on only two playing cards, make the game easy for people of any age to pick up and start playing.
As such, this is sure to be a welcome addition to any football fan's stocking or tailgater's set-up. Get it at:
Metronation, 1213 Vine St., Cincinnati
King Arthur's Court, 3040 Madison Rd., Cincinnati
The Blue Marble, 1356 South Fort Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas
Just to name a few, or you can order directly from:
What's the deal?
A hat can tell you a lot about a person. So, picking a hat that tells the world exactly who you are can be a bit tricky. Should you go the adventurous route with a wide-brimmed colorful one, or show your classy side with something a bit more refined? Good thing Pangaea has this hat tree front and center just as you walk in. As you can see, there's quite a bit of variety going on here, so you should be able to find something that suits your style (or the style you are trying to cop).
Perfect for?
Funky urban women (guys should check some place else for hats - Batsakes anyone?).
Where to get it?
Pangaea Trading Co. Ludlow Business Disrict (3226 Ludlow to be exact), 45220. When you are done, you can always stop in Sitwell's for a coffee - they're located right next door.
How much will it cost?
15 to 30 buckaroonies.
What's the deal?
Bet you didn't know Cincinnati has its own designer fashion line. Well, as of October 5, we do. Madras 641 is a collaboration between co-owners in Cincy, Pennsylvania and DC to create a line of Indian-inspired shirts for men and women. Launched earlier this month at Bajon Salon in West Chester, M641 is just getting started, but we like what we see so far. The shirts manage to be distinctive and interesting, without being cheesy or overwhelming.
Perfect for?
People that are fashion and budget-conscious. Also, models with extremely curly hair.
Where to get it?
Bajon Salon in West Chester is the place to go for immediate gratification. However, M641 plans on getting their designer duds into more local boutiques soon. Which is good, becuase the scooter ride from downtown to West Chester is not a pleasant one.
How much will it cost?
Between $40 and $60 per shirt.
What's the deal?
Channel your inner mystic with a bajillion different incenses and other "enchanting" objects. Seriously, they have so much celtic/fairy/tarot stuff, you could start your own Lord of the Rings fan club.
Perfect for?
Those in a Lord of the Rings fan club.
Where to find it?
Think Tower Place is all Food Court and TJ Maxx? Think again. Look for Midnight Muse there Tues through Saturday noon to 6pm - 28 W. Fourth, 45202.
How much will it cost?
'Bout a buck fifty.
What's the deal?
Today we're gonna review soaps. 'Cause it's Saturday. And Saturday is the day that we review soaps:
Our friends at Metronation have just released their own series of soaps and candles. The soap is made from "french-milled goat's milk," the candle from a soy blend. Wonder how french-milled goat's milk is different than regular goat's milk? Yeah, us too - but it sounds better, doesn't it? Both are available in 18 signature fragrances handpicked by the folks at Metronation.
Where to get it?
Metronation - 1213 Vine St. (in the hoppin' new Gateway District), Cincinnati, OH 45202
How much will it cost?
At $5 for the soap and $15 for the candle, it says for a gift: "I thought enough of you to get french-milled goat's milk even though I don't know what that means." For you it means: "Screw Irish Spring - it's business time!"
Personally, we can't wait to get our grubby hands on the shirt - and we're pretty sure that we aren't alone on that one. Thankfully, the wait won't be too long - word from Park + Vine is that the shirt is on its way and will be available in the upcoming weeks. If you are as enamored with the shirt as we are, keep checking back with us for a release date so you can drop in and get one before they sell out.
What's the deal?
Ok, so we know we gave a shoutout to Shoetopia just last week. However, these boots just arrived at the store, and they are pretty killer. The Berlin boot can change from an ankle boot to a lace-up "riding boot" in mere seconds due to the magic of zippers and buttons. And, they are made with synthetic, cruelty-free material - which means they a-OK for the vegan shopper in your life.
Where to get it?
Both the brown and black styles of the Berlin boot are availble at Shoetopia - 4044 Hamilton Avenue in Northside.
How much will it cost?
Two boot styles for the price of one - $79.
What's the deal?
It's the perfect loft bookcase. It's sleek, it's modern, it's metal, it's.....Italian. The alumiunum frame and cherry wood shelves will hold all the things you never use, but want to show off to guests (hello Collective Works of Shakespeare) in style.
Where to get it?
On one of the four floors of furniture and accessories at Contemporary Galleries downtown. Seriously, this place is McHuge. 211 W. Fourth St - between Elm and Plum.
How much will it cost?
This Italian goodness will set you back $784.
What's the deal?
Getting a cuff like this is having culture on your wrist. It is certain to invite questions about its origin and the story behind it. So what is the story behind it? This was hand-crafted in Turkmenistan, a central Asian country formerly a part of the Soviet Union. The cuff is intricately designed sterling silver washed over with 18k gold to make it literally shine. The gemstones are carnelians, a reddish-brown stone prevalent in Central Asian craft since at least the first century A.D. Not impressed yet with carnelian? Well, it is the official color of Campbell's soup, too!
Where to get it?
Get this, and tons of other really cool handmade goods from around the world at Mahatma - 639 Main St, downtown, just behind the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
How much will it cost?
Well, if the word "hand-crafted" didn't set off a cost alarm, then certainly the sterling silver/18k gold/carelian material combo did. However, at $298, it is comparable to many high-quality gold and silver jewelries, and undoubtedly much cooler.
What's the deal?
There's an old adage that goes, "waste not, want not." Well, Vy and Elle takes care of the waste not part, but for some reason their handbags just make people want more. All of V&E's bags are made from recycled vinyl billboards, saving the PVC from living forever in the landfill. This makes each and every bag they produce slightly different, giving you bragging rights of truly having a "one of a kind" bag.
Where to get it?
Metronation sells the Ella Bag, along with several other varities of Vy and Elle gear from large totes to smaller handbags. 1213 Vine St - Gateway Quarter.
How much will it cost?
$70 for the Ella Bag, stop by Metronation to price the rest of the Vy and Elle line.
What's the deal?
Feeling stressed at home? Deadlines looming at work? Life just sucking in general? Put one of these beautfully tiny trees in your living room, and - voila! - you become an instant zen master.
Where to get it?
City Roots, the new urban gardening store located in the Gateway Quarter: 1133 Vine St (next to the Ensemble Theatre).
How much will it cost?
City Root's bonsais run $40-$300 depending on the size and species. For the bonsai connoisseur, City Roots will order specialty bonsais - but, be prepared to open your wallet for the rarer species.
What's the deal?
Shoe-aholics looking for something funky and interesting should be pleased by an eye-catching color scheme and a heel that doesn't double as a death trap. People who like funny company names should be pleased by the makers of the shoe, Naughty Monkey. Guys should be pleased that this shoe pulls off the sexy + elegant thing, and make a sure-fire gift that fools her into thinking you have taste (unlike the last pair of "light-up stilettos").
Where to get it?
These Naughty Monkey Highways, along with a number of other funky shoe choices, can be found at Shoetopia, 4044 Hamilton Avenue, in middle of the Northside business district.
How much will it cost?
A very reasonable $69. Colors include green (shown above) and the equally cool but less accurately named (try beige/brown) red.
Full Disclosure: I recently bought a Buddy 125 Italia scooter from Metro Scooter and it rocks my world.
What's the deal?
If you want to get 90+ miles per gallon, the ability to jet around the city at up to 65 miles per hour, easy parking spaces and you want to look really really ridiculously cool doing it, a scooter is the way to go. Don't even get me started on the gorgeous two-tone olive green and the whitewall tires on this Series Italia, becuase I, like most scooter owners, would love nothing more than to talk about my scooter all day long.
Where to get it?
Metro Scooter has the Buddy scooter line, along with other Genuine Scooter (including the equally sexy Stella 150) and TGP two-wheelers and all the accessories you need to get out and ride. Check them out at 3176 Montgomery Rd, just north of the Dana intersection. Just look for the building with the huge scooter mural, you can't miss it.
How much will it cost?
The Buddy 125 Italia will usually set you back $2895, but during Metro Scooter's Summer Sale, they have taken $100 off all Buddy scooters - including the Italia Series.
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