“Making a Splash”3 min read

8th & English is ready to make a splash!

The new spot in O’bryonville is ready for you. Kevin and I got to go to the soft opening last week, and I’m counting down the days until I can eat there again. I’m not kidding!

First, let me say that if I would’ve walked in off the street, I’d have never guessed that they just opened. Our waitress was so knowledgeable, the cocktails were flawless, and the food was seriously amazing!

The freshened-up décor, with a hint of ocean, is tastefully done with cool artwork that was made by painting real fish, then putting them on paper to make a print… funky! They could also be part of the new bathroom selfie craze with the fun fish wallpaper! I love how restaurants are paying attention to their restrooms now and creating an added attraction :)

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Owner/Chef Chase Blowers to get the lowdown. Chase spent most of his childhood into college years as a percussionist in the band and by teaching other kids. He then went on to study percussion at Baldwin-Wallace and CCM. So, the cooking thing didn’t come until later in life, when he started as a busboy at Hugo for a stint, at Boca––working his way to Chef de Cuisine for 6 years––then on to open  Dutch’s as chef de Cuisine, and finally as executive chef for the Phoenix Restaurant Group.  With all of that said I can attest to the fact that the dude knows how to cook up some really good food!

Chase said the hardest part about planning the restaurant was picking the name! After going through 50 or so, his group of friends all agreed on 8th & English ,which honors his 8th grade English teacher where he grew up in Harrison. Wow, wouldn’t all of us like to make that kind of impact on someone in our lives! They’re still very good friends and talk all the time.

I had the swordfish meatballs, spaghetti di nero and the smoked rainbow trout… I have been dreaming of those meatballs ever since! You know how you look at the person across the table and, just by the look on their face, you know they’ve died and gone to heaven? Well it happened, my friends! I looked at Kevin…he looked at me…and we didn’t need to utter a word!

Call now and make a reservation.I promise this place is going to pack them in!

Things to know…
• There will be specials reflecting what’s in season, and the menu will change a few times a year. (Swordfish meatballs better not go away ;)
• Coming soon after they get their groove? Lunch!
• Raw Bar is in the works!
• Chase is married with a 5-year-old and a 7-month-old and bought and remodeled a house while putting the restaurant together!!  So I’m just saying he’s one helluva multitasker!
• They’re adding a bar menu with 5 or so items all around the $5 range.
• Much of his produce will come from his parents’ farm!
• When Chase isn’t dining on his amazing food, he likes to dig into Cool Ranch Doritos and Thin Vanilla Oreos!
• Parking on the street or in the lot on the corner
• 2038 Madison Rd. 513-386-7383