A Night Out at Branch4 min read

Seared Halloumi

Branch…  I have been many, many times because it happens to be walking distance from my house and because it is a great place. I went the other night to have a preview of the new Fall menu and I’ll tell you what… there was not a disappointing bite of the night. Sometimes places take a little time to find their place — what they really want to be. I’m not, for a minute, saying that Branch wasn’t good from the beginning, but I am saying that the creativity and love that Shoshannah Anderson Owner and Executive Chef has put into this menu from the beginning seems to really shine. 

Branch, which is close to celebrating its 1-year anniversary, is located on the main intersection of Walnut Hills (Madison & Woodburn) in a unique old bank building that sat vacant for 50 years.  Now, it is beautifully restored keeping the bank theme with the owls like in the days of Central Trust. Take a peek in the kitchen and you can get a glimpse of the safe!

Smoked Amish Airline Chicken Breast

During my recent visit, every dish that Shoshannah brought and described to me was like her one favorite child after another. All were definitely creations from the heart. The night I was there, the team was also tasting wines to compliment the new flavors of the season. I was also lucky enough to be there when Giacomo, the creator of the wonderful cocktails was behind the bar. He is as creative as his name ;). So do yourself a favor and try a tasty treat from the bar that is made also with love! All the bartenders are great but if you see the guy with the handlebar mustache tell him to whip you up one of his creations.

Back to the food… I was able to bite into some of the new items and I will tell you it was a party in my mouth! Sometimes you read a menu and you may not recognize ingredients or something sounds like it wouldn’t be part of that particular dish, but you need to trust. Some people have an ear for music and some chefs have a tongue for taste; well… that is what I feel this menu has. 

Flank Steak

A few of the things I tried

Seared Halloumi delish

Smoked Amish Airline Chicken Breast with Polenta, Mole Rojo. OK, these flavors all combined were amazing! What a treat! 

Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs with pickled veggies (love pickled veggies and where were these when I was a kid?) Red Kuri Gochujang… don’t ask–just eat. This meat was so tender it melted in my mouth.

Flank Steak with roasted potatoes, Japanese Eggplant, Chimichurri the presentation alone was beautiful. It didn’t stop there… the combination of flavors was delish. 

This menu has so much to offer and I can’t wait to go back and try more. I was told there will soon be an upside-down apple cake of some sort that I’ll make sure to save room for after dinner :) 

Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs

Things To Know:

•1535 Madison Rd. Walnut Hills 

•Parking- On-street or in the lot just steps away 

•Don’t forget that there is always the Night Drop! This fun bar downstairs, that has a great full bar menu and offers some great options into the night hours. They also have a menu of creative cocktails, great tunes, and a cool vibe. 

•Brunch is not to be missed!! 

•They also have a great outdoor seating area when weather permits. 

•Take note of the great ways they incorporated the bank theme from the original use of the building into everything from the name of the restaurant, bar, drinks and even how your bill is presented! 

•Great place to meet and grab a drink and a bite at the bar

•Sign up for the newsletter and or follow on social media for events and more  

•$1 oyster night on Tuesdays 

Hours:

Brunch
Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Bar
Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Sat 3:00 pm–2:00 am
Dinner
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm