Brunch is Always a Good Idea!

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I have so many new places to write about I had to just pick two out of a hat to narrow it down!

Both of these new spots are serving up everything from brunch to dinner. I have done the brunching part and can’t wait to hit up the dinner menu.

Crown Republic Gastropub– 720 Sycamore St.  Hours: 11am-10pm Monday-Friday and 10am-11pm Saturday. * Closed Sunday (read below for early risers hours) So this is your go to all week but Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you get when you get three college friends together in a kitchen? Really good chefs! (probably not the punch line you thought:) ).  The team of Anthony Sitek, Mike Casari and Haley Nutter-Sitek are in Cincinnati after culinary school and cooking their way through some great restaurants. The team has come up with a fantastic menu and a fun place to eat. Haley, being a Cincy native, talked the guys (one being her husband) into coming to her hometown. Thanks Haley!

Both boys are full-blooded Italian’s, so the menu has a bit of a Mediterranean flair. But it’s not limited and there is something for everyone!

Another key player in this team (and I have been Instagram stalking him forever and so should you!) is Ben Arington who is another school bud of Haley’s better known as Fat Ben’s Bakery. He is the most amazing pastry chef! Not only does he make all the baked goods he has his own walk up window for the early birds. 7am-11am (or until he runs out). You can walk up and grab one of his homemade pastry pockets (pop tarts) or delish scone and a cup of coffee…$5 for coffee and a pastry! YUMMM  Check out his instagram HERE

Everything is made from scratch and they have great drink specials all day. The Business Man’s Special even includes an “adult soda” which is a Pony Boy (7oz. Highlife) that will help get you through that work day!


Things to know:

• What’s in the name? Crown because every Queen (as in Queen City) needs a crown!

•Try the Beet Toast and, well, everything else cuz it’s all good!

• Wash your hands in the cool light changing faucets ;) The girls I took washed their hands more than usual !

• Bar seats and outdoor seating available

Blackbird Eatery– 3009 O’Bryon – Hours Wednesday –Saturday Lunch 11am-1:30 Dinner 5pm-9pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-2:30pm, dinner 4pm-8pm This is your go to Sunday Brunch

This gem is tucked right behind Eighth & English in O’bryonville. The owner Mary Swortwood, of the now closed Green Dog and Buz Restaurants, has opened an adorable little bistro. I have only been there for brunch (many times) but if they do lunch and dinner like the brunch I’m in!




They have a cute bar where you can sit and eat, and they have a great cocktail menu! The menu is full of creative foods, some I had to ask about, but they all sound delicious, ‘cause she really knows how to put things together!

They have a couple fun kids items for brunch like “Fairy Bread” with rainbow sprinkles and “Mickey Mouse Pancakes” so fun!

Great atmosphere to kick off your Sunday morning and the Fried Egg Butty is my fav!

Things to know:

• Parking – there is a paid lot but there is a ton of on street parking

• There are good Vegetarian options

Tokyo Kitty, karaoke the night away!

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“Hit me with your Best Shot” and “ Rappers Delight.” Just give me a microphone, and those are my first two choices. So, after a birthday, I grabbed a few friends to hit up Tokyo Kittydowntown, we ended up singing for two hours in a cool, private room and having a blast. I had a couple girls in the group who thought they would just “stop in for a minute.” Yeah, they were the ones from whom I was prying the microphone, and they ended up dancing out on the main dance floor for awhile.
Tokyo Kitty is just another addition to the innovative bars behind the mastermind Jacob Trevino. His other two bars are Video Archivein Walnut Hills (a Quentin Tarantino-themed speakeasy with a “Pulp Fiction” vibe) and Overlook Lodge in Pleasant Ridge (a nod to “The Shining”). This guy knows how to throw a party, and I love it! Last Christmas, he even transformed those two bars. Video Archive was “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and The Overlook Lodge transformed into an over-the-top “Miracle Bar”.
The latest bar is a nod to Bill Murray’s “Lost in Translation.”. Jacob said the scene where Murray and Scarlett Johansson sing was part of the bar’s inspiration. The scene “shows people connecting over music”. I can attest, when we were all on the dance floor, we were all dancing with some “new best friends” haha
When you enter the bar, you’ll feel like you just landed in the Tokyo airport. They don’t want the dance floor to ever get jammed with people, so you wait in the bar area to start you off. Then you’re guided through a cool, mirrored hallway (selfie area for sure) and into the main bar, which has fantastic light effects a DJ and a fully stocked bar with a long list of specialty cocktails and sake drinks. You can stay in here as long as you want (where the crowd controls the music selection and everyone can sing along) or you can reserve a private room. There are seven themed rooms of varying sizes. This is a blast! You and your friends can sing dance and be crazy while you plug in the songs you want. The best part…your drinks are served using your phone and are delivered by a Bbot! A what???? It is a robotic drink delivery system where the bartender loads your drinks, they go up through the ceiling and down into your room! It is soooo flipping cool. TK is only the second bar in the country to have this system.
So, whether you want to just hang in the main bar or have a little private party or both, it’s really an awesome time. Put this on your list of things to do in Cincy for sure!
Click HERE for my previous write up on Video Archive
Things To Know:
• 575 Race St.
• Open 5p.m. – 2a.m. everyday
• Sun–Thurs private rooms
Small room $20/hour
Medium room $30/hour
Large room $40/hr.
Add $10 Friday & Saturday
• Try the “Luna” cocktail (yummm) named after Sailor Moon cat. Sailor is popular animated Japanese character
• The microphones they have must be magical because I swear I sounded sooo good!
Three New Cincinnati Hot Spots!

Three New Cincinnati Hot Spots!

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Just when you think we have so many good places to experience more pop up! I’ve discovered three new and delicious places for you to check out. I just love sharing these surprises.

Sacred Beast
1437 Vine St.
This is your new upscale diner with an awesome vibe, great music, fab food and late hours.

Jeremy & Bridget Lieb have opened their doors for us and we should be very happy! These two met as youngsters while working at Cincinnati’s iconic Masionette, traveled around from Vegas, Atlanta and more and then brought all their knowledge back to Cincinnati…Thank you!!


This funky diner style restaurant has move in your seat tunes that are pumped out from a reel to reel system with old school speakers, cool cozy booths and seats at the bar. My fave are the seats at the “chefs table” the back bar where you can watch everything being made. They even have a great outdoor area if it ever gets above 50 degrees here.


Instead of a separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menu it’s the same menu all day, so you can decide if you want breakfast for dinner or not… bam!


Their slogan is “Simple Food Taken Seriously” and I agree. I went twice last weekend just to do some research ;). On my 1:00am visit I needed and devoured the burger which I can describe as a gourmet White Castle (and I mean this in the BEST way). I also indulged on the hash browns with a gravy on top that is so good you want to drink. The deviled eggs are on point and please try the Matzo Ball soup!

They have a late night special called the Happier Hour …single burger, pint of Hamms beer and a shot of Evan Williams for $15. They have a great selection of beers on tap as well as white, red & rosé also on tap and a killer cocktail menu. A a full bar with custom shots!

• What’s in the name? Sacred is their dedication to hard work and Beast is what they deliver from the kitchen!

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11AM – 1:00AM
Friday 11AM – 2:30AM
Saturday 10:30AM – 2:30AM
Sunday 10:30AM – 1AM

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
1201 BroadwaySt.
Biscuits made for a meal! This hip restaurant with a western feel and biscuits to die for, is located in the middle of Pendleton which is quickly becoming the new hotspot! “Contemporary take on classic American frontier food” and that it is.


The brainchild of Chef Christian Gill and owner PJ Neumann, Boomtown is putting a whole new meal idea on your plate and it’s as amazing as Christian’s hair! Besides having the best color changing hair he is an expert biscuit maker and learned as a little boy in his grandmother’s kitchen along with his mother (they should both be ecstatic that all of those skills have paid off). Fun fact… is Christian appeared on Food Network’s “Guy’s Big Project” with Guy Fieri!


PJ grew up with the same experience learning how to cook with his mom. He started working washing dishes at age 14 eventually going to college to learn the business side of things his love for cooking stuck with him. So, this duo is a perfect match in my opinion. Fun fact… PJ collected all of the cool antique décor that is displayed in the restaurant. Everything has a story, just ask!


The idea of Boomtown pays homage to the Gold Rush of 1849. Biscuits were the food that fueled prospectors. I can’t imagine that they were as good as Boomtown!

There is no way that you will leave without a full belly and a great experience. The Yukon is a must – it’s a melt in your mouth biscuit with friend chicken, gravy, smoked cheddar, bacon and, of course, you have to add an egg… duh! Hidalgo’s is not a biscuit, but it’s damn good with chilaquiles, poached egg, gravy, ranchera, pico and a cumin lime crema. Uggh, I’m so hungry after writing this!

The cocktails are innovative and delish…even one with gold dust on the rim.


Take a look around the decor details as they are fantastic. The gold vein paint that runs throughout the restaurant is a fun element carried out in the bathrooms, too. The gold bar utensils are so cool and showcase the theme.

Hours: Friday 7AM -10PM
Saturday 9AM – 10PM
Sunday 9AM – 3PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday –Thursday 7AM – 9PM
Photos courtesy of Boomtown*
Injoy
1400 Republic St.

Good vibes great people! First, you will know you are getting closer when you get a hint of the mouth watering aromatic smell that drifts out to the street of the new Injoy!

This amazing Indian inspired spot will make you feel healthy and you will leave with a smile because that is how they want it!

Brothers Phillip and Ben, along with childhood friend, Ramaldo kept throwing around ideas on what they wanted to do with their future. They had a few ideas but kept coming back to the idea that there is no fast Indian food in Cincinnati. The boys did a dreamy trip of sailing in the Mediterranean for a few weeks. That led to a little soul searching… reading books, exploring and thinking of what to do next. They just kept coming back to the Indian food idea and thought this is it.


They love the OTR scene and thought it would be perfect for a walk-up window type place. So they fused all ther ideas and came up with basically a take-away place with a small eat in area. After success in Findlay Market and a food cart where they set up at different events, they perfected what they were doing and knew it’s what people liked.

Injoy which the name is a combo of Indian + joy = Injoy … perfect!

It’s Chipotle style. You pick your bowl or wrap and walk it through adding your favorite things. This is going to be hard because I tried all three sauces and literally couldn’t decide because they were all so good. Everything has so much flavor you will love it. They also offer salad, garlic naan, Daal soup (has a kick, but so good), and the apple pie bite is the topper…just the right size for a little treat.

This is the perfect place to pick up some food and head over to Washington Park for a picnic! It’s great just to have a healthy and unbelievably fantastic meal on the go. They also offer catering!

Ben says the food is obviously important, but what is equally important is good vibes. He wants people to come in and leave with some pep in their step. He wants to brighten their day. His smile says it all and you will see how genuine he is in his eyes. With a motto like “Take a moment to be in the moment “ you just gotta love them.


•Beer and wine coming soon!
•FYI Almost everything is vegan but don’t let this scare you… It’s so dang good I wouldn’t have even known!
Hours: Monday Closed
Tuesday –Thursday 11:00AM – 2:30PM, 4:30PM – 8:00PM
Friday 11:00AM – 2:30,PM 4:30PM – 9:00PM
Sunday 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Biggest Rooftop in Cincy!

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Urban Goes Suburban

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It’s the moment everyone in the Anderson/Newtown area has been waiting for…an adorable restaurant that serves great food and drink…and isn’t a chain! Hello, Urban Grill on Main!

Betsy Eicher and her brother-in-law, Randy Reichelderfer, have taken the training wheels off their very popular Urban Grill food truck and have opened a cool restaurant in Newtown.

The food truck was doing very well––after four years of serving food all over the city––but Randy had the vision of a restaurant.  Betsy wasn’t feeling it as much until Randy took her to this awesome 1870’s farmhouse on Route 32. Then Betsy admitted she could envision the rooms with a look and feel that she thought would make it a place people would love to visit.

She lights up when talking about the transformation of the old farmhouse to this quaint place, with one main dining room and two smaller rooms that can be reserved for big groups. With a host of soccer fields nearby, new pickle ball courts and a bike trail, I’m assuming these rooms will be full of fun groups on a daily basis.

They have a great bar in the main dining room and a coffee bar in one of the smaller rooms. If you’re a Fixer Upperfan like myself, you’d agree that Joanna had something to do with the look of the place! There’s a back deck scheduled to open in April and a front outdoor area where people can walk-up to a window and order up a soft serve ice cream. They held on to the original high quality soft serve machine left from the previous owners’ ice cream shop.

My friend Molly and I shared some serious goodness. We had the Mac ‘n’ cheese balls with a Dijon Mayo sauce. Do yourself a favor and order these! We also shared the Meat Loaf Burger and Queen City Chicken Sandwich on an English Muffin with Buffalo cream sauce and a side of Brussels Sprouts. We loved it all!

I can’t wait to go back and try some more!

This is a great place to meet for a coffee. They open the coffee bar at 8:30 Wednesday – Saturday and 11:00 on Sunday. When I asked about a possible brunch in the future Betsy didn’t say “NO”! So I will be looking forward to that someday :)

Things I like…
• purse hooks on the bar and community table
• phone charger outlets at bar seats
• first come, first served bar seats
• community table that can be shared by many in the main bar area. Meet some new people while your out!
• adult slushy machine (plugged in the day I was there!)
• great Daily Special menu
• their tagline is “Bacon Built This City” !
• they take reservations

Urban Grill on Main– 6623 Main St.
Open 11-9 Wednesday & Thursday ,11-10 Friday & Saturday  and Noon-8 on Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday

Winner for the $100 Woodhouse Spa in NKYis misford79  Congrats!

Things going on this weekend
• Reelabilites Film Festival – All taking place at Duke Energy Center. This is so worth grabbing the family and attending at least a couple short films. Some are free but you still need to go to the website and reserve tickets. These films and the whole event will open your eyes to the possibilities of life if you put your mind to it!
• St. Patricks Day Parade– Saturday March 11th at Noon Kicks off at Paul Brown Stadium and ends on Freedom Way and Rosa Parks St.

Thank Cod it’s Friday!

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You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy a traditional Lenten fish fry! I have to admit, it’s been years since I’ve been to one, so I started Googling and learned it’s not your old-school fish fry anymore!

Following is a list of the some of the fish fries in town with healthy and unique offerings. (I’ll also link you to the whole list so you can check all of them out!) Pay attention to the dates, because some churches don’t have them every week.

• All Saints- 8939 Montgomery Rd. 792-4600
March 10th,17t ,24th, 31st and Apr. 7th 5:00-7:30
Choose from fried cod, grilled salmon & tilapia to fish tacos, pizza, sweet potato fries and more.

• Guardian Angels- 6531 Beechmont Ave. 231-7440
March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Apr. 7th and 14th 5:00-7:00
Baked fish, shrimp, crab cakes, mozzarella sticks and more. You can dine-in or carry-out!

• Immaculate Heart of Mary- 7820 Beechmont Ave. 388-0031
March 3rd,10th,17th,24th,31st and April 7th 4:30-7:00
Fish tacos,  Shrimp Caesar salad, hush puppies and tons more. The bonus of this is everyone is invited to pray the rosary at 6:25, stations of the cross at 7:00, followed by a weekly Lenten Speaker at 7:30. April 7th the children of the parish do a live stations of the cross at 7:00
All proceeds benefit the IHM Boosters. Reserved parking for pick up.

• Old St. Mary – 123 E 13th St.  TONIGHT ONLY!  721-2988
This, my friends, is on the Bockfest Parade route!! Begins at 5:00.  Only on Friday March 3rd.

• Our Lady of Grace School at Little Flower– 5560 Kirby Ave.  541-5560(carry out)
March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st and April 7th 5:00- 7:30
Fried pickles, onion rings and local craft brews are the great additions to this fry!

• Our Lady of the Rosary – (4 of my sisters’ alma mater) 17 Farragut Rd.  825-8626
March 3rd, 10th,17th,24th, 31st and April 7th. Drive Thru and they take credit cards at this one!• Our Lady of the Sacred Heart – 177 Siebenthaler Ave. 733-4950
March 17th, 24th, 31st and April 7th 5:0-7:30
Fettucine, pizza and fish nuggets are good add-ons at this fry along with Chef Specials each Friday. Carry out available.

• Our Lord Christ the King (better know as Pacelli) – 922 Ellison Ave. 321-4121
March 24th & 31st 5:00-8:00
Clam chowder, homemade mac & cheese and grilled veggies are added attractions here!

• St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church– 2530 Victory Pkwy 961-0120
March 3rd,10th,17th,24th,31st & Apr. 7th 7:00-8:00 after prayer service at 6:00
Enjoy Middle Eastern (meatless) dinners for a suggested $10 donation. Yum!

• St. Cecilia Fry & Monte Carlo – 3105 Madison Rd.  871-5757
March 17th!! St. Pattys Day 5:30-midnight
All you can eat plus three drink tickets with games of chance and NCAA games. MUST BE 21! $17 in advance or $20 at the door! Love this one!

• St. Columban – 894 Oakland Rd. Loveland  683-0105
March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th,31st & Apr 7th 5:00-8:00
Buffalo shrimp wraps , weekly food specials and themes each week. Craft beer & drink specials make this one sound fun!!

• St. Francis de Sales- 1600 Madison Rd. 961-1945
March 3rd,10th,17th,24th,31st & Apr. 7th 5:00-7:00
This could be a place to meet new friends while grabbing some fish! I’ve attended mass here, and it’s so friendly (and many 20/30-sometings hang here). Plus, you can walk to Woodburn Brewery, Growler and Myrtles afterwards!

• St. Bartholomew- 9375 Winton Rd. 522-3680
March 24th,31st & April 7th 5:00- 7:30
My alma mater, so, of course, I had to plug it!! Looks like the addition of Famous Kaiser Pickles and Krimmer’s Italianette Pizza baked onsite seem to be the main attraction.

• St. WilliamW. 8th St. 921-0247
March 3rd, 10th,17th,24th,& April 7th 4:00-7:00
They are serving up all the good seafood delights dine in , carry-out and drive-through. You may want to stick around because they have live music every week. The line up is on their website www.stwilliamsfishfry.com

• Last but not least if a fish fry is not your thing… Gold Star Chili is rolling out their Vegetarian Chili !!! So if you have that hankering for meat on the day you can’t have it head on over for a three-way

Click HEREfor the complete line-up!

Rise & Shine!

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Wild Eggs
Breakfast spots are popping up all over, and that’s a good thing, because meeting people for breakfast/brunch has become the thing to do.  You pass by any First Watch and Sleepy Bee, and there’s always a line.

The new place in town is Wild Eggs!  It’s come to us after drawing quite a following and winning many awards in Louisville. “Best Bruch in Louisville 2016” and USA Today awarded them “Best Hot Brown in Ky.”  The Oakley location opened last week, and I’ve already been there twice. (You know I had to check out a few items before I could give it two thumbs up… research my friends :)

Wild Eggs’ menu has something for everyone when it comes to breakfast and lunch.
The to-die-for items are the fresh squeezed OJ and the cinnamon rolls! Two cinnamon rolls with vanilla bean icing are made and served in an iron skillet. Do you know what that means?? Three warm centers…the very best part!!!  A couple other things I tried were the Wild Mushroom Roasted Garlic Scramble…yum…and its heathy :) The quesadilla, Chile Verde Huervo Racheros were also good (but I love Mexican type breakfast food).  I did love the Crabby Patty made with real lump crabmeat and poached eggs. Wow, what a treat.

They also have a coffee of the day and grits of the day. This place can only get better with one more thing…a liquor license! (coming soon) :) Imagine that OJ with a dash of champagne!
The next location is opening in Kenwood soon, then downtown in the Great American building. Be ready for a bit of a wait, because it’s that good! Or try to get a spot at the bar (first come).

Hand & Stone
Next to the awesome Wild Eggs is a new massage and facial spa. Hand & Stone. I went for a relaxation massage, and it was heavenly. It’s an inviting, serene spa offering many services, from Hot Stone massages to an array of facial treatments. Open  7 days a week. They also offer a membership if you want to go regularly. You can check it out now by winning a gift card for a free treatment of your choice. Just like and my facebook post and add a friends name to the comments! If you are not on fb just send me an email to be entered to win.  I will pick a winner and announce it next week on my blog.

Wild Eggs– 3240 Vandercar Way
Hand & Stone– 3242 Vandercar Way

End of the season SALE!!! February 9th-11th
Mark you calendars for one of my sales of the year! A bunch of great stores combining there goods in one spot so shopping can’t get much better than that! Bonus is that 10% of all proceeds as well as the $5 door donation go to the Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation. Cocktails and appetizers provided. I love a give back ;) CO-OP7892 Camargo Rd.

Just read this and I also read Laine Moriarty’sother book Big Little Lies which is going to be an HBO series starting February 19th!

Brickmas & Last-Second Gifts!

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I wanted to give you all one more idea for something fun to do with your family, so I went in to the newly remodeled Memorial Hall to check out the Lego exhibit. I had the pleasure of meeting Josh and Christy––the Event Managers and wealth of knowledge about the building––and was fortunate enough to get an extensive tour of this incredible space in OTR, across from Washington Park.

Memorial Hall has been closed for about a year, and everything was touched during the renovation. The building, that was first built to honor the more than 30,000 Hamilton County residents who’d fought in the Civil War, still has many artifacts beautifully hung throughout the building.  Every wall was hand painted to make it look like marble and wallpaper. All new bathrooms, floors redone and top-of-the-line audio equipment installed in every room.

The concert hall is absolutely stunning (not a word I use often, but when I do…I mean it)! All of the original, ornate details have been touched up and kept to its original look. The 600 chairs in the theater are all new, but look just like the originals…even including an under-the-seat hat holder for your “top hat”. :)

This is a place to consider for events of any size, because there are many rooms from which to choose. Picture a wedding in Washington Park and a reception right across the street! They have so many events already on the calendar, so make sure to check out their website. They have movies for all ages, concerts, shows and a fun Valentine dinner coming up.

But why wait to check it out!  They’re currently showcasing the Brickmas Lego exhibit! The kids (and adults) can do a scavenger hunt searching for certain legos.  It winds throughout the building and features rooms full of Lego scenes…like a Cincinnati scene, Batman, Minions and an interactive area where kids can build their own creations. And so much more. Bonus…the adults can sip on a cocktail while taking it all in!

The exhibit also features movie nights, showing Christmas movies like A Christmas Story, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life. The movies are free with admission into Brickmas. So here’s to another new and fun tradition for families.

Memorial Hall
1225 Elm St.

Last-second (and I mean LAST-second) shopping!!

• Wine Merchant in Hyde Park has gift baskets ready for pick-up, or you can come in and create a custom-made basket for that special someone (who’s so important, you’ve waited this long to buy for)! They also offer a wine-of-the-month…the gift that keeps giving and has perks such as wine tasting too. The newly remodeled space is worth checking out. 3972 Edwards Rd. 513-732-1515


• My friend Kip makes the most unbelievable jewelry, and I am not just saying this because she is one of my peeps. Every Christmas I ask for “a Kip jewl” Every time I wear something she’s made, I get so many compliments it’s unbelievable. One-of-a-kind pieces that will steal the show! Email here asap to make someone very, very happy!  kipvota@yahoo.com

• If you’re out and about, stop in the Co-Op in Maderiaand pick up a cute outfit for the girl in your life. They have very affordable cute clothes and to-die-for shoes. 7892 Camargo Rd. 513-301-7276.


•Check out my previous posts for fun different stores in Liberty Center Mall and High Street for cool gifts and many others.

•You can always donate to a cause in someone’s name. Make a difference by clicking and donating, then put smiles on many faces!  Some of my favorite causes are Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation, MRC Music Resource Center, American Heart Association, Stepping Stones, Boys Hope Girls Hopeand many more. Click on the name to get more info.

It’s almost here!

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Tick Tock, my friends. I’m here to help with some last-minute ideas––both local and online.

• I am in love with a sock company based out of New York called Bombas. They have awesome colors and styles. The best part? For every pair you buy, a pair is donated to the homeless!! Love this! Order today to get them by Christmas.

• Think summertime when trying to think of a good gift. A really good one is a Ticketmastergift card for concerts at Riverbend, golf lessons or a pass for the neighborhood pool.

• Another give back item: If you have someone with an Apple watch the TOMScompany has great bands. For every watch band purchase, TOMS will help provide one year of solar light to a person in need! Awesome!


• If you have that person that says they don’t need anything and they don’t want any clutter, how about a good magazine subscription? So many from health, decorating to travel. Read it, then toss it or give it to a retirement center after you’ve collected a few…they love it! Kids also enjoy magazines, and they love getting mail. There are some perfect ones for the youngsters like Click and Cricket or Sports Illustrated for Kids. When the chaos of Christmas is over and they have lost the head to lego guy … they will love this gift every month.

• Sometimes people, like an older relative, may want something to look forward to. Give them a night out with a specific date so you don’t let time tick away and forget. Tell them you are taking them to a movie and dinner. It’s nice in the gray days of January to have something on the calendar. Keep a look for great new restaurants right here on my blog ;)

• Baby it’s cold outside! I recently visited the local company Fabulous Furs, and I can promise there’s a woman in your life who would love something from them! Go online and check it out or head to their showroom. They make faux furs, blankets, hats and so much more. They have a long list of celebrities they’ve worked with and movies and shows that have featured their furs! They have some great sales right now, so check it out.  I recently got two, and I love them!! Hey guys if you call ahead and tell what you are looking for they will have some things ready for you when  you stop in. The one on the right was in O magazine and on the show Empire!

• If you want to get some really special jewelry for someone, head to Hyde Park and check out Peek of Chic. You will make someone very very happy!!  This isn’t jewelry you’ll see anywhere else. I promise! And they have so much more!


• If you have some time to kill, check out Etsy. You can find something for everyone, and you’ll probably get something for yourself :)

• Almost everyone likes a candle! So get a gift card for someone to go with a friend (or you) to the Candle Lab in OTR. Such a fun time to pick out your own scent…and you actually make your own candle!

• Ok, so I’m getting to that point where, when I’m at a restaurant, I have trouble seeing the menu . (Yikes, I hate admitting this in writing!) Anyway, I found these cool glasses called Thinoptics. They come in a very slim case and can stick to the back of your phone. This way they’re always with you because, let’s face it, we rarely leave home without a phone!!

• Looking for something festive to do? Check out the Krohn Conservatory. They have a great train set up for the kids and a miniature village featuring all the major buildings of Cincinnati. Great for the whole family.

• New place to eat…Gomez Salsain Walnut Hills. If you are familiar with Gomez in OTR, it’s the walk-up window connected to the bar Half Cut. Now Gomez has its own eat-in, and ohhhhhh  it’s so good, my mouth is watering. The best is the turtle… A crunchy tortilla shell where you get to pick what you want in it! Amazeballs!  Parking on the street or in lot on the side of the building. Full bar available…check out their signature fire margaritas. Hotties!  ;)


• What to watch?? If you haven’t indulged yet, you MUST binge-watchThis Is Us. I’m telling you, it’s one of the best show on right now! Oh and FYI…it’s a tear jerker !

Surprise! It isn’t what you think. :)

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A new, hip speakeasy has me a tad smitten lately, and I’m not the only one to notice. The NY Timeshas even written about it! Wow, Hey Michelle and The NY Timeswriting about the same thing. Oh, if my teachers could see me now!

This is the place you want to take your cool cousins or hip friends from out of town…it’s not like your other hangouts.

Video Archivecaught my eye, because I think I’m the only one that misses Blockbuster and the ability to get any movie when I want it. No, Netflix doesn’t do that! I’ve gone through my 500 channels and still can never find a good flick I want to watch. So, yes, I miss a video store.

When you come upon this incredible video store in Walnut Hills––with a funky bunny painting on the window––you’re not quite sure what it is. You walk in, and a friendly “movie specialist” is there to help you pick out just the right movie. When you pull it off the shelf, the secret is revealed! A video shelf moves, and, voila…a Quentin Terantino-themed, kick-butt bar is exposed!

Jacob Trevino––who loves movies and is a Molly Wellman-trained mixologist––had the chance to open a bar, and he went all-in on the theme. Everywhere you glance are hints about Terantino, with his movies on TVs and other movies projected above the bar. Pulp Fiction pictures hang around the vintage Wurlitzer jukebox, and there are plenty of creatively named cocktails.

Per usual, I don’t want to tell you everything so you can be surprised too, but you need to go have Jeremy or Jonathan shake you up a drink or a Five Dollar Milkshake ;)

There is a quaint little courtyard with a fire pit and a walk up window to Just Q’in BBQ. They have great theme nights and a Fight Club (join for wine tastings, and after you attend 5, you get a deal on the 6th). And, yes, they have a level 2 sommelier so probs some good wine from off the beaten path because you wouldn’t expect anything common here! Join their Facebookpage for info on all fun upcoming events.  For instance, on Dec. 17th from 6-9 is one my husband “Double O Kevin” would like…James Bond Night! $7/007 cocktails and the movies playing all night. Bonus…if you come all dapper in a tux, you get a martini for free!

Trevino also owns another themed bar in Pleasant Ridge called Overlook Lodge. While it isn’t a “secret bar” it’s definitely one to check out for its sly references to the movie “The Shining.”

• Parking directly out front on the street.  Come with a friend…this area is on the rise, but better safe…

Video Archive – 965 E. McMillian