Wine Me, Dine Me

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Napa shnapa. Who needs to book a flight when you have an active winery in OTR?

Skeleton Root, which opened its doors in September, is serving up some delicious wines and doing so with as much local grape as possible. When you visit, erase everything you think you know about local grapes and wines so you can enjoy the wines without preconceived notions. I tried the red flight which is a great way to sample all they have to offer. I really enjoyed the Petit Verdot, but they were all tasty, and I can only imagine with a meal they would be even better!

This huge, hip spot should be on everyone’s radar. On top of being a cool local, winery, it can be the location of your next party, wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or an awesome auction dinner party! They even hold a floral making class once a month in one of the rooms. An adorable florist Gia & the Blooms––also from OTR––was doing a class when I stopped by, and everyone was making fragrant door wreaths. Just think how creative you’d be, making something while you have unlimited access to wine!

Kate McDonald is the mastermind behind it all. She is an engineer by trade, but a wine enthusiast by nature. She started dabbling in wine making her own.  Then, after taking some classes, and as her love for the whole wine thing grew, she quit her job and moved to Napa. There she worked for the Lewis Cellars, where she was able to get her hands dirty and learn the business. She knew she wanted to come back to Cincinnati. With her excitement for wine and her love of history––especially the history of wine right here––it was a no brainer.

As Kate, who is so knowledgeable and eager to share, was giving me the very extensive tour, I was once again surprised at how much I don’t know about the city I grew up in. A connection was brought about when she mentioned Nicholas Longworth and Catawba grapes. My three boys attended St. Ursula Villa School by Ault Park in Mt. Lookout. There used to be wisteria trellises on the property that looked like vines, and we knew there was a vineyard history in the area…hence the school’s address––Vineyard Place––and another street across from the school named Catawba…a heritage grape from our region that Kate uses now! When Kate was telling her story, she brought up Longworth’s wine vineyard, which sprawled from the school area all the way to Mt. Adams. What an incredible surprise when it all clicked!

At the time Longworth was growing his grapes in the 1850s, Kate said Cincinnati was the largest wine growing region in the country with over 2,000 acres of vineyards! In fact, there’s an American flag from 1858 hanging in Skeleton Root. It points out the history. Note it only has 30 stars…so before California was even a state. BAM! This flag would have been waving outside of Longworth’s estate during this whole wino time!

The demise of “our” wine time was losing many workers at the start of the Civil War, and no one was left to work the vineyards.

Kate is very hopeful and has strong faith that the wine making in our area can have a re-birth. She did say “quality before local”––her objective being the highest quality of wine.  So if there’s nothing in supply in our area that she thinks would make a fantastic wine, she’ll reach out to the other growers with whom she works.

Stop in, check it out and take a tour with Kate. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge. ;)

Tips
• Try a flight! Four Reds for $15 or three whites and a Rosé for $12
• Parking on the street or small lot in back
• Bring your own food or call Uber Eats. Just chips available, for now
• Coming soon…small plates and beer
• Take a look at the Wendigotea, made by a local musician

Upcoming Events
• November 20th 2-5pm: Music by Benjamin Thomas
• December 1st 7-9pm: Holiday wreath making class. Book on Gia & The Bloomswebsite
• December 5th: Check the facebook page for info on a Repel Day celebration with Rhinegeist
• December 11th at noon: Pop-up Pure Barre class. Sign up through Skeleton Roots facebook page orPure Barre west website

Mention Hey Michellewhen you visit and get your corking fee free!!

Kate recommends dropping by and picking up the Riesling or Norton for your Thanksgiving fest!

Thanksgiving Pie Day!!!
Did you receive the email from your family asking what you’re bringing for Thanksgiving? You want to impress, but hate to cook? Here are my three pick-up-and-go pie recos for you:

• O Pie Oin Walnut Hills – fantastic different pies like salted cashew cream and honey vinegar…I know it sounds weird but I promise it’s delish.

• Fork & Pie – serving some tasty pies like the apple blueberry oat pie and many more

•Bluebird Bakery – with a crunch-top pumpkin…yum!
 

Staplehouse…add it to your list!

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Last weekend I had an amazing time exploring Atlanta. Actually, I had so much fun, I have to break it up into two blogs.

I’m so excited to tell you about our dinner on Saturday night at Staplehouse. When I first learned about it, I was reading Bon Appetite and came upon the article. I had to go! I knew I already had an Atlanta trip planned, but also knew getting reservations was very tricky. I had to go online on a certain day and time to get the one night I could go. I swear I felt like I was trying to get front row tickets to my favorite band. While breaking out in sweat I hit the button and got the last reservation of the night. Whoop whoop!! It is a small place so it isn’t like there are a ton of tables, but the demand is high considering they have won the James Beard AwardFinalist for the Best New Restaurant 2016 and Bon Appetite #1 Best New Restaurant in the country 2016. So naturally, I am not the only one vying for a reservation.

It is a casual little spot in the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. You pull up to complimentary valet parking and walk to the back of the building to enter. We happened to see some action in the back smoke house, and it was a guy making fresh sausage links. Hanging from the ceiling were persimmons that are apparently massaged to create the sweet juices for our dessert (or something cool like that). As this was described I knew we were in for a big night of fab eating!

Walking past the gardens and casual picnic tables into the back door made me immediately feel like family because only your friends come to your back door.

The open concept kitchen was part of the experience. Just being able to watch the craft of the chefs as they were preparing dishes was amazing to watch. I mean who uses long tweezers to place adorable little flowers on your food?! They sprinkled, dabbed and placed food very precisely on every plate like works of art. We ordered one of everything on the menu so we could all dig in and compare. The food was delivered by your main server most of the time, but by the end of the night just about every server had dropped something off. The food descriptions were like stories and captivated everyone at our table. We listened intently and smiled with each description. “The powdered pistachios are dancing on the plate” and the “curds and whey” YES! We had curds and whey… seriously!

The cocktail and wine list also added to the experience. It was just as hard to pick your cocktail so, of course, I had to try a few. ;)

Staplehouse has a story that brings you to appreciate the experience even more. The owners, Ryan and Jen Hildinger, started with a pop-up supper club out of their home in 2009. They knew they had to move to a bigger space and chase their dream of opening a restaurant.
Unfortunately, in 2012 Ryan––at age 35––was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and was given six months to live. When Ryan was diagnosed, his employer at the time––along with a community of friends––held a fundraiser to help with expenses. The funds raised exceeded what they needed. They decided to put the money towards people in the restaurant industry that face hardship. This launched The Giving Kitchen. Now, all profits after taxes of Staplehouse go to this organization, and it provides emergency assistance to the Atlanta restaurant community facing unanticipated hardship.

A year after Ryan passed away, Jen along with Ryan’s sister Kara and her husband Ryan Smith fulfilled their dream and, in September 2015, opened Staplehouse!

Tips…
• You can eat at the bar without a reservation.
• Use valet or lot across the street or on-street parking
• The menu changes daily depending on availability and the creative minds are always hard at work
• If you look online take note that they no longer do the tasting menu as of September
• Get the grandmas potato bread and whipped olive oil
• Cincy connection (I always find one ;) They use The 86 Companyfor their spirits. After researching I found out the copper stills that the Rum is distilled in were made in 1922 by the American Copper & Brass Works of Cincinnati!

Things you need to check out…
• Notice the signatures on the bar stools and tables. These are people who originally invested in the restaurant (Damn good investment).
• They have a thing for National Lampoon Vacation movie.  The garage door outside has a mural of John Candy.
• If you eat outside please take a minute to stand by the kitchen and observe the work and detail of these amazing chefs. Don’t cheat yourself of this experience!
• Notice the wall opposite of the kitchen of the daily list of things to do for the day.
• You will see Jen, Kara and Ryan Smith around and will probably have something delivered to your table by them, but take a second to say hello. They are the sweetest people and will take your visit to another level!

Thank you to Kara and Jen. Meeting you was a highlight and you brought tears to my eyes with the little journal you gave us for our anniversary (with a quote from Clark Griswold inside of course). You are special people, and I can’t wait to come back!

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn…

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Things are happening over the bridge…that’s for sure.  I’ve been drawn into Kentucky a lot recently to eat, drink and be merry…and I kinda like it!

When I heard about the newHotel Covington, I once again had to cross over the bridge. And, boy, was it was worth it. This fantastic old building, which used to house a department store and the city hall, is now this hip, vintage/modern boutique hotel.

The building–the first skyscraper in Kentucky–started construction in 1906. It was going to be a 7-story department store owned by John Coppin–selling high-end fashions of the 20th century. During construction, Coppin ran out of money. Distraught with the situation, he did what anybody would do when you lived near the Latonia Horse Park. He went and bet his last bit of money on a horse. Thanks to good luck and a horse named Knowledge, Coppin picked the right pony, and everything was back on track (horse racing pun intended)! Construction picked up again, the Coppin’s Department Storeopened its doors in 1910 and stayed open until the 1970’s.

The Salyers Group, part of Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Fursand Madison Event Center, was committed–as it always has been–to the area and it revitalization. Bringing the hotel to the area pairs perfectly to the wedding receptions and other events held at the Madison.

Now that you know the history, let me tell you…you have to check out this cool spot.  Have dinner in the amazing “Jewel Box”,  the glass atrium which is currently undergoing final touches with LED lighting to look like a necklace inside a jewelry box.  Enjoy the fine menu prepared by chef Brenden Haren, formerly of Orchids. Kevin and I really enjoyed the roasted chicken and delicious hamburgers with bacon marmalade. The cauliflower with a buffalo wing sauce and corn fritters were tasty little morsels too!

You can grab a fun cocktail, like the Liquid Knowledge (has to be a winner ;), the Covington Collins or many other fun house cocktails, wine on tap or anything else that might wet your whistle while sitting in the spacious, cool, open bar area.

The details are amazing…an open wall with cubbies holding old items from Coppin’s department store…from bowties to pearls. Pay special attention to the finishing touches. The plates and beer steins were designed and made by Rookwood Pottery. I would be remiss not to mention that they do have 114 hotel rooms that are unique and amazing, too. If you do stay the night, you have to check out the cool hangers and shopping bag-shaped trashcans. Yes, the simple things make me smile!

•Within the next few weeks, the outside area should be complete. It will be a complete hangout area with cornhole, games, outdoor movie nights and live music.

•A great private dining room with a long family-style table available for meetings or a dinner party.

Shout Out! 

When I was sixteen I was deciding what color parachute pants to wear and on which wall to hang my Prince poster. Lauren Hudson, an award winning author from Northern Kentucky just published her second book. The Ascensionis an action packed young adult novel about triplets separated at birth. This suspenseful story is filled with twists and turns as the triplets reunite and discover shocking truths about their family.

If you would like to meet this amazing young woman she will be at Red Tree Art Gallery & Coffee ShopOct. 14th 6-9. 3210 Madison Rd.

Get a little & Give a little 

•You have to eat, so go to Swampwater Grill with your family and friends tonight from 5-10 and support Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s the month of pink, so support this fantastic group that puts funin the lives of those going through a difficult time. They send women on trips and fun experiences, helping them live life to the fullest. 3742 Kellogg Ave.

•Need to get your steps in for the day? Join the walkers at Sawyer Pointtonight for theLight the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration is from 5:30-7:00. It’s a two-mile walk that starts at 7:00.

•Sunday is brunch day! So head to the Midwest Culinary Instituteat Cincinnati State and have 30 restaurants feed you. This event benefits theDeCavel Family SIDS Foundation. Fourteen years ago, our beloved chef Jean-Robert and his wife Annette lost their firstborn to SIDS. This event is their way to bring awareness. The event is Sunday Oct. 16th at 11:00. Go to www.eatplaygive.netfor more information.

Whats up this weekend ?

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are just a few things for you to put on your list. We live in a city that doesn’t stop…that’s for sure. There are so many great things to do that I’m tired just planning! Don’t forget to stop, smell the sunflowers and sip on your pumpkin spice latte.. tis the season

• Restaurant Week– Going on thru October 2nd. There are over 25 restaurants offering a 3-course meal for $35.

• Want to stay home ? Learn a little bit more about the Boss! Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography Born to Run was released Tuesday. Joseph Bethhas it 20% off.

• September 30 & October 1st is the Porkopolis Pig & Whiskey Festivalat Washington Park. All of your favorite BBQ’s and whiskey…plus a ton of live music to welcome the feel of Fall.

• October 2nd 10-5pm is the Hyde Park Square Art Show and the celebration of the square’s 50th anniversary. There will be over 200 exhibitors for you to check out along with food and drink.

• Feeling like being philanthropic? Join me at theBloomevent supporting Stepping Stonesat the beautiful Greenacres in Indian Hill. Food provided by over 20 restaurants, music by Clueless, emcess Jeff & Jen from Q102, bar and great auction items. Tickets can be purchased at www.cincybloom.org

Whats up this weekend??

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• Frenchie Fresh  is open in Rookwood! Jean-Robertowns many of the hottest restaurants in town, and now you can go to one without it being a special occasion. He just opened restaurant Llast month and now this. He is one busy dude. His newest gem is a casual dining spot with fast service and fresh, organic food. It’s a great spot for lunch, eat in or carry out.  Family friendly with an outdoor patio for your poochies (French bulldogs especially).  I highly recommend the seafood & truffle mac & cheese! Burgers with tons of toppings, wonderful salads and of course French fries. Try dipping your fries in the “franch” sauce.. get it?? French ranch… trés fancy! Oui Oui ok I’m finshed that’s all I know. Located in the old Lime location in Rookwood. 3831 Edwards Rd.

• Baby giraffe just born at the Cincinnati Zoo. Second time in two months. Make sure you have space on your phone to take pictures. So cute! 3400 Vine St.

• Hungry for pizza? Tagliois your answer it is truly the best pizza in town. I’m not even a huge pizza person, yet I dream of this stuff. 3531 Columbia Pkwy.

• The obvious thing to do but a new location…Oktoberfest Zinzinnati! Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest is the biggest in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world outside of Germany.  This year located on Second and Third St. (Sept. 16-18)

• Up for an adventure? The Ohio Renaissance Festivalruns through Oct. 23rd. You can see everything from knights to maidens walking around in character, to jousting and live sword fighting, while you gnaw on a huge turkey leg. Living Social has ahalf off coupon. 10542 E. State Rt. 73 Waynesville, OH 45068.

• This could be a two-fer…if you hit up the Renaissance Festival in your wench outfit, you could cut the skirt short, slap on some knee socks…now you have a dirndl and are ready for Oktoberfest..Prost!!!

• Cincinnati Balletpresents the Director’s Cut Sept. 16 & 17. The Aronoff Art Center, 650 Walnut St.

•If you haven’t attended an FC Cincinnatisoccer game, hit the game this Sat. Sept. 17th @ 7:00. Games are played at Nippert Stadium home of the U.C. Bearcats. (Girls, these players are adorbs, so if nothing else you can watch them!)

• The Saturday I look forward to every month.. City Flea at Washington Park. Tons of vendors selling everything from soaps, homemade dog treats, leather purses and jewelry to the dress shop that sell clothes right out of a truck. Seriously there is something for everyone. Come hungry because there are always food trucks.  This is a great family outing.

Frenchie Fresh 

What’s Up This Weekend ?????

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•Woodburn Brewery is now serving food from Mazunte!! Your happy hour just got better:) Mexican food & Beer!!

•Do you want to take it up a notch? TryLisse in Covington. Steaks to die for .. you can cut them with your fork kind of good. Dine inside, on the balcony or in the grass boulevard. You can also grab an appetizer and a drink on the rooftop bar that has a great view of the Cincinnati skyline as the train passes in the foreground. They have done an amazing job renovating this spot.
While you’re in Covington, check out the abundance of great little bars. Molly Wellmann’s Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar is totally worth a stop. Coolest Bourbon bar around. Small and quaint with a great outside area in the back.

•Still general admission tickets available for Cincy Chics Cocktails & Couture at the Cincinnati Art Museum.$10 online. Learn the history of fashion and cocktail tastings with (speaking of the devil) Molly Wellmann!

* Get downtown and jump on the new Cincinnati Bell Connector! No the streetcar is not called Desire :(
•Don’t want to go out? Have you read Eligibleyet? The author grew up in Cincinnati and her family still lives here, hence the story taking place all around the Hyde Park area. It will make you want to run to Skyline for a bite. Think modern day Pride & Prejudice. Fun and easy read for the weekend!

Give me liberty, or give me…hey, look, a cocktail!

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I could give up malls… but I’m not a quitter!

I know that online shopping is the way to go these days, and we’re hearing a lot about brick and mortar stores closing their doors. But the newLiberty Center shopping area is a must to check out. It’s more than a mall…it’s an experience.

Liberty Center is a great place to go as a couple, a family or a girls day out. Why does outdoor shopping seem better, you ask?? Personally, I think its because the restaurants and bars are great stopping spots on your walk. Shop and sip is the way to go!

If you have been to Eastonin Columbus, you can picture the cool open layout of this mostly outdoor experience. It is a place to eat, shop, relax and play. Even I (one who LOVES to shop) was skeptical because, after a long life of retail, I’m not a big fan of mall shopping. But I was pleasantly surprised by Liberty!

One of the big perks is that are there shops and restaurants that are nowhere else in Cincinnati. Also, they hold concerts on Thursdays in the summer and storytime for kids in their cool 2,000 sq. ft. Discovery Center for moms, dads and tots.  It has the over the top Cobb Luxury 15 theater…with reserved seating for your favorite movie and servers that bring you great food and cocktails while you lounge in leather lounge seats. (Seriously, try not to fall asleep during the movie after a couple martinis!)

Also unique to Liberty is their yoga retreat center, fountain areas for the kids and the coolest outdoor train set that will stop you in your tracks. ;) There is also an indoor section with a food court (if you don’t like the light of day).

Walking around and venturing into some of these new shopping spots is beyond fun. It’s Sugar candy store is awesome (I think Gene Wilder would have given it his Willy Wonka stamp of approval). Ask Wesleythe manager to show you some of my favorite things. We were cracking up at their slightly inappropriate (my fave) items that I’ll definitely be purchasing for my white elephant gag gifts at our family Christmas party. They also have enormous boxes of your favorite candy, along with candies from around the world. You will spend time in here I promise ;)

Marbles the Brain Store is a great spot for unique and cool games and toys. I’ve been in this store in Chicago and was thrilled to see it here.

Other stores new to Cincy:
• Adore(organic make-up)
• Celebrate Local(all sorts of items made by Ohioians, such as honey, t-shirts, wine, mini buckeyes, college stuff and thumbprint cookies on the counter. If there are some there, grab them because they go fast!)
• David’s Tea
• Flash Photography
• Jakes Toggery(all your preppy needs under one roof)
• Kendra Scott Jewelry
• Occasionally Yours (featuring Vera Bradley, Lily Pulitzer, Kate Spade and more)
• Scentology Brand name perfumes & colognes as well as their own candle line
• S Mari Designsfor great gifts,
• Sports Possessionsfor the baseball card collector
• Simply Mac!! Ok people, it may be worth the drive to get any Apple product fixed or have a one-on-one to learn about your Apple computer and not have to deal with the line at the Apple store. They also sell Apple products, and the cool thing is that they have an accidental insurance policy that covers things that Apple Care does not. Check this place out! They are all Apple certified technicians.

Restaurants that are new to the area:
•Cantina Loredo
• Bibibop(one in Clifton)
• Degs Chicken
• Flipside(owned by a couple in Cleveland)
• Kona Grill
• Northstar Café (I really enjoyed this spot! (great brunch too)
• Pies & Pints
• Rodizio Grill

Tips:

Amid all the new and unique stores are some of your comfort stores, such as Dillards and Gap. And there’s a chic and modern AC Hotel by Marriotton the property. Make a weekend of it!

Another cool aspect is the on-street metered parking. All proceeds go to local charities, as does the income from parking tickets! (Might be the only time you’re not upset if you see that piece of paper sticking out from under windshield wiper!) If you have a charity you’d like considered, they accept online applications. There are free parking garages as well as the metered street spots.

If you are in a hurry for lunch there are a few places that offer call-ahead for in and out in 45 minutes. Available Mon-Fri from 11-2. (Brio, Kona Grill, Pies & Pints and Rodizio Grill all participate.)

Summer Concert Series (Thursday nights from 6-9)
• Tonight Leroy Ellington
• September 8 The Chuck Taylors
• September 15 Danny Frazier
• September 22 Eden Park

Movies under the Moonlight
• September 9 Hocus Pocus
• September 16 Monsters, Inc.
• September 23 Halloween Town
• September 30 Hotel Transylvania 2

Visit Liberty Center’s website(quick links) for discounts on many of the stores!

This place “Rocked”

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Writing this while jamming to Phish. Why? Because that’s where Tèlagot its name! Tēla Bar & Kitchen is located in the heart of Wyoming, where they’ve created a little bit of OTR in the burbs.

You walk in and immediately are in love with the hip décor.  I love the whole vibe, including the garage doors that open the whole front of the restaurant to the outside patio. There is a cool bar area that is separated, but only by a half wall so you still get the view of all the tables. The kitchen, which has a chef table, is a small open area. You can view inside the kitchen (final food prep area) where you can catch the kitchen guys jamming away! This is completely acceptable as you come to realize the music themes throughout the restaurant.

If you are a Phish fan, you will love to read the menu and glance around trying to find the music connections…like the antelope on the wall by the kitchen for Run Like an Antelope. The Electrolux vacuum on the bar wall as a reminder of Jon Fishman jamming at concerts. Then items on the menu like the “ghost wings” from Story of the Ghost. Down to the cool pockets on the servers’ shirts that mimic the “muumuu” that Jon Fishman wore during concerts! J

I love that there could be a find-the-clue game while you eat!! While it is a music theme it is not loud or distracting. Although it was my lucky night because Led Zeppelin played the entire time, and my sister was blessed to hear me sing the whole time!!

The owners, L.R. Hunley and Doug Nawrocki, have been friends for years, but had pursued separate interests before combining their expertise to put a “much needed” restaurant in the Wyoming neighborhood.

Chef Norm Tchorz and Nate Mantia bring their culinary and management skills together to create and play with this fun menu. They’ve done well because it’s creative, delicious, and you have your next visit’s meal planned before you leave.

My sister and I sampled things I’d not seen before on a menu. The one you can’t pass up is the poutine!  (It isn’t a “low cal” item, but every once in a while you can reward yourself). One bite and I promise, it won’t be your last! Fries, whole grain mustard, cheddar curds, gravy, pork belly and of course a fried egg (why does that take everything to the next level???)… I am drooling again just writing about it. I had the Miso glazed chicken with local Fab Ferments kimchi smashed potatoes, and my sister had the Shrimp Puttanesca which looked simple until you took a bite. All in Michelle fashion, I am eyeing my sister for the switch at half so I can try hers. Both were really great.

We had to save room for the Éclair Cake that caught my eye when looking at the menu.  It did not disappoint! Think éclair goodness in a cake. The chocolate melted the minute it hit my mouth.

When talking with L.R. about how they came up with the name and concept he said “it was pretty easy.” Their mutual love for music, particularly The Grateful Dead (Doug had seen them in concert 130 times!) and Phish, who they’ve seen combined about 120 times, set them on the path to their concept. Tèla, catchy and easy to remember, was L.R.s choice.  Doug threw out Mango (another song name)… we know who won!!

Nate and Norm are doing the thing I’m hearing more and more and could not be happier about…keeping it local.  It is more expensive for restaurants to do this, but it benefits the locals and makes everyone feel great knowing we’re supporting our own communities!  Plus, I don’t know, but it really does seem “fresher” to me!  Norm did say the bacon that they use is only sold to them! So all you bacon lovers keep that in mind.

Getting to know them…

Whom would you love to have for dinner dead or alive?
(After I askedL. R., it immediately dawned on me…that was a goofy question…let me answer ahahhaahha.) Of course it was Trey Anastasio and any others from Phish! I think we need to try to get them here!! They would love it.

What was your worst job ever?
Chef Norm said it was the seven months he sat in a cubical using his business degree (Office Space?!?). He loves being in the kitchen and is happy to not ever sit at a desk again.

What’s your favorite item on the menu right now?
Without hesitation, Chef Norm said, “the Moroccan Lamb Chops.”  Looks like I am going back soon for that one!

Tips

Mention my blog and receive 10% your entree (up to 4 people per table)

  • Parking on the streets, behind Tela, at Sheldon-Reder or The Spring Valley Bank after 6:00, Wyoming Community lot anytime,
  • They do wine pairings and have a tentative Beer dinner with Warped Wing Beer in September. So keep an eye out for more information.
  • The wine, beer and handcrafted cocktails will not disappoint
  • Check out the cool concert posters in the bathrooms. Also, look for the table with concert tickets in it in the couch area of the bar. L.R said is just a fraction of his collection.

St. X parents, this is a drop down the hill from the school so when you are looking for dinner before a game or after teacher meetings, put this on your list!

Hours
M-Th 11-11
F & Sat. 11 –Mid
Sunday  Closed
Reservations available

1212 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513-821-8352 (TELA)
www.telabarandkitchen.com

New Brew Review

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Call me excited! I am walking distance from my house to the coolest new brewery in town…Woodburn Brewery! They had a soft opening last weekend, and it was off the charts!

This place is definitely the most chic brewery in town. The amazing space sets pace for the amazing beers. Yes, the exposed brick–and as much of the original building that could be kept–is there, but they took it to another level.  The copper bar and tile work is so cool. The light fixtures and tall glass doors with the awesome logo are like artwork. Speaking of the logo… a ton of thought and drafts went into designing it. The W is, of course, Woodburn, and the cool art deco-type Phoenix is underneath. The meaning behind the logo is the Phoenix rising from the ashes like the home of the brewery that is rising from debris. Thanks to Dennis’ wife Jennie for her design expertise, since she has been a director and producer in movies, a set designer for the Opera and currently designs the set and more for Crossroads Church Christmas show Awaited.

I sat down with Dennis Chacón and Chris Mitchell to get their story. Both with a brewing background–Chris’ years at Listermannand Dennis, active in home brewing–they wanted to start their own gig.  They met by chance as Dennis was scoping out a spot in OTR. They started talking and, voila, the brewery was born.  They continued their search exhaustively and found themselves back at the cool space on Woodburn (lucky for me). Previously a movie theater, bank and a dry cleaner built in 1909, this was the space for their dream.

There are 30 taps that will be pouring at some point.  Currently, they are pouring 6 outstanding beers. My favorite is the Pineapple Saison, made with real pineapple (not too fruity, but light with a punch). I can’t wait to try the Steinpils. Lets just call it the Michael Phelps of beers!! It is a 4x Gold Medal winner in Germany. Dennis and Chris made friends with the brewer in Germany who let them have the exclusive rights for the recipe in the States. He even came over with an entourage of friends to try it. While they nervously sat around a table waiting for his reaction, he took a sip, smiled, then they killed a barrel between the group!

They like to maintain a local touch to their beers and even have bee hives on top of the building for the honey.

They will be adding four more, including the Steinpils, for the Grand Opening on August 26th. They will eventually have guest beers and occasionally some seasonal changes.

As for now, you can order in food from local spots such as Suzie Wongs,Fireside Pizza, O Pie O, Cafe DeSales  and Just Q’in…all right around the corner. As well, food trucks will be in the parking lot. If that’s not enough, they have plans for their own food in the future.

The Grand Opening is sure to be a fun night with DJ’s , food trucks and the sale of Growlers.

Getting to Know Them…. 

Have you met anyone famous in your life?

Chris said one day, while working on the bar in its beginning stages, the door opened and Emilio Estevez walked in. They chatted, and Chris gave him a tour. So… may be a future spotting when he is in town again!

Who’s your favorite author?

Dennis is such a fan of J.D. Salinger that his two daughters are named after characters from his books. Zoe named after a boy character Zooey in Franny and Zooey.  Esmé from Esmé with Love and Squalor. Great names by the way!

Great News…

Cincy Brew Bus Tourhas added Woodburn to their lineup.  Starting this Saturday, Woodburn will be the meeting spot, followed by Madtree, Braxtonand Taft Ale House.  For $5 off a tour of the breweries, use code Brewburn16 for your future booking

Tips

  • Hours: Monday-Friday 4p-midnight and Saturday/Sunday noon-midnight, effective August 26th (But, if you see the lights on this weekend, stop in!)
  • Kid and dog friendly (how awesome is that?)
  • Great outdoor patio will be open soon
  • Make DeSales (the up and coming bar & restaurant neighborhood) a destination ! Myrtles Punch Houseis across the street, and The Growler House–is just around the corner
  • Great way to try a few at a time is the “flight of 3”: three 5 oz. pours of what you want to try for just $6
  • There’s street parking or a lot off Myrtle and next to Woodburn Brewery

Dumbing down the process of picking what beer you want :) 

  • The two most common numbers you see posted under the name of the beer are  ABV and IBU.
  • ABV is Alcohol By Volume. This is the description of the alcohol % in a beer, which can be around 2%-12%. (For example, Budwieser is 5% so 12% will get you there quick! J)
  • IBU is International Bitterness Unit. This measures the bitterness from hops in a beer and is rated on a scale of 0-100.
  • Example: IPA is very hoppy, like around an 80. Note that the bitterness can be effected by the malts. So a beer with higher IBU maybe like a stout, which is not bitter because of the sweetness of the malt that balances it out.
  • Hope this helps because it really helped me understand all those numbers
  • Click herefor a chart that might help you navigate what’s what in craft beer

Woodburn Brewery
2800 Woodburn Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45206

Local is as Local Does

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Call me excited! I am walking distance from my house to the coolest new brewery in town…Woodburn Brewery! They had a soft opening last weekend, and it was off the charts!

This place is definitely the most chic brewery in town. The amazing space sets pace for the amazing beers. Yes, the exposed brick–and as much of the original building that could be kept–is there, but they took it to another level.  The copper bar and tile work is so cool. The light fixtures and tall glass doors with the awesome logo are like artwork. Speaking of the logo… a ton of thought and drafts went into designing it. The W is, of course, Woodburn, and the cool art deco-type Phoenix is underneath. The meaning behind the logo is the Phoenix rising from the ashes like the home of the brewery that is rising from debris. Thanks to Dennis’ wife Jennie for her design expertise, since she has been a director and producer in movies, a set designer for the Opera and currently designs the set and more for Crossroads Church Christmas show Awaited.

I sat down with Dennis Chacón and Chris Mitchell to get their story. Both with a brewing background–Chris’ years at Listermannand Dennis, active in home brewing–they wanted to start their own gig.  They met by chance as Dennis was scoping out a spot in OTR. They started talking and, voila, the brewery was born.  They continued their search exhaustively and found themselves back at the cool space on Woodburn (lucky for me). Previously a movie theater, bank and a dry cleaner built in 1909, this was the space for their dream.

There are 30 taps that will be pouring at some point.  Currently, they are pouring 6 outstanding beers. My favorite is the Pineapple Saison, made with real pineapple (not too fruity, but light with a punch). I can’t wait to try the Steinpils. Lets just call it the Michael Phelps of beers!! It is a 4x Gold Medal winner in Germany. Dennis and Chris made friends with the brewer in Germany who let them have the exclusive rights for the recipe in the States. He even came over with an entourage of friends to try it. While they nervously sat around a table waiting for his reaction, he took a sip, smiled, then they killed a barrel between the group!

They like to maintain a local touch to their beers and even have bee hives on top of the building for the honey.

They will be adding four more, including the Steinpils, for the Grand Opening on August 26th. They will eventually have guest beers and occasionally some seasonal changes.

As for now, you can order in food from local spots such as Suzie Wongs,Fireside Pizza, O Pie O, Cafe DeSales  and Just Q’in…all right around the corner. As well, food trucks will be in the parking lot. If that’s not enough, they have plans for their own food in the future.

The Grand Opening is sure to be a fun night with DJ’s , food trucks and the sale of Growlers.

Getting to Know Them…. 

Have you met anyone famous in your life?

Chris said one day, while working on the bar in its beginning stages, the door opened and Emilio Estevez walked in. They chatted, and Chris gave him a tour. So… may be a future spotting when he is in town again!

Who’s your favorite author?

Dennis is such a fan of J.D. Salinger that his two daughters are named after characters from his books. Zoe named after a boy character Zooey in Franny and Zooey.  Esmé from Esmé with Love and Squalor. Great names by the way!

Great News…

Cincy Brew Bus Tourhas added Woodburn to their lineup.  Starting this Saturday, Woodburn will be the meeting spot, followed by Madtree, Braxtonand Taft Ale House.  For $5 off a tour of the breweries, use code Brewburn16 for your future booking

Tips
Hours: Monday-Friday 4p-midnight and Saturday/Sunday noon-midnight, effective August 26th (But, if you see the lights on this weekend, stop in!)
Kid and dog friendly (how awesome is that?)
Great outdoor patio will be open soon
Make DeSales (the up and coming bar & restaurant neighborhood) a destination ! Myrtles Punch Houseis across the street, and The Growler House–is just around the corner
Great way to try a few at a time is the “flight of 3”: three 5 oz. pours of what you want to try for just $6
There’s street parking or a lot off Myrtle and next to Woodburn Brewery

Dumbing down the process of picking what beer you want :) 

The two most common numbers you see posted under the name of the beer are  ABV and IBU.
ABV is Alcohol By Volume. This is the description of the alcohol % in a beer, which can be around 2%-12%. (For example, Budwieser is 5% so 12% will get you there quick! J)
IBU is International Bitterness Unit. This measures the bitterness from hops in a beer and is rated on a scale of 0-100.
Example: IPA is very hoppy, like around an 80. Note that the bitterness can be effected by the malts. So a beer with higher IBU maybe like a stout, which is not bitter because of the sweetness of the malt that balances it out.
Hope this helps because it really helped me understand all those numbers
Click herefor a chart that might help you navigate what’s what in craft beer

Woodburn Brewery
2800 Woodburn Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45206