Get Crafty!

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I can honestly say I have really never built anything. I mean, other than helping my kids with school projects, I haven’t used actual tools to construct something then displayed that item in my house…until now!

A DIY workshop wouldn’t normally grab my attention until I was told that they promised I would go home with something I picked out and it would look really cute. So I went to check out A & R Workshop in Hyde Park Square. This DYI-meets-crafting-meets-party was opened in May by Katie DePompei . After having her third baby, Katie was up at night feeding the baby and would watch HGTV shows, which led her to start following crafters on Instagram. And one day she came across a store franchise. She thought to herself (which I think is crazy after having a third baby but …) “I want to do this.”. Katie is adorable, and it’s as if she’s having you over to her house to hangout and have some fun.

The night I went, I made a Lazy Susan. I mean I really made it…I sanded the wood, painted it put on a stencil that I designed then I used power tools to add the spin device on the bottom!! This was so cool, and it’s now proudly parked on my kitchen table! We actually use it at dinner…I can’t believe it! They have a whole schedule of different things you can make on certain nights. They have signs, pillows, jewelry display cases, wine/flower boxes and these beautiful city skylines.

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This is such a fun night for girlfriends, or grab your husband and make something for you house. They also have nights for you to bring your younger kids (around 7 years old and up) and do a family project. Whatever the situation I guarantee you a good time.

Very important…You can bring your own libations!

Everyone works at their own pace, and they have a fantastic crew that is there to help you with every step. Check out the calendar of events here. There are some great Christmas projects coming up. You can make gifts or, even better, give a night as a gift to someone and you can spend time together creating your masterpiece :)

A & R Workshop -3434 Edwards Rd.

The Roosevelt Room!

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A little of downtown/OTR has hit Liberty Center! The masterminds behind 4EG–the group who is responsible for putting fun into your nights with great bars and dance floors–is livening up the northern part of town. The Roosevelt Room has just opened, and it’s just what that area needed.

It is a funky, cool, hip spot to grab some yummy cocktails, hang out and even dance. This is the first time this group has come out to the ‘burbs, and they’re excited to add some nightlife to this up-and-coming area.

You walk into a lodge-like room with a pool table, a long bar and some cozy seating along the wall. Near the back is a small hidden sitting area where it’s a bit quieter. Then, in the very back is another bar with a dance area and a D.J. (Fridays and Saturdays from 10p.m-2a.m). This area can also be rented out for private events during the week and until 10p.m. on weekends.

They don’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring in whatever you’d like. They’re currently working on something with Kona Grill across the courtyard.

When I was talking with Operations Manager Mike Schroeder, he was giving me the scoop on the specialty cocktails. I love hearing about the details and creativity that go into making a place special. The meaning behind the drink names is not only fun but was my history lesson for the day!

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The Roosevelt
A basic Mint Julep. Teddy used to add a ¼ oz. of brandy into his Mint Juleps and serve them at tennis matches. This was also what he served to people to win their vote.

One of Roosevelts famous sayings was, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Speak Softly
Delicious! Lillet Rosé, champagne & strawberries

Big Stick
Like a manly Manhattan with a bourbon smoked wood chip and a smoky finish.

You Will Go Far
Their Tito’s cocktail with Rosemary (basically Christmas in a glass!)

The Monocle
Referring to his eyepiece, this is the gin cocktail.

The Rough Rider
Teddy was a Calvary leader in the Spanish American War. His Calvary was called the Rough Riders. They fought in Puerto Rico, and that is where the Daiquiri originated… so there you go!

Moose, not “Mousse”
The dessert cocktail…bring it on!

The huge Moose head on the back wall is in reference to Teddy’s nickname of “Moose”. When he ran for his third term of Presidency, he didn’t get a nomination from the Republicans or Democrats so he started his own party called the “bull nosed moose party”!! Love this :)

Enjoy their amazing Happy Hours…half- price drinks from 4-7 p.m. Ask about the “Rough Rider” loyalty program that offers $1 off domestics/drafts and Tito’s drinks (I think they did this just for me cuz Tito’s is my liquid of choice).

Hours: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. everyday (closed on Sundays).

It’s located at 7100 Foundry Row between CineBistro and Cooper’s Hawk and will be the only place in the area open until 2 a.m. Have Mahta or Mark shake you up a flawless cocktail!

BLINK is here!

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Today is the day! BLINK is here! A couple things you should do before heading down to check it out:

• Download the CincyEZRideapp

This will allow you to buy a $2 all day pass. You will be able to hop on and off whenever you want. Remember the whole BLINK route is along the streetcar.

• Download the BLINKapp.

This is a fantastic app allowing you to find out where you want to go and give you crowd information and details about every artist!

Yesterday I got to go in and experience the Architects of Air in Washington Park. The important thing to know about this exhibit is that it’s only open during the day, because the light and color are illuminated by the sun! This is the only part of BLINK for which you need ticket. They’re only $5 and can be purchased at http://washingtonpark.org/event/aoa/. Know that you will be taking your shoes off to enter… so get your pedicure :) The hours are 10:30am to 6:30pm. It’s truly an unbelievable experience. You’ll smile the whole time you are walking around! Live video on my facebook page Hey Michelle.

All of the attractions are going to be unique and interesting, so allow yourself time or maybe a couple nights to see them all. With over 70 installations to see you will need time!

Tonight BLINK kicks off with a Light-up Parade, with about 3,000 lit up people. It starts at 7:00 in Findlay Market and goes to Washington Park. Then, from tonight until Sunday night, the city will be lit from 7- midnight.

Although I have some exhibits that I’m putting on my list for tonight, I really want to see them ALL!
Here’s my short must-see list:

• Voices- 50 E. Freedom Way
I got to meet the wonderful minds of Brave Berlin who were behind this and saw them creating it, so I can’t wait to see it blown up on the walls of the Freedom Center. Zac Greenberg wrote an original score he developed from sounds around Cincinnati like church bells, fountains and kids to be played for this, and I know it is going to be so powerful and moving. (photo provided by Blink)

• Lifwtr Graffiti Wall- 1674 Central Pkwy
People will be able to interact with a digital graffiti wall.

• Endless Commerce- 117 W Liberty St.
Joe Girandola & Matt Lynch also have art on display right now at the Cincinnati Art Museum. This will be a sculpture made out of discarded milk cartons.

• The Queen’s Throne- 1230 Elm St.
I can only imagine this one! You will be able to lounge in a tub while being bathed in light! This is a definite photo opportunity.

• The Pool- 1230 Elm St.
You can step on circle pads that change as you leap from pad to pad.

• Vase Maze- 1230 Elm St.
A light-up mini golf course with 6 holes. Each hole has an 8 -foot vase!

• Easy Breezy- 1879 Michael Bany Way- Next to Japp’s- sponsored by Huntington Bank
Cool alley way with upside down umbrellas that light and sway as you walk under them.

• Storybook- 8th & Walnut
A huge open book where the story will come alive! The characters will emerge from the pages.

• The Annunciation Mural- 1725 Pleasant St.
Tim Maloney told me this is one really special piece. The mural is inspired by a painting in the Basilica.

• The Seen & Unseen- 30 Garfield Pl.- I saw this in action last night. You will grab little black lights and light up the secret art that you are walking on down the sidewalk!

• I hope to hop on the illuminated mobile couch with a coffee table and chandeliers !
Giant Disco Ball, Humongous Lite Bright, …I don’t know who I am kidding by trying to narrow this down. I want to see them all! So just get downtown at some point this weekend. I promise you will not be disappointed. Plus it’s free so no complaining allowed!!
Also, there will be 6 stages of music all weekend. Click herefor the schedule.
Summerfair will have crafts from people all over the country set up at 30 Garfield Pl. Fri 2-10, Sat. 12-6 and Sun. 12-6.

There are 10 hospitality tents set up through out the 20 blocks.

I can’t wait to see this vision come alive. As you walk through all of this keep in mind the goal of this whole project… Community, diversity, inclusion so smile to people as your walking around… go on a teeter totter with someone you don’t know or work on the giant Lite Bright with someone who doesn’t look you. I hope to see all colors, ages, nationalities come together and have a blast!

Check out my Hey Michelle facebook page for weekend updates!

BLINK… Cincinnati like you’ve never seen it!

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[I’m posting this as my first of a few blogs covering BLINK. After writing this post, I had the opportunity to spend 3 hours riding the streetcar and walking the streets with Tim Maloney. So, now I have some great inside scoop and some really cool insider details about the event. Stay tuned for the behind-the-scenes info early next week…until then, here’s today’s blog!]
Cincinnati, be prepared to be blown away with an event that’s getting us recognized all over the world!
If you enjoyed LumenoCity, that was just whetting your whistle for what’s about to happen along 20 blocks in downtown Cincinnati between Oct. 12-15th. Cincinnati’s going to have a family-friendly nightlife like no other! The city is going to come alive with light displays, projection mapping, murals and interactive art that will transform downtown into work of art.
The same brains that were behind LumenoCity––Dan Reynolds and Steve McGowan, the cofounders of Brave Berlin media––are taking things way past the next level by lighting up the whole city! They’ll be working with Tim Maloney, the President and CEO of the Carol and Ralph V. Haile Foundation and an instrumental figure in the original concept of combining a light show projected on the beautiful Music Hall with music by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Together these guys toured the globe looking for inspiration in what Tim Maloney called the “best of the best” light shows. They knew they could do more in Cincinnati because of our unbelievably beautiful architecture, and because we could do it by walking the city. Maloney said the mission behind BLINK in our “current state of division in the world” is to “celebrate inclusion, values , a sense of unity and diversity and creative spirit.”
BLINK will take place between The Banks (by the Freedom Center) and all the way up to Findlay Market. It will kick off Thursday October 12th at 7:15 with what I can only imagine will be a spectacular parade organized by one of the coolest women in town, Pam Kravetz . The parade will have thousands of participants and will take off from north of Findlay Market, go down Vine St., then cross over to the west and end in Washington Park.
You’ll be able to walk around and check out more than 70 amazing light based installations and projections developed by artists from Cincinnati and all over the world! There will be a huge, walk-through, interactive, inflatable piece in Washington Park called Architects of Air (the only ticketed event). They are going to make the murals on buildings come alive. The organizers have joined forces with Tamara Harkavy and ArtWorks, who will also have a part in showing off the many new street art murals that were painted this summer by a huge team of local artists.
I’m telling you, you need to plan a couple of nights to come downtown and check this out…if not all four nights. It’s going to be a destination for out-of-towners, I promise! Our city and BLINK have been recognized in The New York Times and Architectural Digest. I just saw it in my Real Simple magazine as a must-do thing for October! :)
This is a free event (except for the ticketed blow-up in Washington Park). It’s walk able and, for those who’d prefer to hitch a ride, it’s on the streetcar route.
There will be so much to see, you’ll want to do more than one night. And, I think if you go to the same installation twice, you’ll most likely see it differently every time.
Thank you to a few of the main organizations making this amazing event possible: The Haile Foundation, Brave Berlin, Agar, ArtWorks, US Bank and the Greater Cincinnati Regional Chamber and many more.
Things to Know
Ways to see it:
• Streetcar
• Walking the sidewalks (don’t forget your fitbit:)
• Red Bikes
This is a light-up night, so bring some glow sticks or fun light up things and join in on the fun!
I’ll be following up during the installation process, so join my Facebook page (HeyMichelle) and my Instagram (HeyMichelle1) for updates.
This is going to be AMAZING!!!

Weekend in Cincinnati

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It’s the Freakin’ Weekend… ‘bout to have me some fun!There is so much going on this weekend, so here are just a few things to throw your way if you haven’t narrowed down your options…:)• Star Wars Last weekend for the kick butt Star Wars exhibitat Cincinnati Museum Center- Seriously cool exhibit and you need to go! 1301 Western Ave.

•Scarecrow Row at Lunken Look for the Hey Michelle? Scarecrow while out running, riding or walking the Lunken trail. Tag me if you find it! There are over 20 scarecrows for you to find while you’re out on the trail. This has to add excitement to your routine! They’ll be up until Oct 15th.

• Art after Dark- Cincinnati Art Museum Free admission & Free parking! 5-9 Friday night – Food, Drink and entertainment – 953 Eden Park Dr.

•Final Friday- Pendleton Wonderful display of different artists.1310 Pendleton St. Friday night 6-10pm, then make your way down Main St. where there are other galleries and bars celebrating Final Friday.

• Sartre Opening tonight.. Sooo excited for this! Check out my blog about it by clicking above. I’m going tonight see you there! 1910 Elm St.

• Fern 12-5 BIG sale on Oct 1st…Cutest plant store in Cincy! 6040 Hamilton Ave.

•Revel Saturday 8-2pm. Beats & Bordeaux with Hip Hop icon Talib Kweli. If you haven’t been to Revel yet, you have to check it out! Cool place to grab a glass of wine. 111 E. 12th St.

• Streetside Brewery 1 year anniversary on Saturday. Come celebrate with food trucks, live music and more. Noon-Close. – 4003 Eastern Ave. Cheers!!

• Restaurant Week It’s still going on through Sunday and is a perfect time to dine at a great restaurant at a discounted price! Click above for the scoop.

• Blooms & Berries Farm Weekend of fun for the family! The sunflowers are still looking great, and they have hayrides, a 7- acre corn maze, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and more. Open 10-7 Friday & Saturday 10-6 on Sunday. 9669 S. St. Rt. 48 in Loveland

• Hyde Park Art Show Hyde Park Square- Sunday 10-5. This is one I never miss!

Marmalade Lilly

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I had the one of the best days recently at Marmalade Lilly…enjoying a wonderfully lazy morning wandering around a 10-acre farm in Loveland picking flowers. You need to just take an hour or so, grab your mom, some friends or significant other and do the same.
You drive up to this cool farm with a rustic barn and flowers growing everywhere. Once you arrive, you’re greeted and handed a basket and some clippers. You’re then guided around the grounds, where you’re able to clip and gather an arrangement of flowers to make into a bouquet.
Once you have your favorite flowers bunched in your basket, you head over to the florist table where they bundle them up in newspaper and twine. Bring your favorite vase, and they’ll help you arrange them…and you’ll be ready to display them when you get home.
But, before you head home, you and your friends can hang out and have lunch and a bottle of wine…right smack dab in the middle of the field of flowers. They have tables set up with tablecloths and you can bring the brunch and drinks. Seriously, adorbs!
This cute place is not only the workplace of Laura Fisher and her family, but they live there as well. They’ve called this beautiful space home for years. In 2014, when her husband lost his job, Laura decided the land they live on was going to be their next venture. They fixed up the barn, got the flowers growing and opened up for weddings and receptions right in the side yard. Their daughter was the first wedding on the property! I hope you have a chance to meet someone from the family. I did, and I’ll tell you…they are a special group. Laura did a great job home schooling all 5 of her kids with some spare time to start this venture :)
It’s a venue with a laid-back, warm feel. It has a great space by the creek and bridge for a wedding ceremony and then a barn to throw the party. During the day, anyone can come and do the flower cutting. Right now, since it’s the end of the season, you have to call and reserve a spot (and they are accepting bouquet orders by phone: 513-604-6561).
Keep an eye on the website. They will be having a centerpiece class in November for your Thanksgiving table and a wreath-making class for the holidays.
Things to know:
• You can bring lunch and drinks and your own linens (or, if you forget, they’ll provide the linens)
• Wear gym shoes or rain boots to walk through the fields
• Prices vary depending on the stem from .50- $4 per flower or stem
• The name was thought up by one of the younger Fisher kids while having breakfast with her mom and eating marmalade of course… she just said “I think we should name it Marmalade Lilly”
• A trick I learned from the Fishers on how to keep the deer away from your flowers…hang bars of Ivory Soap around the property!

Sartre

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I was so excited to take a peek inside the secretive new restaurant, Sartre, soon to open inside Rhinegeist. The news was released via a teaser poem/press release, sent to local “Who’s Who” in food write-ups (someday I will be one of these!), but…. I got the tour and the interview!!! So, here’s the additional info since the “Poem” was shared on social media. The tour (no pictures allowed but, trust me, it’s going to be beautiful) was awesome. Sartre is in the bottom of Rhinegeist, in an area which was the bottling room of the original Moerleinplant in 1895. The bar back is an antique from the Wooden Nickeland the same wood craftsmanship is reflected throughout the restaurant. There will be two lounge-type areas and communal tables by the bar. The main dining area is open, but cozy, and a private dining––seating 10-12––is separated by large, antique, sliding doors.Chef Justin Uchtmandecided it was time to make his way home after working at Michelin starred SPQRin San Francisco for seven years. He was home for a visit a couple of years ago, and his friends took him down to OTR and Findlay Market. He was looking around saying “what is this place?” He’d never been to this area of Cincinnati. They drove around, and he fell in love with the architecture and the market. Lucky for us, he was at a point in his career when he was deciding what he wanted next and, with Cincy becoming a mecca of fantastic restaurants, he chose to come home.I had a long conversation with Jim Cornwell, one of the masterminds behind Sartre. He has an impressive background and has been doing amazing things with area restaurants for years (including Boca, Hugo,Maisonetteand openingDutch’s Larder, which he is still involved with). Also on board as consulting chef isJeremy Lieb, formerly Executive Chef of Boca.

So, if you are catching on, this is one hell of a team! Jim is a fun person to talk to and is one of the reasons I love doing this blog. I can’t possibly write everything that I learned in my interview, but I want to share that when I talk to people like Jim he exudes a passion that’s truly inspiring. He talks about the farmers they buy from…to the way he guides the cooks to create dishes that will make you speechless…to the feel he wants visitors to have the minute they walk into the restaurant. I have no doubt that Sartre is going to be nothing but unbelievable with the crew he has put together, the designers he is using for the décor and the surprising location inside one of Cincy’s most popular breweries.The scoop is this is going to have the feel of upscale dining in a cool low-key atmosphere. A “Contemporary Brasserie” serving contemporary French cuisine, although Jim said the menu will be mixed with a bit of a Mediterranean flair. Everything is still in the works . You’re going to feel comfortable walking into Sartre after playing cornhole on the main floor of the brewery or coming from work. It will appeal to everyone from the college crowd to young professionals to the older patrons.

This killer spot will also serve 80 wines, 12 beers on tap, a white and Rose on tap, 10-12 specialty cocktails and 20 bottled beers. They’ll also serve a select menu from a kiosk on the main floor of the brewery. It will have a vacuum tube to shoot orders down to the kitchen (I’m picturing a bank drive thru). They’ll have about 10-12 menu items to serve during the hours before the restaurant opens.To Know:The name Sartre comes from the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, known for being a free-thinker with freedom of expression…ideology shared by the restaurant.I googled a couple of my favorite quotes…"It is up to you to give life meaning""We are our choices" Jean-Paul Sartre (pronounced Sartruh with just the slightest ruh. It almost sounds like Sart, but the ruh sound is barely there.) just a little FYI :)

•ParkingOn the street, take the streetcar, or use valet
•Projected OpeningThird week of September

•The Original Poem to announce the openingSartre is a restaurantA Restaurant is a place with a doorA door has a handleMade of brass or steel or another material Etc. And there will be a bar: Bars are for waiting for tables Bars are for asking for a cigarette Bars are for whispering to your love Bars are forgetting your own mortalityEtc. Our food will be vibrant and unusual Our food will be simple but complicated Like a poem Like this poem Like a caveLike an explosionEtc.

Hi-Mark

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The East End (Eastern Avenue/Riverside Drive) is turning into a Cincy hotspot. And for all you cyclists, this is great news, because you now have “watering holes” on your popular ride area. Unfortunately though, the week before Hi-Mark’s grand opening, Blank Slate Breweryannounced their closing. Huge loss for Cincy…they’ll be missed.

Hi-Mark, an awesome spot, is the brainchild of some people who have filled our bellies with good grub for a while now! Eli’s BBQ, Quan HapaandPho Lang Thang are now bringing us great drinks and excellent bar food. The main bite will be six or more flavors of wings (I’ve tried a couple, and they definitely past the test!). My sons are professional wing eaters and they loved them! With this combo of foodies, I know the menu will have some fantastic options. It’s situated near Eli’s BBQ in a 1800’s building with so much character. The brick exposed walls, old school bar and barstools, and great vintage Fresca sign highlighting the drink selections are sure to make you think you’re in a bar your parents hung out in back in the day! Such a laid-back fun vibe.

The upstairs is cozy, with a cute 50s style cabinet holding all sorts of board games. And a balcony that looks over to the main bar. The main floor will soon have a projection TV and plenty of room to hangout and play a game of giant Connect Four. There’s also an outside patio to enjoy the last days of summer. The unfinished basement has future plans of shuffleboard, skee-ball and a Columbian game called Juego de Sapo (can’t wait to see what that is!). :)

The name gives a nod to the areas previous flooding issues. When they bought the building they had to raise the floor 4 feet because of the construction codes from the previous floods. In the 1937 flood the water came 79.9’ above the Ohio River shoreline. There is a mark on the side of the building showing the flood that was over 10’ above the original door!

•Plenty of parking on the streets.
•Bike parking behind the building
•Try the crinkle fries and special sauce and chase them down with an Orangesicle (Vodka, Cointreau and Fanta!)
• Rotating craft beers
“See you at the Hi-Mark!”
Great late night hours
Mon.- Thurs. 4-Midnight
Fri. 4-2a.m
Sat. Noon-2a.m.
Sun. Noon- Midnight
Kitchen closes
Midnight Sun. – Thurs.
1:30 a.m. Fri. & Sat.

Take a Walk on the Northside!

Take a Walk on the Northside!

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I hope you all had a fantastic summer! Not that it’s over yet, but when you start seeing those yellow buses you feel the end is coming!
I wanted to take you along with me on my walk in one of our city’s great neighborhoods…one that’s getting better all the time. Northside!
When I took my walk and went into as many stores, bars and restaurants as possible, I was welcomed with open arms from some amazing people. This area is so cool for many reasons: almost every place had a proud owner there to greet you; every bar and restaurant was casual and fun; and you can eat healthy with many vegan spots!
This neighborhood still has it’s original charm…meaning it isn’t all rehabbed. It has a lot of original bars and buildings with locals just hanging around outside. I love this about Northside!
•Shake It Records– 4156 Hamilton Ave.
You could spend hours in here flipping through the albums and just looking around at all the cool memorabilia. They opened in 1999, the same year Napster started… yikes! Best part of that is we all know Shake It is still here, and Napster isn’t! This is 3,200 sq. ft. full of more than 25,000 titles on vinyl and more than 15,000 on compact. They also have the best greeting cards, books, t-shirts and more. Now I really hope I get that turntable I want for Christmas
•Blue Jay Restaurant-4154 Hamilton Ave.
Unfortunately they were closed for vacation when I was doing my thing, but you can tell that, after 50 years in business, ( just had the big Golden Anniversary) they know what they’re doing. Local Mom & Pop serving up great breakfasts until 3:00p.m. everyday but Sunday!
They have everything for the urban gardener! Seeds, plants and advice. They cater to all your household pets needs with providing organic food and treats. Say hi to the cat in the window.. he loves the attention!
•Kitchen Factory– 1609 Chase Ave.
Sandwiches, salads, insanely good pizzas and more! Organic ingredients and gluten-free and vegan options are available. They say the Crack & Cheese is a must . Walk up window open until 3am. BYOB No cork fee.
•Tickle Pickle– 4176 Hamilton Ave.
I freakin’ love this place! Not only for the amazing burgers, but just reading the menu is entertaining! The theme of everything is music- or band-based. So creative…like the Bread Zeppelin or Fleetwood Mac & Cheese…you just have to smile at the menu! Outdoor back patio available.
•Designs By Dana -Tattoos- 4167 Hamilton Ave.
This my friends is where I got inked many years ago! Tatting people since 1971 !
•Sidewinder Coffee– 4181 Hamilton Ave.
Coffee and food available for dine-in or on-the-go. Try a house drink like the Mexican Latte! Cute outdoor patio available to sit and sip your coffee.
•Bridges– 4165 Hamilton Ave.
Nepalese classics from Mom’s recipes! Oh and Mom ( Ruth ) will be there. This adorable family is so friendly you have to go meet them. Fantastic food and a great outdoor patio in the back.
•Northside Tavern– 4163 Hamilton Ave.
I could use the word “hip” for just about all the Northside spots, and this is no exception. Hip local tavern, live music all the time. Check out the calendar for all the great music. They also have a great outdoor patio.
•High Gravity– 4106 Hamilton Ave.
The new kid in town! They just opened their doors, and it’s been an instant hit. You can pop in and grab a growler or a mixed 6-pack and head on out or sit and enjoy it in the cool new space. With over 60 types of wine and 500 (yes I said 500) types of beer and 14 on tap you should be able to please everyone in your group!
•Spun Bicycles– 4122 Hamilton Ave .
No matter what kind of biking you’re into, these guys will help you. Dominic will even build you some custom wheels if you really want to stand out on the road!
•The Listing Loon– 4124 Hamilton Ave.
Great cocktails, wonderful environment. Just a really cool place to hang. They have live music most nights and offer a variety of wine and beer to drink there or take home. I really liked this place!
•The Chocolate Bee– 4037 Hamilton Ave.
Two of my favorite things here… Chocolate and Honey! Great place to grab some gifts. The chocolate is truly amazing both in flavor (honey, caramel and basil!!) And the pieces of chocolate are SO pretty. The honey items are everything from the real honeycombs to flavored honey and everything in between. Thank you Shalini Latour for showing me around! Must check it out!
•Happy Chicks Bakery– 4035 Hamilton Ave.
Again a vegan options for those who veg ;) I tried a treat and loved it, and I am NO vegan! A wide range of breakfast foods, sandwiches and salads They also do cupcakes to wedding cakes and everything in between! Fantastic place for the family. Very kid-friendly.
•Tillie’s Lounge – 4042 Hamilton Ave.
This place caught my eye from the street, and I really wanted to see the inside. When I entered, I figured it might not be everyone’s type of bar, but I loved it! The décor is dazzling, the music was fun, the cool-shaped bar was out of a movie set and the back glitter ceiling piano area was magical. Tilly is the name of an elephant that’s buried in Terrace Park…great story… never even knew about it. Click herefor more info. Back patio bar is so cute! Tell Nigel I sent you ;)
•Bistro Grace– 4034 Hamilton Ave.
Great cozy dinner spot inside and out! Before or after dinner. They have a great menu with a twist. While there go check out the bar across the street (The Hamilton – 4029 Hamilton Ave.) Great bar snacks and drink specials and live music on occasion. Ask Bridgett to pour you something great!
•Ruth Parkside Café – 1550 Blue Rock St.
Fun dining experience with good décor and a menu that will please everyone even the gluten free and vegan friends!
•Melt– 4100 Hamilton Ave.
Just re-opened by the world-renowned Queen mixologist Molly Wellman. This bar has combined a little bit of all Molly’s other establishments into an eclectic spot. Very heath-conscious menu with great drinks…duh!
•Littlefield– 3934 Spring Grove Ave.
Great cocktails and fun food to enjoy for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch! Enjoy Vinyl Nights on Mondays!!
•The Comet– 4579 Hamilton Ave.
So, sometimes I just like a good ol’ biker bar. This is it! Some good Mexican grub and cheap beers mixed with good, everyday people. It’s a little up from the hub, but fun!
This is on my list! I have heard nothing but great things about this spot. Senegalese food. Don’t know that I’ve ever had this food, but I am ready to go try the lamb. I heard the restaurant is not big, so carry out maybe a good option.
•Second Place– 3936 Spring Grove Ave.
Named appropriately for being the second place opened by the same owners of Littlefield. As you would guess by the name, you can catch a game on one of the TVs around the bar. You can also get into the game with the pool table, dart board and random games. Enjoy the back patio when the weather’s nice.
What’s New??
•The Park Diner– 4160 Hamilton Ave.
Coming soon!! They are working hard to open this place…I’ll keep you posted.
•Django Western Taco – 4172 Hamilton Ave.
Word is out that Django a old neighborhood fave is re-opening in a new spot. The opening is scheduled for Aug. 22nd
••Many thanks to my most amazingly talented photographer friend Amy Spasoff! Thank goodness she likes to explore with me and capture the moments.
If you are in need a professional photographer check her out!

Have a BLAST!!

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Just thought I would throw out some fun ideas for your 4th of July festivities!

July 1st
•There’s a really fly Glow Slide at Turfway Park, and if you check out the website, you’ll want to go!! 7500 Turfway
•Washington Park– 4th of July Jam…enjoy music, games, food trucks and fireworks 3-10pm
• If you want to have fun without the kids, hit up Rhinegeist 4th Anniversary Party. Music, limited edition brews…and bring out the 70’s gear because it is a Disco Party with roller skating and dancing
•Red, White and Liberty at Liberty Center Mall – Red Wagon Parade, face painting, music and much more

June 30th – July 1st
•Paradise on the Point is happening at Sawyer Point- Family-friendly fun for free! A line up of live music, food, beer and fun!

July 2nd
• Westside Crossroads is hosting food trucks, music, games and fireworks! 8575 Bridgetown Rd.

July 3rd
•LaRosas Balloon Glow- Coney Island from 7pm-11pm (balloon launch at 10pm). Event is free…you just pay for parking!

Have a BLAST!!

• Fountain Square– live bands, food and fireworks

July 4th
•Lovelandis rocking it out with streets blocked off for a parade, kid zone, food trucks, wet zone, live music, cornhole tournament, fireworks and more! Click here for more.
• Ault Park– 11:00 – 11:00 A day filled with fun and then a fab display of fireworks to end the night
• Red White and Blue Ash – 4-10:35 catch REO Speedwagon at 8:00 and fireworks!

Here are some links to the many fun things going on all over town this weekend. Have a BLAST!!!! Click here.
Taco Festis coming up on July 8th at Yeatmans Cove – purchase tickets to get in for $2 tacos from all the best cantinas in town…live music, drinks, chili pepper eating contest, Chihuahua contest and MARIO LOPEZ in the flesh !!