Summer Fun!

Summer Fun!

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Summertime fun…and it’s FREE! There is so much to do in Cincinnati over the summer, you can easily do a “staycation”. Every once in awhile I do a little blurb about Liberty Center, and summer is no exception. This area is so much fun and worth making a trip if you’re not lucky enough to live nearby.

The outdoor shopping experience is one thing but the lineup of summer fun should entice you to grab your family or friends and head out for some fun.

I did just that last week. I took my husband, sister and a friend to check out concert night. We brought our chairs and listened to The Danny Frazier Band with Jenn from Q102 as the MC for the night. People were positioned all over the lawn and kids were dancing away. Most of my readers know full well that with this concert scenario, I would love to have a little cocktail in hand. :) So you can easily do what we did and enjoy the bands while eating and having an adult beverage on the patio or rooftop of Kona Grill. We went up to the bar balcony at the AC Hotel Marriott, next to some couples who made it into dance floor. It was so cute. This hotel is really cool, so this was a nice way to check it out! We then hit up Cantina Laredo. You can eat outside and enjoy the music here, as well. Cantina was awesome! (Even my sister who isn’t a huge Mexican fan loved it. They also have some amazing margaritas that you have to try!

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Oh don’t worry, you still have time to hit up a concert. There are concerts every Thursday now through August 31st from 6-9. Some of my local faves are coming up.

Movie Night
If you have youngsters (or are a youngster at heart) you may want to join in on the Movie Under Moonlight every Wednesday starting at dusk.

Farmer’s Market
Another fun thing to enjoy is the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays 3-7, now through September 26th. You can hit up the many vendors, and there are activities for the kids while you do your shopping.

Another spot I need to give a shout out to is Bar Del Mar. We just happened upon it while walking around. It’s an open air bar/restaurant that will truly make you feel like you are at the beach. It also has a great outside eating area. Ask Nick the bartender for his cocktail suggestions. He is really quite the mixologist and has big jugs of fruit fermenting in different kinds of alcohol on the bar shelf, waiting to be mixed in his next invention!

Take a look at the 4th of July festivities at Liberty here.
Though I received consideration from Liberty Center in exchange for writing a blog post, all opinions are my own and from the heart!

Let’s Get Lit!!

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My friend Amy and I had so much fun making candles and new friends at Manitou Candle Co.When you pull up to Manitou your interest will be piqued! It is absolutely adorbs! Then you’ll go inside and meet the owner Kate Fey and her staff, and you will––right then and there––decide “I want to hangout here!” Now, if you don’t have time to make one, you can also purchase pre-made candles.

It all began when Kate had so much fun making candles for all of her wedding guests, she then had friends asking her to make some for gifts, which led to little get-togethers at her house… the store was the natural next step.

What’s in the name? Some of you that head “Up North” to Michigan for the summer might recognize the name Manitou. Kate said her family has been going to Leland her whole life, and they love the nearby Island of Manitou (which means “positive energy that is within everything”). So I expect a lot from my new candle ;)

Amy and I were mixed with a fun table of three work cohorts including guys and girls (just so you know this is not just a girl thing), a creative gal who sells hand-painted cards and more and a group of young girls (well, that’s relative, but let’s just say they were fresh out of college).

Kate makes this such a fun time right from the start. You go around and introduce yourself and tell what scents you like as she fires off the number of that scent without hesitation … mind you, that there are 100 scents to choose from so this was very entertaining.

Then you go back out to the main room to smell all the candles and decide what you want to mix up to make your own smell-goods. I chose white tea, mimosa and mandarin…such a summer smell. I love it! After this, we go back in the “chem lab” … well, that’s what I call it. We started pouring the liquids and making labels…and before you know it, you’re a “Chandler” which I now know is “one who makes and sells candles”.

Eastern Ave. is starting to blossom so when you are in the area check out POP Bar(Post Office Place) 3923 Eastern Ave. Kid friendly adorable spot with pool tables and a cool outdoor area in the back. Good bar menu available
Streetside Brewery– 4003 Eastern- Lite bites and food trucks. I loved the Tea Bags a honey green tea blonde ale great summer beer! FYI they open at 8:00 am Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri. and they serve a breakfast sandwich
Pearls– 3520 Eastern- lite bites and full bar. Cute old house converted into a cozy bar with a fun outdoor patio.
Blank Slate Brewing Co. – 4233 Airport Rd. No fuss spot with great beer and fantastic knowledgeable bartenders!
These are great stops on your way down to Riverbend to catch a concert!

Fun Info:
• The candles are 100% soy and burn for 80 hours
• You can rent Manitou for parties
• Hours: Sunday 12-4, Monday closed, Tuesday-Saturday 10-6
• You must give time for the candles to settle so you can pick it up the next day
• Sign up online for classes (Wednesday at 6:00, Thursday-Sunday 2:00 & 6:00)
• The store has other cute items such as jewelry, men’s ties and more
• $40 to make two candles and takes about 1 ½ hours BYOB (or pick up a growler at Streetside Brewery next door!)
• If you happen to stop in Manitou on the day that LeCreParis is making crepes in front of Streetside Brewery do yourself a favor and get one! You will be so happy you did.
• To just come in and buy a candle, it’s $25 ea., 2 for $45, 3 for $60, and they have small tin candles $8 each, 2 for $ $15, 3 for $22

It’s Out of this World!

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Open your calendars and pick a day, because you’re going to want to add this to your list of must do’s for the summer. If you have family or friends coming for a visit, this is the outing for you. The galaxy far, far away… is here!! The Cincinnati Museum Centeris hosting the Star Wars and The Power of Costume exhibit.

Ok, I’ll admit that I’d probably not win on Jeopardy if asked a whole category of Star Wars questions, but I have seen the movies (mom of three boys) and I really do like them. So, if you’re thinking, “Well, I’m not really into Star Wars” you’ll still enjoy this exhibit! I promise!

The rooms are full of over 70 unbelievably designed costumes from the first seven Star Wars films. The exhibition highlights the challenges and the detailed artistry of George Lucas, the designers and the artists. With every corner you turn, you’ll get more intrigued. As if the costumes aren’t enough, there are short videos that take you through different processes and challenges in detail. You’ll see the drawings, learn concepts and learn the symbolism behind the stories.

This exhibit will be on travelers’ destination lists for their summer vacations for sure, because we’re one of only six cities in the country that is lucky enough to host this amazing exhibit. So, if you live here and you know who C-3PO and Chewbacca are, then you’ll be remiss if you don’t make this a must see venue!

Things to know:
• Buy tickets online. You can pick your time slot…which is fantastic!
• The exhibit runs through October 1st
• Cost – Adult tickets are $24, child (3-12) is $16, senior (60 +) is $21. Member adult tickets are $17 and member child (3-17) is $12.
• I got to meet Anthony Daniels the “real” C-3PO and he was so dang charming and adorable just like the gold guy!!
• No flash photography
• For more information go to www.cincymuseum.org/starwars or call 513-287-7000
• The Museum Center is under construction …so please excuse the dust and be excited for whats to come!

As usual I don’t like to show too many pictures because I want you to be surprised like I was!!

Raise the Roof!

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Springtime…I think it’s really here! Nothing screams Spring louder than ROOFTOP BARS!! So I did my job and went out to do some research on places I think you need to go and raise the roof ;) Some are truly on a roof and others are, well, let’s just say elevated. But they’re all outside and fun.
Hours: Mon. – Sat. open at 5:00
This was the first rooftop and continues to be a fun one. They have fantastic warm weather cocktails such as “poptails” which are flavorful bubbly drinks, boozy popsicles, adult slushies and many more. Small snacks available. They have fun big yellow penguins all over the hotel. If you see one you can grab it and take it to your table, on the elevator…take selfies with it whatever you want…just don’t take him home!
Rhinegeist Rooftop – 1910 Elm St.
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm- 12am , Sat. 12-2am, Sun. 12-9pm
Spacious cool rooftop with little areas to gather with friends. You can also sit at the large bar area. Plenty of beers on tap, wine and 2 draft cocktails. This is such a fun gathering spot and offers a main indoor level with cornhole, ping pong and more.. No food or smoking on the roof!
Blind Pig – 24 W. 3rd St. or enter through O’Malley’s In the Alley
Hours: 11am-2pm everyday
O’Malley’s is the second oldest bar in Cincinnati, after Arnold’s. The Blind Pig is the back of O’Malleys (or I guess the front depending on how you look at it) :) The “rooftop” part is only a couple years old. It has a ton of character. Rumor has it that there’s a tunnel in the basement that once ran all the way over to KY, so it was part of the underground railroad. Pretty cool! Now it only goes to the river or less, but is all boarded up.
If you don’t have a ticket to the Reds or Bengals games this is a perfect rooftop to watch all the fans as they make there way to the games. Good bar food and 20 beers on tap plus a full bar. This might be one of my new faves.
Krueger’s Tavern– 1211 Vine St.
Hours: Mon. – Sat 11am-12, Sun. 11am-10pm
This is a cool OTR rooftop with a great full menu and full bar. Great cozy atmosphere. Very hip place with a good vibe.
Via Vite– Fountain Square 520 Vine.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri. 11am-11pm bar until 2am, Sat Brunch 10am-3pm bar until 2am. Sun. brunch 10am-3pm/ dinner 4pm-10pm
This is the largest outdoor dining downtown with a fantastic ½-off happy hour Mon.-Fri 3-6 !
They have a covered terrace that overlooks Fountain Square, which is hopping with fun things all summer long. They also have an open-air courtyard with a view of the square and the ginormous T.V. on the Macys building, showing all Reds games + movie nights. Oh… and amazing food!!!
Lisse – 530 Main St. Covington, Ky.
Hours: Tues.- Sat. 4pm -11pm, Closed Sun & Mon.
This is a great spot to have a spectacular view of the Cincy skyline! Really cute spot that also has an indoor bar area. Food and drink offered.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 5pm-10,pm Fri. – Sat. 4pm-11pm
This is a popular place to meet friends and have a cocktail. Once again, great views of the city! Simple bar menu and full bar.
Budweiser Bow Tie Bar– Right above the bullpen out in right field of Great American Ballpark
Home of the Cincinnati Reds!! Open during games
I think this is just a cool way to watch the game. You can grab a cheap seat tickets and watch the game while standing around bar tables. You can also look behind you and get a great view of the Ohio River. Pretty cool !
Honorable mention
Carew Tower– 441 Vine St.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9am-5:30pm, Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. & Sun. 10am-7pm
Okay, okay…it’s not a bar, but it’s the most kick-butt rooftop, right in the heart of the city!! This is a must do for everyone! 360-degree views of our beautiful city and beyond. It’s truly awe-inspiring. You’ll want to take pics with every background.
If you want, you can borrow my husband, who has every bit of crazy knowledge of buildings and what the heck you’re looking at from 574 feet in the air.
There are coin-view binoculars to see things a little closer.
It is CASH only and is $4 for 12 and up, $2 6-11 , and free for 6 and under. Well worth admission!!
Coming Soon!
Revel Rooftop – 111 E. 12th St.
The roof will open sometime this summer…fingers crossed.
Hours: Wed. – Fri. 4pm-12am, Sat. 12pm-12am, Sun. 12pm-10pm closed Mon. & Tues.
I got a sneak peak of this one. It is the roof of the new wine spot in OTR, which just opened about a month ago. I’ll be blogging about it soon because it’s well worth the attention. Don’t wait for the roof…check it out now. It has small batch wines made in the basement. Other drinks offered along with snacks.

Paint Our City Beautiful!

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One of these pics is NOT an ArtWorks ….can you guess which one?

This week, I attended the ArtWorks breakfast. ArtWorks is the organization that’s the mastermind behind all the cool murals around town. I know you’ve spotted them throughout the city, so I thought I’d give you some scoop on the backstory.

My friend Amy and I hit the road to find some of the murals and, while doing so, thought this would be a fun summertime activity for families.

The OTR and Downtown murals are sprinkled around, so doing a walking tour or even using the Red Bikes would be a great way to check them out. You’ll also find them in other areas of the city, so maybe pick one or two to search for on any given weekend to force yourself to visit an area of the city you may have never seen.

As you compare the older murals to the newer ones, you’ll see how much the designs and talent have evolved over the years since the first one in 2007. The murals aren’t the only featured art. There are cool bike racks and an awesome music tower you can crank to play a tune like a giant music box! They also have a program Art Rx which provides paintings in medical facilities such as Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Fernside and more.. They also did a great waiting room for Cradle Cincinnati which they now call the room “Happy to Wait Room”.

The interesting thing about all these giant paintings displayed on the side of buildings all over town is who is behind it all. ArtWorks hires around 200 youth (aged 14-21) in the area every summer. They go through a thorough interview process with hundreds of kids sending in applications. The bonus to all of this is that they get paid to fulfill their passion … art! So, yes…ArtWorks pays our youth to beautify our city. How cool is that!? This is a great way to give our youth the opportunity to make money, put their stamp on their own city and make friends with a diverse spectrum of kids with whom they probably never would have crossed paths in any other situation. I love this concept!

So, get on aRed Bike, put on your Fitbit, get the fam in a car, jump on the streetcar or get moving any way you like and go check out these awesome paintings! Make it an adventure…download the maps, get the story on each mural so you can talk about the meaning of each one and make it a scavenger hunt!

ArtWorks and the Flying Pig are celebrating the 20th anniversary of they race with a new mural on the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 5th & Elm. You can be part of this by voting for the mural you love best!! Click here to vote.

• How to help or get involved- Adopt an apprentice program funds an artist or sign up for the news letterand get updates when they need painting volunteers.
• Take a tour- May- October on Saturdays 10:00-11:30 or 2:00-3:30.

Weekend Stuff!!
There are so many great things going on this weekend but staying dry might be on your list of priorities!! :)
•Happy Cinco De Mayo! Cincy Latino Festival is celebrating with food, dancing, culture and more on Fountain Square all weekend. www.cincy-cinco.com
• Reds game with a concert featuring Kaleoafter the game – tonight!
•Kentucky Derby! If you can’t get to the real deal (could be a good thing with this weather) you can still get the vibe by heading to Belterra Parkor Turfway Park on Saturday and bid away with your fancy hats on! Talk Derby to me! Hotel Covingtonis also having a party with food, DJ and a delish drink called Knowledge…named after a winning horse!
•Flying Pig! There are events all weekend, but the main traffic jam of fun will be Sunday morning. Come cheer on the runners! I’ll be at the split where runners make the choice to turn left or right depending on full or half marathon :)
• Maderia Art Fair – Sunday 11-5 enjoy 145 booths

Fitness Fun!

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Get Fit at Liberty! I accepted the challenge…

Hey, everyone! Checking in on your New Years resolution for working out and healthy eating…how’s that going for you? Did you recently hit the beach for Spring Break while eating some guac & chips and downing a beer thinking, “hmmmm, this bathing suit is not fitting quite right!”?? :) So did I!!!

Summertime is full of temptations: ice cream, extra cocktails and more, but I think if you just keep moving your buns, it all balances out. I recently found a perfect scenario that fits all of my loves in one place. I’ve blogged about this spot before…Liberty Center! Click here to readabout some great stores and more from my previous blog.

My sister and I met up there, with the plan to get in some exercise while catching up. Liberty Center has this great walking mapwith certain paths inside and out. They have it wonderfully mapped out with step counts and miles.

Combining window-shopping, exercise and healthy eating options, this is the perfect place. Ok, so maybe I took some extra steps inside a few stores, but I needed some new workout clothes!!

I hit up Footlocker for a new pair of fun walking shoes (is jogging not a word anymore? I am more of a jogger). BTW, the three girls working the day I was there were so much fun and incredibly helpful. I couldn’t decide weather to stick with the basic or go with the bright. I went basic black. That was a good choice, because I then went to the Gap to find some great pants from GapFit selection. I love the workout selection there, and I wanted these adorable Blackout high rise pantsthat have a print for $59.95 and 40% off! I love a deal and they are perfect with plain black Nike shoes.

While we were walking, I stopped a few ladies and asked if they did this often. They said they meet up a couple times a week. They said they loved it because it’s calm and so pretty outside. They love having the indoor option for rainy days and it gives them time to talk with each other and get up and moving.

To top it off, the food selection is outstanding. There are many places with healthy options! We ate atNorthstar, which I wrote about in my earlier blog. It’s an adorable spot with a wide variety of organic food choices and a juice bar. (Well, ok there’s also a real bar, and those juice drinks sound so much better with vodka…and I think that counts, especially on a Friday afternoon. We really liked the Sweet Basil Burrito and the Citrus Crunch Salad. Yum!

I am going to head up and take ayoga classnext. They have a whole schedule of classes, even a class for parents and kids striking the warrior pose together! The yoga room is so pretty and serene. I can’t wait to try it.

If you have not been to Liberty Center I really suggest you check it out. You feel like you’re on a mini vacation, and there’s something for everyone, with more things opening all the time.

Though I received consideration from Liberty Center in exchange for writing a blog post, all opinions are my own and from the heart!

Low Country!

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My blog is normally about our great city of Cincinnati but … sometimes we like to get away ;)
I’m already planning my trip back to Charleston, SC…and I just got back! What in the heck took me so long to visit this dreamy place???!! It’s just one of those destinations where, as you leave, you’re thinking about when you’re coming back.
There’s a reason Charleston has been named the #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and more! I love beaches, but I need things to do…and Charleston is the place.
The eating. OMG the eating! I think I gained 20 pounds just googling restaurants and making reservations. Great shopping, wonderful history and, of course, beaches…all in the most quaint town!
I’ll just give you a rundown of the things Kevin and I did during our long weekend.
Hotels
We stayed in two hotels, just so I’d be able to give you good info. :)
The Belmond (the locals call it Charleston Place): 205 Meeting Street
This was a beautiful hotel with shopping off both wings of the main lobby. They have a cute outdoor courtyard restaurant and a great cocktail bar.  Located in the heart of the city.
This is a boutique hotel that is really special. The rooms and lobby are and hip and eclectic. It has a cool restaurant and rooftop bar (The Watch) with quite a view. And you’re treated to a complimentary breakfast that’s delivered in a picnic basket, plus free bikes to ride around town and free wine happy hour!
Shopping
You can find it all on King Street. Every price range..  Jewelry, art, shoes, on and on! If you see stairs going up between buildings, then go up! I found some adorable hidden places. One store away from King Street was Maris-Dehart32 Vendue Range. Stop in before you hit Vedue rooftop! The owner is awesome and has a great eye for what girls want!
There’s alsoThe City Market at 188 Meeting Street. This is more the tourist shopping area, because it’s housed in a historic building and is four city blocks of shopping. It hosts a ton of vendors under one roof, selling just about anything from paintings, jewelry, toys, to baskets made of sweetgrass (which, incidentally, are sold all over)! This is a must-see area, because it’s iconic and everyone will tell you to go ;)
Many companies offer these rides. You can simply walk up to a window by the market and pay-and-go. I think the carriage ride is a good way to get a little info and see the area…then you can decide where to go back and further check it out.  You can also do your own walking tour, which I really enjoyed. You can go to the Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street and get a little $5 book that tells you everything you need to know.
The Battery: The Southern tip of the city. It has great views of stunning homes and the harbor. There’s also a beautiful park with historic monuments. History buffs will love this area!
Waterfront park:Great for a walk along the water and out to the pier. Of course you need a pic of the “pineapple fountain” cuz everybody does!
Rainbow Row:Make sure to see the pastel painted row homes and just walk up and down brick streets and alleys. There are so many cool houses, you just want to wander for days.
FOOD
My list was soooo long, we had to narrow it down. But, like I said, I’m ready to go back and hit some more!
Chez Nous: 6 Payne Court
Neighborhood spot down an alley. Quaint, restored house where the chef, Jill Mathias, handwrites the menu everyday!;) Very cozy and romantic…you’ll feel like you’re in France. Fantastic wine selection!
Zero George: 0 George Street
Nestled in the courtyard of a hotel. I don’t know which is better the food or the atmosphere. It can be romantic, but there were tables with groups and girls night and couples. This was worth the visit. Make sure to check out the upstairs lounge area for the hotel guests! They offer a cooking class (on my to-do list for next time)!
FIG:232 Meeting Street
“Food Is Good!”  James Beard award-winning. We couldn’t get reservations, but one night we just stopped in for a drink and lucked out with spots at the community table. We sat with two sisters from Boston, two locals and a guy in town for business from San Francisco. We all hit it off and were cracking up in no time…so much fun! This was one heck of a meal. If you can get in and they have the ricotta-filled gnocchi…GET IT!
Darlings Oyster Bar:513 King Street
Late night stop for us…and I got my husband to have his first oyster ever! Now he’s hooked! Amazing what people will try at 1:30 am!
Pearlz Oyster Bar: 153 East Bay St.
Yes, this is a small chain in the south, but the chef at each one tweaks his own menu! Sit at the bar and meet some friends!
Drinks/Rooftops( hello it’s vacation!)
The Cocktail Club:479 King Street
Rooftop above MacIntosh restaurant. Fun spot with great specialty cocktails.
The Republic: 462 King Street
Inside dancing and outside band. Fun stop!
The Bar at Husk: 76 Queen Street
Adorable and next to the very popular Husk restaurant! You can get some great apps and cocktails inside and out!
Vedue: 19 Vendue Range
Another great rooftop, but don’t dart up there without checking out the art in the lobby of this hotel! Please look through the wall full of view masters !
The Watch: 75 Wentworth
Rooftop of the Restoration Hotel. Adorable!
Dessert
We made two stops just for dessert.
Carmella’s Dessert Bar: 198 East Bay St.
They have an “ice cream sandwich” that’s gelato in a Panini! So, it’s cold in the middle and warm on the outside…delish!
The Peninsula: 112 N. Market Street
For the legendary 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake.Just look at the link for a full-page description that will blow your mind!
Island Days
Fantastic place to take a drive and go out to the Ocean Course for a grilled pimento cheese sandwich! Cute shopping area and just a beautiful drive and wonderful beaches.
Not much here but a couple of cute restaurants and a quiet beach.  See the lighthouse and Fort Moultrie National Monument. Poe’s Tavern is a must…great burgers and adorable décor. Plus, listen to Poe read to you over a speaker while in the bathroom :)
Notes
•You can walk everywhere, but it’s also fun to take a bike taxi! They’re everywhere!
• The Downtown shuttle is free
• Pop into hotels and check them out…they’re all so different and cool!
• Shopping for days…have extra space in your luggage!
• So many great restaurants…be sure to hop around. Appetizer here, dinner there and then dessert at another!
• Go to the beach! They have many wonderful beaches that are so close.
• Day one, go on a carriage ride or buy the Walking Tour book mentioned above to get your bearings on where you are.
• Stop in St. Michael’s Church. Tiffany glass windows are gorgeous. Check out pew #43…where many Presidents have sat for worship when in town.
• Notice the “front doors” of the homes  (which lead into an open-air side porch or piazzas, then to the actual door of the home. The very top ceiling of these 2- or 3-level porches is often painted Haint Blue, which is suppose to keep away evil spirits.  ;) If the front door is open, that indicates to neighbors that they’re welcoming guests.
I could go on and on, people…but all I’m saying is Y’all need to get to the Low Country and check it out!!!

 

“Making a Splash”

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8th & English is ready to make a splash!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy

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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 !