There’s a new Tom & Chee in town !

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Let’s get cheesy my friends! I had a chance to visit one of the NEW Tom & Chee locations last week in Anderson and I can tell you, I will be back soon! Exciting news… I will be giving away a $25 gift card on my Instagram! Check it out and enter to win so you can try some of these delights :)

If you have visited a Tom & Chee in the past, you are in for some great new changes. Gold Star Chili has acquired Tom & Chee and has revamped the menu. They simplified it and really ramped it up. There are some great new salads, a few new amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, and the best loaded tater tots! I loved the “Pick Two” option, too,  ‘cuz there is nothing like dunking your grilled cheese into a cup of soup or if your like me you can’t decide what you want …this way you can try two things :) 

On our visit my son tried the Italian which is a blast of flavors including Salt & Vinegar chips, pepperoni, ham, Mozzarella cheese on sourdough with a tater tot popped in the mouth between every bite :). I picked the Cubano and it will be hard not to order that right away next time… yummm it is Swiss cheese, pork, ham dill pickles and sweet mustard on hearty white bread! To balance life I had a the Green Goat salad with chicken and it had all the goodness.

And who doesn’t like grilled cheese? This concept offers a great spot for the family with something for everyone and a great kid’s menu. Even your picky one will find something, I am sure. Luckily for everyone, the 5 locations are spread out around the city!  No matter which location you choose, you will get sandwiches that take it up a notch and are all yummy. Problem is, you will have trouble picking out just one.  

Save room and treat yourself with a delish sweet with the famous Grilled Chee Donut with mild cheddar or the S’more Donut with melty chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. :) 

•Anderson 

•Newport on the Levee ( soon moving into different space and getting a facelift )

•Union Center

•Kings Island

•Downtown 

So, dine in or carry out and keep them in mind for catering! Certainly a thought for your upcoming Graduation Parties.

Experience the Walk-Up side of The Wheel

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"out of this world" flight

LouVino:OTR’s New Wine & Dine

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Had a great “hump day” at LouVino Wednesday night! Cool new spot in OTR that specializes in a big selection of great wines and sharable plates with a southern flare. This is the fourth location for LouVino with two in Louisville and one in Fishers, Indiana. A husband and wife team who have come up with this great concept that may not be “local” but has its own flare. The left side of the actual menu is the same at all the locations, but the right side customized by a local chef.  In our case, we have the husband and wife team of Travis & Sarah Rockwell who say they are excited to work together to create and share their culinary skills.

Great ambiance
Take a look inside LouVino

Inside LouVino

Inside LouVino

Cool ambiance

The vibe is cool. It is a fresh new feel with a definite wine presence and a bar that offers a great selection of over 60 wines “on tap,” by the glass.  They have an open dining area and some fun window seats. And, you can rent two of their special areas for private parties for 12-40 people.

My sister and I tried a few things that I highly recommend.

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad, Bison Stuffed Peppers, Halibut Bibb Cups, Truffle Risotto! The Sliders were recommended from the table next to us ‘cause they looked awesome. But, fair warning, we couldn’t try everything :) (except we found room for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough stuffed Beignets… OMG yummm)

delicious!

sharable plates

To wash this all down, we both went for the wine flights that all have very clever names. We had the Pete Rosé flight and “Neil Armstrong … Out of this World” flight. You can also opt to get cheeses that they offer with each glass for $2.

"out of this world" flight

 

Things to know:

*1142 Main St.

*Hours – Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, Sunday 10am-2pm, Monday Closed, Tuesday 5pm-10pm, Wednesday 5pm-10pm.

*They offer Saturday & Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

*Happy Hour Tuesday- Friday 5pm-6:30pm great drink and food prices!

 

 

Chicago Roadtrip:

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Chicago, Chi-town, Windy City, whatever you want to call it, I just call it plain FUN! Anyone who goes can make their list of fave things, these are just a few of my favorite things I uncovered this summer on a couple road trips. You could literally hit a new spot everyday, but then there are some places you just want to go because they are on your “have to go list”!

Where I ate/drank… (obviously)

Little Goat Diner– 820 W. Randolph St.- This is part of the Goat family such as.. Girl & The Goat, DuckDuck Goat & This Little Goat(online spices) all located in the West Loop. All are fantastic so take a pick. I stopped in for a drink while waiting on our table at Au Cheval. Great cocktails fantastic atmosphere and you can get an early start by going to lunch.

Duck Duck Goat– 857 W. Fulton Market- Wonderfully quirky Chinese part of the Goat family. Fantastic meal and hard to choose.  Thanks to our server, we narrowed it down and had quite a feast! Dumplings are so good totally more than basic and the “slap noodles”, just yum!  And, as you would expect, the cocktails were good, too.

Au Cheval– 800 Randolph St.- Cozy diner feel with a kick-butt cheeseburger… BonAppetit even agrees with me, voting it the best in America! Family friendly, hard to get in so you’ll need a little patience.

RPM Italian– 52 W. Illinois St.- Fantastic Italian restaurant owned by Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

Michael Jordan’s Steak-505N.Michigan Ave.- If you have boys like I do, this is a family pleaser! Honestly, it is a great little spot and worth going off the diet to try the garlic bread with blue cheese..you will be pleasantly surprised.

Gyo-Kaku Japanese BBQ – 1364 W. Randolph St. or 210 E. Ohio- Food and Fun all in one! Good bar area that you can get a bite, but I suggest you eat at a table. It’s an experience because you cook all the food in the center of your table. The upstairs has the traditional tables where you sit in the ground.

RL- Ralph Lauren Bar & Grill– 115 E. Chicago Ave. Absolutely elegant! You feel like your smack dab in one of their ads. Outdoor seating steps from Michigan Ave.

Noyane– 101 E. Erie St.- The name means “hidden roof” in Japanese and if you haven’t caught on.. I love Japanese. Contemporary Japanese and the sushi was amazing and I know that doesn’t sound that exciting, but I mean WOW so good. You cook up wagyu on hot stones at your table. My real reason to go is to get a boozy snowball drink served in a Japanese To Go box.

Where I Brunched 

Kanela Breakfast Club– 502 E. Illinois St. Laid-back atmosphere with delish food.

Beacon Tavern-405 N. Wabash Ave. Great outdoor seating. Right next to the river and the iconic Wrigley Building (one of the many beautiful buildings in this city….. Photo op!)

Pinstripes-435 E. Illinois St.- Huge brunch! Now serving on Saturdays. Seating outside along the river

3 Arts Club Café-Restoration Hardware- 1300 N. Dearborn St. – Ambiance overload!

Where I had a cocktail or two..

Lotties-1925 W. Cortland St. Young crowd or when your just feeling young! This is your neighborhood locals pub and it’s a really good time. Get Josh to make you a good shot!

Soho House– 113-125 North Green St. Some areas of this hotel are members only. There are a couple bar and restaurant areas for we average peeps. The décor is to die for and the cool vibe. The Fox Bar is small and eclectic. The Chicken & Farm Shop is a cool low-key diner style. The Allis– a great cocktail bar with huge windows to keep an eye on the happenings of the streets. They have all day dining and afternoon tea. It’s like bar hopping and all-day dining all in one place and you don’t have to walk very far.

Apogee-2 W. Erie St.- Rooftop of the Dana Hotel- Does have an enclosed area for all weather. Showstopper cocktails for sure… seriously, you have to see some of these drinks!

Booze Box-823 W. Randolph St.- Known as “Japan’s answer to the Irish Pub”. It’s a little basement bar with a hip-hop DJ and a laid-back vibe.

Broken Shaker-19 E. Ohio St.- Really cool diverse space located in the Freehand Hotel. Known for ingenious cocktails and hip unique space with little nooks to sit and sip. Get a drink in the fun golden pineapple.

Birkshire Room-15 E. Ohio St.- Located in yet another hip hotel, The ACME. Serving up great crafted cocktails and an amazing atmosphere.

Where I slept..Hotels

E=MC2– 228 E. Ontario St.- What a scientifically fun hotel! The best part is the robot that delivers anything to your door.. Love it!

The James-55 E. Ontario St.- Fun rooms, good cocktail lounge and the best coffee at the front desk. Get the donuts, you can inject different fillings.

Any of the cool hotels I listed above too!

Stuff I did…Things to do

Sugar Factory.- 55 E. Grant Ave.-This is a must if you’re with young kids. It’s bright and fun with an overdose of… you guessed it SUGAR! Worth going and sharing something.

Two touristy things that are still fun:  boat tours- you never know what’s going on at Navy Pier, so check it out.  The Ferris wheel has a really cool view. I also enjoyed learning more about the architecture one of the boat cruises or the kayak tours on the river..Skydeck- yep, tourist thing and a line but what a great insta pic!

Contemporary Art Museum – Funnnnky fun and really good gift shop. Such a variety of museums, so Google around and check out free days and just enjoy.

Shedd Aquarium– fun for the little ones…and everyone else :)

There are often pop up events and restaurants , so do some research. I happened upon this Happy Place while there this summer and last summer I went to the Rolling Stones exhibit at Navy Pier… so cool!

Lollapolloza– Love music: love this event. So many bands so little time!

Concerts, fireworks, movies all at the Pier during the summer. The airshow is pretty amazing too.

Games- Cubs, White Sox and Bears- I have a family of boys so we do sports (I have learned to join in).  Just  seeing different stadiums is really cool. This summer we missed Cubs, so we took the “L” and went to a White Sox game and it was so fun! Go see Hamilton!

Brunch is Always a Good Idea!

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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


Things to know:

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

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

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

• Bar seats and outdoor seating available

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

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




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

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

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

Things to know:

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

• There are good Vegetarian options

Cincinnati Creamy Whips... A Summertime Favorite!

Cincinnati Creamy Whips… A Summertime Favorite!

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After many brain freezes and a couple extra pounds I am here to give you my list of summertime favorite Cincinnati “Whippy Dips”, “Creamy Whips” or whatever you call them (it goes along with the other related argument “jimmies” or “sprinkles”??).

There may be some I missed on this list, but I assure you it isn’t because I didn’t like it. I probably didn’t physically get there. I promise I will do another list next summer. It was fantastic to meet all of the workers and owners and hear what they said was their #1 seller.

There is still plenty more warm weather to get out there and make your way through this list. Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know where you went and what you tried.

There is so much history with most of these cute places click the name and read their stories on their websites.

Putz’s– 2673 Putz Pl. 45211- easy access of the I-74. – open everyday 10-10.

Still using the same Electro-Freeze machines they purchased in 1954 that may just be the secret to their famous creamy whip! In the late 60’s, the Putz’s got word that I-74 was being built right to their back door. Mrs. Putz wrote a letter to President Nixon and, believe it or not, she heard back with a change of plans. The highway would be moved! I love this.

• check out the cool spoons that change colors with the cold temperature of the ice cream.

Mt. Washington Creamy Whip– 2069 Beechmont Ave. Open everyday 10-10

Adorable little spot to eat inside. The back room is like an old diner with great retro memorabilia. They are known for the java whip but they also have great bakery items as well. The cookie dough chunk ice cream is amazing, too! Starting this week they have a new Dole Whip which is a fruit flavored whip.. Check their facebook link above for daily flavor!

The son owns the Old Milford Parlor -at 119 Main St.- open all year! Sun-Thurs 11-10pm, Fri & Sat 11-10:30pm This location has the same cool vibe with the fun antique theme. I had the Affogato which is ice cream with espresso on top…yum. Coming soon is the new more contemporary location in Pendleton.(Hurry ! :)

The Cone– 6855 Tylersville Rd-Mon-Thur. 11-9:30, Friday & Saturday 11-10 and Sunday noon-9:30

This place is just FUN. #1 – it’s shaped like a giant cone; #2 – it has rides and a game room! And, it has a double drive through, so you don’t have to wait long ;) They have 10 flavor machines and are known for the orange flavor (so that vanilla orange cream sickle is amazing!). Not only do they have a variety of flavors and dips, they also have homemade pies and fun ice cream cakes in tons of flavors. Check out the giant cookie sandwiches! Everything baked fresh in store. Ohhhh and the buckeye parfait …. Just go, I promise you’ll like it :)

Zip Dip– 4050 Drew Ave. – Open everyday 11am-10pm

I just loved the vibe of this little spot. There were young couples, little kids, sports teams and everyone was so excited to get up to the window and order. The baseball hat cups were a hit here as well… the upside down blueberry dipped was my sons order for me to bring home :)

Newtown Dairy Corner– 3501 Church St.

They corner spot with picnic tables for you to plop down and enjoy the iconic dipped cones they have been serving up since 1955! It was kind of funny because everyone in line the day I went was just getting good old vanilla… my son Palmer likes the basics too! Sometimes you just don’t mess with the original :)

Green Man Twist- 770 McMillian –Open every day but Tuesday 3pm-9:30

You will know you have arrived by hearing the fun music playing! You can enjoy the cute park setting and even play Jenga. It is located right across from Fireside Pizza (another place you need to check out). You must get a “party hat “on your cone, for sure!

Their saying on the website is “Life is hard enough, your ice cream should be soft” :)

Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar- 7840 Hamilton Ave. Open every day 11-9:30

Soft Serve Sherbet! Flavors change every two weeks…’nuf said. I lucked out with lemon and I really hope they repeat that again. I also tried the vanilla with a ribbon of flavor (flavor bursts) on the edge — pretty and yummy. Today on the fb page it says they have Wild Mountain Blackberry Sherbet ready to be swirled in vanilla!! OMG I might have to go tonight!

You must get a pic in the chair made out of a huge tree trunk in the yard. If you haven’t been to this area you are a stones throw from Winton Woods. If you go from the Dairy Bar you pass the iconic Jediah Hill Covered Bridge built in 1850. You are so close to great areas of the park to sit and eat your cone. Or go visit Parky’s Farm! And, if you know where I grew up; go ahead and stop by and visit my mom (but be sure to bring some ice cream for her).

Loveland Dairy Whip– 611 W. Loveland Ave. open everyday 2:00-10:00

Great kid cones with funny faces and the ice cream and dip in a collector baseball hat! They have fantastic parfaits, too… (everybody likes a parfait!) A few picnic tables nestled under the trees are there for you to enjoy your treat.

Whipty Do! – 2529 R22 Mainville- Open every day 12-10pm

Ok my friend Paaras would not stop talking about this one! So here is her suggestion on what you have to have… blue vanilla twist with chocolate sprinkles! She claims that their sprinkles are the best! The quaint little house and patio are so cute you just want to hang out there.

Greenhills Creamy Whip-1 Eswin St. in Greenhills Shopping Center Open everyday 12-10pm

Claim to fame their homemade blueberry & strawberry creamy whips and in the late summer they have caramel & pumpkin. They have a great FC Cincinnati Whip with the team blue & orange on occasion. Go up and enjoy a cone and listen to the concert on the green with different bands every Wednesday.

Schneider’s Sweet Shopin Bellevue, Ky- 420 Fairfield Ave. Hours vary with season

When you walk in a waft of chocolate goodness fills the air because they make amazing candies. I was focusing on ice cream, so I had what they are known for — the ice balls! This is ice cream plopped in the middle of a flavored slushie. You can mix any flavor which may be difficult because they have so many to choose from. Cute little side deck to hangout and eat your ice ball!

Cozy’s Cafe & Pub

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Cozy’s Cafe & Pub …The name says it all. It’s cozy. It’s an adorable café and a cool pub. Although it’s pretty much an oxymoron because it is the biggest cozy place around.


Notice the cute crosswalk sign!

Every part of this place — the quaint house in front (used to be a wagon wheel shop) or the funky industrial pub area, or anywhere outside (which has many areas to sit by a fire pit, listen to some music, play some bocce ball or enjoy your meal) — it is all very welcoming and, well, cozy.

  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
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I went to check out the brunch because I’m always attracted to a good Bloody Mary bar and WOW it did not disappoint. Like I always say, it’s like a meal and a cocktail all in one! The menu was full of options seriously making it hard to pick. I knew I wanted some kind of pastry or some of the carrot cake they tempt you with by displaying it right as you walk in the door. You see, they have in house pastry chef on the premises (located in yet, another, cute little shed) who prepares all the pastries and dishes. You can watch through the window as she and her team work their magic (you’ll know where it is when you see the crosswalk sign).

My sister and I shared the quiche of the day and the Crab Cake Benedict, both of which were not your typical dishes! Then we topped off morning with the Ooey Gooey Apple Bacon Cinnamon Roll…Holy Night… soooo good. They let us try the famous Triple layer Carrot Cake and unbelievable Cherry Cheese Cake with chocolate ganache like no other. Needless to say I needed a nap after all of that! Note… my dessert pics are sample sized so your will be bigger:)

I can’t wait to go back to try dinner!

  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
  • Cozy's Cafe & Pub
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The service is top notch and the options will please your whole group. The atmosphere makes you want to come back. They also have a smaller cottage (where it all began) which seats about 30 people. It is open for special events M-F from 8a.m. -3p.m.

You have to check this place out. When you pull up you will be surprised at this cool “compound” inspired by a trip Jan Collins, owner, took to England. She has made this a destination that won’t disappoint.

 

Things to know:

• 6440 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd.
Hours Tuesday- Thursday Pub 4pm-midnight, Dinner 4pm- 10pm
Friday & Saturday Pub 4pm-midnight, Dinner 4pm- 11pm
Saturday – Brunch 9am-2:30 , Sunday 9am – 4pm
•They take reservations!
•Wine Down Wednesday 1/2 off wine even the Captains List
•To my friends who are Miami parents — this is a great place to come while visiting your kids. It’s about 35 minutes from campus!
•Be sure to check out the back of all the server’s shirts. Cute little sayings that will make you smile.-
•This is a fantastic place for a bridal shower, birthday party or any fun gathering.
•Click HERE to see the schedule for entertainment and some fun (and unusual “experience”) events coming soon. Including yoga on Sundays check out their facebook page for details.

Condado Tacos opens at the Banks

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I don’t know about this “Taco Tuesday” thing because when you try Condado, you will want it way more often than that!

The Colum

bus based restaurant has its grand opening Thursday April 26th starting at 11a.m. They are offering half off margaritas and buy one, get one free tacos for the celebration.

They are located right across from Great American Ball Park and show their Reds spirit in the cool street art the flanks the walls. The artwork was done by a team from Columbus and crew of Cincinnati artists, making it unique to the other locations.

  • Condado Tacos opens at the Banks
  • Condado Tacos opens at the Banks
  • Condado Tacos opens at the Banks
  • Condado Tacos opens at the Banks
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I knew once I saw the buzz about Condado coming to Cincy on Facebook, I had to check it out. People have been saying this is a “must go” when in Columbus. One woman said, “my daughter thinks I’m coming to see her at school, but really it’s so I can eat at Condado!” :) Well, after eating there tonight, I have to say I agree! It is an innovative menu that takes tacos to another level. With ingredients from ghost pepper marinated steak to shrimp ceviche and roasted chicken… you are sure to drool over something.


The fun thing about this spot is you can build your own taco using a “scantron” (you will not receive a grade on this :)! Tacos range from $3-$5. They are known for the delicious double-decker tacos… a flour shell stuffed with toppings like guac, queso, beans, sour cream or their own special chorizo filled with a hard-shell taco and even more stuff inside. Unbelievable! If you get flustered, and just want to make it easy, they also have specialty tacos that offer some great combos. There are so many choices of freshly made toppings that it’s really hard to choose. Something for everyone from vegan to a meat lover.

They have two Cincy specialties the Nasty ‘Nati Nachos ($7) and the Charlie Hustle on the Side (a nod to that guy named Pete) which is Two tacos and a Modelo beer ($10).


My husband and I started the feast with the El Tres Amigos (pick 3) Dirty Queso (to die for), Tuscan Guac (OMG), Corn Salsa (amazing) and, not that we needed more, we had to try the tacos so he had the Ooey –Gooey and I made my own. We washed it all down with a Mini Margarita Flight… I loved the strawberry with a little jalapeno.


The service was on the spot and I was very impressed for a soft opening how smooth everything went.

Things to know:
•They have open sides so there is a feel of dining outside.
•They have brunch on Sat & Sun from 11-3 and Happy Hour Mon.- Fri. 4-7.
•A Taco of the month will be offered.
•They have 7 house-made flavors of Margaritas and 8 specialty flavors!
•Huge selection of great tequilas along with a pretty impressive stocked bar
•Please order the Dirty Queso
•I have heard wonderful things about the Thai Chili Tofu from my friends Taylor & Austin
Located at 195 E. Freedom Way
Hours: 11a.m-2am everyday

Three New Cincinnati Hot Spots!

Three New Cincinnati Hot Spots!

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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