This place “Rocked”5 min read

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to know them…

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

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

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

Tips

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

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

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

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

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