tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26561524239250538372024-03-12T21:22:25.008-04:00Cincinnati NomeratiThis is not the greatest blog in the world; this is just a tribute.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883125671435382392noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-66003758642294168562023-04-23T19:32:00.006-04:002023-04-27T14:27:24.575-04:00Farewell and Thanks for All the ChocoPots:<p>This post is tribute, invite, and recipe, in that order.
</p><p>On Tuesday night we got a phone call with some news I hoped to never hear. Our friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adorkandhispork/?hl=en">Jeff Mathews</a>, better known to some as <a href="http://www.adorkandhispork.com/">adorkandhispork</a>, had passed away.
</p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840071329/in/dateposted-public/" title="jeff"><img alt="jeff" height="674" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840071329_79cb435876_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p>I met Jeff in 2009, at a <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2009/02/cincinnati-imports-happy-hour.html">Cincinnati Imports happy hour</a>. We had just started Cincinnati Nomerati earlier that year, and I remember being thrilled to meet people whose words I had been reading for months and I looked up to as experienced bloggers.
</p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52839883111/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff and Liz at Cincy Imports"><img alt="Jeff and Liz at Cincy Imports" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52839883111_f339300ea2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p>Jeff was a great conversationalist, and we enjoyed talking about a variety of random things. David joined us for the next meet up, <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2009/03/sake-bomb-night-of-living-cincinnati.html">at Sake Bomb</a>. Shortly after that, I got on Twitter and joined the club of bloggers and foodies in the city. We’d schedule “Tweetups” at local restaurants, spend Sunday afternoons at Neons drinking mimosas that had no business being as strong as they were, and spent many evenings at Jeff’s tiny apartment on Hosea avenue in Clifton.
</p><p></p><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2uzKBbF7WY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center>
<p></p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840077646/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff's Den"><img alt="Jeff's Den" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840077646_5baf8388f3_c.jpg" width="765" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p>About Jeff’s apartment – I was always impressed at the amount of people he managed to squeeze into it. From what I gather, the rent was impressively cheap and there was laundry in the basement (Jeff would occasionally reference spats with the “cat lady” on a floor below who would try to pilfer his detergent), but it consisted of a small den, a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen, usually with a pile of dishes in the sink that Jeff was mustering up the willpower to do and would get to eventually.
</p><p>You’d think with the apartment being compact, Jeff would keep the place pretty tidy, but it wasn’t in his nature. Jeff was a gloriously enthusiastic, exuberant human being and as such, was above those details. His bathroom was notorious - and left you wondering exactly <i>how</i> the toilet’s enamel got chipped that way. One time towards the beginning of a gathering, someone dropped food on the floor. “Five second rule!” they exclaimed, going to retrieve it. Jeff’s quiet response stopped them in their tracks: a slightly pained look and deadpan “<i>Not here.</i>” He once hired a housekeeper, and after spending the morning cleaning out his fridge and making no other progress, she summarily quit, totally exhausted and questioning her career choices.
</p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840267229/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff's kitchen"><img alt="Jeff's kitchen" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840267229_a7c424257d_c.jpg" width="787" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p>That’s not to say his food prep wasn’t safe – we never got sick from anything we enjoyed at his place – but it was NOT without its risks. Case in point: <a href="http://www.adorkandhispork.com/?p=562#more-562">The Blumenburgers</a>. Jeff was a fan of recipes both elaborate and simple. We were invited out on the illustrious occasion at his place for the <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/the-blumenburger-the-most-laborintensive-hamburger-in-the-world">fussiest burger recipe I have ever seen</a>. Jeff prepped and saved money for weeks for the elaborate blend of beef cuts and was justifiably proud of his creation. There was just one elephant in the room at the party: Jeff liked his burgers rare. Like <i>really</i> rare. I remember desperately locking eyes with another guest across the table as she mirrored my attempt to eat nonchalantly around the burger's edge avoiding the cool and completely raw center. At the end of the party, David and I were saying our goodbyes and a tipsy-but-happy Jeff was holding a plate of the remaining fancy burger patties. His arm wobbled and they all leaped onto the floor with a slapping sound I’ll never forget. The look on Jeff’s face was one of nonplussed resignation, because <i>of course</i> this would happen to <i>these</i> burgers. David and I quickly left, and never asked what became of the patties, lying in a little Blumenburger heap on the scuffed linoleum.
</p><p></p><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c578ht8K6w0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center>
<p></p><p>Jeff was my Excel and <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2009/10/i-made-pizza-and-you-can-too.html">food</a> phone-a-friend, and an extensive pen pal in the digital age. He encouraged me to chase after my first job in advertising, even though he made what we called the “Splenda face” (he loathed artificial sweeteners of all kinds) at some of the work I ended up doing for clients. He never let me live it down that I made <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2009/07/culture-clash-twinkie-tiramisu.html">tiramisu with Twinkies</a>, and I responded in kind by what he deemed a hilarious impression of him ordering a margarita. “<i>OK, so I’d like a margarita…</i>” He’d begin, launching into an elaborate, overly courteous explanation of his desired beverage, down to the specific ingredients and quantities.
</p><p>Later, Jeff’s considerable storytelling skills graduated him from ranks of Cincinnati Bloggers to become a writer for Cincinnati Magazine. Despite the come up, he still stubbornly took the bus to his assignments with what he called his “tea bladder” – sweet tea contained in a precariously sealed ziploc bag – because, well, it was Jeff. He took that writing job incredibly seriously, and I was always impressed at how he framed his experiences.
</p><p>One of these assignments was at the <a href="https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/dining-reviews/jo-an-japanese/">now defunct Jo An</a> which was absolutely, ridiculously dreadful. I remember Jeff doggedly trying to get a description from the server about what types of pickles were on the plate so he could write about it accurately. She struggled with English, and her earnest response was to point at each item and repeat “<i>eeees peeeeeeckle.</i>” David and I still giggle about it to this day. The experience was a non-stop, excruciating comedy of errors, where every dish’s fate was either to come out 40 minutes late or – after the same amount of time – to be canceled, telling us that they were in fact out of some key ingredient. We started making jokes to ease the frustration until we became so delirious with the absurdity that we had to beg for our check and make our exit. Once the fresh air hit us outside, we all had a distinct feeling like being freed from an elevator that we had been trapped in for three hours.
</p><p>Occasionally I would get a letter from Jeff, but more often I would receive an email, detailing out concepts in a dizzying display that had me doing abstract detective work to keep it all straight and sort out all the people and places, a mental forensics with push pins and strings. Jeff loved connecting people and was always strategic in who he put in that tiny apartment. I doubt I’m the only one who owes him a debt of this kind – I’ve met so many of my current friends because of his gregarious nature. His usual <i>modus operandi</i> for such invites was sending out emails with everyone BCC’d, reassuring us that despite the blind copy, he “<i>loved us all as individuals and look forward to talking to you all very soon.</i>”
</p><p>One of those events was the not-quite-annual “Ice Cream in a Bag” where you would make ice cream from scratch using an ingenious double-ziploc-bag-and-duct-tape mechanism. It was always a raucous afternoon, and you’d finish with salt all over your aching arms, enjoying the fruits of your laborious shaking, sitting at picnic tables under the Ault Park’s shady trees. It was delightfully imperfect and messy with a delicious outcome, to be expected with anything that involved Jeff. Not to bury the lede here, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ice-cream-in-a-bag-a-tribute-to-jeff-mathews-tickets-622974913737">but this is an open invite to anyone who wants to join us and celebrate at Ault Park on May 2nd at 6:30</a>. Here’s a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C-lP4uufyyAoz6dXVxCsNrotFkx8q3ojrcW5_Osu7W4/edit">link to the sign up sheet</a>. </p><p>Jeff was wonderfully unconventional yet distinguished, and for someone who could be so persnickety about recipes, <a href="https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/forkopolisblog/recipe-soul-warming-white-bean-soup/">he embraced the humble as well</a>. That attitude carried over towards his friends to our benefit; while he was observant and perceptive, he often purposefully turned a blind eye to the negative things about people. He was admittedly frugal but generous with the things that really mattered. It still hasn’t sunk in that after 14 years and over 300 emails and even more random texts and Instagram DMs, I won’t be getting another teasing remark about marketing buzzspeak, toast points, or a cryptic note that mentions Tanya Harding (IYKYK).
</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT2gHLXpww8">One of Jeff’s longstanding recipes he loved making personally and for others</a> was <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/chocohotopots-recipe-1946293">chocopots</a> – which we invite you to make and post a picture (hashtag #adorkandhispork). I’m sure Jeff would make the Splenda face at the hashtag, but for his friends across the country that can’t make it on May 2nd, consider this another way to show how much he meant to all of us, even if life has taken you far from Cincinnati or you can’t make it on Tuesday.
</p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52841137555/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_7049"><img alt="IMG_7049" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52841137555_be10b2847e_c.jpg" width="677" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52841167253/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_7055"><img alt="IMG_7055" height="654" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52841167253_a7e6eb2a7f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p>Until we meet again my friend. We won’t forget you.
</p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840918164/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_7061"><img alt="IMG_7061" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840918164_8823586255_c.jpg" width="688" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52839883221/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff ... somewhere tasty"><img alt="Jeff ... somewhere tasty" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52839883221_7633a5db57_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840077601/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff B&W Portrait"><img alt="Jeff B&W Portrait" height="787" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840077601_d863e87cfc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p></p><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/52840051326/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jeff's first watercolor"><img alt="Jeff's first watercolor" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52840051326_6e8c4ca86e_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>
<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-49056655551369409872021-02-17T23:33:00.008-05:002021-02-18T09:57:57.284-05:00Alabama Fish Bar:<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956208201/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (3 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956208201_25a7436479_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (3 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956208006/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (10 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956208006_8c7a90de87_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (10 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Fish Fry season is almost upon us. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, some beloved options like <a href="https://bridgetownfinermeats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridgetown Finer Meats</a> are no longer on the table for many. That said, there are still some fabulous options in town and we’re happy to share one of them with you.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956208101/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (6 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956208101_799d5aeca8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (6 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ALABAMAFISHBAR/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alabama Fish Bar</a> has been in business for almost three full decades now, on the corner of Liberty and Race. It’s still cash only, and you can still smell the mouthwatering aroma of peppers and onions being cooked on the flattop over a block away.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The options are fairly simple on the menu. Which of the three types of fish (perch, whiting and cod) you'd like and whether you want peppers and onions (spoiler alert, you do). Sides are fries (krinkle cut!) and bread. The three types of fish are all enjoyable for different reasons.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
After waiting in a fairly socially-distanced line, we used a warmer afternoon to our advantage and walked North just a few blocks to Findlay Market, where we used many, many Purell wipes on our fingers and dug in at a table outside.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The perch was the “Goldilocks” of the three – not too fishy, not too mild – in smaller, skinnier pieces, with excellent crunchy breading-to-fish ratio.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956311412/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (4 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956311412_c57f154dda_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (4 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The whiting, on the other hand, was a bit more "oceany," in long pieces that were a bit flatter. It's a good choice if you are fan of bolder flavors like catfish or mackerel.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956311372/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (7 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956311372_072841df17_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (7 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The cod was our favorite, clean and mild in flavor, but firm and flaky, in larger cubic pieces.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Any of these three are absolutely wonderful on their own, but they would also be a great basis for a fantastic fish taco with some fresh avocado and salsa verde, though cod and perch might be the easiest to fit in a tortilla if you want to give that a try.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50956311462/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (1 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50956311462_6f29cd0876_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (1 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
I'll end with one last Alabama Fish Bar piece of trivia. You've probably noticed that Snoop Dogg is a busy dude these days. Between hosting the Puppy Bowl with Martha Stewart, dishing out Cameos, and being a spokesperson for Corona Beer, he seems to be everywhere.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
But did you know that Alabama’s is near and dear to the D-O-Double-G’s heart, too? It’s true. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpQxQC68Ur8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Just listen to Snoop’s outro in Hi-Tek’s in “How We Do it.”</a> If these pictures and our endorsement isn’t reason enough to give it a try, hopefully that’s enough to pique your curiosity and to get you in the door.
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
You won’t regret it.
</p>
<p>
<i>“What's the name of that fish spot in the 'Nati I like goin’ to?
<br />You know what's happenin'
<br />Yeah, Alabama's; that the name of it?
<br />Get me some nephew, that three-piece dinner
<br />Yeah, and tell Bootsy I'm back.”<br /></i>
<br />
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50955502703/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alabamas (12 of 12)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50955502703_69c8fabee9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Alabamas (12 of 12)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-76347010378047567732020-09-29T15:56:00.005-04:002020-10-23T23:51:26.608-04:00Aquabats & "Pizza Day" Week:<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395074711/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (14 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (14 of 48)" height="533" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395074711_6496ebf695_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Times continue to be challenging as we wrap up the strangest summer I can remember. And as we head into what will surely be one of the craziest election seasons on record, I think we could all use some content that doesn’t make us want to run screaming in the other direction. To me, that means ska. Say what you will about ska music (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0AYIX8Utfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">and many have</a>), it’s always had a happy place in my library.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
We’re finding joy where we can and hope you are too. We’re still not dining at restaurants (takeout only) so we’ve been cooking a lot at home. We’ve discovered a lot of delicious tasty things and dusted off some of our favorite techniques and recipes in the last few months.
<br /><br />David and I went to see the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWgyPkGgKRK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aquabats (a favorite ska band of ours) a few years ago</a> after a different stressful time in our lives. It was a few months after his transplant operation and we were more than ready to celebrate. We got fancy meet-and-greet tickets and I brought the band a cake from the <a href="https://www.bonbonerie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bon Bonerie</a> because why not. Who doesn't want cake when you are on tour? Also I may have promised to bring them a cake if they came to Cincinnati the year prior – and I keep my promises.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We were all set to go see The Aquabats again along with Reel Big Fish earlier in this spring, but the pandemic cancelled those plans. Is <i>nothing</i> sacred?!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395192813/in/dateposted-public/" title="Screen Shot 2020-09-13 at 7.55.47 PM"><img alt="Screen Shot 2020-09-13 at 7.55.47 PM" height="542" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395192813_c76351e589_z.jpg" width="587" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />So if we can’t go see The Aquabats this year, we figured we’d just bring The Aquabats to us via their classic, “Pizza Day.” <br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you’ve never heard the song, it details out school lunches by day of the week. Monday: hotdog, Tuesday: tacos (naturally), and so on. Friday is pizza day - the best day of the week. <br /><br />It also talks about how the normal, seemingly boring things like the lunches, scorned by the band at the time, were now a fond memory of a better time. Sound familiar? <br /><br />Yeah, I thought so too.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK5CLplRIno" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">So queue up Pizza Day and sing along like no one is watching. </a>Because they probably are not. Or if they are, you’ve surely done weirder stuff while stuck at home for the past year, so who cares?
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i>Well I remember my first day of public school
<br />I was very scared of getting pummeled
<br />And sure enough I did at first recess
<br />I got pegged in the head by a big red ball
<br />And it stung and my head hung
<br />Back to class with a bloody nose
<br />And soon it was lunch time
<br />Mom said I should ask about how poor kids could get fed
<br />So I got a book of tickets and a schedule and it read ...
<br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Monday: Hotdog
</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395244997/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (19 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (19 of 48)" height="471" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395244997_808ce91a78_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />We’re big fans of Nueske’s bacon – <a href="https://www.nueskes.com/triple-thick-butcher-cut-bacon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we prefer the nitrate free triple thick cut</a>, which we order in batches and then leave the Styrofoam box around for the cat to nap on (he loves it so). We decided to give their hotdogs a try as well. These have a nice snap and great flavor, and are super juicy. We put it on a bun from <a href="http://nchbakery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North College Hill Bakery</a> and served it with a little leftover mac and cheese from Jeff Ruby (one of my favorites if you’re going for a deluxe mac and cheese experience, though I did serve it via the school lunch requisite, an ice cream scoop).<br /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395244847/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (20 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (20 of 48)" height="389" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395244847_74b784abc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">Tuesday: Taco
</span>
</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50394385978/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (29 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (29 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50394385978_803d986d74_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50394385978/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (29 of 48)"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395244482/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (26 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (26 of 48)" height="366" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395244482_c098e8ffec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395244482/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (26 of 48)"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395246157/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (1 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (1 of 48)" height="405" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395246157_43dda1604f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395246157/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (1 of 48)"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395077431/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (2 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (2 of 48)" height="561" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395077431_ed29c3fe1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’ve been making A LOT of tacos during the pandemic, and one of our favorite meats to include is the local skirt steak from <a href="https://www.eckerlinmeats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eckerlin’s</a>. It’s super beefy and perfect for tacos, and one steak can stretch a few meals, especially if you are like me and prefer the <a href="https://www.missionfoods.com/products/street-tacos-flour-tortillas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mission mini street tortillas</a>. We season ours with either adobo or sometimes even steak seasoning. We also used our two “daily drivers” when it comes to hot sauces: <a href="https://www.kroger.com/p/private-selection-jalapeno-tomatillo-hot-sauce/0001111086799" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Private Selection Jalapeno Tomatillo</a>, the ONLY hot sauce I have ever bought and used multiple bottles of, and David's favorite, <a href="https://gringobandito.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gringo Bandito</a>, a project from The Offspring’s Dexter Holland. You may smirk until you try it - it’s extremely tasty.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076011/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (28 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (28 of 48)" height="360" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076011_2e9d68bd1b_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076011/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (28 of 48)"><i>You're gonna go far, kid</i><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076141/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (25 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (25 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076141_b7d8b29289_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: black;">Wednesday: Hamburgers and Chocolate Milk
</span></i></span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></b><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395075321/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (38 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (38 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395075321_8bffd4c96d_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /></a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpcciQNLxZ4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><img alt="Aquabats (44 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395243457_f05fdc4353_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, so we fancied the burger up a little. More local ground beef from Eckerlin’s, butter lettuce from a local farm via <a href="https://www.findlaymarket.org/merchant/madisons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madison’s</a> with an heirloom tomato and of course American cheese because it makes everything better. The burger is also served on THE BEST burger bun in town, a potato roll from <a href="https://www.blueovenbakery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Oven</a>. Blue Oven is a fantastic local bakery – their English Muffins are quite simply, a revelation – but tragedy struck recently when their bakery burned to the ground in August (thanks, 2020). No one was hurt, but they are fighting their way back and rebuilding. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/blue-oven-bakery-recovery-fund" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Please consider supporting them if you can, via their rebuilding fund </a>or t<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/cody-and-christina039s-house-fire-recovery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his personal Go Fund Me for the employee that lived above the bakery and lost her home</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the chocolate milk, we decided to make our own. Last year I went a bit nuts with hot chocolate. I started trying all sorts of them, and now we have a box of two dozen different types (whoops?). We used a blend of our top two faves – chocolate from <a href="https://mrchocolate.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jacques Torres</a> (yes, the chef from <i><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80179138" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nailed It</a>) </i>and <a href="https://mariebelle.com/chocolate-nyc/type-of-products/chocolate-drinks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MarieBelle</a>.
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="Aquabats (48 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395074526_484293e115_z.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The "hot chocolate box"</i><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Thursday: Sloppy Joes and Burritos in a Bag
</span></i><br /><br /><img alt="Aquabats (3 of 48)" height="386" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395077376_b7766aa64c_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50394387228/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (6 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (6 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50394387228_f554240379_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once again on a fantastic Blue Oven roll, <a href="https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11699/sloppy-joes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we modified this recipe from The Pioneer Woman</a>. Love her or hate her, you can’t deny her rise to fame and power has been fueled by solid recipes like this one. The sauce is quite a bit more sophisticated than you what you were likely to encounter in a school cafeteria, but still has the homey comfort of a ketchup base.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The burritos in a bag, however, were a bit of a puzzle. We could not figure out if it was meant to be a walking taco, or if it was actual burritos in a bag. So I did the sensible thing. I asked the Aquabats Legion of Righteous Comrades Facebook group (yes, of course I'm a member) what they thought it meant. The answer was overwhelmingly that it was an actual burrito in a bag, but I couldn’t easily find any, <a href="https://www.skylinechili.com/menu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">so I ordered Skyline chilitos and put them in a bag.</a> Pro tip: get the chilitos with the “bean mix” instead of the regular chili and thank me later.
<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395077166/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (7 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (7 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395077166_cf51a489dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395077166/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (7 of 48)"><span style="color: black;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</b>Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">All the kids would line up super early just to eat
</span></span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /><br /></span></b></i><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50394385933/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (30 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (30 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50394385933_108e551d04_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395075741/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (33 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (33 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395075741_4040d9f08d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pizzas we’ve been making are a quick, easy way to make a high quality bar pizza. We first learned about it from <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/10/extra-crispy-bar-style-tortilla-pizza-recipe.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kenji at Serious Eats</a> and have been making it ever since. Say what you will about this method, but if it’s <a href="https://youtu.be/p-CT3xQ7FsY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">good enough for French master chef Jacques Pépin</a> it’s certainly good enough for anyone else. We like to use a fire-roasted crushed tomato as our sauce, and <a href="https://savvygardening.com/growing-basil-from-cuttings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I sprouted some basil cuttings over the pandemic </a>(which I didn’t even know you could do!) which are pulling their weight. <br /><br />We also like to use the <a href="https://mikeshothoney.com/products/mikes-hot-honey-extra-hot-10-oz-squeeze-bottle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extra Hot Mike’s Hot Honey</a> and <a href="https://laquerciashop.com/products/pepperoni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pepperoni from La Quercia</a> to create a copycat Hellboy from Paulie Gee's, or sometimes La Quercia prosciutto and ricotta from <a href="https://golfodinapolidairy.com/products/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Golfo Di Napoli</a>. I also like to put some <a href="https://www.burlapandbarrel.com/products/chile-cobanero" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobanero chili flakes</a> on mine from Burlap & Barrel - another company we’ve discovered recently producing amazing spices to up anyone’s home cooking game.
<br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week
<br />It always came with salad and a side of cold green beans
</i><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The green beans should ideally be from a can, but I couldn’t find any and wasn’t about to set foot in Kroger so we made ours fresh. The salad we also outsourced as one of our favorites - the “little salad” from <a href="https://www.gooseandelder.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goose & Elder.</a> There are so many elements to the salad: pickled veggies, egg, beets, tons of things other than just lettuce, we order this every time we get takeout. Jose Salazar, the head chef and owner of Goose & Elder, has been up to a lot of good things - even using one of his other restaurants, Mita's, to partner with <a href="https://leeinitiative.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lee Initiative</a> and provide food to restaurant workers in need in the spring. Please support him if you can.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395075826/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (31 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (31 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395075826_c1cca12527_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The rest of the song is below with some more beauty shots, and if you’ve made it this far through one of the silliest posts we’ve done, you are to be commended. While the days may be dragging on as we head into the fall, try to find your reasons to celebrate, no matter how small or silly they may be. <br /><br />Any day can be pizza day if you try hard enough. And I won’t judge you if you swap out the Capri Sun for a juice box of the more adult variety.
<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076631/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (16 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (16 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076631_b08ab92b60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Well I remember my first day of Jr. High
<br />I had hairspray in my hair and my pants were way too tight
<br />And all the breakers and new-wavers and the rockers and the preps
<br />Would all be in their places on the front lawn or the steps
I hung out with some punker kids who used to make me laugh
<br />Got thrown in the dumpster by some rich kids near the caff
<br />As time went on we figured out it was totally uncool
<br />To eat the welfare lunch
Provided by the school
<br />So in poser punker fashion we just mooched off all the kids
<br />And lived off eating candy bars and bags of nacho chips </i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076561/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (17 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (17 of 48)" height="507" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076561_cf3c760cb1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /><br /></i></b><i><span style="color: black;">Monday hotdogs
<br />Tuesday tacos
<br />Wednesday hamburgers and chocolate milk
<br />Thursday sloppy Joes and burritos in a bag
<br />Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week
<br />It always came with salad and a side of cold green beans
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />I miss pizza day
<br />The best day of the week
</span></i><b><i><br /><br /></i></b></span><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076176/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (24 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (24 of 48)" height="386" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076176_a30ff2826a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">Well now I'm out of school and I don't have a job (you're a slob)
<br />I just sit around all sweaty and lethargic
<br />And I'm just thinkin' 'bout where it all went wrong
<br />Why I can't concentrate on anything but reruns
<br />I wish I had some more stability and I
<br />I wish I had somebody makin' lunch for me
<br />I guess I miss the simple things in life
<br />The thought of pizza day
<br />I thought it's stupid then but I wish I had it now</span></span></i><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
<br /></span></i></b><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395074811/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (46 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (46 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395074811_a6608118f2_z.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395076801/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (13 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (13 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395076801_71390450f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I just want
Monday hotdogs
<br />Tuesday tacos </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wednesday hamburgers and chocolate milk </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">Thursday sloppy Joes and burritos in a bag
<br />Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week
<br />It always came with salad and a side of cold green beans
<br />Monday hotdogs
<br />Tuesday tacos
<br />Wednesday hamburgers and chocolate milk
<br />Thursday sloppy joes and burritos in a bag
<br />Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week
<br />It always came with salad and a side of cold green beans
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />Hooray for pizza day
<br />I miss pizza day… the best day of the WEEK!
</span></span><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">
</span></b></i><br /><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/50395244022/in/dateposted-public/" title="Aquabats (35 of 48)"><img alt="Aquabats (35 of 48)" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395244022_973a97386a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div></div></div>
Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-85718442068511714942020-07-07T20:32:00.001-04:002020-10-23T23:51:09.245-04:00New Riff's Popup "Riff Top" Rooftop:<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do you even say about 2020 at this point? It’s undoubtedly the weirdest year we’ve experienced, ever. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mask Game On-Brand</i></div>
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All my races are cancelled or moved to virtual events (though I did manage to barely squeak in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9M_FoTh2mX/" target="_blank">marathon in Little Rock in March</a>), I’m singing karaoke on the balcony with an <a href="https://www.smule.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online app</a> (sorry neighbors), and David’s sporting a very impressive quarantine hairstyle.</div>
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We’ve been extra vigilant because David <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/07/senate-blue-ash.html" target="_blank">is in the high-risk category as a transplant recipient</a> under immunosuppression — indoor dining and socializing is absolutely out of the question — and we’ve got a nice mask collection in progress. <br />
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Our abundant caution means that very few opportunities to get out meet all of our criteria, so when I got a very thoughtful PR pitch (always appreciated as a fellow marketer) about the rooftop situation at <a href="https://newriffdistilling.com/" target="_blank">New Riff,</a> we discussed it and decided to visit. <br />
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In the interests of multi-tasking, we were overdue for a Party Source trip anyway. Side note: <a href="https://thepartysource.com/Order-Information" target="_blank">we highly recommend the online ordering and curbside pickup option at the Party Source</a>. It’s quick, easy, and if you don’t see something in the online catalog, a quick call will usually turn it up. </div>
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New Riff’s “Riff Top” has a simple, but thoughtful setup. There are no reservations. It’s a first come, first serve, model, with limited and carefully controlled capacity. Plexiglass barriers, social distancing markers and hand sanitizer are plentiful. Names and contact information are taken at the door for potential tracing needs. </div>
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We staked out a spot at the far (far) end of the rooftop, scanned the menu from a QR code on a table tent, and went about ordering some beverages and dips. <br />
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<i>I wanna be ... where the people aren't</i></div>
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We started with New Riff’s version of a tiki classic, the Painkiller, dubbed “Everybody Hurts.” If you don’t like bourbon, this is the cocktail for you. Sweet and fruity, this reminded us of one of our favorite punches to make at parties. <br />
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<i>Remember parties???</i></div>
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I also sampled the Kentucky Mule, which is a fairly potent potable, so recommend letting the ice melt a bit in this one to enjoy fully. <br />
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David also tried the Okey Dokey Artichokey, made with artichoke infused New Riff gin, Cocchi Americano and Cynar artichoke liqueur. This Negroni-style cocktail was refreshing with a pleasantly heavy bitterness that worked well with the snacks.</div>
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Dips are served with a variety of Blue Oven offerings — focaccia, pretzels and chips — all up to the usual high Blue Oven standard. David liked the pimento cheese dip the best, while I preferred the sun dried tomato tapenade. The spinach and artichoke dip was also solid, and the most scoopable with the chips. We also appreciated that everything was dated with the day it was made. </div>
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While we were on the rooftop, staff regularly were making rounds to commonly touched surfaces, disinfecting door handles while keeping their distance from patrons. Everyone wore gloves and masks (the RIGHT way, over their noses) the entire time and were very conscious of giving us plenty of space when bringing us our drinks or taking our orders. </div>
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Is this situation normal? No. But then again, this year isn’t either. <a href="https://youtu.be/dTllG2KdPMQ?t=48" target="_blank">It’s like a Cards Against Humanity deck version of Jumanji.</a> We sincerely appreciated the chance to get out for the first time in (quite literally) months and the care and attention to detail New Riff has put into keeping guests and staff safe. So place a curbside pickup for some quarantine provisions, mask up, and check out the Riff Top! It will be open Friday and Saturdays through July, and if you like the cocktails you try, they even have larger formats to-go. </div>
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<i>Enjoy some views with your booze</i></div>
Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-73285877036170631192019-09-03T21:39:00.001-04:002020-10-23T23:50:44.811-04:00Goose & Elder:<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is an exciting post full of new ventures and announcements, and also a very important bulletin about one of the best sandwiches around. So listen up!
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One of the things we really like about Jose Salazar's M.O. is how each restaurant is a new adventure. After striking out on his own post-Palace, he opened his namesake restaurant, <a href="https://www.salazarcincinnati.com/" target="_blank">Salazar</a>. Then he expanded to <a href="https://www.mitas.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mita's</a>, a thoughtfully designed and impeccably decorated restaurant anchoring a corner of the 84.51 building. Now there is his latest (and northernmost) venture, Goose & Elder, on Race Street.<br />
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In short, if you have not been to the Findlay Market area lately, you’re missing out. Vine Street’s resurgence has been great to watch, but there is a ton of energy happening around the market. Goose & Elder fits in wonderfully with simple food designed and executed by top talent in the city. </div>
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Like a TARDIS, the restaurant is bigger on the inside than it appears, spanning the entire block of the building with the bar in the back. The energy is super chill - a welcome respite from the bustling market. Goose & Elder may be seriously good, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The menu is full of pop culture references that you may (or may not) get. As someone that sneaks memes and Easter eggs into every blog post that goes up, I appreciate the humor.</div>
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It’s just my luck that Jose and I both have our newest spots within a block of each other. I’m about a month into a new agency job at Louisville-based powerhouse <a href="http://scoppechio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scoppechio</a>. Did I not tell you that this post would be full of announcements!?<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-ann-arnold_ive-been-eyeing-this-slide-at-hq-since-my-ugcPost-6563813158849441792-PDMo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> I’m digging in and making my mark</a> (yes, the HQ offices have A SLIDE!), and it’s awesome to know that I have the option for a delicious, approachable meal basically on my way home at a great price point.</div>
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So, let’s talk food. One of the standouts we really like is the mac and cheese, with pickled jalapenos and sweet potato chips. It gives one of my favorite mac and cheeses, at <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2014/01/the-eagle-otr.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Eagle in OTR</a>, some serious competition.</div>
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<i>Gimme</i></div>
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There’s also the disco fries, an ideal dish to share with friends over happy hour. Plenty of bacon, a delicious gravy and crinkle cut fries - what’s not to like?</div>
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The cocktail shrimp are massive, impeccably fresh, and seasoned to a perfect level of ocean brininess.</div>
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The little salad is a smaller version of the big salad (yes, that’s a <i>Seinfeld</i> reference) and is constructed with a variety of ingredients and textures, which we appreciate. Too often, side salads are just an afterthought and are, well, kinda boring. This one bucks that trend with thoughtful accoutrements.</div>
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Onto the fried bologna sandwich. The house-made sweet potato chips make another appearance here, adding a nice crunch to a delightfully messy, gooey sandwich. Getting a fried egg is highly recommended. I'm on the fence about the ratio of slaw in this early version, which pushes it squarely into fork-and-knife territory, but I absolutely adore the amount of cheese and griddled bologna.</div>
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Goose & Elder's featured burger approaches the Platonic ideal of cheeseburgeriness - a perfect balance of beef, cheese, and fresh toppings all on a sesame seed bun. I challenge you find any other burgers in town that achieve this level of picture perfection.</div>
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There’s a brunch menu as well, and this is where the other very important announcement resides. Yes, yes, I have a new job and Jose has a new restaurant but more important is this:<br />
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🚨 The <i>cubano</i> has moved from Salazar to Goose & Elder's brunch menu 🚨</div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/S_E2EHVxNAE?t=73" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Goose and Elder (9 of 20)" height="288" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48661398127_824c044351_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I will fight you for this</i></div>
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Those that have been reading know about my affinity for the <i>cubano</i>. When Jose left The Palace (and by extension, The Cricket) <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/2012/05/cubano-at-the-cricket-lounge-cincinnati.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">he took this sandwich with him</a>. It moved to Salazar, briefly was on the menu at Mita's, and <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2015/01/salazar.html" target="_blank">then returned back to Salazar</a>. Now you can get the best Cuban - and one of the best sandwiches in the city - at Goose & Elder brunch. I will chase this sandwich to the end of the Earth. Or maybe as far as the West Side, which to me is essentially equivalent.</div>
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Also on the brunch menu, a turkey BLT that gets cranked to 11 by being on a croissant with juicy roasted turkey, thick cut bacon, pickled onion and avocado. We also ordered the goetta hash, with crispy potatoes, more of the same fantastic bacon, savory gravy, and a perfectly poached egg. This is one of the standouts (behind the <i>cubano</i>, of course) on the brunch menu.</div>
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The other nice things about Goose & Elder are that it boasts a nice happy hour, making it ideal to swing by for a drink and a snack, and it is conveniently right on the streetcar line. So stop by and join me in raising a glass to toast new adventures, opportunities, successes ... and disco fries.</div>
Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-87589456916464239742018-11-04T17:10:00.001-05:002020-10-23T23:50:25.096-04:00Zundo:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In general, David has been more interested in anime than I have. I mean, I did realize pretty quickly that children stare at me constantly because my <a href="https://www.yugioh.com/characters/anna-kaboom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hair style reminds them of a Yu-Gi-Oh! character</a>, and I <i>may</i> own the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon:_The_First_Movie_(soundtrack)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pokémon Soundtrack to the first movie</a>, but in general I’ve only watched casually. </div>
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In the past two years or so, that’s changed a bit. Last year for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba7LOOagXn9/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween</a> we dressed up as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu2iekPI2sg&feature=youtu.be&t=18" target="_blank">Tatsumaki</a> and Genos from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TUTJ0klnKk" target="_blank"><i>One Punch Man</i></a>. We’ve also started watching <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_Academia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Hero Academia</a></i> and most notably,<i> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_Wars!:_Shokugeki_no_Soma" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Food Wars</a></i>. </div>
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What does this have to do with <a href="http://www.zundootr.com/" target="_blank">Zundo</a> and ramen? Well, the main character in Food Wars, Soma Yukihira, dreams of being a professional chef, and is sent to a very fancy-pants cooking school by his father after working in his diner for most of his life, where he makes <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donburi"><i>donburi</i></a> among other things considered to be more of a working man’s dish more than elevated art. </div>
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No spoilers, but I will tell you that it’s an underdog-takes-on-the-institution type of story. If you like food, you’ll probably find it amusing, especially when the dishes are apparently so good they<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1pP9GdvGv8&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <i>blow people’s clothes off</i> </a>and send them on a hallucinogenic journey through various ingredients. The ridiculous sequences when dishes are tasted are worth it alone.</div>
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So imagine our excitement when we learned that Zundo, specializing in both ramen <b>AND</b> <i>donburi</i>, was opening up. While we’ve eaten<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn1riB_lVFr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> there several times </a>and remained fully clothed throughout the process, we’ve been pleased with just about everything we’ve tried.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/44994057464/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Zundo (5 of 55)"><img alt="Zundo (5 of 55)" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4858/44994057464_0c64e34fe0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First up, the ramen. There’s several different types of ramen on the menu, from miso, to creamy <i>tonkotsu</i> to vegetable and spicy miso. Ramen broth can be labor of love, requiring a lot of time to do well to produce a rich, multifaceted stock, and the texture of the noodles—nice and bouncy—is excellent. We’ve got some good ramen in the city, but this is among the greats. If you're feeling indulgent, the <i>tonkostu</i> is the way to go; miso ramen is a little more complex but doesn't beat the silky simplicity of the straight <i>tonkotsu</i> stock.</div>
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I recommend getting an extra egg for a dollar upcharge in whatever ramen you choose. The spicy miso isn’t really <i>that</i> spicy, and don’t be scared of the pickled bamboo shoots; they provide a nice crunch and change of texture.</div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><i>Keep ramen, ramen, ramen</i></div>
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<i>Giant shrimp dumplings</i></div>
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Appetizer-wise, we’ve gotten the <i>kaki furai</i> (panko-fried oysters) and the <i>takoyaki</i> (griddled batter balls with octopus centers), as well as the <i>tatsuta age</i> (fried chicken) which was amazingly juicy and crispy, the <i>gyoza</i>, the soft shell crab, the <i>chashu</i> (pork belly bun) and the giant steamed shrimp dumplings.<br />
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They are all a bit on the smaller side (I wouldn't personally call the shrimp or the dumplings "giant") so if you are going with a group, we recommend getting a few to share. If you have someone with you who's a little unsure of what to get, the <i>tatsuta age</i> is probably your best bet. Everyone loves fried chicken.</div>
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<i>Tatsuta age</i> </div>
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<i>Kaki fry</i></div>
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<i>Soft shell crab</i> </div>
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In our opinion, <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2014/03/kaze.html" target="_blank">Kaze</a> still has Zundo beat on pork belly buns for a few reasons. The sauce with the buns itself needs a little work, and for some reason, the Zundo cut is a little thinner and chewier. Fear not though, after impressing them with a sample of our hot pepper jams, they invited us to work with them to develop a sauce that is going to knock (at least) your socks off, <i>Food Wars</i> style. </div>
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As for the <i>donburi</i>, we’ve tried the <i>katsudon</i> (fried pork cutlet), <i>katsukarē</i> (same as previous except with Japanese curry-style gravy), the <i>unadon</i> (eel), and the <i>loco moco don</i> (burger).<br />
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<i>Let me see that don, da don don don</i></div>
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The curry for the <i>katsudon</i> is rich, flavorful and very comforting. Stewed potatoes and carrots also add some heft to the dish. If you opt for udon instead of rice, the springy but tender noodles have a wonderful texture as well. The <i>loco moco don</i> may sound a little unusual, but just think of it as a Japanese version of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The sauce is a little ketchupy, but that adds to the meatloaf-like charm.<br />
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<i>Curry udon</i></div>
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Zundo is simple food, done extremely well. As you can tell from all the food in this post (and the items mentioned we didn't tote the camera with us for), we’ve been at least five times now and will be back very soon as the cold Cincinnati winter sets in. We recommend you do the same.<br />
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<i>Oagariyo!</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cincinnati/zundo-ramen-donburi-over-the-rhine-mount-auburn" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Zundo Ramen & Donburi, Over-the-Rhine/Mount Auburn and other Restaurants in Cincinnati"><img alt="Zundo Ramen & Donburi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18801232/biglogo" style="border: none; height: 34px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-21076242810702632182018-09-03T10:24:00.002-04:002020-10-23T23:50:09.110-04:00Veracruz Mexican Grill: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/44437314661/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vera_Cruz (25 of 37)"><img alt="Vera_Cruz (25 of 37)" height="291" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1867/44437314661_0b051c3da7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was craving Mexican one night (spoiler alert, this is pretty much my constant state) and the city of Cincinnati was in the middle of a crazy heat wave punctuated by impressive thunderstorms. We weren't about to venture out anywhere on foot, so you know what that means: delivery. But where-oh-where would we find authentic, home-style Mexican fare that could be delivered to our doorstep?</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/43528116525/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vera_Cruz (31 of 37)"><img alt="Vera_Cruz (31 of 37)" height="457" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/43528116525_f922608c1e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enter Veracruz. Thirty minutes and one UberEats order later, we were enjoying some of the best refried beans and tacos in town, and we knew that we <i>had</i> to make the trip to the actual restaurant so we could try more of the menu.</div>
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There was just uno teeny problemo. Veracruz is on<i> </i>the West Side. <br />
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Let me preface this to say that I don’t have any hate for the West Side as a whole. There’s lots of neat things on the West Side. Creamy whips, chili parlors, great views from the Incline Public House. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl71FWsmjYc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">West Side people are cool.</a> I don’t know if West Side is “best side” but it’s certainly not the worst side. I’m not super fond of Rapid Run park, which is a hilly hellacious bear of a 5K course that I still remember struggling through from my high school cross country days, but I can deal. Here’s my beef with the West Side. </div>
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It’s impossible to navigate. <br />
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Downtown Cincinnati (like most cities) is a grid. Not so with the West Side. The West Side map is made up of a series of random streets which make hardly any sense that loop, curve and (sometimes) intersect with no rhyme or reason, topped by no left turns allowed exactly when you need them most. You can’t get anywhere in a straight line, and once you’re lost, good luck trying to find your way back, you’ll just end up driving hopelessly in one direction without any way to turn around. One afternoon a few years ago we had to navigate by the sun to try and get out. <b>THE SUN</b>. When I find myself on the viaduct and emerge on the other side, I swear <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlUBOzpkjY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I see the triple moons ala <i>Land of the Lost</i></a>. The West Side is Cincinnati’s version of Hotel California. You can visit any time you like, <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2009/01/non-nom-problem-with-westside.html">but you can never leave</a>.</div>
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But some things are worth the trip; Veracruz is one of them. We’ve been twice (and have been lazy and ordered delivery two times as well) now and have been impressed each time. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/43719524014/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vera_Cruz (16 of 37)"><img alt="Vera_Cruz (16 of 37)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/43719524014_cb9b07b161_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>So many tasty choices</i></div>
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Our first visit, we ordered some drinks, the choriqueso, taquitos and cochinita pibil. The cheese dip at Veracruz is a bit thinner than at some of the other restaurants we’ve been to, which is not a bad thing - it makes it less salty and it doesn’t set up into glue as it cools down. I actually like it cold the next day out of the fridge with their flaky corn chips almost as much as when it is fresh. They also are kind of stingy with the portion sizes of the dip (read: if you have a group, get a double order), which is silly because <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2011/06/operation-queso-grande.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we all know it’s Extra Melt</a>, which is sold in five-pound blocks. </div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><i>More queso por favor</i></div>
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The restaurant’s semi-open kitchen is right there when you walk in, and there’s the matriarch of the family running a tight ship with a notebook and a clipboard. It's very clear that Veracruz does not cut corners. Service each time has been friendly and fast. </div>
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My taquitos were stuffed with delicious, flavorful and tender chicken, served with traditional rice and excellent refried beans. David’s cochinita pibil made for a wonderful taco he assembled. Cochinita pibil is somewhat of a rarity around here, so it’s fantastic that it is on Veracruz’s menu. It wasn't perfect (a bit dry) but fortunately that meant we didn't have to <a href="https://youtu.be/0bAcucWCkl4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shoot the cook</a>.</div>
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Our second trip (which we made without getting lost!) we were a bit more adventurous. There were two of us, we decided. Why not go for the gold with the “Monster Margarita?” </div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><i>The couple that tries to drink "Forty Ounces of Fun" together...um, gets a stomach ache together?</i></div>
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I opted for the chicken tostada and a carnitas taco, because when in a Mexican restaurant, always get something with carnitas. The chicken was the same juicy, seasoned variety that was in my taquitos, and it did not disappoint on the crunchy, just-fried tostada. As for the carnitas, well, let’s just say Veracruz does them as well as they do all their menu items - the simple traditional carnitas taco is a knockout. </div>
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<i> K.O.</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">David ordered the steak norteño platter which features nopalitos (cactus strips). Tasty flank steak combined with the nopalitos produced a steak-and-peppers-like combo that made great DIY tacos with flour tortillas.</span><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>🌵🌵🌵</div>
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So, what of the monster margarita, you may ask? Well, David and I are not ones to back down from a boozy challenge, but the combination of the volume, sugar and the fact that we were also busy stuffing our faces with delicious food from Veracruz meant that we had to throw in the towel on the margarita. It happens. Sometimes when you go hard or go home, you end up going home. Take it from us - this is a drink for a group of three or four. </div>
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David and I have carefully documented how to get to Veracruz turn by turn, and I can even run there (about three miles from downtown) so you know we'll be back. Plus, rumor has it they have some great happy hour specials and an outdoor patio to enjoy before winter sets in. </div>
<br />Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-13552381446885790112018-01-08T23:30:00.001-05:002020-10-23T23:49:50.460-04:00MidiCi:We were very excited when it was announced that <a href="http://www.mymidici.com/locations/ohio/cincinnati/cincinnati/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MidiCi</a> was coming to Cincinnati, but also a little apprehensive. At that time (last year at the end of March), David couldn’t<a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/04/biscuits-make-it-better.html" target="_blank"> eat much of anything</a>, and <i>especially</i> not pizza. It was a real bummer, because David is very particular about his pizza, and MidiCi’s wood-fired ovens can make pizza one of the best ways.<br />
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But, we were hopeful that by the time David was well and able to eat cheese, regular bread and tomatoes and salt again, the restaurant would be open for business - and <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/07/senate-blue-ash.html" target="_blank">that's what happened</a>! Lucky us. MidiCi has been open since mid-December.<br />
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We checked out the place with our good friends <a href="http://5chw4r7z.blogspot.com/">Bob</a> and <a href="https://dontcallmemrs.blogspot.com/">Erin Marie</a> a little after they opened.<br />
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I am particularly thrilled about one appetizer - the burrata with melon and prosciutto. Three of my favorite things, all on one plate. There’s a reason this appetizer is one of the most popular. It combines some really nice flavor profiles for a light, shareable appetizer. Unless you are dining with me, then <i>you got to get your own</i>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Db2mO-gOSc" target="_blank">I like a 'lotta burrata</a></td></tr>
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The meatball appetizer is a little heavier and we’d advocate splitting it, especially if you are also ordering a pizza. Seasoned well, with tender meatballs, crunchy bread and a nice vibrant sauce, you can’t go wrong here.<br />
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The drink menu is a good balance, there's a bit of something for everyone, I have ordered a drink twice now called “A Moment in the Sun” made with limoncello, vodka and lemon juice with a sugar rim. David appreciates the lighter options like an Aperol spritz. </div>
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Which brings us to the pizza. We ordered three pizzas between all of us, The Margherita, The Meats and The Hawaiian. All had excellent crust and structure, the only thing we’d love to see more of is a little more browning on the mozzarella. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/C4rDflJd1NA?t=4m10s" target="_blank">Spoiler alert: It's good 'za</a></td></tr>
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The interior of the restaurant has been decorated with care, including an indoor fire pit, a tree and lots of little details that will keep your eyes entertained while you wait for your meal to arrive over a cocktail or spritz.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxxZvDKgz1o&feature=youtu.be&t=2m43s">It's the little things - look,..purse hooks</a></td></tr>
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It can be a little confusing to order if you visit for the first time, but just head towards the cash registers in the middle and let them walk you through it. Some of the staff were still getting trained up while we were there, so be patient - it’s worth the wait. <br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-17188332632837776962017-07-16T22:14:00.000-04:002017-07-21T11:59:39.784-04:00Senate Blue Ash:<div style="text-align: justify;">
This post is significant for several reasons. One, we are sure that many of our readers have been following our <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/02/an-important-message-from-david-and.html" target="_blank">journey this year from our last few posts.</a> Two, this couple of hardcore urbanites actually drove out to the suburbs for brunch. Twice.<br />
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Quick recap: In January, David was diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease, and we were advised that the best treatment for his condition was a kidney transplant as soon as possible or he'd need to undergo dialysis in the next few months. We immediately started a strict renal diet and a donor search. As unfortunate as this diagnosis was, we were lucky beyond belief to have amazing friends and acquaintances that stepped up to help spread the word and volunteered to be donors. Because of everyone’s efforts, we were successfully able to avoid dialysis, giving David a much better life expectancy and outcome.</div>
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There were several matches for David, but ultimately, our very good friend Rich gave us a gift we can never say ‘thank you’ enough for. The fact we were even able to go to enjoy brunch is owed to Rich. So it was fitting that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/senatepub/photos/a.10150092285698638.302426.134193393637/10155289264863638/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Rich was honored at Senate a few weeks back by being the very much coveted ‘Dog of the Day</a>.’ </div>
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<i>This is what a hero looks like in real-life: Rich Hill surrounded by 'Rich Hill' dogs!</i></div>
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<a href="http://senatepub.com/" target="_blank">Senate</a> in Over-the-Rhine is one of the OG restaurants, but the Blue Ash location just opened up earlier this year. It has a similar feel and many of the same menu items, but also features a wonderful patio, call-ahead seating, and brunch. </div>
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We visited on two occasions, once with our <a href="http://5chw4r7z.blogspot.com/2017/07/senate-blue-ash.html" target="_blank">good friends Bob and Erin Marie Schwartz,</a> and once with Rich, his wife Maria and their adorably feisty daughter, Vivian (Parents take heed, Senate Blue Ash is exceptionally kid friendly: a park right outside, high chairs, and even kid-sized menu items). </div>
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Let’s start with the pancakes. We need to talk about these. There are two versions of them on the menu, ‘Birthday cake’ and ‘Neapolitan.’ One is slightly more ridiculous than the other.</div>
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Both times we visited, we ordered the pancakes for the table, which is what we recommend. Birthday Cake Pancakes are covered in a funfetti glaze, sprinkles and crushed up birthday cake Oreos. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzr8QzXFFqI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Senate_Blue_Ash (6 of 43)"><img alt="Senate_Blue_Ash (6 of 43)" height="418" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4301/35926317176_c268870d71_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>One Sugar Mountain Supreme for the Chubby Bunny. Pancakes are under there...somewhere. </i> </div>
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The Neapolitan Pancakes are slightly more conservative, with local strawberries, vanilla creme anglaise and crushed cocoa puffs. Still, it’s a great start to a shared meal and a big commitment for any one person to take these two dishes on.</div>
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Next, the ‘Goetta Superstar.” Goetta is delicious. Pair it with melted cheese, velvety scrambled eggs, creamy avocado and a toasted brioche bun and you’ve got a hit on your hands. Get. This. Sandwich. </div>
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The Eggs Benedict, served with lemony hollandaise, gently poached eggs and savory ham atop the best English muffin in the city (made by<a href="https://www.blueovenbakery.com/"> Blue Oven Bakery) </a>is worth the trip to the restaurant alone. </div>
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The Chilaquiles also were very flavorful, balanced, not too spicy, and a great option for vegetarians. Personally, we found ourselves looking for some additional protein in the dish, but this is a lighter choice among some heavier brunch items, and also ideal for sharing. </div>
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David had been eyeing the Sunday Burger since our first visit, and it didn't disappoint. Two beef patties, cheese, bacon, and a sunny side up egg, all served on a light and fluffy brioche. The breakfast potatoes are delightfully crispy and lightly seasoned with truffle.</div>
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<i>A burger cross section is worth a thousand words</i></div>
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Even one of the more tame options (Bacon, Egg and Cheese Muffin) stands out, due to the aforementioned Blue Oven English Muffin. </div>
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We closed out our second meal with Biscuits, Gravy and Eggs. Seasoned well, with flaky biscuits and a nice proportion of sausage-to-gravy, this is another solid brunch choice.</div>
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Finally, there’s a drink called Frosé, (frozen rose with a few additions) which is ideal to sip out on the sunny patio.<br />
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We highly recommend making the trip out to Senate’s new location, and thanks to Rich, his family and our many friends, guess what:<br />
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We’re back.<br />
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<br />Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-65903945016511595982017-04-08T21:50:00.000-04:002017-04-08T22:37:31.551-04:00Biscuits Make it Better:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s hard to believe it’s only been a few months since <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/02/an-important-message-from-david-and.html" target="_blank">our world went upside down</a>. There’s been a lot of progress and we are very grateful - the size of the response to David’s need for a kidney has been humbling and donors are now being tested. In the meantime, we’re trying to keep David’s blood work stable. It is easier said than done and relies heavily on a very special meal plan.</div>
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If his values get worse, we’re looking at dialysis or, you know... death. There are no ‘cheat days’ on this diet. Since we enjoy eating out and cooking lots of things, it has been very challenging. </div>
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<i>What, you don't own a microgram scale too?</i></div>
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Fortunately, David already created a program that uses the USDA database to reference values on nutrients, so he’s been able to put items on ‘yes’ and ‘no’ lists. The ‘yes’ list is extremely short, for some good reasons. Kidneys filter out a lot of bad things that can build up in the body. David’s are barely operating, so that means he can't eat what his kidneys are not able to filter. </div>
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The first and biggest to watch is <b>potassium</b>. If potassium gets too high, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia" target="_blank">the outcome is death</a> with basically no symptoms beforehand. This has already sent us to the hospital once. Despite the interesting people watching at the U.C. ER on a weeknight, we are hoping to avoid more trips.</div>
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Second, <b>phosphorus</b>. Phosphorus and calcium have a working relationship. When phosphorus gets high, bones start to decalcify, also not a desirable outcome. Cheese is one of the highest sources of phosphorous, which makes pizza (one of David’s favorite foods) essentially the devil.</div>
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Third, <b>sodium</b>. Fluid retention is one of the biggest signs of dialysis need, and sodium excess contributes to it. To add insult to injury, sodium also elevates blood pressure, which hurts kidney function and David does not have any of that to spare. </div>
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Lastly, <b>protein</b>. Proteins metabolize into nitrogen based compounds, some of which are toxic if not filtered out by a working kidney.</div>
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Easy-peasy, right? Just don’t eat any meat or other high protein foods, avoid foods high in one or both of those two chemicals and banish the salt shaker.</div>
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<a href="http://imgur.com/RBehaeG"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/RBehaeG.png" height="304" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a></div>
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If only. Potassium and phosphorus not only occur naturally in many “healthy foods” (greens, grains, fruits, nuts, beans) they also are used very heavily as synthetic preservatives or additives in the food industry. A real kick in the balls: they <i>also</i> are not required to be labeled on a product's nutritional information. Grocery shopping just got a lot more complicated, folks. </div>
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People love salt, and for good reason. Salt is tasty. But the amount of sodium David is allowed to have per day is extremely small, 1400 mg. That’s the equivalent of one bowl of broccoli cheddar soup from Panera. With no bread. <b>For the whole day</b>. </div>
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Even baking at home is particularly difficult, because so many recipes use baking powder, or as we have named it, “Death in a Can.” Industrial baking powder is primarily baking soda* with monocalcium <i>phosphate</i>, although some formulations contain <i>potassium</i> bitartrate. Do those ring any bells? It’s basically the worst things in powder form.</div>
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Despite all the barriers, David managed to create a biscuit recipe that won’t kill someone in stage 5 CKD and is enjoyable whether you are on a special diet or not. It’s hard to get around the sodium issue, since biscuits without salt are inedibly bland. But, a single biscuit can be worked into a sodium budget for the day if room is made for it. And the great part is that if you make them yourself, you can decide how much salt you’re comfortable adding.</div>
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Biscuit Recipe:<br />
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<i>Makes 8 - 9 large biscuits</i></div>
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="251"></col><col width="238"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 lb. (454 grams)</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cake flour**</span></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 slightly rounded tsp. (6 grams)</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Baking soda*</span></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 level tsp. (4.5 grams)</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Citric acid</span></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 level tsp. (4 grams)</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Salt</span></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 pt. (454 grams)</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heavy cream </span></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; padding: 5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Optional: 2 Tbsp. (28 grams)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Butter for topping</span></span></div>
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* Always keep baking <i>soda</i> separate from baking <i>powder</i> in your mind. Baking powder is the bad stuff!<br />
** Important: Do not use self-rising flour. It is premixed with salt and -- you guessed it -- baking powder!<br />
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Instructions:<br />
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Preheat oven to 500 F.<br />
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Whisk dry ingredients. Incorporate heavy cream by stirring briefly (less than 1 min), just until no dry flour remains. Dough will be loose clumps at this stage (below).<br />
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Turn out onto a dusted working surface, press out firmly to dough slab of 1-2" - 3/4" thickness. Fold over on itself a few times, forming a rough square shape, then press out again.</div>
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Cut into rounds, gently combining scraps to form remaining biscuits.
Place onto light colored baking sheet, brush tops with melted butter if
using, and bake in oven for 12 minutes.<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>You deserve rounds</i></div>
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Transfer to towel-lined basket, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve while still warm.</div>
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Estimated nutritional information:</div>
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Serving size: 1 large biscuit</div>
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Calories: 355</div>
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Protein: 5 g</div>
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Fat: 19 g</div>
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Carbohydrates: 41 g</div>
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Sodium: 375 mg</div>
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Potassium: 90 mg</div>
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Phosphorus: 74 mg</div>
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Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-62950803172606326062017-02-22T20:37:00.001-05:002019-04-29T11:48:57.681-04:00An Important Message from David and Laura; We Need Your Help to Save David's Life:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/32679703570/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chicken_mush (5 of 18)"><img alt="Chicken_mush (5 of 18)" height="553" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2540/32679703570_6218c4b7a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm happy to make this update: On May 19, 2017, David got a kidney transplant from our dear friend Rich Hill. <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2017/07/senate-blue-ash.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can read about it in our post here</a>. It truly has been life changing and humbling and we thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement. #Donatelife!</i><br />
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A good meal can lift the spirit, and I think we can all agree a great meal can make you feel much better, mentally and physically. But food can't fix everything.</div>
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For the first time in a long time, we dusted off an old recipe (a chicken and noodle dish we fondly dubbed ‘Chicken Mush’). I needed some comfort. This is why. </div>
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Earlier this year in January, David went to the doctor for a headache that wouldn’t go away. They saw that his blood pressure was alarmingly high, so they put him on two medications and ordered blood tests. The results were shocking: Chronic Kidney Disease, Stage 5 (AKA “End Stage”). Somehow David’s kidneys had been damaged so severely they were struggling to operate at 7% of normal capacity.</div>
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Meaning? Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to a transplant program and needing a matching donor to prevent imminent dialysis this year, which is more and more likely as time passes. </div>
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We’re trying to delay the horrors and health risks of hemodialysis by managing a strict renal diet for David, so our blog posts are about to get <i>real</i> weird. Want to know the secrets of making Brazilian <a href="https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beiju" target="_blank">Beiju</a> flatbread? You will.</div>
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But like I said, food can’t fix everything.<br />
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<b>If you want to help us, there are several ways</b><br />
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First, anyone can help us by spreading the word about our situation. The more awareness we have, the better the chance of finding a matching kidney.</div>
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If you are open to exploring donation, <a href="https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors#livingdonation" target="_blank">here</a> is detailed information about kidney transplants and donation. But, there are some important questions about donation that I will answer right away.</div>
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<i>“Will I be just as healthy after I donate one of my kidneys?”</i><br />
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Yes! After donation your other kidney will increase in size and functionality to compensate. You will be able to return to all your normal exercise routines and physical activities after the recovery period.</div>
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<i>“Is the donation process safe?”</i><br />
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Yes! Although it is a surgical procedure, the transplant team will rigorously qualify you before accepting a donation. They will never accept a donation that puts the donor at risk.</div>
<i><br />
</i> <i>“Will the donation process be expensive?”</i><br />
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No! The recipient’s insurance pays for almost all costs. The only things you would have to cover is any needed basic health exams and time off work to recover.</div>
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<b>We need you!</b><br />
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If David goes on dialysis, rather than a transplant, we’re looking at an average life expectancy of only 10 years, many of them hooked up to a machine of some sort. It’s an ugly thing to think about, but those are the facts. Kidney transplant is a treatment that can double his life expectancy while also greatly improving the quality of those years.</div>
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David’s exceptional transplant team is based out of <a href="http://uchealth.com/transplant/" target="_blank">U.C. Health</a>, and he is registered there for anyone who is interested in the facts about donation. You can call his transplant coordinator, Janea Matherly, at 513-584-5573 or <a href="mailto:Janea.matherly@uchealth.com" target="_blank">email</a> her and she will be happy to take your information and walk you through a short questionnaire (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6VOFlG2JfqQQkh4WVVFNTJGUEU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">also available here</a>, can be faxed to <a href="tel:%28513%29%20584-0881" target="_blank" value="+15135840881">513-584-0881</a>) to determine if you are a candidate. I am probably the best person to look to for any updates on David’s health. I will also be undergoing the donor testing process (I am not a match via blood type but there's another process I will be pursuing, explained below), so I should have answers to any questions or concerns that you might have. <a href="mailto:Cincinnatinomerati@gmail.com" target="_blank">Ask away.</a></div>
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David's blood type is A, which mean positive or negative donors A or O could be a match. Even if you aren’t a match for David, <a href="https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/incompatiblebloodtype" target="_blank">there are programs that match donors up with other donors</a> that could be, which actually means that your decision can start a reaction that saves the lives of multiple people! Think of it like a daisy chain. Except made out of squishy, squishy kidneys.</div>
<b><br />
</b> <b>We’re in this together</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This will be the hardest thing David and I have faced together yet. We are grateful to have access to exceptional doctors and support of family and friends. David is incredibly smart and is proactively managing his care, and I’m a force to be reckoned with when it comes to getting big things done. Still, I’d be lying if I told you that we were really ‘OK’ right now. We're both handling it a little differently.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imgur.com/8ZGQVrX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/8ZGQVrX.png" height="195" title="source: imgur.com" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is David</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imgur.com/eq6NfUd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/eq6NfUd.png" height="320" title="source: imgur.com" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is me</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Situations like this really put things in perspective. Life is short and sudden onset, unexplained illnesses like this can make it much shorter. I urge you to make the most of your own and be kind to who you can, where you can and when you can. </div>
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And if you've got the time, make someone who might need it some Chicken Mush. Except not for David, since he can’t eat it right now. </div>
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<b>Chicken Mush Recipe</b><br />
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Very early in our relationship, David developed this recipe from what we happened to have in our pantry. It's inexpensive to make and extremely easy -- perfect for two people with student loans living in a small apartment with a dated kitchen.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/32679705540/in/dateposted-public/" title="Chicken_mush (14 of 18)"><img alt="Chicken_mush (14 of 18)" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3947/32679705540_3b87ba2b00_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
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8 cups water<br />
8 cubes chicken bouillon (or equivalent, you’re looking for about 800 mg sodium per cube)<br />
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine<br />
1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
1 tsp parsley<br />
1 tsp curry powder<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
2 10 oz cans chicken meat (or leftover roast chicken if you have it)<br />
1 lb (16 oz) extra wide egg noodles<br />
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil<br />
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<i>Instructions</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Add cubes to water and bring to boil</li>
<li>Add wine, soy sauce, and spices</li>
<li>Make sure broth is well mixed, then add chicken meat with juice</li>
<li>After boil returns, add noodles and cook uncovered for 15 minutes</li>
<li>Halfway through cooking, add oil and stir noodles thoroughly</li>
<li>Enjoy or give to someone who needs it.</li>
</ul>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/32905614512/in/dateposted-public/" title="Chicken_mush (11 of 18)"><img alt="Chicken_mush (11 of 18)" height="470" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/740/32905614512_38f522bb91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-91496980171317406212016-11-13T15:15:00.000-05:002016-11-13T17:43:50.261-05:00Maplewood Kitchen: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/25330926829/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (1 of 1)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen (1 of 1)" height="427" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5681/25330926829_a8298395e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30961766205/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (17 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Hash Brown" height="427" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5652/30961766205_4bc87712ee_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30660082890/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (24 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Blackberry Lemonade" height="427" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5556/30660082890_bb5fa8b774_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30845169362/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (3 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Supergreen Margarita" height="427" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5630/30845169362_80e5b41f2f_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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As David and I have watched downtown restaurants open in the past several years, sometimes we feel like the downtown and Over-The-Rhine areas are part of a life-sized game board of Monopoly.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30660082430/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (25 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Fruit Side" height="427" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5762/30660082430_96fde56568_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I’ve long joked that David Falk is trying to own the block 6th and Walnut, with Nada, Boca and Sotto right next to each other. Dan Wright (Senate, Abigail Street, Pontiac) is another participant in the game. Falk and Wright have been very successful -- but there’s another set of players that are making some aggressive moves.</div>
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I’m talking, as you may have guessed, about the Thunderdome Restaurant Group.</div>
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Bakersfield. Currito. The <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2014/01/the-eagle-otr.html" target="_blank">Eagle</a>. It’s easy to spot the work of John and Joe Lanni, just look for the line of people waiting outside. </div>
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Most recently, they’ve ventured south and west, to the 84.51 building on Race Street. Maplewood Kitchen is the newest investment from Thunderdome, and it is <i>quite</i> the investment. The interior of the restaurant is stunning. With each endeavor, Thunderdome has upped their game a little. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30660085290/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (18 of 41)"><img alt="Pottery Barn Fever Dream" height="427" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5760/30660085290_2239b2ef85_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Straight out of one of those Restoration Hardware catalogs full of things no reasonable person can afford</i></div>
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If Bakersfield is a bar for devil-may-care young folks that hit tacos hard and happy hour even harder, and The Eagle is a restaurant those same folks can later bring their kids to for a grilled cheese while the adults enjoy a large goblet of high-life respite, <a href="http://www.maplewoodkitchenandbar.com/menu/" target="_blank">Maplewood Kitchen</a> is a place where tastes have evolved a bit: <i>You’re thirty-five now. Time to start ‘eating clean’, even though you don’t know what that really means. Here, have a cold-pressed juice cocktail. Sure, it’s $10, but you’ve got a good job and a 401K. You can afford it. Maybe not more than one, though. You’ve got a lot of errands to do today. </i></div>
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The process is pretty straightforward. Walk through the front doors, solve the Cracker Barrel-esque puzzle to get your menu clipboard off the hook hanging from a brass rail, and make your way to the front of the line, where you can select pastries, juices or other beverages. At the register, place your order (including cocktails) and take your number to your seat of choice. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30961765655/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (19 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Menu Setup" height="355" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5648/30961765655_60bfd2637b_z.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>If you can't get it off the hook slink away in shame and just order the burger</i></div>
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After you’ve had some time to appreciate the decor and the fact that they have put sparkling water on tap, your drinks and food are brought out to you. </div>
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We’ve been to Maplewood Kitchen several times now, and have tried a variety of dishes and cocktails.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
First, drinks. Cocktails, as I alluded to above, aren’t inexpensive, but cold-pressed juice isn’t a cheap thing to make. The Supergreen Margarita, made with 100% agave tequila, Cointreau, sour mix, and a blend of spinach, pineapple, romaine, kale, parsley and celery juices, is unlike any margarita I’ve ever had before. I was skeptical at first, but did enjoy it and would order it again. The grassiness of the green juice added another layer of complexity to the drink. I felt sort of healthy ordering it, another plus. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30660091210/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (2 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Supergreen Margarita" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5647/30660091210_fe0178dc73_z.jpg" title="" width="429" /></a></div>
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<i>How Green? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5goH0hxUM8A" target="_blank">Supergreen</a>.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next, the Roasted Tomatillo Bloody Mary. David’s the bigger bloody Mary fan, so he tried this one. We appreciated the unique take on the drink, but it needs salt, spice and more acid. The solution for that would be simple-- a splash of green hot sauce, like Tabasco, would do the trick. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146476160@N04/30660084600/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maplewood Kitchen (20 of 41)"><img alt="Maplewood Kitchen Roasted Tomatillo Bloody Mary" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5733/30660084600_774d66d836_z.jpg" title="" width="427" /></a></div>
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Blackberry Lemonade is a crowd-pleaser. Not only is it very pretty to look at, the cocktail is delicious. I’d get this one again for sure. </div>
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The cocktail I was most curious about was the Sol Driver, a blend of Tito’s vodka, Grand Marnier, Sol Glo juice, fresh orange juice and orange bitters. This was probably my second favorite cocktail we tried. </div>
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Now, the food. Don’t skip the sides. The hash brown is excellent, the bacon crispy, and any place where you can get a side of goetta automatically gets extra points in my book. </div>
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Our first visit I opted for the Breakfast Sandwich, David for the Avocado Benedict. The bread for the sandwich I really enjoyed, with excellent ‘holes’ in the ciabatta structure. The goetta needed a little more crunch, but the flavor was excellent. Where this sandwich really goes off the rails is the tomato jalapeno jam. For a savory sandwich, there was a lot of it--and the jam was extremely sweet. While this combo can work well with some dishes, it combined with the mushy goetta for a very strange experience.</div>
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<i>Do not pump up this jam</i></div>
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David’s eggs on his Benedict were poached beautifully, although the naming does raise some questions. Traditionally, a Benedict contains some sort of meat or protein - bacon, ham, goetta, etc. While tasty, this dish doesn’t include any of that--or even the traditional hollandaise sauce.<br />
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It seems that putting some spin on the traditional Eggs Benedict is standard practice nowadays, but this one pushes the envelope in how many elements you can change and still call something Benedict. Given the ingredients, it would be more fair to label this a variant of "avocado toast."<br />
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I get what Maplewood is trying to do here, but Benedict isn’t supposed to be healthy, it’s supposed to be an indulgence. I would rather have seen the dish try to straddle the divide a bit better. Workaround: order a side of tasty bacon and assemble to your liking. </div>
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The burger is delicious. Toppings are well proportioned, the bun holds up and the meat blend is excellent. This is one of our top burgers downtown.</div>
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Another great sandwich is the chicken club. You wouldn’t think it would be hard to get a great club sandwich somewhere, but the reality is sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. We’ve gotten the club several times now, and have been very happy with the sandwich, also served on excellent 16 Brick ciabatta bread with flavorful piri piri sauce. </div>
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Lastly, the Maplewood Omelette and the Bistro Steak and Eggs. We enjoyed the omelette, but the steak & eggs stole the show. Tender steak with a nice punch of chimichurri, toast with delicious jam and some of those spectacular hash browns --if you’re feeling a big breakfast, this is the way to go. </div>
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Maplewood Kitchen is a great addition to this corner of Downtown, which has largely been overlooked when it comes to new development (read: get it while you can, retailers and restaurateurs). It's nice to see Thunderdome try something different, as well.<br />
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Welcome to the neighborhood, Maplewood. Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-81886829752158454842016-06-11T16:05:00.000-04:002016-06-11T16:06:29.197-04:00Frida 602:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EGtZaax1vtunNSFL4m4x79MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOW5c36KOU8/V1xAPg44q1I/AAAAAAAAFr0/lsNMNisjFCEaghGAXPQmY8kAJ5HwClOKACCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252816%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tVLiRYkIEuFIUZb8FSpI0tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u906oMoc_Z4/V1xANi_HCKI/AAAAAAAAFr0/kYOOK-oNrjYI-fgqluBB1113zAbc0MAqwCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%25289%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WbFo66bSsRUPC8AEUZk9QNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IDvutgH7LQo/V1xAQu76e2I/AAAAAAAAFr0/MtQ6EhuGMksm63v1wnv-pHBILOUyrBnnwCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252821%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6n5jtxjSo_Qq2XIAYcvYSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-09dsOESNA-8/V1xAVnme9wI/AAAAAAAAFr4/5Wgxl6fJml06PxoUGszWXLhv4nTSrZe6QCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252815%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you <a href="https://twitter.com/CincyNomerati">follow me on Twitter</a>, you may have noticed a trend with some of my tweet content over the past year. It started innocently enough with me running a 5K race last spring.</div>
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After running inside on a treadmill all winter, I started to take my workouts to the road--and the races. I started upping my mileage during the week, getting more competitive, and on May 1st this year, ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon. </div>
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The Flying Pig has one of the earliest starts of the races I’ve run. To his credit, David got up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday without complaint to watch the race start at 6:30 and wait for me to finish about an hour and 45ish minutes later.</div>
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At most races, once you cross the finish line, there are usually volunteers with water, free bananas or other small snacks. I usually take the water, but skip the other goodies. Because when I finish a race, there are usually three things I really want, listed below. </div>
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1. A hug from David<br />
2. Nachos <br />
3. Margaritas<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qRDD8dw0O8_PTC_Lh4nt9tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-33IfVuTHPqg/V1xARsXIYlI/AAAAAAAAFr8/fauwMH1w8H49HVyhmCrGXNaZ5k8ZEPdhACCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%25283%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>yaaaaaass</i></div>
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To fulfill that wish list, sometimes we head north to Chuy’s in Kenwood, to Mercado downtown, or take a short trip across the river to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/frida602/" target="_blank">Frida 602</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A3KdC1ARmfsV8YrzWm95StMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pCFAgE2MyDs/V1xALtGRtvI/AAAAAAAAFr4/0c7lnP--LIs6kHU193N-wXsxo-nj0_NqgCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%25281%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Interestingly enough, Frida 602 is also owned by the same people that own Otto’s, the subject of my previous post. You’ll notice some similarities--the pairs of salt and pepper shakers, some quirky decor, and a menu that doesn’t disappoint. </div>
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Frida 602 not only has a nice selection of tequila, they also specialize in mezcal, which is a spirit that is growing in prominence in the past few years. The selection of mezcal at the Party Source has been steadily expanding, and now takes up several shelves as opposed to a few bottles.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iHyei6YbuliHQ-v04ZW0QNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Upa2AI6d1fU/V1xAVxturOI/AAAAAAAAFr4/p2S_wH0naO82s5unXr2wfwhDwZhvehdlQCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252816%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The good mezcal (<b>not</b> that caramel colored stuff with the worm in the bottom) can get pricey, so if you want to learn more about it, this bar is an excellent place to start, as they have flights you can try. Flights are also a good idea because mezcal itself can vary so wildly. Some are smoky and bold like Scotch, while others are delicate and vegetal like a more nuanced tequila.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vUnl3__UOnvuuXqvQtuy-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="349" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoO8X59cnHA/V1xAR-mT9aI/AAAAAAAAFr8/18WWaejhDPQc48FxeLUvhpIqf0uQw4khQCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%25284%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I2ffsbMKF-s5TTQ79vnKE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sejwiNAkYCA/V1xASAENGAI/AAAAAAAAFr8/_v7_M6JVG6UUZQ_bXrU4Lyllge3_x7wgACCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%25285%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>A <a href="http://www.cocktailkingdom.com/all-glassware/mugs/del-maguey-copita-12-pcs" target="_blank">copita</a>, or traditional tasting cup for mezcal. </i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DQOD7reiDj2LYhX8HguRB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-loCF8NvSnE0/V1xAWctdL6I/AAAAAAAAFr4/hKSCnuPmMMcbVozoQ0Xgn4qL-Vs2KyRVwCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252818%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The cheese dip at Frida 602 is excellent, and the thicker (almost too thick in my opinion) chips are up to the task of scooping out the melty cheese with a nice broiled crust. Don’t be scared of the peppers--they look spicy but are very mild. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y7LeIWqyHzN8fSt5Iv-fi9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYFzQ8XDDno/V1xATYMj1eI/AAAAAAAAFr8/flVf40_gsWkSsUvrDSmCJOhAVKPuoXiMwCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%25288%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fnY8tIfUNewrgvTDQDjZ3tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQZMtBLgycE/V1xAUUFDgTI/AAAAAAAAFr8/g8BWR-Gk1bkB_YddwZjbW9D1CAfph7wEQCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252811%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<i>Don't be skeered</i> </div>
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I like the nacho assembly particularly. While digging around in a pile of chips and delicious toppings for that perfect combination of beans, cheese and whatever else you’ve ordered on your nachos has its charms, the nachos at Frida 602 come out on a plate already assembled and loaded with beans, cheese, chicken, cilantro and crema. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BKfUVgLtVpLtWoow5i6JUNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5A5WfIwI-E/V1xAOzy14jI/AAAAAAAAFr0/n56i9eesCaQUzBlQF-eKgWv98drSCNMfACCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252814%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Individually assembled for your snacking pleasure</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tanjAcf7Rh8BBDpRe6NO0tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HYSiGdOIIJM/V1xAOf3cnKI/AAAAAAAAFr0/e4Hqj8JGFN46hM6W10F0zQsyzkXmIpJ9wCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252812%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Gywlm2opMgVeb6wYS4HxdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDcdEp-RgZQ/V1xAPpKvJgI/AAAAAAAAFr0/JuhTlipazVEKK8h_7Lc1rlkk8zMdFjblgCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252817%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The real star of the “antojitos” menu is the empanada. If you go to Frida 602, do not skip it. The perfectly deep fried pastry is filled with juicy, braised short rib in a slightly spicy sauce and served with chimichurri and crema. Hands down, it’s one of our favorite things on the menu. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l1UP4ckSFuG6Jkjo59N-YNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ubjQIeQfkZE/V1xAMZsvJWI/AAAAAAAAFr0/mDrHClmhQK842TpD7y1K5wGUA4_n3VTmwCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%25285%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Get you some</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T0c6Ia4NiuguV8sOIImTrtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0UuR3U30ygw/V1xAM4GHe-I/AAAAAAAAFr0/morxLNcUis8pMDU155WGlhU49d7IocrUwCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%25287%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We’ve also eaten all the tacos on the menu. In one sitting. Don't look at me like that!<br />
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Our favorites were the fried fish and the fried chicken, as well as the braised beef. The brussel sprout taco is also surprisingly good for what appears to be the token vegan dish on the menu. The only miss was the chicken taco, which was a bit dry.<br />
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These are substantial tacos, so we recommend either getting them with the flour tortilla (best with the fried stuff) or requesting a double wrapped corn tortilla so they don’t fall apart halfway through. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FlKHR1-WG5pSM4Zd7QroUtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dvE5-_-6QM/V1xAX0IO-eI/AAAAAAAAFr4/HgBuZcRYcmI_n1UcVGfnPG9mocI-SY1WgCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252823%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<i>goat taco</i> </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cmSynWIk_0cRYOlH0-dHStMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTsMs75o6Fw/V1xAYf5tkpI/AAAAAAAAFr4/CLMQKBqE01MZOdyAfpoa3wQ0Esqfii39QCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252825%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Structural integrity holding...for now</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PN3tPs0TifT_AJlViCHrztMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kagltypEzvo/V1xAY-Id7jI/AAAAAAAAFr4/ekiHpp-7HgwxILx9fyyUufGDPDjnpFlawCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252826%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Too many tacos</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BqiufXX_8Med1OdRS4gECtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xhqiVyshGVI/V1xAZbqVRnI/AAAAAAAAFr4/5mJm4J-GRkwNIg1kxXId6rO4UZwvlzojACCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252828%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Only God can judge me</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GX63OH3oeJ_GDbS7uqnC0tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="442" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k8n3SP-lRO0/V1xAWxyLeJI/AAAAAAAAFr4/mJsiIXBqFEMSYjLm1kwlBtiyAM7NZGaiwCCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252820%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drinks are excellent as well. Everything is fresh, vibrant, and housemade. No retail mystery mixes were spotted.<br />
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If you want to go traditional, there’s a solid house margarita. The passion-fruit punch, which is a delightful pink color, is so tasty I’d recommend a pitcher for a group--because you definitely won’t want to share an individual order. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kREwD_ay8rxI_7egOFa4OtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jmIKYXz0EGE/V1xAP3qEckI/AAAAAAAAFr0/oew1fmQbT9crSMuORuPANFOlIdkS_0gVQCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252818%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<i>Passionfruit punch </i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FWJK8FE9Z7-uCsjPLPEnp9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMa7cb_rvtA/V1xANyqNxfI/AAAAAAAAFr0/Rly4vuPHvcQEg9qUka3YSmLx4l-fLiHNgCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252810%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Oaxacan mule</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iJunn7Tt2nNLKqB8EsTSDtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3XIDNS2JEE/V1xAREj_5UI/AAAAAAAAFr8/eJhMKgtQdWksNbUpmuAZlKQH-vKO9qzAACCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%25281%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Frida Margarita</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ag-biD5wCoSBvhB8ztw0L9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nEXeMeQQnkI/V1xAZy_RWiI/AAAAAAAAFr4/513IEyrF3eQZbXYotPFpqcxQ8S5edkBSACCo/s640/Fridas_1%2B%252830%2Bof%2B30%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sangria</i></div>
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We’ve tried two desserts, the key lime pie and the tres leches cake. The pie has great flavor with real lime zest, and the cake is some of the best we’ve ever had. The torched marshmallow at the top really takes it up a notch. This is another thing not to skip at Frida 602.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P8npMpvjyFnHcP16Zj6X_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1_FH05HgPOs/V1xAQUUFH9I/AAAAAAAAFr0/Gn4SHPLGYa4bxUrdDJfCxMhZwfhEHL6BQCCo/s640/Fridas%2B%252819%2Bof%2B21%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<i>One of the best parts of indulging post-race is I get to eat the whole thing without any guilt</i> </div>
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Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-27285518403047357512016-02-22T14:03:00.000-05:002017-06-03T19:42:59.499-04:00Otto's:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rkh9zKLAeC5j_Gy3MmUb8dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="458" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0G19EMrwBrs/Vso5nfUXi2I/AAAAAAAAFl0/a6mc6Ybca-g/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525284%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nOMWu2wyXEmQh3NOItwMAtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--9PaAKZw7u4/Vso5v48S6EI/AAAAAAAAFl0/5idaALASlns/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252829%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some songs are happy songs. It’s practically impossible to not crack a smile or nod your head and sing along. </div>
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Take for instance, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_%28Toto_song%29">Africa</a>, by Toto. The song seems to have become more popular recently for some reason, which I’m totally on board with. David, not so much, because when it comes on I start grinning and dancing like an idiot in public. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pZSTW8h_ZesPc-QQJOkmL9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="346" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjjwyZBteM4/Vso5mU81XjI/AAAAAAAAFl0/FhsscHTrQv8/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525282%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Along those same lines there are some restaurants that are happy places. <a href="http://ottosonmain.com/">Otto’s</a> in Covington is one of those places. </div>
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Otto’s is open for brunch on Saturday and Sundays. We prefer the less busy Saturdays, and have been in for brunch five times now. We’ve tried pretty much the entire menu. </div>
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Brunch cocktails include a variety of mimosas and Bloody Mary. David and I usually start with one of those.<br />
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Now David usually only gets a Bloody Mary once or twice a year, but the ones at Otto’s are so good he hasn’t been able to pass them up. They have two types on the menu, distinguished by your preferred vodka infusion: garlic jalapeño or cucumber. The garlic jalapeño is punchy without being overwhelming, while the cucumber is restrained and refreshing. The tomato base has clean fresh flavor and hasn't been over salted (like most premixes are). A splash of ale rounds out the recipe, to produce a superbly drinkable cocktail.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S5RnyP3-YV9X9WlfHIbZftMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SbDPYJlUhFo/Vso5lnnKb6I/AAAAAAAAFl8/oHJqsTRFQdQ/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525281%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="509" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YjDuuFlT_-mObNNKkB2YqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z1Dv3xHmvU/Vso5qg-QHnI/AAAAAAAAFl0/Ap3Aco1hqJ4/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252812%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">David is a huge fan of Benedict, </span>so we started our first visit with that for him and the B.L.F.G.T., (bacon, lettuce, egg, fried green tomato, cheese and mayo) served on a toasted croissant, for me. For a side, there’s a tough decision between a nice thick and crispy slice of goetta, a fruit cup, or a phenomenal, fluffy potato pancake.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://vine.co/v/e30YQw30uTJ/embed/simple?audio=1" width="480"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script><br /></div>
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<i>David's Benedict dance</i></div>
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The Benedict stays inside usual bounds for expected ingredients (poached egg, country ham, dill hollandaise), but adds its own signatures of cherry tomatoes and kale, all on a superbly crunchy grit cake. Again, like the Bloody Mary, all of the flavors are balanced perfectly.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1CG2twBqPe_vOaP6zKXiRdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="304" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CDo12if7xIs/Vso5m0XJaTI/AAAAAAAAFl0/NcD_cr3pYD0/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525283%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AVKl8YnP2IrDlcl5HvVcSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ph_bH8Le39c/Vso5ohjTCgI/AAAAAAAAFl0/jWOXl6lEc2o/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525288%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nbOQ7x-El1INtBu_JNCCuNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcjFmV56GyY/Vso5pfT2ZmI/AAAAAAAAFl0/Kr-R7yG2p0s/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252810%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our next visit, David opted for the lox and bagel with a hard boiled egg, cream cheese, onion and caper. I couldn’t resist the pull of the biscuits and sausage gravy. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0k-dzsMj-uwgqSbhcvBSG9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLbbOZ_S--0/Vso5raxtIJI/AAAAAAAAFl0/HSK5zVdO5vE/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252813%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B8S3jLf_HQugPggIk9bO2tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wy0MUDVPe8/Vso5ssYY0TI/AAAAAAAAFl0/ws_oWmM4vl0/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252815%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hyR4wLJD4bcj-0k2zXQAS9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qf9D-jIiAME/Vso5tdvuiBI/AAAAAAAAFl0/CN0De6lGcrU/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252816%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GJIjlItiOV7qGjtdYKeV9tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0gzUxABOeE/Vso5t9WFN5I/AAAAAAAAFl0/WdwAHd4o9H8/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252818%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do</i></div>
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The portion size for the biscuits and gravy is perfect, and the ratio of sausage to gravy and biscuit are excellent. I’ve gotten this dish twice so far. The eggs on all of the dishes we’ve gotten from Otto’s have been expertly poached, and this was no exception. </div>
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Our third visit, I once again went for the sausage (insert that’s what he/she said here) and grit bowl. David selected the breakfast casserole. I really enjoyed the fresh, bright flavor from the sauteed cherry tomatoes, and David’s casserole had plenty of melted cheese, sausage, potatoes and other tasty vegetables. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tUBkdMXQCAHXyMNq8P2oedMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="340" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YCYF7cG-Pco/Vso5uU873iI/AAAAAAAAFl0/QAwp-fULH_I/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252820%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6-rO7xAk1xeWAY55lJ7DOdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJTOvWi49gg/Vso5u8Kf1WI/AAAAAAAAFl0/3HlnrPKxTkI/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252823%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/97LD2AMm4nStudc-4h3gwdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZJnGDqMwJyk/Vso5vVm45SI/AAAAAAAAFl0/nsdKUBwgtmM/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252824%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The following Saturday, we decided to order the lemon buttermilk pancakes we’d been eyeing, in addition to the crab hash. Dear Lord, those pancakes. Served with a tangy berry compote, sweet whipped cream and butter, these are as good or better than the ones we loved at <a href="http://www.cincinnatinomerati.com/2015/10/red-feather.html">Red Feather</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDIutw6HXzTG3ealKS4uC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuJsE7qbDqc/Vso5wjeji1I/AAAAAAAAFl0/8LJjrJsSahk/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252830%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I bless the <strike>rains</strike> pancakes <strike>down in Africa </strike> at Otto's Cafe</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2BSW9yQbi2gx1jABgZVbXdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qBfrHiVeQV8/Vso5xATBtCI/AAAAAAAAFl0/7hHZmmi6j10/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252834%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XeETaMQL7ZthMuT4JH_6q9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gV29N-Cga_k/Vso5x-dYD_I/AAAAAAAAFl0/ronrrttIpXc/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252833%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It’s not just the food that’s great at Otto’s. They have excellent iced tea, and if you ask nicely, make a kick-ass John Daly. Service has always been pleasant. The restaurant has a variety of quirky signs, lively abstract art, and adorable sets of salt and pepper shakers for each table and tiny bikes that hold sugar packets. It is, as I mentioned, a very happy place to spend a Saturday morning.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hm4_YizM_m0LbysVmGNz3dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="476" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AXN3labpiRk/Vso5qNugs4I/AAAAAAAAFl0/b8jFfk5fbtk/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%25252811%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The biggest problem we run into at Otto’s is that everything on the brunch menu is just so damn good that it’s hard to choose a favorite dish. It’s a good problem to have. Throw in that it’s just a mile walk from downtown and I think we have a new favorite brunch spot. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YUcnZucy92gU6LEg3AbO7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="494" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bxb2TKkXbVM/Vso5oBpfjlI/AAAAAAAAFl0/Yai7TAGpLao/s640-Ic42/Ottos%252520%2525285%252520of%25252038%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>Gonna take some time to do the things we never had...like go back to Otto's for lunch and dinner.</i><br />
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cincinnati/ottos-covington" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Otto's, Covington and other Restaurants in Cincinnati"><img alt="Otto's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17114058/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-29724797539516533672015-10-03T15:08:00.000-04:002015-10-04T21:12:15.360-04:00Red Feather:<div style="text-align: justify;">
After placing our order at<a href="http://www.redfeatherkitchen.com/" target="_blank"> Red Feather</a> for brunch, our server returned with complimentary beignets from the kitchen--and a game plan. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lbVd3cba62fUZEcEwFCbINMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="307" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jJGLbh67k0/VhAid7xhFNI/AAAAAAAAFfI/4wLwhls0kYI/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525281%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We're gonna need a bigger table</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ksMDijrXr8fCi9QT1k7qHtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LzsvrbHOYsA/VhAifpm6YAI/AAAAAAAAFfY/xg214TYzbBw/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525283%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OzqJ7g4lKbnP6ngWLU-ZK9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-euZTmBoe0/VhAijM3NYwI/AAAAAAAAFgI/3ObZ5B4iSz8/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252811%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Well...since you ordered so many things, I think we’re going to have to stagger the dishes so they can all fit.”</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lBhVzVhNeV_LzJoY-E6TPNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="348" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GKyTcc0avOA/VhAig7qtDLI/AAAAAAAAFfo/dtcS02icjz0/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525286%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David and I smiled sheepishly and agreed that even though it can be challenging to play two-top table tetris with hot plates of benedict and pancakes, it was the wisest choice of action. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FnkvK247P3ByJlKeqzRdBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="572" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxAJJNElzgU/VhAievbQ9XI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/VB_yM8sUR2o/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525282%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>feeling very pleased with ourselves after ordering most of the brunch menu at Red Feather</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To be fair, we had warned our server that we would be ordering a lot of things off the menu. At a place like Red Feather, it’s hard not to. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After intense negotiation between the two of us, we decided on benedict for David, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, a croque madame, and goetta. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The beignets apparently are a brunch amuse bouche, and they set our expectations very high for the rest of brunch. Light, crispy, impossibly puffy and dusted with powdered sugar, David and I both savored each bite and wondered at how the kitchen pulled such a thing off.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fMJ5GLjL7euKunT14aT3vdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-URwi8eyaL0A/VhAigJw-8rI/AAAAAAAAFfg/N_Dfy3GHkuQ/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525285%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mind = Blown</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The biscuits were a smaller plate than expected, but I actually preferred that--it meant I had more room to steal some of David’s pancakes and also work on my croque madame, which was massive. More on the sandwich later. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lpcwZvxv5EDDO6sOW0zgIdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PII4J9ksTn8/VhAihdUarRI/AAAAAAAAFfw/t58gEjy04Zg/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%2525288%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oBa3cfVMEnQMuPRvQ-FFOdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5eaJSwR-KqA/VhAiifE9d4I/AAAAAAAAFgA/jw0Gd2NTCiM/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252810%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The biscuits were also very well made, and the sausage had a little spice to it. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
David had insisted on ordering the pancakes, and I was very glad he did. Pancake texture can be tough to nail down, but these were perfect. They absorbed the syrup without losing the nice cake structure and were browned without being burnt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cja324vZm1Rqrml-jiRRStMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GLv_ybnkor4/VhAik_6GMQI/AAAAAAAAFgg/iwUg8iXyCQQ/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252814%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And you get a pancake! And you get a pancake! And you get a pancake!</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
David’s favorite brunch item is benedict, and Red Feather excelled at making this as well. Tangy, creamy hollandaise, tasty savory-sweet ham and nicely poached eggs rested atop an english muffin, with a side of crispy breakfast potatoes, also delicious. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XRbW4JaU68gaZ3y1lBTWftMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-326q9VTqF5c/VhAikapb3XI/AAAAAAAAFgY/XsY_k-CpaZU/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252813%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VT4b_R_TxqqpASYN-PO1p9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsHDNyCHxjI/VhAijp77W4I/AAAAAAAAFgQ/TCI6IGkcoaA/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252812%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which brings us to the croque madame. I added an egg to the croque monsieur on the menu, turning the sandwich into its similar counterpart. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVekNsgUqn4"><img height="439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r5Cn55tYeAY/VhAioGNSPWI/AAAAAAAAFhI/tBBwRBRsbhE/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252820%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>That's no moon</i> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The bread for the sandwich was a nice eggy brioche, which I liked, though the slices were pretty thick. The gruyere used was excellent, as was the ham. In my opinion, the only improvement to this sandwich would be serving it with something a little sweeter to balance out the ham and gruyere. I’d advocate for a spicy raspberry jam. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CjX4tjVIt65hHKOF8VVNytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCM4ub_gcjE/VhAiovo543I/AAAAAAAAFhQ/Ie9gzqVLB4s/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252821%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To cap off our brunch, I asked about a cocktail I had seen previously, the firefly. David is familiar with my penchant for drinks that are lit on fire, so he wisely did not protest when I ordered it. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k5ivrNxYdO34csrv0TAxltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LTPV-zRdBGc/VhAiqJBtboI/AAAAAAAAFhg/8BgAfZ_Uor8/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252823%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="405" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I mentioned it to our server, his response that “I think I can make that happen” make me do a little happy dance (which was really more of a wiggle as I was full of pancakes at that point) in my chair. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The firefly is prepped with a liquor soaked orange which is lit on fire, and then sugar and spices are dusted over the orange to create little sparks. I’m sure it’s more impressive at night time, but I would order this again--the combo of toasted spices, cinnamon and orange reminded me of fall. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1LgFEZ5NettLxWBZkHnhC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQY4Vbu2VUg/VhAiqtDxSPI/AAAAAAAAFho/c4g6RJ1bheI/s640-Ic42/Red%252520Feather%252520%25252824%252520of%25252025%252529.jpg" width="427" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So much better than the pumpkin spice latte 85% of the public at large seems to lose their minds about</i> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We’ll definitely be back to Red Feather. Word’s out about the brunch and it was consistently busy while we were there, so I’d recommend a reservation if you have a large group.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cincinnati/red-feather-kitchen-cincinnati" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Red Feather Kitchen, Oakley/Pleasant Ridge and other Restaurants in Cincinnati"><img alt="Red Feather Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17117491/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-20336451748946683152015-09-15T19:11:00.000-04:002015-09-16T09:34:34.151-04:00Swampwater Grill:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q-XihKN4pd6pYIyXZfI82NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ROqMEcwWhYo/VfhTMktWM6I/AAAAAAAAFb8/d37CZwowbRs/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525281%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="559" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MeWgzM1_hSwLv4tpa8QbR9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XxmLfx2DUus/VfhTa7bS_FI/AAAAAAAAFeU/qnU4MkxSlYM/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252820%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I nibbled away at the jalapeno popper with as much dignity as I could manage. After the first few bites, the pepper's heat had gone from tingly to exhilarating to whoops-maybe-I-chose-poorly. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hooKVstzbz0" target="_blank"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSsMPf8oG0E/VfhTQcdF9bI/AAAAAAAAFck/jigf_9mlsLM/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525286%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I looked over at David, happily munching away on his popper and made a face at him. "What?" he asked incredulously when he saw my reluctance to take another bite of an otherwise delicious bacon wrapped, fried, cheese and chorizo stuffed pepper. "They’re not that spicy!"</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I handed my popper over to David as proof. Still doubting, he took a large bite. I sat back, and waited. </div>
<br />
"Oooohhhhh no. Ow. Ow. Ow. You got a hot one!" <br />
<br />
Vindicated, I leaned forward to take a big drink of my swamp juice cocktail. "Told you so."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As anyone who's eaten their share of jalapenos knows, spicy levels can vary from pepper to pepper. A bunch of peppers may look the same, but one of them is sitting there, just waiting to go all <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeroy_Jenkins" target="_blank">Leeroy Jenkins</a> on your taste buds. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hooKVstzbz0" target="_blank"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQRFKVRq-Yk/VfhTPtHBfTI/AAAAAAAAFcc/BZ0rF7YP_QU/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525285%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Alright, time's up, let's do this</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So we were off to a spicy start for our meal at <a href="http://swampwatergrill.com/" target="_blank">Swampwater grill</a>. No one seems to know where this place is right off the bat, but when we describe the location ("know where the school is on stilts past the Precinct? Turn left.") people seem to figure it out. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The inside of the restaurant is pretty spacious, though a little dark. The draft list is on the small side, but sports some solid brews, which are served in mason jars. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YxTln2PHosUjpQ-01kE0yNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZ6RKECUB70/VfhTOCHIQxI/AAAAAAAAFcM/usJweBpXJ40/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525283%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I opted for a cocktail called “Swamp Juice.” When I ordered it, our server looked at me and asked me one question. "Do you like rum?" To my answer in the affirmative, she replied, "good, because it's mostly rum."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8CFewlGVBgSa9fRY3kZ-NdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gAWVjfirSeg/VfhTNC6XTWI/AAAAAAAAFcE/XRHqL-jVRF0/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525282%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mostly Rum: Truth</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Swamp juice is neon green and you get to keep the cup, both of which are the kind of kitschy things that I love. It indeed had a lot of rum. If you go to Swampwater, get the swamp juice and be prepared for a nap when you get home.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ordered a variety of other things. Ribs and pulled pork (this was the <i>child's</i> size pulled pork sandwich), etouffee, red beans and rice, a fried oyster po boy, the poppers mentioned earlier, and grits. We also tried a small side of jambalaya.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zvu2JPnBsJwbBOKDkE72M9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-58fAU_jM_VU/VfhTSDeIGHI/AAAAAAAAFc0/LI7ZqoZjiFk/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%2525288%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HI2NBnunf9YgIET6iiYpFdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7--ZzJQGt-g/VfhTU5trtfI/AAAAAAAAFdU/f4X1hBu8Px0/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252812%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jambalaya</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ArVjzDLLWX7lq5b2DYSB6tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lCJEwuhlz5E/VfhTVoDy3gI/AAAAAAAAFdc/sTDgN3k1aNY/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252813%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We enjoyed pretty much everything, but we had our preferences. We liked the red beans and rice over the etouffee. The oyster po boy was excellent. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KcKPDSYF0dvfwiO8DHkkz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5KMCVrtJuc/VfhTXQoP4xI/AAAAAAAAFds/EqTM29KtSzE/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252815%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5jJeHHFK9SjOId18bFm2Y9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_b3PDYElCo/VfhTcUm1tHI/AAAAAAAAFek/lW8P_35FeBQ/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252822%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>meh-touffe </i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ribs and pulled pork were alright, but it's tough when you're competing with Eli's BBQ just down the road. It's a high standard to beat. Swampwater’s grits, however, were some of the best we'd had. The jambalaya was my favorite of all of the sides.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v5btSceIYPMv25Rs3qWSMNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFVH9pDUKbg/VfhTUBzPIVI/AAAAAAAAFdM/-9gP0JixH2E/s640-Ic42/Swampwater%252520Grill%252520%25252811%252520of%25252022%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are weekly specials at Swampwater, from crawfish pies (which they were sadly out of) to smoked prime rib, that we’ll be back to try soon. I’ll just make sure to exercise caution with those poppers then next time we’re in. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/cincinnati/swampwater-grill-smokehouse-cincinnati" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about SwampWater Grill & Smokehouse, East End/Mount Washington and other Restaurants in Cincinnati"><img alt="SwampWater Grill & Smokehouse Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17117344/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> <br />
<br />Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-30053415139867796452015-05-06T21:11:00.000-04:002016-11-13T16:44:43.764-05:00Revolution Rotisserie:<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago, some of my co-workers stopped by my desk. “We’re going to Revolution Rotisserie for lunch. Want to join us?” </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kF3E9qGRgT9pd0Oesuaso9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="370" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3o7hScBArI/VUq1AxC97NI/AAAAAAAAFYc/EsB7Eo4wfUo/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(24%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/da9e1iI2aL4OvB1vkb-t19MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D3-tqRRyRz0/VUq042T4p4I/AAAAAAAAFXM/kBr_qkjNZyY/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(11%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N-Toih9uHo9NU5GjTtUdz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPTaLCeG9MI/VUq07cwkfXI/AAAAAAAAFXk/sUaica4WiG4/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(15%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5OFNzokwdFzdB47q1KdCR9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6S3JdkbyCwY/VUq0-tMsF-I/AAAAAAAAFYE/t4WLpN7T4hc/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(20%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Though I usually go home for lunch, I was tempted. However, I still hadn’t been to the restaurant with David, so I had to follow the rules: David and I would have to check it out together before I went without him. <a href="http://cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com/2011/11/taste-of-belgium-on-vine.html" target="_blank">After David broke the pact and went to Taste of Belgium without me a few years ago</a> (and then was busted red-handed on Twitter), I’ve been careful to not commit the same transgression.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I politely declined and mentally penciled the restaurant in on one of our free weekends. This past weekend, David and I stopped by for Sunday brunch.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KbKtwpqX07wlTULCiuxhKdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SntlvecSRYk/VUq00FbLt_I/AAAAAAAAFWc/zn1vkxlahG0/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(2%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brunch features a variety of the pita sandwiches that they have on the regular menu, along with several more brunch-y themed items.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After much debate, we elected to go with splitting the chorizo poutine. I chose the Nelson Mandela pita sandwich, which is Mexican inspired, while David went with the Harriet Tubman, featuring chicken, muffaletta olive salsa, tzatziki sauce, and hummus.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oGNF7_vOXTbbf60yNvAHWdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UTI8Sn_Ktw/VUq084a1-AI/AAAAAAAAFX0/q8XcxGR_SfE/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(18%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
While deciding, we briefly pondered the titles of the pita sandwiches. Named after revolutionaries, I suppose, but one has to wonder how Gandhi would feel about being associated with a chicken wrap (he was a strict vegetarian). Was Nelson Mandela a big fan of chipotle ranch dressing? Have they finally discovered Ben Franklin’s famous asian slaw recipe? These are questions we may never have answered.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I couldn’t decide between a cheekily named punch and bottomless mimosas, so why not both? I thought the punch was a little on the sweeter side, but it was delicious and refreshing after the walk up on a warm morning.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8tSJ4VnWqSHMB6S6r3R8rdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cIzQRmynziY/VUq0zEblhRI/AAAAAAAAFWU/7f4B6jiSiR8/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(1%20of%2025).jpg" width="547" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>William Wallace Bravebooze</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DWKK2y5CyGV8hgVhdajbZ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-HHKpsKHSg/VUq01_1RCrI/AAAAAAAAFWs/t64cBfdkUBg/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(5%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tater tot poutine with chorizo had a nice spicy kick, which was managed by the fluffy, crispy tots. I wished the egg on top was not over hard and was a little more “oozy” though, that would have knocked the dish out of the park.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5n2ydPmgxju1QdSN8iLu_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CcV_Pk2af3M/VUq02lu-rGI/AAAAAAAAFW0/yS3iTGYTeP4/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(7%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hCjH0pRr5vuuXMwxLBkmctMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4jq1270j7c/VUq03ZxtGOI/AAAAAAAAFW8/3BAJxi4NnnI/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(8%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>us fork-dueling over who gets which tater tot</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GUTz_Cx1wMrlynZRPvVSNtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_kGuo5KB3zQ/VUq04PBZQDI/AAAAAAAAFXE/Gfm_xc7HtCo/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(9%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David enjoyed his pita and ate the whole thing, prompting him to come straight home and take a big nap. In the end we liked my pita better, with chicken, nicely seasoned black beans, tomato, chipotle ranch, crunchy Frito-style corn chips (great idea), and just the right amount of cilantro.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7MJIO6oB_KEGEyHuYnZbXdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oaeuvr_E7S8/VUq06STMGZI/AAAAAAAAFXc/5GrOVXBpgUk/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(14%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Harriet Tubman</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2g50cVMGzSiP8RhjBcSsCdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QEwJb-p4QLU/VUq09t9LFDI/AAAAAAAAFX8/AxtZVVnh55w/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(19%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nelson Mandela</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9xEsg_4M31kxme2Xwv8qJtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pl4gt4Sahvs/VUq1AFSHGUI/AAAAAAAAFYU/AGT8pYPyMpE/s640/Revolution_Rotisserie%20(23%20of%2025).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The staff were friendly and the inside of the restaurant is bright and welcoming. The draft selection is on the smaller side but solid. Prices are very reasonable for the portions. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a feeling once <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WNrx2jq184" target="_blank">word</a> gets out, this place won’t be quiet for long. Also, the restaurant is right next to Washington park, making it perfect for take-out and a picnic. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ll be back soon. I’m especially curious about the half rotisserie chicken and their mashed potato bowl.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1873924/restaurant/Over-the-Rhine-Mount-Auburn/Revolution-Rotisserie-Bar-Cincinnati"><img alt="Revolution Rotisserie & Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1873924/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-68098371769738540692015-04-29T13:57:00.000-04:002015-04-29T14:24:48.004-04:00Quan Hapa:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FeN0DJOStevA1_gnxa_vD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k87wcKfEv3Y/VUES8PEQSII/AAAAAAAAFR8/4KWnS9NlY7Q/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25285%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7zW8JGpWBtB7f165xo4i89MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="550" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sr8eBvs49F4/VUES6NIs-aI/AAAAAAAAFRs/sbZRcAEcuAo/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25283%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CVA8AQ0t04V1_sLvOJyoLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ebEqUHJaYzI/VUES_uxQhXI/AAAAAAAAFSc/PM2k2VVjovc/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25289%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JfQyuED3RIxkkbI0zFBKk9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eWDIRdfVHAg/VUETFcuUPgI/AAAAAAAAFTE/xdPj_7zI-zE/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252814%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Don’t look directly at the Sriracha. Don’t look directly at the Sriracha.” I silently chanted to myself while I sat at our table at Quan Hapa and carefully twisted the top of the bottle open. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This post is part review, part PSA. When opening Sriracha, don’t look at it. And for the love of all that is holy, <i>point it away from your face</i>. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, there is a story behind my statement; a few years ago, when I was really enamored with Sriracha and was putting it on everything like a madwoman, I was in the kitchen turning the nozzle to “open.” I looked down as I was opening it and the bottle gave a little ‘splurt,’ which catapulted Sriracha upward. DIRECTLY INTO MY OPEN EYES.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The searing pain was immediate and my brain abruptly shut off. David heard my whimpering and discovered me clutching my eyes and spinning around in a circle in the kitchen like a short-circuited Roomba. He led me to the bathroom where we flushed my eyes out. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happily, there was no such incident at <a href="http://www.quanhapa.com/#menu" target="_blank">Quan Hapa</a> because that would have seriously derailed our review. We’ve been meaning to go there for quite some time, but it never seemed to pan out. This past weekend, we decided that we were going to make it happen. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David started with a beer he had never had before, which reminded us of a cream ale. It was rainy and cold outside, so I opted for some hot sake, which was served in a fun little can. We were too early for happy hour, but Quan Hapa’s looks solid.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fathcGD9k-CXFetvJCuvBNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bW_jyetLaOQ/VUES2ppHsKI/AAAAAAAAFRk/lAPfI2fmu98/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25282%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/btcqkzJNA8_RAYFqIuFoXtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="606" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N77Mn3OIcPs/VUES7GlZcrI/AAAAAAAAFR0/z3RVKDt12VA/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25284%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was curious about the wings and David wanted a salad. The wings were hot and juicy--though a little messy with the sweet nuac mam (fish sauce) and honey glaze. The nuac mam added a little funkiness which I enjoyed. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G2XKD7zZxjEqzkbZGOvvbtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="441" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTYuzTFMxLU/VUES924l_XI/AAAAAAAAFSM/EYaD8G1AJYs/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25287%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4aVWmGHtkxL9JTdkq1l4-tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D7iSrpfcxYU/VUES-18cHbI/AAAAAAAAFSU/GDUCKIVWSbc/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%25288%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David’s hapa salad (I appreciated that the server did not try to set it in front of me for once) had some crispy sweet potatoes, some kick from watercress, and a nice coconut milk curry dressing.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v8i9PXuq4ViNHTLzfRp3TdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="424" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbNDpdLx6gQ/VUETBxpocXI/AAAAAAAAFSs/zfB7ALsY2ec/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252811%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zqqwb_uscMSV9JwFPGyACtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="590" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQC7zoBTqY8/VUETEQcjz7I/AAAAAAAAFS8/awJYmbhKBzM/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252813%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
For entrees, David selected the modern pork belly banh mi. On the menu it lists pickled papaya, but we didn’t really taste it in the sandwich. The pork belly was excellent, but we missed the usual addition of fresh jalapeno or paté. <a href="http://cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com/2013/07/les-pho.html" target="_blank">Le’s</a> still wins for best banh mi for now. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0ofH2D6AQq4wdBGk0M0RPtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="500" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jhPntYnMs8I/VUETSh6BMyI/AAAAAAAAFU0/wATf167KLfc/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252828%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w3mkQ4qrW79liKNx-lQt8NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6ZhAhc3L4o/VUETUrfRatI/AAAAAAAAFVE/tsuR8ymfnU4/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252830%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-LYopa5r7Z3Gt4e2HiJku9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mMqlYjmowsU/VUETV3ScKXI/AAAAAAAAFVM/RLIVkWyjbM0/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252831%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If you want spice, try the sambal, but beware, it will destroy you</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vEfORakGduuF1KuIht1GLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZMURqG9MYo/VUETXZqToFI/AAAAAAAAFVc/gK63xMvoVmA/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252833%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve been wanting to try the ramen, so getting something else was out of the question. I chose the Hapa ramen, but I also added fried tofu, which I highly recommend. You can also build your own ramen if you’d like. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qA0UYF6EPDqHeahUDdpFeNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_N1GDJhp7SA/VUETGSsjv9I/AAAAAAAAFTM/ty2Dhyug2GY/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252815%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dyu3feYQ7WC8v6ePj2vM-tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D0y7LpoNYVA/VUETJYJk6uI/AAAAAAAAFTk/oLlwgGjMR8g/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252818%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tB8ugavWhHr6i69TnNnNYtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SD-3bv64aQA/VUETOMkqQeI/AAAAAAAAFUM/a2kUkH_ZiAo/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252823%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C8dW4tw7xu9HDWqhDsg7wdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yi76SdA0SOA/VUETPy6T95I/AAAAAAAAFUc/rhRQzCQ-Vqk/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252825%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>roll that beautiful broth footage</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hMbtaYwZKuiVUzLbsB5K49MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aVzSe3H6QY8/VUETRvKIFsI/AAAAAAAAFUs/DcC705cEek4/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252827%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>fish cakes!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ramen broth was very flavorful but not too salty, and I enjoyed the little white and pink fish cakes. The noodles were springy, and the egg was expertly poached. The pork belly was crispy and the flavors reminded me of <a href="http://cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com/2011/10/red-cooked-pork-belly.html" target="_blank">red-cooked pork</a>. It was a little large to try and eat with chopsticks, though. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
About those chopsticks: Quan Hapa uses plastic chopsticks, which I can understand the reason for, but when eating ramen, take it from say... playing Bayonetta on ‘very easy automatic’ vs. ‘normal.’ </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/rH8AkN6kWZk?t=14s" target="_blank"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPivk1szPd4/VUETNOTDgNI/AAAAAAAAFUE/plNWh6TrlFg/s640/Quan%2520Hapa%2520%252822%2520of%252033%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>harder to beat than Grace and Glory in Chapter 6</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will definitely be back for the ramen and to try happy hour. Quan Hapa has a nice draft list and sake selection. Also of note: They take reservations, which is rare for smaller restaurant, and even rarer for a smaller restaurant in OTR. </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1679911/restaurant/Over-the-Rhine-Mount-Auburn/Quan-Hapa-Cincinnati"><img alt="Quan Hapa on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1679911/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-23485514525808152782015-01-18T21:20:00.000-05:002015-01-18T21:21:46.379-05:00Pontiac Bourbon and BBQ:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oDDXN30UlG5ofFRyr8XX0dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-px19uMwxiLc/VLxV051Es0I/AAAAAAAAFKY/PXZi0guEe34/s640/Pontiac%2520%252825%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KkyOpjcuHPJYv1UiPsZUydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PowqYVi8juI/VLxWA2ZFSiI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/QfT5UdA1JBY/s640/Pontiac%2520%252839%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7hvMdQpizEuYIZjWxIC5G9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQBuDI0eiss/VLxWBq98imI/AAAAAAAAFMY/Jsfk2dsd50w/s640/Pontiac%2520%25284%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dan and Lana Wright’s newest restaurant venture, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pontiac-bourbon-bbq/408450085927545" target="_blank">Pontiac</a>, opened up last week. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c6WwLwjkAydaYtGXupZY1NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="460" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JDXWu9Pn_g/VLxV5I60C_I/AAAAAAAAFLA/N-AMvRxfVC4/s640/Pontiac%2520%25283%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David and I have been excited for Pontiac since the news first went public (<i>especially</i> when I learned that there would be tiki drinks on the menu).</div>
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The restaurant space is a little roomier than Senate, but fills up just as fast. David and I went between 3:00 and 4:30, but there was a only few minutes wait, and seats at the bar opened up very quickly. </div>
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We started with a few of the items on the “Snacks” side of the menu. I ordered the pulled pork nacho cheese poutine and David ordered the $4 iceberg wedge. I later tried the fried pickles, which are a great bar snack.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8941QmSKlQmD5_1QE7uujdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eqXaNQUhY6I/VLxVeTB3HkI/AAAAAAAAFI0/A4WfKr69k8A/s640/Pontiac%2520%252813%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jzyxEE0qhbELham8eLAWaNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0rAKp5g0hNw/VLxVdqwTqBI/AAAAAAAAFIs/CPaiH4fKc3U/s640/Pontiac%2520%252812%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also ordered the biggest tiki drink on the menu, the Rumspringa Punch. Definitely a drink for sharing, it has champagne, cucumber infused rum, hibiscus and pineapple. And 151. <i>Which they light on fire</i>. Order one of these and be prepared for some extra attention at the bar from curious onlookers. Worth the $30 price tag? I think so, especially when you consider what a bottle of wine costs in a restaurant.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QwDWIDXj63MiC1_W7O5V8NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WHl45NULQKo/VLxWDxNA9zI/AAAAAAAAFMw/0upRR_NOxEA/s640/Pontiac%2520%25285%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Light my bottle of wine on fire and then we'll talk</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fge_GlvBloZ0jis1V_XGTNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vJiizHw4WG4/VLxWGI3E3yI/AAAAAAAAFNI/3-dTVeA2Zqc/s640/Pontiac%2520%25288%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FtNT4Vm90I6b8caVVfKnO9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1KeCBm2XwDI/VLxWDKRUNQI/AAAAAAAAFMo/-3C_4G8r77g/s640/Pontiac%2520%252841%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Our food came out very quickly, and it amused me to no end that David’s lettuce wedge was placed squarely in front of me. Typically when we go out, David orders a salad while I order some sort of fried cheese cholesterol-laden monstrosity. Servers almost always try to give me the salad.</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LLEmmTXSUxid5bUaesIzatMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q_5sM99KFFw/VLxcuLA9S6I/AAAAAAAAFNs/uSEh3JYFnIo/s400/Screen%2520Shot%25202015-01-18%2520at%252010.26.46%2520AM.png" width="345" /></a></div>
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<i>Perhaps not.</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d1DDZR_qg5Q" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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<i>Me, at Pontiac</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-QcRkz5RjneU-ynvOSDLtdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qb9wRhy3eSg/VLxWGnrdr2I/AAAAAAAAFNQ/kRRTX5gYSA8/s640/Pontiac%2520%25289%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I did try David’s salad and I thought the green goddess dressing was a nice complement to the crunchy iceberg, shredded carrot and cheese.</span><br />
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The poutine was everything I hoped it would be. Smoked and shredded pulled pork placed throughout, melty salty cheese, crispy crinkle cut fries and lightly pickled jalapenos that had a little bite. Do not skip this snack.</div>
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I tried two other tiki drinks, the Hawaiian punch, and the Bahama-Lana. Of the two, the Hawaiian punch is my favorite. The Bahama-Lana, though pleasant, is a little on the sweeter side.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yR0r-ZVd1YN4WgNbCWxCndMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1RJO-KL27-0/VLxVfGOV08I/AAAAAAAAFI8/F7Od8GAXAuI/s640/Pontiac%2520%252814%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-NRaunS4f2qX52ZW7VvSu9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JRggDkMHgwM/VLxVf9t9uhI/AAAAAAAAFJE/aMa7b060u_c/s640/Pontiac%2520%252815%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hawaiian Punch</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xV6FAYd6KAFvmHlG4hy5fdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qz4nilwHFO0/VLxVyqnTPxI/AAAAAAAAFKA/ThcKRxj2LzU/s640/Pontiac%2520%252822%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="461" /></a></div>
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<i>Bahama-Lana</i></div>
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We ordered the brisket, both the fatty and lean cuts, which were perfect. Anyone who’s attempted to make a good brisket knows how hard it is, and as far as menu items go, this is one of the shining stars on Pontiac’s. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VXuctYDfLZyVEZFb3rjubdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUJvE-Q2GpQ/VLxkxexVrYI/AAAAAAAAFOA/i4GnsHfDoTA/s640/Pontiac%2520%25281%2520of%25204%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm taking that home to momma</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1dteesMD-GGRZXvx0hJrGdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bCBZlYlmiUE/VLxV85FtFVI/AAAAAAAAFLo/o2iKHLYQS7Y/s640/Pontiac%2520%252834%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wb07HvtUoD_8y7d8V4tDe9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Iwk6twnaEdA/VLxkz7D-BfI/AAAAAAAAFOY/8bN9V9FSSgg/s640/Pontiac%2520%25284%2520of%25204%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QWC_gUGscHWSyX6x0SDtZ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HFoaKDnZrYU/VLxV2gtSXMI/AAAAAAAAFKo/QjC6Z4z6nlE/s640/Pontiac%2520%252827%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q-0S-AantDqYG2yoespmz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mm_FN8n75Y0/VLxV3cmwCsI/AAAAAAAAFKw/q3nmVfnGmsQ/s640/Pontiac%2520%252828%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="329" /></a></div>
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<i>Oh no, my brother, you have got you get your own</i></div>
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The ribs were a little spicier than we expected—challengingly so—and in my opinion, needed a little longer in the smoker to reach their full potential. While people that know good barbecue know that Montgomery Inn’s “fall-off-the-bone” ribs are way overcooked and true barbecue ribs have a bit of pull to them, the ribs we got went a little too far in the firmness direction.</div>
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The potato salad balanced out the heat from the rib rub nicely. With big chunks of potato, creamy dressing and bacon, this is another thing not to skip at Pontiac. It was David's favorite side of the ones we tried.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vynAgdQ_ZppuNxjN4-Aqn9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iAA7sUUitN0/VLxV7cuHoOI/AAAAAAAAFLY/E5SzRESBwZg/s640/Pontiac%2520%252832%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bacon fat grits were also a nice side—we could taste the bacon fat but it wasn’t overpowering. It’s nice when the side dishes can step out of the way and let the main dishes be the highlights.</div>
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The baked beans are similarly understated (in a good way), and not overly sweet. The beans themselves are firm, and some onion and pork add just a little extra flavor. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Y6tOe3JVTqs0nrylMYg5tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kTcyg7iyufM/VLxVze7P6dI/AAAAAAAAFKI/c0qqqVr0EE0/s640/Pontiac%2520%252823%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J1xXMm3jQgbcA8NWob8AvtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9ltion9TVTQ/VLxWAPbnuzI/AAAAAAAAFMI/jWZrpT-GxA0/s640/Pontiac%2520%252838%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also tried the brisket burrito (which we managed to get a shot of right before the camera gave up). David liked the unpretentious combo of iceberg lettuce and yellow cheese. I predict this being a favorite of the late night crowd.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R5vAEUdZH3pDtsFXAQb_9tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZDehMu81lEw/VLxVidn6WqI/AAAAAAAAFJY/JmpmNZlTeZM/s640/Pontiac%2520%252818%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the weekends, Pontiac serves smoked prime rib at market price. We were fortunate enough to be able to sample some and it was our favorite cut we tried next to the brisket.</div>
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Overall, when it comes to Cincinnati barbecue, you’ve got your heavy hitters. There’s Eli’s, Velvet Smoke, SmoQ and now Pontiac. Happily there’s more than enough room in Cincinnati’s culinary sandbox for all of them. As for which is better? That’s hard to say. They each have their specialties and I’d be happy to visit any of them on any given day. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VGA-gxkw_o2YgHzLQXvwH9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="473" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FjQDsFcVmXI/VLxVx3C0o1I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/jOUoF2cSLeg/s640/Pontiac%2520%252821%2520of%252041%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1817675/restaurant/Over-the-Rhine-Mount-Auburn/Pontiac-Bourbon-BBQ-Cincinnati"><img alt="Pontiac Bourbon & BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1817675/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
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Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-3793074746028919842015-01-08T23:40:00.000-05:002017-03-28T22:19:51.466-04:00Salazar:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XKuxBW6nfsbKPlF9955DNNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WwX9jN9IEzY/VKCBep-sKVI/AAAAAAAAFFg/8ZBECk6XQ-A/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25283%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Wrz9VzFZU0-EMHVBTw-6NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ns9axOddZr0/VKCBfQNLvvI/AAAAAAAAFFo/KwaNvBUbXnQ/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25284%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yeJ2vmhDXqwn3vN5R_fM-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="614" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QTCHjkAXbyk/VKCBiaGDlgI/AAAAAAAAFGI/ELBaz_yAoWY/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25288%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David and I were off the week of Christmas, and one of the things we made sure to do is go to <a href="http://salazarcincinnati.com/" target="_blank">Salazar</a> for lunch. Why? One word.</div>
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Cubano.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HSfCTrHvk2YBDA8vzi0BRNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XaCAEPHNonk/VKCBpepm-1I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/mw9glJgypYo/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252817%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, we all know there are sandwiches, and then there are <i>sandwiches</i>. The standard chicken salad you can get at the deli around the corner, some sort of generic club. And then there’s the Cuban sandwich. </div>
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This is a sandwich that I’ve loved ever since I’ve first tried it, and while the combination is being done more often and can be found at various places around town (Nicholson’s, Pete’s Cuban truck, Paula’s Café) they just aren’t the same. </div>
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I know some of you will say that you can find them all over the place in Miami, and that the ones there are the best. <br />
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I’m sure they’re great. <br />
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But guess what, we’re <b>not</b> in Miami, as evidenced by the fact it is <i>negative-three<span style="color: #0000ee;">-</span>insert-expletive-degrees</i> outside, and I’m telling you Salazar makes the best Cuban you can find around here. </div>
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Like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_the_Gibson" target="_blank">The Gibson</a>, this sandwich is hard to hack. Many have tried, but only Jose (in Cincinnati, anyway) has actually managed to figure it out. </div>
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<b>Fact: Jose’s original nickname in the kitchen was Zero Cool</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.ventrephotography.com/"><img height="234" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EeGG_3h1TWY/VK9RTehGdzI/AAAAAAAAFH8/aVqI7bkLThs/s800/201101-bnc-jose-salazar1.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo Credit: Don Ventre</i></span></div>
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So, on to the sandwich. Similar to the one on the menu at the Cincinnatian (where Jose used to head up the kitchen), it contains mojo marinated and slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard and pickles. The pickles and mustard are important and often skipped. </div>
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Ideally, this shouldn’t happen. We once overheard a Cricket bar and lounge patron asking for the sandwich without pickles. The response was a succinct “<i>No</i>.” Yeah, if you believe a Cuban sandwich would be good minus the pickle, then you probably also believe there’s an Olympic sized swimming pool on the roof. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RRMij0sVMeGlkyfd6fGsNNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lC2eZ8PROsU/VKCBp-TO5qI/AAAAAAAAFHY/UjO1tJCC6Tw/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252818%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Spoiler alert: There's no swimming pool on the roof and your Cuban is not better without pickles</i></div>
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When I asked him what made a good Cuban sandwich so hard, Jose explained that the components in the sandwich have to all work together, and you have to start with quality ingredients. “Good bread is important…take the time to marinate and slow roast the pork. Crisp the bread and get the cheese melted without burning the sandwich.” He explained. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UvaRv8xCWkkII65DgkpvltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="356" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-292nstw7f60/VKCBn0o-LGI/AAAAAAAAFHA/WHwYtfSifAk/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252815%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I could go on about the cubano for quite awhile, but we ordered other things at lunch as well. Like the turkey sandwich, with thick, juicy pieces of turkey on amazing Blue Oven "Bad Boy" bread, with melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and just a little green olive tapenade. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tNbOqXuklMH0gH3QnXnS7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ip00e3VdQeo/VKCBkmrw6lI/AAAAAAAAFGg/JxejambXdq8/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252811%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zvRCUKTnGit4L6KXsfbtdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="401" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZqNhyRbmt4/VKCBlkNAx5I/AAAAAAAAFGo/BYPIlVjPinA/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252812%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UeePsnYcM7hduF9tzDb0dNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-F-s6_-CNwcQ/VKCBnBMrKBI/AAAAAAAAFG4/qW7LPK3qyU8/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252814%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dat bread tho</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The special soup of the day, a nearly impossibly creamy potato with bacon, was great for a cold day.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uiqMDwIFFv54N52XZn2jsNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="355" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dTIcu9_T8SA/VKCBgLg8QEI/AAAAAAAAFFw/YA-bBBxJD6I/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25285%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course we had to get the brussel sprouts, caramelized and served with yuzu emulsion, and the little fried oyster sandwich, which I doubt Jose will ever be able to take off the menu.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4nnvk9hnRtpYIVXoE5hdtdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6QROFEct2is/VKCBjJhYtBI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/18pLnD3-qbw/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25289%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H4avNp9pQxb19DNMoLEJK9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G-2MmqH0ohk/VKCBj2iwEkI/AAAAAAAAFGY/RPKEqIXKKCE/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252810%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6XFtsjiIDMYV0JL-_Uog6NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jiYBFQBpgrM/VKCBg_ZQBHI/AAAAAAAAFF4/qZwQ9f5hYXA/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%25286%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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The cubano is only available during lunch, but should remain on the menu for quite some time, which makes me exceedingly happy.</div>
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One last note: Salazar doesn’t take reservations normally, but they will be doing a prix fixe Valentine’s day dinner that you can reserve a spot for. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QZ-ixsxo3Q" target="_blank"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wqyt2eD7olg/VKCBqnnHWdI/AAAAAAAAFHg/_9PQWcd6qnU/s640/You%2520Magazine%2520and%2520Salazar%2520%252819%2520of%252020%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mess With the Best, Die Like the Rest</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1797009/restaurant/Over-the-Rhine-Mount-Auburn/Salazar-Cincinnati"><img alt="Salazar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1797009/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-49737944015580605992014-11-15T18:07:00.000-05:002014-11-15T20:25:49.708-05:00Pi Pizzeria:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wusGIl3v044"><img height="382" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GI44bWQUVeY/VGaZB3MrewI/AAAAAAAAFD4/EiszCdd6vos/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/njJOW7bkUwgcvPwKx3gDidMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdKByCOOUTM/VGaY6YuioII/AAAAAAAAFCo/ZvgG2vxYsrs/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4p9MjNwOUSO-LujZllvKOdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-32BsDX3yziI/VGaY9ISXBdI/AAAAAAAAFDI/9qlXhIsikYA/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It’s not uncommon for us in our intense negotiations about where to eat, to pull out our phones and start perusing options. Usually not five minutes into the process one of us is cursing in frustration. I bet you can guess why.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
How many times have you tried to go to a restaurant website to find out pesky, teeny tiny details like when it's open, or take a look at the menu, or (God forbid) ascertain its address, only to find that information buried behind a giant flash object, or on a page that it has no business being on? I just want to know when you open for lunch, <i>dammit</i>. But I’ll never know because you’ve decided to bury your navigation in some sort of monstrous flash carousel that won’t load. Smooth move, ex-lax.<i> </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good menu, much like a good mobile site, can be hard to pull off. As I mentioned, David and I have had a fair amount of experience viewing restaurant websites, and we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the unusable. While some restaurants seem to be getting wise to the fact a mobile friendly site (Nada finally figured it out this year) is necessary, it’s rare to find a restaurant that seems to get it right from the start, just like with a menu.</div>
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So we’re happy to report that <a href="http://pi-pizza.com/">Pi’s</a> mobile site is one of the best we’ve seen, and the menu isn’t too shabby either. First, the site, designed by <a href="http://www.boxing-clever.com/">Boxing Clever</a> in St. Louis.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gADBdxg5-vrpf9k9kFKsGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oolNztJiNrg/VGaZE2wPbgI/AAAAAAAAFEY/WQsOggcCfio/s640/IMG_5851.PNG" width="361" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s7wCrowDQOXDqvxC1gxQhtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7OIQa_N_eAc/VGaZFROJQ_I/AAAAAAAAFEg/-ek_I2j4f8Y/s640/IMG_5852.PNG" width="361" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Holy crap! Contact information right on the first page! A phone number! A map to tell me where it's located! The menu, front and center! A big button to order online! All in a nice, simple, high contrast black and white theme that is easy to navigate and devoid of clutter or dancing slices of pizza. This is how you do a mobile site for a restaurant, folks. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, on to the menu. We’ve tried Pi’s pizzas twice now (once for takeout, once dine-in), as well as a variety of their appetizers and sides. </div>
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While takeout is great, if you’re getting the deep dish style pizza, we recommend you dine-in. They’ve got a nice beer and cocktail selection, so that’s a plus.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FcWhficZrl5VPqBrkMoAytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KBC5Eqw_TPk/VGaY3AZKyuI/AAAAAAAAFCI/bWLdF0G8Pfk/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Exhibit A: Dining in with a nice adult beverage</i></div>
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We tried the Pi Ravs, which were larger than I thought they would be and (I think) made in house. The tomato sauce on the pizza and appetizers from Pi is top-notch and we really enjoyed it. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-NHpVPP57WgK_HMlrUL7DNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="434" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I_A5edvK1s4/VGaY4CJPDgI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/SGFTKbdLiKQ/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T06HXuN4X2UbQtyZHOOmXtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="468" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cX4Pdu1m2os/VGaY41aGNYI/AAAAAAAAFCY/FEdeGhAcFso/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also got the not-so-cinis, which are like arancinis except baked, with fontina, mushrooms and kale. I enjoyed both, though the not-so-cinis are probably the healthier option of the two if you’re into that kind of thing. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uLNKlPWvRy2fuRnTJs1nz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="362" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NUhL9KZYFoc/VGaY5hfhErI/AAAAAAAAFCg/YKUsWcUx7ho/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BT4m4zv_r_cUfWWj5sLwftMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y9aBinbR0pM/VGaY7uU6idI/AAAAAAAAFC4/FZbh50gwEhE/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We tried the kale-ifornication salad, which comes with toasted chickpeas and pickled onions. David’s had it twice now and really likes it. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7BEu0awNjfPVBBPzeLh8RtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-52zt8CdHaZs/VGaY-vM6nyI/AAAAAAAAFDY/cmQS-U24ymY/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PeF2kr3fadp_LunI7TQsSdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="375" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krITxjxA_MM/VGaY_pXuP8I/AAAAAAAAFDg/zQUZAJJ2Ghk/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also ordered the beer & cheese soup, which was good, but more of a dip than a soup--it was a little too salty to eat on its own.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uip5O_jgYp5-xqsN6QnMdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q4UXwVz6V9o/VGaY8Y0K9rI/AAAAAAAAFDA/_mQr69p2QhI/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j2zUS5uTXEZz1aYaU6X9LdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_5FtYJQsn9c/VGaY973ln2I/AAAAAAAAFDQ/G2hp17pC3bo/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sodium doesn't count as long as you don't know how much it has</i></div>
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When Pi first opened, they had a special pizza with goetta and skyline on it. While I think both on the same pie is overkill, I was very pleased to see goetta as a topping--surprisingly, it’s hard to find around here. While I didn’t see the goetta on the menu during our visit, I asked if they still had some and they’d be willing to put it on my pizza. </div>
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Our server responded “We don’t have goetta, but we have gorgonzola so that’s kinda the same thing.”</div>
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Erm, no. <i>Busted</i>.<br />
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After we explained that goetta was a meat and oats combo, not a cheese, and our server admitted he was from Houston and had no idea what goetta was, he went back to the kitchen to check. I got my goetta. I am very appreciative that Pi made the extra effort, and I want to ask them to take it a step farther--to place goetta on the menu as a regular topping. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dBTIxJOv_D9ENoEZNTwIJtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HnRBJiS7B30/VGaZARHxVLI/AAAAAAAAFDo/JgaVIy-EVv4/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/meVxBclDZ3JOo1PBiMVzE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="358" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxmqjXLX1GM/VGaZBPHQazI/AAAAAAAAFDw/MfaMyDesXmM/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SEwrSsfQG8crvl7jEifnhtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8PSjsinoPY/VGaZCufKsyI/AAAAAAAAFEA/GO8vLGEcXaA/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you agree, please let them know on <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=@PiCincinnati+Please+put+goetta+on+your+Cincinnati+menu+as+a+topping+I%27ll+love+you+forever">Twitter</a>. Together we can make the dream of goetta St. Louis style pizza a reality! Seriously Pi, you’ve already got Graeter’s ice cream as a dessert on the menu. Let’s go whole hog (pun intended) here and embrace the Cincinnati spirit.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g8_geMgfEVBG36aHPqieUtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="337" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CFEeJ45dzac/VGaZDczxbSI/AAAAAAAAFEI/tyo32tuPiR8/s640/Pi%2520Pizza-052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David and I will be back to Pi to try the thin crust pizza, and I like that they have gluten free crust as well as a lot of vegetarian options. A thing to note about the deep dish pizzas--they take some time to cook, so if you’re in a rush, call ahead (or order on their aforementioned mobile site) or order some Pi Ravs instead. </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1840000/restaurant/Downtown/Pi-Pizzeria-Cincinnati"><img alt="Pi Pizzeria on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1840000/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<br />Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-76944207964820409592014-10-20T22:28:00.000-04:002014-10-22T09:01:49.948-04:00Huit BBQ:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RJInyRMCe7R5197dJ5-pw9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="457" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMMuZjZMxJ8/VEW_HbUEivI/AAAAAAAAFA4/GPBq_f5K-aw/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cBGWe7LYUYQGj3WFPlepm9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="453" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rHLBsPjd2Eo/VEW--fwTx-I/AAAAAAAAE_o/2ShjxXbz1CE/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the first things I noticed about <a href="http://www.huitfoodbar.com/">Huit</a> was the attention to detail--and I’m not just talking about the food. I’m talking about the space itself. I have a new appreciation for interior design currently, as David and I are neck deep in overhauling our entire place, from furniture to lighting. Not to make excuses, but that’s one of the reasons we’ve been so quiet lately.</div>
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In addition, Boca bills, new furniture, and quotes from contractors do not a happy wallet make. Huit’s menu, though, is the right size and reasonably priced. Almost all the items on the lunch menu are under $10. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We’ve been meaning to stop by since they opened, and when Huit debuted Saturday hours, we were able to visit for lunch. The space itself is fairly small, but used well. An interesting, ropy chandelier takes up much of the ceiling, the wall has vibrant floor-to-ceiling pictures of people getting messy with BBQ, and the seating feels cozy but not crowded. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mbZkLUe4kN-rVPTELp6dTNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="367" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5dBpPEVzGbM/VEW_LzEzaKI/AAAAAAAAFBg/7QYCySX4Ejg/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k15rLSgJsuETuH-4R7XeFtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e3wNuAqd76w/VEW_M65ErTI/AAAAAAAAFBo/jVdJUo1ntM0/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-047.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I know what you’re thinking right now. “Enough about the space already, <i>on to the food</i>!”<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We started with an order of the pork buns, which were a special that day. I have no idea how they got the savory filling in the buns, but it’s obviously an acquired skill. Braised pork, onion, and spices (not too much) were a great way to start out. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E2GUcuDj1lqzwqVzG5CcDtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="324" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6LOoDmqUu3M/VEW-8T07o3I/AAAAAAAAE_Y/v0g73suVqJA/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David ordered the lemongrass chicken, which is basically a chicken banh mi, and the kale salad, with quinoa, dried apricots, toasted sesame seeds and tahini dressing.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZxaUXM-QucHy3TVOtGvMQdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I1s_utSWxfY/VEW-9eKoFwI/AAAAAAAAE_g/vauk5mZx8q8/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The banh mi was very good, though Sixteen Bricks (the breadmaker for Huit’s sandwiches)<a href="http://cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com/2013/07/les-pho.html"> can’t touch the light-as-air, crackly crust baguettes Le’s Pho serves down the street</a>. To be fair, I don’t think <i>anyone</i> actually can. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H-YuID9dRiyY5l5GVZ4jMtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_Bkj8QYZrHI/VEW_AV85gwI/AAAAAAAAE_4/FOfgNvNadoU/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dpT1CWFTSlSMTEBopxuYz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U7nmjbB8Ktk/VEW_BMp6gmI/AAAAAAAAFAA/z6TzGxju3A0/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I chose the eight spiced ribs, as well as the miso butter brown rice and grilled sriracha mayo corn on the cob. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SeA_CearOQGRyv6mkDetutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="429" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dW_Ed4MRic8/VEW_IS629-I/AAAAAAAAFBA/tvFgfh1ai4Q/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tDmCzx2FPQ9VSi2NRnA6qdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="556" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FSzJAQKg8cI/VEW_JQIrr6I/AAAAAAAAFBI/CY5pFwfS8Jg/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ribs were very tender, and a good portion size for the price. I was surprised at how much I liked the miso butter brown rice--it was a nice counterpart to the flavors in the pork rub. The roasted corn was also a good choice--though by that time I was getting full. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5DxfS3e6cbfnPcY6jIW6gNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-knzi4lDs_Wo/VEW_KB3izVI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/kNU42lDRRBM/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0HzI_1pXUilvLoRUKQWWmdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qM_dXLTPVPk/VEW_GhUdDDI/AAAAAAAAFAw/s3kThOvJ2BM/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you haven’t noticed by now (kale, quinoa, brown rice), Huit has an interesting bent toward the healthy side, which is unexpected for a BBQ restaurant. The guilt of unctuous, sticky ribs is well countered by accoutrements that feel like they came from a Whole Foods shopping trip.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5YvCYbafq6S-b5CVRAFlr9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zfr3IeETCXs/VEW_CLgN07I/AAAAAAAAFAI/LqhHQGlN0yw/s640/Huit%2520BBQ-022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>this green stuff is your friend, I promise</i></div>
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Tobias Harris, the owner, was working the whole time we were there, chatting with customers and bringing out orders. According to the website, dinner is coming soon, which will be a much needed addition to that section of Court Street.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on the dinner menu. If it’s like the rest of what I’ve seen from Huit, a lot of effort will have gone into it and it will be worth the wait.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1855576/restaurant/Downtown/Huit-Craft-BBQ-Cincinnati"><img alt="Huit Craft BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1855576/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-85499979309675563462014-08-11T13:16:00.000-04:002014-08-11T13:16:40.093-04:00Terry's Turf Club is Still Rocking the Burger Game:<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before the Gateway Quarter took off, before Bakersfield or Kaze or Salazar--if you felt like some food that was worth the wait, you went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terrys-Turf-Club/121926241213318">Terry’s Turf Club</a>. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhUDed2nc7k"><img alt="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhUDed2nc7k" height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-86q3aZjGP5o/U-elKeKflaI/AAAAAAAAEPM/UXg0Jl7ZI3c/s640/TTC-031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hey David, do you want to do something fun? You want to go to <strike>Taco Bell </strike>Terry's Turf Club?</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember Terry’s? It’s a hard place to forget, and even harder to miss when driving by. Neon signs galore, a crowd snacking on peanuts outside and throwing the shells wherever, Terry and his faithful staff serving up burgers so massive you need to carve them up with a steak knife. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tg5_bwlWO2ojG67DcPEuoNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TOGVUpOhOPU/U-elRyANseI/AAAAAAAAEP8/5U9KOmkUpNw/s640/TTC-043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sauces! The fancy ingredients served on paper plates! The craft beers in the Bevador refrigerators!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of those are hard things to beat. David and I are ashamed to say it’s been a while since we visited Terry’s. Recently, I got the urge to go, and I wondered if much had changed at the restaurant since our prior visits. On our end, much had. We had different jobs, a mortgage, and my hair was various shades of purple. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m happy to report that Terry’s is just as great as ever, if not better. We sampled some of the menu items that we’d not tried before, like the tomato soup, which extremely rich and full of high quality parmesan. The paté (chicken liver, foie gras, cognac, shallot and creme fraiche), served with boozy apple and crisp ciabatta, was another enjoyable appetizer. And we had to get the halloumi with balsamic and tomato. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VNKBu9rZAuZjXNa9ZzpIndMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n0nWDSpxwYw/U-ek-esGsYI/AAAAAAAAEN0/j8T6K8ksc_0/s640/TTC-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xAe6159sBIXrGfbiKgbLSdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hFEn9lhuBgE/U-elBf4hjpI/AAAAAAAAEOM/Oyoz65Y5ncQ/s640/TTC-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>paté</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i-RMN7H0B3BC67cmwS4V1tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="544" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MK3rcBVAcmw/U-elD6DeBoI/AAAAAAAAEOc/1MhnHbf232U/s640/TTC-014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Halloumi</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the things I love about talking to Terry is that I always learn something. He brought out these tiny little root vegetables, called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stachys_affinis">crosnes</a>, which we’d never tried. We also sampled freshly grated wasabi (yeow!), and some 100 year old basalmic vinegar, which was amazing on fries.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sxjLu9gp7ISifTBXW-0uJ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZEhuqLhpIuM/U-elHCbiumI/AAAAAAAAEO0/8-A3jm8hhLY/s640/TTC-020.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Terry and wasabi</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W247_QlyZOs1olVZoU3EAdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDu5tP8fx4Q/U-elJPszpNI/AAAAAAAAEPE/8BaMNKq1gQI/s640/TTC-026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>crosnes</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for our burgers? I decided to construct a BLTA burger, with mangalitsa bacon, avocado, tomato and lettuce. It was as good as I had hoped, just rather….large. Too large, even to fit in the takeout box I needed for the leftovers. We had to play MacGyver a bit and rubber band it shut.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/39jGs42vRTkXUi0ygxv18dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7R3NAWuO-3k/U-elMkAwabI/AAAAAAAAEPU/ylkv2du35ec/s640/TTC-033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yes, that's a whole half avocado</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XGFcolNIjMgb7cuvOF6SXdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JdaZ_m0scmA/U-elQvV9auI/AAAAAAAAEP0/6u9Krwct4NA/s640/TTC-042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
David, attempting to be more reasonable, choose a mushroom option, with portabella and shitake. He ate the entire sizeable sandwich, and in combination with the various appetizers we had ordered, gave himself a pretty severe case of the itis.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DH23iKcF20QLn5A3LStASNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xXBF6v-zJyY/U-elNj12GbI/AAAAAAAAEPc/KvIfy6-pFwo/s640/TTC-035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>only healthy in theory</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XDBdK7Z20oEqjqcx_DK6W9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b4p4k5MIArI/U-elPu-aC0I/AAAAAAAAEPs/uz-9Q0CEkjQ/s640/TTC-040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The actual size of a regular burger you can get anywhere else compared to a TTC burger</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I was contemplating how exactly I was going to take a bite of my burger and not make a huge mess, the lady next to us at the bar piped up. “Excuse me, can I have an irish coffee?” She asked Terry. “Do you have decaf?” </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Terry Scoffed. “Decaf, <b>hell no</b>. I <i>do</i> have the most expensive coffee in the world. Would you like to try it?”</div>
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That’s Terry’s Turf Club for you. Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-35273035346335410882014-05-29T19:58:00.000-04:002014-05-29T20:08:10.573-04:00Mazunte:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AqcOwsQaFz5vVdR_5DhzxtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="371" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tOXkVfp7zjA/U4Z-Jw4JM5I/AAAAAAAAD1k/9elz7umkgMo/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bumLBpGvmHpq_KnfZBIeetMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uiseGWyvynY/U4Z977XhWsI/AAAAAAAADzk/35IYuTSUW10/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This past Saturday, David and I were in tense negotiations about where to go for lunch. Taste of Cincinnati was in full swing, but we weren't planning to brave the crowds until the following day. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TP-YzZpvjGJd8xaOZ32BLtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="336" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-2oLCtiLMA/U4Z995stkLI/AAAAAAAADz8/PRHn4FgQ_2s/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After about 20 minutes of discussion without agreement, David threw up his hands. “I’m going to go take a shower and get ready to go...<i>somewhere</i>. Come up with three options to choose from when I get back and we’ll go from there.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NrVHjEQWZKMeIRSdnqw5PNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yqa3IdnFCQE/U4Z-EJQXd0I/AAAAAAAAD00/sZf-vHpLW_k/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I glanced at him with irritation. “Did you <b>seriously</b> just RFP me for lunch plans?” <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
For those who have never encountered the acronym before, “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Request_for_proposal">RFP</a>” stands for “Request for Proposal”, and is pretty much despised across the board (<a href="http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/advertising/the-unspoken-evil-of-the-rfp/">especially by ad and PR Agencies</a>). </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, the only person that would really be happy about an RFP is the party that is doing the requesting. Which is probably why David looked so smug as he headed down the stairs.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the end, I came up with several picks, including <a href="http://mazuntetacos.com/">Mazunte</a>. After perusing the menu and remembering a recommendation from a friend, we decided to check it out. Self serve margaritas? <i>Mazunte, your ideas intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mazunte is on Madison road in the shopping center to the right of the Rainbow Carwash. The setup may be confusing at first, but it’s fairly easy to figure out. Carryout or eat-in, you order at the front counter, take a seat, and wait.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MMiWbbOvIJrAY2MmfAeGKdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="424" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4DeGMgnT5Xw/U4fI87G5sOI/AAAAAAAAD2U/ktf49cd-IZw/s640/eats_mazuntetaqueria_jf3.widea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The inside of Mazunte. Photo by Jesse Fox of <a href="http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-28561-mazunte_taqueria_%28review%29.html">Citybeat</a></i><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you desire a margarita, you tell them, they give you a cup, you head to the bar area and get yourself one. If you want a second one (they’re very good, so you probably will), you tell them and they ring you in another. The bar area also has an assortment of beer bottles in ice (a nice local and Mexican menagerie), as well as self-serve sangrias and horchata.</div>
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We tried a variety of dishes, including some of their vegetarian options, and the staff was very thorough in explaining how many dishes could even be made vegan. There’s a prep kitchen in the back, but the majority of dishes are assembled and plated in front of you behind the bar.</div>
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I had some cheese dip that blew the others I’d had elsewhere out of the water -- creamy and spicy. David ordered the chile relleno, as well as the grilled corn, which was the perfect combination of sweet corn, salty cheese, and a little smoky char.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XxG27ipCaVMszmim_XIcHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="412" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S3veWKiQDj8/U4Z926T3zlI/AAAAAAAADy0/ESNqiTqwUqk/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LNWlts1-IpWlj3MOP9o9fdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="331" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TXuCjVDrWM4/U4Z94ojLv-I/AAAAAAAADzE/pEEJvDOAehY/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>chile relleno</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WQKsgralmOQ1yTi7A_jW3dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="362" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sXTVrf6dV1s/U4Z97PqLHrI/AAAAAAAADzc/6-r1p1l34ZI/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z8lS1chCjZDYOpNBhXQpadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="356" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1ukzAC48eQs/U4Z99G7BrFI/AAAAAAAADz0/mgwt_UnB5mw/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn’t want to leave without trying the taco sampler, consisting of your choice of beer battered fish, pork and steak tacos. The sangria marinated skirt steak taco was phenomenal, and David raved about it days later. I also tried the tacos dorados, which were filled with braised chicken. Mazunte uses blue corn for them, which I also liked.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8pg9nOzAZJ62EfQpe02sKdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="492" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MGIM89Tz4jI/U4Z-H_jaG-I/AAAAAAAAD1U/rkkXaWosaX0/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>party on a plate</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gKiO89xJUcMzwKLPekYnMtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="385" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3lvwjWnqhuc/U4Z-JK9TrTI/AAAAAAAAD1c/KMj3rze3Llo/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YV-tlG4QcbbU0pKR6I_7j9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="502" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xH84qmUJ88o/U4Z-DOy22LI/AAAAAAAAD0s/QYMaXSdhJ8I/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ba-mHeWo0dqOD1pADxxcKtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lUAiPosyR1E/U4Z-Cf6ktcI/AAAAAAAAD0k/9h54WGUUTyQ/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LLPzqBqtjK45uKHxu6zaQdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="387" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1p6dMUJ2eok/U4Z9_3ZokdI/AAAAAAAAD0M/KB9CjbPLRQo/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>pork taco</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6gl46U0--4s4frrXtSwhytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="349" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SEa8-JnrFLI/U4Z91EKJ0xI/AAAAAAAADyk/pmGg1ILSZjY/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>housemade chips</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ymRtDktX2aVGP-cMgsdDTdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="438" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JHkX19kAogM/U4Z92Hf2euI/AAAAAAAADyw/CHfpaqhkgdk/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
At that point we were both full, but there are plenty of other dishes on the menu that we’re looking forward to going back for, like the tamales, tostada, churros, and if David has anything to say about it, more skirt steak tacos. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cv8Mm3SQDL6OgI0YADS4cdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="382" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zO83w8jnfKU/U4Z9-4WYa7I/AAAAAAAAD0E/dxcW3feQC9U/s640/Banhanza%2520and%2520Mazunte-101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1745054/restaurant/Madisonville/Mazunte-Taqueria-Mexicana-Cincinnati"><img alt="Mazunte Taqueria Mexicana on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1745054/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656152423925053837.post-41674184006656883672014-03-22T16:02:00.000-04:002014-11-09T22:51:36.152-05:00Kaze:<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you hadn’t noticed, last year we got into a bit of a blogging rut. With the winter we’ve had, you can hardly blame us for hibernating.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JIRBhVLeByD1A6DNpQ3wZNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="461" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RqqPY5lsgfs/Uy3Y_YsKPBI/AAAAAAAADRA/qrwpEm6h4RQ/s640/Kaze-011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That said, the situation was getting pretty sad. We were still going out a lot, visiting some of our favorite, regular spots, but we were neglecting to try any of the new restaurants, and subsequently, write about them. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5R420uvf4nA0KLuyidw9gNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nQIjpvg1XyM/Uy3ZScQBGUI/AAAAAAAADTY/pMV5OrnNvjs/s640/kazelight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DE5StaskEZK6i5cRF4LXedMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BTzW9zt9v1w/Uy3ZQFVbTrI/AAAAAAAADTM/n4uf9bBprBE/s640/Kaze-068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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“We’ll try them later.” We reasoned. “We’ll save that one for a special occasion.” We promised. “It’s too cold to walk up there right now.” The excuses kept coming. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvujknrBuE"><img height="638" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nlq7yIUYqmY/Uy3ZF7XMOrI/AAAAAAAADR4/6v7yA4zXy2M/s640/Kaze-033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>No, we didn't. Honest... we ran out of gas. we... we had a flat tire. We
didn't have enough money for cab fare. David's tux didn't come back from the
cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole our car.
There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts!</i></div>
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It got to a point where it was almost embarrassing. We’re supposed to be foodies, dammit. And yet we hadn’t been to places like <a href="http://www.kazeotr.com/">Kaze</a>, which had been open for over a year. A few weeks ago, I finally couldn’t take it anymore and decided to do something about it. The walk up was cold. It was rainy. </div>
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And holy-<i>hell</i> was it worth it. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYcjg0GHxYGSdMeJDScEoNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="428" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nkx1wmFAnqk/Uy3ZJlqp_KI/AAAAAAAADSc/nf7z8jIItXI/s640/Kaze-041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UzutlMQaNhLEwCCgyHxAhNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="438" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IZrDaXaSCY/Uy3Y90AuhSI/AAAAAAAADQ8/i10SBK5RvN0/s640/Kaze-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W_Lzxsoggv1gxeF5taNoytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="422" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lH3EvTckrDs/Uy3Y-g5x2CI/AAAAAAAADQ0/mW8sOiZIYGg/s640/Kaze-009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David’s a big sushi fan, whereas I’m still holding out on that front. Luckily there are plenty of things that appealed to both of us on Kaze’s menu. We’ve been back twice now, and from what we’ve had, Kaze’s more than secured a regular spot in our rotation. </div>
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The pork buns are a thing of beauty. Glazed pork belly, spicy frisee lettuce, crunchy fuji apples and a zingy mustard vinaigrette are amazing together, surrounded by a fluffy steamed bun that has a bit of sweetness to it. I liked them so much I ordered them twice. During the <i>same</i> dinner. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWHkqnxFHlPu6Ln3qT4KQ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="428" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gT9o9YxjpN8/Uy3Y8L_7TjI/AAAAAAAADQo/W84ei02MXJc/s640/Kaze-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>these buns are the bomb</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-w9DR9v0V2jaPjQ0EgEN7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y0MtYCQJIlY/Uy3Y7GKZzeI/AAAAAAAADQg/j0bN4zB7M8o/s640/Kaze-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kobe sliders with cheese, pickles and crispy onions were also very tasty, with a strong beefy flavor. Plus, I’m a sucker for “mini” foods of all kinds. I did wish the patties had a little seasoning in them, though. We ended up using some of the soy sauce on the table for our burgers. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9szUoeyPYNd3CxVfGZHd39MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7uRDFaQGOb4/Uy3ZLqw2vFI/AAAAAAAADSo/SZHJvdrWxUQ/s640/Kaze-058.jpg" width="583" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S1feEggrpzDoItik5TeLRNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i8Olfqmb5DA/Uy3ZKqvvGqI/AAAAAAAADSg/lQw49uCpTes/s640/Kaze-048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Kobe slider with aforementioned second order of pork buns</i></div>
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Other than the pork buns, the skewers are a showstopper. I practically squealed with delight when I saw they were cooked over flames, the way I’d seen them made on shows about traditional Japanese cuisine. We’ve tried the beef, and chicken and the mushroom, and they are all exceptional. The beef and chicken are probably some of the best we’ve had anywhere, and are incredibly tender. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kQrjOH7Db9LFKdzjXS8DhNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SJAfAOOnGo/Uy3ZCCYVe_I/AAAAAAAADRY/2z2tsXVEfWc/s640/Kaze-016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>chicken</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n0UNG1aSr5UjoRuqmU17GdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="528" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oS_yVpEpmPw/Uy3ZBAQqfsI/AAAAAAAADRQ/bQSH3y_95q4/s640/Kaze-015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Mushroom Skewer</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qZdzaLaXr6oQ8W8QQ7E61tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CDw96lUVn6Q/Uy3ZAJUXagI/AAAAAAAADRI/RGJa45vs9UY/s640/Kaze-014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course we have to try the ramen. Made with bok choy, pork belly, and containing a poached egg, the soup was perfect for a chilly day. I especially enjoyed it because we’ve been watching David Chang’s “<a href="http://video.pbs.org/program/mind-chef/">Mind of a Chef</a>”, which induces what you can only call “ramen envy”. </div>
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<i><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hO-14KDHzpGxIWP-TvViFNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cVxnFb8umBk/Uy3ZTWuqwwI/AAAAAAAADTg/_DZCTRdDtT4/s640/kazeramen.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div>
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<i>It’s a known fact that in every episode of "Mind of a Chef" David Chang will mention ramen at least twice and eat it at least once.</i></div>
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David tried a variety of sushi, including a special that day. We sat at the sushi bar, which is fun to do if you want to watch the staff work. Plus, they’re happy to answer any questions about the menu, what they’re working on, or the restaurant.<br />
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One of David's pet peeves at sushi places is what we've been calling the "wasabi test". Traditionally, a small bit of wasabi is supposed to be placed under the sashimi. Sadly, many places neglect to do that. When we noticed the staff carefully placing a smidge underneath each piece, I knew we'd arrived at a place that does sushi exceptionally well. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NQTKJCG3shG5qEMVUqgBm9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ClBr0JeFJDg/Uy3ZURJnaVI/AAAAAAAADTo/2q1ZfCxgLM8/s640/kazesushiroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PlFg4cfIfxprH3E1edybPdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xWIx_x5Vfxc/Uy3ZMsZppLI/AAAAAAAADSw/MLvVoMLs6yk/s640/Kaze-062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Special of the day</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JIG0p_V2Mqm-w1Nxz6nYUNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Owx-Q9drQA0/Uy3ZIoY-ieI/AAAAAAAADSQ/a0XZS99nkUU/s640/Kaze-040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Uni</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3GJ-VPMfHPrbj2QzZtdTVdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="407" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-04mDdIml5qg/Uy3ZH1_fILI/AAAAAAAADSI/UKlxEukFHzA/s640/Kaze-037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>King Salmon, goldeneye, and uni (sea urchin)</i></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WwzeOe4QHgLktTD1NmU-9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="395" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fhy3VbiKHRU/Uy3ZG5D0-CI/AAAAAAAADSA/hdVsxCIBa30/s640/Kaze-035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In an attempt to balance out the amount of pork belly we’d consumed, we also ordered the Kaze salad, with avocado, cucumber, radish, shishito, and shiso vinaigrette. The addition of a fried lotus root gave the salad a fun exotic touch. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mzaaGl7KPvMKU8-0dpk4htMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uIYgeDsk84Y/Uy3ZE9eQ4kI/AAAAAAAADRw/CttvmI6zDo8/s640/Kaze-030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZVqGuuK02qA24ruvxFnmWdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iVgqCB1pKCw/Uy3ZD8OY6HI/AAAAAAAADRo/haGsRMZ_KJQ/s640/Kaze-028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have yet to try the happy hour, which is in the bar in the back, but are going to remedy that soon, as sushi is half price and cocktails are $5. Rumor has it that they are working on a tiki themed drink menu for spring, as well, which I can’t wait to try.<br />
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Beer selection at Kaze is also pretty stellar. Not only do they have the usual Sapporo, their draft list includes local brews and rotates often. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8454SKbckggMODM9CcvFAtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gpFWZxnLCQw/Uy3ZC6t_CjI/AAAAAAAADRg/3JXSVNnHFZo/s640/Kaze-022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Riki Tea-ki</i></div>
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We’re not huge dessert people, but with how great the rest of our meal was, we were curious. We ordered this chocolate ganache dessert with puffed rice, hazelnuts, malt and raspberries. Despite being full of pork belly and sushi, we polished it off too.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2ct9e5IR9Nk0Zrn7moBCltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g9687q5n_PE/Uy3ZRPEnj0I/AAAAAAAADTQ/2wmSgWZzWD8/s640/kazedessert.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Throughout the entire meal, we were kicking ourselves for not getting to Kaze sooner. If you never try new things, you may be missing something awesome. Following that line of reason, we decided to give Uber, which had just arrived in Cincinnati, a spin for a ride home. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uJhpnU0-f2p3qtlS6AoomNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0kz7kqWX_c8/Uy3ZeufYksI/AAAAAAAADTw/I337dS0UvVM/s640/ubermap_blog_post.png" width="616" /></a></div>
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<i>We'll definitely be using Uber again, we had a great and easy ride home. They are running a promotion right now where your first few rides are free, too!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/1720710/restaurant/Over-the-Rhine-Mount-Auburn/Kaze-Cincinnati"><img alt="Kaze on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1720710/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<br />Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11635622483580255811noreply@blogger.com1