I was surprised to see this article about a winery on the Westside. So this is what the good catholics do in their basement. ;-) I just posted the Cincy references. The link at the bottom has the full article.

 

Urban wineries include everything but the vineyard

By Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

 

CINCINNATI — The 1880s-era two-story frame building where Joe and Joan Henke greet thirsty customers six days and nights a week has always pumped lifeblood into the quiet Westwood residential neighborhood that surrounds it. But seldom has the heartbeat been this strong.

 

See link for article:

 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-02-07-urban-wineries_N.htm

My friends and I went to Rock Bottom tonight; I forgot it was a Friday night and we didn't feel like waiting 45 minutes so we went to Mythos where it was almost completely empty. Great place though. I loved the food.

^That's probably because no one knows it's open later yet...that is except for us.  :-D

Yeah new hours.  Mythos is in a great location for lunch but it might be a little tough for dinner without a lot of promotion and I mean alot of promotion (tie ins with the hotels, some sandwhich boards, and condo tie ins to say the least)

It's not as upscale so I can't see many people from all over going downtown for a 10-15 dollar place during dinner hours. We need a higher population downtown. One River Plaza shoud do the trick.  :-P

BJ's opens in Tri-County

BY STEPFANIE ROMINE | [email protected]

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse opens today in Tri-County Mall.

 

The restaurant will offer free food and drinks all day, with proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

The restaurant, at 11700 Princeton Pike, will be open 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. today.

 

See link above for article.

Your table is open online

BY STEPFANIE ROMINE | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

February 11, 2008

 

CINCINNATI - Brian Goldberg had been trying to make reservations at Nada for a couple of weeks, but the new Mexican restaurant at 600 Walnut St. in downtown Cincinnati was booked for the times and dates that worked for him and his wife.

 

See link above for article.

Busken to open Cincinnati concept store for new yogurt treat

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/02/11/story13.html?b=1202706000^1588301

 

Busken Bakery, which recently expanded into the frozen-treats business with a tart yogurt called "Yagööt," is planning to open its first store for the concoction at Rookwood Commons.

 

See link above for article.

Cincinnati Beer Company awaiting streetcars for brewpub

 

from today's inaugural Soapbox.

 

The Cincinnati Beer Company has purchased the old Christian Moerlein home and brewery office building on the 2000 block of Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine, and they have tentative plans to develop a brewpub complex on the site.

 

 

 

 

The buildings contain more than 8,500 square feet, with room for a courtyard and for a rooftop deck with views of the city skyline. Owner Bryon Martin says that the plan is to eventually connect the two buildings but to keep the house as a more laid back space. An adjacent vacant lot could be used for off-street parking.

 

Until the streetcar line is approved, investors are still unsure about investing in the project, which would cost between $500,000 and $1 million to complete. Although Martin said he would consider other sites in Over-the-Rhine or in his home neighborhood of Clifton Heights, he would like to help the city realize its true potential by making sure that the neighborhood's rich brewing history gets its due.

 

 

"No other place in the country I have been to - outside of maybe New Orleans or Charleston - has such an amazing collection of older architecture," Martin said.  "This is really a crown jewel.  If people would invest their time and money, this area could really be a national treasure."

 

In the meantime, Martin and his father, who is an architect, have been working to shore up the office building with a new roof and new plywood coverings for the windows - one of which will be adorned with an aerial of the neighborhood with the proposed streetcar route superimposed.

 

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/cincybeerco0212.aspx

What these folks are doing is admirable and it shows the development that is bound to happen when the streetcar comes. FYI, here is a picture of the two Chritian Moerlein Buildings the article refers to.

 

^

Not to get everyone's hopes up, this project is still a few years out.  Great guys with a lot of vision, though.

^

Not to get everyone's hopes up, this project is still a few years out.  Great guys with a lot of vision, though.

 

Yup...the Cincinnati Streetcar can be taking on passengers at the end of 2010.  Couple years for that, but with construction underway projects like this can start up and be complete, or near completion, when the Cincinnati Streetcar opens in 2010.

Went to Andi's Mediterranean Grille on Friday.  The food was amazing and the atmosphere and serving staff were very friendly.  The prices were between $10-14 a plate and the food focused on Lebanese food to include good falafel. 

I also find Andy's a much nicer environment to smoke Hookah in than the rather intense and crowded Gypsy Cafe.

Although I havent been to Gypsy Cafe, I can second edale on how chill Andy's is to relax and hookah at, also nice with a couple appetizers...makes for a great small Birthday celebration :)

Yep yep. I love that about Andys. Gypsy on a thirsty Thursday is the absolute worst but it's usually not very packed in Gypsy. I haven't smoked hookah in over a month though.

I like Bryon's vision for the brewpub.  The buildings hold a lot of potential, and he seems like a very positive guy.  I'll meet you guys for a beer in 2010.

Tried to get dinner reservations for Nada for a Monday (Feb 18) at 8:30.  Haven't been yet and wanted to try.  Couldn't get anything even remotely close to that time.

Then tried Greenup Cafe as I haven't been there either and have been wanting to try it . . Again, couldn't get anything even remotely close to that time.

So after Sung Korean was closed on Monday's, I was able to get something at Via Vite

 

Man, who would have thought Mondays would be so busy.

keep in mind that Nada has the first floor open for walk-ins, so the # of reservation tables is limited.  may be better off heading in without reservation and seeing what they can do on a walk-in basis.  May get seated right away. Otherwise, have a margarita.

Chalk Food +Wine does this with their front room as well.

Went to Andi's Mediterranean Grille on Friday.  The food was amazing and the atmosphere and serving staff were very friendly.  The prices were between $10-14 a plate and the food focused on Lebanese food to include good falafel.

 

As an enthusiast of Middle Eastern food, I think Andy's leaves much to be desired.

I finally went to Via Vite's yesterday for our Valentine's Day dinner.  We made sure to make reservations in advance this time.  The atmosphere and food were great.  I had the Chicken Scaloppine with the four cheese fondue sauce and it was absolutely fantastic.  My wife ordered the Gnocchi and while she enjoyed it, I could see she was eyeing my plate.  The bread was a bit hard, I could tell it was fresh, I just had to gnaw on it a little bit.  I look forward to seeing the seating on the outside balcony in the summer. 

 

Afterwards we went to Twist for drinks were my wife had the Pear Martini and raved about it so ladies if you go there, try it out. 

 

Overall it was another nice evening in Downtown Cincinnati.

My Valentine's Day dinner was at a Mexican restaurant attached to Western Bowl way out on the west side . . . and I seriously do not think I've ever been that far west unless you are talking Indiana.  Nothing says romance quite like the sprawl of Glenway Ave. :)

^That really isn't that far West...it is just about right on the border of Cincinnati proper.  The sprawl sucks, but it isn't Butler/Warren County sprawl that's for sure.

Yeah, my gf and I actually walked right into Nada last night for Valentine's.  It was phenomenal and not as expensive as I thought it would be.

Afterwards we went to Twist for drinks were my wife had the Pear Martini and raved about it so ladies if you go there, try it out. 

 

Overall it was another nice evening in Downtown Cincinnati.

 

I also heard Twist has a Vanilla Heat martini that is supposed to be delicious.....I think citybeat and Twist are teaming up in the next week or so for an event.....i will try to find more info.

^That really isn't that far West...it is just about right on the border of Cincinnati proper.  The sprawl sucks, but it isn't Butler/Warren County sprawl that's for sure.

 

I know but for instance I was so lazy on Wednesday that when I couldn't be bothered to get my car out of the garage to drive the less than one mile from my apartment on Central Parkway to a friend's on Sycamore near the first bend to Aurburn Ave, I walked.  Seriously now if I am driving say further than Hyde Park, I feel like it is the other side of the world.

My Valentine's Day dinner was at a Mexican restaurant attached to Western Bowl way out on the west side . . . and I seriously do not think I've ever been that far west unless you are talking Indiana.  Nothing says romance quite like the sprawl of Glenway Ave. :)

 

I like that place. Good chimichangas.

^That really isn't that far West...it is just about right on the border of Cincinnati proper.  The sprawl sucks, but it isn't Butler/Warren County sprawl that's for sure.

 

Lets not kid ourselves, Glenway Ave. is one big clusterf*ck and terrible on the eyes.

LOL

^That really isn't that far West...it is just about right on the border of Cincinnati proper.  The sprawl sucks, but it isn't Butler/Warren County sprawl that's for sure.

 

Lets not kid ourselves, Glenway Ave. is one big clusterf*ck and terrible on the eyes.

 

I wasn't commenting on its appearance, but rather the level of sprawl.  Glenway has connected streets surrounding it, neighborhoods that are walkable, and also is served by a couple of bus routes (one of which is a crosstown).  It is not pretty, but like I said - it's no Butler/Warren County sprawl either.

Dante's becomes Poppy's Tavern

BY STEPFANIE ROMINE | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

February 15, 2008

 

GREEN TWP. - Poppy's Tavern opened Thursday in the former Dante's Restaurant and Tavern in Dent.

 

See link above for article.

Moe's at Levee closes

BY SCOTT WARTMAN | [email protected]

NEWPORT- Moe's Southwest Grill's location at Newport on The Levee closed today after almost two years in business.

 

The grill closed after it failed to attract enough business to justify keeping the location open, said Jennifer Dempsey, director for Focus Brand, the parent company of Moe's Southwest Grill.

 

See link above for article.

^

That's really a shame. They have great burritos. Very similar to Chipotle, but they have a free salsa bar. They probably would have done a lot better in downtown with all the business workers. It's a lot better than burrito Joe's and they are expanding in downtown.

NOTL officials couldn't be reached for comment - hmmmm...

 

But I'll have to agree with BDRUF on this one...Moe's could have done much better Downtown or another slew of places.

Moe's is disgusting.  They are a bootleg Chipotle or Qdoba.  And Newport on the Levee is an utter failure as far as I am concerned.  I was there two weeks ago and I was surprised by how much of the mall is still vacant.  Sure it has a certain dining aspect that is doing OK but they can't keep a store open to save their life.  I give them credit for the spin they put on the place, very few places can get people to brag about a place that has something like 50% vacancy.

Went to Via Vite last night.  I thought the food was very good.  Service was pretty good but it wasn't too busy downstairs so it should have been good.

Moe's is disgusting.  They are a bootleg Chipotle or Qdoba.  And Newport on the Levee is an utter failure as far as I am concerned.  I was there two weeks ago and I was surprised by how much of the mall is still vacant.  Sure it has a certain dining aspect that is doing OK but they can't keep a store open to save their life.  I give them credit for the spin they put on the place, very few places can get people to brag about a place that has something like 50% vacancy.

 

 

Yeah, I think it's days are numbered too. I wonder what's going to happen with the movie theatre and Barne's and Noble though? I have a suggestion ...

 

Moe's at Levee closes

HOORAY!!  :wave:  That place sucked so badly.  The stoner (food preparer) was coughing so badly he couldn't even speak when customers were ordering.  The place was also full of loud, rowdy teenagers. 

^

 

I've only been to Moe's up at OSU and it was at like am every time (needless to say intoxicated), but it was awesome. I guess all food is good though when your drunk

Not a Moe's fan - I think it's the worst of it peers (Qdoba, Chipotle, etc) - but I think their whole restaurant group must be struggling in this market.  Raving Brands is the parent company of Moe's, Shane's Rib Shack, & Doc Green's Salads.  All three opened up at the Crestview Hills Towncenter and Moe's is the only one still open. 

Well as many can see, we now know why it failed in Newport.  Moe's sucks!  Chipotle on the other hand is delicious.  How does Javier's compare?

Javier's is a different concept, but if you just want to compare the quality of food - Javier's is superior.

From Citybeat's newsletter:

 

Swizzle Soiree

Wednesday the 27th!

Have you checked out the hippest, hottest, most happenin' cocktail lounge downtown? On Wednesday, February 27th, join us as we celebrate the release of CityBeat's annual guide to local bars and clubs...it's a Swizzle Soiree, presented by Ohio Valley Beer & Wine Co., TEMA and Parker Flats at the new Twist Lounge and Bar on 4th Street, downtown.  You'll enjoy amazingly delicious appetizers, compliments of Twist. We'll also have passes to an upcoming movie premiere screenings of Penelope and more. We'll be giving away a pair of tickets to Van Halen at US Bank Arena on March 5th.  See you there!

 

Pictures included with full article

 

Downtown serves up fare with lots of heart

BY LISA BIANK FASIG | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

February 22, 2008

 

DOWNTOWN - They say the way to a person's heart is through the stomach. Turns out that could be the way to downtown as well.

 

At least a dozen restaurants have opened in or near the central business district since late 2006. Several are additions to national chains that have chosen Cincinnati as their first Ohio - or Midwest - location.

 

 

1. Via Vite

Where: 520 Vine St. (Fountain Square)

 

2. Boi Na Braza

Where: 441 Vine St. (Carew Tower)

 

3. Cadillac Ranch

Where: 38 Fountain Square Plaza (Sixth and Walnut)

 

4. Sung Korean Bistro

Where: 700 Elm St. (Seventh and Elm)

5. Nada

Where: 600 Walnut St. (Sixth and Walnut)

 

6. Oceanaire Seafood Room

Where: Sixth and Walnut streets (580 Building)

 

7. Morton's the Steakhouse (relocated)

Where: 441 Vine St. (Carew Tower)

8. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant

Where: 21 E. Fifth St. (Fifth and Vine)

 

9. BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon

Where: 19 E. Seventh St.

 

10. Buddakhan

Where: 713 Vine St.

 

11. Sully's Sports Bar & Grill

Where: 700 Race St. (Seventh and Race)

 

12. Lavomatic Café

Where: 1211 Vine St.

 

See link above for article.

this is very cool for me or homesick expats and vistors, i gotta hit it sometime when i get those cravings.

 

a work collegue of my spouse told her this restaurant in nyc (tribeca) has a cincinnati night and it's true:

 

 

CINCINNATI NIGHT AT EDWARDS

 

WHAT IS CINCINNATI NIGHT?

 

EDWARDS AND FOUR CINCINNATI RESTAURANTS COMBINE FORCES

TO BRING HOMETOWN COOKING TO NYC.CINCINNATI NIGHT FEATURES FOOD

INCLUDING GRAETER'S ICECREAM, SKYLINE CHILI, MONTGOMERY INN RIBS, & LAROSA'S PIZZA

 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FROM CINCINNATI TO ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL FOOD.

OUR REGULAR MENU IS AVAILABLE ALL NIGHT ALSO.

 

212.233 6436

 

 

http://www.edwardsnyc.com/cincinnati/index.htm

 

http://www.edwardsnyc.com/

 

 

I told my wife that if we ever moved from Cincinnati, I would miss the local food.  Cincinnati is truly a great food city.

Just stopped by Lavomatic and they are putting on the finishing touches.  They plan to open tonight, but it sure looks like they have a lot to do.

 

We got a sneak peak inside to talk to them on Sunday, this place is going to be awesome. http://www.buycincy.com/flavor/2008/02/jeanroberts-lavomatic.html

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER | BY STEPFANIE ROMINE

 

OVER-THE-RHINE - Before the advent of in-home washers and dryers, Laundromats were a place to socialize. Lavomatic Café, a wine bar and restaurant opening today at 1211 Vine St., will serve a similar purpose for the up-and-coming Gateway Quarter.

 

NO link available.

My hubby and I went to Mythos last friday night for DINNER.  We were happy to have someplace new to go downtown within walking distance that didn't have a wait.  This was my first time dining at any of the Mythos restaurants and I have to admit I was blown away by how good the food was.  I went the safe route, and ordered the gyro.  The thing was stuffed with the most tender lamb I have ever had.  My hubby had the baked macaroni with ground lamb or something, and it too was delicious.  We topped off the meal with the baklava.  I admitted as we were leaving that I was in a food coma and definitely have found my new favorite downtown eatery.  So glad they have late hours!

I just saw that Jean Robert at Pigalls was rated one of America's top 11 restaurants by AOL!