May 4, 200916 yr Went to Bella Luna this weekend and the line outside of terrys must have been 20 people deep. It's too bad they were discovered, the lines were long enough before the publicity.
May 6, 200916 yr Yeah, I have no idea what that place will do in the future. If popularity gets too crazy, they'll have to either open a second location or go for the reservation route.
May 7, 200916 yr The Phoenix Posted by PollyCampbell at 5/7/2009 9:45 AM EDT on Cincinnati.com The restaurant at The Phoenix, downtown is closed, at least for awhile. But the banquet business is most definitely not. Kent Vandersall, the general manager, told me that every year they debate whether to keep the restaurant open, or use the room for private events. Most years, sentimentality wins out over business, he said. But this year, they decided to put their energies into the more profitable part of their business, the corporate events, weddings and bar mitzvahs. Most of the kitchen staff will go to the banquet business, as will some of the servers. Vandersall said if they feel it makes sense, they can always open it as a restaurant again. They will be open for special events, including this weekend's Mother's Day buffet. Customers with points built up will still be able to use them for special events. It's too bad that gorgeous 19th century room, which used to be a private club, isn't open to the public--make sure you get yourself invited to a wedding there sometime, so you can enjoy the atmosphere.
May 8, 200916 yr ^I went to Emanu a few weeks ago and since it is BYOB, it was very cheap, and the food was excellent. However the hard walls and loud parties next to us made it hard to have a conversation in the place. We were almost yelling at each other.
May 9, 200916 yr I went to Bella Luna this past week. Shame on me for taken this long to go to a fantastic restaurant. The atmosphere and food were fantastic. It is one of our new favs! The line outside Terry's was down the street on two different days we tried to eat there. We were told that there was an hour and a half wait by the wait staff...
May 9, 200916 yr I went to Bella Luna this past week. Shame on me for taken this long to go to a fantastic restaurant. The atmosphere and food were fantastic. It is one of our new favs! The line outside Terry's was down the street on two different days we tried to eat there. We were told that there was an hour and a half wait by the wait staff... Yeah, I'm surprised it took you this long too... I love that place. Best damn crab-ravioli in the world!
May 9, 200916 yr ^Nooooo! That's my family's favorite restaurant. Maybe you're thinking of the Pheonix?
May 11, 200916 yr The Precinct has never been anything but packed when I've been in there. The in-laws were just there Friday night and said it was wall to wall as usual. I'd imagine that would be the last Ruby's to go under.
May 11, 200916 yr It is pretty long-in-the-tooth. A short-term closure for an remodeling wouldn't surprise in the current environment.
May 11, 200916 yr Yeah, I would be shocked if the Precinct closed. It is always packed, and its one of those places that people go to and keep going back. I like the downtown Jeff Ruby's, but I will always like the Precinct way, way better.
May 11, 200916 yr I don't know, since Tony Ricci was let go as GM I have not been particularly impressed with the place. It was an awesome restaurant, great building. I guess I should give it more time to see if the new management works out some of the kinks.
May 11, 200916 yr My lovely wife works there. They aren't closing. They're way too busy - they did 300 people tonight.
May 11, 200916 yr OK, my source wasn't the best. He said, "I heard they were closing, so I wanted to take my wife one last time, but we couldn't get a reservation until 9:45pm." Maybe the fact that he couldn't even get in the place should have told me that their business was doing fine. Consider this rumor squashed.
May 11, 200916 yr ^I went to Emanu a few weeks ago and since it is BYOB, it was very cheap, and the food was excellent. However the hard walls and loud parties next to us made it hard to have a conversation in the place. We were almost yelling at each other. service there can be a real challenge
May 11, 200916 yr Terry was on Ch 19 this morning. He said one of the secret spices (of 17) he uses is dark chocolate. They asked about expanded hours, and he says he's happy with the way things are right now. Everyone agreed the wait in line for hours was worth it.
May 13, 200916 yr Went to the Loving Cafe in pleasant ridge the other day. good vegan dishes but the Restraunts, Supreme Master Ching Hai, artwork, ideolology and video was hard to swallow.
May 13, 200916 yr Yeah, I'm not for sure I'd go back due to the ideology they were pushing. I enjoyed the food, but didn't like having the vegan-culture rammed through my throat, as if I should feel guilty for eating and enjoying meat.
May 13, 200916 yr Terry was on Ch 19 this morning. He said one of the secret spices (of 17) he uses is dark chocolate. They asked about expanded hours, and he says he's happy with the way things are right now. Everyone agreed the wait in line for hours was worth it. Is there streaming video of that, by chance?
May 13, 200916 yr Here you go. I want one of these really badly right now!!!!! http://www.fox19.com/Global/category.asp?C=141803&nav=menu63_2_3
May 13, 200916 yr New Jean-Robert project to be revealed http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090512/ENT01/305120058/1055/NEWS/New+Jean-Robert+project+coming+soon
May 13, 200916 yr Here you go. I want one of these really badly right now!!!!! http://www.fox19.com/Global/category.asp?C=141803&nav=menu63_2_3 Thank you! Terry's is my absolute favorite eatery in the world.
May 13, 200916 yr Haven't been there, but if I can talk my wife into waiting in line, I'll join her when she gets close!
May 13, 200916 yr Sherman, yup. Is there another good vegan place around here that isn't owned by a cult???
May 13, 200916 yr Terry's is awesome - the burgers are great, and I love the funky dive feel to it. It seems popular with all types.
May 13, 200916 yr Sherman, yup. Is there another good vegan place around here that isn't owned by a cult??? Myras in Clifton Hts. Also Melt in Northside all have good vegan offerings.
May 13, 200916 yr Shhhhh Restaurant opens in College Hill Friday, May 15 Contributed By Zeit Productions | Zeit Productions FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Spencer McKinney 770-330-2331 [email protected] SHHHHH RESTAURANT GRAND OPENING New Creole Restaurant opens May 15, plans to boost economic revival of College Hill _____________________________________________________________________ CINCINNATI, OHIO – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – At 10 a.m. on Friday, May 15, Mayor Mark Mallory will cut the ribbon for one of College Hill’s newest gems, Shhhhh Restaurant. Their grand opening has been long awaited by neighbors who have seen the transformation of an old, abandoned Woolworths store into a sharp, spacious restaurant. The contemporary interior design compliments a home-style Cajun menu, to create an ambience of elegant ease and comfort. See link for article. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100112&sid=148380
May 13, 200916 yr The exterior looks great and it cleans up the formerly vacant Woolworths location. Great news for College Hill.
May 14, 200916 yr Here's the real question: would you like to see Montgomery Inn or a City BBQ??? City BBQ is pretty damn good. Much, much better than Montgomery Inn. But Montgomery Inn, for better or worse, is a local staple. I would rather see Montgomery Inn even though I would personally never go there unless I was with people that wanted to go. Lets clear a few things up... City BBQ blows Montgomery Inn away when it comes to pulled pork. I agree Montgomery Inn pulled pork sucks. But, there isn't a rib restaurant in the country that I have eaten at that can touch Montgomery Inn ribs and I have had Memphis, Texas & NC rib rib joints. So my point is that if you are going to Montgomery Inn and eating anything but ribs, you are missing out. This is why my wife doesn't like Montgomery Inn, she doesn't eat ribs. In contrast my daughter and I can't get enough of the place. "Conversation moved from The Banks discussion"
May 14, 200916 yr anyone ever try Pit to Plate on Hamilton Ave? Pulled pork and ribs are great in my opinion.
May 14, 200916 yr The speculation continues on Jean Robert. According to Wine Me, Dine Me, Jean RObert's latest concept will be in Northside...in the American Can Company building. Hhhmmm...
May 14, 200916 yr Bar-B-Q Revue in Oakley is fantastic and has a real authentic vibe, right next to Madison Bowl.
May 15, 200916 yr Bar-B-Q Revue in Oakley is fantastic and has a real authentic vibe, right next to Madison Bowl. I have always been a big BBQ Review fan. When I lived in Hyde Park I think I ate there at least once a weekend. Their brisket and mac & cheese are fantastic. My wife used to lived down the street from City BBQ in Columbus and I remember it being better there than when I have eaten at the ones in Hyde Park & Milford. I can't get on-board the Montgomery Inn train though. Their ribs are good, but not great and I don't care for their bbq sauce. When I go there now I usually get the pork chops. Montgomery Inn falls in the same category as Larosas and Graters - people that grew up in Cincinnati love them and most of the people that are not originally from here don't get what all the hype is about. With the exception of LaRosa's - which I actually find to be repulsive - I don't think those places are bad, they just wouldn't be my first choice. I can always tell when people at work have ordered LaRosa's for lunch because the office smells like feet when it gets here.
May 15, 200916 yr De Cavel joins Midwest Culinary Institute By Lori Kurtzman, Cincinnati Enquirer, May 15, 2009 The idea of bringing Jean-Robert de Cavel to the college struck Dan Cayse at 2 a.m. on a Sunday not long ago. The Cincinnati State administrator popped awake. Of course, he said to himself. No link available for article.
May 17, 200916 yr Montgomery Inn falls in the same category as Larosas and Graters - people that grew up in Cincinnati love them and most of the people that are not originally from here don't get what all the hype is about. With the exception of LaRosa's - which I actually find to be repulsive - I don't think those places are bad, they just wouldn't be my first choice. I can always tell when people at work have ordered LaRosa's for lunch because the office smells like feet when it gets here. I am not native to Cincinnati and moved here about the time UrbanOhio.com started. I will give you LaRosa's. It isn't anything special although they have good calzones but Graeters can go head to head with any ice cream shop in America. USA Today voted it top 10 in the US. Oprah gets it shipped to her frequently. Real Gelato in Europe (Not the gelato you find in the mall) on the other hand has US ice cream beat. Funny you mention LaRosa's at work because my work always orders that cracker crust crap from Donatos so LaRosa's would be a step up. But none of the regional chains touch Aponte's in Mason or Flying Pizza in Dayton. Both offer a real New York style pie that you can fold when you eat a slice.
May 18, 200916 yr I need to try Aponte's. I have heard good things about it, but I'm never in that part of town. I agree 100% about Flying Pizza in Dayton. That is good stuff!
May 19, 200916 yr Newport Pizza Co. adds locally owned pizzeria to Monmouth http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0519newportpizza.aspx Following a complete renovation of the retail space at 601 Monmouth Street in Newport, the exterior building now resembles the comfortable pizzeria it houses. Previously, the building was used by a catering business which has since relocated presenting an opportunity for this highly visible corner space that proved irresistible to co-owners of Newport Pizza Co. Lee Kinzer and Mike Westrich. Inside you can find Cincinnati-based artwork that remains from the previous owners. Kinzer says that it shows the connection the restaurant has with Cincinnati. “We can see and hear the fireworks after a Reds game and can see the Carew Tower from the front of our building.” The restaurant seats around 50 people and boasts several flat-screen TVs, outdoor seating along Monmouth, a bar and is smoke-free. “We want to be a neighborhood pizza parlor,” says Kinzer who also sees the opportunity to help draw traffic from Newport on the Levee further south along Monmouth. We offer great food, a comfortable atmosphere and good prices," says Kinzer and Westrich. The pizzeria has been open for a couple of weeks and is already seeing great business according to the owners. “We seeing repeat business left and right, and things really couldn’t be going much better right now,” says Kinzer. The menu for Newport Pizza Co. offers more than the original pizza recipes drawn up by Mr. Westrich including sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Also available is a limited selection of wines and a wide variety of micro-brews that any beer connoisseur can appreciate. The food at Newport Pizza Co. is prepared fresh daily. Each day the owners and their staff of five employees prepare the dough, pizza sauce, meatballs and even grate all the cheese. The comfortable atmosphere makes the restaurant a perfect group hang-out location where you can enjoy pizza, beer and good times. The current operating hours are 11am to 11pm Monday through Thursday, and 11am to 1pm Friday and Saturday. Newport Pizza Co. does not currently offer delivery, but it may be an option the owners look into as the business continues to evolve.
May 19, 200916 yr I need to try Aponte's. I have heard good things about it, but I'm never in that part of town. I agree 100% about Flying Pizza in Dayton. That is good stuff! As a native New Yorker, one of the first things I did when I moved here was look for a good New York Style Pizza. Here is what I found: 1. Aponte's in Mason 2. Flying Pizza in Dayton (There is also one at Fields Ertel & Montgomery Road) 3. Fratelli's in West Chester 4. Ramundo's in Mt. Lookout I still haven't eaten at NYPD Pizza in Northside.
May 19, 200916 yr As a native New Yorker, one of the first things I did when I moved here was look for a good New York Style Pizza. Is Lucy Blue considered New York style pizza?
May 20, 200916 yr @cincyimages: Would you consider them decent or just cincinnati's best version of NY pizza? Can you buy by the slice at any of those places? I'm also from NY and hate the pizza situation here. I find myself craving pizza from places I considered the worst when at home
May 20, 200916 yr I am hearing rumors that Hamburger Mary's is coming back to Cincinnati, but I don't know where they are locating. Any ideas?
May 20, 200916 yr Hamburger Mary's aka Universal Grill...I sure hope they come back. It was a sad day when they shut the doors to their Vine Street restaurant/bar.
May 21, 200916 yr @cincyimages: Would you consider them decent or just cincinnati's best version of NY pizza? Can you buy by the slice at any of those places? I'm also from NY and hate the pizza situation here. I find myself craving pizza from places I considered the worst when at home When my Mom (lived in New York most of her life) came to town, I picked up Aponte's and she gave me her approval. Give it a shot and tell me what you think. Hamburger Mary's aka Universal Grill...I sure hope they come back. It was a sad day when they shut the doors to their Vine Street restaurant/bar. I miss Hamburger Mary's brunch.
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