I saw that Balboa's on 4th street is no longer there and there is an Italian pizza.paninni place called Capri.  Wonder what happened.

I went to Lavomatic last night for the first time since they changed to more of a gastro pub menu and I think this is what they've needed to do for a while to get more casual and repeat diners in the door.  The majority of items on the menu are under $10 and none of the entree's are over $19.  There are now a number of sandwiches and small plates that lend themselves to sharing over a few drinks if you aren't looking to have a formal meal.  It was packed last night and I think that Sentate opening down the street will be a nice compliment for Lavo to help drawn even more people down to the Gateway at night.   

www.passagelounge.com

Burrito Joe's on Main is now closed.  Not sure when it happened but saw it on my way home from getting my oil changed at Goodyear downtown.

I went to Lavomatic last night for the first time since they changed to more of a gastro pub menu and I think this is what they've needed to do for a while to get more casual and repeat diners in the door.  The majority of items on the menu are under $10 and none of the entree's are over $19.  There are now a number of sandwiches and small plates that lend themselves to sharing over a few drinks if you aren't looking to have a formal meal.  It was packed last night and I think that Sentate opening down the street will be a nice compliment for Lavo to help drawn even more people down to the Gateway at night.    

 

I wish Lavo was doing this to draw more people to the Gateway, but what I've heard from several people is they are simply trying to run Senate out of businesses before they can start up. The more casual, lower priced, street food concept seems to be exactly what Senate is about. I believe Lavo has even started doing a gourmet hot dog happy hour, which is certainly a direct steal from Senate. If true, I'm incredibly disappointed.

Burrito Joe's on Main is now closed. Not sure when it happened but saw it on my way home from getting my oil changed at Goodyear downtown.

 

Well, can't say I had ever been.  They only had lunchtime hours, and very limited at that.  Pretty stupid if you ask me, when you have Chipotle down the street doing 11am to 10pm daily.

I went to Lavomatic last night for the first time since they changed to more of a gastro pub menu and I think this is what they've needed to do for a while to get more casual and repeat diners in the door. The majority of items on the menu are under $10 and none of the entree's are over $19. There are now a number of sandwiches and small plates that lend themselves to sharing over a few drinks if you aren't looking to have a formal meal. It was packed last night and I think that Sentate opening down the street will be a nice compliment for Lavo to help drawn even more people down to the Gateway at night.

 

I wish Lavo was doing this to draw more people to the Gateway, but what I've heard from several people is they are simply trying to run Senate out of businesses before they can start up. The more casual, lower priced, street food concept seems to be exactly what Senate is about. I believe Lavo has even started doing a gourmet hot dog happy hour, which is certainly a direct steal from Senate. If true, I'm incredibly disappointed.

 

I've heard the same

Burrito Joe's on Main is now closed. Not sure when it happened but saw it on my way home from getting my oil changed at Goodyear downtown.

 

I was getting coffee on Court Street a few weeks ago when someone came up and said, "BURRITO JOE'S CLOSED!!!!!"

 

I liked it, but only ate there twice because of their awful hours. Not really missing it much, though, since there are other options out there.

I went to Lavomatic last night for the first time since they changed to more of a gastro pub menu and I think this is what they've needed to do for a while to get more casual and repeat diners in the door. The majority of items on the menu are under $10 and none of the entree's are over $19. There are now a number of sandwiches and small plates that lend themselves to sharing over a few drinks if you aren't looking to have a formal meal. It was packed last night and I think that Sentate opening down the street will be a nice compliment for Lavo to help drawn even more people down to the Gateway at night.

 

I wish Lavo was doing this to draw more people to the Gateway, but what I've heard from several people is they are simply trying to run Senate out of businesses before they can start up. The more casual, lower priced, street food concept seems to be exactly what Senate is about. I believe Lavo has even started doing a gourmet hot dog happy hour, which is certainly a direct steal from Senate. If true, I'm incredibly disappointed.

 

I've heard the same

 

I saw that Kenwood Mall has a new restaurant called Aroma.  I thought this was supposed to be a sushi place.  Anyone have any news?  In other developments, Mr. Sushi on 6th Street is almost complete.

I saw that Kenwood Mall has a new restaurant called Aroma. I thought this was supposed to be a sushi place. Anyone have any news?

I believe Aroma is the new sushi place...questionable name for a place that services raw fish

Oh how I pine for the days of Top Hat Beer. :)

I smuggled some Top Hat into band camp. 

Bootsy's now closed for lunch; dinner hours only.

^ With it's outside balcony, it's great for lunch in late Spring through early Fall. Winter time, not so much.

Abby Girl cupcake shop opens downtown

 

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/01/11/daily49.html

 

Downtown Cincinnati has its first “cupcakery,” with the opening of Abby Girl Sweets at 41 W. Fifth St..........

 

 

 

 

Aroma+fish=ammonia

 

*snicker* I don't think they would get many people to dine there if they called it "Ammonia".

Senate to open in Over-the-Rhine's Gateway Quarter this February

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | January 19, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0119senatepub.aspx

 

The much anticipated Senate Pub plans to open in early February according to owner/chef Dan Wright.  The current plans are to host a family, friends and neighbors night sometime near the end of January and then open up the restaurant to the public just after that in early February.

 

The roughly 1,000 square-foot restaurant will introduce several new concepts to Cincinnati food lovers.  Described as "gourmet street food," the menu will consist of a variety of items ranging from $4 to $18 including gourmet hot dogs.  The hot dog selection will consist of seven different gourmet hot dogs with names like the Korean, Trailer Park, Croque Madame, and Hello Kitty, each made with 100 percent all-beef, natural casings and served on brioche buns made specifically for Senate.  Also on the menu will be a Sweet Potato Falafel Sandwich, Lobster BLT Sliders, Duck Fat Fries, and a PB&JF (peanut butter and jelly fois gras sandwich).

 

Wright said that Senate will feature eight craft beers on tap, four of which will only be found at Senate, and another 30 options available in bottle.  The restaurant will also have five white and five red wines available and will pay special attention to the growing field of mixology.

 

Senate's mixologist, Josh Treadway, has reportedly been doing a lot of research in New York, Chicago, and Bourbon Country - research that Wright believes will pay off for Senate's customers and offer them an authentic craft cocktail experience.

 

Continue reading here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0119senatepub.aspx

I want to get excited about Senate, but it's taken so long to open, and the menu options just don't seem very appealing.  Peanut butter and foie gras jelly sandwich? Sweet potato falafel? Uh, no thanks...

Fair enough, but what about the Lobster BLT Sliders or Duck Fat Fries?!  Those sound amazing, plus I can totally dig an entire hot dog menu.

I'll definitely make a point of going when I'm in Cincinnati next, and I hope the menu is better than it sounds.  If nothing else, it will be a great place to sit and have a drink and appetizers this summer.  The interior looks pretty sweet, and I can't wait to see some cafe tables on Vine St!

Yeah, the menu is really awkard and different, but seriously, let me order a Korean? That's almost insulting. I noticed they have Trailer Park in the listing... I can't wait to order a Jew!

The Korean? I had Kimchi on a hotdog once, it was amazing.  Food: one of the many joys of dating a Korean girl in New York City.

Yeah, the menu is really awkard and different, but seriously, let me order a Korean? That's almost insulting. I noticed they have Trailer Park in the listing... I can't wait to order a Jew!

 

We all know that you're just looking for a good burger.

Yeah, the menu is really awkard and different, but seriously, let me order a Korean? That's almost insulting. I noticed they have Trailer Park in the listing... I can't wait to order a Jew!

 

Overreact much?

I don't understand the point of having a particular ethnicity named as a menu item. There are hundreds of more approperiate words and phrases to name a particular Asian-influenced item. Mum (a full Korean) didn't find it very attractive for a name.

 

That said, I'm looking forward to Senate.

Yeah, the menu is really awkard and different, but seriously, let me order a Korean? That's almost insulting. I noticed they have Trailer Park in the listing... I can't wait to order a Jew!

 

That's outrageous! I hear they'll even sell you a White Russian if you ask!

kerplackastanian, breaded please.

 

That's outrageous! I hear they'll even sell you a White Russian if you ask!

 

I can only assume that you are prejudiced against Black Russians!

Why is Korean offensive? Sungs and Riverside sell Korean Food. Senate is selling a Korean style hotdog.

Are Chicago natives offended when people order a "chicago" dog? 

^ Only if somebody puts ketchup on it.

Why is Korean offensive? Sungs and Riverside sell Korean Food. Senate is selling a Korean style hotdog.

 

But you don't order a Korean at either of those places (which I frequent a lot). It's not the genre, it's the name. It's on the same line that you don't order a baked Jew or a tiny Jap :P

But you can order an Italian sub at Subway...

Or a black/white Russian...

Or a German chocolate cake...

Or a Polish sauage...

 

You get the point.  Korean is not an inherently offensive term (like Jap), nor is it an abbreviation (like Jew).  It's a nationality that is being used as a descriptor for a hotdog prepared in the style of Korean food.  I really don't see how it's offensive.

Agreed! and I do believe they'll have a Chicago and New York Style...Hope he's not from either of those cities....ughffff.

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but where can I find a map/list of locally owned Cincinnati restuarants?

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but where can I find a map/list of locally owned Cincinnati restuarants?

I'm not sure of any single list or map that is going to capture a majority of them, but there is a Greater Cincinnati Independents restaurant association.  Their website is www.gcindependents.com

Thank you

Taco Azul to bring third taco truck to Cincinnati's streets

By Randy A. Simes, UrbanCincy | January 23, 2010

http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/01/azul-to-bring-third-taco-truck-to.html

 

Cincinnati will soon have yet another food truck operation soon when Taco Azul hits the streets of downtown Cincinnati, Northside, Uptown and more. Azul will be open wherever the nightlife is happening and will stay open until 3am serving Mexican food in a similar fashion to Los Angeles' famous taco truck scene.

 

The news comes shortly after Polly Campbell wrote about Habanero Burrito Wagon (mobile catering truck) and Senor Roy's Taco Patrol from the owners of Hyde Park Tavern. This announcement also comes just after UrbanCincy looked into the untapped nightlife street food market. During that same time Cafe de Wheels has taken to the streets and introduced some of the best burgers around town.

 

This now brings Cincinnati's tally to three taco trucks, one taco cart, and a burger/cafe truck. Stay tuned to UrbanCincy for full details about Taco Azul in the coming days.

 

View image of the new Taco Azul truck here:

http://www.urbancincy.com/2010/01/azul-to-bring-third-taco-truck-to.html

Follow Cincy's two new taco trucks on Twitter to find out where they'll be and what they'll be serving.

 

Senor Roy's Taco Patro: @CincyRoy

Taco Azul: @TacoAzulCincy

I wish they served vegetarian taco's

There have been 2 hot dog guys (that i know of) that have been working around UCs campus. One is always on Calhoun across the street from Dubois and a newer guy has been at the intersection of McMillan and Moerlein since the new quarter started. I know this because I am tempted by both of them when I walk home from class.

I wish they served vegetarian taco's

 

Taco Azul will be serving vegetarian tacos once they open.  A couple people posed that question to them on their Facebook page, and the owner was quick to get back with them and let them know.  So you should be all set.

 

There have been 2 hot dog guys (that i know of) that have been working around UCs campus. One is always on Calhoun across the street from Dubois and a newer guy has been at the intersection of McMillan and Moerlein since the new quarter started.

 

Yeah, the guy on Calhoun has been there for more than a year...at least at late night.  The guy on McMillan is new and just recently started setting up there after being Downtown for some time.  Apparently there are some food cart turf wars going on behind the scenes.  UrbanCincy is hot on the trail though so stay tuned.

All I want is a Falafel cart, ala New York City.  Nothing beats street meat.

^Well would a cupcake cart do the trick?  Because one of those might be on the way (stay tuned).

Abby Girl Sweets opens cupcakery in heart of Downtown Cincinnati

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | January 26, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0126abbygirlsweets.aspx

 

In an attempt to drive more foot traffic for their cupcakery business, Abby Girl Sweets' owners, Nathan and Andrea Thompson, decided to relocate from Oakley to the heart of downtown Cincinnati.  Their new location is directly across the street from Macy's and just a half-block away from busy Fountain Square.

 

"This is a much better location and a better setup for the store," said Nathan Thompson.  "The long and narrow layout is much better for our customers and our operations."

 

Named after the Thompson's daughter, Abby Girl Sweets follows much of the same methodology that the growing world of cupcakeries follow.  Their cupcakes are made from scratch with fresh ingredients and baked fresh every day.

 

The initial move downtown did not come easy though. The Thompson's had searched for months for a location with higher concentrations of people until they got help from Arlene Koth with Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated.

 

"I had kind of given up on the downtown search myself, but they had a whole list for us to look at which led to this perfect location," Thompson said.

 

So far the move has been a success.  The 510 square-foot cupcakery has doubled the amount of sales previously experienced in Oakley.  Business has been so good that the Thompsons have been selling out of their cupcakes on a regular basis even though they keep increasing the amount they bake. 

 

Customers can find a selection of 12 different cupcake flavors at Abby Girl, and one special flavor of the week cupcake.  Cupcakes cost $2.75 each, or they can be purchased in half-dozen quantities for $15.  Cupcakes can be ordered in advance for large or specialty orders by calling (513) 335-0898 or emailing [email protected].

 

According to Thompson, additional staff may be needed with the growth in sales they and an additional downtown location, vending cart, or delivery service are all possibilities.

 

"We love it downtown, and we're really hooked on it," said Thompson.  "We just get the feeling that a lot is going on; even late at night there are people out walking around."

 

Abby Girl Sweets is not the only business looking to the center city for business.  Mica 12/v recently refocused their energies on their Over-the-Rhine location, Five Guys decided to open their chain burger concept in Clifton Heights before considering expansion to the suburbs, and Tazza Mia decided to expand Downtown after the success of their first location.

 

Abby Girl Sweets is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm.  You can also stay connected with special offers, weekly flavors, and other happenings by following @AbbyGirlSweets on Twitter.

 

View Abby Girl Sweets images with article here:

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0126abbygirlsweets.aspx

All I want is a Falafel cart, ala New York City.  Nothing beats street meat.

Heck yes,

Myra's up in Clifton has some reasonably priced food, and is the best falafel I've found in Cincinnati.  Reasonably priced, but not the exact thing I'm looking for which is a pound of veggies, chicken, rice, and falafel with the infamous "white sauce" and "hot sauce" that were concoctions of god only knows, all for $4. 

Restaurant-on-wheels concept rolls into Cincinnati

Café de Wheels: Have fresh burgers, will travel

By Lucy May, Cincinnati Business Courier | January 29, 2010

 

It’s just below freezing on a weekday morning downtown, and Thomas Acito’s generator is giving him fits.  This is a problem. No generator means no exhaust fan and no lights for Café de Wheels, the mobile restaurant that Acito and chef Mike Katz launched last month.  The generator is on, but the lights are not. Katz pulls a big plug out of the truck’s interior wall. The prongs look good; nothing is bent. He plugs it in and urges Acito to try again. Seconds later, the lights come on as the generator hums to life. Café de Wheels is back in business.

 

“The first thing we do every day,” Acito said with a laugh, “is run around like a bunch of chickens.”  Sure, December in Cincinnati isn’t the best time to launch a restaurant on wheels that depends on good weather for big crowds.  But the winter’s extended soft opening has given Acito and Katz time to work out the kinks in what they say is the city’s first food truck business.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/02/01/story16.html

I think we saw these guys set up in front of Below Zero Wednesday night.  We really should have stopped to get that burger.