I agree with what you said....it seems most of the native cincinnatians are the ones who are negative.  I'm not orignally from Cincinnati and most of my friends here in Cincinnati are concidently people who have moved to Cincinnati from elsewhere.  Most all of them have positive things to say about Cincinnati.

 

Join the club, my friend...

Cadillac Ranch looks pretty bundled up in the winter.  Like a southerner that came north and can't handle the cold.  Not surprising to see the Cowboy shivering.  You aren't fooling anyone with your little fire Mr. Cadillac Ranch.   

 

:drunk:

Just image when the spring\summer roll around.  Downtown is going to be off the hook!  Too bad I'll be in Bermuda, but I'll be back in two years and can't wait to see what downtown is like in two years!

 

Yup...by the time summer rolls around again, I'll be living Downtown.  Can't wait!

godspeed rando, godspeed.

How late is the new Mythos open?

 

Mythos' hours are worse the Skyline's hours.  THe new Mythos is only open Monday - Friday, and they close at 4 PM.  I think all of of the Mythos locations are closed by 4, and none are open on the weekends.

 

Is that recent? In the last few months, I have had dinner at the Levee location. Or has that been moved?

^I'm pretty sure that the Levee location has been shuttered, while a couple new locations have popped up Downtown.  I could be wrong though about the Newport thing since I really don't go there at all for anything.

I just tried to make a reservation for Saturday night at Nada and the earliest they could fit me in was 10! Its only 230 on tuesday thats amazing

I know! My parents are coming into town this weekend and we are going to the Aronoff Saturday night.  I hope we can find a place to eat!

^ Remember guys, Nada doesn't book the lower level, it is reserved for walk-ins. 

^thanks for the tip!

How late is the new Mythos open?

 

Mythos' hours are worse the Skyline's hours.  THe new Mythos is only open Monday - Friday, and they close at 4 PM.  I think all of of the Mythos locations are closed by 4, and none are open on the weekends.

Is that recent? In the last few months, I have had dinner at the Levee location. Or has that been moved?

 

Mythos did close their Newport location very recently.

I'm still questioning the place in OTR called Vinyl.  Has that placed closed down recently or yet to open?

I'm still questioning the place in OTR called Vinyl.  Has that placed closed down recently or yet to open?

 

Website has been taken down, and the owner mentioned they were just doing private events now while they look for a chef. (Sounds suspicous to me)  She has my contact info to let me know when it opens back up for dinner. 

Oh that stinks...thanks for the info.  It caught my eye one day while driving by, it looked like a cool place.

It was much better as the Diner on Sycamore - as Vinyl, the place (and people) took themselves waaaay too seriously.

oh well maybe it wasn't the kind of place for me if that was the case

I enjoyed my experience at Vinyl, I just wish they had bigger portions.

The Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Assn page has them as "closed."  - http://www.dineoutoften.com/

Vinyl was an awesome concept and the owners had and/or have great intentions.  The unfortunate thing about Cincinnati (and I've said this before) is that any time a restaurant serves something a little better than burgers, chicken fingers, and potato skins, it tends to attract a crowd that is generally older and more pretentious, regardless of the owners' intent.  This leads to yelp reviews which say, "this restaurant is trying to be New York" or something similar.

 

As soon as younger people realize that a) a pricier and/or more creative menu doesn't equal pretentious and b) there is more to life than cheap beer, pool, and sports then these restaurants will be fun places to go, rather than the blue-hair filled snotty places that their (untargeted) customers have made them.

oh, and based on a quick walk-by tonight, Nada's interior appears shockingly cold and uninviting.  I'm sure Falk's menu makes up for it, but I was expecting better.  Actual review forthcoming.

I drove by Vinyl last night with a couple friends and the place is definitely shuttered...in addition to that, one of my friends mentioned that they had a friend that used to work there and that the place has closed for good.

 

Oh...and I had dinner at Potbelly on FS yesterday, and I must say that the sugar cookies there seemed to taste even better as I gazed out across Fountain Square.  Also once again, every single dinner place looked to be packed to the gills.

Oh...and I had dinner at Potbelly on FS yesterday, and I must say that the sugar cookies there seemed to taste even better as I gazed out across Fountain Square.  Also once again, every single dinner place looked to be packed to the gills.

 

What time were you there?  I am worried about the evening business.

6:30pm...and the place wasn't busy, but it wasn't dead either.  This is pretty similar to the one up on Calhoun...to be honest they are viewed primarily as a lunch place, and the cashier was saying that their lunch time business is crazy busy.

Restaurant Depot opens

BY JEFF MCKINNEY | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

December 13, 2007

 

SPRING GROVE VILLAGE - Restaurant Depot, one of the nation's largest cash-and-carry restaurant suppliers, opened its first location in the region Wednesday - an $8 million store on West Mitchell Avenue at the former T-Shirt City site.

 

The 55,000-square-foot warehouse sells more than 11,000 items, ranging from frozen foods to fresh meats, vegetables and fruits as well as barstools to restaurants, nonprofit groups and others at wholesale prices.

 

See link above for article.

does anyone have an opinion on Cafe Istanbul in Newport?  Are reservations required for a Thursday night?  Friday?

That's one thing that I hope more and more places do downtown is extend their hours of operation. 

On a side note - does anyone have any recommendations as far as a breakfast place open on Sundays downtown?

On a side note - does anyone have any recommendations as far as a breakfast place open on Sundays downtown?

 

FirstWatch...it's on 7th Street a couple of doors down from Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (to the east).  That place is always hopping for breakfast.

does anyone have an opinion on Cafe Istanbul in Newport?  Are reservations required for a Thursday night?  Friday?

 

If they're the same owners of Cafe Istanbul that's in Easton in Columbus - they're terrific. Obviously I wouldn't know if you need rezzies but the food (if they're one and the same) is fantastic.

thanks mayday, yea theyre the same. 

does anyone have an opinion on Cafe Istanbul in Newport?  Are reservations required for a Thursday night?  Friday?

Yes, I have an opinion - my recommendation is go to Andy's its locally owned and not at NOTL   :-D  Seriously - it's not bad, but I much prefer Andy's Mediterranean.

On a side note - does anyone have any recommendations as far as a breakfast place open on Sundays downtown?

 

 

 

FirstWatch...it's on 7th Street a couple of doors down from Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (to the east).  That place is always hopping for breakfast.

 

 

I think Rise and Shine is open on Sundays, but I'm not 100% positive.  Brueggers Bagels is open at 4th and Vine.  There are some places that do brunch on Sundays as well.

Review: Seny

New Walnut Hills spot delivers distinctive Spanish tapas

BY CHRIS KEMP | CITY BEAT

December 12, 2007

 

EAST WALNUT HILLS - When Seny opened earlier this year in East Walnut Hills, executive chef Travis D. Maier's concept was refreshingly high-minded for such a Middle American city as ours. After studying his craft in the Basque region, Maier constructed a menu that combined traditional Spanish tapas with molecular gastronomic techniques, offering dishes that include strange textures, infusions, foam and emulsions.

 

Yes. Foam. Right here in Cincinnati.

 

See link above for article.

Nada is anything but nothing

BY JESSIE GRIDLEY | DOWNTOWNER

December 11, 2007

 

DOWNTOWN - Comparing Boca to nada is like comparing apples to oranges. Or as David Falk, president and owner of Boca Restaurant Group, says, "Boca is 'Jerry Maguire.' This is more like 'Three Amigos!'"

 

Mexican pro-wrestling and telenovelas, or series of melodramas popularized in Latin America, blare from television screens hung in the bathrooms at nada.

 

"People are shell-shocked," admits Falk, of reactions stemming especially from Boca regulars. "Nada will hopefully define what Boca Restaurant Group is," adds Falk, 31.

 

Nada literally means "nothing" in Spanish, but in concept the new restaurant nada, which opened Downtown at the corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets, at the beginning of December, means so much more to the minds behind Boca Restaurant Group.

 

Imagine this: a blank canvas filled with cuisine inspired by the vast cultures and regions of Mexico. Then there are the drinks: a margarita comes in an array of colors and flavors from pink grapefruit to prickly pear and passion fruit. This is all encased inside the rustic and quirky design from architect Don Beck of Beck Architecture, and the restaurant is tucked in the corner nook of Sixth and Walnut streets that used to house the restaurant Bella.

 

"It's got a cool edge with funky flair We're kind of creating our own thing," comments Falk on this Boca Restaurant Group endeavor that began with what he refers to as a blank-canvas approach. "There's nothing (or nada) like this in Cincinnati."

 

The restaurant describes its menu as a mix of small plates, $714, moderately priced entrees, $1422, and a bar menu featuring premium tequilas and fresh juices, from which the fruitful margaritas hail.

 

At first, rumors circled of when nada would finally open doors. Falk says that when Channel 5 broke the story on Friday, Nov. 30, that they really were not even open, as Boca Restaurant Group decided to try a soft opening for family and friends.

 

This made for quite a hectic Saturday that followed the broadcast. "We purposely tried to tell nobody," says Falk of nada. In the end, Falk comments that the weekend turned out to be an "unprovoked" success.

 

The free-flowing atmosphere promotes mingling between guests, from the bars to the seating in the dining room on either of the two floors. "I want to preserve the casual, fun feel," tells Falk, describing this as a social entity where people should not be afraid to share food and great company amongst each other. "We don't want to take our concept too seriously."

 

Boca's former Sous Chef Jonathan Mouch reunited with Chef Falk and the restaurant group to help bring nada to life. Falk attributes the continuing success of Boca Restaurant Group to all of the souls who helped bring it to life.

 

"They are the blood and guts. I'm the hat that sits on top."

 

A portion of each check's total at Boca and nada will be donated to the Boca Restaurant Group Foundation, a charity that helps provide mentoring and necessities to impoverished families living in Over-the-Rhine.

My parents are in town this weekend and I would like to go to Nada, but I think we are going to eat at Benihanas.  I've never been to Benihanas so I'm looking forward to it.  Does anyone know how it's priced compared to Nada?

^ Benihana's is a good choice as well.  You can usually get lunch there for under $10 per person, but dinner is more expensive.  I think it's around $20 per person.  It's worth it, though.  You do get a ton of food, and the chef's preparation of dinner is a show itself.

My parents are in town this weekend and I would like to go to Nada, but I think we are going to eat at Benihanas.  I've never been to Benihanas so I'm looking forward to it.  Does anyone know how it's priced compared to Nada?

 

Benihanas has its place but they are due for an interior refresh.  I didn't know we had two Benihanas in the metro until 3 months ago when I was driving around some side roads near Tri-County Mall and I discovered another one. 

Went to Nada last night and very much enjoyed it (got reservations the day of on Thurs. night, but at 8:00).  I thought the interior was interesting and overall, I liked it.  The drinks, as David said, were expensive but that is expected.  The food was AMAZING.  I got the Mahi Mahi and my bf got the roasted chicken.  Both were very flavorful and very good; certainly the highlight of the experience.  We had late reservations so by the time we were finishing up, the bar crowd was picking up and becoming obnoxious for the dinner crowd, but that was expected I guess.  We saw some local famous people there, like the guy from Fox 19.  If I had more money, this would be a hang out for me for sure, I enjoyed the atmosphere.  Go there for the amazing food if for nothing else. 

I went to Palomino last night.  I mistakenly thought the happy hour prices extended to the dining room.  They don't.  But we stayed for dinner anyway but had I know I was going to have to pay full price I probably would have gone to Nada or Via Vite where I haven't been before.  Food was pretty good and the place was very crowded even at 6:15.  However the waiter was very, very odd.

Nada had $2 million dollars pumped into it, I hope it's interior is nice.

^ Not always...  look at what $50 million got you at Cincinnati Mills :D

A new restaurant is coming to W. 4th Street - Boss Cox is the name of the restaurant and is named after a former prominent city council member.  I posted the full story over in the W. 4th Street discussion thread:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9430.msg242410#msg242410

Benihana's

Benihanas

Palomino's

 

This makes baby jesus cry.

Benihana's

Benihanas

Palomino's

 

This makes baby jesus cry.

 

Jesu's.

I was Downtown with some of my family this evening, and we wanted to grab some Skyline.  I knew that the Skyline at 7th & Vine had later hours, and even had extended 'Holiday Hours.'  Their Holiday Hours listed them as being open until 8pm Monday-Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday (today).  Well we walk on over and we are across the street at roughly 10 til 5pm and guess what...the damn place is closed up with their new HOLIDAY HOURS plastered right in front of our faces.  Needless to say, I was pissed.

I was Downtown with some of my family this evening, and we wanted to grab some Skyline.  I knew that the Skyline at 7th & Vine had later hours, and even had extended 'Holiday Hours.'  Their Holiday Hours listed them as being open until 8pm Monday-Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday (today).  Well we walk on over and we are across the street at roughly 10 til 5pm and guess what...the damn place is closed up with their new HOLIDAY HOURS plastered right in front of our faces.  Needless to say, I was pissed.

 

I would give them a call and let them know.  Mr. xumelanie and I have contacted businesses in the past when they don't adhere to their hours.

Yeah my friends and I went downtown tonight looking for something cheap and NOTHING WAS OPEN!!! GRR!! Not even Potbelly! Fountain square was packed though :) Then we decided to try Sebastians on the west side, they were closed so we went to that Mexican place next to western bowl.

I would give them a call and let them know.  Mr. xumelanie and I have contacted businesses in the past when they don't adhere to their hours.

 

Without question an unpleasant call is in their future.  I find it unacceptable that certain businesses/establishments are simply ignoring the fact that there are people (a lot) who call Downtown home.  It's about time they start offering the hours that reflect this.  The restaurants are catering to a much larger clientèle...the more affordable places (Skyline, Mythos, etc) however should start keeping later hours for the many residents that live Downtown and the many more on their way.

David Ginsberg is the perfect candidate for this type of complaint.

Here is a quick summary of my experience downtown Saturday evening:

We went downtownn with my parents who came in from out of town and we first tried Via Vite and Nada, but they were all booked.  We then tried Benihana's and they had an hour and half wait.  So we then tried Shanghigh Mama's and we ended up eating their, but we had a 20 minute wait. 

Needless to say, it was great to see so many resturants packed to the rims.

Went to Nada last night with my dad.  I thought the atmosphere was great, the food was good, and the place was packed.  However the $10 for the guacamole was kind of a surprise when the bill came...other than that a really enjoyable experience.

 

I got the Pork Green Chile ($16) and my dad got the Lamb Shoulder ($19)...both were excellent, and wonderfully presented.  Great addition for Downtown!  Oh and I overheard who I think is the owner or manager of Nada tell a table next to us that he just sold his house and is moving to OTR.