April 24, 200817 yr Does anyone know of any sushi places downtown? I can only think of Benihana's and they don't offer much. I think downtown would be a great place for sushi restaurants. There are so many in the surrounding neighborhoods you would think there'd be more downtown.
April 24, 200817 yr Author Does anyone know of any sushi places downtown? I can only think of Benihana's and they don't offer much. I think downtown would be a great place for sushi restaurants. There are so many in the surrounding neighborhoods you would think there'd be more downtown. Kosho on East 9th St. It is probably the most authentic sushi place in greater Cincinnati. The place is always filled with Toyota execs.
April 24, 200817 yr There's soon to be a sushi place about a block away from Fountain Square ... keep your eyes peeled!
April 24, 200817 yr Wasn't there a place coming to main street called MIXX that was supposed to be sushi? I think it was at main and 12th.
April 24, 200817 yr ^ Mixx befuddles me. They have been ready to open for months now, and even had a small "opening" celebration in Dec or Jan. The fridge is stocked with beer every time I go by, yet, it is not open to the public. I know one of the owners of Vinyl was at one point involved, but I heard he no longer was. I would love to know the status of this (and if the tapas bar in the old Neon's is still being talked about as well). Whenever I get sushi downtown, I go to KoSho, it is quite good and the owner is really friendly. I heard 3CDC tried to get him to come to the Square area, but he was not interested in moving. Sushi in the square area would do a killing (esp if they are open late night).
April 25, 200817 yr Mytho's at 4th and Walnut changed their hours again. Hubby and I walked down around 6:00 for dinner and they were closed. Looks like they are only open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays now. :(
April 25, 200817 yr I've never heard of KoSho. I'll have to look it up. Hopefully some more places will open, especially around the square (for the obvious reasons, and its an easier walk from work).
April 25, 200817 yr KoSho has great deals for lunch. It's a bit more pricy for dinner. The Bootsy Collins/Jeff Ruby restaurant that will open in the fall on Walnut will also have sushi on its menu.
April 29, 200817 yr There's soon to be a sushi place about a block away from Fountain Square ... keep your eyes peeled! Care to elaborate at all? I had heard talks of the owners of Beluga opening a location downtown...is this the same thing?
April 29, 200817 yr Yes, please elaborate on the sushi option. On a side note, given the absolute success of Fountain Square (it has been mobbed this spring), I am surpsrised we don't hear anthing about the empty remaining spaces. Is Chipoltle still an option or perhaps another food option. Any word? Whatever goes there will be an absolute goldmine.
April 29, 200817 yr I noticed a new restaurant yesterday on Court Street called The Caspian Express. It is only open for lunch. (Boo) Has anybody tried it? It looks to be Greek, I believe.
April 29, 200817 yr There's soon to be a sushi place about a block away from Fountain Square ... keep your eyes peeled! Care to elaborate at all? I had heard talks of the owners of Beluga opening a location downtown...is this the same thing? Give it time! No, it's not Beluga.
May 2, 200817 yr Oceanaire sets June 2 opening May 1, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER DOWNTOWN - Downtown Cincinnati's latest restaurant, Oceanaire Seafood Room, announced Thursday it will open its doors June 2. The restaurant, which serves fresh seafood in a 1930s-era setting, will be located in the 580 Building at Sixth and Walnut streets. Its menu will feature 25 varieties of fish and shellfish, including crab cakes, shrimp scampi, cioppino and Hawaiian swordfish. Minneapolis-based Oceanaire operates 15 restaurants nationwide, with a Phoenix site also set to open this year.
May 2, 200817 yr Oceanaire sets June 2 opening May 1, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER DOWNTOWN - Downtown Cincinnati's latest restaurant, Oceanaire Seafood Room, announced Thursday it will open its doors June 2. The restaurant, which serves fresh seafood in a 1930s-era setting, will be located in the 580 Building at Sixth and Walnut streets. Its menu will feature 25 varieties of fish and shellfish, including crab cakes, shrimp scampi, cioppino and Hawaiian swordfish. Minneapolis-based Oceanaire operates 15 restaurants nationwide, with a Phoenix site also set to open this year. I stopped by there the other day and just walked in. I wanted to buy a giftcard for my hubby's birthday, and they were like come back in three weeks and we can sell you one. I was like no thanks, I can just take my business elsewhere. Not a great first impression. I mean I was willing to hand them $50 and they don't have the logistics set up to take it? The decor on the inside looked really great though. Maybe I will go in for a drink while I punish them for not selling me a giftcard. :)
May 2, 200817 yr On a side note, given the absolute success of Fountain Square (it has been mobbed this spring), I am surpsrised we don't hear anthing about the empty remaining spaces. Is Chipoltle still an option or perhaps another food option. Any word? Whatever goes there will be an absolute goldmine. I have heard Chipotle is a shoe-in for the Vine St. space next to Via Vite. Also some interesting news, I have heard from a few people that Martin Wade and Jean-Robert are splitting. Wade wants to get more involved in restaurant affairs or something along those lines. Apparently Greenup and Chalk will have their last days under Jean-Robert this weekend, JR will still keep Jean-Ro and Pigall's and Twist/Lavomatic are still up in the air.
May 2, 200817 yr ^ Those are the same rumblings I have heard, but we shall see if its all just rumors or not. I hope J-R keeps his hands on Lavomatic. Greenup and Chalk were not my favorites anyhow.
May 2, 200817 yr Quote from Polly Campbell from the Enquirer today on The Foodie Report blog: "And speaking of fine dining: I think some of the speculation and gossip that's appeared in comments in earlier posts about the Jean-Robert French Restaurant group is a little overheated and premature. At least that's my conclusion after talking to those involved. I hate to see people pounding nails in a coffin before anyone's in it."
May 2, 200817 yr Author That would explain Wade's purchase of space in the OTR Thread... http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1114.1080.html
May 3, 200817 yr Oceanaire sets June 2 opening May 1, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER DOWNTOWN - Downtown Cincinnati's latest restaurant, Oceanaire Seafood Room, announced Thursday it will open its doors June 2. The restaurant, which serves fresh seafood in a 1930s-era setting, will be located in the 580 Building at Sixth and Walnut streets. Its menu will feature 25 varieties of fish and shellfish, including crab cakes, shrimp scampi, cioppino and Hawaiian swordfish. Minneapolis-based Oceanaire operates 15 restaurants nationwide, with a Phoenix site also set to open this year. I stopped by there the other day and just walked in. I wanted to buy a giftcard for my hubby's birthday, and they were like come back in three weeks and we can sell you one. I was like no thanks, I can just take my business elsewhere. Not a great first impression. I mean I was willing to hand them $50 and they don't have the logistics set up to take it? The decor on the inside looked really great though. Maybe I will go in for a drink while I punish them for not selling me a giftcard. :) Most restaurants that I've opened haven't had the gift certificates (or software now that gift-cards are more common) ready 3 weeks prior to opening. You shouldn't fault them for not being able to sell it to you. That being said, I sure as hell would've gotten your information and made arrangements for when I COULD sell you one.
May 4, 200817 yr From when I've set up restaurants it has been pretty typical that those systems are the last things to get installed. Essentially you want to get all that dust and debris out of there before you start putting in the electronic systems that you typically don't need until you open your doors. With that said, had someone stumbled into the Panera Bread on Calhoun Street as I was helping set it up I would have either directed them to another store or offered to get one for them so they could stop by the next day and pick it up that way.
May 5, 200817 yr This sounds like it could be pretty neat... Cincy State students get own restaurant The Summit to open May 23 BY POLLY CAMPBELL | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER May 5, 2008 CLIFTON - The public can now reserve a table behind the scenes at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State in Clifton, where 500 students are enrolled in a state-of-the-art culinary education program. The Summit, the Institute's public restaurant, will open May 23. The fine-dining restaurant will give many of those students a chance to do co-op jobs integrated with their studies. See link above for article.
May 5, 200817 yr Noodles & Co. adds third Cincinnati site May 5, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER International quick-serve chain Noodles & Co. plans to open its third Cincinnati location May 8 in Sycamore Plaza on Montgomery Road. The Broomfield, Colo.-based chain opened its first location here in the fall, with a store at Paxton and Isabella avenues in Hyde Park. That was the second location in Ohio. The second is on Tylersville Road in West Chester. Noodles & Co. specializes in Asian, Mediterranean and American cuisine, including Japanese Pan Noodles, Penne Rosa and Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. As part of its grand opening, Noodles will host a pre-opening fundraiser on May 7 to benefit the Moeller High School baseball team, and will donate all of its sales from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to the school's baseball team.
May 7, 200817 yr Don't know if it has been reported on this thread yet, but Lavomatic roof deck should be open by the weekend of the 18th or so...assuming necessary approvals are obtained. The mechanics of the bar appear to be in place, although they have some finishing work to do, based on what I saw. Bar is placed in an odd location, towards the east edge, facing west going across. I guess they plan to just block off that end of the deck. Right now it's just the stainless sink portion with the mechanical hookups. Looks like it will be a great space.
May 19, 200817 yr Don't know if it has been reported on this thread yet, but Lavomatic roof deck should be open by the weekend of the 18th or so...assuming necessary approvals are obtained. The mechanics of the bar appear to be in place, although they have some finishing work to do, based on what I saw. Bar is placed in an odd location, towards the east edge, facing west going across. I guess they plan to just block off that end of the deck. Right now it's just the stainless sink portion with the mechanical hookups. Looks like it will be a great space. I have now been told Memorial Day weekend....we'll see.
May 23, 200817 yr Ruby says Tropicana will close BY POLLY CAMPBELL | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER May 23, 2008 NEWPORT - Jeff Ruby is closing his Newport restaurant, Jeff Ruby’s Tropicana, on June 30 because he is being sued over its name, Ruby said today. ... [glow=yellow,2,300]“If this was Jeff Ruby Steakhouse or Precinct, we’d fight the suit. But Tropicana’s just doing OK, breaking even.” Ruby said.[/glow] See link above for article.
May 24, 200817 yr Ruby says Tropicana will close BY POLLY CAMPBELL | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER May 23, 2008 NEWPORT - Jeff Ruby is closing his Newport restaurant, Jeff Ruby’s Tropicana, on June 30 because he is being sued over its name, Ruby said today. article removed - xumelanie I think the Cin-NKY market is over saturated with Ruby's restaurants. Sure, they are good, but they are all too similar and with so many other choices popping up in the area, I know that I personally like to branch out and try different places from different owners/chefs. Tropicana was just breaking even because he has 2 other places really close. that being said, this sucks major for NOTL. They are probably going to get another family friendly mid-scale chain restaurant. that places needs all the tenants it can get, especially those that are unique, upscale and a draw for people in this area.
May 27, 200817 yr 'Power seafood' Oceanaire to open first Ohio location http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/oceanaire0527.aspx
June 3, 200817 yr UCPlanner told me he is eating there on Wednesday...I'm expecting a full report on UrbanCincy shortly thereafter.
June 3, 200817 yr Here is a local foodie's review with pictures! http://winemedinemecinci.blogspot.com/2008/05/review-oceanaire.html
June 3, 200817 yr For anyone interested..... Cincinnati E.A.T.S. is a brand new organization dedicated to supporting Cincinnati's great local, independent restaurants by having fun and eating a lot of great food. Still with me? Cincinnati E.A.T.S. will expose a new, younger clientele to the best restaurants in the region via a discounted three-course, fixed-price meal every couple of months. The goal is to take over an entire restaurant on an "off" night for a night of food, cocktails, and socializing. But don't plan on making reservations for your friends to sit together at a table. Seating will be open and we will all eat together at the same time so you're guaranteed to meet someone new. The debut event, a benefit for 7 Days for SIDS, will be Tuesday, June 10, at Lavomatic Café, at 1211 Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine’s Gateway Quarter. Lavomatic, an urban French wine bar and restaurant, is the latest venture by the Jean Robert French Restaurant Group. Chef Joanne Drilling emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients for her “rustic, full-flavored French fare.” Lavomatic offers about 25 wines by the glass for $6-$12, with 75 wines by the bottle. Bottles of wine sell for about $10 above retail, a much lower price point than at other restaurants. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with drinks on the rooftop deck. Guests will be seated at 8:00 for dinner. Chef Drilling will offer a three-course menu at the discounted flat fee of $36 (which includes tax and tip) to Cincinnati E.A.T.S., while sommelier Burke Morton will offer wine pairings for an additional charge. Space is limited and you must RSVP in advance at www.cincinnatieats.org Be prepared to pay in cash at the door. Check us out on CinWeekly's HYPE page at http://cinweekly.cincinnati.com/hype/front.aspx?id=1059
June 4, 200817 yr Oceanaire brings ultra-fresh seafood to the city Downtown's revitalization continues with opening of top-notch restaurant http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Display=2169
June 4, 200817 yr Here is a local foodie's review with pictures! http://winemedinemecinci.blogspot.com/2008/05/review-oceanaire.html This was a great link, thanks for sharing. People often ask me for restaurant recs from across the state if not the country, so it's good to know this is a solid place to refer people to, even if it is a chain.
June 4, 200817 yr The Enquirer has posted a slide show of photos from Oceanaire: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20080604&Kategori=ENT01&Lopenr=806040803&Ref=PH
June 4, 200817 yr Mark Mallory seems to be doing a lot of this lately ... http://cmsimg.enquirer.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=AB&Dato=20080604&Kategori=ENT01&Lopenr=806040803&Ref=PH&Item=7&MaxH=320&MaxW=375&Border=1 Btw, I wish they'd open up the blinds a little. It'd make that corner look a little more livelier.
June 13, 200817 yr Hot Wok cooking in N.Ky. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/BIZ01/306130047/1076
June 16, 200816 yr I had dinner at Nada on Thursday night and after dinner I was standing outside at the valet stand waiting for my car, next to another group of people doing the same. I overheard one of the women ask how the "Brazilian steakhouse" on the Square was and one of the guys in their group replied that he heard it was closing. Has anyone else heard that? Not trying to start a rumor - just curious if that guy had any clue what he was talking about. Quite possible that he was thinking of the one out in Mason that already closed. While I'm posting in this thread....my wife and I had dinner for the first time at Hugo in Oakley last Tuesday night. We had heard some mixed reviews from a few friends that had been previously, but it is close to our house and we always like to check out "new" restaurants. It was her birthday so we splurged and did "The Tour" tasting menu with wine parings. At seven courses it was maybe a bit excessive for dinner on a Tuesday evening :-D, but was easily one of the better dining experiences I have had in Cincinnati. The food was excellent and the service was spot on. Just wanted to give props to a Cincinnati Independent!
June 16, 200816 yr ^ I have not heard anything about Boi Na Braza closing. I do know that they are no longer open for lunch, which kind of makes sense. I don't see many people wanting to eat that much or spend that much for lunch.
June 16, 200816 yr Boi Na Braza is one of the participating restaurants in this Friday's "Do Downtown" event. http://www.dodowntowncincinnati.com/newsevents.html That makes me think they are probably in the clear for closing? This is an awesome deal for $20.
June 17, 200816 yr I have heard that Boi na Braza was for sale. Perhaps just a rumour but I heard it none the less.
June 17, 200816 yr Boi Na Braza is one of the participating restaurants in this Friday's "Do Downtown" event. http://www.dodowntowncincinnati.com/newsevents.html That makes me think they are probably in the clear for closing? This is an awesome deal for $20. Does anyone have any more information on this? It looks like a cool thing but it doesn't give a very good description. I'm assuming drinks aren't included, but what does a "taste" mean?
June 17, 200816 yr Does anyone have any more information on this? It looks like a cool thing but it doesn't give a very good description. I'm assuming drinks aren't included, but what does a "taste" mean? Here is Polly Cambell's write up from the Enquirer: Do Downtown is 10 restaurants, $20, June 20, 5-8 p.m. You buy a ticket ahead of time, then bop from one place to the next, trying a special dish they've created for the occasion--and having a drink. Why not--you can walk to all of them. If you get lost, stilkwalkers in tuxedos will tell you where to go. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, on the right there, will be offering gumbo (which isn't on their menu, but I bet it will be good) Palomino is doing an asparagus bruschetta, Havana Martini Club will have mini pamatimis. Also, Nicholson's, JeanRo Bistro, BlackFinn, Via Vite, Trattoria Roma, Oceanaire and Boi na Braza. Nice chance to get inside some great restaurants, look around, see if you want to come back. . . .
June 20, 200816 yr Went to Oceanaire tonight. Love the atmosphere, love the decor, and the best fish I've ever had (I had the sesame seared swordfish). A little pricier than McCormick & Schmick's, and the service is still finding its way, but it's a GREAT addition to downtown.
June 25, 200816 yr My wife and I ate at Pigall's last night for our anniversary dinner. It was the best dining experience I have ever had. Everything was perfect. The service, decor and food were impeccable and the unfortunate part was that the bill reflected that. We ordered the three course prix fixe for $74 a piece and I ended up upgrading (extra cost) the first course to the Foie Gras (amazing) and my wife upgraded the main course to the fillet which was so good we both have to put it up above the Precinct's fillet which is perfect in its own right. What surprised us both was how full we were, even though we ordered the three course, they served us an amuse bouche which some restaurants would have listed as a course in itself. For drinks we stuck with the house champagne. The dining experience was 2 1/2 hours which was the longest I have probably spent in a restaurant. Only issue I had was that there was a tip section on my credit card receipt. With the menu being prix fixe, the tip is included in the meal. I would have expected to not see the tip section on the bill but I assume they share the same receipt with the bar. In the end we still tipped graciously considering.
July 2, 200816 yr Heard Pacific Moon closed at the Levee....with that gone and Tropicana, I wonder what the future will hold? Is this a trend?
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