Taste's great, no less filling

BY POLLY CAMPBELL | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

May 24, 2007

 

DOWNTOWN - Fountain Square is Cincinnati’s gathering space, and Taste of Cincinnati is one of the biggest gatherings of the year. After 19 years on Central Parkway, it moves a few blocks south to Fifth Street to showcase the redesigned Fountain Square district and Government Square. The move also puts the event, in its 28th year, closer to downtown hotels.

 

The change has been a huge undertaking for the organizers and participants, but what does it mean for hungry visitors?

 

Well, you could stay downtown at a hotel, walk out the front door and be right in the middle of 36 restaurant booths serving 135 menu items. It means there will be more room for live entertainment in the large parking lot at Race and Fifth.

 

And you’ll be able to stop by the Tyler-Davidson fountain to cool off and take photos.

 

The central experience of Taste of Cincinnati is the same as ever: strolling, seeing friends and stopping at least once a block to try something new to eat. And it’s still free.

 

Many of the familiar restaurants will be there, and you can re-visit your favorite dishes. Courtyard Café on Main’s baked potato soup, Washington Platform’s creole gumbo, sauerkraut balls from the Black Forest or Mecklenburg Gardens, escargot from La Petite France.

 

Or you can try new-to-Taste tastes, such as Hungarian pork goulash or cabbage rolls from Laszlo’s Iron Skillet.

 

Certain cuisines are always popular. You could stage your own ribs contest between Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ, Burbank’s Real Barbecue, City Barbecue, Pit to Plate BBQ and Montgomery Inn. Or do a head-to-head Thai-off between Tan Thai and Arloi Dee.

 

German’s popular, with Mecklenburg Gardens, Strasse Haus, Wertheim’s and Black Forest.

 

This year, Best of Taste winners include the chain Carrabba’s Italian Grill, but the line-up is still mostly independent restaurants. Buca di Beppo and Outback Steakhouse are the only national chains; Graeter’s, Izzy’s, Montgomery Inn and LaRosa’s add local flavor.

 

It’s only the second time that Taste of Cincinnati has moved: it began 27 years ago in Piatt Park, then moved to Central Parkway in 1988. it has also grown from 5,000 attendees the first year to 500,000 last year.

3CDC has a rundown of the different projects surrounding Fountain Square:

 

525 Vine

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580 Building

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Duke Energy Convention Center

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Government Square

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The McAlpin

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The Westin

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18 East Fourth Street

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Fifth Third Center

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Carew Tower

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Lofts at Fountain Square

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http://www.3cdc.org/content.jsp?articleId=176

 

BTW, it looks like they have started on the gutting of the Lofts at Fountain Square. Anyone else notice that?

 

- Also, they have put up some sort of stained-wood trim up on the north side of the 5/3 center. Maybe the southwestern grill/bar?

 

- The 580 interior is looking very nice! Kind of a modern Eames wood look. Can't wait for Oceanaire to open up!

I did notice that.  The cadilac ranch is on the north side of 5.3rd

I got into an argument the other night with someone about Fountain Square.  I hear sooo many darn people say: "Oh, and here is the 'new' Fountain Square...where they spent $42 million to move the fountain a little bit."

 

I just don't understand people sometimes...can you really not notice a difference between the new square and the old?!?!  Am I just crazy, because I think the new and improved space is beautiful!!!  Much more open, more shade provided by the trees (perfect amount imo), new features that make the square even more dynamic, wonderful new videoboard, higher-quality materials...just overall much more beautiful.

 

I think that once the final portion is finished up and Via Vite is all polished off...that Cincinnatians will have an absolutely world-class public square.  One to truly be proud of.  I think the $42 million couldn't have been better spent in terms of seeing return on investment!

 

 

So, am I crazy or do others share similar thoughts??

^I totally know what you're saying, Randy. I was getting my hair cut and this obnoxious woman was waiting to get hers cut and talking to the girl cutting my hair and saying ohhhh I can't believe they spent all this money on fountain square. All the city does is waste money, they could have at least made it look nice, blah blah blah. I had to set her straight on why fountain square costed so much. There's so many negative people that complain about issues related to city politics and new development when they know absolutely NOTHING about what they're talking about. They don't read the paper, they don't read blogs, they just get information from other ignorant people and its so obnoxious to hear their comments. I hate telling people that I'm in urban planning; it immediately evokes a response that's almost always "well good, you need to fix up this [insert negative adjectives here] %#@$ed up city". Ahh whats another cliche ignorant statement...hmm... "Cincinnati never gets anything done, its no wonder everyone goes to Newport". PLEASE SHUT YOUR IGNORANT MOUTH BEFORE I STAB YOU WITH A FORK!

^ Yeah, I always correct people whenever they  make the comment "I can't believe they spent $42 million to move the fountain."  It is frustrating.

Ditto.

I usually inform people about the costs of Fountain Square but when I hear the frequency of such claims indicates that the city isn't doing all it could to stem purblic perception and further more there could be a regional effort to show people that everyone is on board in making this entire region stronger by showing unity.

Of that 42 million, what percentage was needed to fix the garage?

^I think the answer to that question should be somewhere in the previous pages in this thread.  If not, Cramer could probably tell you.

 

It's amazing how many people enjoy repeating cliches simply to have something to add to the conversation (I try to limit my baseless pontificating to conversations about the Reds and Bengals).  These cliches are extremely frustrating at times, particularly in this case.  One should definitely call these people out, but by remaining calm and seeming to be in charge of the facts can do wonders for your credibility and great damage to their own, even in their own minds.  Smile like your somewhat amused by their naivete.  When you tell these people that the majority of that money went to fixing the parking garage, don't forget to add that the Fountain Square garage is one of the biggest revenue streams for the City.  You can also round out the lecture with something snarky but true, such as, "When you spend money on something that creates revenue, it's called an investment.  It's what smart managers do to win ballgames."

^That is typically how I discuss this issue...I bring up the fact that the FS renovation has spurred all kinds of investment surrounding the square.  This is the investment portion that I discuss, but it is often dismissed and ignored by those I'm speaking with...they start to joke/laugh over you and continue the claim of "they spent $42 million to move the fountain a little bit."  It gets VERY frustrating dealing with the negative Cincinnatians sometimes.

$14.2 million for the garage. At least, that was the budget proposed. I think they had some overruns.

 

The cost to temporarily move the Fountain offsite during construction was projected at $500k.

 

What people are complaining about is that it doesn't seem that different after all that construction. They say that for many reasons, but here are two: 1) People have really short memories 2) The materials used in the square are roughly the same color.

 

It's silly, but I think most people are experiencing the space at that level of superficiality. I really think people are by and large  blind to the biggest improvements: the removal of the stage, the flattening of the eastern section, and the removal of the 5th street wall.

How much was the video board?

>I really think people are by and large  blind to the biggest improvements: the removal of the stage, the flattening of the eastern section, and the removal of the 5th street wall.

 

The biggest change is the movement and turning of the fountain, which I think was a disaster.  The fountain's previous position and westward orientation was one that affected the rest of the square and opposite sidewalks in a much more interesting way.  The fountain's in the middle (sort of) now, but it's borderline hidden.  Previously the way people moved through the square was much more interesting, now the square's much more...square.  And the way the lower section of the 5/3 building forms the background of the south-facing fountain is a disaster.  Previously there were many angles which the fountain could be viewed with an interesting background, now I've seen photographers in desperation photographing it from the southwest side with the 5/3 tower coming in at a sharp diagonal.  This looks like the only way to do it, so everyone get used to it. 

 

The old position of the fountain viewed from the opposite side of Vine St:

 

The restaurant above the parking garage entrance was a brilliant idea, it will make the space much more interesting.  The skywalk should have stayed and been renovated (although I kind of like the weird circle on the Key Bank building).  Now that it and the Westin bridge are gone I've come to realize how important having  those overlooks were.  They were different types of spaces within the greater space.  But I suspect a primary reason for their removal was because of all the smoking that took place.  The stage should have been renovated and moved slightly further back in the corner (although the garage elevator was a problem), and the eastern half of the square where the unused pits were improved.  Frankly I think the decision was made to move the fountain primarily so they could point to something as being dramatically different.  And before I forget, the TV screen is ugly and a huge distraction from what the purpose of a public square is which is increasingly a place for real life interaction instead of TV or internet forums.       

 

         

And before I forget, the TV screen is ugly and a huge distraction from what the purpose of a public square is which is increasingly a place for real life interaction instead of TV or internet forums.        

 

          

 

 

I guess you have never seen multitudes of college students text messaging each other while they are standing just a few feet away from each other.  I think the definition of real life interaction has changed.  The TV creates "Myspace" opportunity for new generations.

While I agree the TV is ugly and poorly designed, I disagree that it is a distraction.  For a better designed TV, look at the one in the Arena District in Columbus, overlooking the plaza in front of Nationwide Arena.  It is integrated into the building's architecture (in this case a remodeled parking garage) and isn't some freestanding simple box on the roof, stuck on two poles. I was there over the weekend and I actually liked that they switched the TV over to the Red's game.  One minute is was Taste stuff . . then the start of the game.  They had it connected to a camera showing scenes of Taste, showing advertisers (which is important in getting and keeping advertisers), etc. It is just another interaction . . .

there is a blue cadilac suspended ten feet off the ground on the north side of the plaza facing the CAC

Anybody else at the Rock the Square Friday night?  I just happened to be walking by when i heard a band playing.  Saw that they were serving some beer, and ended up staying till around 9.  Nice relaxing time.  Guess they're gonna do this every Friday night throughout the summer.

While I agree the TV is ugly and poorly designed, I disagree that it is a distraction.  For a better designed TV, look at the one in the Arena District in Columbus, overlooking the plaza in front of Nationwide Arena.  It is integrated into the building's architecture (in this case a remodeled parking garage) and isn't some freestanding simple box on the roof, stuck on two poles. I was there over the weekend and I actually liked that they switched the TV over to the Red's game.  One minute is was Taste stuff . . then the start of the game.  They had it connected to a camera showing scenes of Taste, showing advertisers (which is important in getting and keeping advertisers), etc. It is just another interaction . . .

Everyone with an office facing west in 5/3rd's headquarters is distracted. They probably waste their time on silly message boards anyway though. Lazy f***s.

The colored pole things facade on the 6th St. side of the 5/3 Building started going up today.  Wish I had my camera with me.  Color me unimpressed.

^ Really? I like it. I almost had a wreck looking at it while I was driving by. You should at least wait until 1/10 of it is put up, ya' know?

Yep, that's a Cadillac; there's one inside, too

 

By Joseph Szydlowski

Post staff writer

 

PICTURE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/misc/zoom.pbs&Site=AE&Date=20070606&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=706060363&Ref=AR

JOE MUNSON/The Post

A 1959 Cadillac sedan adors the entrance to the Cadillac Ranch Rock 'n' County Bar and Grille at the corner of Sixth and Walnut, Downtown.

 

 

Cincinnati is full of enticing sights: Fountain Square, Union Terminal, Eden Park.

 

Add to those attractions a mint-condition 1959 Cadillac sedan perched on top of a doorway to a new downtown restaurant.

 

Inside the building at the corner of Sixth and Walnut streets, half of a blue 1960 Cadillac sedan hangs on the wall above a stage that will feature country and - occasionally - classic rock bands.

 

The Caddies are the high points - literally - of the no-holds-barred country attitude and atmosphere of the Cadillac Ranch Rock 'n' Country Bar and Grille, which will feature an outside bar and patio that accommodates up to 75 people. Inside, the walls will be lined with saddles, guitars and other country and classic rock paraphernalia.

 

License plates from western states adorn the ceiling above the inside bar and a mechanical bull will give patrons the ride of their lives.

 

"I felt that in Cincinnati, there were no concepts like this," said Eric Schilder, owner of FS Cincinnati LLC, the company that will run the Cadillac Ranch.

 

And downtown was the place to put it, he said.

 

The location - in the Fifth/Third Building - puts the restaurant close to diverse clienteles - downtown workers, urban condo dwellers, visitors from out of town staying in nearby hotels and sports fans attending Reds or Bengals games - and FS Cincinnati hopes to attract all of them.

 

Schilder said the Cadillac Ranch will be a family-friendly eatery during the day and a rockin' western saloon at night.

 

"Somebody can come in jeans, another can come in a three-piece suit," he said. "We're not ultra-fancy."

 

Schilder opened the first Cadillac Ranch a month ago in Nashville. Cincinnati's will be the second and he said his company is looking at four other cities, including Indianapolis.

 

General Manager Dathon Comptonsaid he wants the Cadillac Ranch to be thought of as a down-home western restaurant, not just another downtown pub. It will still serve customers steaks, ribs and other food late into the night.

 

The restaurant will seek to attract its various constituencies with daily lunch specials; a Sunday brunch offering 12, 42-inch plasma screen TVs for sports aficionados to follow games; and an outdoor patio to court casual diners and late-night partiers.

 

Two overhead garage doors, which provide access from the interior to the patio, emphasize the Cadillac theme of the restaurant.

 

Patrons using them will have to sit under the suspended car, but it's securely anchored by steel rods covered with a wood and stone façade, Schilder said.

 

Compton said the cars will draw attention to the Ranch, and fit in with the theme perfectly.

 

Schilder picked the 1959 and 1960 Cadillacs because he sees each as "one of the most artistic cars, with the look we're going after at the Cadillac Ranch." He had a 1960 version cut in half to bolster the already attention-grabbing theme.

 

After 10 p.m., the restaurant will admit only customers who are 21 or older, for karaoke, live music or disc jockeys.

 

The restaurant, which will employ 75 people, has a tentative opening date of June 21.

 

Compton thinks the restaurant will give a boost to downtown's nightlife.

 

"Everything will draw a crowd. The bar scene will open up," he said, and he hopes customers the Cadillac Ranch draws will patronize other bars and nightspots while they are downtown.

 

"We want to share the business," he said.

 

I'm not real big on country type stuff, but I'm kind of excited about this.  It could potentially be pretty cool.

Just the fact it has an outdoor seating area is a BIG plus.  I heard a mechanical bull, too.  Yee Haw!

"I felt that in Cincinnati, there were no concepts like this," said Eric Schilder, owner of FS Cincinnati LLC, the company that will run the Cadillac Ranch."

 

 

You've got that right.

I may have to check this place out once it opens. It sounds like a fun place.

I will check it out but I loathe country music so it might be painful for me.  Hopefully it is "Rock" more than "Country".

I will check it out but I loathe country music so it might be painful for me.  Hopefully it is "Rock" more than "Country".

 

My thoughts exactly!

If they want people to start going there, they'll probably change the music.

Wow, not feeling the country music love here.

i think this place is gonna draw a lot of girls there.  Up here at osu, there is a country bar close to campus and it seems to me that every girl I know loves that place even though they are not necessarily into country.

^giddy up!

How can a whisky six years old whip a man that's 32? :drunk:

 

 

 

y'all are crazy if you think people wont go to this place because its country affiliation.  country music is just as popular here as it is anywhere...except of course nashville.  i think this place will be hoppin.  i hate country.

I've gotcher y'all right here.

I went to the CAC last monday because I am a freeloader and saw the caddy at the corner. After seeing this I came to the conclusion we need a Ripleys Believe it or Not on the SE corner or some other tacky touristy place thingy. OH GAWD.....!  why downtown cincinnati!? Across from the CAC of all places..:cry:   

Eh, it's a little tacky, a little gimmicky, but I really think downtown could use some of that.  Just like the giant neon guitar at hard rock's this could be a symbol that generates buzz and helps draw some suburbanites in.  Plus, it's on the base of a freakin garage; it's not like the thing is destroying some beautiful old entrance way.

To spin a positive angle, the people putting the yeehaw place together will fit the place properly for restaurant/bar/club use for the next people who come along with an actual good idea.  Aside from that, it sickens me to be honest.

I just dont get it...from a forum that screams a desire for diversity in our city.  Get over the fact that some of you dont like country music and see this for what it is...another experience UNIQUE to downtown and a place that will without a doubt add to its positive momentum.   

Good Reply PhattiNati.  I hope people give this place a chance before they go throw up about it.  ANY busineses that wants to invest in our downtown should be commended not criticized.  It will be appealing to someone who lives in the area. 

I just dont get it...from a forum that screams a desire for diversity in our city.  Get over the fact that some of you dont like country music and see this for what it is...another experience UNIQUE to downtown and a place that will without a doubt add to its positive momentum.   

 

Good point. 

>Across from the CAC of all places...

 

Well I'd argue that the CAC is several notches more meretricious...

 

 

 

 

I just dont get it...from a forum that screams a desire for diversity in our city.  Get over the fact that some of you dont like country music and see this for what it is...another experience UNIQUE to downtown and a place that will without a doubt add to its positive momentum.   

 

Absolutely agreed.  I dont like country music either but I certainly dont bash it!  Can someone please explain to me why they are criticizing this place? 

Eh, it's a little tacky, a little gimmicky, but I really think downtown could use some of that.  Just like the giant neon guitar at hard rock's this could be a symbol that generates buzz and helps draw some suburbanites in.  Plus, it's on the base of a freakin garage; it's not like the thing is destroying some beautiful old entrance way.

 

Well put, the same can be said for the tacky work being done on Carew for Boi Na Braza.  Sure it's not complimentary to the art-deco wonder that is Carew Tower...but if suburbanites gave a crap about architecture and character do you really think they would live where they live??  We haven't sold our soul to the devil quite yet, so I'm OK with it.  If this becomes the norm with every future project...I'll become more hesitant with my approvals.

I do agree that there is a double standard in regarding diversity yet putting down a country music bar.  I think its just mere insecurity of people thinking that this will be "another black eye" for Cincinnati but I think this could be quite hilarious/entertaining if done right.  I am not a fan of country music nor am I honestly a fan of certain people that like country music (not all!) but I do support this place and this gets a thumbs up from me.  I mean, it could've been a Ruby Tuesday...

Eh, it's a little tacky, a little gimmicky, but I really think downtown could use some of that.  Just like the giant neon guitar at hard rock's this could be a symbol that generates buzz and helps draw some suburbanites in.  Plus, it's on the base of a freakin garage; it's not like the thing is destroying some beautiful old entrance way.

 

Well put, the same can be said for the tacky work being done on Carew for Boi Na Braza.  Sure it's not complimentary to the art-deco wonder that is Carew Tower...but if suburbanites gave a crap about architecture and character do you really think they would live where they live??  We haven't sold our soul to the devil quite yet, so I'm OK with it.  If this becomes the norm with every future project...I'll become more hesitant with my approvals.

 

So, URando - So you are the new "Approvalnator" *add german accent* of all things urban cincinnati.  :wink:

^simply put....yes

I love Bluegrass,  I go to the comet all the time to get my fix.  Pop country sucks and should be at Forest fair mall.. :wink:

The new Brazilian steakhouse, Boi Na Braza, opened last night.