Showing posts with label St. Francis Seraph. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Francis Seraph. Show all posts

FISH FRY #1: TUCKER'S AT BOCKFEST

#FFFCincy Rating:
3 of 5 Fishies



Kicking off our third year of touring Friday Fish Fries around the tri-state, Tucker's Bockfest Fish Fry was an easy decision: it was on site at Bockfest, where most of us planned to go later that night, plus all the food was cooked across the street at Tucker's Restaurant in Over-the-Rhine. Known for their breakfasts and burgers, anything and everything I've tasted at their restaurant has been delicious and I couldn't wait to try their fried fish.



Your blonde Codmistress is ready for a new year of fish fries!



Our fish fry group with Beer Baron Greg Hardman, owner of Christian Moerlein Brewery and host of Bockfest.


The fish fry benefited St. Francis Seraph School, which also neighbors Bockfest Hall. Set up in a tent, the menu options were simple: fish, fries, coleslaw and the option to add on mac n' cheese for $1. An added bonus were the 15 Bockfest beers being served inside the same tent for the festival. Only $5 to add one on to your meal.



Moerlein beer-battered cod, marble rye, fries, mac n' cheese, coleslaw, and a pint of Moerlein Emancipator Doppelbock



 A basket came with two thick pieces of well-seasoned, Moerlein beer-battered cod, a slice of marble rye bread, and Tucker's signature fries. The coleslaw was one of the best I've had at any fish fry, with chunky cabbage that packed a crunch. There was also something extra special about the mac n' cheese, an additional ingredient that made it creamier than usual.

While I could taste the love that comes made with any Tucker's meal, it was disappointing to find that all of the food was cold upon arrival. This was likely due to the fish fry being held outdoors in a tent. All of their subsequent fish fries will be held inside the Moerlein Tap Room since it's no longer being used for Bockfest.

I was also puzzled at why we only had one piece of bread. That's pretty standard if you're getting white bread to sop up the grease, but not fancy marble rye. Tucker's fish didn't need to have the gooeyness dabbed off though, which made the marble rye perfect for assembling a sandwich. One piece short, a friend gave me theirs so I could create my Fishwich. Combined with the coleslaw, this made for an incredible alternative to the rest of the meal.



Fried cod and coleslaw sandwiched between marble rye


Keep in mind, this is Tucker's very first time hosting a Bockfest Fish Fry. With some adjustments I am confident their next round of fish will be warm, and who knows, perhaps they'll put my Fishwich on the menu.




Tucker's will be hosting their fish fry from 5:00pm-8:00pm through March 21 at Moerlein Tap Room in Over-the-Rhine. 
Beer is available for purchase in the taproom
Cash or Credit
On-street parking
No desserts



Follow our Friday Fish Fry adventures on Twitter: #FFFCincy




REVISTED: THE PETTING ZOO

On my way home from Findlay Market this Monday, I passed by the St. Francis Seraph petting zoo and decided to stop in. Everyone needs a little love on Christmas Eve, right? Greeted with kind eyes and muzzled smiles, these animals become more adorable with each visit.


ST. FRANCIS SERAPH CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Every Christmas, the friars of  St. Francis Seraph transform their living space into an extravagant Christmas village in Over The Rhine. Starting in the courtyard, visitors are welcomed by a live nativity scene and petting zoo filled with goats, donkeys, and sheep. Beyond the sanctuary, each room is filled with a different holiday display including Dickens's Christmas Village and a room filled with Santa Clauses.

Dickens's Christmas Village









Room full of Santa Clauses.







Most remarkable is Brother Tim's collection of nativity scenes from around the world. His collection started as a young boy by purchasing a $13.00 set for his mother while she was in the hospital. Since then, he has acquired over 40 unique sets from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.


Native American
Uganda
Peru
Kenya
India
Africa
Philippines
Bangladesh
Italy
Africa
Thailand
Russia
Ireland
Indonesia
Columbia

Surprised Mary is one of my favorites.

At the end of the exhibit is this massive nativity scene which takes up an entire room.

 Free and open to the public, guests can take a self-guided tour from 12:30PM - 4:30PM on Fridays through December 28. 

Not available on Friday afternoons?
Then check out the Spirit of Christmas Tour which includes a guided walk-through with Brother Tim on Saturdays at 10:30AM and 1:00PM. 
Tickets for the Spirit of Christmas Tour are available through American Legacy Tours.

OTR HOLIDAY PETTING ZOO

One of my favorite surprises this holiday season was the discovery of a petting zoo nestled in the heart of Over The Rhine.


As part of the St. Francis Seraph nativity scene, stables are set up in the parish's courtyard and is open to the public daily from 1:00PM - 7:00PM. With miniature donkeys plus sheep and goats in every size, color, and fur softness, there is an animal that will satisfy everyone's petting pleasure. Each animal also wears a name tag. My favorite is Ruby the Goat, who tries to climb the fence and poses for pictures.




Ruby The Goat gives us a smile.













SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS TOUR

One of my favorite December adventures took place on the Spirit of Christmas Tour, presented by American Legacy Tours. The two-hour walk departs from Cincy Haus and takes guests to five historic churches along Race Street and Vine Street in Over The Rhine. Led by jovial guides in period attire, you'll hear stories of the neighborhood, its rich German heritage, and Christmas traditions along the way.




Inside each church, we were welcomed by the pastors and learned about the history, congregation, and involvement in the Over The Rhine community. As church funds go towards community outreach, much of the original architecture is still visible and in some areas you can see the beauty of age through chipped paint and cracks.



Pastor Lorne greeted us at 12th and Race Street, home to First Lutheran Church which has a 170 year old congregation. As the name states, it was the first-ever Lutheran Church in Ohio, built in 1814. The gothic-style facade is reflected on the interior as well, with peaked ceilings, ornate stained glass windows, and a castle-like bell tower.

























Speaking of which, Pastor Lorne invited us to ring the bell. Now how could I pass up a chance like that?



Nast Trinity United Methodist Church at 13th and Race Street was the mothership of the German Methodist movement. The congregation was formed in 1838 by Reverend William Nast and soon became the first German Methodist Church in the world. The current building was erected in 1880 with the unique feature of a second floor sanctuary.




















St. Paulus Kirche at 14th and Race Street is the oldest German Protestant Church and second oldest church in Cincinnati. Abandoned and falling victim to neglect, the church's roof began sagging and was on the brink of collapse until 3CDC  began revitalizing the structure in 2011. Currently under renovation, St. Paulus Kirche provides a unique look at building salvation in Over The Rhine as the only unoccupied church on the tour.

















Original wallpaper from the 1800s.


A doorway to nowhere.
St. Paulus's cross continues to glow in the sunlight.

"A mighty fortress is our god."




The gigantic white steeple of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 15th and Race Street is an icon of  the Over The Rhine skyline. What's even more astonishing: the congregation consists of only eight members. The interior European-style architecture has been weathered through the years and is a must-see if you enjoy rustic buildings. The pews are also reminiscent of colonial New England, culminating a wealth of culture under one roof...er, steeple.





















St. Francis Seraph is a Roman Catholic Parish that was established by the Franciscan Friars in 1859. Located at Liberty and Vine Street, we not only toured the facility with Brother Tim, but also visited the church's nativity scene with live petting zoo. A petting zoo in Over The Rhine? Who knew!





























But wait... there's more! Inside St. Francis Seraph is the priest's Christmas village. Beyond the sanctuary, each room is filled with a different holiday display. Most remarkable is Brother Tim's collection of nativity scenes from around the world. His collection started as a young boy by purchasing a $13.00 set for his mother while she was in the hospital. Since then, he has acquired over 40 unique sets from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.


India
Ireland
Kenya
Columbia

Christmas village, with my favorite scene, the bell ringer!

Giant display of animated Santa Clauses.

An animated nativity scene that fills an entire room.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture fanatic, spiritually faithful, or simply want to experience some holiday cheer, The Spirit of Christmas Tour offers something for everyone. This is one adventure you don't want to miss out on this December!

The Spirit of Christmas Tour is offered on Saturdays through December 22, with departures at 10:30AM and 1:00PM.