MARDI GRAS MEALS: BIG 'N EASY

Cravin' some Cajun? Let the good times roll at these N'awleans-style restaurants, serving up Fat Tuesday fare all year round.


BrewRiver Gastropub
East Walnut Hills - 2062 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Complete with live Zydeco and jazz music, the menu features oyster po' boy sandwiches, muffaletta sandwiches, gumbo, and an assortment of well-seasoned fish dishes. BrewRiver cooks up my absolute favorite creole dish in the North. Pionono: a roll of spiced ground beef, plantains, tomatoes, and kidney beans served over rice make up this sweet and savory dish that is so good, you'll be sopping up every bit of sauce with cornbread.


Allyn's Cafe
Columbia-Tusculum - 3538 Columbia Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Perfect for families with both foodies and unadventurous eaters, Allyn's Cafe offers a vast menu of both Cajun and traditional Mexican fare. For those wanting a taste of Louisiana, all the staples are here including Andouille Gumbo and Jambalaya, red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, and even blackened alligator. For those playing it safe, the rest of menu includes for familiar options such as burritos, caesar salad, and cheesesteak sandwiches.


Tucker's Restaurant
Over-The-Rhine - 1637 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

It doesn't get any simpler than Shrimp n' Grits. Known for their breakfast and burgers, Tucker's Restaurant also brings the heat of the South with buttery grits topped with Sriracha grilled shrimp. Be sure to order a side of cornbread -- it comes fried in a pancake-sized patty and elevates the baked good to a new level.


New Orleans To Go
Blue Ash - 10921 Reed Hartman Hwy, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Oh boy, Po'Boys! Overflowing with bountiful seafood, the chef at New Orleans To Go brought her Louisiana recipes with her to Cincinnati with authenticity in every bite. In addition to seven varieties of gumbo and étouffée, you can load up on an assortment of Big Easy sides such as sweet slaw, okra, sweet potato pie, rum cake, and shrimp n' cheesy grits. My go-to is always the Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwich with Cajun potato salad; or try another po'boy variety such as the catfish, oyster, chicken buffalo BBQ, or roast and gravy.

Taste of Belgium
Findlay Market - 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

One of the most anticipated tastes of Mardi Gras is Taste of Belgium's Shrimp n' Grits Waffle. Cornmeal is added to their famous waffle then topped with wee shrimp and piles of cilantro. This special dish won't last long; its only around for the holiday at the Findlay Market location.


Alabama Fish Bar
Over-The-Rhine - 1601 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 452026

Quick service restaurant, Alabama Fish Bar, gives you a hefty inexpensive meal when you're in a hurry. Get a big basket of Whiting, Perch, or Cod with a side of fries and coleslaw. You will be asked if you want peppers and onions. The answer is always yes. Passed to you in a to-go bag in under 5 minutes, you can easily feed two people with one order of fish.


Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Springdale - 11975 Springdale Lake Dr, Springdale, OH 45246

For a more formal dinner, join Pappadeaux for white table cloths and giant tables for large parties. While meals are pricier, the quality of food is well worth it. Oysters, étouffée, alligator, massive seafood platters; this restaurant does it all. Amongst the six different kinds of fish served, the most memorable has been the Atlantic Salmon with shrimp, crawfish, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese grits. Be sure to follow up with a banana pudding for dessert -- it comes served in a keepsake mason jar.

FROTHY FRIDAY: TUCKER'S

My absolute favorite drink in the city right now is the hot chocolate at Tucker's Restaurant. Known for their made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch menu, Tucker's also makes a fabulous beverage. Served in a 20-ounce takeaway cup, their milk chocolate cocoa comes topped with whipped cream, chocolate fudge, and rainbow sprinkles. The drink is served just at the right temperature, with toppings so bountiful, they last until the cup is almost empty.

NYE: PARTY LIKE A BELGIAN

Welcoming in the New Year comes with the challenging decision of selecting the perfect venue to celebrate. This made for an easy choice upon receiving an invitation to a party at the new Taste of Belgium on Short Vine.

It was our first time at the venue, and we were thoroughly impressed by the space. The Uptown location is twice as big as Taste of Belgium's OTR Bistro and has an abundance of seating for large groups. The restaurant's design, which was created by Cincinnati-based LPK, has an edgy, youthful vibe but with all the polished touches of the Taste of Belgium brand.

Complete with a live VJ spinning tunes from the 80s and 90s, our evening included a sampling of Belgian street food as well as an open bar of wine, cocktails, and any of the 24 craft beers on tap. A champagne toast at midnight capped off the evening, as we rang in the new year with friends.

Photo by FD Harper

Photo by Barbara Hauser

HAPPY 2014!

LUNCHTIME AT BLUE WISP

Cincinnati's leading evening jazz venue is turning up the heat in the kitchen. Founded as a jazz club in 1973 by Paul and Marjean Wisby, Blue Wisp has hosted a continuous stream of national and local jazz talent for nearly 40 years. Originating in O'Bryonville then moving Downtown, the current location at 7th and Race Streets in the heart of the Central Business District has visitors hungry for good food and good music.

Its prime location near many of the Downtown Fortune 500 companies make it a convenient stop for lunch. Combining quick service with hearty homecooking, Blue Wisp is the perfect spot for those looking for an affordable meal that's more than just a grab-n-go sandwich.

Open for lunch on Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays from 11:00-2:00, Blue Wisp serves up ten meals for $10 or less. Some favorites include:

• Battered Tilapia Sandwich served on a bakery hoagie roll with Cajun remoulade and shredded lettuce
• Crab Cake Sandwich served on sourdough bread with lettuce and tomato
• Chef's Cuban Sandwich with smoked pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese with mustard, mayo, and pickles served on pressed sourdough bread
• Veggie Tacos on soft flour tortillas filled with roasted vegetables and black beans, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and avocado salsa
• Blue Wisp Chicken and Waffles lightly breaded chicken served with bacon cheddar waffles
• Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders topped with coleslaw
• Hummus Trio Roasted Red Pepper, Black Bean, and Original hummus served with pita chips
• Build-Your-Own Burger with a choice of 14 gourmet toppings for only $7.00

PIADA OPENS IN HYDE PARK

Cincinnati got its first taste of Piada this month, which opened up in Hyde Park Plaza in the former location of T.G.I. Friday. This will be the first of two southwest Ohio locations the Columbus-based restaurant will open, the second coming soon to Mason.

 

Following the popular walk-the-line style of fast casual restaurants, Piada is best described as an Italian version of Chipolte.  Their three customizable entrees include a giant bowl of salad, a giant bowl of pasta, and the Piada, a thin, stone-grilled wrap brushed with extra virgin olive oil and stuffed with everything from pasta to grilled meat and fresh vegetables.

My friend Maureen first introduced me to Piada while visiting Columbus, and we were delighted to find out one was opening close to home. I've been back three times since the grand opening of the Hyde Park location, each time ordering the same thing. One of the chefs even offered me a complimentary Piada stick with dipping sauce just so I would try something different.

My favorite is the pick two, a similar concept to Panera Bread. Instead of a giant bowl of food, the pick two provides two smaller portions of soup, salad, or pasta. I go with the pasta and salad pairing, with fried calamari as my protein and load both up with an assortment of vegetables, feta and Parmesan cheese. Six sauces, both hot and cold are available for the pasta, as well as five salad dressings. The pomodoro is my go-to pasta sauce, and I often crave the creamy Parmesan dressing for salads.

Pick Two: Salad and Pasta with Calamari

Can't decide? Get a Piada stuffed with pasta AND salad!

In addition, Piada also has Italian sodas on tap, a sweet treat to compliment your Sicilian meal. The best part of all, each epic meal will only cost you $9.00.

Piada is open from 11:00am - 10:00pm seven days a week.

FUSIAN OPENS 4TH RESTAURANT

Cincinnati's favorite foodie entrepreneurs just opened their fourth location in three years. Since getting their start Downtown in 2010, FUSIAN has expanded to Dayton, Columbus, and now Hyde Park.

I've been a regular customer since their first location at Tower Place Mall, and followed them excitedly to their new home at 6th and Vine Street. Since then, the fast casual sushi restaurant has grown by leaps and bounds, but still continues to serve up delicious sushi with a smile.

If you have yet to visit FUSIAN, you're in for a treat. This walk-the-line style restaurant is comparable to Chipotle, except instead of burritos, you're customizing your own sushi roll. With ten kinds of protein, ten sauces, and an assortment of vegetables, the combinations are endless. Each roll comes with ten huge pieces for only $9.00. Both the quantity and the price beat out ordering specialty sushi rolls at an Asian restaurant, which average six pieces and cost $13.00.

With Oakley and Hyde Park being home to Cincinnati's largest concentration of Asian restaurants, FUSIAN will fit right in while offering a concept coined right here in the Queen City.

FUSIAN's newest restaurant is in Hyde Park Plaza in the former T.G.I. Friday location. It is open from 11:00am -10:00pm seven days a week.

MEATBALLS! MEATBALLS!

The joyful chants on hunger rang through Chase Avenue in Northside as we approached. "Meatballs! Meatballs!" the crowd rejoiced.

Once a month, the former location of Northslice Pizza transforms into a pop-up eatery: The Meatball Kitchen. The menu is simple: four kinds of meatballs, two sides, and cupcakes all priced for a meal under $10.00.

The Katz family, creators of Meatball Kitchen, wanted to offer a delicious meal that everyone in the neighborhood can afford. Delicious it is. I sampled a little bit of everything; each and every bite was out of this world.  Three regular meatballs are the traditional beef, turkey, and a fantastic vegetarian meatball made of spinach, black beans, brown rice, mushroom, walnuts, and an array of seasonings. There is also a specialty meatball that changes monthly. Last time it was a beef meatball stuffed full of bacon and cheddar.

Beef meatball sub

Broccoli salad with bacon cheddar meatball and vegetarian meatball

Seasonal sides include a crisp broccoli salad and a potato salad with roasted red pepper sauce instead of mayonnaise. Of course, the cupcakes stand out on their own and will even have those without a sweet tooth clambering for more.

Roasted red pepper potato salad

Strawberry Shortcake cupcakes

Apple Pie cupcake

While I rarely seek out a hoagie, I could see myself visiting Meatball Kitchen on a regular basis. The secret is in the sauce. Made with a wine reduction and a special blend of spices, their marinara rivals my favorite upscale restaurant, Scotti's, which is run by fourth generation Italians. With meatball sandwiches at $5.00 as well as sides and cupcakes for $2.00 each, never has anything so tasty been so affordable.

Originally from the Lower East Side, off of Delancey Street in New York City, the Katzes made the move to Cincinnati to follow their dream. With experience in the restaurant business, Dan Katz whipped up his famous meatballs and tried them out on the public through the pop-up kitchen. After hearing high praises, he decided to look for a permanent storefront, which will be opening in November on Short Vine in Clifton. Katz enlisted the help of his family for this venture: his wife Laura, a graphic designer, created branding for their restaurant, and his sister Tali, an interior designer based in Tel Aviv, Israel, is assisting with constructing the brick-and-mortar.

Dan and Laura Katz with their son

An understated food that over-delivers, the Meatball Kitchen is bringing a new fare with flare to Cincinnati.

The next pop-up restaurant will be hosted Wednesday, August 21 from 6:00-8:30PM.

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT WEEK

One of the most delectable times of the years is Downtown Restaurant Week, which occurs annually in August. Some of the finest eateries in Cincinnati proper welcome guests with an enticing deal: $35 per couple or $35 per plate for a three course meal. This opportunity is perfect for those curious about fine dining, but otherwise don't have the $50+ per person to spend to try out a restaurant.

We took advantage of trying out Local 127, which serves locally-sourced new American cuisine. My friend Cincinnati Nomerati eats here religiously, putting it at the top of my list to try this week.

Smoked Trout, Confit Wing, Porchetta di Testa

Summer salad with soft egg, Parmesan, and anchovy dressing

Lamb Meat Balls, Carrots, Garden Mint, Chili-Sesame Oil

Wild Striped Bass in Balsamic Brown Butter

We also enjoyed Boi Na Braza, a Brazilian steak house with a massive gourmet salad bar and a dozen kinds of meat that is carved fresh from a skewer at your table. Normally, this luxurious, all-you-can-eat experience costs $55+ per person, but for restaurant week, one can get the full deal for only $35.00.

Gaucho carving off a skewer of beef

Downtown Restaurant Week runs from August 5 - August 11 for dinner service only, with 28 venues participating:

Arnold's
Blue Wisp
Boi na Braza
Campanello's
Crave
El Coyote
Istanbul Café
Jack Binion's Steak
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Jimmy G's
Lavomatic Café
Local 127
Mahogany's at the Banks
Metropole
Moerlein Lager House
Morton's The Steakhouse
Nicholson's
Nicola's
Orchids at Palm Court
Palomino
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Taste of Belgium
The Palace
Trattoria Roma
Via Vite
Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
WG Kitchen & Bar
Zula Restaurant & Wine Bar

NEW MENU AT BLUE WISP

Recent changes in management isn't the only fresh arrival on Blue Wisp's plate. The 40-year-old Jazz Club located at Seventh and Race Streets just launched their new menu, featuring soulfood, seafood, sandwiches, and giant salads, plus lighter fare for lunchtime portions.

Chef Marciel asks our group our thoughts on the meals.

Chef Marciel Herring creates seasonal dishes for the restaurant, with menu items changing out every four to eight weeks. His goal with the rotating fare is to keep selections both exciting and consistent. The bar also includes handmade craft cocktails and some Blue Wisp signature drinks. Out of the several dishes we sampled, the Stuffed Chicken Breast with balsamic reduction was a fantastically uncommon flavor that I would order again and again. The Crab Cakes tasted right out of the ocean, with just the right breading and were neither dry nor greasy. Blending mashed potatoes with cream cheese and chives gave this staple dish an added touch of flare. And of course, Blue Wisp's award-winning dessert from the Taste of Cincinnati, their Vanilla Bourbon Bread Pudding, remains on the menu and is still as delicious as ever.

Crab Cakes with a lemon garlic aioli sauce

Stuffed chicken breast with prosciutto, topped with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic reduction sauce

Cream cheese chive mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus

Beef tenderloin medallions with red wine demi-glacé and roasted creamy bleu cheese crumbles

Pan-seared salmon with sweet onion apple cider

Best of Cincinnati Award-winning Dessert:
Vanilla Bourbon Bread Pudding

 

Blue Wisp's new manager, Ken Moore, has big plans to include late night dining options. The Rosemary Clooney Room will cater to the after-hours crowd from 10:00PM-2:00AM offering sandwiches, coneys, nachos, wings, and other comfort food. This is a much-welcomed idea to the Downtown evening scene, which is home to dozens of bars but lacks a good sit-down diner. Currently, only a few walk-up window eateries are open for late night food, which serve only pizza and sandwiches for take away.

Manager Ken Moore tells our group about the changes at Blue Wisp.

Interested in trying out Blue Wisp's new cuisine? Check them out during the Downtown Restaurant Week special: two dinners for $35.00 from August 5-11. Or stop by any time for lunch, dinner, or a late night bite.