Pies to the Occasion
Thanksiving dessert made easy with Meals on Wheels.
Ready to check an item off your Thanksgiving to-do list Head to BustACrust.org and order a pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan or apple pie for $25. Pie sales run through Nov. 11.
Group sales are welcome.
Pie pickup is Nov. 19 at Xavier University’s Alumni Center, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Pies are guaranteed fresh through Thanksgiving Day.
Click here for video of last year's pie pickup.
Making a giant meal for your entire family at Thanksgiving can be exhausting. Luckily, you can find a little help for dessert.
The biggest annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentucky returns for its third year, with pies on sale now.
Not only does this popular pie sale give you a break on baking for the holiday, it is also one of the largest fundraisers in the nation that raises money to feed seniors.
“Bust a Crust is a win-win for everyone,” says Jennifer Steele, CEO of Meals on Wheels. “You get a delicious Thanksgiving dessert without the stress, and thousands of local seniors get the food and services they need to stay in their homes.”
Community Pie-nded
Group sales are available for Bust a Crust!, but those aren’t limited to just businesses looking for a sweet holiday gift for employees.
Last year, Arnold Huckeby bought pies for his neighbors in Loveland.
“It was just a way of making contact with our neighbors,” says Huckeby, who everyone just calls Huck. “It was a way to say ‘This is for you being a good neighbor to us.’ ”
Since last Thanksgiving, one of Huck’s neighbor’s has moved. But he still plans to give a pie to them.
“It’s our way of staying in contact,” he says.
Orders of 20+ pies sell for $15 each while orders of 100+ sell for $13 each. All bulk orders must be made by Friday, Nov. 4.
Meals on Wheels can also arrange for delivery of bulk orders.
To purchase, visit the bulk order website or call 513-661-2777.
Thousands of pies are donated to the fundraiser each year by local “pie masters” – bakers and bakeries from around the region. This year, Meals on Wheels also welcomed presenting sponsor Sara Lee and featured restaurant sponsor, Walt's Hitching Post.
In 2021, Bust A Crust sold more than 3,000 pies, which provided more than 10,000 seniors in the region with meals and more. This year's goal is 5,000 pies, which would provide assistance to more than 15,000 local seniors. Each pie sold provides meals and more for a Greater Cincinnati senior for an entire week.
Gourd for You
I don’t know about you, but when the Fall weather makes its way into the Tristate, I’m ready to cook all the things!
I figure, why not share my love of cooking and the recipes i’ve gathered/modified along the way with you.
For our first Foodie from Home edition, we’re making White Bean Chicken Chili…with a surprising ingredient..
Pumpkin! Well, pumpkin puree to be exact. No, the pumpkin puree doesn’t add a pumpkin pie flavor. And yes, it does make the soup creamier and yes, even a bit better for you, because of the added fiber.
The base of this recipe is simple and you can add or subtract most ingredients and still end up with a great meal.
FOR THIS RECIPE:
3 chicken breasts
a couple cloves of garlic
half a red onion
extra virgin olive oil
1 can of green chiles
1 can of diced, stewed tomatoes
1/2 a container of low sodium chicken broth
2 cans cannellini beans
1/2 a 32 oz container of chicken broth or stock
one can of pumpkin puree.
Dice your onion of choice (I had half a red onion at home so I used that) and smash/peel three cloves of garlic.
Add that to a pot and sauté with a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil.
Let the onions and garlic cook down for a few minutes, then add your chicken breast and additional EVOO if your pot is dry.
Season your chicken with cumin and rosemary. (Again, you can add or subtract ingredients/seasonings here but the cumin really adds a great chili flavor).
Flip the chicken breast, cook a little longer and then add 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of green chiles, 2 cans of cannellini beans, 1/2 the container of chicken broth and stir.
Next, add your can of pumpkin puree! It doesn’t change the flavor, rather, adds a creaminess to the chili.
Now, let the soup simmer on low for 25-30 minutes.
Pro tip:
When cooking soups, stews or any other dish with a bunch of ingredients, keep a bowl nearby. You can toss your empty cans and discarded vegetable ends in there. It’ll keep your work area free of clutter.
Remove the chicken breasts to a bowl, let cool a few moments and shred with 2 forks.
Return chicken to the soup and let cook down for another 30-45 minutes.
That’s it! I topped my soup with shredded cheese, sour cream and a drizzle of hot sauce.
A dash of cilantro would be great here too!
Let us know what you think when you try this recipe!
– Lauren Artino
It's About Wine
Sarah Jessica Parker's wine, Invivo, is now available at Kroger.
On Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw famously quipped “I save my carbs for wine – it's called priorities.”
But wine is now even more of a priority for the actress who brought Carrie to life.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s award-winning-wine Invivo X, SJP is now available at 1,173 local Kroger locations.
Parker met with Kroger staff and customers at the On the Rhine Kroger store to introduce the wine. Born in Nelsonville, Ohio, Parker attended Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, which is located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood near the store.
“Kroger is proud to launch the award-winning Invivo X in our stores with Sarah Jessica Parker, not only for wine enthusiasts to enhance their palette, but to also support the elimination of food insecurity in communities worldwide,” said Nicole Chaffin, Wine Category Manager at Kroger. Invivo donated 330,000 school meals to FEED recently.
Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc is a collaboration between Parker and New Zealand-based business partners Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, co-founders of Invivo winery. The wine has received three 90+-point ratings from “Wine Spectator” for its first three vintages and was rated in their Top 100 Wines of the World from more than 10,000 wines tasted.
Parker has been hands on with Invivo X, SJP, from tasting and blending to the design of the bottle, and even serving on the board of Invivo USA.
“It was a real treat to be able to further immerse myself in the winemaking and blending process with my Invivo X, SJP partners Tim and Rob, having just blended our fourth vintage of much-loved Sauvignon Blanc together,” said Parker. “We are honored to share our enthusiasm for this special wine from Marlborough, New Zealand with wine lovers everywhere, including now in Ohio, which means a great deal to me.”
Launched in September 2019, Invivo X, SJP has grown rapidly in popularity.1.5 million bottles have been sold globally since launch and latest sales data shows that Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc has been one of the fastest growing Sauvignon Blancs in the US over the summer*. The ‘X’ on the ‘Invivo X, XJP’ wine label represents Sarah Jessica’s signature Instagram sign-off “X, SJ” in addition to the collaboration between Invivo and Sarah Jessica Parker and was hand-painted by Sarah Jessica herself.
“Every time we blend the new vintage of Sauvignon Blanc, Sarah Jessica continues to push the style and her blending skills are really evolving,” said Cameron. “This year’s wine has a touch of oak introduced to it – given Sarah Jessica’s love for Chardonnay - and has a lovely, soft, full-bodied palate. It’s still representative of Sauvignon Blanc with its tropical fruit aromas and a nice interplay of fruit and acid, but with Sarah Jessica’s unique handprint on it.”
Vegan-friendly and 100% certified sustainably produced, Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc is made with grapes grown in the popular Marlborough region in the South Island of New Zealand; they flourish in the region’s long, hot summer days, and long, cold and crisp winter nights with sea breeze from the nearby Pacific.
To find your nearest store, visit Invivoxsjp.com.
Tasty Treats
Kenwood County Club’s Chief Executive Chef, Sean Sennet and his team are up to the task to feed the hungry bellies at the Queen City Championship.
Chef Sean Sennet
Kenwood Country Club will welcome a record number of people this week.
From the world’s best LPGA players, their teams, local and national media, club members, volunteers, to all those spectators.
That’s a lot of hungry people.
But Kenwood Country Club’s Chief Executive Chef Sean Sennet and his team are up to the task.
We toured one of two kitchens at the club earlier this week and chatted with the crew while they were prepping and planning for the week.
On Tuesday morning, the team had already prepared breakfast and lunch for nearly 200 people, including local media, sponsors, perhaps most importantly, and the players.
“With the LPGA, it’s going to feel like there’s an extravaganza. There’s going to be something going on all the time,” Sennet said. “We have pizza ovens, we have smokers. So, you’re going to smell a BBQ, there will be hickory in the air.”
Of course, food and beverage service will be available to spectators on the course, too, but special events throughout the week will feature chef’s menu.
In addition to all of the work for players and spectators, Sennet and his team are developing a special menu for the skybox suites while continuing to serve club member meals throughout the week.
“We just want to showcase what we have here, we love providing a different flair,” he said. “I want to create that buzz.”
– Lauren Artino
Stay tuned for pictures and video of all the yummy treats our team gets to dive into this week!
Keeping Fizzy
Fizzy Beez flies into local stores and supports Queen City Pollinator Project.
Looking for the perfect refresher after a long day of watching LPGA action. Grab a Fizzy Beez!
Launched earlier this year by LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam along with her husband Mike McGee, and business partner, Kathy Johanson, Fizzy Beez has expanded to four ready-to-drink flavors and is available through the Greater Cincinnati area.
Fizzy Beez is a full-flavored, canned cocktail available in Mojito, Cosmo, Margarita and Moscow Mule, all sweetened with a touch of pure organic honey.
“I’m always on the go and have always cared about being healthy and active. When I relax and want to enjoy a cocktail, I want it to have flavor. So, we made our own RTD’s with natural ingredients we can feel good about,” Sorenstam said. “We are also female owned and give back through our Fizzy Beez Promise.”
Sorenstam is often regarded as the greatest female golfer of all-time. During her 15-year, Hall of Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards, and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed, and covered.
As a champion of sustainability, Sorenstam and the Fizzy Beez team have committed to giving back to non-profit organizations who take care of bees and the ecosystem. The first recipient of the Fizzy Beez Promise was Cincinnati’s own Queen City Pollinator Project, a non-profit committed to protecting pollinators of every sort through education and beekeeping.
QCPP was born out of the friendship that founders Carrie Driehaus and Jenny O’Donnell formed over a beehive and a cup of coffee. They were quickly dubbed Bee-FFs and within a few months, they had formed a 501-C3 with the goal of changing the world. Soon after, the duo became a trio when Sylvana Ross joined the call to action.
“The Fizzy Bee Promise to sustainable business practices through recycling and supporting non-profit organizations who care for our pollinator communities aligns with Kroger’s goals to reduce climate impacts and conserve natural resources,” said Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division. “We are proud to partner with Annika to offer a fresh product to our customers just in time backyard barbeques with family and friends.”
River Brews
With a menu of handcrafted cocktails, beer flights and elevated sports bar dishes, The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar brings its Cincinnati-inspired charms to The Banks starting Sept. 8.
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar,
25 E. Freedom Way, The Banks
For more information visit thefilson.com.
With a busy Fall at The Banks –Bengals games, concerts at the Brady Music Center, BLINK – visitors will have great new option for drinks and dinner.
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar, the latest venture from BRG Concepts, opens Thursday, Sept. 8.
“The Banks already has a terrific, diverse collection of food and beverage options,” says Tracy Schwegmann, marketing director at The Banks. “The Filson builds on that – Another locally owned and operated business offering a broad menu of quick bites, full entrees, sandwiches and salads for lunch, dinner, and event or game days.”
The 10,000 square foot restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor seating conveniently located between the Reds and Bengals Stadiums, and overlooking the Andrew Brady J. Music Center.
The Filson boasts a modern design spearheaded by local design firm, The Drawing Department, and incorporates the rich history of Cincinnati through an interactive, 200-piece memorabilia collage specially curated by local art aficionado, Jake Gerth.
The menu at the Filson features a wide variety of handcrafted cocktails, local beers, beer flights, and their famous “beertails.” The menu will feature elevated sports bar dishes including the FM Steak Sandwich, The Porkopolis Burger, and the The Nola Pizza.
Diners will also find shared snacks like Über (De Rhine) Pretzel, braided pretzels toasted with everything seasoning, and served with honey mustard ham spread, and beer cheese; along with their Court Street Nachos with fried corn tortilla chips, choice of chicken or beef, refried beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and topped with sour cream.
“We’ve been involved with The Banks project since its initial construction,” explains J.R. Anderson, vice president of development for Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, “And The Filson is a concept that we have been wanting to bring to the area for a long time. We’ve watched the momentum grow as each new phase of The Banks has been completed, and we feel like The Filson is a great addition to the existing restaurant community in downtown Cincinnati.”
Coming Home
Curious about what's happening at The Welcome Project in Camp Washington? See how they are building community through Soup & Stories.
Soup & Stories
Held every Wednesday, 12 – 3 p.m.
The Welcome Project, 2940 Colerain Ave.
For more information call (513) 437-0387 or email welcomeprojectcincinnati@gmail.com
If you’ve driven down Colerain Avenue in Camp Washington and wondered what's happening inside The Welcome Project, you’re not alone.
Here’s one of the many answers to your questions, Soup & Stories.
“I cook Mexican food. I’m from Mexico,” says Lety Sanchez, the interim chef at The Welcome Project. “I have been living here for six years now and I like to make everything from scratch, like the traditional way it’s made in Mexico.
Lety Sanchez
She and many others take time from their busy schedules every week to shop, prepare, cook and serve meals to people who walk through the doors of The Welcome Project.
“I have been cooking traditional dishes like pozole, (I’ve) met a lot of nice people here that are open and willing to try new food, new culture,” says Sanchez. “So, for me, it’s a way to share my background, my culture, my family history.”
The Welcome Project works to empower and connect our area’s refugee and immigrant communities, and it does this through a variety of programs that connect, assist, and inspire people through art and food.
“Soup & Stories is how people overcome difficulty, maybe tragedy and how you can be reborn after a tragic incident,” says Sanchez.
For this Soup & Stories, Sanchez is preparing homemade chili with a side of rice mixed with carrots, peas, and corn with lettuce, with the the help of her two daughters.
As they cook, people file into the space. Many of the visitors are business professionals who have come to learn more about the organization. They find a place at a table in thee middle of the room, with the open kitchen behind them and an art gallery in the next room.
The Welcome Project is next to WavePool Art Gallery. The organizations work together on a number of project, including mock citizenship interview opportunities. Other programs include the Camp Washington farmer’s market, artist made goods, and an ever-changing art gallery.
“It’s another way we can connect with community members,” says Erika Allen, The Welcome Project’s interim director. “We become friends and they tell us what it is that they need. Sometimes, they give us suggestions, they come in to say ‘hello.’ It has created so many friendships.”
– Lauren Artino
Order on the Court
Tennis anyone? The Western & Southern Open serves some of Cincinnati's favorite dishes, along with ace musical performances and shopping.
The Western & Southern Open
Lindner Family Tennis Center
Saturday, Aug. 13 – Sunday, Aug. 21
Individual daily tickets for all sessions are on sale, with multi-day ticket packages sold out. Find ticket information at wsopen.com/tickets.
Heading to the Western & Southern Open to see some of the best tennis players in the world? Bring your appetite.
While there is plenty of world-class tennis to watch across 17 courts, tennis fans also have an array of activities, music, food and drinks to enjoy in between matches.
This year’s tournament, running from Aug. 13-21, features global stars such as Venus and Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios. The breath-taking power and entertainment on the court is just the beginning of a day at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
The Western & Southern Open hosts 15 restaurants, many of which are local to Cincinnati, to complement the on-site concession stands with a variety of options. Those dining locations include fan favorites such as Brü Brothers Coffee, Firehouse Subs, FlipSide Burger, Fusian, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Kala Greek Grill, LaRosa’s Pizzeria, Mazunte, Philly Pretzel Factory, Prime, Skyline Chili, and Street City Pub. New this year are Chicken Salad Chick, Hunny Bee’s and Planet Smoothie.
Those looking to hit the bar can head to the new Top Deck on the Mezzanine Level at Center Court. There you’ll find the official tournament cocktail, the Ace Paloma, featuring Maestro Dobel Tequila. This year’s signature bar areas are Kim Crawford Wine Garden, Michelob Ultra Legends Bar, Moet Champagne Bar and Northside Distillery Co. New this year is NUTRL, available just north of Center Court in the Partner Plaza and across the grounds.
What goes better with drinks than music! Fans will find a nearly nonstop program of musical acts at the Motorola Edge Stage every day of the tournament. With 24 scheduled acts covering country, folk, jazz, rock and more there is something for every musical taste. Bands Willie Nelson Mandala, The Sunburners and the Annette Shepard Trio will perform on championship weekend.
While fans move around between the courts, they will find plenty of shops to browse in. At the south end of the Food Court is Tennis Point, the Official Retail Partner of the Western & Southern Open. This 14,000 square foot store offers a wide selection of Western & Southern Open gear, including official FILA tournament merchandise. In addition, this store offers rackets and apparel so fans can get some of the same equipment they are seeing the pros use on court. North of the stadium is the Partner Plaza where fans can shop for jewelry, sunglasses, apparel and more.
Located just inside the south entrance adjacent to the Grandstand Court is the new Grand Courtyard. Designed with fans of all ages in mind, the Grand Courtyard will feature outdoor lounge seating near big screens for match viewing, interactive entertainment experiences, a pop-up bar, Courtyard Conversations, Pups and Players, tournament trivia and product sampling. Fans can add to a Paint by Number mural presented by ArtWorks, take a photo with a replica trophy at Rookwood Pottery, compete in a tennis challenge hosted by USTA Midwest or the Porsche Car Challenge and play on the Medical Mutual Mini Courts. Fans can also relax in the shade or kick back in an Adirondack chair with a Kim Crawford drink or Graeter’s ice cream cup in hand. Every day’s experience will be different, giving fans a reason to continue coming back to see what’s new and exciting.
Another new activity to try this year, free to all fans, is TrueTennisVR, a virtual reality system that could help improve fans’ tennis skills. It was first tested in Cincinnati and now comes to the city’s biggest tennis event. TrueTennisVR will be located in the Partner Plaza near the north entrance. While there, get player autographs at the Western & Southern Experience and visit a variety of retailers.
The Sweetest Thing
Yummy pastries in the morning give way to flavorful ramen in the evenings at Mochiko, with a menu of Asian American comfort food from a husband and wife team.
Those who know, know.
But if you don’t, we can help you out.
Cafe Mochiko is the place to be if you're looking for authentic Asian American eats.
Many of the cafe’s dedicated clientele rave about its pastries (served mornings and afternoons) and nightly ramen offerings (with locally sourced ingredients).
We stopped into this Walnut Hills hot spot on a busy Saturday morning and pretty much ordered the entire menu.
Photos by Shae Combs
From the Ube Croissant to the Kimchi and Egg Croissant, and the BBQ Pork Snow Bao to the Taro Mochi Donut, everything was delish.
Husband and wife owners, Erik Bentz and Elaine Townsend welcomed us in. Both professional chefs, the couple’s culinary adventures brought them to Cincinnati and Cafe Mochiko.
But does Mochiko mean? Well, it’s not what we thought!
“Mochiko is a glutinous rice flour that we use often and it's also named after our dog, Mochi,” said Townsend. “She’s a poodle and we love her!”
“We have pastries, coffee and tea in the morning,” she said. “We break for a little bit and then at night it turns into a dimly lit cafe with Japanese comfort food.”
That Japanese comfort food includes Broccoli Gomae (a vegan dish of broccoli with sweet sesame dressing), Miso Eggplant (roasted eggplant, sweet spicy miso glaze, and tamaki gold rice), and Karrage (fried soy-marinated chicken thigh, and kewpie mayo).
Mochiko also offers authentic ramen dishes that change weekly.
The restaurant, which began as a pop-up, opened in Walnut Hills in the early 2021.
Bentz says the response from the community has been positive. But from what we saw on our visit, that's an understatement. The lines grow quickly, so make sure you get there early!
Stay tuned to Cincinnati People! We're sharing a profile on the owners and their amazing menu later this fall!
Out in the Cold
In a city of delicious ice cream options how do you choose a favorite? You don't! But Kathrine Nero tackles the hard of work to find some of the best in the (frozen) business
We All Scream
The Cone, 6855 Tylersville Rd., West Chester
thecone.com
Golden Gelato, 130 W. Pike St., Covington
www.goldengelatocov.com
Piper’s Cafe, 520 W. Sixth St., Covington
www.piperscafe.biz
Hello Honey, 1530 Madison Rd., Walnut Hills
118 N. Ft. Thomas, Ft. Thomas
www.hellohoneyicecream.com
Bold Face Dairy Bar, 801 Mt. Hope Ave., www.boldfacedairybar.com
Honey Child Artisan Pops, various locations
www.honeychildpops.com
Traveling the Tristate, sampling ice cream – Someone’s got to do it, right?
For three years, my daughters and I have been on the hunt for the coolest creamy whips, the sweetest scoop shops, and the most iconic ice cream establishments you may or may not have heard of.
And as National Ice Cream Month draws to a close, it’s only fair we share a few of our under-the-radar favorites. After all, there are four more weeks left in summer. That’s a lot of treats to be had.
The Cone
The bright orange and vanilla swirl cone in West Chester isn’t just a ploy for more Instagram pics. It’s also a reference to “The Cone’s Famous Orange Sherbet,” which is, as they point out, “conemade” daily from a secret recipe.
You can eat your ice cream inside or out, and there are even small rides for the little ones. Plus, if your family is peanut-, dairy- or sugar-free, you can make everyone happy here.
Our pick: the blueberry swirl. Perfect for fans of a certain theme park’s blue ice cream, mixed with vanilla soft serve for the perfect summer treat.
The Covington Trifecta: Piper’s, Golden Gelato and eishaus
The thing that makes these three spots special is that they are completely different, and yet all within walking distance. From soft serve in every flavor imaginable to authentic Italian gelato to German-style spaghetti eis, you’ll find out one of the many reasons why people love the Cov.
Piper’s Cafe
Piper’s specializes in soft serve flavor combinations - they’re up to about 45,000 these days. The menu can be overwhelming, but where else can you get a key lime pie and cheesecake - or cantaloupe and pomegranate swirl?
Piper’s offerings are lactose free and vegan, and they even hand make their craft sodas.
Our pick: the swirl of your choice in the house made waffle cone. You can’t miss.
Golden Gelato
Golden Gelato serves authentic gelato and sorbetto, in keeping with the Italian tradition, but not forgetting the owners’ Kentucky roots. Everything is scratch-made and the flavors change frequently, which means there’s always something new to try. You’ll find flavors running the gamut from bourbon old fashion to blueberry mascarpone, strawberry balsamic to stracciatella.
Our pick: go with the regular cup, where you can add up to three flavors. Choose a traditional flavor, a personal favorite and one that’s off the wall. Or better yet: Ask your server for their favorite.
eishaus
eishaus and its companion restaurant, frosthaus, are neighborhood favorites in downtown Covington. eishaus is famous for its spaghetti eis, which looks exactly like a spaghetti noodles and sauce, but tastes like heaven.
While the kids are enjoying their spaghetti eis or one of the decadent specialty milkshakes, the adults can pop into frosthaus next door and go for a boozy slush or milkshake. It’s a win-win.
Our pick: The spaghetti eis 3-way, which at first glance you’ll mistake for a Cincinnati chili 3-way, with chocolate sauce, shaved yellow chocolate and mini vanilla wafers.
Hello Honey
If you want to go a little fancier, Hello Honey has the ice cream of your foodie dreams. With a shop in Walnut Hills, a new location in Ft. Thomas and one about to open on Race Street, Hello Honey appeals to the adventurous ice cream eater.
Flavors like charcoal black sesame, lemon poppyseed cardamom and berry earl gray sit right beside old favorites like cookies and cream and brownie fudge.
Our pick: flavors rotate frequently, but anything with “honey” in the name is a winner: honey lavender is a family favorite.
Bold Face Dairy Bar
If you love a creamy whip walk-up window, this one’s for you. Bold Face Dairy Bar in Price Hill’s Incline District offers an eclectic mix of flavors from unusual (chai tea, cardamom, bourbon barrel stout) to familiar (pistachio, strawberry, malt).
Its claim to fame is the Bold Face Cone, which is loaded with toppings and covered in 23 karat gold leaf.
Our pick: Anything with conglomeration crunch, the Bold Face topping that’s a combination of all your favorite candies. It’s perfect on coffee or caramel ice cream.
Honey Child Artisan Pops
Ok, so it’s not ice cream exactly. It’s a frozen treat, and we’ll allow it.
You’ll see Honey Child’s colorful cart and umbrella all over town, from festivals to Findlay Market, and now in stores like Whole Foods and Clifton Market. All Honey Child Pops are made without cane sugar, and its Power Pop line offers superfoods blended right in – and you won’t even notice.
Our pick: The strawberry basil play pop. Refreshing and delicious.
Putz’s Creamy Whip
Sometimes you just gotta get back to basics. And that’s where Putz’s comes in. It’s an old-school creamy whip with a full menu of hot dogs and walking tacos and a list of sweet treats a mile long.
Remember it’s cash only, but you won’t need a ton. This has been an affordable West Side treat since 1936.
Our pick: The kids will like the ice man or ice lady, a slushy with ice cream - and a candy face. Plus, the super thick cyclone can’t be missed.
Our years of field research have led me to this not-so-scientific conclusion: in truth, there’s no such thing as bad ice cream. So go forth, research – and enjoy.
– Kathrine Nero
Good for the Soul
Black-owned restaurants take center stage at Cincy Soul: The Black Taste this weekend.
If You Go
Cincy Soul
Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets
Food and vendor all three days, with FREE music on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday, July 22, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Sunday, July 24, 12 – 10 p.m.
More info at www.cincysoulblacktaste.com
With tons of concerts, music, world-renowned speakers, and even roller skating, a person can get hungry.
Luckily, Cincy Soul: Black Taste Festival is here to help you keep your strength up.
Cincy Soul features food from locally owned Black restaurants, food trucks, and caterers, where you can bbq to desserts, and a bit of everything in between.
Cincy Soul is a collaborative effort within the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky culinary community, coordinated by volunteers to highlight African American entrepreneurship, while celebrating the Black experience through culinary excellence.
This event also provides a great way to engage with Black culture, heritage and tradition through visual arts, cultural displays, and music.
See free concerts all day on Saturday and Sunday on Fountain Square.
World Building
Up your culinary game with the international flavors and cooking classes at TBSP Cooking in Findlay Market.
“I love taking cooking classes when I travel,” says Jordan Hamons, owner of Tablespoon Cooking Company. “It’s one of my favorite things to do!”
But Hamons love to teach cooking classes as well.
Jordan Hamons, founder of Tablespoon, is a classically-trained chef, culinary educator, and food and beverage consultant. Her experience includes working as a professional corporate chef, private chef, and caterer.
She is a graduate of the Lindner Honors–PLUS Program at the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business and completed her culinary training at Midwest Culinary Institute. Follow Jordan’s personal Instagram for the latest snack reviews, her obsession with the Container Store, or her second passion (after food): all things Disney.
Find upcoming classes at www.tablespooncookingco.com.
“I made my hobby my business,” she says. “They say not to do that, but that’s what I did!”
Working with a team of professional chefs and educators, Hamons strives to help cooks of all skill levels learn to create a joyful experience.
Hamons also works with outside chefs who can help create authentic experiences for international dishes.
“Not only do they share the flavors, they can share cultural anecdotes and let you know things you’d never know unless you were part of the culture,” she says.
As as example, Sarah Dworak, owner of Wodka Bar and Babushka Pierogis, talks about making pierogis with her grandmother when she was growing up. Through personal history, she’s able to offer a context for the dish. She brings she story of the dish – and her past – to life.
“Food is the best way to learn about a place or a culture,” says Hamons. “Taking a class is a great way to do that.”
“I love to eat and travel!” says Hamons. “Of course I do the history and cultural stuff. But I get inspired by getting out of my normal environment and seeing how other people do things, what’s new, and what's interesting.”
Tablespoon bills itself as a culinary confidence builder, offering cooking classes and events that aim to demystify the kitchen.
“I wanted to create more of an experience and become part of community fabric at Findlay Market,” she says.
Classes offer the chance to meet people and learn at the same time.
“At our classes, not only are you learning a new skill, you socialize with the instructor and others in the class and go through the experience together,” says Hamons. “And at the end, you have a delicious meal!”
Everybody’s All-American
Big Boy's new BFF? Nathan's Hot Dogs. See what they've cooked up.
Two of America's most iconic menu items are teaming up this summer, as Frisch's Big Boy burger and Nathan’s Famous hot dog create a match made in backyard barbecue heaven.
To kick off National Hot Dog Month, which starts July 1, all Frisch’s Big Boy locations will carry the Nathan’s Famous 100% all-beef hot dog – the very same one served at Nathan’s original Coney Island location. It’s also made with the same secret spice recipe dating back over a century, and the same one devoured annually at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th.
All locations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio will serve Nathan’s Famous hot dogs beginning July 1. Toppings include chili (of course!), cheese, diced onions, sauerkraut, and bacon bits.
Get On Board
Too hot to cook? Keep it simple and pick up a charcuterie board.
Given the current heat wave, it is, as they say, too hot to cook. It may occasionally feel like it’s too hot to even eat.
But since humans can’t live on popsicles, you still need to eat something. How do bite-sized portions of delicious cheese, fruit and meat sound? Delicious, right?
Charcuterie boards aren’t just for art openings and cocktail parties! You can enjoy some of the best quality and mostly balanced meals – prepared by experts – by ordering a small (or large, no judgement) board and leave the cooking for the Fall.
Morsel & Nosh
This neighborhood delicatessen and specialty grocery in Northside offers a wide selection of fine cheeses, cured meats, and grocery and specialty items from local, regional, and artisan producers. You’ll also find grab-and-go options and made-to-order soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Morsel & Nosh
4183 Hamilton Ave.
Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.
Closed Wednesday
morselandnosh.com
In addition to all of that, they also have a great selection of cheeses, so you could create your own cheese board. But isn’t that really best left to the experts?
Morsel & Nosh is famous for their mandalas – a presentation of cheese, charcuterie, and accoutrements arranged in a beautiful pattern. Each tray is unique creation, with a chef’s choice of meat and cheese.
Small Mandala is $49 (serves 12–14 people); medium is $79 (for 16–18 people), and the large is $129 (for 18–22 people).
Bohemian Boards – a more traditional presentation – offer artisan cheeses, artisan charcuterie, and more.
A small Bohemian is $49 (4–6 people), the medium $79 (12–14 people), and a large $129 (16–18 people).
Urban Stead
If you want to guarantee you and your cheese have the same zip code, head to Urban Stead. This urban cheese company makes and sells cheese in their East Walnut Hills store.
Urban Stead Cheese
3036 Woodburn Ave.
Friday, 3–9 p.m., Saturday, 2–9 p.m.
Closed Sunday to Thursday for cheese-making.
www.urbansteadcheese.com
You’ll also find a full-service entertainment shop, with beer and wine to pair with their cheeses. Along with locally made cheddar and gouda, Urban Stead makes a delicious (like can’t stop eating it) pimento cheese.
Their cheese and charcuteries boards include fruit, jams, pickled items, and nuts, based on seasonal availability. Boards can be customized to include your favorites. A Single board, which serves 6 to 8 people, is $60 ($75 with charcuterie) and a Grand Slam, for 25 to 40 people goes for $275.
The Rhined
This Over-the-Rhine shop specializes in American cheese, and we’re not talking about plastic-wrapped singles. They have a focus on domestic, small batch cheese with many regional selections.
The Rhined
1737 Elm Street
Monday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
www.therhined.com
They promise to only put cheeses they love in their case, from producers with integrity. The same philosophy extends to their selection of wine, selling from small producer.
Their cheese and charcuterie boards include an assortment of their artisan cheeses plusFindlay Market-sourced fruits and vegetables and Sixteen Bricks baguette. The Rhined Mini is $25, and serves two. The Rhined Itty Bitty is $15, and is a single serving.
They also serve a cheese “cake,” which is three tiers of artisan cheeses, with fruit, fresh herbs and flowers.
As an FYI, Share Cheese Bar, at 6105 Ridge Ave., is closing on June 30 to move to a NEW location at 6041 Montgomery Road. While they are no longer accepting orders, you can still stop in to pick up goodies before their big move.
Go West
50 West is a one-stop spot for summer fun, for all ages. For real.
Located outside Mariemont on Route 50, the craft brewery prides itself on burgers, beer, and more all served in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Step up to the window and choose from four different sandwich options – a single burger, a double, chicken, or black bean burger – and 13 different ways to eat those sandwiches. The different topping options are based on flavor profiles from the states that border Route 50, which runs coast to coast.
There are also shareable items, ranging from loaded fries to a pita platter along with plenty of kid-friendly options that includes chicken tenders and hot dogs.
But 50 West is best known for their craft beer, which is available on tap and in cans. But they are also make their own craft sodas! Root beer and orange soda are always on tap, with rotating flavors available throughout the year. 50 West also has special monthly craft shakes.
Outside of the beer garden, the sand pit is a great space for families – kids can bring their own sand toys and dig in!
For bigger kids, sand volleyball is offered Monday through Thursday, with courts available for reservation from 12 to 6 p.m. and sand volleyball leagues from 6 to 11 p.m. Pickleball is also offered during the week, with reservations available from 12 to 6 p.m. and league play from 6 to 10 p.m.
When there’s no pickleball, cornhole is set up!
–Megan Coffey
On a Roll
Frisch’s Big Boy rolls into its 75th anniversary at the Court Street Plaza Roller Rink, with Craft Butcher Burgers and summertime floats.
Wheel Fun
Frisch’s Roller Rink opens for Memorial Day Weekend at Court Street Plaza.
Friday, May 27
Rink Open 4–8 p.m.
4–4:30p.m.: Grand Opening: Speakers include Mayor Aftab Pureval, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, Jordin Nabi, VP of Marketing for Frisch’s, and Christy Samad, Senior VP of Event Management for 3CDC.
4–8 p.m.: Grand Opening Skate Party hosted by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, Die Hard Skater and Founder of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
Saturday, May 28
Rink Open 12–8 p.m.
12–4 p.m.: Open Skate with music from DJ Hershe B
12–p.m.: Frisch’s float sampling
2–4 p.m.: Frisch’s burger sampling; Open skate with the Cincinnati Rollergirls, Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls and Wooly Bully
4p to 8p: Roller rink complemented by The BlaCk Market presented by BlaCk OWned and BallR Media
Sunday, May 29
Rink Open 12–8 p.m.
12–4 p.m.: Open Skate with music from DJ Hershe B
4–8 p.m.: Lando’s Old School Skating Happy Hour, Music by DJ Vader Mixx
Monday, May 30
Rink Open 12–6 p.m.
12–6 p.m. Family Fun Day – Music featuring DJ Diamond, appearances by Big Boy & his mascot friends! A fun time with field day (like) games on skates, face painting and more - inclusive for all ages!
Additional activations of the Frisch’s Roller Rink will be announced in the coming weeks, along with more details about celebrations of Frisch’s 75th anniversary
Is there a better way to celebrate your anniversary than with a burger? Frisch’s doesn’t think so.
Frisch’s Big Boy kicks off their 75th anniversary celebration, fittingly on National Burger Day, Saturday, May 28, with a new line of Craft Butcher Burgers and giveaways.
Frisch’s is rolling out three new Craft Butcher Burgers, made with fresh, never frozen beef patties and fresh ingredients.
Patrons at Frisch’s new mobile roller rink, in partnership with 3CDC, will be among the first to sample the new burgers during the rink’s roll-out on Saturday, May 28, from 2-4 p.m. on Court Street Plaza.
In addition to burgers, skaters can sample Frisch’s float creations crafted by local mixologist Molly Wellmann from 12 to 2 p.m. The floats will be available throughout the summer at Frisch’s Big Boy.
The new burgers are quarter pound burgers with three variations. The Classic Craft Butcher Burger is loaded with cheese, aioli, pickles, leaf lettuce and tomatoes. The BLT Craft Butcher burger features cheese, bacon, aioli, pickles, leaf lettuce and tomatoes. The BBQ Jack Craft Butcher Burger has pepper jack cheese, an onion ring, BBQ sauce, pickles, leaf lettuce and tomatoes. All are available for a limited time at all Frisch’s location.
Frisch’s and 3CDC have entered into a three-year partnership with the Frisch’s Roller Rink, a 10,000 square foot mobile roller rink that will have the ability to pop up in a variety of locations in the urban core. Outdoor roller skates will be available for rent for $5, and the price of admission will be $2. Patrons may also bring their own skates.
One for the Road
Ready to hit the road to Taste of Cincinnati? See the winners from this week's Food Truck Alley competition for the"can't miss" dishes next weekend.
After a two-year hiatus, we understand people are excited about the return of Taste of Cincinnati. This week, lucky diners got a sneak peek at some of the dishes, with the Best of Taste Food Truck Preview.
2002 Food Truck Alley @ Taste of Cincinnati
Adena’s Beefstroll
Buffalo’s Best
Cups ‘N Cones
Dine-In Hawaiian
El Chevito
Empanadas Aqui
House Cafe & Catering
MamaBear’s Mac
Marty’s Waffles
Off The Hook
Quite Frankly
Red Sesame
S.E.A. Cuisine
Streetpops
SugarSnap!
Sweet Jazz Treats Bakery
Texas Joe Tex-Mex
Wicked Hickory
Officially, the event was part of the judging for “Best of Taste of Cincinnati,” which highlights the event’s top menu items. But for attendees it was chance to try new and sample favorite dishes from some beloved local food trucks.
Food Truck Best of Taste:
Soup/Salad/Side
Gold: Texas Joe Tex Mex– Nopales & Calabaza Vegan or Vegetarian Bowl
Silver: House Café and Catering – Truffle Mac & Cheese
Bronze: Wicked Hickory - Dirty South Shot
Appetizer
Gold: Dine-In Hawaiian – Fried Musubi
Silver: Wicked Hickory – Smoked Meat Nachos
Bronze: Off the Hook – Shrimp Fritters
Entrée
Gold: Buffalo’s Best – Chicken Wings
Silver: Off the Hook – Cod Nibbler
Bronze: MamaBear’s Mac – Bruschetta Grilled Cheese
Dessert
Gold: House Café and Catering – Cannoli French Toast
Silver: SugarSnap! - Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae
Bronze: Streetpops – Strawberry Rose Cream Streetpop
Taste of Cincinnati will be Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30, with menu items ranging from $4-$8 from more than 30 participating restaurants from throughout the region.
A Real Handful
Sample some of the best local street food at the Real Taco Fest this weekend, with food from local vendors including Bakersfield, Mazunte, and Olla, and one-of-a-kind margs from Karrikin.
If You Go
Tickets are required for entry and are $10. Attendees will be able to choose from one of two available sessions: 12–4pm or 6–10pm.
Food and drink tickets at the festival are $4; 1 ticket = 1 taco at vendors.
Tickets to attend are now available at www.realtacofest.com.
Do you like tacos? Of course you do – Everyone likes tacos.
Get your fill from more than a dozen local restaurants and vendors, including Mazunte, Condado Tacos, El Barril Mexican Sports Bar, and Mesa Loca at The Real Taco Fest, on Saturday, May 14 at Smale Riverfront Park
“We’ve all been to a food festival where lines are too long, or options are limited,” says Ben Howard, festival producer. “But it’s impossible not to notice the love our city has for tacos. Just ask anyone where their favorite taco in town is from and you’ll get a different answer each time!”
Because a street taco’s best friend is beer, Fifty West Brewing Company will be on site. Rather have a margarita? Karrikin Spirits Company has created the one-of-a-kind “Smokey Blaze”– an in-house infusion of Blaze Agave Spirit with Pineapple and Smoked Poblano Peppers –just for the festival, teaming up with Mesa Loca.
But the event is family-friendly with live music and access to the Smale’s playground, with children 10 and under free to attend.
A “Super Taco Pack”– 11 food and drink tickets for $40 – is available for advance purchase. Many vendors will have a limited menu focusing on street tacos, but side items, desserts, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks will also available.
.A portion of the proceeds from festival will benefit The Ion Center for Violence Prevention in their mission to offer free, confidential services to all victim-survivors of power-based personal violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
You Oughta Know
YouYu, a new pan-Asian restaurant at Hard Rock Casino, just opened with everything from avocado rolls to yang chow shrimp.
YouYu
Hard Rock Casino
1000 Broadway
Open Sunday through Thursday,
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Inspired by the flavors and vibrancy of Asian street food, the newly opened YouYu explores a continent’s worth of cuisines.
From bibimbap to sushi, guests will find dishes from Bali, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. YouYu also offers an extensive range of domestic and Asian beers, along withBoba milk tea, Chinese tea and rich Vietnamese coffee. The bar features Asian-inspired cocktails created by Rocktails, that offer a clever nod to Asian and Asian-American musicians.
Using Your Noodle
Whether you're carb loading for a race or empathy eating to show your support of the runners, check out a list of amazing pasta-bilities.
Runners love their pasta before their events! And Greater Cincinnati has a number of great pasta-centric restaurants that will satisfy your carbo-loading cravings on Flying Pig weekend. Here’s a list of some of the most popular restaurants in our area where you can feed your pasta needs.
FYI, we suggest reservations at the restaurants that take them.
Pompilios, 600 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky.
859-581-3065
Pompilios.com
Pompilios’ claim to fame is appearing in a scene from the Academy award winning movie Rain Man with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. If you love their Italian sauces, you’ll be glad to know you can order them on line.
Via Vite, 520 Vine St., Downtown Cincinnati
513-721-8483
Viaviterestaurant.com
Via Vite is in the heart of the city, right on Fountain Square. Via Vite offers an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of downtown. Pasta, crispy calamari and more are available.
Pepp & Dolores, 1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati
513-419-1820
Peppanddolores.com
Pepp & Dolores offers casual Italian fare in the Over-The-Rhine section of Cincinnati, just north of downtown. The menu features housemade pastas, curated wines and cherished family recipes.
Scotti’s Italian Restaurant, 919 Vine St., Downtown Cincinnati
513-721-9484
scottisitalianrestaurant.com
Scotti’s has been a local favorite for Italian classics since 1912 with the old fashioned red checkered tablecloths and neighborhood ambiance. Make sure you get reservations as this restaurant fills up quickly.
Primavista, 810 Matson Place, Price Hill, Cincinnati
513-251-6467
Pvista.com
Want your pasta with an amazing view of downtown? Primavista is the place. Voted time and time again as the area’s “Best Italian Restaurant,” Primavista offers everything from pizza to ravioli to spaghetti.
Nicola’s, 1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati
513-721-6200
Nicolasotr.com
Located just north of downtown in Over-the-Rhine, Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano has long been a fine dining staple of the city during its 20+ years of operation. Some of its most popular dishes include potato gnocchi, tagliatelle alla Bolognese and mushroom and rciotta gnudi.
Ferrari’s Little Italy, 7677 Golf Terrace, Madeira, OH
513-272-2220
Ferrarislittleitaly.com
If you’re staying on the east side of Cincinnati, a good choice is Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery in the heart of Madeira. Ferrari’s is an authentic Italian restaurant featuring Northern and Southern cuisine and generous portions. Family owned, its family style dining will be perfect for your group’s evening dinner.
LaRosa’s, Over 60 locations
513-347-1111 (or order delivery)
Larosas.com
With more than 60 locations in the area, there is bound to be a LaRosa’s close to where you’re staying. Its formal name may be LaRosa’s Pizzeria, but the restaurants have been serving up real Italian family recipes along with its pizza since 1954. Available for dine in, delivery or carry out.
Sorrento’s Italian Joint, 5143 Montgomery Road, Norwood OH
513-531-5070
Sorrentosnorwood.com
Sorrento’s Norwood has been an icon in the Cincinnati community since it was founded by Enrico and Santina DeLuca in 1956. Pizza, pasta, freshly-made salads and sandwiches are just the beginning. There also are classic Italian dishes, appetizers and salads that round out this "Italian joint.”
Subito at The Lytle Park Hotel, 311 Pike St., Downtown Cincinnati
513-579-3860
Subitoatlytlepark.com
Just east of the Central Business District and within walking distance of most of the hotels, Subito offers Northern Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, scratch-made sauces, steaks, fresh seafood and brick over pizzas.