Cone You Believe It?
While we wait for Jeni's to open, grab a cone from local faves.
Factory 52 in Norwood is home to pickleball courts, breweries, and very soon, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream! Beginning July 13, you can enjoy fresh scoops of Goat Cheese With Red Cherries, Middle West Whiskey & Pecans, and Biscuits With The Boss.
While you count the days to Jeni’s grand opening, you can enjoy plenty of local flavor.
Creamy whips, scoop shops – whatever you call your favorite ice cream shop, a quick trip for a sweet treat is the cherry on top of the perfect Cincinnati summer.
But where to go? Well, we’ve done the field research for you.
The Cone
The Cone, 6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester
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
These three spots are relatively close, but completely different. 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 Ice Cream, 520 W Sixth St., Covington
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 Cov, 130 W. Pike St., Covington
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, 17 Park Place, Covington
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
Hello Honey, 725 Race St.
If you want to go a little fancier, Hello Honey has the ice cream of your foodie dreams. With location in Walnut Hills, Ft. Thomas and downtown, 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
801 Mt Hope Ave., Price Hill
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. And walk over to the Incline to enjoy it on a bench overlooking the city.
Honey Child Artisan Pops
Multiple locations
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
Putz’s Creamy Whip, 2673 Putz Place
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.
And now for a couple of honorable mentions: The Parlors in Pendleton, Milford and Ludlow offer “side by sides” – with ice cream and cookie dough in the same cup. Cincinnati staples Graeter’s and Aglamesis Bros. are not to be missed, and offer the history and nostalgia that this city loves. Whipty-Do in Maineville and Walker Bros. Ice Cream in Montgomery are Instagrammable and delicious.
We’ve just scratched the surface of Cincinnati sweet spots. But that’s what a summer bucket list is for, right?
Drink It In
MadTree's Sway Day is a beach-themed party!
“Nothing says summer like Jimmy Buffett and Sway.”
We can’t argue with MadTree on that one, as the brewery celebrates their annual event “Sway Day” on Saturday, June 17.
MadTree's Sway Day Tie Dye Extravaganza
Saturday, June 17, 12–5 p.m.
MadTree Brewing
3301 Madison Road
More Sway Day info.
What’s Sway Day?
According to MadTree, there will be tons of Sway vodka sodas to sip on, a Jimmy Buffet cover band to sway to, and much more.
Additionally, MadTree is partnering with Kaleidoscope Colors & Co. to host a family friendly tie-dye party. You can create your own custom made MadTree logo apparel. Kaleidoscope will lead you through each step of process, plus instructions on how to properly rinse and dry your new gear.”
Just in time for the holiday, MadTree has announced its third location. Soon, you’ll be able to sip Madtree brews at MadTree Parks & Rec in the Blue Ash!
This concept is an extension of Summit Park, and MadTree views this location as a way to connect people with nature Find out more at MadTree Parks & Rec.
Gincinnati
Still not sure how you're going to celebrate World Gin Day this Saturday? Think local, and mix up a summer refresher using Molly Wellmann's new Cincinnati Gin.
French 75
In 1916, before America entered World War I, a group of thirty-eight American fighter pilots, all volunteers, went to France and joined the Lafayette Escadrille, a small squadron that was part of the French air service.
The American pilots quickly developed a taste for French champagne, but wanted a bit more kick to it, so they added some cognac. They christened their concoction the French 75 after the French 75mm howitzer artillery piece used in the war.
At some point, this drink crossed the channel and became popular in Britain. The Brits, however, added gin instead of cognac. Either addition works well.
The war is long over, the howitzer has ceased fire, but the French 75 remains a popular cocktail. Vive la France!
1 1/2 ounces gin
1 sugar cube
Dash of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Champagne to top
In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and lemon juice together. Add gin and ice and shake. Strain into a champagne flute and top off with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
– from Handcrafted Cocktails: The Mixologist's Guide to Classic Drinks for Morning, Noon & Night by Molly Wellmann
You still have a few shopping days left until World Gin Day (Saturday, June 10)! If you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift for the cocktail connoisseur on your list, there’s no better choice than Cincinnati Gin!
Cincinnati Gin, released earlier this Spring by Northern Row Distillery’s Five Stories Gin, was created by local cocktailologist Molly Wellmann.
“I’ve had an idea to bring to Cincinnati a gin using botanicals from Krohn Conservatory for years!,” Wellmann shared in a social media post. “Knowing the team at Five Stories is as passionate as I am about Cincinnati, I knew they were the ones to bring this idea to life!”
Described as ginger forward, the gin has with floral notes from juniper, lime and bay leaves grown at Krohn Conservatory, with notes of mandarin orange peel, rounded out with vanilla and cocoa nibs.
Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate than champagne! Check out Molly Wellmann’s recipe for the French 75, which combines gin and champagne into a delightful summer cocktail. Cheers!
What's the Dish?
Taste of Cincinnati returns with the largest selection of food vendors in the event’s history! The Memorial Day weekend tradition takes over Fifth Street, May 27-29, with more than 300 menu items, live music, and more in a true celebration of our local culinary community.
Saturday, May 27, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Monday, May 29, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Fifth Street, from Walnut to Sentinel
FREE to attend, with menu items ranging from $4-$8.
More information at tasteofcincinnati.com
Taste of Cincinnati®, presented by Kroger and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, continues to grow and returns with a total of 77 food vendors, the largest selection in the event’s history.
In addition to the 59 restaurants and food trucks, 18 Findlay Market vendors and “foodpreneurs” from their food business incubator, Findlay Kitchen, will return for the fifth year of the “Taste of Findlay Market.”
Interested in the “Best of Taste”? Check out the winners!
Taste is also a music festival! See the this year’s lineup.
Street closings start at 6 p.m. on Friday and reopening at 5 a.m. Tuesday:
Fifth Street between Main and Sentinel
Sycamore Street between Fourth and Sixth
Broadway between Fourth and Sixth (no access to I-71 or I-471)
Sentinel from Eggleston to Fifth
Columbia Parkway West must exit at either Third or Sixth Streets for Downtown Access
No parking will be permitted on any of those streets, however access will be provided to parking garages and hotels. Many parking garages and lots are along Third, Fourth and Sixth streets.
Since 2013, The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has donated more than $100,000 to support regional culinary and entrepreneurial growth. The Chamber will continue its support of local culinary entrepreneurs with a 2023 donation to the Findlay Market Foodpreneur Fund.
More than a half a million hungry patrons will visit Taste of Cincinnati every year, making it one of the largest street festivals in the country.
A Lot on Your Plate
Taste of Cincinnati promises to make all your food dreams come true. How do you decide where to start?
Check out this year's Best of Taste winners!
You’ll find an embarrassment of riches on your plate at this year’s Taste of Cincinnati®, presented by Kroger and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.
No need to save the best for last, though. The winners of the coveted “Best of Taste” awards have been announced, so you can plan your dishes ahead of next weekend’s culinary arts festival.
Judges gathered at Findlay Kitchen to sample dishes from this year’s restaurant contestants and Taste of Findlay Market contestants. They also s visited the food truck preview at Court Street Plaza. After many bites and very full stomachs, the winners were selected.
Photos by Shae Combs
Restaurant Best of Taste:
Sides
Gold: Kabobske – Walking Gyro
Silver: Pompilio’s Restaurant – Caprese Salad
Bronze: Just Q’in BBQ – Brisket Mac
Appetizer
Gold: Ché – Short Rib Empanada
Silver: Kabobske – Buffalo Hummus with Pita Chips
Bronze: Pompilio’s Restaurant – Grippo’s Flavored Risotto Balls
Entrée:
Gold: Alfio’s Buon Cibo – Braised Short Rib Creamy Truffle Gnocchi
Silver: Chino’s Street Food – Vietnamese Street Tacos
Bronze: Just Q’in BBQ – Pastrami
Dessert
Gold: Sweets & Meats BBQ – Bourbon Bread Pudding
Silver: Pompilio’s Restaurant – Kentucky Honey Bourbon and Chocolate Cannoli
Bronze: The Cheesecakery – Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cupcake
Food Truck Best of Taste:
Sides
Gold: MamaBear’s Mac – New England Lobster Mac & Cheese
Silver: Dine-In Hawaiian – Crab Bake Dip
Bronze: Adena’s Beefstroll – Ma’s Meatballs
Appetizer
Gold: MamaBear’s Mac – Loaded Baked Potato Grilled Cheese
Silver: Dine-In Hawaiian – Fried Musubi
Bronze: Wicked Hickory – Smoked Chicken Nachos
Entrée
Gold: Wicked Hickory – Smoked Lamb Taco
Silver: Quite Frankly LLC – Pumba
Bronze: Twisted Greek – Greek Wrap Supreme
Dessert
Gold: Maw Maw’s Creole Kitchen – Caramel Beignet
Silver: SugarSnap! – Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae
Bronze: House Cafe & Catering – Espresso Dark Chocolate Brownie with Cookie Butter Cheesecake, Salted Caramel and Pistachio
Taste of Findlay Market Best of Taste:
Sides
Winner: Southern Grace Eats – Baked Mac & Cheese
Appetizer
Winner: Southern Grace Eats – Grippo Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce
Entrée
Winner: Dats Ole School Cookin Cafe – Spicy Catfish Nuggets
Dessert
Winner: BanaSun Smoothie Bar – Acai Bowl
Taste of Cincinnati®, presented by Kroger and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, returns Memorial Day weekend, May 27–29, with a total of 77 food vendors, the largest selection in the event’s history. Cincinnati’s tradition will take over Fifth Street 2023, and feature 36 restaurants and 23 food trucks. In total, these vendors will serve more than 300 menu items.
“It’s amazing that such a longstanding event continues to grow,” said Rob Weidle, senior event producer for Taste of Cincinnati. “This year, we had the highest number of applications in the event's history – 20% more than the previous year, which at the time was also a record for the event.”
In addition to the 59 restaurants and food trucks, 18 Findlay Market vendors and “foodpreneurs” rom their food business incubator, Findlay Kitchen, will return for the fifth year of the “Taste of Findlay Market.”
Since 2013, The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has donated more than $100,000 to support regional culinary and entrepreneurial growth. The Chamber will continue its support of local culinary entrepreneurs with a 2023 donation to the Findlay Market Foodpreneur Fund.
“Every year, Taste of Cincinnati reminds us what an amazing culinary community we have in the Cincinnati region,” said Brendon Cull, president and CEO-elect of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “The support these restaurants, food trucks, and Findlay Market vendors all receive at such a massive event demonstrates the importance and value the Cincinnati region places on our culinary industry.”
Hometown Honey
Celebrate World Bee Day with Sleepy Bee Cafe, of course!
Looking to satisfy your brunch fix? Look no further than Sleepy Bee!
Try new favorites..
…like the Blue Ash Smash, Cinnamon roll pancakes (pictured here) and many more throughout the season.
The creative team behind Sleepy Bee Café just launched new items for its spring/summer menu, with more to come.
At the Oakley location: Enjoy a breakfast wrap, cinnamon roll pancakes or a sunnyside up egg over biscuits & gravy. Yum!
In North College Hill: Check out their French Toast with sauteed apples and topped with whipped cream.
WEEKEND SPECIAL
Prefer being surprised? Chefs at all four locations share their weekend specials every Friday & Saturday morning.
The hardest part? Choosing which location you’ll end up at!
At Blue Ash: “The Blue Ash Smash” is full of flavor..(we would know, we were the taste testers!) with smashed red potatoes, sauteed red onion, house sauce, bacon and a scrambled egg on toasted multigrain bread.
Can’t get enough? Give them a follow on TikTok for a behind the scenes peek at how weekend specials are made!
Did you know…There’s a day set aside to celebrate & honor bees!?
Celebrate
World bee day!
Our future depends on the wellness of bees!
Yep. May 20 is World Bee Day and you can celebrate the world’s powerful pollinators in a number of ways.
Without bees, we’d be without a lot! These are a few (of the many) reasons we need bees:
Food prices would skyrocket without bee pollination, impacting low-income communities the most.
In North America alone, honeybees pollinate nearly 95 fruits, including apples, cranberries, avocados and almonds!
We’d lose 90% of apples and berries without bees!
1 out of every 3 bites of food in the US depends on honeybees and other pollinators!
A Brunch of Fun
Give mom a day off from cooking and clean-up. Find a perfect spot for a family brunch everyone will enjoy.
Some things are a cliche for a reason. Mother’s Day brunch may seem “too easy” but that’s only because it’s a great idea! You can enjoy all the joy of a family meal together with none of the stress!
Coppin’s - Hotel Covington
638 Madison Avenue, Covington
hotelcovington.com/dining/coppins-restaurant
Honoring its roots as a world-class department store, Coppin’s Restaurant epitomizes the rich history of Covington. Hotel Covington’s restaurant boasts signature cocktails and a rotating seasonal menu. Driven by hyper-local sourcing and collaborations, the dishes, like the experiences, are meant to shared. (But you don’t have to!)
Coppin’s Mother’s Day buffet features goetta, sausage Links scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, along with glazed pit ham, omelets to order, waffles with accompaniments, shrimp cocktail, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and more. For dessert, raspberry cheesecakes, German chocolate cake, and orange poppyseed cake
Cost: $75 for adults, $55 for seniors 55 and older, and $19 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
Hard Rock Casino
1000 Broadway
www.hardrockcasinocincinnati.com/
Does mom like her brunch with a side of rock ‘n’ roll? Take a chance on Hard Rock Casino. Enjoy a special brunch buffet with sweets like cinnamon roll bread pudding brownies, red velvet cupcakes, and chocolate mousse cheesecake with strawberry sauce.
The Cafe Breakfast station features stuffed French toas with strawberry and cream cheese filling, buttermilk pancakes, quiche, breakfast potatoes, and biscuits and gravy. You’ll also find omelets made to order!
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Station offers fried haddock with tartar sauce and Southern fried chicken with hot honey corn bread. Complete your meal with a trip to the salad station.
Cost: $49.99, for you can eat pastries, specialty stations, and more.
LouVino OTR Restaurant and Wine Bar
1142 Main St.
louvino.com/otr
Along with their special brunch menu (details below!) you can also enjoy LouVino’s extensive drink menu. Start your meal with fresh baked croissants, before moving on the entrees which include bread pudding, avocado toast, pancake tacos, farmer’s market breakfast scramble, and warm Brussels sprouts salad with grilled or fried chicken.
Cost: Adults are $30, and children under 12 are $12. Coffee, soda, iced tea and lemonade are included in the menu price.
Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
www.moerleinlagerhouse.com
Mother’s Day brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, so you can get a jump on the celebration!
The menu includes Moerlein’s full brunch menu, along with specialty quiche with roasted red peppers, sausage, and Fontina cheese. Moms will also enjoy a special dessert trio of Servatii’s pastries and Moerlein’s signature mimosa flights.
Mom ‘n’ em Coffee & Wine
3128 Colerain Ave.
momnemcoffee.com
This adorable coffee shop and wine shop in the heart of Camp Washington is fittingly celebrating its fourth anniversary this weekeend!
The combination Mother’s Day and anniversary brunch will have all their full brunch menu, coffee, wine, plus incredible pastries. Their talented kitchen team will also break out the wood-fired grill!
DJ Adam from Stoned Soul Picnic will be spinning some records in the yard, weather permitting!
The Grille at the Palm Court
Hilton Netherland Plaza, 35 W Fifth St.
https://www.opentable.com/r/palm-court-grill-restaurant-cincinnati
Palm Court Grill offers a the best setting for brunch in the city! Nestled in the art deco brilliance Netherland Plaza, mom will be eating in style.
Their Mother's Day buffet includes assorted local cheeses and charcuterie display, salads and soups, carving stations serving prime rib and other selections, and a seafood display with jumbo shrimp, oysters, and more. To top is all off, you’ll find an extravagant display of desserts and decadent cakes.
Cost: Adults: $119 per person (plus tax and service charge); Kids (ages 5-12): $45 per child (plus tax and service charge); Senior's $95 per person (plus tax and service charge)
Prime Cincinnati
580 Walnut Street
www.primecincinnati.com/
This steakhouse in the heart of downtown creates extravagant brunch celebrations for all occasions with the freshest ingredients masterfully prepared by their chef, with outstanding and thoughtful service.
The Mother’s Day brunch items are offered a la carte, including banana bread French toast, fingerling hash with sweet onions and pork belly, and bottomless mimosas.
Sleepy Bee Cafe
Blue Ash, 9514 Kenwood Road | College Hill, 5920 Hamilton Ave
Downtown, 8 East Fourth | Oakley, 3098 Madison Road
www.sleepybeecafe.com
Sleepy Bee Cafe, now a Certified B Corporation™ serves locally sourced favorites daily. With an emphasis on sustainability and community, your local Sleepy Bee is the perfect spot for a family brunch.
New menu items like the the Blue Ash Smash and cinnamon roll pancakes join favorites like the Queen City Bee breakfast sandwich with goetta, apple, arugula, broken yolk egg and “nectar” sauce and Ember Avo Toast, fork and knife breakfast toast with avocado, one over-easy eggs, ember oil, pickled golden raisins, arugula and walnut dukkah on toasted multigrain.
Sleepy Bee also offers scrambles and yummy pancakes, plus lunch options, including salads, sandwiches, soups and sides. There’s also a special kids’ menu for the pickiest eaters!
See What's Cooking
Joseph Perez joins Kings Island as the park's new executive chef.
New things are cooking at Kings Island this season, including a new restaurant and a new chef! We grilled Executive Chef Joseph Perez on his plans for the park and more. Check out our Q & A!
Q: What are you most looking forward to in this job?
A: I was mostly attracted by the opportunity to join a strong team of chefs and lead a group of associates as we grow the park with great culinary options.
The team I lead is young, highly skilled and eager to improve the offerings here at Kings Island. I look forward most to meeting Kings Island’s guests, share my food knowledge and improve the park in any way I can. It is a big family here and I am just excited to be part of it.
Q: Where are you from and how do you like Cincinnati so far?
A: I have an extensive amount of experience working in multiple casinos throughout the Midwest, over 15 years. I began my casino career outside of where I was raised in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago. It is a very urban and industrialized part of the region, which has contributed to my ability, ambition to succeed and my work ethic.
Most of my family worked in the steel mills of the region and I learned a lot from watching them grind each day.
I actually lived in the region a while back as I was part of the opening team for Belterra Park in 2004. That was a big part of why I wanted to return to the area. People in this area are passionate about food, and now I have recently discovered are in love with Kings Island as well.
Q: What can you tell us about Grain & Grill, the park’s new fast-casual dining spot?
A: Grain and Grill is unique culinary concept here at the park. We are sourcing local products, offering fresh, health-conscious options with a new flavor that is only available at that location.
Spanish shrimp, Moroccan chicken, and rosemary beef are some of the items that I feel will be popular. They can be paired with different sauces and salads giving the guest the opportunity to really create their own plate. Our menu is set right now for the opening season, but we will feature various specials throughout the year to better cater to our guests’ preferences as well as seasonality.
Q: What's your favorite thing to eat at the park?
A: Great, put me on the spot!
I do love our BBQ here as we do it right! At the end of the day, the Blue Ice Cream is king in these parts.
Buzzing Along
There's a buzz at Sleepy Bee Café, as they celebrates their B Corp certification and 10th anniversary with community party at the College Hill this Sunday, April 23.
Three cheers for Sleepy Bee Cafe!
The locally owned restaurant recently received its B Corp certification.
If You Go
Sleepy Bee Celebration
Sunday, April 23, 4–6 p.m.
Sleepy Bee Cafe, 5920 Hamilton Ave.
A celebration of Sleepy Bee’s new B Corps certification, with food, fun, and festivities.
The B Corp designation is granted to for-profit companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. Businesses must prove they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability through a thorough, all-encompassing certification process. These companies are verified by B Lab, nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders: customers, workers, communities, vendors, and the environment.
Clearly, a celebration is in order for Sleepy Bee!
Fittingly on Earth Day weekend, the restaurant will celebrate its new designation with food, fun and festivities for everyone.
Sleepy Bee is a gathering place that offers locally sourced sustenance – food that tastes, makes you feel, and is, good. In an environment that is embraces the beauty of it’s community, through it’s design and featured artistry.
Sleepy Bee has four locations across Greater Cincinnati –Downtown, College Hill, Blue Ash and the flagship location in Oakley, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year.
Learn more about Sleepy Bee at www.sleepybeecafe.com.
What's the Scoop?
New flavor from Graeter's honors Flying Pig's 25 anniversary.
If you run a few miles, you deserve a treat and if you run 26 miles, you definitely deserve ice cream!
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon, Graeter’s Ice Cream, has created a special flavor! In honor of Cincinnati’s own annual marathon event, Graeter’s is releasing “Flying Pig Tracks” for a limited run.
Packed with peanut butter cups and chocolate fudge, Flying Pig Tracks will be released on April 28, available in all scoop shops, and select Kroger, Jungle Jim’s and Dorothy Lane stores in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas and online at Graeters.com.
“Staying true to our Cincinnati roots, it made sense to honor the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon with an ice cream release,” shares Chip Graeter, 4th generation co-owner of Graeter’s. “Beyond runners and fans, we think Flying Pig Tracks is a flavor everyone will enjoy and we're happy to offer it in all of our shops throughout the Midwest.”
In addition to the limited edition flavor, Graeter’s is also teaming up with Rookwood Pottery with a “Flying Pig” ice cream bowl. The bowl is the fifth in Graeter’s series of collectible Rookwood bowls. This very limited run carries a stamp commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon. Available in limited quantities, the stamped Flying Pig bowl will be available for sale at $59.95 at the marathon registration event on Friday, May 5.
The Cincinnati Marathon, Inc. organization’s Flying Pig Marathon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The mission of the Cincinnati Marathon, Inc., is to provide a premier event open to athletes of all abilities dedicated to supporting charities. The event inspires and celebrates all participants, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators every year.
Royally Delicious
The new bar at The Banks, Killer Queen, offers killer cocktails, pizza, and specials fit for a queen and everyone in the Queen City.
Looking for killer drinks and a royally good time? Head to Killer Queen, the new 4EG cocktail bar and restaurant at The Banks, 180 E. Freedom Way.
Photos by Amy Elisabeth Spasoff
Killer Queen serves build-your-own pizzas, salads and Servatii's soft pretzels. The bar features eight rotating draft beers, six draft wines and a craft cocktail menu with an outdoor patio in The Banks’ DORA district.
The Americana-style interior includes neon signs, ornate light fixtures and disco balls as well as a wrap-around bar and five 75-inch TVs.
Sweet Dreams
Indulge in all of your cotton candy dreams at Hard Rock Casino! The Candy Pop-Up Shop offers a world of candy-costumed characters, custom Rocktails, cupcakes, and more for a limited time.
Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
1000 Broadway
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. in April.
Tickets are $30 and include two golden tickets for desserts and a specialty champagne cocktail, and are good for an hour and a half of exploring the space.
Just steps away from slot machines and table games at the lies an entirely different world: a candy-inspired land where sweet dreams come true.
Hard Rock’s Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar features a cotton candy forest, a “gumball” pit, bathtubs full of “sprinkles,” a candy throne, a licorice lounge and sweet treats everywhere you look.
Live, candy-costumed characters and photo stations provide the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments.
The casino is partnering with Rocktails - An Amped Up Spin on Mixology for unique over-the-top, candy-themed drinks like Wish You Were Here, People Are Strange, Bam Bam, and the mocktail, Wonderful World (non-alcoholic)
Chef Melissa has whipped up treats like the Over the Rainbow Cupcake, Long John Donut Pop, Kitchen Sink Cake Donut and more.
The Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar also has spaces to eat, drink, dance and lounge to your sugary heart’s content.
Sweet Spot
Peanuts and Cracker Jack have given way to sushi, goetta burgers, veggie burgers, and even Skyline nachos. See what's on the menu this season at Great American Ball Park!
You go to a ballgame to eat hot dog, drink a beer, and maybe have some ice cream.
This year, all of those get an upgrade at Great American Ball Park.
Photos by Shae Combs
The Cincinnati Reds and foodservice and retail partner Delaware North have made some delicious additions to GABP.
“We have a wide variety of new items for the 2023 season – with an emphasis on regional flavors and products,” said Andy Worden, Delaware North’s general manager at Great American Ball Park. “From tried-and-true ballpark classics to flavors that are quintessentially Cincinnati, we want to be sure Great American Ball Park is a foodie experience with something for everyone.”
Chick-fil-A® makes its debut at Great American Ball Park, with a limited menu for Opening Day, and additional items added in May, including Chick-fil-A Nuggets, Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries, when the Chick-fil-A concession stand opens near Gapper’s Alley.
Burger lovers will want to sample The Big Cheese – an all-beef burger topped with pimento cheese, bacon, crispy onions and pickles, available in Scouts Alley and Grill & Fry Stand and the Kansas Burger from 50 West – two house-ground beef patties topped with American cheese, bacon, pickles, coleslaw and barbecue sauce, served on a potato bun with crinkle-cut fries.
The Montgomery Inn Smokehouse has a new Smoked Porkloin Sandwich, topped with pickled jalapenos, onions, cucumbers and barbecue sauce, all served on a brioche bun.
Need to wash down all these dishes? Grab a 50 West Doom Pedal and Hard Lemonade. BLOX is offering drink “pouches” in Black Cherry Limeade Seltzer, Frozen Lemonade, or Frosecco Slush. Other bar options are Bud Light Nutrl, Bud Light, Budweiser, Hudy Delight, Hoop Tea, Kona, Cut Water, Michelob Ultra, Woodbridge Wines, Makers Mark, Jim Beam Cocktails and Hornitos Cocktails.
All Wine'd Up
Raise a glass to non-profits during the Cincinnati International Wine Festival.
2023 Cincinnati International Wine Festival
March 9–11
Duke Energy Convention Center and participating restaurants.
The weekend-long fundraiser is a celebration of wine complete with upscale winery dinners, grand tastings, collectors’ tastings, silent auctions, and more, all benefiting dozens of local charities.
Tickets available at winefestival.com.
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.
Winery Dinners
Capital Grille & Honig
3821 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45209
Carlo & Johnny & Terlato
9769 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, OH 45242
Ivory House & Lux
2998 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
Jag’s & Niner Wine Estates
5980 West Chester Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069
Red Feather & Round Pond
3200 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
Son of a Butcher & Michael David
630 Gibson St STE 110, Liberty Township, OH 45069
Funky’s Catering at the Transept & Santa Margherita USA
1205 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Via Vite & Pasqua
20 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11
Grand Tastings
Duke Energy Convention Center
Exhibition Hall A
525 Elm Street
Want to enjoy great wine and benefit local non-profits? You can do both at the Cincinnati International Wine Festival.
Since it started in 1991, the wine festival has donated more than $6.75 million to more than 30 local beneficiaries, including 90.9 WGUC-FM, ALS Association Central & So. Ohio Chapter, Carnegie Art Center, Cincinnati Ballet. Cincinnati Works. Crayons to Computers, Freestore/Foodbank, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Tender Mercies, and Women Helping Women.
One of the largest wine festivals in the country, attendees will find more than 800 wines from 100 wineries around the world.
This year’s honorary chair is Michael Honig, President of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley. A leader in sustainable farming, Honig chaired the first California initiative to develop a “Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices,” a voluntary program establishing statewide guidelines for sustainable farming and winemaking.
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that exists to elevate the wine industry and raise money for local charitable causes with programs dedicated to the arts, education, health and human services.
How Sweet It Is
Grab coffee and a croissant at Constant Grind, now open at Hard Rock Casino, and make plans for their candy shop pop-up coming in April.
The odds of getting a great cup of coffee at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati just got better!
Constant Grind Bistro, Hard Rock’s branded coffee shop, is now open.
The shop features Lavazza coffee, the classic Italian luxury brand. Constant Grind also plans to partner with local coffee makers on a quarterly basis.
The menu includes teas, sandwiches, and other local favorites, plus the classic Mr. Lucky’s milkshakes. Make it affogato-style by adding a shot of espresso!
Open daily, this casual sit down or grab-and-go venue is your new go-to for caffeine and sweets, whether you’re hitting the tables, grabbing lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, or just need a quick pick-me-up.
In April, Hard Rock ups the ante on sweetness with a Candy Shop Pop-up, creating a land of gumballs, sprinkles, and cocktails.
Starting on Saturday, April 1, and continuing every Friday and Saturday that month, the pop-up events with feature themed rooms, DJs, and specialty drinks from Rocktails, and desserts created by Hard Rock’s Chef Melissa.
Located in Hard Rock’s food hall, tickets includes one specialty champagne drink, two golden tickets for food treats, and an hour and a half to explore all the candy rooms, with dancing and picture perfect decorations. Tickets are $30 a person and available now.
Care & Feeding
Join the fight to eliminate SIDS in our community and honor Chef Jean Robert de Cavel at the annual eat.play.give brunch this Sunday, March 5.
What better way to honor a beloved chef than bringing people together to share great food for a great cause.
If You Go
Sunday, March 5
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, 3520 Central Parkway
Admission includes drinks and a sampling of dishes designed by some of Cincinnati's finest chefs, restaurateurs and food enthusiasts.
Buy tickets now!
The annual eat.play.give brunch is a fundraiser to support the de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation. In 2002, the late Jean-Robert de Cavel and his wife, Annette Pfund-de Cavel formed the foundation after the abrupt death of their firstborn child, Tatiana, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“There won’t be an official program. It will be, as always, a celebration of friends and family sharing food, which was his very favorite thing,” says Amy Brandabur Hunter, a longtime supporter and organizer of the event. “He loved that the brunch was family centered.”
This year’s event includes more than over 30 food and beverage tables, and an amazing silent auction that includes some of Jean-Robert’s artwork and part of his personal collections.
Guests will enjoy savory treats and scrumptious sweets prepared by some the best chefs, restaurateurs and foodies the Queen City has to offer. Each ticket purchased helps fund outreach programs and research to eradicate SIDS.
In addition to food and drink, guests can enjoy on-site music and kid-friendly activities. Compete against your friends in our silent auction to raise money for a great cause and bring home your favorite arts or entertainment package.
Feud for Thought
Part potluck, part cooking contest and all fun, Food Fight 513 brought together some of the best chefs in region but only one could win the top prize!
Raise your hand if you love food. Raise it again if you love supporting local restaurants, their employees, and raising money for a great cause!
Food Fight 513 did all of those things, and more. Part potluck, part cooking contest, the event was all fun.
Attendees had the option to bring their favorite potluck item –there were many – but they ould also put their name in the pot to judge food in the “fight” at the risk of being chosen cook and fight it out with pros.
Picture Courtesy, Jake Staubitz
After a couple rounds, local chef & owner of Cincinnati Wood Collaborative, David Bach, stood out among the pack and claimed that coveted champion belt, previously held by Chef Christian Gill.
Proceeds from the event benefit The LEE Initiative, which works to provide more diversity, equitability, sustainability and compassion in the restaurant industry.
Goodtime Gals
What's Galentine's Day? To quote Leslie Knope, it’s the best day of the year! So on this Feb. 13, celebrate your best lady friends in style, with an amazing brunch at Sleepy Bee.
Never mind picking out a card for your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, have you made your plans for Galentine’s Day?
Playing off of Leslie Knope (Parks & Recreation) idea to “remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work” the Game Day Communications crew gathered to celebrate pre-Galentine’s Day.
The woman-owned, super adorable and ridiculously delicious Sleepy Bee is the perfect place to gather your “best lady friends” for a brunch, lunch, or anything in between.
Make reservations at www.sleepybeecafe.com.
All Well and Good
Equal parts cool and casual, The Well Covington offers guests a laidback, cozy lounge with a tasty spin on classic American food and cocktails from local hospitality leaders.
The Well is far from dry for a trio of longtime restaurant pros.
The Well Covington
8 W. Seventh St.
Covington
Open Tuesday–Friday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturday, 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
More info at www.thewellcovington.com.
Veterans in the regional hospitality industry, Will Hodges, Chase Daoud and Chef Mitch Arens have collaborated on a new bar and restaurant concept called The Well Covington.
“The Well is a new bar concept by two friends who wanted to create something special,” said Will Hodges. “Everyone is welcome with open arms at The Well Covington. We are your friendly neighborhood patio bar that implements modern amenities to seamlessly form a unique, entertainment venue.”
Equal parts cool and casual, The Well Covington offers guests a laidback, cozy lounge with a sizable patio and a tasty spin on classic American food and cocktails.
Chef Mitch Arens
The restaurant at The Well, Grub Local, is a new concept from Arens, focused on revamping hometown favorites and updated versions of American classics.
“Our passion is putting only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients on your plate and in your mouth,” said Arens, the former executive chef at Hotel Covington. “So if small bites are your thing, Grub Local is your new kink.”
The Well provides ample amounts of seating and large screen televisions throughout the bar making it the perfect destination for game days where all can enjoy an atmosphere perfect for rooting on their favorite sports teams.
The Well has three seating areas for patrons. The Inside Seating, with a capacity of 80, includes two lounge areas complete with couches love seat and chairs, five chair height tables for banquet seating and four bar height tables. The Mez Level Seating with a capacity of 35 is available for private room rental and includes one lounge area with two love seats and four chair height tables. The Patio Area features two astroturf areas, three fire pits with outdoor couches around them, bar height tables, picnic tables and a live tree.
Fresh Roast
At the new Doscher’s Coffee House, you’ll find more great coffee than you can shake a (peppermint) stick at.
If You Go
Doscher’s Coffee House
6926 Main St., Newtown
Open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More info at doscherscandies.com.
Java, Joe, Mud…Whatever you call it, we all love a good cup of coffee.
And now, we have a new spot to grab a cup.
Doscher’s Candy Co. in Newtown has just opened Doscher’s Coffee House.
“Originally, there was a tea room here that people absolutely adored..but, unfortunately, with the onslaught of COVID, it (forced us to) shut the tea room down.. “says Manager, Christine Schwab.
Doscher’s wanted to create a space where people could return for coffee, tea, pastries and more.
And that’s how this idea was born.
Christine tells us there are a variety of delicious drinks you can order at Doscher’s Coffee Shop, but their signature drink is The Doscher’s Signature Latte.
“It’s a white mocha latte with caramel drizzle on top, whipped cream and a little bit more drizzle… if you like sweet drinks, you’ll love that. ”
Christine adds, they’re working to support local businesses through this new venture.
The coffee comes from Crimson Cup, a brewer out of Columbus for all of their coffee and tea needs.
Pastries and treats will also be sourced locally!
They’re up and running inside the yellow Victorian house on Main Street so well known for delighting generations with their amazing sweets.
