Cooking Something Up
Restaurants can sign up now to benefit Joe Burrow Foundation with Dine for Nine.
Joe Burrow’s ability to inspire people goes beyond the football field. One of the core principles of the Joe Burrow Foundation is that everyone has a responsibility to do good.
Dine for 9
Saturday, Sept. 9
See the list of participating restaurants at joeburrow.org/#dine_for_9_c.
To offer folks an easy way to give back to their community, the foundation is launching the “Dine for 9” fundraising initiative on Saturday, Sept. 9 to support efforts to overcome food insecurity in Athens, Ohio, Baton Rouge and Cincinnati.
Participating restaurants will donate 9% of their profits from sales on Sep. 9 to the Foundation. Interested in signing up? Restaurants who’d like to participate can register by Aug. 25.
Fans can support the fundraising effort by donating “$9 for 9” to the Joe Burrow Foundation at JoeBurrow.org on or around Sept. 9. The goal is to raise $600,000 through sales and donations.
Those funds raised from “Dine for 9” will be designated for the “Do Good” grants that support projects that develop new pathways for mental health protection and food insecurity that are sustainable and designed to have a lasting impact.
Birthday (Pan) Cake
Sleepy Bee Cafe celebrates the first anniversary of its College Hill location, with their signature pancakes, toppings and fun family activities.
Sleepy Bee College Hill 1st Birthday Party
Sunday, August 20, 1–4 p.m.
Sleepy Bee Cafe
5918 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224
Chef will mix and flip pancakes in the courtyard, and you can decorate with your choice of toppings. A free activity will be available kids.
More at sleepybeecafe.com/locations/college-hill.
Free pancakes? Sign us up!
This Sunday, grab brunch at Sleepy Bee Cafe’s College Hill location. Then, join them in their courtyard for free pancakes and birthday fun.
The College Hill location is celebrating its 1st anniversary in the neighborhood and wants to give back to the community who’s supported them.
Sourcing from farms and suppliers nearby, Sleepy Bee’s owners have created a delicious, wholesome and satisfying menu. From the brand design and iconic flower chandeliers to the thoughtful creations served daily, every part of the restaurant experience was carefully curated to celebrate the sublime magic of bees.
They were quickly overwhelmed by the excitement and positive response the restaurant garnered. As its popularity grew, so did the number of restaurants across the area.
Today, Sleepy Bee is still locally-owned and a Cincinnati staple, with families and friends gathering daily to enjoy nourishing food in an environment that embraces the beauty of its community.
Forward Momentum
March First opens on Fountain Square, bringing their locally made beer, seltzer, cider and spirits to downtown, along with an inventive pub menu.
Looking for a new lunch spot downtown? Or a place to stop for a drink after work? We’ve got just the thing!
March First Cincinnati
10 Fountain Square Plaza
Grand Opening: Thursday, Aug. 10
Open: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11p.m
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Menu and more details at www.marchfirstbrewing.com/cincinnati.
Local brewery March First opens its second location on Fountain Square.
March First’s downtown location has 23 brews on tap, including the crowd-favorite, Astra Red Cream Soda hard seltzer. You’ll also find a selection of bourbons from their own Cincinnati Distilling.
And we can’t forget the food. Classic American bar fare from mozzarella sticks, nachos, soft pretzels and cheese teams up with the unexpected. Don’t miss the Korean hot dog, served with garlic aioli, Korean ketchup, tamari glaze and stewed kimchi.
The Kemper Road location joins the celebration with their Ciderpalooza on Saturday, Aug. 12. Billed as “Cincinnati's biggest celebration of hard cider,” March First will roll out eight new cider flavors for the occasion: Watermelon Mojito, Nutella, Tiramisu, Kiwi Habanero, Pineapple Cidermosa, Grapefruit and Rosemary, Chocolate Banana and Raspberry Creamsicle.
Home Cooking
What's your favorite chili in town? Chance are it's at the chili parlor you find in your own neighborhood. We test that theory with a trip to Dixie Chili.
When you think Cincinnati, you think chili. But we want you to think beyond the big two chili chains.
So Cincinnati People is doing the legwork for you – visiting some off-the-beaten-path Cincinnati chili parlors to sample menu items that lie beyond the typical three-way.
Our first stop is, admittedly, a chain, but a smaller one. Newport is home to the original Dixie Chili, started by Nicholas Sarakatsannis in 1928. He perfected his own version of Greek chili after a brief stint working at Empress Chili in Cincinnati and turned it into the family business.
But Dixie didn’t stop at chili; the menu also features some unusual offerings. We had to sample the alligator – a cheese coney with a pickle spear and mayo. Dixie also offers deli sandwiches and the Chili Man dip, just like your favorite cream cheese, chili and cheddar-topped party dip, served with tortilla chips. And don’t forget the classic gyros, leaning on the Sarkatsannis family’s Greek roots. I know I won’t.
To quote Dixie Chili’s website, “Although Papa Nick didn’t invent what is now called Cincinnati-style chili, people who know chili believe he perfected it.” If you know, you know, apparently. During our visit, the line was out the door with regulars, patiently waiting for their made-to-order waffle fries and six-ways (with fresh garlic!), and enjoying their lunches in the ‘70s-style dining room.
You can enjoy Dixie Chili at any of its four NKY locations: Newport, Covington, Erlanger and Independence.
How Sweet It Is
It's here! Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream opens its first scoop shop in Cincinnati today! The Columbus-based retailer, famous for its unusual flavors and top-quality ingredients, brings the flavor to Factory 52. We've got the scoop.
Grand Opening – July 13
Jeni’s Scoop Shop
Factory 52, 2755 Park Ave.
From 7-11 p.m., Jeni’s is serving FREE scoops.
Daily hours: Noon – 11 p.m.
The first 50 people in line will get extra Jeni’s goodies!
More about Jeni’s at jenis.com.
What’s better than ice cream? FREE ice cream!
Columbus-based Jeni’s Ice Creams officially opens its first Cincinnati scoop shop on Thursday, July 13. They’ll be serving all the classics their customers love, including Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel. Plus, they'll have the first of several summer flavors to arrive—High Five Candy Bar! Chock full of everything salty, sweet, gooey, and crunchy.
Though this is the first Jeni’s in the area, the ice creams aren’t completely new to the Cincinnati area.
You can find some of their best-selling flavors — like Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Gooey Butter Cake — by the pint at Kroger, Whole Foods Market, and Jungle Jim’s.
Champagne Problems
Celebrate with drinks (for all ages!) at The Banks.
With all the excitement around the Taylor Swift Eras Tour coming to Cincinnati, you might need a Swift drink.
Whether you’re looking for dinner before the show, how to spend some downtown on Saturday, or brunch on Sunday, The Banks is the center of #Swiftinnati.
On Friday and Saturday, Swift fans will be “Taygating” from noon to 7 p.m. at The Banks, where the merch trailer will be parked, plus there will be a friendship bracelet making station, a hair-braiding station, a glitter makeup station and multiple food trucks.
AC Marriott at The Banks
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cvgbc-ac-hotel-cincinnati-at-the-banks
Opens at 1 p.m.; All ages
Special Taylor Swift-themed cocktails, plus Taylor Swift photo moments throughout the hotel with cut outs and décor. Hotel guests will have a special in-room Taylor Swift-themed amenity whether they are going to the concert or not!
The Escape Game
28 Freedom Way
theescapegame.com/cincinnati/
Enjoy a 10% discount for games played from Friday through Monday (June 30 to July 3), with code is TSWIFT_10.
The Filson
25 E Freedom Way
thefilson.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Drink specials available through July 2.)
Enjoy a Midnights-themed cocktail and mocktail!
Lavender Haze: Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Lemon, and sparkling wine, $14
Anti-Hero: Lemon, Butterfly Pea Flower, and soda, $.10
Frost Factory
36 W. Freedom Way
www.letsgetfrosty.com/the-banks-menu
All ages
Enjoy a $1.50 off a Dora-cup sized drink when you show your ticket to concert. Find two themed cocktails – Lavender Haze and Saturn and Back – at the outdoor bar. The outdoor will also have bar will off water, soda Gatorade, seltzers and signature cocktails.
Jefferson Social
101 E. Freedom Way
jeffersonsocial.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
21 and over
The patio grill will be open, with the kitchen is closed. They’ll have curbside/patio bars selling DORA and non-alcoholic drinks
Killer Queen
180 E. Freedom Way
www.killerqueenbar.com
Hours: Friday, 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 2:30 a.m.
21 and over
Find Taylor Swift-themed specials:
Lavender Haze (Empress gin and lemonade. Garnished with an edible flower), $10
Lover (Prosecco and edible glitter. Garnished with cotton candy), $12
Midnight Rain shot (El Jimador Reposado Tequila, blue curaçao, house fruit punch, and edible glitter.), $7
On Friday, DJ Diamond spins, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; on Saturday, DJ Simo, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
www.moerleinlagerhouse.com
Hours: Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
All ages
Taylor Swift Pregame Party and Karaoke sing-a-long
Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1, 3–6 p.m.
Specialty themed drinks and karaoke sing-a-long with DJ Dave, Cincinnati's Karaoke Master, playing all the hits and handing out prizes.
The outdoor Casa De Borrocho Street Taco stand and pizza stands will be open until 10 p.m., with dining available at Moerlein’s large outdoor beer garden.
Smale Riverfront Park
Pre-Taylor Swift Activities
June 30, 4 – 7 .pm.
Get ready for some fun before the Taylor Swift's concert begins. Visit Smale for free live music by Sweeney Rebellion, with food trucks available, including Wildside, Family Treats and Frostbites.
The Stretch
191 E. Freedom Way
www.thestretchcincy.com
Hours: Friday, 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 2:30 a.m.
21 and over
Taylor-themed specials:
Lavender Haze (Empress gin and lemonade), $10
Lemon Drops on My Guitar (Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, triple sec, lemonade, and edible glitter), $6.50
Meet Me at Midnight (Georgi Grape Vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry, and edible glitter), $6.50
Entertainment on Friday by K-Smuv, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday with DJ Diamond, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Taste of Belgium
16 West Freedom Way
authenticwaffle.com/locations
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
All ages
Themed drinks:
Lavender Haze – Empress Gin, floral, bright
Cruel Summer – Empress Gin, tropical
Wildest Dreams – lavender lemonade
With the regular menu available.
Tin Roof
160 E Freedom Way
tinroofcincinnati.com/
Hours: Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Saturday, 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
21 and over, after 1 p.m.
Taylor Swift-inspired cocktails from High Bank Distillery. The DORA walk-up bar and beer tub sales on the patios.
Music on Friday, with DJ Kombat, playing a T. Swift inspired set, starting at 4 p.m. Party Down starts at 9 p.m. On Saturday DJ Kombat returns at 2 p.m., with Bill & Kara at 5 p.m., and Party Down at 9:30 p.m.
Eggs-ellent Timing
Cackleberry, a local food truck specializing in breakfast sandwiches, has a summer pop-up brunch series with Lost & Found OTR.
Ready for Breakfast?
Weekends only – Time and day subject to change when popping up at a local business or event.
Where will Cackleberry pop up this weekend? Head to their Instagram to find out.
More at www.eatcackleberry.com
When a business says it has the “Best Breakfast Sandwich in Cincinnati”, you might roll your eyes and think to yourself “Suuuure ya do.”
But Cackleberry’s fans, friends and weekend sell outs (within hours of opening!) prove that statement to be true, over and over again.
Spam in a breakfast sandwich? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve try it!
The craft breakfast sandwich kitchen pops up in a different location each weekend, serving up six different “sammies” ranging from “Benny” - hickory smoked bacon, local pasture raised over medium egg, sharp cheddar cheese, caramelized onion and chipotle ketchup in a warm brioche bun to “Lola” –crisp spam, local pasture-raised soft tamagoyaki-style eggs (Japanese rolled omelet), chives and Sriracha mayo in a warm brioche bunto; “Mila”–local pasture raised over medium egg, avocado, arugula microgreens, everything cream cheese and romesco sauce in a warm brioche bun, and a few more delicious bites.
The idea, born from a love of the breakfast sandwich by China and Nate Kautz.
For the Love of the Sandwich
After many years of dreaming and scheming, the pair found a 1968 trailer, revamped it, and now tow it around Cincy to sling breakfast sammies to the Cackleberry faithful.
Foodie fans snag them fast, so, if you’re planning on popping by, get there early.
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.