Ethnic Food in Cincinnati

As an east coaster transplanted to Ohio, I have lived in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas and I can attest to the difficulty in finding anything that could be classified as "seafood" here. Sure, there are a few high end restaurants that go to the expense of flying in fresh seafood and actually know how to prepare it so it doesn't need to be smothered in mystery sauces to hide the flavor, but for the most part all you are gonna find is "fried fish" -- seldom even tell you the species. I equate it to ordering a "meat sandwich"

I was in one so-called "upscale" restaurant not long ago between Columbus and Cleveland ans asked the young college aged waiter what the "catch of the day" was and was told "FISH STICKS".

That said, in my searches for real water dwelling food, I have stumbled onto a few secrets:

1. Charlie's Crab in Cleveland could get away with being a New England seafood restaurant, but bring your credit cards.

2. I have found that you can get some pretty amazing "roasted" oysters at Hooters (4 in the Cinci area, 2 in Columbus and one in Mentor, OH). The oysters are served in a huge metal bucket with the tools to fight your way into the shell and drawn butter and a decent cocktail sauce on the side) -- Stay away from their crab legs though unless you really really really need crab.

3. The Cameron Mithcell group operates a few decent upscale seafood restaurants in the Columbus area (and I've heard they are in some other cities too). The ones here are called Columbus Fish Market and Ocean Club (bring a hefty wallet with you) -- wine list pretty pricy and they do tend to overdo it on the sauces. Really good seafood seldom needs much enhancment.

Otherwise, I have found most Ohio seafood to border on the disgusting deep fried variety or the horrid and boring "grilled salmon" variety. Around these parts, FRESH means only been frozen for less than 2 months.

Prove me wrong! Tell me where to get decent, flavorful, fresh seafood at a reasonable price prepared by someone other than a high school senior.

I won't try to prove you wrong - I know you're right.

Fresh seafood in Cincinnati can be had for a very high price, and that's pretty much it

The Cameron Mitchell group does operate a place in the Cincinnati area:[url='http://www.newportonthelevee.com/tenants/mitchellsfishmarket.cfm']Mitchell's Fish Market[/url]. Despite the name, it is a high priced fancy seafood restaurant built in an eminent-domain-enabled entertainment district called Newport on the Levee.

Haven't been there, I generally avoid anything having to do with NotL

Sounds similar to Mitchell's Columbus Fish Market locations in Columbus. Very pricey, but the fish is indeed fresh, although many of the preparations are a bit eclectic for me. I tend to prefer fresh seafood prepared simply and without a lot of sauces, etc. If the fish is fresh, then it should be enjoyed without a lot of tired embellishments -- and PLEASE --- NEVER FRY IT !!!

I lived in Cinci area for a few years, but I never ever bothered to go to KY, except to and from the airport.

I did find some good steaks in Cinci and of course the ribs, but never had any real luck with seafood, although there was a Charlie's Crab in Montgomery a while back and the Hyde Park Group (although I think they abandoned Cincy) had a pretty good upscale seafood place way out Montgomery Road in what was once the 20 Mile House (it was called Blake's Seafood). Had a wonderful Sea Bass there a few years ago. Too bad it closed.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I won't try to prove you wrong - I know you're right.

Fresh seafood in Cincinnati can be had for a very high price, and that's pretty much it

The Cameron Mitchell group does operate a place in the Cincinnati area:[url='http://www.newportonthelevee.com/tenants/mitchellsfishmarket.cfm']Mitchell's Fish Market[/url]. Despite the name, it is a high priced fancy seafood restaurant built in an eminent-domain-enabled entertainment district called Newport on the Levee.

Haven't been there, I generally avoid anything having to do with NotL