WhereToEat: Cincinnati and N.Ky (open chat)

NYPIzzaNut


I guess they don't know they would do better with New York style pizza pies.

Great Googly-Moogly, enough already!!! We get it! You love NY style pizza.
 
How would they do better with NY style pizza when you trash almost every pizza place in the area that attempts it?

Dictator


Just got back from trying the recently opened (well, back in February, according to the owner) El Havanero Cuban restaurant in Fairfield (on Rt. 4 just down the street from Taqueria Mercado/Panaderia a la Mexicana).  It was quite tasty.  The wife and I both ordered the El Havanero sandwich (basically, a traditional Cuban) and, while we've never actually eaten at a true, authentic Cuban establishment on any of our Florida trips (yes, we do need to remedy this), I can say that the sandwich was, without doubt, the best Cuban I've ever had. 
 
We got two GIGANTIC sandwiches, a basket of fries to split, and soft drinks, all for $25.00 even.  The owner said that they would be getting their liquor license in a few days and that they were going to start having bands in to play, starting with one from Miami. 
 
The establishment is very nicely decorated (granted, I'm no Christopher Lowell) and spacious, and the menu has a lot of very interesting and tasty-sounding dishes to choose from.  Therefore, we will return.  (Probably within the week.)
 
http://www.elhavanero.net/index.html

Sounds very promising, thanks!  I've only had Cuban sandwiches up in Chicago and I miss them.  I notice they've got ropa vieja and plantains on the menu, too.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!  I'm intrigued.   Melt,  I have been by a couple of times,  but never actually stopped to eat... will definitely add to my list.. and Song Long was always my favorite spot at Taste of Cincy.. but I had frankly forgotten about them,  since I haven't gone in a few years..   Looking forward to some new places to try!

BillyZoom

NYPIzzaNut


I guess they don't know they would do better with New York style pizza pies.

Great Googly-Moogly, enough already!!! We get it! You love NY style pizza.
 
How would they do better with NY style pizza when you trash almost every pizza place in the area that attempts it?

Over the years in Cinci there have been pizzerias who made pizza like they make in NY - the one that we have discussed here that was spot on was Roma Pizza downtown - just across from Aronoff Center - unfortunately they were in their hey day before the Aronoff came about - since then they became known as Trattoria Roma and the owner,  Quinton,  passed away and his wife took the operation over and they began catering to the Aronoff crowds and pizza was no longer king there and they no longer offered it by the slice and the pies are no where near as good.  There are at least a dozen pizza places who claim to make NY pizzas in GreaterCinci but their crusts fall far short of the mark.

Dewey's and Troni's  (Kettering) offer pizza with the type crust that NY pies are noted for.

You and some others think I am trashing most pizzas here but all I am saying is they are nothing like NY pizza - many members here in this area have no benchmark to measure by and have grown up on the stuff they routinely purvey here as pizza - if you like it that is your call - what I am saying is the best tasting pizza in the world is in NY and if you never had it you do not know what you are missing and if you want to call my comments incessant whining or trashing feel free and enjoy your cardboard and cracker pies for what they are.  I will  continue my quest - as I said great purveyors of NY pizza pies have come and gone here over the decades and I feel sure some will be coming along again who know how to make a NY pizza pie.

NYPIzzaNut

southern grub


Just on the other side of SR 32 in eastgate there was a guy set up in the parking lot selling bbq. It's back open! much better than City BBQ even on their good days. He expanded the menu a little bit too. It's on Glen-Este Withamsville Road just south of 32. He is now in the Shopping plaza there at kennedy's landing. When you're facing it on the far left. You can't miss the huge pink pig on the front of the building. no smoker in the front anymore so make sure you are looking for the pig. Its still a simple place only seats about 20 but the BBQ is great. He even has a lunch special on weekdays from 11-2. you get a Pulled Pork sandwich, bag of chips and a soda for $5.00. there are no substitutions on the the special but the sandwich it self is over a half pound so bring a good appitite. they are closed on Mondays but the other 6 days are some mighty good eating. If you had been there back in the summer your in for a treat now. He has added Mac and Cheese (From scratch) Green beans (like grandma's if you grew up south of the mason dixie) Corn Bread ($0.50) and also from scratch. He also offers a (BRUNSWICK STEW) like a Kentucky Burgoo. easily described as delicious. Its has pork, beef and chicken all smoked and stewed with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a mix of veggies. Don't be fooled though it is probably half meat. really rich and hearty. he was out of take out menus when i was there but i'll stop back in and try to scan one to post. He still has ribs, also rib tips, chicken, pork and brisket. you won't be dissapointed.

Has anyone tried this place?

Our lunchbunch group tried Here Piggy-Piggy BBQ located at Kennedy's Landing on Glen Este-Withamsville Rd (1/4 mile south of State Route 32) and the food was simply wonderful.  They are open 11 am - 8 pm every day but Monday - their telephone number is 513 753 PORK.  The juiciest most delicious brisket I ever ate.

After much study, careful thought and on the job research I have come to the conclusion that the best answer to the question of where to eat in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is anywhere else.

I hope the above is an inside joke, as I simply can't believe that someone with over 9000 posts would stoop to trolling.

Anyway, below is from my visit to El Havanero yesterday. I apologize for the picture quality; it's from my cameraphone, and the lighting was not great where I was sitting.




I ordered the Fricase el Pollo, which included rice, green plantains (lightly fried), potatoes, and chicken in "Cuban" sauce. I also ordered a side of yucca (at right), which was served in a small pool of light garlic sauce (much lighter/thinner than I was used to). The overall experience was good, not great. Their approach is simple and has a very "home cooked" feel to it, which worked very well for some items (the rice and potatoes were excellent), reasonably well for others (the chicken and plantains were okay), and unfortunately not at all for the yucca, which was a bit undercooked. (For those who don't know, yucca is similar to a potato, but more "starchy" and fibrous.)

I spoke with chef Freddy for a bit, and he is more than willing to make "custom" dishes as long as the kitchen isn't backed up. He also said that he enjoys making other "island" cuisine, like a Puerto Rican mofongo, and I will take him up on that offer at some point. They have grand designs for the place; the dance floor, lights, fog machines, and VIP Room are already in place, aimed (hopefully) at the late night crowd. The dining area is relatively secluded from all of that, but I hope that the dining hours will be different from the nightclub hours.

I did not get a sandwich (which Freddy said they are calling the "Now and Later" due to its size, as people typically finish only half of it, and take the other half home), but it sounds excellent, and I plan on going back soon with my wife and brother, who has "not had a good Cuban in 5 years."

NYPIzzaNut

BillyZoom

NYPIzzaNut


I guess they don't know they would do better with New York style pizza pies.

Great Googly-Moogly, enough already!!! We get it! You love NY style pizza.

How would they do better with NY style pizza when you trash almost every pizza place in the area that attempts it?

Over the years in Cinci there have been pizzerias who made pizza like they make in NY - the one that we have discussed here that was spot on was Roma Pizza downtown - just across from Aronoff Center - unfortunately they were in their hey day before the Aronoff came about - since then they became known as Trattoria Roma and the owner,  Quinton,  passed away and his wife took the operation over and they began catering to the Aronoff crowds and pizza was no longer king there and they no longer offered it by the slice and the pies are no where near as good.  There are at least a dozen pizza places who claim to make NY pizzas in GreaterCinci but their crusts fall far short of the mark.

Dewey's and Troni's  (Kettering) offer pizza with the type crust that NY pies are noted for.

You and some others think I am trashing most pizzas here but all I am saying is they are nothing like NY pizza - many members here in this area have no benchmark to measure by and have grown up on the stuff they routinely purvey here as pizza - if you like it that is your call - what I am saying is the best tasting pizza in the world is in NY and if you never had it you do not know what you are missing and if you want to call my comments incessant whining or trashing feel free and enjoy your cardboard and cracker pies for what they are.  I will  continue my quest - as I said great purveyors of NY pizza pies have come and gone here over the decades and I feel sure some will be coming along again who know how to make a NY pizza pie.

 
Have you considered moving back to New York?
 
I mean, I love Italian beef. Few places serve it in Cincinnati, none of them do it well. I just sort of accept that one has to live in Chicago to get a good beef sandwich. But I still live here, and Cincinnati has plenty of good food to offer.
 
If you love burnt crust with no toppings that much, then by all means, why are you wasting your time living here? I don't hold Cincinnati in contempt because I can't get a decent Italian beef here, then obsess about how great my food of choice is and why everyone in this city should conform to my standards while ripping the local options.
 
Your handle says it all. We understand. We're not stupid, and therefore don't need a refresher 10 times a month on what constitutes an authentic New York pizza. We've all made a choice not to live in New York.
 
Thank you.

Michael Hoffman


After much study, careful thought and on the job research I have come to the conclusion that the best answer to the question of where to eat in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is anywhere else.

Columbus being the culinary capital of the U.S.
 

 

Bonk

NYPIzzaNut

BillyZoom

NYPIzzaNut


I guess they don't know they would do better with New York style pizza pies.

Great Googly-Moogly, enough already!!! We get it! You love NY style pizza.

How would they do better with NY style pizza when you trash almost every pizza place in the area that attempts it?

Over the years in Cinci there have been pizzerias who made pizza like they make in NY - the one that we have discussed here that was spot on was Roma Pizza downtown - just across from Aronoff Center - unfortunately they were in their hey day before the Aronoff came about - since then they became known as Trattoria Roma and the owner,  Quinton,  passed away and his wife took the operation over and they began catering to the Aronoff crowds and pizza was no longer king there and they no longer offered it by the slice and the pies are no where near as good.  There are at least a dozen pizza places who claim to make NY pizzas in GreaterCinci but their crusts fall far short of the mark.

Dewey's and Troni's  (Kettering) offer pizza with the type crust that NY pies are noted for.

You and some others think I am trashing most pizzas here but all I am saying is they are nothing like NY pizza - many members here in this area have no benchmark to measure by and have grown up on the stuff they routinely purvey here as pizza - if you like it that is your call - what I am saying is the best tasting pizza in the world is in NY and if you never had it you do not know what you are missing and if you want to call my comments incessant whining or trashing feel free and enjoy your cardboard and cracker pies for what they are.  I will  continue my quest - as I said great purveyors of NY pizza pies have come and gone here over the decades and I feel sure some will be coming along again who know how to make a NY pizza pie.

 
Have you considered moving back to New York?
 
I mean, I love Italian beef. Few places serve it in Cincinnati, none of them do it well. I just sort of accept that one has to live in Chicago to get a good beef sandwich. But I still live here, and Cincinnati has plenty of good food to offer.
 
If you love burnt crust with no toppings that much, then by all means, why are you wasting your time living here? I don't hold Cincinnati in contempt because I can't get a decent Italian beef here, then obsess about how great my food of choice is and why everyone in this city should conform to my standards while ripping the local options.
 
Your handle says it all. We understand. We're not stupid, and therefore don't need a refresher 10 times a month on what constitutes an authentic New York pizza. We've all made a choice not to live in New York.
 
Thank you.

Been here in the area since
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_Supper_Club_fire
I was driving up from Alabama the next morning and that was all that was on the radio.

Met my wife in Hyde Park.  (She was from Long Island and Brooklyn originally).

Adopted a lovely 6 year old boy after we got married here, who was from a broken Appalachian home background.

Came to work for a man who was from Detroit originally who had been in a town a good long while and was a real friend when I was in need of a change.

Have not lived in NY since a year after I got out of Vietnam and the Army.

So I am attached to Cinci area, for better or worse. Most of my family is gone from the part of NY I grew up in (Yonkers).

Everyone from NY who lives here has similar gripes in food.  I still yearn for NY hard rolls. German Potato Salad, Jewish rye bread, etc. 

I search hard for food that reminds me of what I ate while growing up in NY.

I happen to have a big mouth and you folks here can tune me out anytime you want.

I talk about a whole lot more than pizza - in a positive vein - if you pay attention.  If you want to jump on the bandwagon and crucify me have at it.  I am now retired and have plenty of spare time to check food out in the area around Cinci and Dayton and do so weekly, and I will continue posting here what ever strikes my fancy.

And good NY pizza does not have burnt crust - it is usually well-done and does not bend when you go to eat it with your hands.  (I never saw folks cut up their pizza and eating it with a fork til I moved here).

Ok

and now back to Cincinnati eats:

I am looking for a get away place to eat a good meal on the east side.

Anyone got any ideas?

Donald - not sure what you mean by "get away", but here's some good stuff nonetheless, all east side

For burgers - Terry's Turf Club nr Lunken

For hungarian/german - Iron Skillet in Newtown

For thai and/or sushi - Ruthai in Mt Lookout

For a great fast food experience - Roy Rogers on 32 a mile west of 275

For cheap ameri-mexican - Acapulco's in Milford (some will argue for Rincon in Eastgate, never had a good meal there myself)

For great sitdown\white tablecloth Chinese - Oriental Wok at the corner of Madison and Dana

For fine\high end dining - Boca on Madison Road in Oakley

For fab Beer\alcohol selection (so I am told, I dont drink) - Dilly Deli in Mariemont

For chicago style stuffed pizza - Mio's (in my very own Mt Washington) on Sutton Ave

For breakfast - The original Pancake House on Montgomery Road in Montgomery

For terrible boiled ribs drenched in sweety-sweet sauce :-) - Montgomery Inn on Montgomery Road in (you guessed it) Montgomery

Chili - yeah, I am sure you'll want more Chili - Blue Ash Chili, Blue Ash

CajunKing


Ok

and now back to Cincinnati eats:

I am looking for a get away place to eat a good meal on the east side.

Anyone got any ideas?

Not sure what you mean by "get away"?  lie a bed and breakfast or something?  Get away from whom?

Anyway we got some great places on the east side.  Just head up Beechmont ave and youll find it all.  We got an Outback!  Carrabas!  Olive Garden!  TGIFs!  AppleBees!  Heck we even have a Smokey Bones and an abandoned ribs joint where another rib joint once burned down...

I kid, I kid.

Check Terrys Turf Club http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/ent2/entity.aspx?e=215894 on Eastern ave for amazingly terrific burgers, OK fries and questionable service.  

Other good burgers?  Mirabelles tavern http://www.maribellestavern.com/  great burgers as well.

Salem gardens for great tasting, but dry burgers.  excellent fries, with cheese of course.  http://www.salemgardens.org/

want a slightly overrated, but much loved burger?  head to Zips http://www.mtlookoutsquare.com/index.html  

Sure its a mini chain but you wont find a better steak hoagie than at angilo's!  http://www.angilospizza.com/cgi-bin/location_detail.cgi?ID=42

not quite as good hoagies, but excellent pizza and great place for a family dinner http://www.miospizza.com/mtwashington/

some cannot agree on this but Los Portales in the old Tumbleweed at Skytop has been good everytime ive been there http://cityguide.aol.com/cincinnati/restaurants/los-portales/v-117988766  its something else now grande rancho or something, but we ate at their grand opening and it was cheap and awesome!

tex mex?  whatever that is?  head to el coyote.  http://www.elcoyotecincy.com/  now i havent been there in years, because its pricey and not as good as some say, but i remember having quite a steak fajita there.  Also had dinner with my now wife and her whole family there the night before I proposed.  they all knew, she didnt of course.  fun memorable evening.  warning.  two of my best friends describe this place very differently.  one says "best mexican EVER anywhere"  the other?  "the worst food I have ever eaten"  the truth?  probably somewhere in between...

want some fried chicken fried in lard?  its yummy, but will likely kill you straight away.  Check the Hitching Post http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en-us&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=hitching+post+cincinnati&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=1009206124502342006 down on Kellogg.  We eat it about once or so a year,  then try and run a few miles and get our hearts checked.

Quatmans in norwood is good.

Is hamburger heaven still open?  did I mention the Olive Garden???

Thank you both!

You have given me some pretty good choices.  I have a friend coming down for the weekend and we don't want to eat on the west side (know toooooo many people on the WS, hence the get away part)

Terry's sounds like it will fit the bill nicely and so does TOPH for breakfast  ;-)

Thanks again


ps I agree with Acapulco's (we have one here and it is always good)

CajunKing


Thank you both!

You have given me some pretty good choices.  I have a friend coming down for the weekend and we don't want to eat on the west side (know toooooo many people on the WS, hence the get away part)

Terry's sounds like it will fit the bill nicely and so does TOPH for breakfast  ;-)

Thanks again


ps I agree with Acapulco's (we have one here and it is always good)

ahhh i see.  i almost queried "get away from the west side?"  i grew up on the west side but now live on the east side.  though the majority of my life has been here on the east.  I still feel that strange draw to the West and we "get away" about once a year for the amazing sandwiches at J & Js.  We have Demitrios 4 here over in mariemont/madisonville and it does a good job at approximating the greatness of J&Js, but I always pine for the chefs salad and a turkey and beef in my hometown.

Last great pizza I had was in NY - Grimaldi's.  It cooked in under 3 minutes.  Crisp crust, slightly charred and lightly topped.   If a pizza can be described as gooey or cheesy..yuck.   And that chicogo deep dish stuff...should be called a casserole, not a pizza.   For those who like NY style pizza and have an oven that will get a pizza stone above 500 degrees - try buying dough from Pomodori's in Montgomery or Clifton and tossing your own. 
 
For a postive note:  Great dinner the other night - Cold spring rolls takeout from Song Long and ribs from down the street from KT's.  Both of these are best-in-class in Cincinnati...nothing even close. 

Has anyone been to Casual Wok and Grille on Montgomery Rd.?  My parents are considering going for Mother's Day, but they've never been there.  The website has some pdf menus that look promising, with both dim sum and szechaun specials:

http://www.casualwok.com/

Polly Campbell gave it a good review last year, but I was wondering if anyone had a slightly more recent experience, particularly with the special menu.

We ate there in February and it was the worst Chinese food that I've ever had. We had the crispy duck and a shrimp dish. The crispy duck was tepid in temperature but dry to the point of desication. The shrimp with lobster sauce was nearly tasteless.

I have heard people say that the dim sum is good but I've never had the desire to eat there again.

Polly has a nice summary today of several new-ish Latin restaurants in the Fairfield area, including one I had never heard of - the Green Plantain

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090428/ENT01/304280074

Casual Wok..  We have done their take out several times,  and judged it good.. not excellent,  but I don't expect a lot for Chinese takeout,  and it never seemed greasy.   But I have done their dim Sum on weekends 3 times and really enjoy it.   Especially the Crispy Shrimp,  and the Eggplant...

Thank you, everyone-- a bit of a mixed review!  :)  I'm inclined to give it a try mostly because they bother to have a special menu, but the dim sum also sounds like a good option.  I'll report back if we do go.

I had a great meal at Martino's on Vine last week.  I got the wings and the girl got an italian sandwich.  Both portions were HUGE.  The wings are served "Pittsburgh style", which I guess means uncut.  I ordered a dozen, and was surprised to see that they were $1 each - until they came out.  12 full wings = 24 wings anywhere else. 
 
They were wonderfully crispy.  Some of the best cooked wings I've had anywhere.  We got the "garlic hot" sauce, which was tangy and interesting, but not quite my preference.  I will definitely go back and try another sauce. 
 
The italian sub was on fresh bread, and easily a foot long, if not longer.  The meats were exactly like I like them, and a perfect amount. 
 
As a bonus, draft pints were $1 for domestics.  We each had 2 beers, took home some leftover wings, and got out of there for $30 including tax & tip.
 

KahnsKrazy~
I frequent Martino's quite often, as I live close to there.  It is a family owned operation.  And the family is a close-knit family from Pittsburgh.  The owner, Marty, played football for UC, and the family moved here and opened the restaurant.

The dollar drafts are a special, and change daily.  They also have specials, such as make-your-own pizza on Tuesday, and build-your-own burger on Wednesday.  I think Monday{?} is all-you-can-eat spaghetti.

The hoagies are served in half & whole portions.  The half is one-foot long.  The whole is two-feet long.  The food is very good and reasonably priced.

I've never had the wings, because I'm not a fan, but they always smell great!!

TJ Jackson


Polly has a nice summary today of several new-ish Latin restaurants in the Fairfield area, including one I had never heard of - the Green Plantain

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090428/ENT01/304280074

I came from Jungle Jim's south to I 275 yesterday and I never even saw the signs for El Havanero or the Green Plantain - either I am not very observant or their signage is not very prominent!  I made me a little map so I know better where to look next time in the area - the Cuban place is just before the Mexican taqueria on the same side of the road going South and the Green Plantain is just before Sabor Peruana on the same side as the other joints

CajunKing


...

Terry's sounds like it will fit the bill nicely...

CK,
 
FYI about Terry's Turf Club ~ Try to go early or late.  They open at 4pm M-F, and noon on the weekends.  They serve food until near time for closing {I think @ 1-2am}.  If you go during peak times, it's a tight squeeze, and although I have never had bad service, the ones who complain, I'm sure, went at peak times.
 
I have been to TTC at 4-4:30pm and never had a problem.  I have also been there at 9:30-10pm, and have been the only people in the place {although once at @10pm on a Thursday, we had to wait}.  Live music on Friday & Saturday night might make late night more crowded than a weeknight.
 
I think TTC is definitely worth the trip, but you can avoid the crowds and the wait by planning.

soozycue520

CajunKing


...

Terry's sounds like it will fit the bill nicely...

CK,
 
FYI about Terry's Turf Club ~ Try to go early or late.  They open at 4pm M-F, and noon on the weekends.  They serve food until near time for closing {I think @ 1-2am}.  If you go during peak times, it's a tight squeeze, and although I have never had bad service, the ones who complain, I'm sure, went at peak times.
 
I have been to TTC at 4-4:30pm and never had a problem.  I have also been there at 9:30-10pm, and have been the only people in the place {although once at @10pm on a Thursday, we had to wait}.  Live music on Friday & Saturday night might make late night more crowded than a weeknight.
 
I think TTC is definitely worth the trip, but you can avoid the crowds and the wait by planning.

On the cincinnati.com website this afternoon I noticed an article about Terry's Turf Club burger being listed as as Ultimate Burger in the Food Network Magazine.

Cincinnati.com article

Green Plantain - Is on the same side of the street as Sabor Peruana,  but actually in the little strip mall that is right next store to McDonalds.    I think it used to have a MAB paints...
We are  heading there next week for lunch,  I will take pictures and review for sure!

For those who think Deweys is the closest to NY style Pizza, I suggest one try Flying Pizza on Fields Ertle.
Very simple sauce (Little spice) and oregano blend is available as a shaker at the counter.
Thin crust is made fresh, Sicilian crust is made in advance and tasted stale the one time I ordered it.

The guys in there will even give some of the attitude too.

Good deals to be had around town...

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090430/ENT01/304300007

I tried Areti's, the new Greek food stall at Findlay Market today. The gyros are made fresh and come with tons of lamb meat, flat bread, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce. The lamb was nicely spiced and the portion was great value for the money at 4.50. I could only finish half. They also had mousakka and stuffed grape leaves but I think those were to take home and reheat.

They still seem to be finding their bearings and the wait was about 20 minutes. I think this will lessen as they become more familiar with their routine and preparation.

This may be old news, but I was over on Beechmont Avenue yesterday and noticed a building under renovation with a sign announcing an Indian Bistro was coming.  I believe it was in this building but of course since it was under renovation it looked a little different.  At any rate, it wasn't too far east of the Penn Station on Beechmont.

Ghaz


This may be old news, but I was over on Beechmont Avenue yesterday and noticed a building under renovation with a sign announcing an Indian Bistro was coming.  I believe it was in this building but of course since it was under renovation it looked a little different.  At any rate, it wasn't too far east of the Penn Station on Beechmont.

That is interesting - it is across from and close to Saturn of Beechmont it appears - I recognize the water tower in the background.

Green Plantain -  We had lunch their Sat. afternoon.  Wish I could have picture,  but frankly I forgot until too late. 

It is very clean and bright inside with lime green cloth table cloths under glass and tropical in feel.  There were 3 other tables occupied while we were there,  all families of Hispanic decent.
The waiter who spoke good English,  but didn't seem to understand much when spoken to (all was accomplished through pointing and smiles though. )  
He immediately brought over a basket of fried plantain chips and a spicy dip.  Chips were delicious, not greasy and not salty.
My daughter the vegetarian,  ordered their tofu dish,  and I ordered the Shrimp and fish in Coconut sauce.    Waiter came back a few minutes later to let us know that they didn't have any tofu.    Well their vegetarian options are very limited.  There is another Eggplant dish,  but she doesn't care for eggplant,  so she opted for the Corn Tamales... and a cup of Lentil soup.    The dishes arrived and were nicely presented.    The Tamales were delicious,  but the soup was inedible as it was way too salty. 
My Fish and Shrimp came in an oval bowl.  Pieces of Tilipia and 4 large shrimp ,  onions and green peppers in a ton of very oily sauce.   I also had white rice on the side.   The Tilipia was terrific and I picked the fish and vegetables out of the sauce and ate it with the rice.  It was very good, but the sauce was a little overwhelming. 

the menu is similar to Sabor Peranu,  but I thought this was a little better.  Maybe it was the bright decor and fun music..
Not sure we will be back soon,  since the vegetarian options are so few though....

That sign's been there for a while and I haven't noticed any progress, so I won't hold my breath. The Eastern influence on Beechmont is growing. I like Royal Taj for Indian, I've had a couple of good meals at Foreign Exchange (sushi/Thai), and there's some other new Thai bistro at Anderson Towne Center. I also like the fact that Young's Chinese in Mount Washington delivers.

rpglegal


Green Plantain -  We had lunch their Sat. afternoon.  Wish I could have picture,  but frankly I forgot until too late. 

It is very clean and bright inside with lime green cloth table cloths under glass and tropical in feel.  There were 3 other tables occupied while we were there,  all families of Hispanic decent.
The waiter who spoke good English,  but didn't seem to understand much when spoken to (all was accomplished through pointing and smiles though. )  
He immediately brought over a basket of fried plantain chips and a spicy dip.  Chips were delicious, not greasy and not salty.
My daughter the vegetarian,  ordered their tofu dish,  and I ordered the Shrimp and fish in Coconut sauce.    Waiter came back a few minutes later to let us know that they didn't have any tofu.    Well their vegetarian options are very limited.  There is another Eggplant dish,  but she doesn't care for eggplant,  so she opted for the Corn Tamales... and a cup of Lentil soup.    The dishes arrived and were nicely presented.    The Tamales were delicious,  but the soup was inedible as it was way too salty. 
My Fish and Shrimp came in an oval bowl.  Pieces of Tilipia and 4 large shrimp ,  onions and green peppers in a ton of very oily sauce.   I also had white rice on the side.   The Tilipia was terrific and I picked the fish and vegetables out of the sauce and ate it with the rice.  It was very good, but the sauce was a little overwhelming. 

the menu is similar to Sabor Peranu,  but I thought this was a little better.  Maybe it was the bright decor and fun music..
Not sure we will be back soon,  since the vegetarian options are so few though....

...do they offer any interesting soups?

johnbycz


That sign's been there for a while and I haven't noticed any progress, so I won't hold my breath. The Eastern influence on Beechmont is growing. I like Royal Taj for Indian, I've had a couple of good meals at Foreign Exchange (sushi/Thai), and there's some other new Thai bistro at Anderson Towne Center. I also like the fact that Young's Chinese in Mount Washington delivers.

Are you referring to:

http://www.karmaasianbistro.com/

a spirited discussion at the Enquirer about the results of the best of taste.  and some polls on "best foods" , including "best chili" Cincinnati.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090504/ENT01/305040089/Vote++Best+chili+in+town?


NYPIzzaNut, you may find some of the pizza discussion interesting, lots of "larosas is best ever!" and some suggestions on finding "real NY style pizza"

NYPIzzaNut


That is interesting - it is across from and close to Saturn of Beechmont it appears - I recognize the water tower in the background.

It's across from a Gold Star Chili and Montgomery Cyclery.  You can use the little compass in the corner to change the direction you're looking.
 

johnbycz


That sign's been there for a while and I haven't noticed any progress, so I won't hold my breath.

Well, there was a big yard box (dumpster) in the front drive and the red awning on the left side of the building was gone.  That's why I had some trouble finding the building on Google Maps.  It's the first time I'd been over that way for quite some time so I don't know if that's any progress or not.

NYPIzzaNut

rpglegal


Green Plantain -  We had lunch their Sat. afternoon.  Wish I could have picture,  but frankly I forgot until too late. 

It is very clean and bright inside with lime green cloth table cloths under glass and tropical in feel.  There were 3 other tables occupied while we were there,  all families of Hispanic decent.
The waiter who spoke good English,  but didn't seem to understand much when spoken to (all was accomplished through pointing and smiles though. )  
He immediately brought over a basket of fried plantain chips and a spicy dip.  Chips were delicious, not greasy and not salty.
My daughter the vegetarian,  ordered their tofu dish,  and I ordered the Shrimp and fish in Coconut sauce.    Waiter came back a few minutes later to let us know that they didn't have any tofu.    Well their vegetarian options are very limited.  There is another Eggplant dish,  but she doesn't care for eggplant,  so she opted for the Corn Tamales... and a cup of Lentil soup.    The dishes arrived and were nicely presented.    The Tamales were delicious,  but the soup was inedible as it was way too salty. 
My Fish and Shrimp came in an oval bowl.  Pieces of Tilipia and 4 large shrimp ,  onions and green peppers in a ton of very oily sauce.   I also had white rice on the side.   The Tilipia was terrific and I picked the fish and vegetables out of the sauce and ate it with the rice.  It was very good, but the sauce was a little overwhelming. 

the menu is similar to Sabor Peranu,  but I thought this was a little better.  Maybe it was the bright decor and fun music..
Not sure we will be back soon,  since the vegetarian options are so few though....

...do they offer any interesting soups?

Hi NYPizzaNut-   They had 3 listed on their menu.   The Lentil,  which we tried and was way too salty.  A soup of the day,  which when we were there,  and asked,  the waiter said it was not available,  and a third,  which had beef in it,  and we were not interested in..  Since we were there for lunch,  I guess the full menu is not always available....

NYPIzzaNut

Are you referring to:

http://www.karmaasianbistro.com/

NYPIzzaNut

Yeah, that's it. It appears from previous messages you've been there. Any good?

Mighty fine and wonderful Laotian owners.

The Balboas in O'Bryanville had the open sign on last night.  I'm looking forward to checking it out. I believe it's an expanded menu from the downtown location.

I certainly hope the one in OBryonville turns out something better than the very substandard product served at the two downtown locations.  Good luck.

Really?  I haven't been to the downtown one since just a month or so after it opened, but my sandwich was delicious and the pizza looked good.

Went to the Casual Wok and Grill on Montgomery for an early Mother's Day celebration and had the dim sum.  Although they've got two store spaces, it's still a pretty small dining area.  We were lucky that it wasn't too crowded, although there were at least one or two other large parties there besides us. 

The dim sum offerings were pretty basic, but decently executed.  My favorites were the asparagus/shrimp dumpling, beef tendon (was especially nice texture, although it could've been a bit more flavorful), chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, stuffed eggplant and turnip cake.  The pork dumplings and shrimp dumplings were also good.  Steamed bbq pork bun was only so-so.  Dessert was egg tarts and the coconut mochi with peanuts, which was pretty unusual.  The latter was... interesting.  :)  I'm not a huge fan of coconut OR peanuts, but it was nice.

They do have cart service, but didn't really carry every dish on it.  We had to special order stuff like the rice noodle crepes with shrimp, and occasionally they only had one or two orders of something and we had to order a third.  We never did get the chicken feet, for some reason.  I'd recommend printing out the dim sum menu if you go, so you can special order things that aren't carried on the cart.  All in all, good dim sum, but I think Sunflower up in Columbus has a bigger selection and more consistent service.  I'd go back, though.  I'm even more interested in trying the szechaun menu, which has a ton of neat looking stuff. 

http://www.casualwok.com/

arianej


Went to the Casual Wok and Grill on Montgomery for an early Mother's Day celebration and had the dim sum.  Although they've got two store spaces, it's still a pretty small dining area.  We were lucky that it wasn't too crowded, although there were at least one or two other large parties there besides us. 

The dim sum offerings were pretty basic, but decently executed.  My favorites were the asparagus/shrimp dumpling, beef tendon (was especially nice texture, although it could've been a bit more flavorful), chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, stuffed eggplant and turnip cake.  The pork dumplings and shrimp dumplings were also good.  Steamed bbq pork bun was only so-so.  Dessert was egg tarts and the coconut mochi with peanuts, which was pretty unusual.  The latter was... interesting.  :)  I'm not a huge fan of coconut OR peanuts, but it was nice.

They do have cart service, but didn't really carry every dish on it.  We had to special order stuff like the rice noodle crepes with shrimp, and occasionally they only had one or two orders of something and we had to order a third.  We never did get the chicken feet, for some reason.  I'd recommend printing out the dim sum menu if you go, so you can special order things that aren't carried on the cart.  All in all, good dim sum, but I think Sunflower up in Columbus has a bigger selection and more consistent service.  I'd go back, though.  I'm even more interested in trying the szechaun menu, which has a ton of neat looking stuff. 

http://www.casualwok.com/

The last time I had dim sum was at Uncle Yips in Evendale across the street from Sports Plus.  They have a pretty good selection of stuff and everything our party tried was very good.

Here are a couple links to reviews...

Yelp.com

Polly Campbell

Ate at the new Chi-nnati's Pizza place in Kenwood at Montgomery and Hosbrook

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/12/22/story4.html

It was good.  Nothing really challenging, interesting or genre shaking by any means.  The toppings all looked and tasted fresh.  A cheesy garlic bread appetizer was very small but tasty. Service was solid but possibly insecure?  I heard my waiter and several others ask if everything was "perfect, including the service?" repeatedly.  That must be their schtick at least during the opening.  

A bit on the pricey side I thought for the thin crust pies and the small sizes of the appetizers and stuff.  

pic  http://twitpic.com/4w19y

Just FYI - there's a new pizza place opening in the Fields-Ertle area on Union Cemetary between Fields-Ertle and Montgomery in the JC Penney plaza. Didn't catch the name of it -- it's not open yet -- but the sign says they serve it by the slice..... not sure that I've EVER seen a by the slice place in Cincy. Looking forward to it opening.

Have any of you ever tried Walt's Barbeque?  There are three locations in the Cincinnati area.  Check out www.waltsbarbeque.com for more information!

I tried the relatively new location in Hamilton in the 1200 block of Main Street in the strip mall anchored by a Marsh grocery.  I enjoyed my Three Pigg Sandwich Sampler (chicken, pork, and brisket barbeque sandwiches, plus some ribs) and Saratoga Chips!  Look out, City Barbeque!

jecutter


Just FYI - there's a new pizza place opening in the Fields-Ertle area on Union Cemetary between Fields-Ertle and Montgomery in the JC Penney plaza. Didn't catch the name of it -- it's not open yet -- but the sign says they serve it by the slice..... not sure that I've EVER seen a by the slice place in Cincy. Looking forward to it opening.

That sounds like good news.  Once upon a time Roma Trattoria downtown did a booming lunch trade as Roma Pizzeria and served the best pizza in town (NY style) to a hungry office trade.   Please let us now its name and when its open so we can check it out.  Thanks for the alert.

By the slice is kinda rare in Cincinnati, but I do know of a few joints that do...and of course, they may be others I dont know about

Rockafellas in Sharonville (at least they did a couple years back)
Lucy Blue
Sbarro
Balboas
Flying Pizza
Ramundos in Mt Lookout Square (my favorite of that group, still fairly meh)

TJ Jackson


By the slice is kinda rare in Cincinnati, but I do know of a few joints that do...and of course, they may be others I dont know about

Rockafellas in Sharonville (at least they did a couple years back)
Lucy Blue
Sbarro
Balboas
Flying Pizza
Ramundos in Mt Lookout Square (my favorite of that group, still fairly meh)

Rockafellas in Sharonville still does by the slice and does a very heavy lunch crowd...  They aren't bad, but nothing to write home about.

Flying Pizza is another place that isn't bad, but wouldn't be my first choice of NY Style pizza either.

OK Obviously the thread had been side-tracked into a personal rant and reactions to that rant . We deleted several posts that were considered inappropriate.

  Posts on this thread should be constructive suggestions for  roadfood locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Negative reviews of a location are acceptable, so long as they are linked to a specific location...NOT a universal condemnation of the entire community.

Violation of this axiom will cause further removal of posts by the Moderators.

I know Latitudes has been mentioned on here before, and the Anderson Twp. location has changed owners. To review: Latitudes is a tapas restaurant. Prices are a little high but the food is great (I especially recommend Our Bread and Butter).

Anyway, the new owner was a bartender there (and is a good guy), and he said some changes will be made to the menu but the majority of it should remain the same.

45013


Have any of you ever tried Walt's Barbeque?  There are three locations in the Cincinnati area.  Check out www.waltsbarbeque.com for more information!

I went to the Colerain location once, and was underwhelmed. The pulled pork was lacking in flavor (although the portion was very generous for the price), and the red beans and rice were downright awful. I may return to try the Tuesday "all you can eat" ribs at some point, but it is definitely not a priority.
 
It looks like I need to try the Green Plantain. I am also curious about the Israeli restaurant that was reviewed in last week's CityBeat (Kinneret Cafe on Plainfield Road). The menu appears to be heavily vegetarian, which should be of some interest to rpglegal.

There's a new BBQ place in town called BevisBBQ
http://www.bevisbbq.com

I should say that there is "nearly" a new BBQ place in town.  Website says opening was April 24th.   I stopped in this afternoon only to be "Travelin'manned". Seems all of the renovation is not complete and all of the permits are not approved. Oh well.  I diverted to Pit to Plate to talk to Diane and pick up some of her custom BBQ sauce instead. BevisBBQ said they should be open by early June, but I'm guessin' mid-June is a better bet.

In real food news, I made a stop to the "taco truck"  on Queen City Ave just south of Sunset.  They work out of a trailer in the parking lot of the mexican grocerer and and have a good but limited menu.  I've been there several times and have had both the pollo taco and the carne asada tacos. Each taco used two griddled corn tortillas, had fresh cilantro , onions and radish. The make their own salsas, one being a red spicy salsa with chipotles in adobo sauce and the other being a salsa verde with fresh avacado. The carne is grilled and seasoned fresh to order and the pollo is slow roast and pulled chicken that is seasoned.

Tacos are $1.75 each, so a pretty good lunch can be had for $3.50.

As it seems there is no pleasing most of the folks on this forum lately, stop at your own peril. For the price I try and make it a weekly stop.

Happy roadfooding.

Jerry
jjjrfoodie

dlawson

45013


Have any of you ever tried Walt's Barbeque?  There are three locations in the Cincinnati area.  Check out www.waltsbarbeque.com for more information!

I went to the Colerain location once, and was underwhelmed. The pulled pork was lacking in flavor (although the portion was very generous for the price), and the red beans and rice were downright awful. I may return to try the Tuesday "all you can eat" ribs at some point, but it is definitely not a priority.
 
It looks like I need to try the Green Plantain. I am also curious about the Israeli restaurant that was reviewed in last week's CityBeat (Kinneret Cafe on Plainfield Road). The menu appears to be heavily vegetarian, which should be of some interest to rpglegal.

I stopped in at the Green Plantain a few days ago at lunchtime (no one in place) and spoke to the owner and cook - and looked at the menu - they have a paella for two for around $23 - it sounds wonderful but the prep time is only 15 - 20 minutes so I am not sure what might be precooked - I did not go into that - but if you want to try the place you better get a move on - the fellow did say they do more biz at dinner time.

My wife had a bad day and offered to pick up some J&J's from Western Hills on her way home from work. Ham and Roast Beef on toast.  Delicious.  

NYPIzzaNut

I stopped in at the Green Plantain a few days ago at lunchtime (no one in place) and spoke to the owner and cook - and looked at the menu - they have a paella for two for around $23 - it sounds wonderful but the prep time is only 15 - 20 minutes so I am not sure what might be precooked - I did not go into that - but if you want to try the place you better get a move on - the fellow did say they do more biz at dinner time.

I ended up going for lunch today, as a matter of fact. Sadly, it was pretty empty...one fellow was finishing up his lunch as I arrived, and a group of four picked up a carryout order shortly after that.

I believe I am going to make a weekly lunch visit for the foreseeable future, as few (if any) places in the area even come close to the values on their lunch menu. For $6, I received the appetizer of plantain chips and tomato/onion salsa, a large scoop of rice, a side bowl of beans (which isn't even listed as part of the lunch), an adequate serving of pork with onions and peppers, a small serving of fried yellow plantains, and a drink with unlimited (?) refills. Everything was good to excellent (especially the appetizer), and I can't wait to go back.

There is a new restaurant opening in downtown Cincinnati in the former Frischs' (more recent Rise and Shine Cafe) on 6th between Walnut and Main near Benihanas

I can't tell the name of it for sure - but it appears to center around Turkey

There's tons of turkey-related facts/trivia/phrases painted on the front glass panes and either of the two largest pieces might well be the name of the joint

Either
               Tom Gobbler
or
               Cold Turkey

Also:

--I stopped in to El Havanero about two weeks back, got a cuban, thought it was just ok.

--There is a new pizza joint in Newport, sounds pretty good - hey Wallyum, check it out! : http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0519newportpizza.aspx