WhereToEat: Cincinnati and N.Ky (open chat)

couple pizzas places up in Mason I am looking for feedback on. One is a local joint, Aponte's. The other is a small chain that just moved in call Jet's Pizza. Being a BIG FAN of pizza, I am always looking for a good pie.

By the way, I have read alot of discussion on BBQ places in Cincinnati and must say Pit To Plate in Mt. Healthy would be my choice as the best Q joint.

Welcome to Roadfood, Suburban Dad....I am guessing to live in the Mason area.

I live in Mt Washington, on the very southeastern limits of Cincinnati, so I don't get up to Mason all that often....but perhaps some other members can chime in on Mason.

quote:

Originally posted by bstagg

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I have issue with all three of these places but first things first - are you a regular at Eminent-Domain-On-The-Levee?

(all three businesses mentioned have locations there)

Not sure what your issues could be with these three great restaurants. Any how enjoy your Chili and goeta. You should get out more often. Also if you don't want suggestions, Why ask?

Bstagg- I deleted the other two duplicate posts. No problem with them other than they were duplicates minus your comment here. Welcome to Roadfood.
AL

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Has anyone been to this promising-sounding pizzeria?

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20060616/ENT01/606160328/

I finally made it into Nicky's tonight

VERY thin, good crust. Sauce needs more zip, though. I was suprised to find fresh mozzerrella, garlic, and fresh basil available as ingredients.

I wasn't blown away, but will return for a second look

Eminent Domain on The Levee is the result of Newport's ongoing quest to take land and homes from the very poor and give it to rich developers.

That's all that needs to be said.

TJ, you took the high road on this one.
I, personally, only find about half of the restaurants at NOTL (aka EDOTL) as having good food. Most are overpriced, and none qualify as "roadfood" IMHO. On the weekends I avoid the place like the plague.

I also still have this reoccuring nightmare that there is an underground tunnel connecting the Newport Aquarium and Mitchell's Seafood Restaurant that dictates what the specials of the day are.
Overactive imagination on my part I guess...

Happy eating.

BTW, TJ and Wallyum, I am going to try and get over to that pizza place in Hebron, KY asap if I can.

BTW 2, July Issue of Cincinnati Magazine has a list of 25 eateries for under $25. Gene's is listed as I was browsing. Might want to check it out at your favorite grocery or library.

jjjrfoodie

quote:

Originally posted by bstagg

quote:

Originally posted by bstagg

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I have issue with all three of these places but first things first - are you a regular at Eminent-Domain-On-The-Levee?

(all three businesses mentioned have locations there)

Not sure what your issues could be with these three great restaurants. Any how enjoy your Chili and goeta. You should get out more often. Also if you don't want suggestions, Why ask?

Maybe he's interested in something other than a chain experience. There are one or two people like that on this site.
As for the three, Dewey's makes a good pizza, but you're paying for as much atmosphere as you are actual pizza. The Hofbrau Haus is a joke. Overpriced beer, microwaved food , and endless faux-German revelry and potty-humor music. Give me a break. The Levee as a whole (or a hole, your choice,) makes me want to institute a new personal policy. From this day forward, I don't eat anywhere that I have to pay to park.
I'd give Mythos's a try because I love Greek food, but I'm afraid I'd have to pay to park.

I see a lot of talk on Roadfood about Jamaican patties, looks like we finally have a local source - if there is another Jamaican restaurant in town, I don't know of it (and I don't count Bahama Breeze)

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20060714/ENT01/607140305/

More Cincinnati news, albeit not available online anywhere I could find

It appears we are getting our first[url='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churrascaria']churrascaria[/url] steakhouse. I found an advertisement for it while thumbing through CityBeat over lunch. Here's a lousy pic of the ad



Kind exciting to get one of these finally, but as is typical of many new restaurants in Cincinnati, I also learned it is part of a chain that includes Copeland's of New Orleans. Ah well. Having a chain one is probably better than not having one at all?

http://www.alcopeland.com/home.aspx (see the "Copeland's Restaurants" link on the right hand side)
http://www.amordebrazil.com/

So that then made me check the map...isn't Copeland's on Merten as well? The address turns out to be the same....ergo I think Copeland's (which was struggling) has closed and they are remodeling the space as a Amor De Brazil

Confirmation or denial is welcome

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum
I'd give Mythos's a try because I love Greek food, but I'm afraid I'd have to pay to park.

Actually Mytho's is not a part of NOTL. It is an extension of the Holiday House liquor store ~ well extension may be a stretch. Holiday House has been a liquor store in Newport forever, and Mytho's has occupied a small portion of the building. And parking if FREE!!! I have not eaten there yet, but the menu looks interesting!

Although I am not endorsing Arnie's on the Levee, which I was not impressed by [used to be Upstar Crow ~ a non-smoking jazz club/restaurant that didn't survive in KY], Arnie's has free parking in the Holiday House/Mytho's lot after 5pm.

I will say the Mythos in downtown Cincinnati (on the north-facing side of the Aronoff Center on 7th) is quite bad. Meat is pre sliced. Line out the door despite all that - location, location, location.

I went to the invite only grand opening of West Chester City BBQ, and it was out-freakin-standing. The entire menu was available and everything was free and the staff (including all the bigshots from Columbus) could not be nicer or more accomodating. My girls didn't eat much, as they spent most of the hour we were there dancing to the live music. I had their ribs for the first time and they were fabulous with or without sauce. The wife had the brisket sandwich (I ordered for her as she does not like BBQ much but HAD liked this particular sandwich when we were last there) and told me as we left that this was/is the ONLY thing she's ever liked at a BBQ place. We also thought the green beens, corn pudding, mac-n-cheese, and hush puppies were great. She pronounced the slaw and baked beans to only be so-so. We had hoped to try the apple cobbler, but they had run out. The staff member who delivered this bad news then gave us a coupon for a free cobbler on our next visit. Completely unnecessary, as everything was free, but super nice.

They had a prize wheel at the door, and our two spins netted us a coupon for a free sandwich and a bottle of their house sauce. Nice. :-)

Two interesting tidbits I got while I was there

1) I met the gentleman who will be the GM of the Hyde Park Location, and learned it's opening will be delayed until early September. As you face the christian bookstore on hyde park plaza, it will be on your right. I told him I'd keep a close lookout for the opening, as it is much much closer to where I live and work.

2) They are hoping to be able to run BBQ concessions inside both sports stadiums in the next few years. They admitted that MI has a stranglehold on this town as far as bbq goes, but they felt they hd a good shot at picking up a contract in the next few years. I wished them luck - I'd love to see this happen.

I'm sorry that I don't remember the names of any of these people, except the man I had been exchanging emails with - Rick Malir - but they sure put on a great grand opening with almost a "family reunion" type feel to it.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I went to the invite only grand opening of West Chester City BBQ, and it was out-freakin-standing. The entire menu was available and everything was free and the staff (including all the bigshots from Columbus) could not be nicer or more accomodating. My girls didn't eat much, as they spent most of the hour we were there dancing to the live music. I had their ribs for the first time and they were fabulous with or without sauce. The wife had the brisket sandwich (I ordered for her as she does not like BBQ much but HAD liked this particular sandwich when we were last there) and told me as we left that this was/is the ONLY thing she's ever liked at a BBQ place. We also thought the green beens, corn pudding, mac-n-cheese, and hush puppies were great. She pronounced the slaw and baked beans to only be so-so. We had hoped to try the apple cobbler, but they had run out. The staff member who delivered this bad news then gave us a coupon for a free cobbler on our next visit. Completely unnecessary, as everything was free, but super nice.

They had a prize wheel at the door, and our two spins netted us a coupon for a free sandwich and a bottle of their house sauce. Nice. :-)

Two interesting tidbits I got while I was there

1) I met the gentleman who will be the GM of the Hyde Park Location, and learned it's opening will be delayed until early September. As you face the christian bookstore on hyde park plaza, it will be on your right. I told him I'd keep a close lookout for the opening, as it is much much closer to where I live and work.

2) They are hoping to be able to run BBQ concessions inside both sports stadiums in the next few years. They admitted that MI has a stranglehold on this town as far as bbq goes, but they felt they hd a good shot at picking up a contract in the next few years. I wished them luck - I'd love to see this happen.

I'm sorry that I don't remember the names of any of these people, except the man I had been exchanging emails with - Rick Malir - but they sure put on a great grand opening with almost a "family reunion" type feel to it.

Is this the one that was closed back in May up by Voice Of America park? Hope so, I'm supposed to fly this weekend and that will give me a chance to give it another try.

Yes, the same.

You have an airplane? My 4 year old is begging me to go up in an airplane......

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Yes, the same.

You have an airplane? My 4 year old is begging me to go up in an airplane......

Nah, I fly rockets in the park. I'm not much of a plane guy anymore. I worked for an airline in college.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Eminent Domain on The Levee is the result of Newport's ongoing quest to take land and homes from the very poor and give it to rich developers.

That's all that needs to be said.

Newport on the Levi Is a great place to eat, shop, see a movie and a first class aquarium and a great view of Cincinnati skyline. I prefer this over the slums full of drugs, prostitution and strip clubs that were in the area before. We even like to park in this area when going to a Reds game. Either free parking near the restaurants on the water or three dollars in a lot. Healthy walk over the bridge or catch the $1.00 shuttle. If It's on the weekend they usually have a festival going on in front of the Levi that you can catch on your way back, usually with some food from local restaurants (Example Irish fest, Italian Fest, Seafood fest). I hope Cincinnati banks project follows suit. I welcome revitalizing projects all over the river front.

**I will make this one response to BStagg's defense of NotL and then will leave it be, as I do not want this thread to be about politics, albeit I blame myself for bringing this up in the first place.**

BStagg - I understand you like NotL. Our opinion differs, and neither of us will convince the other otherwise. If you or a friend or loved one have a home taken from you, as my wife and mother and law did and countless others have in Newport, Norwood (ohio), London (CT), and dozens of other places around the country, your opinion may shift. The supreme court of this nation recently ruled - in my personal interpretation - that the word "public" means the exact same thing as the word "private" when it comes applications of Eminent Domain. Good luck to you - all of you - if you own property that could potentally draw the interest of developers.

I will say no more on the topic in this thread, and encourage others to follow suit.

and now...back to the good eats......

quote:

Originally posted by Sandy Thruthegarden

quote:

Originally posted by tjr

Wow, sad to hear about F&N. I guess it has been almost 2 years since I was there last, time flies with a new baby. Any thoughts on a substitute for that type of cuisine in ky? Eggplant stix?

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any place quite like the F&N. I think the recipe for their fried eggplant was on their placemats and may have been published in the newspaper when they went out of business, but I don't know of any restaurant that serves them now. I do miss that place.

I just went to a place in Dayton, Ky called "The Lazy Gecko". It is the old Barleycorn's boat that has been moved to O'Fallon's Landing. O'Fallon's Landing is just down the road, and across the street from F&N's prior location.

They have half priced appetizers 4-8pm Mon.-Fri. They have fried eggplant. Here is their description:

"Final Salute..................$6.95
A great restaurant once had the best eggplant EVER. Now we have it, served with cocktail sauce."

Here's the website:
http://www.thelazygecko.net/

The eggplant WAS pretty much as I remember it at F&N!!!

I also had the fried pepper-jack cheese wedges. FABULOUS!!! And a burger. It seemed to be hand pattied, but I ordered it medium rare with blue cheese, bacon, and mushroom. The burger was medium, at best, and didn't have bacon. The onion rings I got as a side were pretty good, though.

My friend had the Mahi Mahi sandwich with mac & cheese. She proclaimed the mahi mahi dry, but liked the mac & cheese. Personally, the mac & cheese seemed like the "frozen" type to me.

All in all, I'd go back and try again, though, even if just for the half priced appetizers.

I received an email from Jimmy's BBQ today, and thought it worthy of sharing here

----

Media Release

Contact:
Ben Hattemer
Jimmy's BBQ
8401 Vine Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45216
513-761-4BBQ (4227)
513-948-0139
jimmys@cincybbq.com
http://www.cincybbq.com/


Table Service Creates Better BBQ Experience

Dinner Specials Take Off at Jimmy's

CINCINNATI, OHIO - Jimmy's BBQ has changed its service style from counter service to
table service for both lunch and dinner (and all the times in between). Carry-out
service will still be available at the counter. Wait staff now greet guests and take
orders from the booths, tables or large family style tables provided in the
remodeled dining room, and on the patio as well. Guests can relax with beer, wine,
soft drinks or lemonade while they wait for their orders.

"The change helps both our dine-in and carry-out guests," Ben Hattemer
(owner/operator) comments. "This makes our carry-out service faster, and our wait
staff provides dine-in guests more time to relax while enjoying their barbecue. It's
a great change, and one our customers have requested."

Jimmy's is open Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wait staff is on hand
during all business hours.

Dinner Specials Take Off at Jimmy's

With the popularity of lunch specials Jimmy's BBQ has started running nightly dinner
specials as well. Larger portions, more variety and eclectic pairing will be the
first thing guests will notice. Chef/Owner Christian Hattemer, a graduate of the
Culinary Institute of America, will offer New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with Dirty Rice and
Tomato Chutney as the first in a series of specials each lasting one week. Hattemer
says, "Now that we have a good handle on our core BBQ items we wanted to shake it up
a bit and really unleash our creativity". Future specials will include, Smoke
Roasted Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Potatoes and Olive Jus, Honey Glazed Duckling with
Corn Relish and Savory Bread Pudding, Udan Noodles and Flank Steak with Yakiniko
(Japanese BBQ).

Special sides and deserts will be added to the menu as well, including Cheese Grits,
Creamed Spinach, Heirloom Tomato Salad, and Corn Fritters.

In addition to the specials, Jimmy's BBQ offers a complete barbecue menu of ribs,
pulled pork and chicken, brisket, and a plethora of side dishes. Jimmy's barbecue
sauce was described by Polly Campbell of the Cincinnati Enquirer as "complex with a
warm chile undercurrent and a nice tang."

A few days back, I noted the ad I had seen in the local weekly for Amor de Brazil, the first area churrascaria (shoo-HOSS-ka-REE-ah). Polly Campbell wrote a long piece for it in her Dining News column, which can be read here:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20060721/ENT01/607210314/.

She confirms it is their first of what may be many locations.

Will be interested to read reviews of Amor de Brazil. I thought the churrascaria craze would be over by the time I got around to eating in one. Or is this sort of a ChiChisified version? And no Portuguese scholar here, but shouldn't it be Amor do Brasil?

The kids and I shared a pizza the other night at Tom's Papa Dino's on Main (which looks to be anything but a main-type street) in Florence the other day and I found it to be fairly impressive.

Been in business at least 30 years, little ambience, daily specials with a focus on pizza and hoagies with some spaghetti dishes thrown in. I found the pizza to be excellent - a thicker crust than a typically like, but very airy inside with a somewhat crispy-crackery exterior, topped with plenty of their smooth, dark, very savory sauce, and plenty of cheese - more than some of you might like. Mushrooms were fresh, not canned, always a good sign. Toppings available were just the basics, nothing offbeat.

Karaoke on wednesday - first time I have seen Karaoke at a pizza joint :-)

It looks to me like they are slowly buying up the businesses around them to expand their very limited dining space.

Anyone been there? Care to share your experience(s)?

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

The kids and I shared a pizza the other night at Tom's Papa Dino's on Main (which looks to be anything but a main-type street) in Florence the other day and I found it to be fairly impressive.

Hi, TJ -

We've never been there but will probably try it based on your comments. Do you know if there's any relationship between Tom's Papa Dino's and the Papa Dino's that's been at the corner of Calhoun and Clifton Avenue forever? The reason I ask is that I remember the crust at the Clifton Papa Dino's being as you described: crisp and crackery. I always liked that pizza when I lived near UC. Did you notice if Tom's had a veggie pizza? That's what we usually get from Pasquale's.

Thanks.

Sandy

Not sure if there is a relationship. The menu mentions no other locations. I did ask if they had a connection with the Papa Dinos of my youth in Crescent Springs, and they said no.

I do not recall if they had a specialty veggie pizza, but they have most of the usual suspects as far as toppings and you can put together whatever combo you want.

If you get into the Clifton area a lot, make sure you try Mac's Pizza Pub - really, really good. A great burger too, odd as that sounds. Top pick is the macover - the owner's take on the old Zino's "zinover"

I like Hofbrauhaus in Newport. It's across the street from Newport on the Levy. It's, obviously, German. Great food and a fun atmosphere, along with a pretty good selection of beers.

There are much better non-chain alternatives if you want good German food in this area.

Wertheims
Lenhardts
Black Forest
Mecklenburg Gardens
Iron Skillet
etc etc etc

quote:

Originally posted by Sandy Thruthegarden

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

The kids and I shared a pizza the other night at Tom's Papa Dino's on Main (which looks to be anything but a main-type street) in Florence the other day and I found it to be fairly impressive.

Hi, TJ -

We've never been there but will probably try it based on your comments. Do you know if there's any relationship between Tom's Papa Dino's and the Papa Dino's that's been at the corner of Calhoun and Clifton Avenue forever?

Thanks.

Sandy

TJ and Sandy ~~

No relation. Positive about that.

Papa Dino's in Clifton uses a pre-purchased, pre-prepared crust, but it works well with their medium, or large Greek Pizza.

My only complaint is that, now and again, the tomatoes on the Greek are watery, and works against the crust.

I've never been to Tom's Papa Dino's, so cannot make an opinion. But they are not related.

TJ & Soozy -

Thanks for the info on Papa Dino's.

TJ - When I get to Clifton (not often), I like Pomidori's on McMillen, particularly the "Con Pulpa D'Oliva" woodfired pizza. It has a layer of minced olives and lots of garlic.

Where is Mac's Pizza Pub in Clifton? I really loved Zino's and spent a lot of time there in the '70's. I liked the crust on their pizzas and also liked the Zinover. The had some good lunch specials including an excellent Salade Nicoise with tuna, anchovies, and chilled potatoes. When I was at UC, I worked part-time and weekends at the old Sears-Roebuck Credit Central on Lincoln Ave. in Avondale. My co-workers and I would pile into one car and drive to Zino's, Upper Crust, or the Greenwich Tavern for lunch on Saturday afternoon. After work, we would sometimes go back to Zino's to listen to live music, split a pitcher of beer and eat more pizza.
The Zino's in Hyde Park was another hangout since I lived 3 blocks away. Good memories. Forgive me for geezin'.

Sandy

http://www.macspizzapub.com/

I am a recent transplant to the area. I live in downtown, so NOTL is a nearby place for me to see a movie, buy a book, or get a bite to eat without having to drive. Sure, it was an eminent domain project, and people were displaced, but the law requires that they be compensated fair market value if they own the property or relocated to comparable housing if they are tenants. I don't think you can plausibly argue that Newport is worse because of this project.

That being said, most of the food there is pretty bad, hum-drum, chain fare. Cafe Istanbul is decent, and Brio is edible, but the place certainly lacks any local flavor. Hopefully it will draw people into downtown Newport where local places already exist.

I am glad to hear about Mio's and Nicky's pizza. So far the pizza has been mediocre. Dewey's would be ok, if they would just cook it all the way. I am tired of the limp slices that are a result of the pies being pulled out of the oven too soon.

I've tried the Zip Burger (good), but it is awfully popular place and way too crowded. I will try the Mansion Hill burger soon.

Welcome to Cincinnati.

quote:

Originally posted by Robin Hood

....the law requires that they be compensated fair market value if they own the property or relocated to comparable housing if they are tenants. I don't think you can plausibly argue that Newport is worse because of this project.

I have said earlier that I won't argue the eminent domain issues here any further. I'd love to do so, but not here. If you want to do so, start a Newport on the Levee thread in the miscellaneous forum

quote:

Originally posted by Robin Hood

I am glad to hear about Mio's and Nicky's pizza. So far the pizza has been mediocre. Dewey's would be ok, if they would just cook it all the way. I am tired of the limp slices that are a result of the pies being pulled out of the oven too soon.

Do what I do - request well done. In addition to generally crisper crust, I find the slightly browner mozzerella to also be more flavorful.

quote:

Originally posted by Robin Hood

I've tried the Zip Burger (good), but it is awfully popular place and way too crowded. I will try the Mansion Hill burger soon.

I think you'll like that one. Also - do Zola's in Covington on Wednesday night for Burger madness. Excellent, excellent burger at a great price.

No desire to argue the NOTL issue, and besides what good what it do? It's a done deal.

I will order Dewey's well-done. I'd actually thought about that before, but wasn't sure how it would go over. Nice to know it is an option.

I had a good pie at Adriatico's several months ago. Very good, spicy sauce.

I am a fiend for authentic Mexican taquerias, and I found one on Dixie Highway over in northern Kentucky, but would be interested about any on the Cincinnati side.

Also, what about Chinese? Are there any places that are doing real authentic Cantonese or Szechuan dishes instead of the gloppy americanized stuff? Someone told me there was a good dim sum joint somewhere in Northern Ky.

I'm not real good with the term "authentic", unfortunately, unless it involves local cuisine, so I leave those questions to others. Sorry. Give it a few days to get an answer, as some posters here do not check in regularly.

ROBIN HOOD~~

There is a place in a strip mall on Rt. 4 in Fairfield {north of Cincinnati} called Taqueria Mercado, which is pretty authentic. Always filled with Hispanics. They also have a Mexican bakery next door. I go there on the way to Jungle Jim's.

http://taqueriamercado.escapelatino.com/menu1.htm

Not in Cincinnati, but La Mexicana in Newport is supposed to be authentic. The owners are hispanic, and they do goat. I haven't seem much current about it, so I'm not sure it's still there.

http://cityguide.aol.com/cincinnati/dining/venue.adp?sbid=105133598

Pacific Moon is coming to Newport on the Levee. They used to do dim sum when they were located in Montgomery.

http://www.newportonthelevee.com/directory/detail.aspx?id=46

http://www.noodlesandrice.com/dim-sum-places-in-cincinnati-oh/

For some decent chinese seafood, King Wok in Clifton has a tank with fresh seafood. It's right next to TJ's new fave, Mac's Pizza {which I still haven't tried, although I live around the block!!}:

http://www.citybeat.com/gyrobase/Restaurant/RestaurantListing?restaurant=King%20Wok

Welcome to Cincy, and RoadFood!!

Muchas gracias Soozycue!

Pacific Moon ( Alex ,Barbara and the killer staff) produce the best Dim Sum in town.
Lines are long but the wait is worth it. Try carry out if you want to avoid the "pile up".

Still going strong and great food for the adventurous eater...

quote:

Originally posted by jjjrfoodie

Pacific Moon ( Alex ,Barbara and the killer staff) produce the best Dim Sum in town.
Lines are long but the wait is worth it. Try carry out if you want to avoid the "pile up".

Still going strong and great food for the adventurous eater...

Sorry jjjrfoodie, the Montgomery location closed on Memorial day.

From the Enquirer, Wednesday, May 24, 2006:

Local business
PACIFIC MOON CAFÉ HEADED FOR LEVEE

Pacific Moon Café in Montgomery will close at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day after 15 years. In mid-July, owners Alex and Barbara Chin will open their Newport eatery, Pacific Moon on the Levee. The Chins invite customers to stop by the Montgomery café to register to win a dinner for two at the new restaurant.


Jenny Callison

It is now August, and no news of when the NOTL location will open, or if they will do dim sum!! Going to the old website sends you directly to the new one:

http://www.pacificmoononthelevee.com/

Has anyone tried Guenthers Steak House on Cin-Day road in west chester??

I had a friend tell me about it, I pass the place every so often there always seems to be cars there.

I ask because the friend has steered me wrong (food poisoning wrong) in the past.

LMK & Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

The kids and I shared a pizza the other night at Tom's Papa Dino's on Main (which looks to be anything but a main-type street) in Florence the other day and I found it to be fairly impressive.

Anyone been there? Care to share your experience(s)?

BillC and I had a carry-out pizza from Tom's Papa Dino's on Friday night. We usually order a veggie pizza from Pasquale's. Tom's Papa Dino's doesn't offer specialty pizzas so Bill ordered a pepperoni pizza. It was quite tasty. The sauce was more flavorful than Pasaquale's, although I found it just a tad too sweet and too salty for my tastes, but that didn't bother Bill. I admit I'm not fond of too much salt or sugar in most dishes. The pizza had been toasted nicely and the cheese was generous. The crust had a light, crisp quality, as TJ described, which enhanced the quality of the pizza. Overall, I thought it was a good pizza...better than average, and certainly better than any chain pizza.

The menu is old-fashioned in a pleasantly nostalgic way. They offer a tuna salad-stuffed tomato and several standard hoagies.

We liked our pizza well enough to work Tom's Papa Dino's into our rotation of Friday night carry-out dinners.

Sandy: glad you liked it.

I am sure you can put together a veggie pizza by adding any or all the veggies they have -- the standards, like green pepper, onion, mushroom, black olives, etc -- to a regular plain pie.

Cajunking: I have a friend who lives in the area and he thought it was good but not remarkable. I thought I had read somewhere that the steaks are CUT to order, so I have every intent to get up there someday. I live near the river and this is pretty much at the farthest northern reaches of the greater Cincinnati area, so it's a good distance away from me

TJ,

Did you hear that Redfish in d'town Cincinnati has closed? The report I heard this afternoon on WVXU is that the parent company "has changed directions and plans to concentrate on its TGIFriday's restaurants." I'm having some difficulty understanding that move since the food at TGIF started really going downhill years ago. I've heard nothing good from anybody who has been to one recently. IMHO, that chain killed its own reputation for good. I think the parent company might be better off starting from scratch.

yeah, I heard redfish went under on the way home.

a chain, certainly, but one of the better ones, at least in my opinion

I note that two of the restaraunts for which I did a capsule review have now closed - Redfish and Patoshniks.

sux

Pacific Moon's closing stunned me. I did Dim Sum there twice a month up til May of this year. Damn.

Latest CRA bits...

Paula's Cafe will open another location on Fourth Street in Cincinnati in the former Graeter's location. She plans to open by August 2006. She is also at Findlay Market. 513-381-3354  

Mai Thai opened in Florence, KY A sushi bar compliments the Thai menu. Open for lunch and dinner. 859-282-1888   

Amor Fiery Steakhouse de Brazil Churrascaria (pronounced shuh-RA-ske-REE-uh) will open in Mason in August 2006- featuring 16 cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork & sausage slow-roasted & grilled over an open flame. The skewer weilders are called gauchos, in honor of the Brazilian cowboys who invented this kind of cooking, and most will be natives of Brazil or Argentina. Over 250 bottles of wine available. Prices range from $39-$45 a person. 


Boi Na Braza will open early next year 2007 at the Crew Tower complex near Fountain Square. Boi Na Braza is Portuguese for "steer over embers" .

Jean-Paul's Paradiso, 6732 Clough Pike, Anderson Township. Open for lunch and Dinner 513-231-2780 www.jeanpaulspleasures.com  

Vinyl is a hip, innovative restaurant opening in downtown Cincinnati that will offer its guests globally influenced modern American cuisine designed for sharing, while transpofting them with sleek surroundings and a cutting edge musical atmosphere. Vinyl is located at 1203 Sycamore Street. They will celebrate their Grand Opening on Saturday, August 12, 2006. 513-898-1536
-----


ZA in Ludlow and Downtown closed.   6.22.06

Donna's Diner at 315 Greenup St. closed.   6.23.06

What is CRA, jjr?

Vinyl is going into the stainles steel space formerly occupied by Diner on Sycamore, so i am told.

Vinyl is indeed opening in the former Diner on Sycamore. The daughter of a Gold Star Chili owner is opening this place with her husband who has some significant experience in the biz. Good luck to them. They seem to be swimming against the tide.

Sorry TJ, CRA is the Cincinnati Restaurant Association.
www.dineoutoften.com

Updates are slow and scattered but it does have news that Polly Campbell and her group do not mention.

Jerry

quote:

Originally posted by cajunking

Has anyone tried Guenthers Steak House on Cin-Day road in west chester??

I had a friend tell me about it, I pass the place every so often there always seems to be cars there.

I ask because the friend has steered me wrong (food poisoning wrong) in the past.

LMK & Thanks

I have not eaten there, but I've heard it's good, and they have been going strong for years, which is a good sign.

The reason I replied is because Guenther used to also run the Cave bar in the Forum Apartments on MLK Dr. in Clifton. I worked for him. He was born in Germany, and was very hard to work for. It was the first job I was ever fired from, and his reasons were not sensible, but ~~ oh well. It doesn't make his food bad. I had heard he wanted the Cave to lose money because it would balance out his tax base because the steakhouse made so much $$. Just a Rumor

A friend just called me about a website she found.

http://space513.com/intro.html

Skip the intro, and scroll over the map. There are certain neighborhoods and businesses highlighted. When you click on a business, it gives a short synopsis, and a link, if they have a website. The only thing I saw that wasn't up to date was Simone's. However, when I clicked the link, the website is still totally functional.

Interesting site.

The Enquirer had an article this past week about yet another[url='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churrascaria']Churrascaria[/url] opening soon in Cincinnati. This one - Boi Na Braza - is also part of a chain, albeit a small one, and will be located in the Carew Tower on the corner that faces Fountain Square. Opening by spring of 2007.

see: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/BIZ01/608040347

There was a brief review of Jimmy's BBQ in this week's Citybeat

http://www.citybeat.com/2006-08-09/diner.shtml

My one visit was months ago, before they added table service and the fancier entrees, but the place (in a former Hardee's) has some definite promise. My almost-5 year old still occasionally asks if we can go there for ribs :-)

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

The kids and I shared a pizza the other night at Tom's Papa Dino's on Main (which looks to be anything but a main-type street) in Florence the other day and I found it to be fairly impressive.

Been in business at least 30 years, little ambience, daily specials with a focus on pizza and hoagies with some spaghetti dishes thrown in. I found the pizza to be excellent - a thicker crust than a typically like, but very airy inside with a somewhat crispy-crackery exterior, topped with plenty of their smooth, dark, very savory sauce, and plenty of cheese - more than some of you might like. Mushrooms were fresh, not canned, always a good sign. Toppings available were just the basics, nothing offbeat.

Karaoke on wednesday - first time I have seen Karaoke at a pizza joint :-)

It looks to me like they are slowly buying up the businesses around them to expand their very limited dining space.

Anyone been there? Care to share your experience(s)?

YEARS ago. (I'm talking early 80's.) Now I need to go back.

quote:

Originally posted by cajunking

Has anyone tried Guenthers Steak House on Cin-Day road in west chester??

I had a friend tell me about it, I pass the place every so often there always seems to be cars there.

I ask because the friend has steered me wrong (food poisoning wrong) in the past.

LMK & Thanks

No, but I've noticed it for years. We had friends who lived up that way and I noticed it always seemed busy. For some reason it has always struck me as Nick's Chops & Chasers - North. I'm guessing it's one of those "best kept secrets" kind of places, just because it's been there for years.
As for food poisoning, I go to TGIFridays. 9 out of our party of 17 got it, and they said "Wasn't us!"

This week's Enquirer dining news includes a mention of the opening of the area's first (I think) Uzbekistani restaurant.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20060811/ENT01/608110303/

The relevant piece reads:
CENTRAL ASIAN CUISINE

The area's first restaurant to feature Central Asian food, Samarkand Café in Symmes Township, celebrated its grand opening this past week. Owner Rustam Egamov hails from Uzbekistan, where the ancient city of Samarkand is located. The restaurant serves pilaf (here spelled plov); manti, a steamed, beef or lamb-filled bread; kebabs and shahlik, among other Asian dishes. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 8697 Fields Ertel Road. 513-489-9333.

Not really a Cincinnati topic - sorry - but fair warning that my Insider membership just expired, and so I will (sadly) not be able to post any more pictures on this website

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Not really a Cincinnati topic - sorry - but fair warning that my Insider membership just expired, and so I will (sadly) not be able to post any more pictures on this website

TJ, you can use www.imageshack.us to host the pics and then paste the link into the body of your post and it comes up the same as if you had uploads the pics. Shoot me an e-mail and i'll explain. It is quite easy.

jjjrfoodie

True enough, JJR, and there are several other free imagehosting sites, but there's little assurance that the images will remain online for any length of time - I frequently see [x]'s where imageshack (and other imagehost sites) images should appear in various posts.....the image is no longer available

The first print review (albeit a brief one) is out for Amor de Brazil

http://cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/a1/20060823/ENT0103/608230339/

Any suggestions for a place for lunch near Mason? I have to pick up some things that my wife is storing at her brother's place this Friday. Something relatively inexpensive but interesting would be nice.

There is a Culver's near King's Island

On page 11 in this thread TPD mentioned a vietnamese place that I think sounds VERY good - just a few miles west of Kings Island

Within a stone's throw of the Vietnamese place is City BBQ, which is a chain but does do some VERY good bbq. The wife doesn't generally even like BBQ, but loves their brisket

There's a VERY old school coffee shop called "Big Top": http://dunes.cincinnati.com/dining/details.aspx?siteid=0&id=170&lid=258&cID=2. Not recommending it in particular, but it is a rare breed here in Cincinnati

I have not been to but have heard a lot of good about Pitrellis (family owned italian joint, not sure if they have expanded hours into lunch yet)
http://dunes.cincinnati.com/dining/details.aspx?siteid=0&id=2288&lid=3610&cID=2
http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050216/ENT0103/502160348/1047