Collective Espresso

On Woodward St, just down from Neon’s is a much needed espresso shop in OtR. Now that the weather is getting a little colder (maybe, hopefully?) this is a great place to get a steaming hot fresh cup of yummy!

Mmmm… cappucino!

These guys are really passionate about what they do, and making sure you have an awesome cup. If you ask, they’ll explain anything to you. They order their drinks on the board from most caffinated to least, so you know what you’re getting into, whether its in the morning, or as a night cap, you’ll get what you want.

You can take a seat at the bar and watch everything being made. You won’t get coffee sitting in a pot for hours here either. They filter the coffee right there, so it’ll take some time (5 minutes-ish) but it’s going to be fresh and wonderful! If you’re in the area definitely check them out!

Kaze

The back bar in Kaze

OtR has yet a new joint open. This one with sushi! It’s great to see all the new restaurants opening up, especially when they cater to different people. Bakersfield’s tacos were welcomed, and now a Japanese place, in which a partner, Hadeki, is actually Japanese!

Bamboo lined hallway connecting the dining room and separate bar

The almost finished dining room

Sushi bar

I got to meet John, the owner the other night when we stopped in for sushi, pork belly buns and drinks. He really cares about the neighborhood and what he’s doing. He was incredibly welcoming and gave us the run down of what was going on. He also told us that dining room would officially be open on Monday the 14th! It’s very clean and laid out well. He said they still had to add screens around the booths along the wall. It’s going to be “very personal dining”. You’ll have the booths to yourselves, and can kind of forget about everyone else out there.

You can also just pull up to the counter if you’re just wanting some in and out sushi. I of course had to go with their basic California Roll, because if a place screws that up, you’re in trouble. While I wished I had a few more pieces, as an appetizer it was perfect. It wasn’t enough to fill you up, but was enough for a small meal. And the taste and texture was perfect and fresh. The avocado was under the roll presented on the plate, which took me a few bites to realize, but it was really good. The Cobra Roll with the jalapeno was ok. Jalapeno’s not too spicy, but the texture was a little off for me, the Hubby enjoyed it though.

And then the pork belly buns… disclaimer, I don’t care for pork. There are very few pork products I will eat, don’t hurt me. But this… this was delicious! Just the right amount of glaze, some sore of sprout topping that paired perfectly and squishy steamed bun. It was amazing!

fyi girls, you have to take an elevator down to get to your restroom.

John of course also told us we had to check out the bathrooms. The mens had some very tastefully provocative art work on the walls. Very Lady GaGa-esque. Ther womens was a whole bright room of its own.

Beta fish at the bar

Sake Sangria

If you like fruity, and sangria, I totally suggest the Sake Sangria. It’s sweet though, but too overly in your face. You get the plum, the apple, the pear. It packs a punch though, be warned. There are also beta fish at the bar, and if you ask you can find fight stats for them. It’s kind of interesting really. The kitchen is open til midnight every night, so I suggest a stop. There’s a separate entrance for the bar around the corner as an fyi.

Left: Cobra Roll Right: California Roll

Cincinnati Santacon

This past weekend upwards of around 500+ Santas decended on downtown and OtR Saturday. There’s was much merriement, candy canes, alcohol, and questions… And people taking pictures everywhere!

For more info check out Cincinnati Santacon.

And to make sure you don’t miss out next year RSVP now!

Fountain Square:

Toby Keith’s

Holy Grail:

Tin Roof:

Moerlein Lager House:

Fountain Square’s Downtown Dazzle:

Righteous Room:

Penguin Dueling Piano Bar:

Yes, that is a Santa taking over the piano

FotoFocus – Taft Museum

I got the privilege of attending the Taft Museum’s FotoFocus feature, Star Power: Edward Steichen’s Glamour Photography.

So what exactly is this FotoFcus you’ve been hearing about? From their website:

The FotoFocus biennial presents an unprecedented opportunity to learn about and experience the diverse currents of photography. FOTOFOCUS brings together museums, galleries, and universities showcasing world-renowned artists and national and regional standouts. Pop-up venues, community art centers, and other grass roots organizations explore current trends in photography with exhibitions featuring the work of emerging talents and students.

I also found this video to be helpful in explaining just what it’s about

The Taft Museum is one such venue featuring the works of Edward Steichen. He is most known for being Vogue’s photographer back in the 20′s -30′s. He brought naturalism to fashion, and did away with the cute perkiness. There was a quote thrown out that night that he makes every cutie look like a woman.

Steichen took a lot of pictures in his apt on 5th ave in New York City. He helped to bring in the modernism of photography. He played with lines and diagonals, and truly changed fashion photography in that time.

That Taft has even a few magazines in which his pictures appear, as well as some that never made it to print. A lot of his work wouldn’t appear for a few years, like the photo of Gloria Swanson above. It didn’t apppear until 4 years after he originally took this photo. This is one of my favorites of the exibhit. Nancy, the curator says the same. If you don’t come to see this one, then you should see the one of Greta Garbo or Gary Cooper.

The exhibit runs through January 27, 2013. The Taft Museum is open Wednesday – Friday, from 11:00 – 4:00, and weekends 11:00 – 5:00. Admission is only $10.00 and is free for all on Sundays. Or you can use your FotoFocus Passport for entry into the exhibit.

They also have a cute little area set up to Steichenize yourself and your friends. I love interactive exhibits So of course me and my friend Paige of CincyWhimsy had to take part

You can see her post about it here

Le Diner en Blanc Cincinnati

I’m having a really hard time trying to find the words to describe this event. It was absolutely gorgeous! Breathtaking, stunning, beautiful, fun, amazing… seriously, not just being cliche here.

It’s been described as a pop up fancy dinner. Part flash mob. Part picnic. Part fancy revelry. And when it all comes together, absolutely breathtaking!  It’s a semi exclusive event. Word of mouth and friends of friends basically. You and your friends meet up with a smaller group of about 50 people.

Then these groups meet up with 5 more groups and you’re transported to the secret location for that year. That’s when 1100 people this year spilled out of buses or from various downtown points and set up tables in long rows. Then proceeded to their picnic spread. There is an option to purchase baskets made by places like Orchids and Eat Well Celebrations. From what i saw they were huge! Had plenty to feed 2 and then pass some around. These will cost you though, anywhere from $60-$100.

You will be lucky to get into the event itself. It’s premise is friends coming together, Therefore it’s a friends of friends type gathering. Those that went this year, will be given a spot next year, and they can invite one other couple. Then if there is room, it will go to a wait list. The thing that seems to stop people is the fact that you do have to pay $24 a person, plus a one time $5 membership fee, to allow you to attend the events in the future. The fee goes towards venue rental, security, entertainment, and most importantly, the liquor license that allows us to consume wine and Champagne in a public area.

The most difficult yet kind of fun part, is finding everything you’ll need. You’re to bring a small square table (under 32×32 inches) 2 white chairs, a table cloth, nice place settings, glasses, a table setting/decorations, and a picnic basket with your dinner in it, as well as your drinks for the evening. You also are to dress all in white. They do have really nice contests though. They have a best table one, and a most elegant/creatively dresses group (of 2-4 couples); both offer a dinner for 6 cooked by chefs, such as Jean Robert of JR’s Table. And then there is the most elegantly/creatively dressed couple; this prize is a trip with airfare to Antigua!

Hubby ready for the first course

This year being in Lytle park was gorgeous! Queen City tower, and the Taft museum flanking us, lights in the trees, darn near everyone with candles. You arrive in a huge group and get set up quickly.  at about 7:15 napkins are waved and you start on your 3 courses. Or whatever else you’ve prepared. I used this as an excuse to have a little fun and indulge myself. I saw meat and cheese and fruit trays, dips and spreads and salads. Then you move on to your main course and lastly dessert. Everyone was friendly, and I saw most tables sharing with their neighbors, who most hadn’t met before this evening. It was a great time, and you could take your time and just enjoy it.

Napkin wave to signify the start of dinner!

Molly Wellman looking absolutely adorable.

Dinner

Dessert!

Then at around 9 Sparklers were lit by everyone  and balloons were released. For whatever reason, this was one of the highlights of the evening. I cant put into words how beautiful it was at that moment.

Hubby with his sparkler
Photo Credit: Jens G Rosenkrantz Jr

Balloons!!!

Then it was time to party. Champagne flowed freely, the dj was playing awesome music on the make shift dance floor and Framester was taking awesome photo booth shots! It was just so much fun, half the people didn’t want to leave at 11. But sadly it was time to go as magically and quickly as we arrived. I already can’t wait til next year!

I spy a Jenny K

If you missed it this year, I’m sorry you missed a truly magical event. There was no pretension, no fighting, just fun. Everyone from 25-80 was enjoying themselves at both dinner and the party. It was a spectacular time! hopefully, you know someone who’s willing to sign you up with them next year, so you can experience it for yourself. It’s really one of those kinds of events. But one that mere words still can not put into place.

<3

View my full gallery:

Edit: I’ve found a few more pics to share, and also I’ll post other places that are blogging about the evening!

The view of the park from the 11th floor of The Residence Inn.
Photo Credit: Shelley Groh

One of my favorite photobooth pics of the night!

Best Table Leaders ever!

Even the Hubby had a great time!

BFF’s!

See all Framester Photos Here

Check out more views and pictures here!:

Small Girl Adventures

Eggplant to Go

513Eats

Jenny K

Jens G Rosenkrantz

Just say “No!” To Big-Box Black Friday

Shop Local Saturday

Ok so whether you’ve been a part of or following the whole Occupy Movement, are a strapped for cash, or just want to experience a new side of Cincinnati; there’s an event for that! Everyone’s heard about or probably even talked about “the economy” as of late. So what can you do to take part in that? Shop Local! There is really no reason to hit up the big box stores like Wal-Mart, or best Buy, or Kohl’s etc (Ok the only way I will let this slide is on big ticket electronics, as I can’t even think of a local business that sells HD TV’s and the likes, please let me know if there is one!)

But other than that, I’m sure you’re tired of giving the same old thing, just as much as your loved ones are tired of giving and getting the same things too year after year. Dreading the whole Black Friday mayhem? Wish there was there was some way to get great deals without the crowd hassle? You’re in luck!

This Saturday, Nov 19th is Cincinnati UnChained! Local businesses all through Cincy will be offering one day specials for your unique shopping pleasure. Guys, are you dreading haveing to go shopping already? No worries, local bars have you covered with $2 Hudy! Need even more of a reason? You can print out a Shoppers Passport Here, and be entered to win all sorts of goodies!

Seriously, go check out all the neighborhoods and participating businesses here!

 

Crafty Supermarket

Also going on on Saturday is the Crafty Supermarket at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center from 11am-6pm. Here you can select gifts from local artisans, who may or may not have a store front that you can visit. It’s a great way to get a truly unique gift for that picky sibling, or friend-that-has-everything type of person. Check them out on Facebook here! Oh! and there will be mass food trucks too! So even if you come out for a lunch and a quick spin, do it!

 

Thanksgiving Eve bar Crawl

If you’re like me and need to ease into the festivities The night before Thanksgiving, there’s also a pub crawl for that! Over-the-Rhine has set up a bar crawl on Weds Nov 23rd. A unique drink will be available at each bar or restaurant in the neighborhood, including Abigail Street, A Tavola, Senate, Lavomatic, The Lackman, MOTR, Neon’s, Grammer’s and The Drinkery!

Check out the whole list of events going on here! Including a shop local Black Friday event!

Know any great local deals?

Occupy Cincinnati

Occupy Cincinnati started today. And wow was it one hell of a turnout. I think it’s safe today we had anywhere from 500-1,000 take to the streets today, spanning at least 5-6 blocks in Cincy. Young, old, black, white, hispanic, vegan, meat eater, gay, straight, families, Republican, Democrat, right, left, literaly every and all walks of life were there exercising our basic, human, American right.

For those of you living under a rock, and not paying attention to the news the past 3 weeks, Occupy Wall Street, has been the ongoing kickoff to a movement storming the country. To me, it makes me happy that my generation is actually getting off their butts and starting to do something. I had read somewhere a few weeks ago an article written by a middle aged blogger, that protests were a normal thing “back in the day”, and how its sad that my generation and future gens might not even know or have that luxury. Guess what. It’s our time now. Cincy is not the first city to join. In fact, we’re a little late in the game.

So what is Occupy Cincy all about? From the group:

Say NO to corporate greed & coruption!

Occupy CIncinnati Unity Statement:
As we gather together in soidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.

As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality:

• that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members;
• that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors;
• that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth;
• that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power.

We come to you at a time when corporations – which place profit over people, self-interest over justince, and oppresion over equality – run our governments. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.

It all started as a gathering in Lytle Park, and then the masses took to the streets, actually adding people as it went, and being supported by passing cars, and small businesses, and even random strangers living in the area!

The group walked through downtown, stopping at the various corporate head quarters, and corporate office towers along the way, and worked its way through Over the Rhine to Findlay Market, and to a rally on Fountain Square that is still going until 1am, in which those occupying 24/7 will take to the sidewalk and Lytle Park (public property) to gather once again in the morning, with a general assembly at Garfield Park at 2pm on Sunday. An updated schedule can be found at OccupyCincy.org

One of my favorite signs from the day was “Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been SHUT OFF”

To see all the pictures/videos from others, check out Twitter

The Fountain Square Food Boondoggle

For those of you who haven’t been following twitter the past few days, Fountain Square is making some drastic changes mainly the fact that

food vendors,  need to pack up their food tent and leave the Square after the end of September.

This has more than a few people riled up, as the article also states that there will not be vendors for even special events! So no food for games, beer fests, dancing, etc. The main thing that has people even more put off, is the lack of response from 3CDC to the issue. It’s not like we’re rioting with pitchforks, we would just like something more than “3cdc couldn’t be reached for comment” Below is what i received on my inquiry, which you are more than allowed to ask for at their website

Rachel,

We are working on addressing the issue but to be clear, this is not a complete elimination of food on the square – We will still have events such as the Tuesday Strauss & Troy Market. While there will not be a permanent food tent, food will be back at some events, just not all events. We have also been working with the City Administration on allowing Food Truck venders around the Square on both Fifth and Vine Street.

Through an agreement with the City of Cincinnati, 3CDC has actively programmed Fountain Square for the past five years.  Over these years, we have seen an exponential growth in Cincinnati’s downtown core and specifically, in event participation on Fountain Square. While actively programming the Square it is our main goal to provide quality, clean, safe, fun, and diverse options downtown.

To allow us to continue to program larger events while also maintaining the ample space for lunch crowds, the decision has been made to remove the food tent from the Square. It will be removed at the end of September and will not return.  3CDC is currently looking into other avenues for food service during future 3CDC programmed events.

3CDC would like to thank Skyline Chili for their generous sponsorship of the food tent over the last three years. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to finding new and exciting ways to partner in the future.

-          Christy

Christy Samad, Communications Officer
csamad@3CDC.org
p: 513.621.4400 x-120
f: 513.621.5900

Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation
1410 Race Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://www.myfountainsquare.com
http://www.3CDC.org

What do you think of this whole fiasco? Given the fact that just a few months ago the city was trying to get rid of the food trucks. Do you think the food trucks will respond? Or be around long enough? Will this hurt the attendance at the Square?

Japp’s Since 1879 Grand Opening

Japps1879

Japp’s on Main St in Over-the-Rhine, officially opens today! I got the joy of swinging by last night to check them out.

This is Japps "before" pic courtesy of Japps

For those that have lived/worked/drank in OtR, the staff may seem a bit familiar. Not only is there a bartender or 2 from Neon’s, but Cincinnati’s own Molly Wellmann, now has a regular gig.

The menu is absolutely crazy at this place!

I will definitely have to try some of these wines!

I decided to be brave and try the Van Gogh. Mainly for the last part of the description:

Absinthe, Iced Coffee, orgeat, Orange Peel, and Raw Sugar, on fire over ice.

The Van Gogh

That was truly an experience. I thought it would be overly licorice/absinthe tasting, but for a bit it was more coffee overpowered (which i was grateful for trust me). Slipping the orange in the drink did it just right for me though. Who would have ever thought that coffee, absinthe, and orange would go so great together!

If someone could tell me who their first dollar came from, that would be awesome!

Now this is not your run of the mill, crazy, loud bar. It’s more the relaxed, chill, yet more towards classy atmosphere.

Classy Boxing

In fact thats why I love it! The atmosphere is amazing! The drinks are a little on the higher end, but when you think about the time, and care, and amazing ingredients they put into them, its all worth it. And thats another thing, if you’ve never had Molly make you a drink you’re in for a treat. Yes this place won’t have your drink straight up to you in a matter of seconds, but that’s ok with me. They make it right, and right for you.

They have their own coffee grinders, syphons, and espresso machines.

You can get coffee straight up or in their signature coffee cocktails like the Van Gogh

They also cater to the local and craft beer scene.

The seating area across from the bar, offers canopys from the old looms, dug up from the basement and upstairs of the original factory.

The seating area is magnificent!

A view thats almost the opposite of the 2nd picture rom "before" (And yes they have a juke box)

This place I think will cater to a slightly different crowd that the other bars in OtR, and its a perfect fit in the neighborhood. I can’t wait to see what concoctions and craft coffee cocktails they come up with next. And that, along with the great staff, is what will keep me coming back

Open letter to the State of Ohio

Given the news of the states TRAC (Traffic Review Advisory Council) office, yanking the state allotted funds for the NUMBER ONE ranked state traffic project, has gotten more than a few people riled up in Cincinnati. The fact that the money was lost 4-3 is no help either, as Kasich appointed 4 members to the board, the board that was meant to take the politics out of the decisions… Just another thing our governor has fucked up for this state…

The fact that there were only 4 opponents that spoke today (All family/buddies of Tom Luken-who we all know is full of hot air and loves to hear himself talk… imho) yet not only did Cincinnati have the mayor and 2 other council members, but representatives from UC, Christ Hospital, and Sibcy Cline Realtors, took all allotted slots, even the the opponents didn’t use all of theirs.

Feel free to email TRAC and let them know how you feel, wether that that be, that their time is numbered (until November), that they’ve reinstated the politics back into a non-political board, or what have you. Below is my letter to them.

(I will also be posting links to other blogs below as they surface)

Seriously?! You should all be appalled with your decision to cut even more from Cincinnati. The streetcar is more than just some idealic dream of some school aged child. The strong fact that the supporters well outnumbered the opponents at the meeting this morning should have at least opened your eyes a little bit. But no. You went into this with your eyes wide shut and the politics you’ve been told to believe in whatever vessel you’re using as a heart today.

Your own  own policies state

the ―Major New Capacity program.‖ These are projects costing more than $5 million which add transportation capacity, and are critical to the mobility, economic development, and quality of life of the citizens of Ohio.”

I guess the fact that Cincinnati  is only the 3rd largest city in the state means that we are not a part of the once great state of Ohio? Cincinnati is not able to add to its own economic development? There is an entire chapter in your policies handbook just on scoring itself. 11 pages worth. The fact that you just pulled funding from the project just months before (and for the past few years) has ranked number one on the top of your funding list, shows to me that

1. You obviously have no idea how to do your job, as you can’t be bothered to read a handbook

2. You really don’t care how many more young professionals you lose that leave what was once the Great State of Ohio (but is now more just a lousy stop through with a few crumbling facades thrown in, on the way to somewhere more appreciative)

3. You have completely forgotten the whole reason TRAC was formed, to take the politics out of the decisions, something that today, has proved there are more politics thrown in than the entire metropolitan of DC.

4. There must be one hell of an “under the table” bonus thrown in for this. As really that could be the only other logical reason for doing what you did today.
What I’m hoping is that you can make as much as you can from these side deals to last you up until November… And I sincerely hope that if we have THAT much of a funding issue, that you will pull just as much from every other single project out there.

With deep regret,

Rachel C. Giere

‘TRAC@dot.state.oh.us’

PDF of TRAC’s policies and procedures for those interested

 

Over the Rhine Blog

Xing Columbus Blog