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
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
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!
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!
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!
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?
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: 513.621.5900Cincinnati 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?
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
Ok so I struggled with this one a bit… and had to use a little help. The dictionary definition:
Ok So I’m going to be lame here for a second, as a good portion of you won’t know what the hell I’m talking about 
Yeah it's a totally sweet old school lunchbox and you're totally jealous
Ok so its not entirely cliche but yes, Yelp has been the thing that has been the biggest influence in my life. Heck it’s half the reason I haven’t been able to post every day for this project! You see, Alex, Yelp Cincinnati’s awesome fearless leader and Community Manager, is in charge of all things Yelp. From events, to parties, to promos, to reviews, to a sweet weekly newsletter all about the Queen City! And if you’re one of the cool Elite members you get even more awesomeness thrust upon you.
“What the hell are you talking about?!” Ok let me go over my past week. Cincy Winter Beerfest was going on. and tickets are pretty steep… over $30 i believe. The boy doesn’t drink beer so I was kinda bummed about having to miss out on 180+ craft beers all in one place. Well lo and behold I get not 1 but 2 emails about beerfest from Yelp. And what were they? 2 free tickets to beerfest! (I think 10 total were given out maybe?) But the 2nd message was for Elite’s only and they had VIP tickets to give out. (those are even more expense btw 
). So I’m at beerfest where I get an awesome pretzel necklace with a Yelp bottle opener to enjoy while drinking, and I stop by the City Beat booth where I got free movie passes for a prescreening of “I am Number Four” at Florence Rave. (trust me this will come into play later). So that was all well and good and drunken.
Monday I used the Android App for find an Outback Steakhouse down in Kentucky on our way home.
Tuesday me and the boy were both able to go down the street to Bill Cunninham’s Great American Sports Cafe in Montgomery. Oh, did i mention we had 4 different wings to choose from, and could eat all we wanted.. for free… I spent a whole $2 eating til I felt like it was Thanksgiving, and getting a beer in the process.
Which brings me to Wednesday. It was the special Elite Party, at Below Zero Lounge in OtR, and it was well… awesome! I got to try their cocktals and wine (for free…) got to try amazing food Cincinnati Cooks (again free) and got to enjoy (free) ice cream from Phro*Zen. Did I mention this was all free? Oh and sweet movie-oke (I’ll post the vids soon).
And this was all just last week. There have been numerous other Yelp parties (both for Elites and just regular ol Yelpers) free goodies (like the sweet lunchbox), and other give aways-I saw “Stomp the Floor” on opening night at the Aronoff.
So why has this been the thing to make the most impact in my life? Seriously? 1. I have met some AWESOME kick ass new friends. 2. I’m getting out and seeing Cincy in multiple different styles. 3. I’ll never not have SOMEthing to do. and well i guess 4 would be I get awesome free shit.
I had posted this picture to my facebook a few months ago, but i’m pretty sure that I saw the now older baby just nonchalantly walk in front of my car on the way to work today, while I’m assuming momma just chilled in the ditch on Ridge Ave today in Amberly Village.
Seriously these urban deer get ballsier and ballsier… I mean don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that I can see these in the city and feel like I’m home. But comeon! At least the ones in my neck of the woods will run away from you. These think they’re all high and mighty, and one of these days someones gonna come over a hill and take those antlers off right along with their head…
Ok enough of that. Just annoyed when deer of all things is my reason for being late to work.. In the city. Ugh. On a brighter note, i got to see the streetcar up close and personal last night
Have mentioned how excited I am for this?! Just being able to see what it is we’re talking about has turned quite a bit of the skeptics around who thought it was more of a Trolley than what it actually is. i think this is going to be an awesome addition!
Ronny Salerno (of Queen City Disco) tries his hand at Vice Citying the cop cars Photo by: Tom Allen
I didn’t get the joy of actually being able to go in it (sad face) but a few of my friends from Queen City Disco(very) got to!
Check out the Cincinnati Streetcar on public display.
Yay!!! The streetcars finally making its way to Cincy!! It’ll be set up by Fountain Square until Nov 10th and open to the public from 11am-7pm to check out if you’d like. I think this is awesome and will hopefully turn around some non believers
Thanks to Erica over at Cincinnati ReAdventure for the pics!!
For more information check out the Cincy Streetcar Blog!
