Buzzing Along
There's a buzz at Sleepy Bee Café, as they celebrates their B Corp certification and 10th anniversary with community party at the College Hill this Sunday, April 23.
Three cheers for Sleepy Bee Cafe!
The locally owned restaurant recently received its B Corp certification.
If You Go
Sleepy Bee Celebration
Sunday, April 23, 4–6 p.m.
Sleepy Bee Cafe, 5920 Hamilton Ave.
A celebration of Sleepy Bee’s new B Corps certification, with food, fun, and festivities.
The B Corp designation is granted to for-profit companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. Businesses must prove they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability through a thorough, all-encompassing certification process. These companies are verified by B Lab, nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders: customers, workers, communities, vendors, and the environment.
Clearly, a celebration is in order for Sleepy Bee!
Fittingly on Earth Day weekend, the restaurant will celebrate its new designation with food, fun and festivities for everyone.
Sleepy Bee is a gathering place that offers locally sourced sustenance – food that tastes, makes you feel, and is, good. In an environment that is embraces the beauty of it’s community, through it’s design and featured artistry.
Sleepy Bee has four locations across Greater Cincinnati –Downtown, College Hill, Blue Ash and the flagship location in Oakley, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year.
Learn more about Sleepy Bee at www.sleepybeecafe.com.
What's the Scoop?
New flavor from Graeter's honors Flying Pig's 25 anniversary.
If you run a few miles, you deserve a treat and if you run 26 miles, you definitely deserve ice cream!
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon, Graeter’s Ice Cream, has created a special flavor! In honor of Cincinnati’s own annual marathon event, Graeter’s is releasing “Flying Pig Tracks” for a limited run.
Packed with peanut butter cups and chocolate fudge, Flying Pig Tracks will be released on April 28, available in all scoop shops, and select Kroger, Jungle Jim’s and Dorothy Lane stores in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas and online at Graeters.com.
“Staying true to our Cincinnati roots, it made sense to honor the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon with an ice cream release,” shares Chip Graeter, 4th generation co-owner of Graeter’s. “Beyond runners and fans, we think Flying Pig Tracks is a flavor everyone will enjoy and we're happy to offer it in all of our shops throughout the Midwest.”
In addition to the limited edition flavor, Graeter’s is also teaming up with Rookwood Pottery with a “Flying Pig” ice cream bowl. The bowl is the fifth in Graeter’s series of collectible Rookwood bowls. This very limited run carries a stamp commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon. Available in limited quantities, the stamped Flying Pig bowl will be available for sale at $59.95 at the marathon registration event on Friday, May 5.
The Cincinnati Marathon, Inc. organization’s Flying Pig Marathon is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The mission of the Cincinnati Marathon, Inc., is to provide a premier event open to athletes of all abilities dedicated to supporting charities. The event inspires and celebrates all participants, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators every year.
Royally Delicious
The new bar at The Banks, Killer Queen, offers killer cocktails, pizza, and specials fit for a queen and everyone in the Queen City.
Looking for killer drinks and a royally good time? Head to Killer Queen, the new 4EG cocktail bar and restaurant at The Banks, 180 E. Freedom Way.
Photos by Amy Elisabeth Spasoff
Killer Queen serves build-your-own pizzas, salads and Servatii's soft pretzels. The bar features eight rotating draft beers, six draft wines and a craft cocktail menu with an outdoor patio in The Banks’ DORA district.
The Americana-style interior includes neon signs, ornate light fixtures and disco balls as well as a wrap-around bar and five 75-inch TVs.
Sweet Dreams
Indulge in all of your cotton candy dreams at Hard Rock Casino! The Candy Pop-Up Shop offers a world of candy-costumed characters, custom Rocktails, cupcakes, and more for a limited time.
Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
1000 Broadway
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. in April.
Tickets are $30 and include two golden tickets for desserts and a specialty champagne cocktail, and are good for an hour and a half of exploring the space.
Just steps away from slot machines and table games at the lies an entirely different world: a candy-inspired land where sweet dreams come true.
Hard Rock’s Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar features a cotton candy forest, a “gumball” pit, bathtubs full of “sprinkles,” a candy throne, a licorice lounge and sweet treats everywhere you look.
Live, candy-costumed characters and photo stations provide the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments.
The casino is partnering with Rocktails - An Amped Up Spin on Mixology for unique over-the-top, candy-themed drinks like Wish You Were Here, People Are Strange, Bam Bam, and the mocktail, Wonderful World (non-alcoholic)
Chef Melissa has whipped up treats like the Over the Rainbow Cupcake, Long John Donut Pop, Kitchen Sink Cake Donut and more.
The Candy Shop Pop-Up Bar also has spaces to eat, drink, dance and lounge to your sugary heart’s content.
Sweet Spot
Peanuts and Cracker Jack have given way to sushi, goetta burgers, veggie burgers, and even Skyline nachos. See what's on the menu this season at Great American Ball Park!
You go to a ballgame to eat hot dog, drink a beer, and maybe have some ice cream.
This year, all of those get an upgrade at Great American Ball Park.
Photos by Shae Combs
The Cincinnati Reds and foodservice and retail partner Delaware North have made some delicious additions to GABP.
“We have a wide variety of new items for the 2023 season – with an emphasis on regional flavors and products,” said Andy Worden, Delaware North’s general manager at Great American Ball Park. “From tried-and-true ballpark classics to flavors that are quintessentially Cincinnati, we want to be sure Great American Ball Park is a foodie experience with something for everyone.”
Chick-fil-A® makes its debut at Great American Ball Park, with a limited menu for Opening Day, and additional items added in May, including Chick-fil-A Nuggets, Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries, when the Chick-fil-A concession stand opens near Gapper’s Alley.
Burger lovers will want to sample The Big Cheese – an all-beef burger topped with pimento cheese, bacon, crispy onions and pickles, available in Scouts Alley and Grill & Fry Stand and the Kansas Burger from 50 West – two house-ground beef patties topped with American cheese, bacon, pickles, coleslaw and barbecue sauce, served on a potato bun with crinkle-cut fries.
The Montgomery Inn Smokehouse has a new Smoked Porkloin Sandwich, topped with pickled jalapenos, onions, cucumbers and barbecue sauce, all served on a brioche bun.
Need to wash down all these dishes? Grab a 50 West Doom Pedal and Hard Lemonade. BLOX is offering drink “pouches” in Black Cherry Limeade Seltzer, Frozen Lemonade, or Frosecco Slush. Other bar options are Bud Light Nutrl, Bud Light, Budweiser, Hudy Delight, Hoop Tea, Kona, Cut Water, Michelob Ultra, Woodbridge Wines, Makers Mark, Jim Beam Cocktails and Hornitos Cocktails.
All Wine'd Up
Raise a glass to non-profits during the Cincinnati International Wine Festival.
2023 Cincinnati International Wine Festival
March 9–11
Duke Energy Convention Center and participating restaurants.
The weekend-long fundraiser is a celebration of wine complete with upscale winery dinners, grand tastings, collectors’ tastings, silent auctions, and more, all benefiting dozens of local charities.
Tickets available at winefestival.com.
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.
Winery Dinners
Capital Grille & Honig
3821 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45209
Carlo & Johnny & Terlato
9769 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery, OH 45242
Ivory House & Lux
2998 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
Jag’s & Niner Wine Estates
5980 West Chester Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069
Red Feather & Round Pond
3200 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
Son of a Butcher & Michael David
630 Gibson St STE 110, Liberty Township, OH 45069
Funky’s Catering at the Transept & Santa Margherita USA
1205 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Via Vite & Pasqua
20 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11
Grand Tastings
Duke Energy Convention Center
Exhibition Hall A
525 Elm Street
Want to enjoy great wine and benefit local non-profits? You can do both at the Cincinnati International Wine Festival.
Since it started in 1991, the wine festival has donated more than $6.75 million to more than 30 local beneficiaries, including 90.9 WGUC-FM, ALS Association Central & So. Ohio Chapter, Carnegie Art Center, Cincinnati Ballet. Cincinnati Works. Crayons to Computers, Freestore/Foodbank, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Tender Mercies, and Women Helping Women.
One of the largest wine festivals in the country, attendees will find more than 800 wines from 100 wineries around the world.
This year’s honorary chair is Michael Honig, President of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley. A leader in sustainable farming, Honig chaired the first California initiative to develop a “Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices,” a voluntary program establishing statewide guidelines for sustainable farming and winemaking.
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that exists to elevate the wine industry and raise money for local charitable causes with programs dedicated to the arts, education, health and human services.
How Sweet It Is
Grab coffee and a croissant at Constant Grind, now open at Hard Rock Casino, and make plans for their candy shop pop-up coming in April.
The odds of getting a great cup of coffee at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati just got better!
Constant Grind Bistro, Hard Rock’s branded coffee shop, is now open.
The shop features Lavazza coffee, the classic Italian luxury brand. Constant Grind also plans to partner with local coffee makers on a quarterly basis.
The menu includes teas, sandwiches, and other local favorites, plus the classic Mr. Lucky’s milkshakes. Make it affogato-style by adding a shot of espresso!
Open daily, this casual sit down or grab-and-go venue is your new go-to for caffeine and sweets, whether you’re hitting the tables, grabbing lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, or just need a quick pick-me-up.
In April, Hard Rock ups the ante on sweetness with a Candy Shop Pop-up, creating a land of gumballs, sprinkles, and cocktails.
Starting on Saturday, April 1, and continuing every Friday and Saturday that month, the pop-up events with feature themed rooms, DJs, and specialty drinks from Rocktails, and desserts created by Hard Rock’s Chef Melissa.
Located in Hard Rock’s food hall, tickets includes one specialty champagne drink, two golden tickets for food treats, and an hour and a half to explore all the candy rooms, with dancing and picture perfect decorations. Tickets are $30 a person and available now.
Care & Feeding
Join the fight to eliminate SIDS in our community and honor Chef Jean Robert de Cavel at the annual eat.play.give brunch this Sunday, March 5.
What better way to honor a beloved chef than bringing people together to share great food for a great cause.
If You Go
Sunday, March 5
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, 3520 Central Parkway
Admission includes drinks and a sampling of dishes designed by some of Cincinnati's finest chefs, restaurateurs and food enthusiasts.
Buy tickets now!
The annual eat.play.give brunch is a fundraiser to support the de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation. In 2002, the late Jean-Robert de Cavel and his wife, Annette Pfund-de Cavel formed the foundation after the abrupt death of their firstborn child, Tatiana, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“There won’t be an official program. It will be, as always, a celebration of friends and family sharing food, which was his very favorite thing,” says Amy Brandabur Hunter, a longtime supporter and organizer of the event. “He loved that the brunch was family centered.”
This year’s event includes more than over 30 food and beverage tables, and an amazing silent auction that includes some of Jean-Robert’s artwork and part of his personal collections.
Guests will enjoy savory treats and scrumptious sweets prepared by some the best chefs, restaurateurs and foodies the Queen City has to offer. Each ticket purchased helps fund outreach programs and research to eradicate SIDS.
In addition to food and drink, guests can enjoy on-site music and kid-friendly activities. Compete against your friends in our silent auction to raise money for a great cause and bring home your favorite arts or entertainment package.
Feud for Thought
Part potluck, part cooking contest and all fun, Food Fight 513 brought together some of the best chefs in region but only one could win the top prize!
Raise your hand if you love food. Raise it again if you love supporting local restaurants, their employees, and raising money for a great cause!
Food Fight 513 did all of those things, and more. Part potluck, part cooking contest, the event was all fun.
Attendees had the option to bring their favorite potluck item –there were many – but they ould also put their name in the pot to judge food in the “fight” at the risk of being chosen cook and fight it out with pros.
Picture Courtesy, Jake Staubitz
After a couple rounds, local chef & owner of Cincinnati Wood Collaborative, David Bach, stood out among the pack and claimed that coveted champion belt, previously held by Chef Christian Gill.
Proceeds from the event benefit The LEE Initiative, which works to provide more diversity, equitability, sustainability and compassion in the restaurant industry.
Goodtime Gals
What's Galentine's Day? To quote Leslie Knope, it’s the best day of the year! So on this Feb. 13, celebrate your best lady friends in style, with an amazing brunch at Sleepy Bee.
Never mind picking out a card for your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, have you made your plans for Galentine’s Day?
Playing off of Leslie Knope (Parks & Recreation) idea to “remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work” the Game Day Communications crew gathered to celebrate pre-Galentine’s Day.
The woman-owned, super adorable and ridiculously delicious Sleepy Bee is the perfect place to gather your “best lady friends” for a brunch, lunch, or anything in between.
Make reservations at www.sleepybeecafe.com.
All Well and Good
Equal parts cool and casual, The Well Covington offers guests a laidback, cozy lounge with a tasty spin on classic American food and cocktails from local hospitality leaders.
The Well is far from dry for a trio of longtime restaurant pros.
The Well Covington
8 W. Seventh St.
Covington
Open Tuesday–Friday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturday, 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
More info at www.thewellcovington.com.
Veterans in the regional hospitality industry, Will Hodges, Chase Daoud and Chef Mitch Arens have collaborated on a new bar and restaurant concept called The Well Covington.
“The Well is a new bar concept by two friends who wanted to create something special,” said Will Hodges. “Everyone is welcome with open arms at The Well Covington. We are your friendly neighborhood patio bar that implements modern amenities to seamlessly form a unique, entertainment venue.”
Equal parts cool and casual, The Well Covington offers guests a laidback, cozy lounge with a sizable patio and a tasty spin on classic American food and cocktails.
Chef Mitch Arens
The restaurant at The Well, Grub Local, is a new concept from Arens, focused on revamping hometown favorites and updated versions of American classics.
“Our passion is putting only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients on your plate and in your mouth,” said Arens, the former executive chef at Hotel Covington. “So if small bites are your thing, Grub Local is your new kink.”
The Well provides ample amounts of seating and large screen televisions throughout the bar making it the perfect destination for game days where all can enjoy an atmosphere perfect for rooting on their favorite sports teams.
The Well has three seating areas for patrons. The Inside Seating, with a capacity of 80, includes two lounge areas complete with couches love seat and chairs, five chair height tables for banquet seating and four bar height tables. The Mez Level Seating with a capacity of 35 is available for private room rental and includes one lounge area with two love seats and four chair height tables. The Patio Area features two astroturf areas, three fire pits with outdoor couches around them, bar height tables, picnic tables and a live tree.
Fresh Roast
At the new Doscher’s Coffee House, you’ll find more great coffee than you can shake a (peppermint) stick at.
If You Go
Doscher’s Coffee House
6926 Main St., Newtown
Open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More info at doscherscandies.com.
Java, Joe, Mud…Whatever you call it, we all love a good cup of coffee.
And now, we have a new spot to grab a cup.
Doscher’s Candy Co. in Newtown has just opened Doscher’s Coffee House.
“Originally, there was a tea room here that people absolutely adored..but, unfortunately, with the onslaught of COVID, it (forced us to) shut the tea room down.. “says Manager, Christine Schwab.
Doscher’s wanted to create a space where people could return for coffee, tea, pastries and more.
And that’s how this idea was born.
Christine tells us there are a variety of delicious drinks you can order at Doscher’s Coffee Shop, but their signature drink is The Doscher’s Signature Latte.
“It’s a white mocha latte with caramel drizzle on top, whipped cream and a little bit more drizzle… if you like sweet drinks, you’ll love that. ”
Christine adds, they’re working to support local businesses through this new venture.
The coffee comes from Crimson Cup, a brewer out of Columbus for all of their coffee and tea needs.
Pastries and treats will also be sourced locally!
They’re up and running inside the yellow Victorian house on Main Street so well known for delighting generations with their amazing sweets.
Just Chill
Find a cool way to boost your health this winter.
Winter Wellness Cubes
Ingredients
2 oranges, chopped (including peel)
1 lemon, chopped (including peel)
3 knobs raw ginger, shredded (including peel)
1 carrot, shredded
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup honey (or hot honey for cayenne benefits)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 cups water
Directions
Blend everything until smooth - and it’s gonna take a while. Strain into a colander or cheesecloth, or if you don’t mind a bit of pulp (or a lot of pulp), leave as is.
Pour into ice cube trays. This recipe made three trays worth of cubes.
Freeze and add to a cup of hot water as needed. Optional: add a flavored tea bag, honey or agave to taste.
This makes a great winter gift in a freezer-safe mason jar.
Cold weather means the onset of cold-like symptoms for many of us, but adding nutrient-rich and immune-boosting foods can help keep those sniffles at bay.
Cultures around the world have known the health impact of some of these ingredients for years, but now the rest of us are catching on.
Wellness cubes pack all those great vitamins and immune boosters into one tiny frozen package, perfect to pop in a cup of hot water – or to blend with milk or milk substitute for a winter wellness smoothie.
Ingredients can be tailored to your tastebuds, adding garlic to help resist viruses, cayenne pepper to help ease congestion, pineapple to reduce inflammation, and even food-safe essential oils like peppermint to relieve muscle aches.
– Kathrine Nero
Bidding adieu
City pays tribute to beloved Chef Jean Robert de Cavel.
Memorial Service Jan. 16
A memorial Mass for Chef Jean Robert de Cavel will be held on Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m., at Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, 325 W. Eighth St. Rev. Barry Windholtz and the Rev. Jan Schmidt will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation.
Online condolences can be made at Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Homes.
The hearts of Cincinnati foodies are a little emptier with the passing of Chef Jean Robert de Cavel.
Chef de Cavel, known as Jean Robert to food lovers in Cincinnati and beyond, passed away on Dec. 23 after a 5-year battle with Lyomyosarcoma cancer.
He had been an adopted son of Cincinnati since his arrival in 1993. He loved the city, its people, and its sports teams. He was always available to help charitable causes.
An award-winning, internationally acclaimed chef, Jean Robert leaves a legacy of talented culinary individuals not only in Cincinnati but spread across the country.
De Cavel is the most acclaimed chef in the Tristate. He began his culinary life in France. He came to Cincinnati in 1993 to become the Head Chef de Cuisine at the longest-reigning 5-star restaurant in the United States, La Maisonette. He developed multiple restaurants throughout greater Cincinnati including Table, Pigalls, French Crust and Le Bar e Beouf.
The resurgence of Cincinnati’s restaurant scene can be attributed to de Cavel’s artistry, tutelage and dedication to creating elevated and fine dining in Cincinnati.
De Cavel leaves behind his wife, Annette Pfund de Cavel and his beloved daughter, Leticia.
“Cincinnati will miss a wonderful, loving chef. But my daughter and I will miss our husband and dad the most,” says Annette de Cavel.
4 More: Rocktails
From writing a book to making cocktails for Hard Rock Casino, Kristen Kreft and Mayalou Banatwala, know how to shake things up.
As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting some of our favorite Cincinnati People from 2022.
We checked in with Kristen Kreft and Mayalou Banatwala of Rocktails, An Amped Up Spin on Mixology.
Find holiday recipes from Rocktails here!
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISE TO YOU IN 2022?
We surprised ourselves when we began making Musically Inspired Cocktail Infusion Kits! They have been a really amazing addition to our merchandise and we are excited to bring them to local gift stores. Right now you can find some at Originalitees, Toko Baru, Uncorked, Roebling Point Books and Coffee, and Kismet OTR. We are honoring musical artists such as Fiona Apple, Erykah Badu, Edith Piaf, Beyoncé, and Janis Joplin to name a few.
WHAT’S CHANGED SINCE WE LAST SPOKE?
We’ve been amping up our private party bookings and perfecting our Immersive Live Musical Cocktail Presentation. We love to share the stories of musicians we respect, make cocktails inspired by them, then perform our own musical interpretations of their songs.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY THIS YEAR?
We always find it interesting that Cincinnatians don’t always know how rich in musical history their city is. This is one of the reasons we are inspired to continue to educate our community on its unique musical heritage.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2023?
In 2023, we are looking forward to a new business opportunity that will help us expand our brand and push us forward. We are also looking forward to releasing our third book “Libatious Ladies” which will celebrate women of all musical genres, origins, and regions through personal histories as well as a cocktail and a zero proof cocktail honoring each musician. 2023 will rock!
With a Twist!
Warm up your holidays with recipes from Rocktails and Homebaker’s Bar.
It’s not the holidays without a great cocktail!
Whether you’re celebrating at home or out and about, our friends at Rocktails and HomeMaker’s Bar and have you covered.
Cider is a perfect holiday drink!
Great for Fall, cider stays relevant through the New Year! Its history is interesting and ties in traditions of Fall Harvest celebrations and a collective hope for a fruitful winter and New Year.
Not only does mulled cider seem to soothe the soul and welcome the colder months with its warmth and rich aroma, but is easy to make ahead of time. Traditional mulled cider may have derived from a traditional ceremonial drink called the Wassail Bowl.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out Rocktails’ Musical Cocktail Tutorials, where you’ll hear the musical stylings of Kristen Kreft and Mayalou Banatwala, plus a step-by-step tutorial of a cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests.
The Wassail was made from roasted apples and most likely originated in southwest England. The drink was a favorite at Wassail Night festivities which were full of Fall expectations, pagan rituals, and superstitions that lingered all the way into the New Year.
Original Wassail bowl ingredients included mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, and eggs, with cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and sugar. Today the Wassail bowl may hold warmed ale brewed with honey and apples added to cider with mulling spices.
– Rocktails: An Amped Up Spin on Mixology
Mix it up:
2oz Bourbon
3/4 oz Lemon juice
3/4 oz Honey Syrup
In need of something with a little more of a kick? Try the Goldrush at HomeMaker’s Bar
This delicious and easy-to-make drink can be crafted as a mocktail, so it can be enjoyed by everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Cheers!
Happiness and cheer
Good Plates Eatery spreads holiday cheer in the community.
During the holidays we think about food, festivities, and good cheer. And while it’s lovely to spend time with friends and family around the table, many struggle with how to put food on the table.
A HELPING HAND – On Christmas Eve, Good Plates Eatery will give away holiday meals at no charge.
Many organizations help people pull the ingredients together for holiday dishes. But Andrew and Jamie Schlanser, owners of Good Plates Eatery in Clifton, continue their efforts this holiday season to feed the community on Thanksgiving and Christmas. At their restaurant, they give away a full meal to those who need one.
Want to Help?
If you don’t need a meal but would like to help Good Plates with their holiday giveaway, donations are appreciated.
Make your donation through Venmo to @goodplateseatery.
“We’re in our third season of holiday meal giveaways and we are so lucky to be in a position where we can do things like this,” the Schlansers explain. “We couldn’t do it without friends, neighbors, and community members that donate so much and we are proud to keep this tradition going for years.”
“No questions, no reasons needed. Just come in and tell us how many meals you need and we’ll hand you back a bag with however many!” the Schlansers said. During pickup, guests are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and a snack.
Here’s a few details from Good Plates Eatery:
⁃ Doors will open at 12:00pm on Saturday December 24th
⁃ simply come in, tell us how many meals you need, and we will hand you a bag with containers
⁃ Roasted Chicken, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing, and Rolls will be in each meal
⁃ We’ll have desserts, coffee, and hot chocolate as well if you would like to sit and hang for a bit, too.
⁃ We will have coat racks set up outside too for our final winter coat drive if the season
When you stop in Good Plates Eatery, you’ll likely find a table inside with homemade goodies – candles, pine/dried flower filled vases, dried citrus, GP T-shirts and – with 100% of the proceeds go toward the Christmas Meal program.
Images courtesy Good Plates Eatery
Finest Kind
The city honors Jeff Ruby for his decades of influence on Greater Cincinnati's restaurant scene and his philanthropic efforts by naming a street in his honor on Dec. 8.
After decades of creating incredible dining experiences and generous philanthropic efforts throughout the region, Jeff Ruby has been honored by the City of Cincinnati.
On Thursday, Dec. 8, the city renamed part of Vine Street as Jeff Ruby Way, in recognition of his numerous contributions and dedication to the city.
Along with the Ruby family – Jeff Ruby, Britney Ruby Miller, and Dillon Ruby – the special guests for the ceremony were Buddy LaRosa, Bootsy Collins, Joe Mayernik, Marty Brennaman, Cris Collinsworth and Charlie Bledsoe.
Ruby arrived in Cincinnati in the early ‘70s and began creating popular concepts for event and dining establishments, such as Den of Little Foxes and Lucy’s in the Sky.
In 1981, Jeff Ruby opened his first luxury steakhouse, The Precinct, in the old Cincinnati Police Patrol House #6, in the Columbia Tusculum neighborhood prior to moving into the downtown location that most have come to know and appreciate.
In 2022, Jeff Ruby sought to reinvigorate the Central Business District by relocating Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse to the new Foundry development across from Fountain Square.
Jeff Ruby's restaurants are recognized as among the top steakhouses in the United States by Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Food Network, Business Insider, and many more.
Joy Stick
Candy canes mean one thing in Cincinnati – Doscher's. We take you on a behind-the-scenes tour to see how these holiday favorites take shape.
“In 1871, Claus Doscher created the first Doscher’s handcrafted candy cane in Cincinnati, Ohio. His process involved using real peppermint oil, cooking small batches in copper kettles, and working with the best tools known to man – his hands – to roll, knead, stripe, and hook the canes.”
Not everyone can say their city holds one of the country’s oldest candy-making companies, but we can!
Doscher’s Candies in Newtown, Ohio has been crafting candies — specifically, candy canes — since 1871.
Recently, we stopped by the gift shop & factory for a behind the scenes look at how their candy canes are made.
The process is relatively straightforward and happens pretty fast!
It involves the same recipe, copper kettles and time-honored techniques used 150 years ago.
Employees mix, stir, wait (there’s a lot of waiting), knead, fold, stretch, and add handmade pinstripes to each block of “Confectionary Art”.
“One of a kind confectionary art”
Eventually, a this block of sweetness is dropped into another machine which twists and stretches it into what now resembles the Doscher’s candy canes we know and love.
Next, employees create the “hook” of the candy canes. One-by-one, the canes are led down the line to eventually be packaged, boxed and sent off to their destinations.
“Peppermint is by far and away is the most popular..”
…but the birthday cake, root beer and salted caramel are very popular.” says V.P. of Business Development, Gregory Clark.
Over the year, more than 3 million candy canes will be made at Doscher’s Candies. The process typically starts each spring.
Make sure to stop by Doscher’s this holiday season to satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a few holiday gifts and visit with Santa!
They didn’t stop at candy canes
Doscher’s also makes the famous French Chew & Candy Buttons.
You can find Doscher’s products in Sam’s Club, Kroger and many local businesses.
For more info, click here.
Clause & Effect
Start your day the Santa way at Camp Cedar.
Holiday meals with the family can be tricky, with Uncle Frank going on and on about crypto, your sister posing for endless selfies, and that one cousin who always picks a fight about sweet potatoes.
What if you could guarantee everyone would be on their best behavior, and not do anything to get on naughty list?
Now you can, with Breakfast with Santa at Ironwood Grill at Camp Cedar!
On weekends, Nov. 26 to Dec. 11 and every day from Dec. 17 to 23, you and your whole family can enjoy a hearty and fun breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
You can time your breakfast with a visit to King’s Island’s Winterfest. Voted one of the top Theme Park Holiday Events in the country by USA TODAY readers in 2021, the annual event features ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, more than five million lights and live entertainment throughout the park.
To fuel up for the trip enjoy snowman pancakes, served with eggs and a choice of breakfast meat or pearled sugar Belgian waffles topped with fresh fruit. Love the classics? Order eggs, meat, toast, and breakfast potatoes.
Breakfast with Santa is $15.99 for adults $10.99 for children 10 and under. Book your table a (513) 701-9635.