T.G.I.F.F.

National Tartar Sauce Day!

National Tartar Sauce Day, founded in Cincinnati eight years ago to celebrate the Frisch’s Big Boy’s famous fish sandwich, is Friday, March 7.

 Frisch’s Friday Night Fish Fry during Lent includes unlimited seafood bar with soup, salad and sides all for $14.99. Locations offering Friday Night Fish Fry are West Chester, West Hamilton, Springfield, Liberty/Fairfield, Poplar Level, Kyles Lane, Capitol Plaza, Eastgate, Georgetown, Richmond, IN, W. Springfield, Sidney and Madison.

Did you know: In the past year, Frisch’s Big Boy has

• Used nearly 125,000 gallons of tartar sauce

• Sold more than 60,000 jars of tartar sauce

• Offered guests more than 7 million tartar sauce packets.

More at www.frischs.com.

If you drive around Cincinnati toward the end of winter, you notice a few things – deepening potholes, optimistic daffodils, and fish fry signs.

Whether its a Catholic Church fundraiser, American Legion get-together, or a restaurant special, we go hard for fried fish with mac and cheese on the side and maybe even a little cole slaw.

We did an in-house survey for a our favorites place and what makes each one special. If you want to indulge in this Lenten specialty at home, pick up a carry-out order at your favorite spot, and grab a jar of Frisch’s tartar sauce. (Because you can never have too much!)

Holy Cross District High School
3617 Church St., Covington
www.facebook.com/HCHS.COV.Fish.Fry/

For me, it’s the FISH TACOS. They are delicious and you have your choice of traditional fried or grilled with cajun seasoning. They also have a nice selection of sauces, including a cilantro lime crema situation that’s amazing. Plus, they come with three sides for $13!

The menu – and the portions – are large. They also have baked fish with lemon butter, fried shrimp and soup (which changes every week) and grilled cheese for those who aren’t big fish fans. 

Pro tip: The line can sometimes wind out into the parking lot, so get there early!

– Kathrine Nero

St. Boniface
1750 Chase Ave., Northside
www.stbonifacecincinnati.com/weekly-bulletin.html
5–7 p.m., through April 11.

All the classics – fried and baked fish, shrimp, delicious sides – along with a salad bar! Be sure to ask for rye bread to make it a very specific Cincinnati specialty.

The dessert table is not to be missed. Many of the treats are homemade, so you’ll find an assortment of cakes, brownies, and pies to choose from. You’re only supposed to get one, but if it’s late enough, sometimes the kindly volunteers will give you an extra for the road.

You’ll also find students from the school who will help you find a seat, grab your drinks, and bus your tables!

– Tricia Suit

St. Catharine of Siena’s Fish Fry
2848 Fischer Place, Cheviot
stcathos.org/2025-fish-fry
4:30–7 p.m., through April 11.

Menu specialties include cod Slider, three-piece dod dinner fish tacos, and that cold-weather fave soup and grilled cheese

The fish fry also has a special night at Westside Brewery, 3044 Harrison Ave. on March 28!

– Tim David, Cincinnati Fear

St. James Catholic Church
3565 Hubble Road, White Oak
stjameswhiteoak.com/news/2025-st-james-fish-fry
4:30–7:30 p.m., through April 11.

The menu includes the traditional – beer-battered fried cod, baked fish, and fried shrimp with your favorite sides like mac and cheese, French fries, green beans, applesauce, coleslaw, but you’ll also find LaRosa's cheese pizza! Plus Little Hugs as a drink option.

St. James offers a drive-thru and contact-less pickup via the "MyMenuHelper" app for convenience

– Jarrett Baston, The Benjamin

The Bead Goes On

It's a Mardi Pardi! The Banks is turning the Queen City into the Big Easy with a Mardi Gras-themed bar crawl on Saturday, March 1, from 4–9 p.m.

The Queen City Krewe Brass Band, a local seven-piece band inspired by the sounds of New Orleans, will stroll along Freedom Way to stop into surrounding businesses throughout the event. Thousands of beads will be given to guests, who will also enjoy food and drink specials at 12 participating bars and restaurants.

Mardi Pardi is FREE to attend. Guests must be over 21 to enter participating establishments.

Participating locations and their specials are:

AC Upper Deck: $5 Zombie shots and $8 AC Hurricanes, $18 Shrimp Po’boy

Fishbowl at The Banks: Featured hurricane fishbowl

Holy Grail Tavern & Grille: $5 hurricanes

Jefferson Social: $6 hurricanes, $5 Fireball shots, and $5 lemon drop shots

Killer Queen: Specialty hurricane with souvenir cup

Moerlein Lager House: $7 Neon Voodoo, gumbo, and live Louisiana Cajun music from Lagniappe (5–8 p.m.)

Nation at The Banks: $7 Zombie drink and $12.99 Mardi Pardi burger served with Saratoga chips.

The Park: $7 hurricanes and $8 king cake martinis

Red Leprechaun: Featured Sazerac

The Stretch: Specialty hurricane with souvenir cup

Tin Roof: $4 Purple Gatorade, $19 Hand Grenades (32oz Trashcan)

Visit The Banks to laissez les bon temps rouler!

An Affair to Remember

For a tour of the new Mercantile Immersive space, contact DelightMore.

Imagine stepping into a space where reality bends, where immersive technology transforms an event into an unforgettable journey. Where a wedding toast can unfold beneath the Northern Lights, and a corporate gala can transport guests to the streets of Tokyo, all within the heart of downtown Cincinnati. This fall, after three years of vision, planning, and cutting-edge innovation, Mercantile Immersive will open its doors, forever changing the way events are experienced in the Midwest.

Developed by DelightMore in partnership with The Model Group, Mercantile Immersive is not just a venue, it’s a living, breathing canvas of possibility. With IMAX-quality LED displays, 360-degree projection mapping, ground-breaking spatial audio, and dynamic lighting, every event becomes an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Blockhouse Studios, the premier digital installation production company in the Midwest, is the content and technology partner for Mercantile Immersive. 

From the moment guests step inside, they will be transported into fully realized, customizable worlds, whether it’s a Venetian palazzo, a moonlit mountaintop, or a cinematic dreamscape crafted just for them.

“We’ve spent three years meticulously designing this space to be unlike anything Cincinnati, or the Midwest, has ever seen,” said Don Vonderhaar, partner at DelightMore. “This is not just a venue, it’s an experience. A place where memories are not just made but fully immersed in.”

Housed inside the historic Mercantile Building at 115 East Fifth Street, formerly home to the Contemporary Arts Center, Mercantile Immersive pays homage to its artistic roots while propelling the venue into the future. Blockhouse Studios, renowned for its breathtaking digital artistry, serves as the creative force behind the venue’s ever-evolving visual experiences.

The venue features 14,000 square feet of fully customizable event space, meticulously designed to host:

• Weddings that unfold in dreamy, otherworldly settings

• Corporate events with next-level brand activations and dynamic presentations

• Gala experiences that redefine luxury and spectacle

• Social gatherings where technology and storytelling create unforgettable moments

There will be two immersive rooms at the Mercantile Immersive: the first offers a catalogue of interior room styles ranging from a formal ballroom to a seaside chateau, a projection mapped dome, and a bar featuring customizable lighting. The second room includes 360-degree LED displays that simulate breathtaking outdoor experiences. Guests can be surrounded by a rose garden or a snowy forest and instantly transported into different scenes and settings designed by Blockhouse Studios. 

Room A – “Rooms with a View”

Choose from six breathtaking backdrops, a grand ballroom, a serene seaside escape, a chateau in the hills, each a fully immersive environment tailored to your vision.

Room B – “The Great Outdoors”

Step into nature without leaving the city. A tranquil rose garden, a snow-covered forest, or a starlit desert, each setting brought to life with projection mapping and sensory enhancements.

Beyond these immersive spaces, the venue also boasts:

• State-of-the-art catering kitchens to accommodate exemplary dining experiences

• Interactive digital elements that allow guests to shape their surroundings

• Live camera feeds and presentation capabilities for hybrid and in-person events

• Bridal suites and green rooms designed for comfort and luxury

“Picture this,” Vonderhaar adds, “a guided, five-course dining experience where guests ‘travel’ through Italy, one course in a digital Florence piazza, the next beneath a Tuscan sunset. This is the level of immersion we’re creating. Every event here will be a journey.”

With seating for up to 500 guests, seamless integration of audio-visual storytelling, and projection mapping featuring 456 million pixels, Mercantile Immersive isn’t just pushing boundaries, it’s erasing them. The venue brings the level of spectacle seen in The Sphere Las Vegas to Cincinnati, placing every guest in the best seat in the house.

Cheers to Love

One of the most highly anticipated events of the year for wine lovers is here, and we don’t just mean Valentine’s Day!

To learn more about Blk Wine Fest 2025 and Lush Life Brands, click here.

Blk Wine Fest is an annual event hosted in (and around!) Downtown Cincinnati. Though this year’s event is sold out, you can still support Black winemakers by raising a glass to your Valentine!

Created by Natasha Williams, Blk Wine Fest celebrates Black-owned wine brands and producers, offering a platform to introduce diverse and unique wine labels to the public. For the past two years, the festival has sold out, drawing thousands of attendees, who are eager to explore and support underrepresented brands.

Whether shopping for a romantic evening at home or grabbing a bottle for a Galentine’s Day gathering, you can enjoy wines from LoveLuvv and Love Cork Screw. Additionally, many of the wines featured this weekend at BWF will be offered in tastings at area Kroger stores!

LoveLuvv specializes in sparkling wines. Founder Samantha Danielle from her work as a wedding planner, remaining passionate about the real work of love and the celebration. While on an intensive and enjoyable tour of the Champagne region of France, she realized that there was no sparkling wine/champagne created specifically for the wedding experience. She dedicated herself to learning the industry and champagne process from the inside out, achieving certification as a Master of Champagne.

Love Cork Screw is also a woman-owned wine brand, with a fresh take on what wine for this generation should be – fun, inclusive, simple and delicious. Founder Chrishon Lampley launched with with six varietals in December 2013 and has now sold more than 2 million bottles, expanding to the brand to include candles and skincare.

Along with highlighting wines, BWF shares the stories behind them, creating a rich cultural experience. New this year, the festival introduces four premium liquor brands, expanding the offerings with a diverse selection of spirits for attendees to savor.

Drink It In

Council Oak Wine Dinner
Jan. 28, 7 p.m.
Cost $225 per person.
Reservations are required for the wine dinner – visit the Council Oak page at hardrockcincinnati.com and select Jan. 28.

Could your Tuesday use a little more fun? Just add wine!

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati’s Council Oak Steak & Seafood restaurant holds its first of four special wine-pairing dinners for 2025 this Tuesday, hosted by Keegan Corcoran of Ignition Wines.

The dinner features four courses, along with a reception course and dessert, with wine pairings for each course.

Corcoran, founder of Ignition Wines, is one of only 600 in the world to hold the title of Advanced Sommelier within the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Based in Cincinnati, Ignition distributes fine wine to restaurants, bars, and bottle shops in Ohio and Kentucky. They also offer complimentary consultation and staff education, conducted by Corcoran.

The reception course for the first of the series wine dinner features a JB Neufeld-Pet Nat Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc paired with scallop ceviche with avocado and artichoke fritters with lemon basil aioli. The first course is cauliflower and sunchoke soup with burgundy truffles, paired with a Withers Peters Vineyard Chardonnay, and the second course includes shellfish shepherd’s pie with uni mashed potatoes and an Audeant Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay.

The third course is pheasant Wellington, sweet potato Dauphinoise with beurre rouge sauce, paired with an Audeant Pinot Noir, and the fourth course includes a coffee rubbed chateaubriand, celeriac puree, fricassee of wild mushrooms and dried cherry demi, paired with JB Neufeld The Old Goat Cabernet Sauvignon. A dessert of wine washed apple tarte tatin with apple brandy crème Anglaise paired with Dolce by Far Niente Late Harvest Semillion wraps up the dinner.

Council Oak is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday inside Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway.

A Cool Experience

If the cold and lingering snow is bringing on a bit of cabin fever, get out this weekend and enjoy Moerlein Lager House's 2025 Fire & Ice series.

The themed dinners go beyond having a hot meal, with fire performers, ice sculptures, cozy igloos, and fire pits, plus a one-of-a-kind ice bar, and expertly paired with cocktails for each dinner.

Fire & Ice
Friday, Jan. 24, 5:45 and 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1, 5:45 and 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 5:45 and 8 p.m.

Themed three-course dinners include welcome reception and beverage pairings.
Tickets are $65–$75, available at moerleinlagerhouse.info/fire-and-ice.

Each evening features two seatings, with a different themes, that include three-course meals, beverage pairings. Local mixologist, author, and historian Molly Wellmann will also take part in the dinners, offering stories behind the evening’s theme, introduce courses, and discuss the drinks.

The series kicks off on Friday, Jan. 24, with a seafood-themed dinner followed by a Latin-themed dinner with Latin-inspired cocktails.

The Feb. 1 dinner starts with a Weller Bourbon Dinner with optional exclusive Pappy Van Winkle Pours for an additional charge. The second seating, has a “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” theme.

The final Fire & Ice dinner on Feb. 8 features a special Mardi Gras Celebration Dinner for both seating, highlighting New Orleans-style food and drinks.

Each evening also features Fire & Ice cocktails, specially curated by Wellmann, available throughout the night at the ice and igloo bars

A Lot on Your Plate

Cincinnati dining has transcended chili and ice cream – though those are still fantastic. But chef-driven restaurants have put the city on the foodie map, with international influences bringing fresh flavors to the region.

Our intrepid eaters weigh in with the best thing they ate this year, so you can start your “must-try” list for January.

---

Skillet Cornbread at Nolia Kitchen
– Robin Burrow, Joe Burrow Foundation

Too many to name! With the quantity of amazing restaurants the Cincy region has, I've tried dozens of wonderful dishes and would be impossible to name just one!
–Julie Calvert, Visit Cincy

Too many good dishes to narrow down. Pepp and Dolores, Moerlein Lager House, egg rolls from YouYu, Mitas, everything at Savor
– Megan Coffey, Game Day Communications

Mexi Bibimbap from Lalo. They combine two of my favorites: Korean and Mexican
–Tim David, Cincy Fear

E&O Kale and Brussel Sprouts
–Susan Fisher, America’s River Roots Festival

Technically this was last year, but on New Years Eve I had the best fresh oysters of my life at Mita’s. Life changing. Spectacular. No notes.
– Shae Huth, Game Day Communicdations

I just moved to OTR and one of my favorite places to have a nice dinner is Via Vite. I love anything that’s based on their homemade pasta! Plus, they're on our new ArtsWave App with a great offer for foccacia or prosciutto service.
–Alecia Kintner, ArtsWave

101-Layer Lasagna, Carmelo’s

The 101-Layer Lasagna at Carmelo’s in Covington. While a late year new restaurant addition to Covington, the lasagna is amazing – a full pound of pasta, meat and cheese goodness.
–Julie Kirkpatrick, meeNKY

Lemon Pasta at Pepp and Dolores
–Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera

Taste on Elm’s incredible charcuterie tray!
– Kathrine Nero, Game Day Communications

Somm Wine Bar is such a gem in the heart of the Incline District. The salmon entree – and their halibut when you can get it – is absolutely incredible!
– Krista Katona Pille, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Beef Wellington at Boca
– Tasha Pinelo, Tasha Pinelo Photography

I am still thinking about the Moroccan Roasted Eggplant at The Davidson.
– Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications

The view at MRBL

The best meal I had this year was at MRBL in Newport. Sushi, steak, and baked mac accompanied by amazing views of the city! 
–Courtney Tomasetti, Game Day Communications

I fell in love with the Medjool Dates and Cabra Al Vino Cheese at Safi Wine Bar in Over-the-Rhine. It’s simple – fruit and cheese! – but a perfect combo of salty and sweet.
– Tricia Suit, Cincinnati People

I love to eat out. Whether it was upscale bar food at HighGrain, pork chops at El Coyote, salad at Dewey’s or a steak at Walt’s Hitching Post, I loved them all!
– Jayne Utter, Summerfair Cincinnati

Butternut squash pizza at the Companion Pizza pop-up because of the complexity of flavors.
–Christina Vassallo, Contemporary Arts Center

Talking turkey

Chef Clint Walker

Chef Clint Walker, executive sous chef at Hard Rock Cincinnati, is a Northern Kentucky native and veteran of the culinary scene in Cincinnati.

Living and working “out of the box” is Chef Walker’s style. He love to eat and teach people his craft, so below he offers some tips to make your Thanksgiving meal the best one yet!

How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

Make a liquid brine of salt and water overnight.

When brining a turkey in a brining liquid, the juices of the turkey come out into liquid, or brine, and the salted water will go back into the turkey. This will keep your turkey moist and flavorful.

FYI, the salt to water ratio for brine is one gallon of water to one cup of salt.

what’s your secret for good Gravy?

Chicken stock, carrot, celery, onions, rosemary, thyme, pinch of salt and pepper, bring all these ingredients to a boil, and reduce to a simmer by halfway. Strain and bring back to a boil and thicken with a slurry –s a thickening agent made of corn starch and cold water.

is there a better – but not boring – way to make green beans?

Yes! In a crockpot, take fresh green beans, onion, garlic, chicken and vegetable stock, salt and pepper, onion and garlic powder, smoked cottage pork butt on a medium high heat for five hours. Add potatoes for another three hours, for a total eight hours of cook time.

What can I do with all the leftovers?

• For breakfast, try turkey, eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese are great additions for breakfast burritos.

• Buffalo turkey dip.

• Turkey grilled cheese but use cold mac-n-cheese as the cheese, then add other ingredients as you see fit.

• Make Thanksgiving soup – turkey, onion, carrot, celery, chicken stock, some of the turkey gravy, salt, and pepper, served with a side of stuffing.

A Seat at the Table

Thanksgiving is hard work! If you’re looking for a way to focus on the meal and not the prep and clean-up, a number of area restaurants are open on the holiday. From buffets to prix fixe menus, you still have time to find a spot and make reservations!

1931
Hilton Netherland Plaza
35 W Fifth St.
(513) 564-6465
More information

$35 – $89 per person

This art deco jewel evokes the glamor of a byagone era with its soaring painted ceilings, marble columns, and Rookwood pottery. While the setting transports you back in time, the cuisine is decidedly modern, with American fare and creative cocktails.

The Thanksgiving Buffet starts with assorted local cheeses and charcuterie, with salads, turkey and ham carving stations serving, plus classic sides and an extravagant dessert display.

Coppin’s – Hotel Covington
638 Madison Ave.,
(859) 905-6600
More information

$75 for adults, $55 for seniors (65+), $19 for kids 5-12; Free for kids 4 and under.

Coppin's Thanksgiving buffet returns with a cold station (shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, salads, etc.), hot station (roasted turkey, ham, green bean casserole, mac ‘n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, and more), and dessert Gluten free and vegetarian options available.

Council Oak Steak & Seafood
Hard Rock Casino
1000 Broadway
casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati/dining/council-oak

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers the sophisticated, classic-American steakhouse fare guests know and love. Council Oak’s design features an open-kitchen, in-house butcher shop and dry-aging room outfitted with pink Himalayan salt walls, and a glass-enclosed wine case highlighting the restaurant’s award-winning selection of labels.

Golden Lamb
27 S. Broadway, Lebanon
(513) 932-5065
www.goldenlamb.com

Entrees $25.95–$42.95

Have a Dickens of a good time at this regional Golden Lamb takes pride in serving classic dishes that families and friends have enjoyed for generations, while also offering fresh new creations, seasonally inspired by their farm. The Thanksgiving buffet includes appetizers, soup or salad, turkey, ham, or butternut squash lasagne as an entree, and a la carte desserts.

Eddie Merlot's
10808 Montgomery Road
(513) 489-1212
www.eddiemerlots.com

Prix Fixe Menu: $49/person

Quality, exceptional service, and an unparalleled atmosphere have made Eddie Merlot's one of America's great steak houses over the past 20 years. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional holiday feast. Eddie Merlot’s has special, three-course, turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Their full dinner menu of signature items will also be available.

Metropole @ 21c Museum Hotel
609 Walnut St.
(513) 578-6660
metropoleonwalnut.com

$85 per person

Experience a three-course pre-fixed menu, created by Metropole’s chef and talented culinary team. The pre-fixed entrée course options include a choice of traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner, halibut (pescatarian), OR wild mushroom tinga (vegetarian/vegan). Dessert options are sweet potato pound cake or cardamom apple crisp.

Prime Cincinnati
580 Walnut St.
(513) 579-0720
primecincinnati.com

$55 per person

Prime Cincinnati offers an exceptional fine dining experience in downtown Cincinnati, featuring premium steaks, seafood, and an inviting lounge and patio. Guests will enjoy a special Thanksgiving menu featuring holiday classics and seasonal flavors, or choose from their regular menu for a wider selection.

Subito
The Lytle Park Hotel
311 Pike St.
(513)621-4500
www.subitoatlytlepark.com/

$79 per person

Subito is celebrating Thanksgiving with an Italian twist on the traditional. Gather family and friends to enjoy a grand buffet, that includes turkey carving station and cacio pepe in a Parmesan wheel, with seasonal accompaniments and decadent desserts.

All Fired Up

2023 CFM Firefighter Cook-Off winner, Cincinnati Firefighter Jason Yocum.

The Cincinnati Fire Museum is cooking up some fun this weekend!

2024 CFM Firefighter Cook-Off Fundraiser
Saturday, Nov, 2, 7–10 p.m.

Cincinnati Fire Museum
315 W. Court St.

Get tickets and info at www.cincyfiremuseum.com.

Discount tickets availabl efor firefighters and their families.

On Saturday, the CFM is hosting its annual firefighter cook-off in their 1906 Renaissance Revival firehouse.

This celebration of the culinary talent of local firefighters helps raise funds for the CFM, a non-profit institution stewarding the rich history of local firefighting and providing fire safety education to the community.

During the competition, local firefighters will create with savory dishes that will be judged by a panel of local food experts and personalities – legendary Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman, Local12 anchor Sheila Gray, and James Beard-nominee Chef Jose Salazar. Attendees will have the chance to taste the firefighters’ dishes and vote on their favorite, too.

Additionally, guests will enjoy beer and wine, live music with Aprina Johnson, and a raffle featuring prizes from Rhinegeist Brewery, Mid-City Restaurant, FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati Zoo, and more.

“The Fire Museum makes an excellent venue to showcase the abundance of culinary talent that exists amongs area firefighters,” said Sarah Strickland, executive director of CFM. “I love the idea of sharing one of the best parts of firefighting culture with the community – firehouse chow!”

Visitors will also be able to see some of the nation’s oldest firefighting equipment at CFM. In 1853, the first paid professional fire department in the United States was founded in Cincinnati, which changed American firefighting forever. Listed on the NationalHistoric Registry, the CFM celebrates our city’s proud history and allows the public to experience what it was like to work in the busiest Cincinnati firehouse in the early 1900s.

Sweet Talk

Just in time for Halloween candy-shopping, we’re revisiting a story about Doscher’s Candies. The shop now has a coffeehouse!

Cincinnati prides itself on its unique delicacies – chili over spaghetti, black raspberry chip ice cream, goetta.

We can add the French Chew to that list. This creamy and chewy taffy is a one-of-a-kind experience – whether you have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or banana – made locally by Doscher’s.

Founded by Claus Doscher in 1871, the Doscher's Candy Company started out making hand-crafted candy canes. Though they still make those beloved peppermint treat, the company has added French Chews, candy buttons, and more confections over the year. Branching out, Doscher’s also sells Béquet Caramels, a boutique, artisan candy from Montana that has won multiple awards over the past two decades.

Experience all this sugary magic for yourself at the shop. Along with candy, you’ll find fun and festive items that change seasonally – baby and children’s gifts, gifts for the home, and books by Cincinnati authors and artists.

---

Doscher’s Gift Shop, 6926 Main St., in Newtown, doscherscandies.com. Open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Looks Delicious

If you are planning to walk the more than 30 city blocks of BLINK, you’re going to get hungry. Between delicious Asian street food and hometown favorite cookies, you be able to BLINK for even longer this weekend.

For that sugar fix, light up your taste buds with the first Official Cookie of BLINK.

“We’ve made a point this year to engage all the senses at BLINK,” said Justin Brookhart, executive director of BLINK. '“This collaboration with Busken takes that to a new level.”

Two versions of BLINK cookies will be available at four area Busken locations – Hyde Park, Highland Heights, Springdale and Eastgate – as well as at the BLINK pop-up shop Limelight, 1326 Vine St., Cincinnati.

Mini cookies, shaped like the iconic BLINK eyeball, will be sold along with mini sprinkle cookies in tubs of approximately 25 for $10.85. Patrons can also pick up individually wrapped Original Iced Busken cookies with the BLINK logo for $2.50 each.

“We’re thrilled to be the official cookie of BLINK – this cookie will surely add some sweetness to Cincinnati’s brightest event of the year!” said Dan Busken, president of Busken Bakery.

Need dinner, a late-night snack, or a savory pick-me up? Head to the Asianati Night Market at Court Street Plaza all four nights of BLINK.

With authentic street food dishes from 11 Asian restaurants and three popup vendors serving one-day specials, the latest edition of the night market has more food vendors, art installations, family-friendly games and prizes, celebrity guests, and a cosplay contest presented by Tokyo Kitty.

Asianati celebrates the richness of Asian American culture in Cincinnati. In 2010 Asianati created the Asian Food Fest, which is now a delicious annual Cincinnati tradition.

The Asianati Night Market was a crowd favorite during the last BLINK. Located on Court Street Plaza, ANM brings an exciting mix of food, drinks, shopping, culture, and family-friendly activities in a brilliant light-based installation.

New this year, Asianati Night Market is rounding-out the night market experience with new gift shopping options from local AAPI-businesses.

Family-friendly activities make an exciting return with free light-based activities suitable for all ages. Popular ticketed games like Duck-Duck Scoop are also back for those who want to test their skill and coordination. And new this year, we're adding our first Cosplay competition!

Most exciting of all, the Asianati Night Market will open its food stalls at 5 p.m. every night, giving BLINK-goers the perfect opportunity to fuel-up on delicious food before the rest of Blink opens at 6pm.

The Dairy Best

Milk and cookies are a beloved comfort food combo. But what if you could make it somehow even better…Chocolate milk and cookies!

Give it a try to celebrate National Chocolate Milk Day this Friday, Sept. 27. Pick up a ready-made quart (or gallon, maybe you have a lot of cookies) of Kroger chocolate milk.

If you’re feeling dairy-ler-iously excited for the day, grab a custom Chocolate Milk shirt (printed by Cincy Shirts, exclusively for Kroger) while in store.

This week, we joined local influencers at the Anderson Kroger for a pre-National Chocolate Milk Day celebration.

From those custom tees, to a Chocolate Moose Stout brew from Rhinegeist, chocolate milk stickers for the kids and a special chocolate milk inspired cocktail for the adults!

We had a great time sampling beverages and posing for pictures with our favorite Krojis! Want to get in on the fun? Stop by the Kroger Marketplace in Oakley this Friday, 9/27!

For over two decades Kroger customers have raved about their perfectly balanced chocolate milk. And you won’t be the only one! According to the American Dairy Association MidEast, the Cincinnati/Dayton region is the one of the top three areas in the country for chocolate milk consumption.

Sample it yourself with a visit to www.kroger.com.

Over the Moon

The recent harvest moon – and lunar eclipse – was more than a celestial treat. It also marked the Moon Festival.

Celebrated in East and Southeast Asian, the Moon Festival time for family and friends to gather to enjoy the Fall harvest with a delicious feast. YouYu at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is putting a different spin on the idea, introducing a new menu and offering specials for Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week, Sept. 23 to Sept. 29.

Inspired by the flavors and freshness of Asian street food, YouYu’s menu focuses on Mandarin, Cantonese, Sichuan, and Vietnamese dishes, serving freshly made noodles, savory broths, and apps. YouYu also has an extensive list domestic and Asian beers, plus Asian-inspired cocktails and even Vietnamese coffee if you need a recharge! Decadent desserts round out the dining experience. 

The Restaurant Week menu highlights new items like Crab Rangoon, Crispy Peking Duck Breast, and Sticky Pork Ribs.

Head Chef Adam Dulle brings his passion for Asian cuisine to YouYu. After stints at Boca and Nada, he’s incorporated his love for Asian food (especially Crab Rangoon!) and his years enjoying local Asian restaurants to develop the new menu.

YouYu, located inside Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway, is open Sunday and Monday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Thursday, 5–10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. More at casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati/dining/youyu

At the Plate

The new menu at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is a home run

(*ducks*)

The steakhouse introduced its new executive culinary team yesterday, at an event hosted by Cincinnati Reds legend and National Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher Johnny Bench and Property President Justin Wyborn.

The special event with Bench introduced some heavy hitters to Hard Rock’s culinary team. Josh Treadway, a former manager at Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, is the new general manager of Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. He is joined by Chef Mathew Polanka, as the executive chef at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, with Chef Clint Walker, now the executive sous chef at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.

New menu items were unveiled that pay homage to Bench, who is regarded as one of the greatest MLB catchers of all time.

• “Johnny Bench’s Catch & Release,” a 10-ounce Blackened Gulf Snapper represents Bench’s 10 Gold Glove Awards, as well as his favorite fish. The Gulf Snapper will be topped with five royal red prawns, an apple-mango relish and cilantro lime crema.

• “Johnny Bench’s Apple Caramel Funnel Cake,” a funnel cake baseball glove featuring 14 simple syrup poached apple bites represents Bench’s 14 All-Star Game appearances served with vanilla bean ice cream, topped with Crown Royale Apple Whiskey caramel sauce and Cracker Jack streusel topping.

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, which opened in 2021, is located inside Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and offers a luxury dining experience featuring dry-aged prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.

---

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood is open Wednesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m. and Sunday, 4-9 p.m. To make reservations, visit hardrockcasinocincinnati.com.

A Walk in the Park

Lytle Park Wine Festival
Saturday, May 18, 5–8 p.m.
The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
311 Pike St.

Tickets: $145/ person for the Grand Tasting Event. Fine more information.

Partnering Chef Daniel Bruce, founder of the renowned Boston Wine Festival, the inaugural Lytle Park Wine Festival promises an unforgettable fusion of elegance and indulgence.

The goal of the event is to unite wine enthusiasts in a celebration of the world’s finest vintners. Set amidst the serene ambiance The Lytle Park Hotel, this festival offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with distinguished wineries and their passionate creators.

The Grand Tasting Event includes an array of food prepared and presented by Lytle Park Hotel & Subito Executive Chef, Joe Helm, live music from the Mandy Gaines Band, and a commemorative wine glass for guests.

Featured Wineries & Wine Makers:

• Cain Vineyard & Winery - 2013 NV Cuvee; 2018 NV Cuvee; 2018 Cain Five

• Delille Cellars - 2022 Metier Sauvignon Blanc; 2021 Metier Red Blend; 2019 Chealeur Estate Blanc; 2020 D2 Red

• Elk Cove Vineyards- 2023 Pinot Noir Rose; 2022 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley; 2022 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley; 2021 Pinot Noir Mount Richmond Vineyard

• Far Niente Wine Estates - 2020 Far Niente Chardonnay; 2021 Far Niente Cabernet; 2019 Bella Union Cabernet; 2022 En Route Pinot Noir

• François Villard - FV Condrieu Terraces Du Palat 2021; FV Crozes Hermitage 2020; FV Saint-Joseph Poivre et Sol 2020

• Domaine Deux Roches - DR Macon Villages 2022; DR Saint-Veran 2022; Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2021

• Page Wine Cellars - 2018 Revolver Wine Co. "The Stash" Cab Sauv - Napa; 2018 Page Wine Cellars "proprietary Red" - Napa; 2022 Revolver Wine Co. "The Fury" Cab Franc - North East; 2019 Reveolver Wine Co. "xxxKMAxx" Petit Verdot - Napa

• Robert Foley Vineyards - 2022 Chardonnay; 2019 Charbono; 2018 Merlot; 2017 Claret

• S.A. Prüm - S.A. Prüm Whelen Ortswein 2018; S.A. Prüm Whelen Sonnenuhr GG 2015 Grand Cru; S.A. Prüm Whelen Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2019; S.A. Prüm Whelen Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2019

• Silver Oak - 2022 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc; 2021 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir; 2019 Silver Oak Alexander ValleyCabernet; 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet; 2019 Timeless NV

• St. Supéry Estate Vineyards - 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc; 2022 Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc; 2019 Estate Cabernet; 2018 Elu Red Blend;

In addtion to the Grand Tasting, a private tasting experience is available for $75 per person with a selected winery, featuring their private library collections. Those wineries are Cain Vineyard & Winery, Delille Cellars, Elk Cove Vineyards, Far Niente Wine Estates, François Villard, Domaine Deux Roches, Page Wine Cellars, Robert Foley Vineyards, S.A. Prüm , Silver Oak, and St. Supéry Estate Vineyards.

Near Beer

HighGrain Brewing opens its second location with a grand opening on Friday, just in time for summer!

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

HighGrain Brentwood
Friday, May 3, 11 a.m.
9176 Winton Road

Open to the public!

HighGrain Brewing Co., which has operated a taproom and restaurant in Silverton since 2019, will expand to a second location beginning May 3 at the former Brentwood Bowl, 9167 Winton Road. 

HighGrain will move the majority of its brewing operations from Silverton to the new location this spring, increasing its brewing space from 1,500 square feet to 25,000 square feet. The brewing operation began in April. The new restaurant area is expected to seat more than 300 with a full bar, private event space and larger kitchen. A larger outdoor area includes a covered patio and beer garden with free parking.

Joining HighGrain in the new space are two other local businesses: Revel OTR Urban Winery and La Terza Artisan Coffee Roasterie. Products from both will be available in the taproom, including wines, an espresso bar and breakfast pastries. While most of the brewing operations will move to Springfield Township, HighGrain will continue to keep the Silverton location open.

HighGrain is now ranked as the 10th largest brewery in the area. Matt Utter has been the brewmaster since the opening in 2019 after 10 years of brewing experience in Germany. Additional partners at HighGrain are Josh Jansen and Brian Liscano.  

In addition to brewing beer, HighGrain offers a seasonally rotating menu, sourcing ingredients from local farms such as Gorman Heritage Farm and Perch Farms. The menu includes vegan and gluten free options, and plus elevated takes on more traditional pub fare like nachos, pretzels, beer cheese, and burgers.

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Shae Huth

Friends Pho-Ever

Asian Food Fest
Court Street Plaza

Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.– 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

More at asianfoodfest.org.

It’s lucky number 13 for Asian Food Fest! The two-day food extravaganza returns to the downtown Cincinnati this weekend.

Asian Food Fest, presented by Kroger and Procter & Gamble, and produced by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber in partnership with Asianati, is the region’s largest celebration of Asian food and culture. This year marks the largest festival in the event’s history, with 55 restaurants and food trucks and eight “Secret Menu” options.

The entertainment includes comedy, cultural activities, and karaoke, with more than 100 performers and entertainers across the two-day event.

The Asian Food Fest karaoke contest, in its second year, is open to the public in hopes of crowning the “Best Karaoke Performance of 2024” winner.

All-day, family friendly programming will be held in the Community Tent presented by Kroger, with chopstick lessons and Chinese print stamps from GCCCEA; coloring sheets, dribble game, and giveaways with FCC; and Manga Manga coloring pages.

The Cultural Connection by 5/3, In collaboration with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, will have storytelling, Indian block painting, and a mask decorating craft.

The fun also includes giant outdoor games — giant Jenga, Connect 4, cornhole, plus chalk art and origami.

Through food, music, and community outreach, Asian Food Fest is brings together the Asian communities in the region for a cultural experience like no other.

Drink in the Sunshine

Summerfair Cincinnati Poster Reveal

Thursday, April 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
HighGrain Brewing, 6860 Plainfield Road

Release and artist signing of the 2024 Summerfair commemorative poster, along the new seasonal beer and music from the Faux Frenchmen.

Details at www.summerfair.org.

Get ready for summer!

The commemorative poster for this year's Summerfair Cincinnati will be revealed during a special celebration on Thursday, April 25. Along with the new poster, a new seasonal beer, specially created for Summerfair, will also make its debut that night.

This year’s poster was created by Anne Shannon, a Cincinnati-based graphic designer with more than 25 years of experience. She enjoys new challenges and collaborating with other professionals, bringing order, light, and creativity to her work. Shannon also designed the 2020 Summerfair poster.

She will be at HighGrain, signing copies of the commemorative poster during the event.

The evening also includes music from the Faux Frenchmen, who are also performing at Summerfair this year.

The new beer from HighGrain is perfect for summer, with notes of citrus in a light and refreshing brew. The can features elements of the poster designed by Shannon. The beer will be available on tap and in cans at HighGrain, as well as at Summerfair.

Summerfair will be held at Coney Island from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. Advance tickets are on sale now at summerfair.org, with one-day ($10) or multi-day tickets ($15) tickets available. Children 12 and under admitted free.

Hello Darkness

Do your party plans on Monday include serving Eclipse gum, Moon Pies, and Sun Chips? Then no one is going to want to come to your party.

Luckily, you’ll find well-timed, eclipse-themed treats.

To celebrate this astronomical event, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has created “out-of-this-world flavors.”

The Punk Stargonaut collection is inspired by a fictional flight through the galaxy with:

Cosmic Bloom – A tropical delicacy! Citrusy like a mandarin, refreshing like a kiwi, and punchy like passion fruit.

Nebula Berry – Tart like a blueberry and vibrant like a raspberry with an elderflower fragrance.

Purple Star Born – Reminiscent of Concord grape and puckery-like blackcurrants.

Supermoon – Tastes like candied violet and marshmallows.

If the dark of the moon has you longing for dark chocolate, Aglamesis Bro’s has eclipse-themed candy. The Oreo Eclipse is an Oreo on a stick dipped in dark chocolate and topped with a white chocolate disk. The Eclipse Pecande offers pecans draped in layers of rich caramel, white chocolate and dark chocolate.

Because no holiday is complete without a themed cookie from Busken, pick up an Original Iced Eclipse Cookie. Perfect for group viewing, you can pick up a box of 10 (individually wrapped) cookies in Busken shops.

The cookies are made with yellow cookie dough and chocolate icing, then topped with a “galactic finish.”

The collection of local sweet treats guarantees your eclipse viewing will be out of this world!