July 2020 – Pursuit of Delights

Revolving Rotisserie Around A New Way of Life

July 30, 2020/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Food, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Cincinnati’s food scene has always been on the rise. It seemed there for awhile, there was something new opening every month. This was certainly music to our ears, especially with our love for food and being foodies. In recent months COVID-19 has taken over and has put a slight delay to restaurants opening. However, there is one restaurant that is not letting COVID rain on their parade. Revolution Rotisserie is open for business, doing well, and thriving in spite of the pandemic. When we heard Nick Pesola, owner of Revolution Rotisserie, was continuing to sell his well-known Rotisserie Chicken not letting COVID bring him down, we had to support! We sat down with Nick to talk all things Rotisserie Chicken and more.

You may wonder where the concept of rotisserie chicken came from and why. Well, wonder no more! In the summer of 2014, at the age of 25, Nick, opened a gourmet rotisserie chicken tent at Findlay Market. This was Nick’s Dream and he was determined to prove he and his rotisserie chicken were here to stay. That summer he sold so many of his signature “Chitas” and rotisserie chickens. He could not keep the rotisserie stocked fast enough with his delicious chickens. After so much positive feedback, Nick knew it was time to expand his concept and open a brick-and-mortar location in Cincinnati. It was at his OTR location that Nick added full-service hospitality and a bar program for Revolution to become a “Rotisserie & Bar.” This location did well enough that he opened a 2^nd location in Pleasant Ridge. Nick has always been self-motivated and driven. His mission for Revolution Rotisserie is to make a positive impact on the world around him. Revolution initially came from the chicken rotisserie revolving. Over the years, the meaning of “Revolution” has evolved and become so much more. On their menu, they pay homage to revolutionaries who changed the world. Even their walls are decorated with hip, revolutionary-inspired artwork you will not find anywhere else but within their restaurants.

Nelson Mandela Chita (Front), Tater Tots (center) & George Washington Chita (back)

Both locations serve amazing food, but Rotisserie Chicken is always the focal point. Nick loved the concept of rotisserie chicken because it was different. It also has many applications (i.e. sandwiches, salad, by itself, and more). We can vouch that his chicken is DEEEELIICIOUS! Tender and full of flavor, and served with some amazing sauces. At Revolution Rotisserie, they brine, rub and then cook their chicken on an actual revolving rotisserie. Yes, you are getting the real deal! They support local Ohio businesses and source their chicken from Ohio Amish farms. We sat down with Nick at his Pleasant Ridge location. There is enough space for everyone to safely eat 6 ft. apart during this pandemic. They also have a nice outdoor patio with the cutest little picnic tables and umbrellas.

Their menu is diverse and has an option for everyone while still allowing rotisserie chicken to be the forefront. Anyone can add rotisserie chicken as a menu item, but what about alternative options? Their chicken is the bomb, but Nick wanted to meet the tasting needs of everyone. Nick and his GM, Scott, collaborate on different food items to be placed on the menu. Menu planning always sparks a fire for Nick. Making food this good is a labor of love! In addition to rotisserie chicken, you can order Fancy Fries, Joan of Arc, Gracie’s Coney, Nelson Mandela Chita, Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tater Tots, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and many more items. The Joan of Arc is their most popular seasonal salad and their Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich is the most popular sandwich. The Joan of Arc is full of berries and is light. It adds the perfect pop to summer. The fried chicken sandwich is so good and comes with the Fiery Lightning Sauce. This will be sure to add a punch to your taste buds. Would you believe this sandwich just started as something to offer during the Western Southern Open? It did so well during the tennis tournament, that it became a regular menu staple. Also, Gracie’s Coney is named after the neighbor’s dog who Nick drilled holes into the neighbor’s building to hang patio lights. Man, that is one lucky dog! This hotdog is something serious. This hot dog is an all-beef hot dog, loaded with Vegetarian Chili, Cheddar Cheese and topped with Mustard & Red Onion. Served on a local Poppy Seed Bun. This dog might make you want to slap your mama. However, we would not advise that. HAHA! If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you. Revolution Rotisserie serves some amazing desserts. I had their Blueberry Pie with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream from Milkman Ice Cream and Donuts. This was the best Blueberry Pie I have ever had. The other Tiff had one scoop each of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Sorbet on a cone. Speaking of Milkman, check out Nick’s new concept Milkman Ice Cream & Donuts. My oh my, was that ice cream perfect on a hot summer day and we heard the donuts sell out in 40 minutes of being released. You better hurry if you do not want to miss out!

Tiff B. eating the Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich

They also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2 pm. They have a brunch menu, but the regular dining menu is offered as well. Some of the brunch items are Chicken and Waffles and Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Biscuit. They also have drink specials like $5 mimosas.

We can say Nick truly believes in warm hospitality, serving great food and drinks, and bringing people together for a good time even if it means wearing a mask and staying 6 ft apart. He is very big on impacting the world and being the change he wants to see. He finds a cause and dream that he believes in and sees it to the finish line. So come hungry, bring some friends (not to many, remember social distancing, LOL), grab a drink or two and have an unforgettable time and meal at a revolutionary place.

An Adventurous Day in Yellowsprings, OH

July 28, 2020/0 Comments/in Campaigns, Cincinnati, Recent, Travel, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Summer is here and that means sunny, hot days, sightseeing, shopping, biking, and eating. All the things Pursuit of Delights loves! Are you looking for an affordable, fun, and outdoor adventurous day in Ohio? If the answer was yes, you are in for something amazing. We recommend taking a mini day trip to Yellowsprings, OH. It is a quick and easy travel destination that is within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It’s perfect for all ages and interest, with biking and hiking trails, tons of shops on the strip, and cafes for a fabulous meal. This will still feel like a mini getaway right in your backyard. This will be a day spent exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Most activities are within walking distance from one another while others are a short drive away. There is surely something for everyone. OHHH and did we mention everything can be done even in the middle of a pandemic with all the necessary health precautions in place. Wearing a mask and being 6ft apart does not have to put a wrench in your summer plans. We have partnered with Ohio.Find It Here to bring awareness to a fun unexpected travel destination to visit. Whether you live in Cincinnati, Dayton or making this destination a road trip, we have planned out a fun filled mini day to a place right under your nose.

Tip: If you do want to make this a full day or weekend trip, Mills Park hotel is located at the end of Xenia Ave. They offer nice lodging with a nice restaurant and bakery named Ellie’s located inside. Ellie’s food is amazing, and they offer some amazing pastries. If you’re a nature lover, another lodging option that Yellowsprings is known for is camping. Bring your tent and head to the campgrounds for a night under the stars.

Let’s Talk Over Lunch!

It is a Friday afternoon and there is no time to loss! Let’s get the weekend started off right. Wake up, get your Friday morning things done, and hit the road to Yellowsprings for an afternoon mini day trip. We want you to be able to enjoy every bit of what Yellowsprings has to offer. Before you get your afternoon started, we highly recommend fueling up with a delicious meal at one of the cafes or restaurants on the strip. Once we arrived, we grabbed a bite to eat at Ye Olde Trail Tavern. They are Ohio’s Oldest Tavern. If you love an outdoor patio, this is the place for you. We grabbed a table on the outdoor patio to enjoy our meal. You can grab a quick and light meal while people watching, soaking up the sun, and talking over lunch. The patio was super spacious, clean, and guest were seated 6 ft. apart. We enjoyed the Bourbon Chicken Salad. It was light, fresh, and came with the most tender pieces of chicken covered in Bourbon glaze. This meal was delicious and the perfect meal to give us fuel for our activities.

Shop Till You Drop!

Now that your belly is happy, your full and have some energy, it is time to shop till you drop! This cute and unique location is made up of a long strip full of shops and restaurants with another street over with more shops. It makes everything so convenient to access. From clothing stores, glass blown art shops, t-shirt shops, to toy stores, there is something that interest everyone in your party. Not interested in buying anything, no problem. It is nice just to walk around and see what all the stores have to offer. The sales associates of the stores that we stopped in were super friendly and welcoming.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Twisted Ice Cream!

It’s now time for what you really came on a getaway for, the good eats! You cannot come to Yellowsprings and not stop by The Corner Cone. This little cute shack is your go-to stop in the area for soft serve ice cream, hot dogs and renting bikes. Located at S Walnut St., which is one street over from Xenia, this cute food shack offers tons of different flavors of soft serve. While flavors are fun sometimes, we like to keep things basic. One of the Tiffs settled for a vanilla and chocolate twist served on a cone. It was so delicious, and the cone added the perfect crunch. This is also the only location that offers bike rentals to take on the biking trails or just to simply ride around in the area.

Let’s Go For A Ride!

Don’t worry, there is no need to watch your waistline or count calories. Now that you’ve had that ice cream cone, it’s time to work it off! One of the activities Yellowsprings is known for is their hiking and biking trails. While we love to eat, Tiff Squared also loves nature and doing outdoor activities such as bike riding. It’s a great way to exercise, feel good, and enjoy the views along the way. Here at Yellowsprings, there is two scenic trails. If you are feeling adventurous and don’t mind the challenge, take the 10 mil trail. If you want something a little more relaxing but still want the exercise, take the 1 mil trail. You can’t go wrong with either trail, while being out in nature is calming, peaceful and relaxing alone. Don’t have a bike and The Corner Cone renting is closed, no problem. One of the Tiffs didn’t have a bike and it was still a fun time walking. Tiff D. brought her bike from home, while Tiff B. walked along side. We were able to walk, talk, and keep our mask on and enjoy the time outdoors exploring. It was so refreshing to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Whether you and your friends are serious cyclist or just a group of people looking for a good time, the bike trails at Yellowsprings are designed to give you a low to medium challenge or just simply enjoy a peaceful ride!

Tip: If biking isn’t your thing or you’re a super trooper and want to bike and hike, they also have Glen Helen which is a hiking trail. When we went Glen Helen was closed, but Clifton Preserve and John Bryan State Park remain open for hiking.

Let’s Wine Down!

Ok, we know you just burned off some calories but whose complaining about making room for wine?! From here, it’s time to wine down! Oh boy, if you love wine we have the perfect wine shop for you. Stop into The Winds Wine Cellar. It is the cutest little wine shop with tons of varieties of wine to choose from. From red to white or sweet to dry, they have the perfect bottle to wine down your evening. The sales associate working was super sweet and gave a little background of some of their wine offerings. If you liked Yellowsprings while visiting the shops, it’s no problem stay awhile and have the perfect glass of crisp wine.

Tip: If wine isn’t your style, that is a-ok. You could also head to one of Yellowsprings’ distilleries such as Devil Wind Brewing or Flat Rock Spirits/Stillwright’s. Devil Wind is located in downtown Xenia along the Little Miami Scenic Trail and is a brewery and taproom. They produce European ales and lagers, as well as newer American styles of beers. They also have food trucks and live music. If you can’t make it to Devil Wind, head on over to Flat Rock. They are a family-owned craft distillery producing handcrafted Bourbon, Rum and Moonshine. Flat Rock is located in the heart of the Midwest, proudly using Ohio grown corn and wheat in their StillWrights Straight Bourbon Whiskey. With a range of wineries and distilleries, you are sure to find something fitting for everyone in your group.

Supper Time!

After all the beer or wine, you have drunk, you cannot end your afternoon without a delicious meal. We suggest you dine at Winds Café. This café is cute and funky. Their food is European inspired with an American twist and uses many local ingredients. We love that their menu is seasonal and changes to reflect what is new, fresh and in season. When you walk in, the décor is cute and more modern. As we love patio sitting, we opted to sit outdoors in their cute outdoor area. The outdoor area is the perfect setting for a date night or a night out with the girls. Their food is delicious. They’re known for their Figs, Pigs and Goats appetizer. This dish is figs stuffed with goat cheese all wrapped in bacon. YUMMMMM! This was one of our favorite dishes along with Seared Halibut. The halibut was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Now, you can’t leave without a decadent dessert. Please do not leave without a sweet treat. We shared a huge homemade ice cream sandwich. It was Chocolate Ice Cream sandwiched between two Snickerdoodle cookies rolled in chocolate sprinkles. I promise this was a dessert lover’s dream!

This is the end of our mini day trip. However, this could be the beginning for you. There is plenty to do and see for every interest such as classes with Bonadies Glass Studio, Clifton Mill, Caesar Creek Vineyards, events and festivals all year long, and much more. If you decide to stop by Yellowsprings, please let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check us out next month as well to see what we have in store as our partnership with Ohio. Find It Here continues. Stay tuned!

A Day Spent In Black Owned Cincinnati!

July 1, 2020/0 Comments/in Campaigns, Cincinnati, Recent, Travel /by Tiffany Biddle

Summer has arrived!!! Don’t you all just love the sunshine, being outdoors, and longer days? And what
about the site seeing? We long for it all! Summer for Pursuit of Delights means getting out and exploring
all things new and old! Speaking of exploring, we have a special treat for this blog post. We partnered
with Ohio. Find It Here to bring awareness to Black Owned businesses to visit in Cincinnati. Whether
you’re in the Greater Cincinnati area or coming in from a road trip, we have mapped out specific
activities to take your day from good to GREAT!

Put a Little “Pep” In Your Step!
It’s the weekend and there’s no time to waste! We want you to soak up as much as possible so let’s get
things kicked off early. blaCk Coffee Lounge has been open just shy of a year and is perfect to energize
you if you are in the downtown area. They are also one of the first black owned coffee shops in the
surrounding area. You can grab a seat and a coffee while listening to mellow sounds and observing the
amazing art on the walls. They often also have light bites, if you are looking for something to go along
with your coffee, and juices, if you are looking for an alternative to coffee. Have kids with you? No
problem! Be sure to order the hot chocolate! I really love that they also throw live poetry/spoken word
events after hours. It’s a great way to further learn about and gain more of an appreciation for black
culture. If it’s not too early, we suggest stopping into BlaCk Owned Outerwear right next door for a little shopping. It’s never too early to treat yourself!

Tip: If you are not starting off in the downtown area, Cream and Sugar Coffeehouse is a very new, blacked owned coffee shop that gives off all of the summery vibes. They have quite a bit on the food menu to choose from as well. The owners are some of the first black entrepreneurs to have more than one black owned business in the area. If that weren’t enough, another reason to stop in is they offer milk substitutes (outside of the traditional almond and soy) such as oat milk.

Whichever location you go to, you find an almost full black staff, which is extremely rare in coffee shops.
They are both focused on giving back to the community as much as possible too!

Work It Out!
Now that you have a bit of energy, it’s time to get a little active! Rather than joining a fitness class
indoors and missing the beautiful weather, we suggest grabbing one of the red bikes (or bringing your
own) and joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, a cycling club started by black cyclists. Although all are
always welcome! We highly suggest taking a ride with them because when most people think cyclists,
they mentally envision a white male or female. There are black cyclists who care for their body just as
much! It is refreshing to see a group of diverse riders taking on the city roads. They have rides designed
to give you low to medium challenges. There’s another win if you take a ride with them- you will pass by
so many murals designed by Cincinnati artists, with many of them being black. It’ll be a peaceful and art-
filled ride, all while working you out! Win Win!

Peace and Love
It’s time to focus on YOU for a bit. Since you’re in such a peaceful state after your ride, let’s take a break
and stop at Pause Cincinnati. Located in the heart of OTR, they are a wellness space focused on health,
wellness and relaxation (Perfect right?!) Taking care of how you feel on the inside is so important. Pause
will help you revitalize your mind, soul, and home. You can purchase juices to refuel your body now or
you can purchase items to get your zen on at home, such as candles, sage and crystals. If you have a
green thumb, grab a plant for your home too! There are not many places like this in Cincinnati and to
know this one is a black owned location is amazing. The closest you will get to finding a variety of shops
such as this is by visiting Yellow Springs- about an hour and a half away. So take advantage of it while
you can!

Let’s Eat!
Ok, we know you’re hungry so next up is a spot for lunch. Boombox Buns is a black owned eatery that
just opened their brick and mortar location. They were featured on many local news outlets for their
quick, tasty, late night buns that would typically set out in just a few hours. Now they are open
throughout the day and are ready to satisfy your taste buds! If you have a quick Asian bun craving, this is
certainly the place to be. They have a variety to choose from that you will have in hand within just a few
minutes! Their buns are sold in singles so it’s the perfect place to eat a light, but filling meal.

If you are looking for a place to sit down for a bit, we suggest going to Conscious Kitchen as an
alternative. Conscious Kitchen is one of the only black owned restaurants in the city that offered
healthy, vegan, and/or vegetarian meals. Although is has these options, it does not lose its flavor quality
in the least bit! If for nothing else, please try the Carrot Fries. These are a unique spin on the usual sweet
potatoes fries but are better and lighter in my opinion!

Expand Your Brain, Heart & Soul
If you didn’t know, Cincinnati is well known for representing the arts. Although these two locations are
not black owned, you will get a ton of important, black culture there.

First up: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center– This museum is based on the history of the
Underground Railroad. It also pays tribute to the efforts to abolish human enslavement and secure
freedom for all people. It is an incredible museum that brings awareness to so many social issues. I
highly encourage not skipping this one. If for nothing else, you can learn about how many slaves escaped
through Cincinnati using the underground railroad. The exhibits rotate on a regular basis. There are also many live performances/events that you just may be lucky to catch as well. You can visit their website to see the calendar of events.

Next: 21c Museum mGallery Hotel Cincinnati- The museum inside of 21c Hotel does an excellent job of
highlighting different artists that portray what is going on in the world. There have been many black
artists that I’ve seen featured over the years. It is pretty typical to find black artists showcasing their pain over the years while also celebrating the culture as well. This museum is much smaller so you’ll
likely get through it within 30 minutes to 1-hour max. You will still leave with memories of incredible art!

Ok, that’s a little heavy (but necessary). Let’s get back to some fun and food!

Cocktails and Wine!
Did you know Cincinnati had a black owned winery? Yep! Sure do! We’re walking over to Revel OTR
Urban Winery to sit for a bit and listen to music! During the day, this is the perfect place to lounge for a
bit while enjoying a nice glass of wine. In the evenings, they usually turn it up a notch and host themed
dance parties. You will love the variety of wines offered, including their infamous Sangria Slushy. I
personally could drink this all day and be happy. They also have beers to choose from if wine is not
your thing. This location is awesome to sit outside, listen to music, and sip a drink with very little cares in
the world. I know it’s comfortable here, but we have a few more stops to make!

Dinner Time!!
We’re keeping things light and fun and suggest you walk from Revel Winery to Pataroja Taqueria (very
close distance). They are black owned and have THE BEST TACOS IN THE CITY. Yes, you heard that right.
The Best! The owners spent months and months in Mexico learning how to perfect the taco game and
have done it justice! When you walk up, you will hear the sounds of Mexican fiesta music. Don’t be
surprised if you see people dancing as well. It’s such a fun experience. They typically have a variety of
tacos, but the al pastor is a MUST. You will see them slice meat directly off the block which also makes
for a cool and flavorful experience. Please do not leave without getting this specialty!
I can really appreciate the black owners taking an appreciation to the Mexican culture and bringing the
full experience to Cincinnati. They will have you coming back for more and more every weekend!

Sweet Tooth Cravings
We didn’t forget about all of you with the sweet tooth. We have the perfect bakery for you. We’re going
to walk off some of those tacos and head a few blocks up to Sugar. Sugar is a black owned bakery that
has been open for less than a year. Despite their newness, they have been making waves in the city.
They went through the MORTAR black owned entrepreneur and literally took off once they opened their
location in OTR. After being featured multiple times in news outlets, their lines quickly were formed
outside of the entrance. There are so many cookies, cupcakes, and other treats to choose from. My
personal favs are the strawberry cupcakes and s’more cookies. It feels like heaven right there on your
hand. If you can’t choose, just go ahead and get them all…no judging. They are all quite sweet so save
some for later because we have one more suggestive stop.

Wine Down

To close out your full day in downtown Cincinnati, stop at the brand-new Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge.
This black owned lounge is set to have soft openings beginning in July and has your name all over it. It is
gorgeous inside with such jazzy vibes (how fitting!) What is unique about them is they will have wine on
tap! Wine that just keeps flowing. Sign. Me. UP! And to pair all of that with live jazz performances…We
just might join you! This one has been listed as “one to watch” and will be a refreshing new venue for us
music and wine lovers out there.

Well that’s all for now folks. You’ve officially spent a full day in black owned Cincy. There are plenty of
other black owned businesses to support. You can check out our blog for a detailed list. Tell us all about
your visit in the comments! Be sure to check us out next month too. We will be partnering with Ohio. Find It Here for a day trip to another location in Ohio. Stay tuned!