Cincinnati – Page 2 – Pursuit of Delights

A Day in Cincinnati’s own, Westwood Neighborhood

June 1, 2021/0 Comments/in Campaigns, Cincinnati, Recent /by Tiffany Biddle

It is springtime, the flowers have bloomed, and the warm weather has started to show its face! COVID is starting to slow, and that means it’s time to get out and explore one of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods on the west side. The neighborhood on the west side called Westwood may seem small but it makes for a relaxed fun day! It is filled with people walking around, fresh air blowing, burgers, an Urban Winery, a brewery, and nice restaurants. My husband and I spent an afternoon in Westwood and had a ball! The kids went out of town (thank goodness for grandparents and breaks, LOL), and we spent an afternoon out laughing, eating, and sharing a few brews. If you know me, you know I love to get out and explore. Often times, exploring means leaving the city aka traveling. However, you would be amazed at what you can find when you look in your own back yard. Westwood was a fun experience! I would highly encourage stopping through to spend some time, so get your Cincy on, on the west side!

Westwood is located about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati. If you want a chill day this is the place for you. Life is short and the time to have fun is NOW! Plus, the entertainment/restaurant industry took a major hit due to COVID, what better way than to get out and support local businesses! Let me guide you through Cincinnati’s back yard!

Wine & Cheese Me, Please!

My husband and I are a couple who loves our wine, and you know I am one half of the foodies that make up Tiff Squared! LOL! You know we love to eat. Our first stop in Westwood after taking pictures in front of the cool Westwood mural, was Henke Winery. Wineries are amazing and provide a way to try different types of wines and the makers styles on classic versions of wine. Henke is an Urban Winery with many accolades around the world. If you are not familiar with an Urban Winery, it is a winery that does not grow their own grapes. However, they do every other part of the wine making process at their facility. They have their grapes shipped in from different parts of the world, depending on their preference of grape growers and the wine they want to make. We were greeted at the door by the owner, Joe. He started wine making back in 1996 after being inspired during a visit to his sister’s Pennsylvania home. That small spark ignited into the flame that has turned into Henke Winery. Henke is serving some delicious wines and yummy food pairings.

My husband’s go-to is Pinot Noir and I always order a sweet wine. I had the Cellar Blush. This is considered a Sweet Blush Wine. It was delicious! We paired our wines with a small plates to share. We had the Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Cheese & Charcuterie Plate, and their famous Air-Fried Cheese. This was the perfect afternoon lunch/snack. We laughed, toasted, and enjoyed our delicious bites. Their Air-Fried Cheese tasted like the perfect homemade cheese stick. It is a sharp Vermont White Cheddar in a crunchy herb jacket. These dishes were delicious! The crust was seasoned and fried perfectly! It also came with some berry compote to sweeten things up a bite. Grab a friend or two and don’t be cheesy and miss out on this Urban Winery!

Soft Serve & Sprinkles!

Yes, as two grown adults without our kids for a weekend, we still enjoy ice cream cones or shakes! Just a short 3-minute drive away is Putz’s Creamy Whip. Who doesn’t love an ice cream shack with a line and soft serve ice cream? Putz’s was started in 1938 and has been passed down the family for generations. Putz’s truly believes in family, the time that family spends together and the memories that are made with family. Their entire operation was started with family and their passion is not so much about ice cream but families enjoying their favorite treats at the picnic tables on those hot summer days! I can say I honestly believe this as when we arrived there was a line. It felt like the old neighborhood store that had been around for years. The one that your grandparents go to and now you go there with your kids. I love a good ole neighborhood staple. We knew we were in for a treat! This was my first time visiting so I had to try the neighborhood staple, classic soft serve. Plus, I am no basic betty and I like a pop of color. I added some sprinkles. HAHA! I can honestly say, I was not disappointed. My husband is a classic milkshake guy, so he ordered a Strawberry Milkshake. I must admit it was pretty dang good! It was thick and full of strawberries, just the way we like it! Both are perfect on a spring or hot summer day!

Let’s Take A Long Walk, Around The Park!

I am not sure about you but a nice spring or summer walk, in the open crisp cool air is the best! The weather is nice, the sun is just right, and after being locked up by COVID, it is so nice to see people out again. The restaurants, brewery, winery, and mini park are all within walking distance of one another. It was also neat to see parks filled with kids playing again. I remember walking past a park, and it looked like a desert. Haha! It is just so nice to see everyone getting out exploring again. Have reservations or waiting to be seated, get out and take a walk around the park!

Westside Brewery!

I mean c’mon, how fitting is that name? ;p Westside Brewery is located in the heart of Westwood. My husband and I decided to stop here just to sit and talk over beer and cider. This brewery has some good beer. While I am not a beer girl, I enjoy a good cider. Beer and cider not your thing, that’s ok because they also have wine and cocktail selections. They offer something for everyone. The taproom is huge and offers enough space for everyone. They do not offer food, but they always have different food trucks parked outside. My husband grabbed some delicious wings from Buffalo’s Best. Westside Brewery is a good hang out place. Want some beer and a good time? Stop by Westside Brewery.

Time To Eat!

Now after a beer or two, you probably have worked up an appetite. While west side is smaller than other parts of Cincinnati, you can still find some good eats. While there are different places to eat we enjoy two eateries in Westwood, Ivory House and Nation. One is a little more upscale and the other is down right roll your sleeves up and get messy!

Ivory House – Looking for flavorful, small plate, American food? This is the place for you! When I walked in, I was immediately wowed by the décor. The gold and navy-blue décor was amazing! They even had gold utensils. I loved that! I would recommend coming on an empty stomach! Ok, lets jump right in to their Kale Caesar Salad and their House Salad. Both are amazing and fresh! The flavors are bomb and you won’t be disappointed! Also, try their Salmon on Cheese Grits. I really enjoy seafood, especially with grits. I grew up on fried fish and grits. My mom would make it once a week. Now as an adult I love any seafood and grit combination. You also can’t leave without dessert! We had their Seasonal Crème Brulee. They have something for everyone!

Death Valley Farm Old Fashioned & Get Lucky

Nation – Simply a good ole’ burger joint! If you like a good burger and fries, Nation is calling your name! This is my mine and my husband’s favorite place to come and get burger and tots. I am an ABSOLUTE tater tot lover! What I love about Nation is they offer tater tots as they are or dressed up. I love this! I always get my tater tots LOADED style. Imagine a baked potato but remove the baked potato and add tots and all the baked potato fixings! Wahla! SOOOOO GOOD! While they offer different burgers, my favorite is the Temperance burger. It’s a traditional burger. What can I say, somethings I like plain jane! HAHA! This is the perfect place for a more relaxed meal. Certainly, a cheat meal or a Friday Night burger and fry night with friends! No matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. Come hungry, leave happy!

While the world is slowly opening back up, fun can still be had in a safe manner! It can also be had right here in Cincinnati. Now that you have an entertainment guide of Westwood, get out and go have fun!

BTS with Esoteric- Cincy’s First Black & Asian Owned Brewery

March 3, 2021/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Drinks, Food, Recent /by Tiffany Dace

Are you looking for something different in the city? Or perhaps looking for a place to listen to live music (yes, safely during covid)? Or maybe looking for a location for weeknight trivia? We have just the spot for you! And it’s minority owned too! Introducing ESOTERIC! For anyone who hasn’t heard the name, it is the first Black owned and Asian owned brewery in Cincinnati. But it isn’t your typical brewery that feels like you’re in a well made over warehouse. You get much more of a lounge experience here.

Let’s talk about their name and space first:

The name means “it’s understood by a select few”. And in this case, that means craft beer. Less than 15% of the industry craft their beer. The thought is still growing (and somewhat fast right now!) But once you know craft beer, you love it. In the space, you’ll notice many locust flowers throughout. This is their metaphor for fighting through adversity. It represents a rising out of the Phoenix (ashes) and helping make Walnut Hills a thriving neighborhood again. What’s super cool is they employ a lot of people from the neighborhood and people of color to broaden equality.

You will also see lots of art all around you. The decor is an ode to Art Deco and the design of the precious city. All of the characters are all from period pieces from the 40s and 50s. The brand is to bring back the golden age. And guess who made all of the art? One of the owner’s (Brian) uncles!

Speaking of the owners…

When we did our behind the scenes, we met with one of the owners, Marvin Abrinica, CFO and CMO. Marvin co-owns the brewery with Brian Jackson, CEO Head brewer and developer and Patrick klesmith, COO.

It seems like their partnership was truly meant to be. Brian was working at Chipotle, but had a passion for beer. While working at Mad Tree, he started exploring the brewing process at home. This eventually led to him being in the first class of Mortar, which is a well known entrepreneurship hub in Cincinnati that focuses on diverse dreamers. Marvin happened to be a mentor with Mortar, which is how they met. After many chats, with Patrick included, they decided to pursue the business and raise the capital. 4 years later, in August of 2020, Esoteric was opened to the public!

Now 2020= Covid. But these business owners still managed to launch and sustain successfully. They are operating at 50% capacity which has of course been a challenge and forced them to pivot. To help with their sustainability, they also focus on digital sales, purchasing online, and pulled forward their canning distribution line which launches next month.

What I really love about them is they have a social mission as a company. Out of the 8k breweries across the nation, only 250 are owned from people of color. And out of over 8k. And less than 50 are black owned. I love that this statistic did not stop them from going after their dreams and also talking about this important fact!

Now what about food and entertainment?

For all of you Taste of Belgium lovers out there, there’s a food truck right in the back! And if that’s not your thing, you can pick up or have food delivered from any of the surrounding restaurants- like Gomez Salsa. Yum!

For entertainment, they have live music on Fridays and Saturdays. A few ladies and I came back for this and it was awesome!! It was also very safely done with lots of space between us and the performer. They also do an 80s/90s open mic night on Wednesdays with various artists and trivia on Thursday.

Kudos to Esoteric for bringing such an experience to Cincinnati. I will be supporting and spreading the word about them as much as possible. I really could go on and on about how great this place is, but I think YOU should check it out. We’d love to hear if you enjoyed your experience as much as we did. Leave us a note when you do!

Bye for now!

6 Reasons Why You Should Have a DEAR Experience

December 22, 2020/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Food, Recent /by Tiffany Dace

There is certainly something extremely commendable about taking a huge leap and stepping out on faith, especially when things around you are going crazy (insert all of the craziness of 2020 here!) This is exactly what owners Ashley and Austin Heidt did. And we appreciate them so much for it because they have added an EXPERIENCE (not just a restaurant) to the city and it’s everything we didn’t know we needed!

Before we thought of doing a Behind the Scenes, we each had the opportunity to dine in and loved every bit of it. So much that we just HAD to meet the people behind it all. In today’s post, we provide you with 6 reasons why this should be your next place to visit.

1. The Staff

If you’ve had a chance to meet Ashley and Austin Heidt, I am pretty confident that you already love them. They are the type of people who’s positive energy is just contagious. You can absolutely tell they love what they do and do what they love. Prior to this, Ashley was a corporate event planner and Austin worked at Frasca Food & Wine, while also becoming a sommelier (level 3 to be exact!) The merge of their experiences really brings Dear to life.

But it’s not just them. Every staff member has these exact traits. They make you feel like you’re having the best meal in the comforts of your own home. They are warm, pleasant and so very attentive. What’s also great is they all know the menu like the back of their hands. You could ask the bartender, the host, your server, or anyone else on staff any question if you’re torn on what to get and they will guide in a very descriptive way. And they never steer you wrong! Trust them!

2.The cocktails

I highly encourage you to sit at the bar and have a cocktail before going to your table (although you can also eat there as well). The bar is just lovely and the bartenders are all great. We enjoyed having a casual conversations before we transitioned to the next space. They also have a nice lounge space upstairs that you are welcome to sit and have a drink at. And when the weather warms up, you HAVE to visit their outdoor bar. It’s hip and modern while still maintaining their cozy feel.

3.The Dinner Service-

Ok, the dinner is I N C R E D I B L E in every way! The kitchen is led by executive chef, Brian Young. If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he was on season 16 of Top Chef. I am obsessed with that show and was so happy to see he’d joined the team. Their Sous Chef, Austin Helfin works hand and hand with him to bring their vision to our plates. The food is all uniquely crafted, using seasonal ingredients. This means the menu will change which is always so exciting to me! Literally, every bite you take will have you swooning! They’re innovative, yet not so far out that they leave you missing the meals you know and love. They take all of your favorites and step it up several notches. It is just so good y’all! It’s hard to name a favorite, as they are all so tasty, but some of our favs are the short ribs, tempura squash, lamb sugo, and chicken fried mushrooms. And don’t forget the dessert, which is prepared by pastry chef Caitlin Steininger. MY GOODNESS!

4.The Butchery & Market

Did you know they also have a butchery and market space? Yep, sure do, as if they couldn’t get any better! They are open in the morning and afternoon and are perfect for a quick grab and go. They offer take-home cuts of meat, house-made charcuterie as well as sandwiches, coffee, and soft-serve ice cream. I’ve also tried their breakfast biscuit sandwich and donuts (on the weekends) and they were mouthwatering! This quite literally makes them an all purpose restaurant with the perfect neighborhood feel.

5.The Wine Club

As we mentioned, Austin is a level 3 Sommelier, which is a huge accomplishment btw! So what person person to pick your wines for you than him?! With his expertise, they offer a comprehensive selection which also comes with virtual wine tastings where he walks you through each one. There are 2 tiers, each with 4 bottles of wine, priced at $75 or $150. The difference is based on the quality of wine. We mentioned cocktails above as well, but they also have many great wines in house to pair with your meal.

6.The overall experience

Hopefully you can tell by now that Dear really gives you an experience. They are very serious about their hospitality and quality. It shows in their actions, food and even the decor. The space is so beautifully crafted from the moment you walk up to the door to the patio. It is the type of place that you just never want to leave and keeps you coming back for more. They offer private events of all sorts. Whether it’s baby shower, wedding shower, promotional celebration, a birthday or more, I guarantee this is the perfect place to book.

Ashley and Austin, thank you for following your dreams and providing us all with a home away from home. We can’t wait to visit again! Cheers Ya’ll!

Holidays in Cincinnati

December 13, 2020/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Events & Pursuits, Food, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Can you all believe that December is already here? We are now wearing our sweaters, drinking hot cocoa, burning our favorite holiday candles, and gearing up for Christmas! My the time has flown by this year, or some may be saying “Heck yeah, goodbye 2020 and HEEELLOOO 2021”. LOL! 2020 has been one heck of a roller coaster but we are not letting that stop our holiday cheer! We are back with our final partnership of the year with Ohio. Find It Here. to bring you some fun activities to do during the holidays with family, friends or your significant other in the comfort of your home or own personal family space. Around the holidays everyone likes to do holiday gift guides. This is similar. Think of this as our quarantine holiday activity guide ;p . What makes this one so fun and special is we decided to end our partnership, guiding you through our very own hometown, the Queen City herself, CCCCINNCINNAATTII! Ohhhh yeahhh, all of the activities we share can be done safely social distancing, so grab your coats, grab a few of your friends and/or family, grab your mask and let’s get active in the Queen City!

Shop Till You Drop – At Home!

While this is the time of year to get out and holiday shop, this year is a little different. Did you know that you and your friends can still make holiday shopping fun, easy and convenient? Yep, you sure can! Online shopping has become the new day and age shopping and is super convenient with what is going on now in the world. Shopping online provides so much ease and less chaos in the comfort of your own home. Tiff Squared loves to shop and is enjoying being able to do so in a safe and comfortable environment. I could online shop for hours! The good thing about online shopping is there is something quick and easy for everyone just a click away. If you know anything about Tiff Squared or watch our stories (if you do not, you should 😊), we love candles! We are always trying to find the best candle companies around, plus there is nothing like the holidays with family and nicely scented candles burning! With my love for candles and online shopping, I had the opportunity to support a local female-black owned candle company called Yellow Dahlia Candle Co. What I love about Yellow Dahlia is that their candles are nice and softly scented but still permeant. I also love her clean and simple white candle packaging. Their candles are also affirmation candles. Their vision is all about embracing your truth and self-healing. If you love candles as much as we do, go check out Yellow Dahlia.

While we do love candles, there are tons of other stores like clothing that provide online shopping. Check out clothing vendors such as Vici Dolls, Nordstrom, Good Night Macaroon, Pink Lily Boutique, and so much more. A lot of online vendors are having sales so check them out as well.

TIP: Another fun way to online shop is to FaceTime a friend or two and online shop while chatting with friends. You can still get your friend’s opinions as well as show them on the spot your fun finds! Why shop online alone when you have friends one facetime call away?! : p

Let the Light Guide You

With the pandemic still on our doorstep, many are feeling the effects of the holiday times being different. However, let the lights guide you! Every year, Ohio. Find. It Here celebrates Holidays in Ohio with a campaign to support the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. They encourage Ohio’s 88 counties to go all out on Holiday themed decorations. From fancy lights to full on displays, this still allows everyone to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit. This year Ohio. Find It Here. is promoting their Holiday Lights Trail as a drivable tour. While the physical light trails are fun, this year is all about lights in the comfort of your own car. One of the drivable light trails that I attended was Light Up Middletown. This light trail is held at Smith Park. The park was lit up with all the holiday colorful, festive, and fun lights you could imagine. This is the perfect activity for families. I went with my husband and two small daughters. It was the best 2-in-1 combination. You get a good, socially distanced, family experience as well as see all the lights. My 4-year-old loved being able to see the lights and point out the different objects such as Santa, reindeers, whales, candy canes, and more. We also made it even more fun and played Christmas music and recorded little family videos of everyone singing for our great memories. They do have a channel that you can tune into as well for Christmas music. Our favorite part was seeing the light display of Santa’s workshop. It felt like everything we ever read about in Christmas books came to life for 10 seconds in a cool light display. The light display was huge and colorful and looked like a real-life Santa’s Workshop. Light Middletown was a good experience. It was about a 1-2.5-mile-long drive through light display that showcased tons of holiday lights. It is a fun and quick experience. It takes approximately 20 min. from start to finish. We genuinely enjoyed the drivable lights trail and will add this to our family holiday traditions!

Some other local drive-through light displays are as follows: The Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show (Cambridge), A Story Book Christmas (Zanesville), Gallipolis in Lights (Gallipolis), Journey BOREALIS (Hamilton), Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve (Troy), Columbus Commons Holiday Lights presented by the AEP Foundation (Columbus), WonderLight’s Christmas (Hebron), Holiday Lights at Easton (Columbus), Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Delaware), Christmas by Candlelight (Marion), Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights (Upper Sandusky), Blaze of Lights (Bluffton), Sandusky County Fairgrounds Winter Wonderland (Fremont), Winterfest (Cleveland), and Joy Christmas (Columbiana).

Now Let’s Eat Holiday Meals From Home!

Now we are Tiff Squared, the foodies with the mostest. LOL! You know we cannot just give you activities without any food suggestions. While the activities and experiences are fun, you will be sure to work up quite the appetite. If you’re like us, you’ve also enjoyed experiencing restaurant’s special holiday menus and temporary offerings. I also love the decorations that each place uniquely comes out with. This year clearly has changed the dining scene, and many are wishing to eat at home instead. What’s great is, you can still support them and experience their delicious offerings at the comforts of your own home! Almost everyone has either their full menu or something special, but we decided to focus on two specific ones:

Goose and Elder

Goose and Elder’s full menu is incredible, but what you might not know is they also have some of the best fried chicken in the city! They began offering it as a special on Sundays, but thankfully, they have “The Flock” which can be ordered at any time! It includes:

10 pieces of all-natural fried chicken

1-quart mac n cheese

Their “big” salad

2 orders of crème brulee

Outside of it being simply delicious, I love this as a holiday to-go option because my family usually has fried chicken for either Christmas or New Years. The nostalgia warms my heart. If you don’t have enough people in your household to finish it all, split it up and do a safe drop off at other family member’s homes! They will love it! No cooking for you all! Just eating good!

Pastabilities with Crown Republic

If you are busy, but love to cook, Crown Republic’s pasta kits are the perfect option for you. They provide you with all the necessities while taking the hard work out of it. I chose the truffle cream pasta, although they have others to pick from. Included in my bag were:

Their house made pasta

House made sauce

Truffle oil

Parmesan cheese

Instructions

The instructions were so easy to follow. I had a full meal within 20 minutes or less. I added chicken and mushrooms to mine and garnished with their suggestions of red pepper flakes, basil, and parmesan cheese. So easy and so tasty! They serve 4-6 people and are just as tasty as having them in person!

If you’re feeling like dessert and a cocktail to make for the full experience, try one of their weekly holiday drink specials (featured is the cranberry mule) and their holiday wrapped “Mama’s Cookies”, which reminded me of baking cookies at home with my mom!

Be sure to order one of their holiday meals to go as well! Their offerings look scrumptious!

As they say, all good things must come to an end! While we have enjoyed this partnership and guiding you all through some of Ohio’s best cities, it is now time for you to get out and explore all that Ohio has to offer in a safe manner. Online shop, drive through a light trail, and order take-out from local restaurants, but whatever you do stay safe, wear a mask, and have fun!

Cincinnati Foodie Favs with Ohio.findithere!

October 19, 2020/0 Comments/in All Food, Cincinnati, Food, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Dace

Happy October friends!!! We hope you’ve had a great month so far filled with fun and food! Speaking of
food, we have another partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. for you where it’s all about Cincinnati food!
For the locals and the road trippers, we have the Cincinnati staples right here for you! Starting off with…

Findlay Market

Did you know Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market?? Yep! Sure is! The
market is open year-round Tuesday-Sunday and attracts over a MILLION visitors a year! And it just so
happens to be one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati. There is such a community feel every time
I visit. You get the hustle and bustle inside of the market, but you also get a very cool, chill vibe in the
outer parts. There is typically live music being played, people drinking and eating, and lots of shopping!
From fresh produce, to restaurants, to customizable cuts of meat, to spices, to plants, to
jewelry…Findlay is ready to meet your needs. When I have friends in town, this is a 100% go to.
Everyone always falls in love with it and raves about wishing they had one in their hometown. Whether
you live in the city of Cincinnati, the suburbs, or in a completely different area, it is well worth the trip.

The Arepa Place

Colombian and Venezuelan food in one!! Yes please! If you have been a Cincinnatian for a while and
have visited Findlay Market, you likely saw The Arepa Place when it was a mobile stand. The owners
spent years building their clientele and reputation before opening a storefront location last year.
Woohoo! The arepas that we know, and love are here to stay!
An arepa , whose term comes from the indigenous populations in Colombia and Venezuela, is a form of
cornbread and most comparable to a pita. These arepas are typically stuffed with either cheese, beef,
plantains, chicken or all the above! They have a bit of a crunchiness to the shell as well, which makes for
the perfect bite. Typically, they are stuffed arepas are often stuffed with many ingredients such as
chicken, beef, cheese and plantains. Although they are called the Arepa place, they have more on the
menu, such as empanadas, chips and guac, and more! They also use the front of their space as a store
where they sell plenty of traditional Colombian and Venezuelan goods that you can have at home. Now,
it might not be as good as theirs, but you can still try!

Cream and Sugar Coffeehouse

Cream & Sugar Coffeehouse has only been open for about a half a year, but with how good they are, you
would think it was much longer. They’re a Black-owned coffee shop that gives off all of the cool vibes.
The owners are some of the first Black entrepreneurs to have more than one Black-owned business in
the area. Before you enter, you’ll see amazinggggg Black art on the outer walls. I could just stand out
there looking at it for the longest! I personally don’t drink much coffee, but I’ve heard theirs is really
good. I also love that they have milk alternatives. That is a must these days! Although I haven’t had the
coffee, I have had their teas and their food. I highly recommend their herbal teas, their salads, their
toasts, and their yogurt. All are super tasty! Just try it all! And if you need to get a little work done,
this is a great spot that’s not too loud for you.

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey is comfort food taken up a notch. You get the well-known items you’ve
learned to love (like biscuits, gravy, and fried chicken) but with a twist. The twist is bold, yet subtle
enough to keep the restaurant’s neighborhood feel. I went to college in the south and this brings me
right back to some of that home cooking!
Tragedy struck the business in late 2019, when the owner of the restaurant unexpectedly passed.
Though it could have left the business in limbo the executive chef, who has a long culinary history and
has been on Food Network numerous times, stepped in and took over ownership (it is now officially a
Black-owned business!) In fact, he is working on opening his 2 nd location which will be in Union, KY. He is also working on a Boomtown Biscuit wagon which will be a mobile offering.
I love how they adapt to the times and don’t let anything stop them. Kudos to them!

Rhinegheist Brewing

Cincinnati is heavily a beer city. Blame it on our German heritage! New, microbreweries pop up all the
time in the area and in Northern Kentucky. But, no matter how many open, none of them are as large as
Rhinegheist. Rhinegheist is definitely one of the originals to the area and is not going anywhere anytime
soon. Not only do they have a huge location, they also distribute to many restaurants and bars
throughout the area. They have a very large selection of beers and ciders that will likely fit your palette.
They’re both tasty and refreshing!
Let’s talk about their rooftop though! I honestly vote them for best rooftop in Cincinnati. The view alone
is enough to give them the top rating. You can see so far into the city and it is especially gorgeous at
night. It’s also very spacious and has super cozy seats/couches on different parts of the roof. The first
time I came up here, I was blown away. I am obsessed with rooftops and don’t know why it took me so
long to go to theirs. You will have to walk up quite a bit of stairs, but it’s so worth it!
Lastly, if you get hungry, you’re in luck. OTR chili is serving up the Cincinnati chili staples from the
kitchen next door and will bring your food right to your seat. Now that makes for a perfect night!

Holtman’s Donuts

If you have been to Cincinnati and don’t know about Holtman’s Donuts, you may or may not have been
living in a cave somewhere. �� Just kidding. Maybe. Although many mistakenly think Holtman’s is a
restaurant founded in Cincinnati, it actually dates to May 1960, and is based out of Newton, Ohio.

Who knew?!
My first experience with them was years ago when I was walking down Vine street in OTR. They have a
wide range of fun toppings such as our favorite cereals as a child, bacon, coconut, red velvet, etc., but
they also offered traditional options such as plain glaze, jelly filled, fritters and many more! Holtman’s
now has 5 locations total and I’m sure they’re not done. If you are near one, I encourage you to try
them. There may be a line, but your belly will thank you later for waiting in it.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Now there’s noooo way I could close out the Cincinnati foodie favs without mentioning the O.G of ice
cream…..

Graeter’s!
Graeter’s was originated in Cincinnati and has been going strong for over 147 years!!! No matter what
area you reside in or visit, you are not far from a Graeter’s, as they quickly expanding throughout
Cincinnati and surrounding cities. Choose from their multiple hand-crafted and small-batch flavors or try
their delicious cakes, cookies and pies! My favorites are the chocolate chip cookie dough, buckeye, and
peanut butter chip. To. Die. For! I grew up going to Graeter’s and still enjoy plenty of other ice cream
locations, but I will never get enough of them!

That’s all for now road trippers!
For more foodie road trip ideas, check out the Ohio.findithere link below. We’ll be featuring more out
of Columbus on our Instagram in November. Stay tuned! And don’t forget to let us know about your
Cincinnati foodie favs!
https://roadtrips.ohio.org/wps/portal/gov/roadtrips/home

A City Full of Charm

September 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Summer is nearing its end and it is time for pumpkin spice and everything nice. The weather is changing, and the leaves are falling full of color. Fall is here! Give us all the fall vibes – lattes, spices, cooler air, and sweaters. If you have been following Pursuit of Delights along, on our partnership with Ohio. Find It Here.; you know we have done a four-month long journey exploring Ohio and its businesses and what they have to offer. While we have enjoyed every minute of it, as they say good things must come to an end. September is the last month for this amazing partnership. What better way to end one season and open another, than to plan an exciting day trip to an Ohio charming city, Chillicothe. Chillicothe is a city full of charm. Located along the Scioto River 45 miles south of Columbus. This is the perfect location for a getaway trip within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It is the perfect location to welcome fall. It is that hidden gem that no one ever told you about. It is perfect for all ages, couples, and families. There is something for everyone. Some of the activities include hiking, biking, eating, wineries, Adena Mansion and Gardens, Triple Crown Family Fun Center, Hopewell Culture Park, and Scioto Park. All these activities may be done while practicing social distancing and wearing a mask. Safety First! 😊 Let us hop right into a fun filled day!

You cannot start a day trip without a delicious meal. With us being foodies and bloggers, food is always at the top of our agenda! We visited R Kitchen on Paint for lunch. R Kitchen is located on the main street called Paint. Paint is a street filled with restaurants, stores, and little Knick Knack shops. R Kitchen has delicious food and a super cute outdoor patio. If you know Tiff Squared, we love a good outdoor patio. We sat outside and enjoyed the cool breeze and calm chill weather. The day we went felt like fall. Their food is flavorful, and their drinks are delicious. I had their yummy and tender Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Peas. Tiff D. had their Crab Cakes and Tomato Soup. This was the perfect fuel to jump start our afternoon.

Now that you will not be hangry (hungry and angry, LOL), it is time to walk some of that food off to do a little shopping and exploring. We both love to shop. How convenient was it that there was a clothing store, Rustic Gals, literally right next door to R Kitchen?! Can we say cha-ching! Rustic Gals was a cute little clothing boutique full of cute tops, shorts, pants, blouses, shoes, and more. We walked around and looked. Tiff D, was lucky and found some pieces she liked and purchased them. SCORE! We had a fun time browsing around this cute boutique and we think you will too. Next, we walked up and down Paint exploring the other shops and just becoming more familiar with the area.

Now that you have shopped for clothes, it is time to shop for desserts. Who else has a sweet tooth, like me? If you raised your hand, you are in luck. A little way down the street from R Kitchen, is the cutest cake shop called High Five Cakes. I have the biggest, sweet tooth so any bakery sighting is always a win. Believe it or not Tiff D. is the one who spotted out this shop. I was super happy she did. When we walked in, we were greeted by friendly staff and the most welcoming ambience. It screamed girly, cute, come in with your girls, cake shop. It even had the cutest kid area that was cut out into the wall. The colors and decor were warm and modern, the kitchen was an open concept and the smell of the desserts won us over. We both ordered three cupcakes and a Salted Caramel Bacon Brownie. MMMMMM! Yes, it was as good as it sounds. We also met the owners Stef and Shana. They call themselves S&S. Stef has been on the Food Network competing in a few cake competitions before such as Duff Till Dawn. This is one cake shop you do not want to miss.

If shopping and sweets are not your thing, and you are more of a nature and history person, no worries we have just the activities for you. We stopped by the Hopewell Culture Park. We enjoyed the fresh air, while walking around learning about the broad network of beliefs and practices among different Native American groups over a large portion of eastern North America. The culture is characterized by the construction of enclosures made of earthen walls, often built in geometric patterns, and mounds. Below you can see, me, Tiff B. standing next to the Mica Splendor sign with the mounds behind me. It was a cool experience and a good way to learn about Native American culture.

If you want to continue your knowledge of the Native American history as well as the history of Chillicothe and its former governor, Thomas Worthington, visit Adena Mansion and Gardens. Did you know that Chillicothe is Ohio’s First Capital? This is pretty cool! Also, Thomas Worthington served as the sixth Governor of Ohio. Adena was the house that Governor Worthington and his wife, Eleanor, built just outside of Chillicothe. Tiff Squared visited Adena and the Gardens. We walked the grounds of the mansion and garden. The property is huge. We entered through the visitor center where there is a mini museum loaded with tons of history about Adena. It was interesting to learn and visit such a historical site. This is certainly a history lover’s dream. The garden is still in use and veggies are harvested from the garden every day. In the visitor center they had a cart of fresh veggies that could be taken in exchange for a donation. If you are a history bug, this is the place for you.

Now that we had our history lesson for the day, we decided to lighten things up with some delicious ice cream. We went back to Paint St and had ice cream from Highland’s Ice Creamery. Your plans can never go wrong when ice cream shows up. This cute little creamery was perfect for a refreshing, creamy, cold treat. What we loved most was the way they had their ice cream flavors listed. Every flavor was listed on a clipboard on a colorful sheet of paper. It was the cutest! They had a lot of traditional flavors as well as flavors with a fun funky twist. Tiff Squared each enjoyed two scoops of ice cream on a waffle cone. I had the Blueberry Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Tiff D. had Birthday Cake and Blueberry Pie. If you are looking for a good ice cream experience with a cute vibe, you will not want to pass up on Highland’s.

Lastly, no day trip is a trip without a winery. We are girls who love our wine. After all the shopping, sightseeing, sweets eating that your heart can handle, it’s time to wine down! We headed to one of the local wineries about 25 minutes outside of Chillicothe called Na zdravie Vineyard and Winery. This winery is located on 10 acres of land with vineyards rolling across hills. This winery had a very homely, comfort feel. We decided to try their wine flight. It was perfect! A flight includes 6 1-ounce wine samplings for the price of $5.72. You cannot beat that. I had the sweet wine flight, while Tiff D. had the dry wine flight. After our flight and a few laughs, it was time to head back.

While this is the end for us, it does not have to be for you. Grab a friend and go check out the charming Chillicothe. There is plenty to do and see for all ages and every interest. There is even enough to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway. If you decide to visit Chillicothe, please let us know in the comments below or on Instagram. This concludes our partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. We hope you have enjoyed all the great finds shared in each month’s blog post. Be sure to check out the previous months post as well as both Pursuit of Delights and Ohio. Find It Here. on Instagram.

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 Dace

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!

Supporting Black Owned Businesses

June 9, 2020/0 Comments/in Cincinnati, Featured Posts (for homepage), Food, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Dace

Everyone is aware of the protests currently happening around the world, organized to continue the fight
for Black Lives. For far too long, Blacks have been fighting this fight primarily alone, in more ways than
one. The world now appears to really be opening their eyes to the injustice and are joining in the fight
(THANK YOU!) If you follow our Instagram, you may have seen a post where we also talked about the
importance of supporting black businesses.

If you missed it, here is an excerpt from it:

“When this account/blog was created, it was to have fun and to point people in the direction of new and
hip restaurants. Many of these restaurants have grown tremendously, based off the love and support of
the community. But do you know which owners/entrepreneurs often get left in the dust? Black owned
businesses. It is often much harder for them to receive the support to even open a brick and mortar
location as well as let their voices be heard. Some of it is political and some is due to systematic oppression.”

No matter the reason why, the issues are certainly not new. We too have been inadvertently guilty of
this, as we typically keep up with the trends of who’s opening and want to ensure our audience is aware
of it. It can be tough for black owners to get the same size funding to provide them with the opportunity
to open and get attention- especially in the up and coming areas where most are spending a lot of their
time and dollars. That means, at times, we don’t hear about the openings because promotions led by
large media outlets are often not as prevalent. Another blogger mentioned they often feature black
owned restaurants but have not specifically stated they were black owned in the description. We have
also done the same, but we missed highlighting them as black owned. Why is it important to state this
fact? Because they often have to work extra hard, and sometimes on their own, to open and need the
support more than ever. We are dedicated to this change and will ensure they get the attention they
deserve (not to mention, the food is ALWAYS on point!)

Also mentioned in our post:

“We support everyone, but as PROUD BLACK WOMEN running this account (and blog), let us just say,
black owners, we will shine a light on you. As a priority. No matter how small you are.”

Our commitment is to not just be another blog that keeps up with the trends. But a blog that also
provides support and awareness for those who really need it- our kind. Going forward, expect much of
the same content, but also a shift in who all we feature. A few people have previously documented black
owned businesses to support which has been both amazing and eye opening! Since we all have different
audiences, we want as many people as possible to see these lists. At the bottom of the post, you will
find restaurants (because this is a food and travel blog- keeping with the theme) categorized by type. I bet you didn’t realize there were this many did you? Yeah, us either! If we missed any, let us know in the comments!

Just a few of the black owned restaurants that we’ve featured in the past:

If you’re wondering about other ways to support, here are a few suggestions:

Stay Educated
a. There are tons of books (including cookbooks for the home cooks out there), movies,
and documentaries out there that detail our history and why we fight so hard.
Have the Uncomfortable Conversations
a. Know what you are supporting and why
Donate!
a. There are multiple organizations to donate to that will filter dollars to black businesses.
A quick google search will pull up multiple by city, state, or country
Spend at Black Owned Businesses
a. As mentioned, there are restaurants listed below. However, there are multiple other
businesses out there that also need support. Google them in your specific area
Promote what you know!
a. Hear about a great black owned business (restaurants, bookstores, designers,
nonprofits, startups, wineries, etc.)? Share them with your audience!

Although different from most of our blog posts, we hope this has been educational. Enjoy the list! We hope to run into you at many of them :)

Also, shoutout to the following bloggers/influencers for putting in so much work in locating a lot of the
businesses below: @linsinnati @kaitskravings @drinkingdiningdione @heymichelle1 and
@cincy.cocoabloggers . Follow them all!

Soul Food
Rasheedah’s café
Burnett’s soul food
Soul Secrets LLC
Ike’s BBQ
Jewell’s soul food
Millie’s Place
Gigi’s Kitchen
Ollie’s Trolley
Aunt Flora’s

Pluto’s Café

Tacos
Patora Tacos

Winery
Revel OTR

Personal Chefs/Caterers/Independent
Chef Banbini
Kwality Eats
Soul Secrets LLC
Purposely Plated
Crown’s Kitchen
Soleil Kitchen
Emma’s all in one occasions

Coffee
Cream and sugar coffeehouse (Brand New!)
Sunny Blu Coffee House
Black Coffee
Sunny Blu Coffeehouse
Muse Café (also wine bar)

BBQ
Just Qin
Sweets and Meats BBQ
Triple J’s BBQ
Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ

Dada Smokes BBQ
Ike’s BBQ
Alabama Que
C&M BBQ Grill
Talis Southern Bar and Grill
Smokin Inferno BBQ
J&W BBQ

Sweets
Davis Cookie Collection
Sweet Petit
Sweets by Ladawn
Green Man Twist
Sugar
Honeychild Pops
Jazzy Sweeties Bakery
Keys Cheesecakes and Pies
Keys cheesecake
Lala’s Blissful Bites
Goodies

Healthy
Bol Acai Bowl Bar
Conscious Kitchen
Kombuchinnati
Pause Cincy

Africa/Caribbean/Latin
Teranga Restaurant

Darou Salam
Divine appetite café
Gee’s Caribbean style
Island Frydays
Maize

Pizza/Burgers/Wings/Cafe and the Like
Endzone pizza
Express Wings
AJ’s cheesesteaks
Burger world
Pluto’s Café
Agape Café
Boomtown biscuits and whiskey
Copa lounge

Asian
Boombox buns

Seafood
Mango’s Tropical Oasis (also drinks)
K&J Seafood