Recent – Page 3 – Pursuit of Delights

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 Biddle

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.

Supporting Women Owned Businesses in Ohio

September 1, 2020/0 Comments/in All Food, Campaigns, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Hey Everyone! If you have been keeping up with the blog, you know we partnered with Ohio.findithere
in June and July, which was A-MAZING! Well, guess what? We still aren’t done! We’re back for another
month and have a treat for you! Since August included National Women’s Day (August 9th ) and Women’s
Equality Day (August 26th ), it was more than appropriate for us to spend the month dedicating our time to Women Owned
Businesses in the city! We’ve selected 10 incredible women and couldn’t be more excited to highlight
them and all they have done! There may or may not be a bonus at the end as well ;)

Let’s jump right in!

1. The Rhined/Oakley Wines

Calling all cheese lovers!

A few years ago, a cheese and wine shop was just what the city needed! Thankfully, The Rhined
was opened by Stephanie Webster in 2017 and they’ve gone nowhere but up since then.
Stephanie did not have a background in cheese and wine, but she knew she loved it. She then
studied it extensively and has brought only the best to her OTR shop for our pleasures. Similar to
most of their guests, we have been many times and certainly won’t be stopping any time soon.
They developed a variety of offerings that we’ve experienced such as wine and cheese
pairings, raclette night (a MUST!), and/or simply to pick up great cheese and wine to enjoy at
home. They have been so successful that they acquired Oakley Wines, which now holds most of
the events. Talk about a success story! They have some of the best cheese boards in the city and
also developed mini boxes to go to treat yourself during quarantine. One thing I’m looking
forward to them bringing back (hopefully!) is the sandwich feature each week using local
ingredients and of course cheese sold in the shop. I used to wait in anticipation every week for it
and am so ready to have that feeling again! When/if they bring back this feature, be
ready….they sell out fast! Stephanie is the perfect example of not letting your experience stop
you from going after your dreams. She learned and executed!

2.Homemakers

What happens when you bring two fierce women together? Duhhhh. An awesome business is started!
Julie Petiprin and Catherin Manabat (who are the sweetest!) opened Homemaker’s Bar mid-2019.
We had the pleasure of attending their sneak peek back then and have loved it ever since. It is a craft
cocktail bar with a retro vibe. I say bar, but it can be used for much more, including private events. Prior
to Covid, they held many events (of which we also attended) including mixology classes, events at
Washington Park, pairing with popular food vendors (such at Pataroja Tacos) and much more. The
pandemic halted many businesses, but Homemaker’s found a way to keep their originality while also
reinventing themselves. Introducing… Outpost! Homemaker’s opened the space in the back of their
main location and created Outpost, which is a fun, outdoor, socially distanced, cocktail bar. When the
weather is nice, it’s the best way to enjoy fun in the sun with your favorite Homemaker’s cocktails! Oh,
and, did I mention they have food? I mean, you definitely want something to soak up whatever cocktail
you’re having. The menu changes often, but take it from us- if they have Mac n’ Cheese on the menu,
order it! You won’t be disappointed! There already aren’t many women owned bars in the area, but to
have one that is such a fun experience with the cutest décor and outdoor space is certainly worth celebrating!

3.Nostalgia

And now…the much anticipated… Nostalgia, the newest jazz and wine lounge in OTR (they just
opened a week ago!). When I heard the city was getting a hip jazz and wine lounge, I was

ecstatic! There’s literally not much more that I need on a nice night out. Finding out it was also
woman and black owned was another reason for me to be so excited. The owner, Tammy Scott
has done an excellent job of creating an intimate space that is fitting for all crowds. They have
over 40 wines by the glass or bottle, of which 8 are on tap! What I really love is they are
highlighting women and minority winemakers and producers. I call that “lifting as you climb”
and sharing the love! Remember where we highlighted The Rhined above? Well their
charcuterie boards will be available to pair with your wine as well.

For the music lovers, there will be traditional live jazz performances on Thursdays and Sundays

and jazz and soul live performances on Fridays and Saturdays. I love it!

Kudos to Tammy for bringing DC and NYC to Cincy. If you ever need to find me or get in contact

with me, search here first. It’s likely where I’ll be!

Now that we’ve covered cheese, wine, cocktails and jazz, let’s transition to FOOD!

4.Yee Mama

Who doesn’t love wontons??? (If you don’t, I’m side-eyeing you right now). Yee Mama is the new pop-
up, operating out of Findlay Kitchen. Fun fact, we’ve followed the owner Chiuyee Cheng’s influencer
page (@eating4three) for years and have always admired the home cooked meals she would add in.
They are beautiful, authentic and look super tasty! So, when she announced that she was launching Yee
Mama, we were READY! Chiuyee is originally from Hong Kong and has thankfully brought the Cantonese
flavors right to Ohio. She offers a variety of wonton kits that are sold by the dozen and come with
everything you’ll need (your choice of sauce, herbs and instructions). Even if you don’t know how to
cook, I promise it is easy to do. I ordered some a few weeks ago and devoured them in what felt like 5
seconds. Lol The flavor was incredible! I could tell she put so much love and thought it each wonton
which, I’m convinced, makes it extra delicious! Her ordering goes live every Sunday at noon. If you think
you can wait until 12:15 or 12:30 and still get some, you’re wrong! It took me a few weeks to order
because they would sell out so quickly. Now, having them, I completely understand why. So set your

alarm and order right at 12!

I love how Chiuyee stayed true to her culture and turned her love for it and for cooking into a business. I
can’t wait to see what else is in story for her considering how successful she’s been after being opened

for just under a month. Congrats to you, lady!

5.Cherbourg Cyprus

I know we have Vegan readers out there right?! Well this one is for you! Geri Peacock opened
Cherbourg Cyprus in OTR a few years back (2017) and is perfect for all of the sweet fanatics out
there who may not be able to eat all things. Not only do they specialize in gluten free treats;
they are also nut free. Personally, this is amazing for me because I found out I had a food
sensitivity to gluten and an allergy to certain nuts. For some, this may be discouraging, but
thankfully, Cherbourg Cyprus’ sweets are just as delicious as any other shop. What most don’t
know is this is their second location. The original one is in Columbus (which I heard many people
would drive to before it came to Cincinnati). What I really love about the owner is she took her

own struggle with Celiac disease and turned it into this beautiful bakery that will allow so many

others to enjoy the things they love. We thank YOU Geri!

Now that you’ve had all of the great food and drinks, let’s focus on pampering yourself and keeping your
skin together!

6.Pure Beauty Skin Bar

Pure Beauty Skin Bar was founded by Sylvia Brownlee. Not only is this business woman-
owned, it is also black-owned! This boss babe specializes in the treatment and prevention of acne, as
well as hyperpigmentation. I’d like to say she has “Magic Hands”. I’ve personally experienced her facials
and they are so relaxing. Now, relaxing is great, but they also need to be effective. Sylvia does an
awesome job of balancing the two. Between the facial and her products, I have to say my skin is
GLOWING! I have also seen her work on others, and she has absolutely transformed their skin. It’s both
exciting and comforting to watch and experience. If you are unsure of what facial to get or what
products to use, she offers consultations to ensure you have the best experience for YOU! Many people
don’t know, but she also does waxing. How perfect is it that you can get your facial and grooming done
in one place. She is also very personable and will make you feel as if you are speaking with a long-time
friend. Remember to stay consistent with this one! Keep your skin in her care!

7.Spruce Nail Shop

I love that Molly Reckman Nagle opened such a cute nail salon downtown! But this isn’t just

your ordinary nail shop. As said on their website:

“Spruce Nail Shop is the natural answer to your neighborhood nail salon. It is our mission to use
the safest alternatives for polishes, products, and practices, while creating one of a kind

manicures and nail art designs for our clients.”

If taking the natural route is important to you, they are the ones to go to. They have rave
reviews from their regulars. If you look at their Instagram and website, you will see such a clean
space filled with lots of color. It makes you feel so in the element, even from afar. They are also
known for their lovely designs that can be added on. Molly has done such a great job with the
space and staying true to her vision and standards. This led her to moving to a larger space at

Findlay Market. No matter where they’re located, we support!!

8.Prism Nail Lounge

Prism Nail LoungeMany people are still nervous about Covid-19 which has caused them to hold off on getting certain pampering services. What I absolutely love about Prism is it is operated solely by the owner, Thy Nghiem. Thy opened Prism early in 2020 with the intention to expand her staff, but Covid halted those plans for her. It actually has worked out great because, as a customer, I do not have to worry about many other people being in the lounge at the same time and she is able to put her sole focus on you!
As for her services, Thy has done an excellent job on both my manicures and pedicures. I have referred many friends there and they have all raves about it as well. I also love the ease of her online booking system. Clarity and efficiency are so important these days!

Thoroughness, cleanliness and safety…can’t beat that! Thank you, Thy, for opening such a beautiful space and for keeping us all safe!

Ok….we’ve talked food, drinks, music, and pampering. Now let’s go shopping!

9.The Native One

Y’all ….we are suckers for cute boutiques! And thank goodness for The Native One, opened by Anna
Steffen. They have quite the success story as well. Their first brick and mortar opened in 2018 and has
been a huge success! Shoppers from the suburbs and city can be found sporting their clothes (which also
can be purchased online). They’ve done so well that they opened a second location in Covington, KY last
year and are moving their OTR location into a much larger space across the street. You go girl!
They specialize in rompers, oversized apparel, and many other super cute items. You will also find home
décor, candles, cards, plants, and other crafted items. I love when a store is multi-dimensional with their
products. Every time I go in I have to stop myself from buying everything on the rack. If you see
something, act quick because they don’t care a bulk amount of the same thing. That means you won’t
see everyone walking around with exactly what you have one! Anna, thank you for carrying cute,

creative pieces for women of all sizes!

10.BINO (Be In Not Of)

Last, but not least… Beinnotof. This one is near and dear to my heart because it is faith based. Anyone
who knows me knows how serious I take being a Christ follower. BINO is a Christian based
communicated created by Niyah Simone. Although the community has been around for quite some
time, she recently launched her BINO clothing line. The line is made up of handcrated, sustainable, one-
of-a-kind tees and sweatshirts. It launched on August 8 th and almost sold out of every piece they had. If
you missed the launch, you can visit their website to order one (and only you will have that specific
design). They produce in small batches (quality over quantity), use thrifted materials, and are working
towards keeping the local economy sustainable. I love everything they stand for and absolutely love my

pieces.

There are a lot of people walking around in faith-based shirts and that just makes my heart (and heaven)

smile. Keep walking bolding into all God has called you to Niyah!

Photo by Kimberly Strunk (and yes, that’s Tiff D. lol)

BONUS FEATURE:

Surely you didn’t think we were going to close out the post without mentioning our very own: Tiffany Biddle!

11.Sweet Mae’s Cookie Co
For a little background, I am a cookie fiend and always have been. My family appropriately calls me
“Cookie Monster”. So imagine how happy I was to find out the other half of Pursuit of Delights, Tiff B.,

was launching a cookie line!

Let me introduce you to Sweet Mae’s.

Sweet Mae’s is a brand-new cookie line that will officially launch on September 8th . They are homemade
premium stuffed cookies with a southern accent (That comes directly off their label and I love it!) For
anyone that doesn’t know, Tiff B. grew up in the south and developed the flavors from her experience
there. I, Tiff D., have had the honor of being the “OTT- Official Taste Tester” as she perfected and
finalized her flavors and let me tell you…..no joke….they are some of THE BEST cookies I’ve ever had.
They are each stuffed with the most amazing fillings. Everyone who I have purchased or shared some
with have raved about them. My favorites so far are the carrot cake and apple pie, but each one is
amazing. What I love is they have a flavor for everyone’s palette. If you like citrus, she’s got you. If you
like chocolate, she has that too. I am so proud of my blog partner, little sister, and friend for taking the

time to get it RIGHT. I believe in you and know this will be a huge hit!

There you have it folks! Amazing ladies who are paving the way. I am so proud of all of these women and the many others who are following their callings and not taking
“no” for an answer. We see you and celebrate you! Cheers to each of you! I can’t wait to see how the

pandemic down time has launched even more of us into launching new businesses.

If you want to support additional women-owned businesses, Ohio.findithere has customized an Ohio “Women in History” tour
highlighting specific ones! Click here to access it!

That’s all for now! Be sure to support these wonderful women!

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!

Vinoklet Winery

June 22, 2020/0 Comments/in All Food, Events & Pursuits, Recent, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Summer is here, and what better way to spend summer afternoons or nights than at a winery drinking local wine?! Wine made right at the winery! Not to mention, June is also Ohio Wine Month. This is certainly a win, win! If you haven’t began celebrating, you can start now! It’s never too early or late for a good glass of wine. Pursuit of Delights has partnered with Ohio Wines for the second year in a row, to visit one of their official wineries. This means that the wine is made in Ohio as well as the grapes are grown in Ohio. This year Tiff Squared decided to visit Vinoklet Winery located in Hamilton County. We welcomed our summer with the perfect pours of crisp white and red wines, made from fresh grapes grown right on their property, on the perfect breezy afternoon. The flowers were blossomed and vibrant in color and the waterfalls were rolling. HEEELLLOOOO SUMMMMEEERRR!!

Vinoklet Winery is the only working winery in Hamilton County Ohio. It is located in Colerain Township in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is home to 12 award-winning wines and is proud to represent the Greater Cincinnati area in local and regional wine competitions. Vinoklet Winery has been established since 1986. It all started when the founder, Kreso Mikulic, planted its first vines. In its 34 years of business, it has expanded to now over 12,000 vines across 30+ acres of rolling hills and ponds. At 86 years old, Mr. Mukulic still gets up and works at the winery every day.

What Tiff Squared found interesting is they plant their own vines, harvest their own grapes by hand in 5-gallon buckets, hall them down to the winery, and produces wine. Ohhh, did we mention the size is quite huge. You enter through the restaurant and the vineyards and winery are out back. It is gorgeous. It also over looks a huge pond. Its location and scenery is perfect for weddings or other celebratory events. They have a nice selection of dry and sweet wines to choose from. If you are unsure of what to get, we recommend starting with a tasting. That is what we did. The tasting we did consisted of 12 different wines, white and red, starting with dry and progressing to sweet. We always have fun at tastings because Tiff D. likes more of a dry wine whereas Tiff B. likes sweeter wines. We always share a good laugh as the tasting starts and finishes. You will receive an entire flight of award-winning wines consisting of 12, 1 -oz cups & a souvenir glass for $12.15 plus tax. Don’t let the 1-oz fool you. Lol! Tiff D.’s favorite was the Tears of Joy, a dry wine made similar to a Chardonnay. Crisp and full of flavor, yet soft to the palate. Tiff B.’s favorite was the Strawberry wine, a sweet wine popping with the taste and aroma of fresh strawberries.

Now we can’t come to a winery and not talk about the food! Let’s take a moment to explore their food options. This winery totally gave me country club vibes with a beautiful view. Their food is American and has a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. They even offer what they call Grilled to Perfection offered only on Fridays & Saturdays. Grill to Perfection is where guests can come in and select certain menu items and grill their food themselves with a Grill Master; all while enjoying the ambiance of the unique dining room and vineyard while staff caters to their needs. How cool is that?! They also offer different dinner specials on different days of the week. We began with a cheese and charcuterie board. This is always a good choice paired with wine. You can’t go wrong with this. For entrees, we did the Baby Back Ribs (Thursday special) and the Grilled Norwegian Salmon. They were served with Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and a Dinner Roll. Both meals were really good and cooked perfect.

This was a super cute winery and we were happy to visit! We were pleasantly pleased with their different wines and how beautiful their property is. Although there is only one weekend left in June, we hope that you will visit one of the 300 wineries to celebrate Ohio Wine month. We highly recommend Vinoklet Winery for its charm, great wines, and beautiful views. It could certainly make the perfect date night or night out with the girls. Let the good times roll and give summer the perfect greeting. Cheers to a wonderful summer and Happy Wine Month!

You can find more details of Vinoklet Winery and a full wine list here.

Special COVID-19 Restaurant Series by Anela Malik

April 27, 2020/0 Comments/in All Food, Recent /by Tiffany Biddle

Ya’ll!! It has been so long since we’ve chatted! Life was pretty busy, but I haven’t forgotten about the blog side of Pursuit of Delights. Just as I was getting ready to launch additional behind the scenes and travel posts, COVID-19 came into all of our lives, causing a whirlwind of emotions across the board. As we all begin to slowly move forward into the unknown, there are still so many questions that are looming in the air. When will restaurants open? When will I be able to travel again? When can we get back to normal? When? When? When?? There’s also another question that has been swirling around my brain. Why did some restaurants, and not others, choose to close up shop pretty early in the process? What led to that decision? Luckily for me and for you all, I have a great friend who launched an interview series TODAY where she asked these questions to restaurant owners who made that choice in the DMV. This friend’s name is Anela Malik (@feedthemalik), whom I admire so much! She is literally a spicy ball of fire who fights for injustice and what she believes in (peep the shirt below).

Here’s a snippet from her preview newsletter explaining the “why” behind her “what”:

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global economic slowdown, predicted to be much worse than the 2008 financial crisis. In just one month 22 million unemployment claims were filed and businesses across America hurt as sales declined and stay at home orders went into effect. Small and independent businesses have been particularly affected. We’ve seen the numbers and heard the stats, though a looming sense of unknown remains as the true length and breadth of this crisis remains to be seen.

Statistics aside, what is the reality for the owners and operators of local, independent businesses impacted by this crisis? What does this epidemic mean for small restaurants and food businesses? Especially for restaurants that have shut their doors completely during this period, what does the future hold?

As a foodie, blogger, and lover of local independent restaurants, I wanted to know. Beyond the macro level stats and expert quotes, why have some restaurants chosen to close during COVID-19? How are restaurant owners and their employees coping? How big of a financial hit have they taken? Where are they finding hope and inspiration during this crisis?”

I know…it makes you want to keep reading….and you should! It is so important for us to step outside of our box and hear other’s stories. Anela has given us just that. Click here to read (and listen…there’s audio in there too) the first segment of her interview series. It will open your eyes into the behind the scenes world of restaurant owners impacted by COVID-19. I guarantee, you’ll be ready for the next one right after finishing. Soooo… don’t forget to subscribe to her blog too!

Anela…my friend…you’re doing great things. And the best is yet to come!

Road Tripping Through Gatlinburg

December 20, 2019/4 Comments/in North America Travel, Recent, Travel, Uncategorized /by Tiffany Biddle

Gatlinburg is an area I’d encourage everyone to go to at least once. A lot of people stay in and experience the typical downtown Gatlinburg offerings (which I’ll dive into later…), but there’s so much more than what’s in this area. In November, a few of my close friends and I packed up our things and took a weekend road trip to explore just that! We wanted a mix of new and old which I’ll now pass on to you! The post will include unique finds, typical Gatlinburg musts, and helpful tips!