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6 Reasons Why You Should Have a DEAR Experience

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!

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Supporting Women Owned Businesses in Ohio

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!

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!