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Top Ten Local Ice Cream Shops

Can you all feel that? That, my friend, would be the heat of summer that we are all experiencing.
That means jumping into pools, going to lake, and definitely treating ourselves with delicious,
refreshing ICE CREAM! Ice cream is one of those desserts that has no age restriction. Whether
you are age 5 or 75, you probably still get as excited as we do to get this special dessert. We
love it so much that we’ve partnered with Ohio. Find It Here to bring you our top local ice cream
shops! That’s of course excluding the nostalgic ice cream truck. :) Get your taste buds ready
and let’s dive innnnnn!

Dojo
There is so much I can appreciate about shops that hand craft their ice cream daily. Dojo is one
of them. They specialize in Italian-style gelato and coffee. Everything is just so fresh and
incredibly unique. They have the traditional flavors if that’s your thing or fun ones, such as
peach pie, for all of you adventurous ones out there. Due to their success, they now have two
locations, one in Northside and the other at Findlay Market. There’s never been a time that I’ve
gone and not seen a line. Now that’s a good sign (I did not mean to rhyme there hehehe). But
that shows that it’s not just us- the community also loves them!
They have a fun sign that says, “Sorry We’re Open” and I totally get it because once you go,
you’re going to want to keep coming back!
Suggested flavor To Try: Ooey Butter Cake

Putz
Where are there soft serve ice cream lovers at? If that’s you, head on over to the West Side of
town and visit Putz. One of the cutest things about them is how much they believe in family.
Since 1938, they have passed down the company through their family line. I <3 that! When you
arrive, it will feel like an old neighborhood store with their super cute picnic tables around. They
truly have something for everyone here. If you want soft serve, which is what they’re known for,
go for it! If you want a banana split, which I opted for this most recent time, do that! If you want a
turtle sundae, they have one with your name on it. They are pretty perfect for a hot day and
great to bring the full family to as well.

One disclosure: They accept cash only! Don’t be that person to get there and not have any on
you. That will be a sad day. BUT there is a gas station with an ATM machine if that does
happen to be you. Just know you won’t want to miss it!
Suggested Flavor To Try: Banana Split with Vanilla Soft Serve Base

The Cone
Now this one brings back so many memories for my family and I. We lived down the street from
it for 15+ years and visited on a very regular basis- probably too much, but who’s counting?!
They are another soft serve location that has plenty of fun options to choose from. When I was
younger, there was no need to ask me what I wanted to order. I ALWAYS went with the Oreo

wizard. Too Good!! Now, my choice is a strawberry & vanilla soft serve twist in a cone, with lots
and lots of sprinkles added (can you all tell yet that sprinkles are one of my weaknesses?)They
also have ice cream cakes that are pretty freaking good for birthdays (or if you just want a cake
just because…). You can also utilize some of their indoor rooms to have a small celebration!
Celebrations with ice cream and your favorite people sounds like a win to me! What’s also cool
about The Cone is they have a drive thru! No need to get out of the car to get your favorite
items! Although I live pretty far from them, I will absolutely make the drive to experience a bit of my childhood here!
Suggested Flavors to Try: Oreo Wizzard or Vanilla/Strawberry Twist Cone

Hello Honey
O.M.G. This one is one of Tiff D.’s absolute favs. Although we didn’t discover it until a couple of
years back, they have been around for yearsssss. They are located downtown on Vine Street,
but closer to the business district (right before 7 th street). This place is absolutely incredible!
They are a small batch ice cream shop that makes their flavors in house too! They get our vote
for most creative combos and best overall taste. I typically try to pick options that don’t normally
go together to make it super fun.
Outside of the flavors, we love that they make their waffle cones fresh to order. They’re not hot
enough to melt the ice cream though. They are just right. We also enjoy their toppings- like the
toasted marshmallow. They just have items that you won’t really see anywhere else.
And guess what? They are opening a second location in Walnut Hills later this year. Love to see
that growth for our local businesses! They have never disappointed any time either of us have
been. So when the new one opens, we’ll be one of the first in line!
Suggested Flavors to Try: Blueberry Cheesecake or Honey Lavender

Bold Face Dairy
Bold Face Dairy is one of the newer ice cream shops on the block (opened in 2018), but you
would you never know because they have perfected their taste! Now let me ask you…. Have
you ever held a soft serve ice cream cone upside down for an extended period without it
dripping and melting? This is the place where you can do so! Their soft serve is nice and
creamy but is also thick!
This is another place that is great for yourself and your family because they have flavors others
don’t have such as chai tea, cardamom, and bourbon barrel stout. Have you ever seen flavors
like that?! It’s not just creative names though. The awesome part is they are equally delicious as
they are exciting. When there’s so many flavors like this, that just means you have to keep
going back until you’ve tried them all!
Suggested Item: Be BOLD like their name and get the Bold Face Cone

Parlor
I knowwww we must have cookie dough lovers out there!!! We are certainly in that category as
well. Parlor has been opened in the Madeira area for quite some time, but they opened a
second location in Pendleton just a few years back. And that’s when my taste buds were forever
changed. They are very well known for their edible cookie dough. But what is great is they offer
the option for you to pair it with one of their freshly made ice cream flavors. My go to is usually
the cookies n’ cream ice cream as the base with a scoop of cookie dough on top. My
Goodness!! I don’t think I’d ever had anything like it but once I did, it was heaven in a cup yall!
Something else they have that I very much enjoy is blueberry ice cream. If you grew up in the
Ohio area and were anything like me, you may have gone to King’s Island just for the “smurf”
ice cream. No need to go that far anymore. They have it right here in their shop. And you know
what I topped it with…Yep. That’s right… Sprinkles!
Suggested Flavor to Try: Cookies n’ Cream

Graeter’s
Ok now. You all know we HAD to add in the Cincinnati STAPLE. Although you’ll see them in
many locations throughout Ohio and the surrounding states, they originated in Cincinnati and
have been going strong for the longest! They are actually celebrating their 150 th anniversary this
year!!! If we completed a poll for “fan favorite”, Greater’s would certainly win. What’s really cool
they have certain flavors that are present all year, but they do a great job of keeping fans
guessing with surprise flavors each month. And if you’re looking for something lighter, try their
sorbets. The lemon is perfectly refreshing in the summer. In addition to their, handcrafted flavors
of ice cream to choose from; they also have delicious cakes, cookies, & pies.
You will never, ever go wrong with choosing Greater’s. We can pretty much guarantee you and
whoever you are with will leave with a sugary smile on your face
Suggested Flavor to Try: Current special- strawberry sorbet

Aglamesis Brothers’
Our last feature in this post may have hit 150 years, but this one isn’t far behind. This year
Aglamesis Brothers’ hit 113 years. That is a longgg time of serving the city with tasty treats!
They actually may have the most unique story. One of the founding members is from Greece
and came to Cincinnati to build a life for himself. After his brother joined him here, they
eventually took a turn at starting their first ice cream parlor and the rest is history (thank
goodness for us!) I just love a story that has this type of background in it. They have kept the old
school vibe and charm inside of the locations which makes you really feel like you’re in a parlor.
Their attire even matches it!
Now…the ice cream- sooooo good! But it’s not just your traditional ice cream. It’s Italian ice as
well. Every time I visit, I try to get something different- even though I have my favorites (like
double chocolate chip). They’re just all too good to not try them all. And for a company that has

been this successful for this long, you KNOW they’re good (just google them and you’ll see that
they have a nationwide reputation as well!)
Suggested Flavor To Try: Banana Chocolate Chip

Jeni’s
Ok this one is not local, but it’s too good to pass up. If you’re up for a drive to Columbus you
have to try Jeni’s. I’m not sure when I first tried them, but when I did, my life changed LOL In
addition to having fun flavors, like some of the others, they are well known for how smooth and
creamy their ice cream is. It is a struggle for me to NOT stop at one of their locations when I’m
in the area. There must be something in it that’s keeping me addicted.
If you have no other reason to drive to Columbus and want to go just to check this place out, we
won’t judge. Hehehe It will be worth it! You may have also noticed them in your local grocery
store. Yep, they sell their flavors by the pint and in case you’re wondering, they are just as
delicious that way too!
Suggested flavors: Lemon and Blueberry Parfait

Now I know you must now have googly eyes and may have dreams about these places in your
sleep tonight (Sorry, not Sorry! �� ). We have an easy way to solve for that. Hop in the car
immediately and pick one of these incredible places! No matter which one you choose, it will
likely become your new favorite! It happens to us every single time!
Enjoy y’all

Cincinnati Foodie Favs with Ohio.findithere!

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

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

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 2nd 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.

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!

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.

Chicken & Waffles

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.

A Labor Of Love!!

An Adventurous Day in Yellowsprings, OH

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!        

Behind the Scenes with Milk Jar Café

The fun thing about Cincinnati’s food scene is that it is forever growing. Every time you turn a corner something new and trendy is popping up, and I love this. I also love seeing new food culture brought to the Queen City as well. Within the last few years, Bubble Tea and Rolled Ice Cream have become a new favorite of many people in many different cities. Like other cities, Cincinnati was put onto this growing trend by the owners of Milk Jar Café, Jimmy Lin and Kevin Chen. What is Milk Jar Café you ask? Milk Jar is a café that serves the most recent popular desserts that include, Thai Ice Cream (rolled), a Cereal Bar, and Bubble Tea.

THAI ICE CREAM: What’s up with Rolled Ice Cream? With Rolled Ice Cream it’s all about the show. The process takes about two minutes. It starts with a cream base and your choice of mix-ins. It all gets combined on a cold surface set to a temperature of -18 Celsius. Then its chopped and mixed before it hardens. After that, it is smoothed out and rolled. After the process is over, the customer gets to choose unlimited toppings to place onto their ice cream.

 

BUBBLE TEA: Bubble Tea has been a popular Asian drink that has been around the USA for the past decades. The evolution of bubbles comes from the traditional Black Ceylon Tea combined with milk and bubble (Tapioca or Boba as it is commonly called). Customers can choose their base tea and their toppings. Boba adds texture to tea. Fruit Tea is also an option here at Milk Jar. Customers can choose to blend their tea with the fruit they prefer. They newest trend in the milk tea industry is Milk Cap and it is delicious. I was able to try their homemade Milk Cap Tea. Milk Cap tea is a tea that is topped off with soft, salted, creamy cheese foam. This tradition is big in Asia and very trendy. The idea here is to be perceived that you are drinking cheesecake on top of tea. The foam tastes just like cheesecake.

CEREAL BAR: Cereal Bar is a new trend that is growing in California and New York. Jimmy and Kevin thought, “hmm, its pretty simple why not add it to our café as well”. The process is simply allowing customers to choose their favorite cereal from a list, choose their dressing or drizzle, choose their toppings and then finally fresh milk will be provided to them.

Let’s take a pause and discuss how Milk Jar came to be:

Milk Jar Café opened in Hyde Park on September 1, 2018. Childhood friends Jimmy and Kevin wanted to combine three things: Rolled Ice Cream, Bubble Tea, and Cereal. Both friends are of Asian descent and culture. Like many other entrepreneurs who are proud of their culture, Jimmy had the idea to combine western treats of Asia with eastern treats of Asia. Ice cream comes from western Asia while Boba Tea is more from the eastern part of Asia. Jimmy then brought Kevin in on the idea and Milk Jar Café was born!

 

Owners, Jimmy and Kevin

Press Play to September 2018:

Uniqueness is a key factor at the forefront of opening any new food/drink location. What is cool and unique about Milk Jar is everything is fresh, and they do not use powders like most bubble tea companies. The teas are fresh and imported from Asia. The way they make their Boba Tea is different from American tea shops. If fruit is used, its fresh pressed fruit mixed with tea. They strive to bring more Asian culture into what they are doing. Fresh tea leaves, fresh fruit, everything is FRESH! What is also unique is the combination of Rolled Ice cream and Tea. It brings the business of ice cream and tea together. Most shops are just one or the other.

Another awesome factor to this duo is they are environmentally friendly. The cups that the tea comes in are reusable. If you bring your cup back, you will receive 5% off your next order. They also have a reward stamp card program. Once you have received 10 stamps you can get a Rolled Ice Cream or Tea of your choice for free.

Rolled Ice Cream and Bubble Tea?! Yes, Please!

In China the culture is to drink cold dessert tea while hot tea is more for social and religious purposes. The most common teas are Jasmine and Oolong. In China, these are the teas that they drink when friends and family are over. In Japan the most common tea is Matcha Tea. They offer tea in a fast-casual style environment. Their menu is filled with fun tea combinations as well as different ice cream combinations. I asked them what the top sellers of tea and ice cream are, and they quickly raved about Jasmine Tea and the Cookie Monster Ice Cream.

I enjoy a good trend especially when it comes to food. However, with any trend you either love it or hate it. I can say I have become a big fan of the Bubble Tea trend. I love a good tea and then adding Boba to it for texture. I also enjoy a different but familiar ice cream flavor. While doing the behind the scenes, I was able to try three of Milk Jar’s desserts.

The ice cream flavor I tried was the Banana Pudding. It was their vanilla milk-based liquid mixed with Nilla Wafers and Bananas. It literally tasted how it sounds. It was delicious! I got the fruitiness from the bananas while the creaminess came from the ice cream itself. Then add the crunch of the Nilla Wafers and boy was it a party in my mouth! This was definitely a good choice.

Now I couldn’t come to a Tea spot and not try their most trendy tea. I tried the Watermelon Jasmine Tea with Milk Cap, the Dirty Milk Boba, and the Thai Milk Tea with Boba. Dirty Milk Tea is Caramel or Brown Sugar milk with flavored custard pudding. Thai Milk Tea is simply Thai Tea with a splash of Half and Half poured on top. I must say all were amazing and brought something different to my taste buds. I enjoyed everything I tried and can say Milk Jar is my go-to spot when I what a Thai Milk Tea.

I truly enjoyed my experience at Milk Jar. They will provide you with excellent service, affordable tea and ice cream, and friendly smiles. Trying anything on the menu will be a real delight. We hope to see you there and don’t forget your delicious bubble tea or ice cream on the way out.

 

We all scream for…

ICE CREAM!!!  Is there really anything better than a couple of scoops on a hot summer day?? I think not! Although I know you can get great ice cream in many cities, I’d like to honor Cincinnati by featuring both Graeter’s and King’s Island. Read more