Dry Aged Duck Breast, Salsify, Chestnuts, Black Mission Figs, Red Wine Duck Sauce
This weeks local spotlight is truly a diamond in this city. Glamour and decadence has been apart of the Netherland Plaza since it opened in 1931, and the glamour continues as the restaurant is Ohio’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Four Star rated restaurant. I can remember going to Orchids at Palm Court at a very young age for tea, transitioning to luncheons when I had my first internship at 5th street Art Gallery when it was located in the same building at 19, and now in 2019 my palate continues to be challanged and delighted with Chef George Zappas and the incredible team taking the lead in fine dining. I had not been to the Orchids at Palm Court since Todd Kelly was the Chef, so I had been anticipating diving into the culinary creativity of Chef George Zappas for a while. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, our party was treated like royalty as we were absolutely accommodated. We had an amazing server named Chris, who delightfully guided us through the entire evening. His attention to detail as well as the entire staffs as a whole, really made the night a night we all would remember.
We started with the Blue Cheese Beignet, Pear, Arugula, Marcona Almonds, Red Wine Vinaigrette, which brought me back to NOLA. We also had the Smoked Salmon, “Tater Tots”, Horesradish, Egg Yolk, Shallot, Lemon, Caper. For the second course you must order the Glazed Veal Cheeks, Truffle Croquette, Soubise, Melrose Apples, easily one of my favorites on the menu. I also wanted to try a lot of the dishes that incorporated the restaurants fresh local honey, as the honey used is from the beehives on the fifth floor of the building. We also tried the Seared Foie Gras, with Concord Grape, and Hazelnut Granola. Another must for the second course right now, is the Maitake, Cappelletti, Thyme, with more Rooftop Honey, spinach, roasted garlic.
For our entrees we devoured the Dry Aged Duck Breast, Salsify, Chestnuts, Black Mission Figs, Red Wine Duck Sauce,Prime NY Strip, Celery Root, Lardo Persillade, Black Truffles, Mustard Greens, Truffle Demi Glace, Scallops, Cauliflower, Marcona Almonds, Pork Belly, Lobster Nage, and the in season Halibut, English Pea, Oyster Mushroom, Pearl Onion, and lobster beurre Blanc. When presenting the dinners the Orchid staff revealed art, as the cloche dome plates were lifted with perfect timing. I felt like I was in an episode of Downton Abbey with updated french culinary masterpieces, in an art deco environment. Needless to say I will be back, and I hope all of Cincinnati realizes the amount of stardom and power we have in our culinary scene especially with Chef Zappas continuing to make in- fashion again fine dining, along with powerhouse restaurant L. If you are looking to have an out of this world royal experience, please head to Orchids in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Make sure to also explore the hotel as notables as Elvis Presely, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, John and Jackie Kennedy, Winston Churchill, have graced the hallways. You will feel like a movie star during your whole experience at Orchids and you will be blown away with the expertise behind Chef George Zappas.
LOCATION // Orchids at Palm Court
35 West Fifth Street/Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Cincinnati 45202
Cincinnati 45202
(513) 421-9100
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Welcome to Lil’s Bagels, located on 308 Greenup Street in Covington, Ky. This Spring and Summer make sure to head to their walk up window and either dine outside on their patio or get their exceptional hand rolled, boiled, bagel, made with tradition and CHUTZPAH and sandwiches to go. I plan on doing a lot of hiking this Spring and Summer, so hearty, green, local, and unique eats wrapped and ready to go are what I am looking for. I am in love with The Chixa, a l
I love a good smoothie, especially when trying to boost the immune system during these months where allergies seem to rule the Ohio Valley. Its Even better when these smoothies fight off sneezes but also have beauty benefits and great taste. There is also something nice about getting up a little earlier in the morning to actually take care of yourself and have a bit of down time, even if its to the sound of a blender in between my NPR listening sessions. Below are 8 of my favorite go -to beauty smoothies. I usually drink and make smoothies in the morning. However, sometimes I will whip up a smoothie the night before and have a bit as a healthy midnight snack;or save it for the morning. It’s a lot easier than you think to combine fruits and veggies into your daily dietary routine. I also have found that by creating your own smoothies at home, you will find that your intake of sugar will be less compared to some packaged smoothies that are available in stores. It’s a lot easier to grab smoothies on the go but make sure to check the label for sugars and extra nonsense your body doesn’t need. So, while I am on the hunt for the best packaged smoothies, here are smoothie recipes to create that your temple will continue to thank you for.
