Game Day Recipe Round-Up
Sweet Potato Nachos with Smoked Cheddar and Black Beans
Hawaiian Sliders With Tropical Slaw from Spicy Southern Kitchen
Foodie Friday // Zundo Ramen + Donburi
Looking for a ramen spot in the historic Over the Rhine? Head to Zundo, right next to Queen City Radio, for soulful ramen and donburi. I have been waiting for Zundo to open ever since I heard that Han Lin, the chef behind Montgomery’s traditional Japanese sushi restaurant Mei, was opening a ramen restaurant in OTR. I have been going to Mei ever since I was a kid, and still to this day believe they have the best sushi in town. So with Han’s reputation proceeding himself I was more than excited to attend the soft opening.
When you walk into Zundo, you are greeted with amazing staff and an extensive galley style bar, completely equipped with local and imported brews and of course saki. When ordering do not limit yourself to just one bowl of ramen, check out the brilliant appetizers on the perfectly curated menu. The Tatsuta, Age Deep fried chicken (thigh) marinated in soy sauce, is definitely a must to wake your palette up before the ramen arrives at your table. Sharpen your chop sticks and prepare to be delighted.
Zundo will tend to the late-night crowd, and keeps their doors open until 2:30 a.m. on the weekends. He will also open at 11:30 a.m. throughout the week to give OTR’s nine-to-five clique the option to spend lunch with a bowl of hot ramen or donburi.
My top picks for EATS at Zundo right now are :
Zundo Ramen & Donburi
220 W. 12th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
P: (513) 975-0706
Click here for Zundo Official Website
Click here to follow Zundo on Facebook
TOP Ten Local Fall Date Ideas // Cincinnati, Ohio
1.Dinner and a Movie // Hocus Pocus at Washington Park
This Wednesday October 3,2018, Fright Night Flicks presents Hocus Pocus – under the stars – at Washington Park.
Enjoy this spooky favorite at 8pm – 10pm, pair the movie with a romantic spooky dinner from suggested locations below.
For more spooky flicks check out The Esquire the entire month of October
Fall Inspired Local Menus //
Please // Try their apple aebleskivers with maple & gjetost, their roasted berkshire pork loin with cabbage, chanterelle conserva & mustard. On the Tasting Menus, try the seared summer squash with ricotta, pickled blueberries & saffron, and the toasted cedar & rosemary mousse with quince & pumpkin seed.
Salazar // Start with the CUMIN ROASTED CARROTS, GOLDEN RAISINS, PUMPKIN SEEDS, ORANGES, TAHINI YOUGURT and FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SPICY PIMENTON, YUZU AIOLI, FARM GREEN SALAD, PEARS, ALMONDS, GOAT CHEESE, MAPLE VINAIGRETTE and definitely indulge in the POTATO-SPINACH “GRATIN”, FALAFEL, MUSHROOMS, BEANS, and SQUASH, SWEET CORN PUREE
Sartre // Try their decadent Pumpkin Soup – Ohio Valley Granola, their Crispy Chicken Breast – Butternut Squash Graitin / Basil Honey / Pepita and finally their Butternut Squash Beignets –with Caramelized Onion / Dried Herbs.
Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey// Try their OREGON TRAIL (VG, GF) Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Kale, Carrot, Scallion, Poblano, Bulgolgi Glaze, their COOPER & LEVY (V) Summer Squash, Sweet Corn, Fresno Peppers, Tomato, Onion, Carrot, Corn Gravy, and don’t forget those side bites below.
SUNDRIES
Campfire Greens(GF), Smoked Cheddar Grits (GF), Cinnamon Apples (V,GF), Maple-Glazed Pork Belly
The Golden Lamb dates back to 1815 and has played host to some very well known guests including Charles Dickens. As well as having a significant place in Cincinnati history, the inn is also one of the cities most haunted locations in the state.
It is believed that there are several ghosts haunting The Golden Lamb including the spirit of Sarah Stubbs who is said to haunt the fourth floor. Sarah lived here with her uncle who managed the inn which could be why she has remained there.
Enjoy the restaurant by trying their Famous Sauerkraut Balls // a secret blend of spices, pork & beef roasted with savory kraut with traditional cocktail & house mustard for dippin’ // Order their Golden Lamb Roast Turkey Dinner brined and slow roasted turkey breast, sage sausage & apple dressing, seasonal vegetables, cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes with two-day turkey gravy // Also, try their Hickory Roasted Prime Rib* GF crushed red potatoes with leeks, bacon, aged white cheddar, seasonal vegetables, cabernet jus liè
Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel // Orchids at Palm Court
The Lady in Green is without a doubt the most famous ghost of the Netherlands Plaza hotel, so why not take your chances and dine with her. She is said to still haunt the halls of the Hilton Netherland Plaza to this day. It is said that she was the wife of one of the hotel’s labourers back in 1930. Her husband was killed during the construction of the hotel a year later. His body was never found and it is said that his wife continues to search for his body even in the afterlife. Construction workers who helped in the hotel’s renovation in 1983 have reported seeing her on the Mezzanine level and the Hall of Mirrors.
Orchids at Palm Court // Try the Stuffed Squash Blossom with Mozzarella, White Anchovy, Pickled Green Tomatoes and Harissa // As well as the Blue Cheese Beignets with Pomegranate Poached Pears, Petite Greens, Almonds and Spiced Honey. For your entree try the Roasted Veal Loin // Soy-Ginger Glaze, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Foie Gras, Garlic Scapes and Veal Jus or the Châteaubriand for Two // Potato Mousseline, Portobello Mushrooms, Asparagus and Duet of Sauces.
For less expensive eats, but still scarily good bites still within the haunted hotel, check out the THE BAR AT PALM COURT // Order the The NP to drink, a Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon, Lemon, Ginger, Angostura, Orange Bitters and Sparkling Wine. Then order the “Nashville Hot” Chicken // Spiced Aioli, with B&B Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, and Fries. Also dive into the French Onion Soup // with Gruyère and Croutons. Dessert? Get deadly with the Chocolate Decadence Torte Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries.
INSPIRED BY THE MYSTERIOUS HOTEL IN STEPHEN KING’S ‘THE SHINING’, Overlook Lodge is definitely a spot for devilishly good date night drinks. Make sure to try the REDRUM RETURNS // cruzan dark rum, strawberry clove puree, citrus, soda, cranberry bitters, and JACK’S GRIN // vodka, fig thyme orange simple, lemon, cava.
Also try the Twins Shots- FULL MOON // peach moonshine, green tea.
2. Pick Pumpkins at McGlasson FARM //
What is more romantic than carving pumpkins together, running around a farm on a crisp day, and just experiencing the changing of the seasons. Apples, pumpkins, and tomatoes are abundant on this farm, and will help you make hauntingly good recipes as well. This farm is where I source most of my goods for the upcoming cookbook as an extension of the blog. McGlasson Farms is located in Hebron, Kentucky along the Ohio river, and is about thirty minutes from downtown Cincinnati,Ohio.
3. Spring Grove Cemetery // Autumn Color Walking Tour
I adore going to this cemetery so if you are like me join the Spring Grove Horticulture Staff as they highlight the very best in Autumn Color in the arboretum on this walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes. The tour will begin just inside the main entrance off Spring Grove Avenue.
Reservations are required and space is limited.
4. If you’re looking for a super scary date, you’ll definitely want to visit the Dent Schoolhouse, which has been rated Cincinnati’s scariest haunted house. Explore the schoolhouse and walk amidst the roaming spirits of the children that were taken by the janitor that mysteriously disappeared in the 1950s. Open Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 5.
Other local haunts to check out:
- USS Nightmare – Now through Nov. 5 in Newport, KY
- Sandyland Acres – Fridays & Saturdays through Oct. 29 in Petersburg, KY
- Haunted Duck Tours – Fridays & Saturdays Oct. 2 through Nov 2 in Newport, KY
- American Legacy Haunted Tours – Now through Oct. 31st in Downtown Cincinnati, Covington & Newport, KY
5. Fall Festivals?
- Kentucky Wool Festival on Oct. 7th through Oct. 9th in Falmouth, KY. This festival is not just about wool and sheep, but about the celebration of the fall season — over 100 arts/crafts vendors, live bluegrass music, sheep shearing demos, local farm products, historical/pioneer village reenactments and loads of food vendors.
- The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival would make a perfect date for craft-lovers and foodies alike. There will be over 450 vendors offering handcrafted items and a wide range of specialty foods. The festival is being held on Oct. 8th & 9th.
- Don’t miss the Date Night Cincinnati Fall Fest at Burger Farm on Oct. 20th. For an amazing adult-only night that will include craft brews and wine, lite bites from local restaurants, a romantic hayride, music, games and more!
- The annual Fall Food Festival at Findlay Market is happening from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, October 16th. Enjoy seasonal foods, craft beer, live music, fall crafts, a pie baking contest and more!
- Looking for a classic pumpkin festival? Minges & Weber Family Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 15th & 16th is a must! There will be pumpkins of course, over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, old-fashioned games and contests, live music and entertainment and food booths to explore.
- Renaissance Festival The air is filled with the scents and smells of the foods of the Renaissance period. Feast like Royalty on juicy, giant roasted turkey legs, fresh baked bread bowls overflowing with soups and stews, fish ‘n chips, steak-on-a-stake, succulent roasted corn on the cob, Bourbon chicken, and a wide variety of fine ales and wines. There’s something for everyone’s taste buds!
- Check out Franklin’s Fall Fest on Oct. 21st & 22nd! Live entertainment, the Great 4th Street Pumpkin Roll, rides, food, crafts, games, contests and more!
- Visit Neltner’s Farm in Melbourne, KY, for an old-fashioned, family-friendly fall festival!
- Green Hills Harvest Fest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15th. This fun-filled festival includes a 5K race at 8:30 am, live music, food, games, crafts, art and a ton of pumpkins!
6. MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN & DINNER
Join the LM&M Railroad for an exciting evening of mystery and mayhem! Take a one hour train ride where the mystery will begin to unfold as you travel through Southwest, Ohio. Suspicious characters will travel with you laying the clues to the mystery.
After the train ride, passengers will continue on to the Historic Golden Lamb for a delicious buffet dinner and cash bar. Mayhem will continue after dinner as the mystery is solved and the murderer is revealed.
The mystery begins at the LM&M Railroad. The train departs at 6:00. Boarding begins at 5:45.
7. Queen City Murderinos: Murder Ball
By popular demand for the fans of the podcast “MY FAVORITE MURDER” ….. we are hosting the ultimate murderino meetup for Halloween! Part masquerade/costume party and part hometown murder live show! Liberty Exhibition Hall was Cincinnati’s first vaudeville theatre and is rumored to be haunted!
Dress to impress (whatever that means for you, you know we are all weirdos here) as we will be giving awards for best dressed and for best hometown story.
Rules for hometowns (you know them, fans. Say it with me):
You cannot be so drunk that you don’t remember your story. You must have an ending. Make it local. Everyone who doesn’t get picked will hate you.
There is a cash/credit bar at the venue, but Cash preferred for speed of service!
Pre-Show live music. Dancing to follow. The best time to follow!
Purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-murdernios-murder-ball-tickets-50541735692
8. The Mohicans Treehouses
Rent a treehouse! Bring out the tarot cards ( or I know I will, when staying here) Choose from one of these amazing abodes hidden in the trees and really get WITCHY! The Mohicans is a family owned and run business that believes in protecting and respecting the environment, supporting sustainability values and integrating those values into activities as business owners. Sustainable design concepts were incorporated in the new properties (all excluding the Mohican 15 Guest Cabin) including passive solar, radiant heat, on-demand hot water, reused and repurposed materials (windows, doors, barn beams, siding and cabinets), local materials (wood milled on-site) and labor (most laborers lived no more than 8 miles away), and recyclable materials (long lasting metal roofs and wooden structures).
CHECK OUT THE TREE HOUSES HERE
The “Leave No Trace” land ethic is part of the business plan. The Mohicans also supports local and sustainable food sources and economies when making purchases and is currently working to incorporate a recycling program (a little tricky when the township does not recycle!)
Awareness and education about environmental degradation and sustainable growth are goals of the owners reflected in the decision to not use toxic cleaning supplies and harmful detergents for linens including bleach and industrial solvents (that’s why our towels are not brilliant white but equally sanitized!) and use of environmentally friendly dish soap, toiletries and paper products (or absence of wasteful paper products like paper towels), and compact fluorescent bulbs.
9. Enjoy Broadway in Cincinnati’s take on a childhood classic – Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens Oct. 23!
10. Creatures of the Night Halloween Party // 21c
The haunting season draws near again and 21c Cincinnati invites you to delve deeper into the forest and be whisked away by the Creatures of the Night. They will have Planet Venus spinning in the Main Gallery as C Jacqueline Wood conjures the visual palette of this Secret Garden Redux. Pones, Dancefix by HBDC, and Elevated Aerials will spread dance among the masses while Floyd Johnson of OATW: Ohio Against The World launches a new photo booth concept to memorialize the evening.
Costumes are highly encouraged for entry into a judged costume contest with prizes, including a one night stay at 21c Cincinnati or dinner for two at Metropole. The Spa at 21c will offer the grand prize of a couple’s massage for the best duo costume of the evening. Judges Judith Escariot, Heather Britt from Dancefix, Pam Kravetz and a representative of ACLU of Ohio will determine the winners of what is expected to be a fierce competition. No costume? No problem! The Queen City’s elite makeup professionals will be on hand to help you manifest your inner creature, free of charge.
Metropole will be concocting creepy cocktails and a special Halloween punch as well as offering a cash bar. Plan to dine before the festivities? Reservations are available at Metropole, and can be made by calling 513.578.6660. And while Halloween encourages all to be who they please, they still must be 21 to access to what the secret garden holds.
The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10, which will benefit ACLU of Ohio. Must be 21+ to attend.
ABOUT ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union is a non-partisan group whose purpose is to defend people across the political spectrum, from minority to majority. The overall stance of the ACLU is to protect the Bill of Rights – even if it means defending an organization whose mission they do not personally stand behind. Founded in 1920, ACLU is the nation’s guardian of liberty and works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The ACLU of Ohio is headquartered at the Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center in Cleveland and also maintains a regional office in Columbus, Ohio.
Music On Repeat //
EMPOWERING WEDNESDAYS // FEATURING Ethan Clifton OF Fashion House Lonercult
Continuing the Empowering Wednesdays series, may I introduce Ethan Clifton, another amazing creative who is more than making waves in the fashion scene in this little big city, Ethan is a local founder and fashion designer for fashion house Lonercult.When I started following Lonercult I knew I had to introduce these brilliant “Grunge Minimalism” street-wear looks to my readers, just brilliantly in time for the Fall and Winter seasons. The creativity in this city is on fire, and Lonercult is definitely in the forefront of designers to watch. I am excited to feature Lonercult this week as another empowering and impactful person to watch in Cincinnati in 2018-2019. Make sure to check the blog (VBintheCITY.com) for more looks from Lonercult this weekend >>>
1.When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer? What or
who inspired you to create the Lonerbrand? Your muses?
I started printing clothing just over two years ago when I moved to Cincinnati, but I
didn’t realize I wanted to pursue it as a career until very recently. I originally studied
graphic design, but left it to pursue fashion about three months ago. I had finally found
something I genuinely enjoyed doing, so why not give it my all? I look up to any
designer that starts from very little or from a non traditional background. Seeing entirely
self made businessmen is what truly inspires me.
2.Tell us a little bit about your background. Where are you originally
from, and how have your experiences in life shaped who you are as a
fashion designer and person today?
I was born in Dallas, TX and moved around a lot. Never really fit in
anywhere. Too punk for the preppy kids, too hip hop for the punk kids. My
style, interests, and attitude always isolated me. My friends and I were all
bullied at a very preppy, conservative, and wealthy high school, which
instead of making me conform, pushed me even further into the sub
cultures I was involved in. I learned to just keep my head down and not
care what people thought about me. If I stay true to myself, I’ll be happy.
That was a turning point for me, and I believe that mentality is reflected in
my work.
3. What was your biggest fear when starting your own line?
I honesty didn’t have any fears. I didn’t expect much to come from the
brand – I had my designs and learned how to print so that I could make
what I wanted to make… the brand was a coping mechanism, not a career
in the beginning. Thankfully, it’s shaping up to be both.
3. What daily routines would you attribute to your success?
Don’t sleep. And, despite what my parents would say, don’t get off your
phone. network. connect. Make mood boards and take pictures of
anything that inspires you.
4. What jobs have you had in the art world?
My first job was as a graphic designer and gaffer for a production
company in Little Rock, AR. I was 15. I then worked for a sister company as their lead designer. Switched to freelance shortly after, screen printing and designing
corporate jobs. Jake Gerth at Frameshop picked me up as a photographer and muralist, and soon rolled me in to a full-time position.
I still print, design, photograph, paint, etc as a freelancer.
5. Who are three of your favorite designers right now?
Virgil Abloh, without a doubt. Jun Takahashi (UNDERCOVER). Matthew
Williams (ALYX).
6. What advice do you have for those wanting to pursue fashion
design?
Don’t.
7. Are there any types of clothing that you avoid wearing?
Chaco’s, Vinyard Vines, Ohio pride shirts, sports branded merchandise…. I
also do my best to avoid color. I’m too selective, even though I wear old
tees and ripped up jeans every day.
8. What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
I’d like to get a few more major events under my belt – I’ve done one
runway show at Columbia plaza, Working on a conceptual installation at
Dick Waller’s Art Space, a concert / runway at the Mockbee, And I’m
driving to Detroit with a photographer and models for a shoot. Hoping for
a few more pop up shops here and there. Maybe get my website back up
and running.
9. Why do you feel it is important for the youth and young
professionals of the world to be involved in the world of fashion
design and the arts?
These old guys running things won’t be around for long. Why should
people who don’t understand us dictate what is “cool” for us to wear? WE
are the influencers and the trend-setters. We just need a platform. The Arts
are a perfect way to make a change.
10. What is your personal signature style?
“Grunge Minimalism”. I try to combine all influences and art styles that
impact me into my work – brutalism, minimalism, grunge,
deconstructivism, rap culture, punk culture, graffiti… contradicting
elements from totally different parts of the world combining in an ungodly
Frankenstein’s monster of an art style (it wasn’t popular in my art school).
11. What do you love about the fashion scene in Cincinnati, Ohio in
2018?
Frankly? Not much. There is a prominent DIY culture that I do greatly
appreciate, but Cincinnati is still very conservative. Old School. It isn’t
exactly a fashion hub, although there are some really innovative brands
popping up. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Cincinnati, for
sure.
12.What are your Favorites from this past week?
Restaurant: Always Drunken Bento.
Shop: Madison-USA
Read: 032C’s Summer edition
Music: the new Nothing album, “Dance on the Blacktop” Also still
listening to Dylan Brady’s “Dog Show EP” in the studio.
13.Where do you see yourself and Lonerbrand in 5 years?
I hope to have my own storefront selling streetwear, high end fashion, my own brand,
and interesting accessories / home goods. A studio space in an artist collective type
location would be sick as well.
14 Being an fashion designer can often be portrayed as being glamorous.
However, when just starting your business on your own, creating your designs,
trying to make sales, trying to contact potential new clients/partnerships, etc –
how did you motivate yourself during this time?
It’s rough, for sure. I got lucky, though, because this is my form of therapy – I make
my designs because I enjoy making them. What truly motivates me is the knowledge
that if I push hard enough, this could be my livelihood… I could potentially support
myself solely off of doing what I love to do, which is obviously the end goal. The only
thing holding me back is not pushing hard enough.
15. What’s it like running your own business? Describe your typical day.
I wake up, check my email first thing. During the day I am very inspired by my work
environment, the music I listen to, and the accounts I follow on instagram, so ideas are
always forming in the back of my mind no matter what I’m doing. The goal is to get
at least one event a month and one photoshoot every few weeks, so I’m typically
planing that in a group chat. On my off days, I hit thrift shops and boutiques looking
for items to repurpose for the brand. During lunch, I’m usually on my computer
editing photos, mocking up designs, or building on to my website (which is launching
soon). About once a week I will meet some friends at the hookah bar to talk and plan
business, and just to decompress. I work in the studio every night until at least two or
three in the morning because I’m an insomniac. Then the cycle restarts.
Follow Lonercult on Instagram >>> CLICK HERE
Recipe Roundup // Weeknight Vegan + Vegetarian Eats
CREAMY LEEK & MUSHROOM PIE (VEGAN)
Easy Peanut Noodles
Pumpkin and Vegetable Gyoza
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili
Tofu Banh Mi
VEGAN ENCHILADAS SKILLET
Pumpkin Vegan Cream Cheese Taquitos 
Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi
Vegan pasta carbonara
Vegan Caprese Panini
BURRITO STUFFED PEPPERS (VEGAN + GF)
Red Curry Mac and Cheese
Best Damn Veggie Burgers (Vegan & Grillable)
SWEET POTATO & KALE CHILI
EASY VEGAN SAMOSA PIE
Russian-Style Quinoa Salad With Winter Vegetables
Veggie Pot Pie 
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Quinoa & Kale Quesadillas
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Many Ways
Sweet Corn & Arugula Panzanella
SOCCA PIZZA (VEGAN + GF)
AVOCADO EGG ROLLS WITH SWEET CHILI SAUCE
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (vegan!)
Herb Garden Zucchini Pizza
