Dining

Akash India has new carry out containers. They look like the kind that Chinese restaurants use for hot & sour soup.

I couldn't be happier. The old containers would weaken if the food was too hot. The plastic would buckle or melt entirely and you'd have a hot mess of curry on your hands (literally).

I recommend the Mater Paneer, level 4.

I just spoke w/Jen at the Fountain Square Chipotle. They are opening Friday, December 5th at 11AM and they will NOT HAVE WEEKEND HOURS. She said they will be open for "special events" but doesn't know when those will be yet.

It's Just Crepes could also be named It's Just Cheese b/c the one I had yesterday was 90% cheese and about 5% crepe. Located on Court Street next to Avril's, it was toasty warm inside during the lunch rush. Not much available seating but most people got theirs to go in the traditional French street cart fashion. I can't wait to go back for one of their dessert versions.

Last night Andy's Mediterranean Grille was as busy as I've ever seen it for the opening of their newly remodeled patio. The area has been enclosed for all-season use and adds a significant amount of seating to the restaurant. The new room has a charmingly rustic appearance that works with the existing structure.

Now is a good time to visit as they are offering specials every weeknight, 1/2 price Mondays, $50 for 2 on Tuesdays, etc.

Mixx on Main Street has been open for a month or so and I dropped in last week with some friends for their half-price happy hour sushi. Even though it took a little longer than anticipated, it was worth the wait.

It's nice to have another great choice for dining in the neighborhood. Happy Hour is from 4-7. Call your order in if you're getting takeout.

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week is September 2nd-7th. Independent restaurants will feature 3- course dinner menus for $28.08. Click here for a list of participants.

How fun is Chalk? Very. The menu is kitschy with entrees like, Cow #1 & Cow #2.

Lavomatic Brunch is the perfect way to start your Sunday. I highly recommend the shrimp & grits. Don't be put off by the mention of porkbelly in the description. It's subtle. The omlette du jour was great today. And the special, pulled pork on griddle cakes smelled amazing.

The staff goes out of their way to be accommodating bringing extra ice for tea and extra baguette for toast. It was easy to get a table the past two weekends. I'm hoping this becomes a habit.

Ko Sho is moving to Northside. They're buying the building across from Melt that used to house Madison's Grocery. The move is scheduled for June.

Can't wait to see Funny Games at Esquire. It seems odd that a remake would be almost exactly the same as the original made just a few years ago (1997).

UC Students and Clifton area residents should be very pleased that Taza Coffeehouse has opened up in Corryville in the former location of Buzz. The Skinny:

TAZA is a new not-for-profit coffee house opening in the Uptown area. We will be located at 2900 Jefferson Avenue in the former Buzz coffee house building. TAZA will strive to be a home away from home andoperate around three principles: Coffee, Community, and Creativity.

Yes, it’s the holiday season and yes, you have 900,000 things to do but it’s worth it to add this one to your list: Have dinner at Palomino on Saturday night. Make reservations to sit by the window around 6:00PM. Then you can see the skaters on Fountain Square and the fireworks from the rooftop reflected in the 5/3 Tower windows. Very romantic.

I really like Christian Moerlein's OTR Ale, but last night I tipped a couple of their new Fifth & Vine Oktoberfest Marzen and I may have a new favorite. I don't know how different this was from Moerlein's prior Oktoberfest Marzen, but I would love to have this all year round. I look forward to repeated sampling this beer, and will stock in my fridge if I see it in stores.

Get your taste of it today and tomorrow at the Moerlein OTR Ale Haus at Findlay Market Square. The Ale Haus is open until 9PM on Saturday and 5PM on Sunday.

Check out the new blog Cincinnati Restaurant Blog for a take on the local dining scene.

Add another new Downtown restaurant into the mix in the BackStage/Fountain Square areas.

Nada, from the owners of Boca in Oakley, are planning to open by Christmas.

Nada will fill the spot on the corner of Walnut and 6th Streets in the location of Bella's which closed because of reported corporate problems.

Is this the new Universal Grille too stuffy? One blogger says yes.

I’ve never been to Silverton before, but it has such a cute, small town feel. Italianette Pizzeria has been there for years and is located right next to a walk up ice cream shop. The pizza is gooey with cheese so get extra napkins. Caveat: Montgomery Road up from Downtown = potholes, potholes, potholes.

Join a Few hundred thousand of your neighbors for a taste Cincinnati's resturants and a great variety of local music.

Join a Few hundred thousand of your neighbors for a taste Cincinnati's resturants and a great variety of local music.