Asian Food Fest, presented by Kroger and produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber in partnership with the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati is set to happen at a new and expanded site, Saturday, May 11, noon-10 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, noon-8 p.m., on Freedom Way, between Elm and Walnut Streets, at the Banks. Fans of Asian Food Fest will enjoy a mouthwatering tour of Asian foods, in the form of small plates, priced from $2–$6. The event is free and open to the public.

Additionally, “Secret Menu” items will again be available at Asian Food Fest. The term “secret menu” comes from a frequent practice at many Asian restaurants in America. These establishments often have a secret menu available only upon request. The menu features more traditional and authentic Asian dishes.

“As Cincinnati’s Asian food scene continues to expand, Asian Food Fest is evolving and staying ahead of pace,” said Bao Nguyen of the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati. “This is our ninth production of Asian Food Fest, and we’re proud to have created a new and continuously growing Cincinnati tradition.”

Other vendors and the SkyStar observation wheel will also operate throughout Asian Food Fest weekend. SkyStar provides unique views of downtown Cincinnati, Covington, the Ohio River and the Roebling Suspension Bridge. It features more than one million LED lights. Each of the 36 gondolas is enclosed, climate controlled and can hold up to six passengers. Skystar offers a private experience and riders are not paired with strangers. The SkyStar experience consists of four revolutions and lasts approximately 12 minutes.

Asian Food Fest celebrates the culture, cuisine, entertainment and drinks of Asian communities including Cambodia, China, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Learn more at www.asianfoodfest.org.

Husband and wife team, hospitality veterans, and lifelong Northern Kentuckians, Matt Haws (Co-Founder of Grandview Tavern & Grille) and Kathleen Haws are proud to announce the opening of Ripple Wine Bar. Passionate about creating experiences, Matt and Kathleen believe their establishment fills a much-needed gap in Covington’s growing landscape of entertainment and dining options.

Ripple is a laid-back wine bar featuring a rotating list of curated vintages and a seasonal small-plate menu. The kitchen is under the directions of Chef Will Smith, a Covington native. The bar, which is just around the corner from Madison Avenue, will also serve local brews and spirits. Their goal is to create a neighborhood gathering place that promotes wine’s approachability through education and tasting. 

“We invested in a temperature-controlled cruvinet system to allow our guests the ability to taste more wine without ever compromising its quality.” Says Matt. “With our cruvinet, we are able host more than 40 wines in house and offer each of them as a half glass pour, full glass, half bottle or full bottle.” Kathleen adds.  

 Matt and Kathleen hope Ripple encourages more people to enjoy life, share experiences, and appreciate the beauty of wine. The name of the bar is inspired by one their favorite songs (not one of their favorite beverages). As the poet, Robert Hunter, writes, “reach out your hand if your cup be empty. If your cup is full may it be again.” 

The Ripple Team worked with Orleans Development on the renovation of the nearly 100-year old space at 4 West Pike Street, and sought to incorporate much of the original architectural elements. 

Ripple Wine Bar is open from 4 – 11 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 4 PM until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, with availability for private events on Sundays. They will accept reservations for their second-floor seating area as well as private events.

Visit  www.ripplewinebar.com 

 

The Turf Club is a classic American burger joint with the coolest vibe and surroundings…..neon signs, cartoon characters from the 70’s and 80’s, music playing, beer and drinks flowing, a whole lot of laid back fun!  Formerly known as Terry’s Turf Club, the name was changed under new ownership by Tom Kunkemoeller and his brother Mark as of January, 2019. They’ve kept all that was awesome, and have even added a few things, including new happy hour specials!

In the restaurant industry his whole life, Tom Kunkemoeller left his position as the general manager of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse of more than 20 years in order to save this little gem. Kunkemoeller is excited for the new opportunity, and talks about some of the upcoming changes to The Turf Club: “Some of the outside neon had to go, but there are plans to add some exciting new stuff.” The Turf Club is where you’ll find Tom, always there making sure all is running smoothly, greeting customers, new and old.  

Located in Linwood right off Columbia Parkway, The Turf Club is known for its neon signs, uplifting atmosphere, and – most of all – the incredible stacked burgers!  Boasting a wide selection of speciality toppings and sauces, the burger possibilities are endless. Not to stop there, The Turf Club also serves a variety of seafood, grilled chicken sandwiches and veggie options, along with lots of appetizers and a fully stocked bar to wash it all down. 

In December of last year, Terry’s Turf Club announced its closing. Kunkemoeller couldn’t bear to see such a unique restaurant’s legacy simply end – he called the next day, and within a couple days, negotiations for the sale of Terry’s Turf Club were in the works. Within a few weeks an agreement was reached, and Kunkemoeller was to be the new owner of the rebranded restaurant…The Turf Club.  Tom wants everyone to know that “We are still up and running; It’s the same place as it was before, just with a new name and a new owner.” 

Don’t forget to check out Chicken on the Run – located in Deer Park – also owned by the Kunkemoeller brothers!  You’ll find Mark there….at this down home spot with a great menu, awesome food, and a festive bar.  Think chicken, sandwiches, amazing salads and appetizers…so many options! 

 Two of your new favorites in Cincinnati….run by two awesome guys who happen to be brothers.  Enjoy!

 

Save the Date: Early Ticketing Now Available!

Thanks to all our Fur Ball 2019 sponsors and our Presenting Sponsor, IAMS™ for helping to make SPCA Cincinnati’s 17th Annual Fur Ball, Paws on Broadway possible! Join us on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Sharonville Convention Center for a wonderful evening filled with fine dining and live entertainment. More than 650 guests will partake in extravagant live and silent auctions to benefit animal welfare.

New to 2019 Fur Ball! Get your ticket for a drawing to win a trip to a lavish Italian resort, Monteverdi in Tuscany, Italy. Buy now, ONLY 350 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!

Questions about Fur Ball or the Monteverdi Tuscany Resort Drawing? Please contact Trent Owens at towens@spcacincinnati.org or phone 513-489-7392.

Since its founding in 1873, SPCA Cincinnati has saved countless animals as the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Just last year alone, more than 7,000 animals were placed in adoptable homes and nearly 1,000 were reunited with their owners. Thousands of animals are entrusted to us. Food, shelter, and medical care is essential. We take pride in our roles as animal advocates.That pride is a partnership with individuals, companies, and organizations throughout Cincinnati – all of them animal champions.

Woodhouse Kitchen + Bar is one of those unique places; boasting fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients, the Eastern European/ New American inspired menu is bursting with unique flavors. Whether it be homemade pierogies, specialty beetroot salads, eccentric cocktails, or a classic cheeseburger, Woodhouse delivers flattering tastes, all the while paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Recently celebrating its first year of business, Woodhouse is seeing tremendous success. Located in Mason, OH, at the King’s Mill road exit off I-71, Woodhouse’s general manager, Amber Phillips, describes it as….”Traditional – we want to bring old flavors back, but give them a new spin.” Yury Pivor, the owner, has plenty of experience running restaurants, with Woodhouse being his most recent startup. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Matthew Schroeder’s menu is designed to accentuate the flavors of the locally sourced ingredients, and their seasonal menu reflects this dedication.

More than a restaurant, Woodhouse Kitchen + Bar has several indoor and outdoor private and semi-private event spaces where they host events, ranging from birthdays, graduations, and weddings rehearsals. With a technologically-equipped private dining room, they host luncheons, company meetings, and rehearsals, as well as offering catering services.

Woodhouse offers live jazz and bluegrass music on the weekends, a wonderful addition to a casual – yet classy – dining experience. Phillips emphasizes the importance of the atmosphere, and takes extra precautions to make sure all the customers have the best possible dining experience; It’s about making Woodhouse Kitchen + Bar as “approachable as possible, and bringing family and friends to the restaurant…a destination spot.”

One of my favorite parts of being a travel consultant is getting the opportunity to help my clients plan one of their “bucket list” trips. I get a huge adrenaline rush when Greece is the destination of choice! There are countless ways to experience this beautiful country, however I highly recommend choosing three to four areas and immersing yourself for at least 2-3 nights in each spot so that you can explore on your own and experience the local culture.  My top picks for Greece are Athens, Santorini & Mykonos.

Athens is rich in history and a wonderful starting point for your trip. I recommend planning at least two days here and selecting one of my partner hotels that offer rooftop dining and incredible views of the Acropolis.  For the mythology fans out there, a day trip to Delphi is a must see as you soak up this UNESCO World Heritage Site and all it’s fascinating tales.

If you want to dance the night away and soak up some beautiful beaches as well as charming countryside, a great next stop would be the island of Mykonos. You can reach Mykonos by high speed ferry or a short flight. So many charming accommodations to choose from in Mykonos Town or along the beachfront as well. There are countless nearby islands you can explore by joining a boat tour or renting a private yacht for a day of snorkeling and relaxation.

And of course a trip to Greece is not complete without a visit to the dreamy island of Santorini. One of my favorite properties for honeymooners (which is listed in the picture above) is built into the caldera and offers private pools, sunset views and simply stunning accommodations. Make sure to plan at least six months in advance as these unique spots are the first to sell out. With hiking trails, customized wine tours and sunset catamaran cruises, Santorini is always a huge hit.

Are you ready to make your dream trip a reality? Text or call us at Travel Happy Agency, 513-275-8086 7 days a week.

Debbie Boyd – Lead Travel Consultant in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Website: Travelyhappyagency.com Email: Debbie@travelhappyagency.com