Up on the roof…at Top of the Park, the Downtown Marriott Resident Inn

September 9, 2015 By

topper-Topofpark

One of the hottest – and in fact, the coolest – spots in Downtown Cincinnati is the Top of the Park, a roof-top bar at the Downtown Marriott Residence Inn. So much more than just your regular, run-of-the-mill gathering place, the Top of the Park offers up the best views of the city on two different levels, either of which is available for private functions.

With nearly 360-degree views of the Ohio River, Mount Adams, Lytle Park and of course, downtown Cincinnati, this happening spot is the ideal place to gather with friends relax, enjoy a drink and revel in the spectacular view; in the summer, you can even see Fireworks Fridays at the Great American Ball Park right from your seat!

Hand-crafted cocktails and a full wine and beer list await you, and appetizers and small plates are available; the Top of the Park chef likes to stay current with the latest food trends, so you’re bound to find many delicious nibbles to pair perfectly with your choice of libation. Only one level is usually rented out at a time, so even if there’s a private event you are sure to find a seat to relax after a busy day or hectic weekend. And if the Cincinnati weather doesn’t cooperate…well, they’ve got plenty of great inside space to accommodate the crowd.

Top of the Park can be rented out for everything from weddings, rehearsal dinners and holiday parties to corporate events and awards ceremonies. Come and see them Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 5pm-11pm and Sundays 1pm-8pm. Be sure to check on-line first at www.topoftheparkcincinnati.com to see which levels are open and then come down, have a drink while drinking in the best views of Cincinnati!

Filed Under: Hot Spot Of The Month

Cover Story: Western & Southern Open

July 31, 2015 By

Tennis

In Cincinnati, we don’t worry about the dog days of August. Why? Because we have the TENNIS days of August, and around here, the Western & Southern Open is what makes the summer.

Held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, OH, the 2015 Western & Southern Open will be in play from August 15th-23rd. The Open features the best men and women tennis players in the world – all top forty players who are at the top of their game. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray are this year’s top 3 in the Men’s ATP; Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova and Simona Halep are the top three in the Women’s WTA. Maria Sharapova fans don’t despair-she’s number 4 and will be playing as well.

As great as it is to come out and watch the tennis matches, not everyone is a die-hard tennis nut, and at the Western & Southern Open, that’s just fine by them. There are a ton of things to do if you aren’t interested in watching tennis! Food, shopping, music, themed bars…there’s so much to choose from you won’t have time to catch a match anyway.

The food arena features 14 great restaurants. Cincinnati favorites like LaRosa’s, Skyline Chili and Montgomery Inn will be there, as well as Tony’s, Taste of Belgium, Fusian Sushi and new this year, Palomino. For dessert, Graeter’s is on hand, of course. Once you’re filled up, you can enjoy fabulous music on the main stage, featuring 30 regional bands playing everything from classic hits to bluegrass. As something different, evenings will feature a DJ in the food arena that will play a special blend of music to truly enhance your experience at the Open.

The 20,000 square-foot retail plaza will have a wide variety of boutiques, and the keystone of the area is the Midwest Sports air-conditioned tent. This tent will hold the largest tennis in the world with equipment, apparel and accessories – and if you are looking to dress like the pros do, be sure to stop by, because the exact outfits the Open players are wearing will be available for purchase!

All that eating, shopping and toe-tapping is sure to make you thirsty, so be sure to stop by the many themed beverage areas the Open hosts. You can enjoy non alcoholic selections like soda, hand-squeezed lemonade or smoothies or hit one of the “destination bars” that are all around the Open.   The Michelob Ultra Legends Bar is your best seat in the house for listening to music while enjoying a cold brew. The el Arco Tequila Margarita Bar is a new addition to the Open, and will be the perfect place to grab an Arco Ace Margarita. More of a wine drinker? The Robert Mondavi Private Selection Wine Garden will offer the very best from the vineyards of Robert Mondavi surrounded by award-winning landscaping by LaMond Design. Each night at 5:30 a celebrity chef will be giving a demonstration in the Wine Garden.

Grab some shade and relax in the Emirates Lounge; you can try a little Belvadere Vodka and cool off while chatting with friends or watching the matches. And for a little style, stop by the Moet Champagne Bar: toast the players while treating yourself to the luxurious taste of Moet, the official Champagne of the Western & Southern Open.

New at the Open this year is area-wide FREE high speed Wi-Fi, covering all 20 acres. There is also an App available to follow the event: WSOpen Now. Get it now at the App store and start planning your Open experience!

Filed Under: Cover Story

Restaurant of the Month: Mita’s

July 31, 2015 By

Mitas artJose Salazar, chef and restaurateur, is opening his latest venture, Mita’s, in August. Located at 501 Race Street (5th and Race) in the Dunnhumby building, Mita’s will feature a Spanish and Latin American menu.

Decorated to evoke the feeling of South American and Latin culture, Mita’s will serve both classic and contemporary cuisine, such as tapas, ceviche, main entrees, salads, cheeses and cured meats, all created by Chef Salazar in his indomitable style. Salazar’s love of fresh, seasonal ingredients with local flavor are sure to be highlighted in this new menu. There will be a full bar, highlighting Spanish, Portuguese and South American wines – no Italian Reds or California Whites here! 30 seats will be available to enjoy at the bar, and there will be 100 seats in the dining area. Mita’s will open for dinner service to start.

“Mita” is what Salazar calls his Columbian grandmother, and this new restaurant is inspired by his relationship with her. Salazar’s wife, Ann, is opening the restaurant alongside him. Keep an eye out for the grand opening of Mita’s, a sure delight for the downtown dining scene.

Filed Under: Restaurant Of The Month

Destination of the Month: Mainstrasse Village

July 31, 2015 By

Mainstrasse art

Restaurants…shopping…dining…entertainment. Everything you could want to do or see can be found in Mainstrasse Village, Northern Kentucky’s eclectic home of Oktoberfest and Maifest. Right across the river from downtown Cincinnati you will find a wonderland of things to do, to eat and to enjoy – just minutes away!

Mainstrasse Village is filled with history, created from buildings from the late 1800’s and featuring the Carroll Chimes Clocktower and the Goose Girl Fountain. The Clocktower tells the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin and the Fountain was created based on the Grimm’s Fairy Tale about a goose girl; there used to be a lot of goose farmers in the Covington, KY area, so the fountain hints to that history as well. Printable walking tours are available, with guides available on their website at www.mainstrassevillage.org.

Several special events are coming up at The Mainstrasse Village. The Classic Car Show will be held on August 2nd, featuring over 200 classic cars. From August 6th-9th, Mainstrasse Village will be holding the World’s Largest Yard Sale, with almost 100 vendors tempting you with unique items you likely won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth Sunday of the month, you can enjoy the Mainstrasse Village Bazaar, featuring everything from antiques to art. This antique and vintage display will also highlight recycled and repurposed items transformed into art.

Hungry? Try Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar, Dee Felice Cafe or Wertheim’s restaurant. Feel the urge to shop? There are candy stores, gift shops, magic stores and import businesses, to name a few. Need a way to blow off steam? There are pubs, bars, taverns and clubs a’plenty! Combine history, fun and culture and you’ve got Mainstrasse Village, and a must-see when visiting Cincinnati.

Filed Under: Entertainment

Business of the Month: Eddie Lane’s EDB Diamond Showroom

July 31, 2015 By

EDB art

For many generations, Eddie Lane’s EDB Diamond Showroom has been providing Cincinnati with the highest quality and best selection of diamonds and gold from their convenient Montgomery Road location. Eddie Lane himself travels the world over to find the perfect diamonds and gold to offer in his store, and at prices that are as attractive as the gems on display.

Eddie Lane’s EDB Diamond Showroom carries more bridal jewelry than anyone else in town, and is happy to custom design any piece for you, not just for your wedding needs but for any jewelry desire you have. Rings, necklaces, bracelets…Eddie Lane’s has the inventory and talent to create the perfect accessory for you or a precious loved one. Their diamonds are certified and Cindy Lange, daughter of Eddie Lane and Vice President, says “we can outsell anyone.” She is proud of the great relationships they’ve maintained with their vendors and diamond dealers and it has allowed them to offer the best prices in town – no one can sell for less. Recently named “Best Fine Jeweler” in Cincinnati by their consumers, Eddie Lane’s is there to guide you through your purchase, from how to select the right diamond or gold to design and finished product.

Now is the time to drop by the showroom and see what amazing diamonds and gold await you at Eddie Lane’s EDB Diamond Showroom.

Filed Under: Business Of The Month

Indulgence of the Month: Sweet Petit Desserts

July 31, 2015 By

Sweet Petit“I’ll have just a bite.” That’s something we all say at dessert time, when faced with a big slab of cake or a giant sundae. But with Sweet Petit Desserts, you can have the whole treat, because it already is just a bite!

Taren Kinnebrew traded corporate America for baking, using her business skills and talent as a third-generation baker to bring Sweet Petit Desserts to fruition. Opened in December of 2013, Sweet Petit Desserts specializes in yummy bite-size desserts; everything from cake pops and cookies to brownies, key lime pie, cheesecake and macarons are available for your indulgent pleasure. They are known for their red velvet cake, moist and delicious with buttercream icing – sized just right for you to enjoy one sweet nibble…or maybe just two. Summer flavors like strawberry and lemon are featured in treats such as lemon bars and chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate is always on the menu.

Sweet Petit Desserts can create a customized dessert bar for your special occasion, including weddings, birthday parties and showers. Or, just come in and get a sweet treat for yourself – why wait for a special event when the scrumptious delights are waiting there for you right now?

Located in Over-the-Rhine on Race Street, Sweet Petit Desserts is open Tuesday through Saturday. Indulge yourself with a little sweet treat and make an ordinary day extraordinary!

Filed Under: Indulgence of the Month
« Previous Page
Next Page »