Many restaurants can call themselves “gastropubs”, but if you want to go to a true gastropub, then look no further than BrewRiver Gastropub in downtown Cincinnati.

Open for over three years, this craft beer-centric, made-from-scratch cuisine eatery provides not just the pub atmosphere, but also allows the customer to enjoy a relaxed environment while savoring their house-made food and drinks. Located on Riverside Drive, just a mile and half from downtown, BrewRiver is a destination not to be missed; by being just a small way from the main crowds, patrons can park in their private lot and get right to enjoying the river view, live music and delicious food without having to fight traffic while searching for a parking spot. When the weather is good, you can enjoy your drinks and snacks on the patio, and if you are looking for a place to hold a private event, there is a private upper deck patio perfect for any occasion.

BrewRiver Gastropub is a New Orleans-influenced pub; their head chef worked for Emeril Lagasse for 6 years, in New Orleans and Atlanta, and he brings that experience to the menus he creates every day. There are 23 craft beers available, and almost every menu item features beer in the recipe: even dessert. Not sure which beer or fine wine to enjoy with your meal? BrewRiver is proud to offer wine and beer pairings for each item they serve.

On Sundays, come to BrewRiver to enjoy their New Orleans Sunday Brunch, with traditional items such as Eggs Benedict, Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Bardoux. If you like bacon, you’ll be glad to know they make all their bacon in-house, and infuse it into their own take on the classic Beignet. And if you like Bloody Mary’s, they serve theirs with spicy pickled veggies and that special house-made bacon! During brunch, you’ll be entertained and entranced by local blues musician Todd Hepburn. Also on Sundays, on the first and third nights of the month, Cheryl Renee & Shorty take the floor and will delight you with their blues renditions.

Got a burger craving? Tuesdays are $2 off all burgers, and you might find that Runaway Duet, a local band that plays a diverse set of popular music and old rock is in house.

On Wednesdays you can enjoy the crooning of Old Green Eyes and BBG, styling the Great American Playbook, as well as Wine Wednesday, where all bottles of wine are 50% off. Thursdays, in season, you can enjoy an old-fashioned crawfish boil along with the music of Lagniappe (French for “a little something extra”), a Cajun band that plays gypsy jazz.

BrewRiver Gastropub is proud to announce that starting February 2, they will be open all day, Tuesday through Sunday (they are closed on Mondays). Happy Hour during the week has been extended to 3pm-6pm and remains 3pm-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. This is a foodie destination not to be missed!

There’s nothing like fresh bread…or fresh pastries…or fresh cakes. Are your taste buds watering for something yeasty and delicious? Look no further than Breadsmith, located on Michigan Avenue in Hyde Park.

Breadsmith only uses the finest natural ingredients for all their artisan breads and sweets. From their daily selections like French Baguette, Ciabatta and Sour Dough to their specialties like Cinnamon Buns, Dessert Breads and Scones, everything is made from scratch in their 5-ton European hearth stone oven. In addition to their daily offerings, Breadsmith has daily, weekly and monthly specials for your enjoyment. You can also call in your order for pick up – what a great way to be stocked up on fresh bread and treats for the week!

In the month of February, Breadsmith’s special feature will be King Cake, just in time for Mardi Gras. To see the rest of the calendar, just go to www.breadsmith.com/cincinnati and click on the calendar link. Many goodies are in store, so get your bread knife ready!

Breadsmith is open Tuesdays through Sundays; drop by for a fresh loaf of bread, a tasty coffee cake or the daily special now.

If you’ve ever been out to Northside, you know that there’s just one place to go for tasty, authentic Tex-Mex cuisine: Django Western Taco. But did you know that your favorite taco place is gearing up for a new menu? That’s right, just in time for the New Year. Joshua Campbell, owner and chef of Django Western Taco, is working hard on creating a new, innovative menu that combines both traditional and non-traditional items for your dining pleasure.

Located on Hamilton Avenue in Northside, Django Western Taco is convenient to both Downtown Cincinnati and Clifton, and boasts one of the only outdoor dining patios in that area. With seating for 60 inside, Django welcomes reservations and offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-7. Their innovative bar program is run by Lance Bowman, one of the top bartenders in Cincinnati; with specials on beer, wine and cocktails, Bowman is all about providing his customers with the best, most interesting drinks possible.

Django Western Taco is focused on creating a fun, approachable menu with local ingredients. In fact, they source their non-GMO corn tortillas from Tortilleria Garcia, the only tortilla-production company available in this region. They are famous for their Queso Chorizo, which was featured on Foodnetwork.com, and like to say that they can do “anything with a taco.” In addition to serving lunch and dinner, Django Western Taco has recently opened on Sundays for Brunch from 11 am – 3 pm ….already a hit, serving signature dishes and festive drinks.

Joshua Campbell has been in the restaurant biz for 18 years, and has previously owned several restaurants. With his new menu, he’s looking forward to exciting your taste buds. “I want to make you want to come back and have more.” Simple words for yummy food. Hit Northside and check out the new menu soon at Django Western Taco. Also, go to www.djangonorthside.com for hours, menus, and daily specials. Simply delicious. Django Western Taco.

Cincinnati has a wonderful selection of places to go, things to see and fun activities to do. But sometimes you just want to get out of town for the weekend and try something different. Columbus, Ohio is but an hour and a half away and one of the newest hot spots to hit there is Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph.

Located in the heart of the Short North—Columbus’s arts and entertainment district—Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph is steps away from unique shopping, endless dining options, and the contagious energy of High Street. Relax and rejuvenate in one of their 135 artfully-designed guest rooms and suites that have been designed to captivate all senses or take advantage of the hotel’s private spa suites, which are idyllic settings for refreshing mind, body, and spirit with pampering spa treatments. When you get hungry, your curiosities and palates will be stimulated by refined cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients at The Guild House, their signature farm-to-table restaurant.

Guests can start their day with the hotel’s Signature Breakfast, and enjoy traditional café classics enlivened with a modern twist. Along with complementary Eye Openers (fun drinks with a “destination” flair,” , these distinctive offerings awaken the senses with an infusion of local flavors. Le Méridien Hub, their innovative hotel lobby concept, is a coffeehouse-style gathering place for creative minds. Enjoy an illy espresso crafted by a Master Barista, or indulge in an éclair while discovering a playlist curated by French bossa nova band “Nouvelle Vague.”

Le Méridien’s Unlock Art™ program is the most unique feature of the hotel. Your keycard unlocks more than just doors; they have partnerships that provide access to leading contemporary culture centers in every destination they are in. This offers a special opportunity to see art and culture in the Le Méridien location you are in, with just the swipe of a card. In Columbus, that means access to the Pizzuti Collection, presented by a nonprofit organization showing temporary exhibitions of contemporary art from the collection of Ron and Ann Pizzuti.

After a day of exploration and excitement, join other guests in the evening for Le Méridien Sparkling, a cocktail ceremony inspired by the traditional European aperitif hour.

While Cincinnati is certainly THE place to be, there’s nothing wrong with a little out-of-town adventure. Head north to Columbus and experience Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph.

It’s the New Year…time for those resolutions to begin! Most New Year’s resolutions have to do with your health and wellness….get fit and get trim! Kurtzman Plastic Surgery is here to help you reach your goal….a better body for 2016. The summer will be upon us before you know it.   Get your body “bathing suit- ready” with Lawrence Kurtzman, MD, FACS….voted “Top Doc 2015” once again by Cincinnati Magazine!

This boutique plastic surgery practice offers all the procedures that can help you put your best face (and legs, midsection or bustline!) forward for the New Year and in to summer. Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience…. he provides top-notch care in a comfortable, private, positive environment. As a solo practitioner, Dr. Kurtzman is available to his patients 24/7. He offers personalized, attentive care to each and every patient. Procedures are performed either in his office or in a surgery center, which is far more pleasant and personal than a hospital….much smoother and quicker in and out for patients also.

New for 2016, Dr. Kurtzman is now offering KYBELLA…….GET RID OF THAT DOUBLE CHIN!

When seeking a plastic surgeon, it’s important to find a physician who is qualified to perform the procedure you are interested in. When it comes to treatments for the face…..like Botox, Juvederm, and Sculptra, Dr. Kurtzman is a national trainer, so you can be sure you have the most up-to-date and safest procedure possible.

What might you want to indulge in? A brow lift, liposuction, laser hair removal? These services, and many others, are available at Kurtzman Plastic Surgery.   This is THE perfect time of year to consider a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or a facelift – you’ll look toned, tight, and totally ready to hit the pool this summer.   Dr. Kurtzman also specializes in pectoral, bicep, buttock, and calf implants for men….look more muscular and defined when you bare it at the beach!

Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman, board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery….it does make a difference….never settle….www.kurtzmanplasticsurgery.com

Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery invites you to attend the anniversary exhibition, “CLOUD NINE”, on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 6 to 9 pm. This exhibit celebrates the gallery’s ninth year on Main St. in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. The exhibition will run until March 11, 2016.

 

Join us at Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery, experience the original art and meet the featured artists. Art Beyond Boundaries will exhibit a variety of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other media by talented, local and regional artists. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission is free.

 

Art Beyond Boundaries provides a professional, mainstream fine arts exhibition venue for artists with disabilities, located at 1410 Main Street in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. With your support, we can continue providing a gallery, workshops, programs, and services for our artists and people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.artbeyondboundaries.com, “friend” or “follow” the gallery on FaceBook and Twitter, and/or contact the gallery.