Cactus Pear is Cincinnati’s premier Southwestern Bistro, offering the best food with the most exciting flavors, from both sides of the border, since 1992. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients, and strive to prepare menu items in ways that just can’t be found anywhere else.

Cactus Pear offers standard items like tacos, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas and burritos….and creative, tasty selections not found at other southwestern restaurants….wraps and burgers, noodle dishes and seafood offerings. There are some unexpected sandwiches, too, like the spicy shrimp po boy, the Tex Mett and the Aztec Tofu. For a little something different, try the beef enchiladas served on blue corn tortillas, and if you are a fan of kale they’ve got a delicious kale and mushroom enchilada that will delight your taste buds. The chefs are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions or recreate a meal vegetarian or vegan, so don’t be afraid to ask.

There are plenty of small plates and salads to enjoy, as well as lighter fare, like quesadillas and soups. Plus, you can end your meal with some flan, key lime pie or the fried ice cream sundae!

Cactus Pear is located in Clifton, and is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Weekly happy hours include Margarita Mondays (a Key Magazine personal favorite!), Brewsday Tuesdays ($3 draft beers!), Wine Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, and reservations are available. Drop by Cactus Pear for a southwestern dining experience like no other.

Generally at the Western & Southern Tennis Open, you expect the food to be fun, to be tasty, but not necessarily to be fine-dining. But this year, Palomino Restaurant and Bar, located in Downtown Cincinnati, had their first appearance at the Open – and it was a Grand Slam.

Nelson Castillo, General Manager of Palomino, said the decision to participate at the Western & Southern Open was definitely the right one. “There was a huge impact, bringing fine-dining to the Open” said Castillo, who greeted many new visitors as they entered the tent at the ATP. During the week they were at the Open, reservations went up at the downtown restaurant, and more interest in the restaurant was expressed by so many. He saw lots of repeat customers throughout the week at the ATP…coming back again and again for the tasty offerings.

Palomino served up their Chop Chop Salad, Rigatoni Bolognese, Tiramisu, and the biggest hit of the week, Beef and Salmon Sliders. They sold over 750 dozen sliders, and the popularity spiked interest and sales, many ordering the full-size versions at the restaurant. Marketing of the restaurant in Key Magazine Cincinnati, radio, and at the Western & Southern Open really gave them a leg up.

“We will definitely be back at the ATP next year,” said Nelson Castillo…. “It was fantastic!”.

Jose 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.

Ever feel the craving for an honest-to-goodness, New York-style deli sandwich but figure, hey, I’m in Cincinnati so it’s not going to happen? Well, surprise – you’re wrong! You can get that true NY deli taste right here in town, at Rascals’ NY Deli.

Rascals’ has it all: delicious rye bread, premium deli meats, lox and whitefish, matzo ball soup, and of course, Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda. They were inspired by the great delis around the country, from the Carnegie Deli in New York to Corky and Lenny’s in Cleveland. The vast menu features all the classic deli sandwiches you know and love, as well as burgers, blintzes, soups, salads, fish, bagels…if you want it, they’ve got it!

Looking for the best Reuben in town? Rascals’ has it! They were voted “Best Reuben” by Cincinnati Magazine. They also were voted “Best Brunch”. Rascals’ serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and are proud to offer up their killer breakfast sandwich every day, featuring 2 fried eggs, a potato latke, American cheese, Russian dressing and strawberry jelly on a bun. What a way to start the day! They also have some seriously delicious brisket, traditional chopped liver and for those wanting to go outside the deli box, lamb, brisket or chicken gyros. Don’t forget to order a piece of homemade kugel (noodle pudding) or a knish!

Rascals’ has a terrific catering menu, a Shabbos carry-out menu (kosher-style), shiva menus and you can also purchase their deli meats by the pound. What a great way to get your deli fix satisfied any time of the day or night. Stop by Rascals’ NY Deli, one mile north of Kenwood in Downtown Blue Ash. Once you’ve had that Reuben, you’ll never order one anywhere else again.