As a child in the '90's, Over-The-Rhine was a place in my mind that we drove through but did not stop. It was a rather rundown, crime-ridden section of town abandoned by most of the public. As we all know, OTR has been through a major overhaul in the last few years and is slowly drawing in patrons from all over the area. In recent years, the restoration of OTR's beautiful Italianate architecture and the establishment of new businesses and eateries has breathed new life into the area. This once abandoned piece of our city's history is being revived piece by piece. Its once faded facades now bloom with color as trees and lamp posts line the streets. And while the revival of this area is hotly debated, I can't help but be amazed at the phenomenal restaurant scene. So, discussions of gentrification and politics aside, let's talk about one of the highly successful eateries on Vine Street: Senate.
As written in the book, Senate: Street and Savory (2014), the owners of Senate took quite a risk when they opened on Vine Street in 2010. With the help of 3CDC and other key players, the couple was able to open what would become one of OTR's most popular spots (Wright 162).
Five years after their opening, Senate is absolutely thriving. Each time I've visited, the place is absolutely packed with a diverse crowd of happy diners. Whether you're at a table or at the bar, I guarantee you'll be sharing some elbow space with your neighbor. This cozy environment works brilliantly for Senate. The inviting decor and friendly staff helps to balance an otherwise chaotic atmosphere. I'm not really a big "meat lover" so to speak, and before Senate I couldn't remember the last time I ate a hot dog. So, on my first visit I chose Mussels Charmoula. The saffron, tomato and herbs are divine. Plus, to soak up all that savory sauce you get toast that is equal parts crispy and soft.
On my next visit, I finally mustered up the courage to give the hot dog a shot. I chose the Croque Madame because there is nothing I love more than béchamel. With an egg and black forest ham, it evoked the flavors of eggs benedict. Senate's hot dogs are locally sourced and specially made by Avril-Bleh & Sons Meat Market (Wright, 73). The rubbery, bland hot dogs from my childhood (my brother's birthday meal was always macaroni and hot dogs...) do not deserve to share a name with Senate's flavorful creations.
My dining pal got the Hello Kitty which features wasabi mayo, ponzu-wasabi slaw, and bacon. Also pictured below are the Truffle Fries. I adore anything with truffle, so these were a special treat.
If you want to know more about Senate, go buy the book! It is filled with beautiful photographs by Anthony Tahlier and awesome recipes from the chefs. It's an essential book for all Cincinnati food lovers. It is a great resource for anyone who is curious about the history of Over-The-Rhine dining. There are still so many beautiful spaces just waiting for someone to come along and give them new life. Senate is more than just a great place to eat. It is a reminder to us all to see Cincinnati through the lens of its potential rather than its shortcomings.
-EK
REFERENCES: Wright, Daniel. Senate: Street and Savory. City Stories, LLC: 2014. Print.
