The Girl and The Breakfast Sandwich: A love story

I'll never forget the first time I ate a breakfast sandwich. I was 21.

Wait, what? Yeah. I know. Somehow I had managed to get through most of college without that most essential cure for a rough morning: a breakfast sammy. It wasn't that I didn't like eggs.. or was lactose intolerant.. or in some diet war with carbohydrates...I just didn't think I liked them. Now that, my friends, is a whole separate issue. How is it that we go through life judging foods without experiencing them? It makes no sense, and yet I still find myself claiming not to like foods that I've never actually eaten. It's just ridiculous. Let's move on. 

Back to the story. My gang of college girlfriends and I stumbled out of our Spring Break hotel room and into the lively streets of Key West. Dodging the catcalls of still drunk frat boys, we made our way to a small cafe, somehow resisting the sweet aroma of doughnuts next door. One-by-one, my friends sidled up to the counter and placed their identical orders of egg and cheese on a bagel. I'm still not sure if it was sheer curiosity or some perceived peer pressure, but when it came down to me, I ordered the same.  When our matching breakfasts finally arrived, I hesitantly took a bite, fully expecting it to bite me back. But somehow, I was hooked. It was so simple — a plain slice of american cheese melted on a carbohydrate of your choice, topped with an egg. What's not to love? 

Since then, my love for the breakfast sandwich has only grown stronger. These days I go one of two ways to get my fix: I'll make a simple sandwich at home, or head to Cheapside Cafe for a more decadent version. Either way, it's a perfect way to treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast on the weekends. 

Cheapside Cafe

I hate to play favorites, but Cheapside has my heart.

I often go on Sundays for lunch and, depending on my mood, I either indulge in a breakfast sandwich or order a granny smith salad. I'm always torn, but never disappointed. That salad is delightful. It's a towering mound of leafy greens tossed with crisp green apple, golden raisins, pecans and a creamy cider vinaigrette. Throw in a cup of their perfectly tangy, rich tomato soup, and you're in business. However, there are those days when a salad just won't cut it. On those days, the breakfast sandwich at Cheapside is the perfect indulgence. Just the other day I was there with some friends and they both ordered breakfast sandwiches. The inner health nut in me was about ready to order a salad, but when it was my turn at the counter I said, "I'll take the breakfast sandwich, please". Is it peer pressure? Is it a hangover? Is it just the draw of hot cheese yet again? We may never know. But here's what I do know, the breakfast sandwich at Cheapside is heavenly. It has pimento cheese (whoah), bacon, and a fried egg served between two slices of buttery, toasty, seedy multigrain bread. It is not your average "egg and cheese". 

The Cheapside Breakfast Sandwich.. just look at that egg.. 

At Home

I like to keep it simple.

It's a homemade version of what you might get at the sandwich shop down the street. I feel like most of you will have one of two reactions: "Wow, innovative (sarcastically)" — or — "That needs bacon". But hey, I said I like it simple. Here's what I do:

• Grab a carb — I'm partial to bagels — and toast it. 
• Fry an egg, flip it over and give the yolk a poke so it is semi-runny, semi-hard. 
• Slap a slice of cheese on each side of your freshly toasted carb of choice, put it (cheese-side-up) in a pan on the stove over medium heat and cover it with a lid for 30 seconds or so until it melts.
• Salt and pepper your egg before you close up the sandwich. If you have avocado — I highly recommend a few slices. 
• Sit down with your cup of coffee and smile because you get to enjoy a great breakfast sandwich — and you didn't even have to change out of your PJs. 

My breakfast sandwich. I made some sweet potato on the side because.. well.. sweet potato. 

Ché

Have you ever walked into a place you've never been and instantly felt like you've been there before? It's a funny feeling, but that's how I felt walking into the brand new OTR spot, Ché. There's a sort of comforting familiarity seeping from the plentiful natural wood and dim lighting. Vibrant colored lights hang above the gorgeous wood bar and rustic lanterns highlight the high tops. The back section feels like a pub with its neon beer signs and a Guinness mirror. But, with an exceptional Argentinian chef working wonders in the kitchen, the food is anything but your typical "bar fare". With empanadas, pizza, and plenty of beers on tap, I have no doubt that Ché will become a familiar favorite among the OTR crowd. 

After a day of driving through a snowstorm in northern Michigan, I was elated to see soup on the menu. I've found some butternut squash soups to be overly sweet, but Ché's is perfectly balanced. It's like getting a warm hug, which I so desperately needed after the day I'd had. As I gushed over the soup to Chef Alfio after our meal, he proudly told me that the recipe is his mother's. Of course it is, a recipe that good had to have come from a home kitchen. 

They have a nice selection of classic and modern empanadas to choose from. Traditional selections like carne are mixed in with new twists such as buffalo chicken and shrimp scampi. The empanadas come with three different sauces in little wooden bowls. We tried a few different ones since you can mix and match. My favorite was the jamon y queso because as you may know, I cannot resist hot cheese. 

I know you've all been enjoying this bit of warm weather...but this is Cincinnati. Get real. We'll be buried in snow again soon enough. Spring will come (well, according to that little fur ball in the ground anyway), and before you know it we'll be sipping drinks on the back patio! But until then, head to Ché and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. It'll warm you right up! I promise. 

Until next time, 

EK

*Ché is located in Over-The-Rhine at 1342 Walnut Street. There's typically plenty of street parking on Walnut and it's one block east from the Vine Street restaurant district. For more visit www.checincinnati.com

Got a place you think I need to check out? Don't know where to take your date?

Shoot me an e-mail at cincychronicles@gmail.com and I'll see what I can do :)

Senate: An OTR Original

Vine Street (today) looking South (OTR)

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).

Senate at 12th and Vine St (Senate, OTR)

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.

Mussels Charmoula (Senate, OTR)

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.

Croque Madame Hot Dog (Senate, OTR)

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. 

Hello Kitty Hot Dog (Senate, OTR)

Truffle Fries (Senate, OTR)

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.

A Tavola: Honestly Good Pizza

If you're familiar with the food scene in Over-The-Rhine, I'm sure you've visited A Tavola. It is home to perfect neapolitan pizza, Italian specialties and a great bar. It's somewhere in between a really good pizza place and a contemporary Italian eatery. The modern food and decor lends it that extra boost of chic and yet the atmosphere somehow remains casual and unpretentious. I loved sitting at the bar that faces the kitchen. There's something about watching those pizzas slide in and out of the wood burning oven that is simply mesmerizing.

To get the meal started, they offer a wide variety of meatballs and meatball sliders, antipasti, salad and bruschette. I've had the fried risotto balls and the bacon tapenade bruschette. The fried risotto balls have soft fontina cheese on the inside and are served with their wonderful house tomato sauce for dipping. The bacon tapenade bruschette was wonderfully sweet and savory.

I have to say I'm a minimalist when it comes to Pizza.  Despite all the pasta and gelato I consumed during my time in Italy, the taste of a perfect Pizza Margherita is burned into my taste buds. A bit of tangy tomato sauce beneath perfectly melted buffalo mozzarella and a topping of fresh basil. (Is your mouth watering yet?). While I've tried quite a few pathetic imitations elsewhere, the Margherita at A Tavola is "the real deal".

In fact, everything at A Tavola is "the real deal". It isn't an upscale Italian place nor is it a greasy pizza joint. It is just honestly good Pizza in a comfortable, modern space. So here's to you, A Tavola, for truly setting a new standard for casual Italian dining. -EK

The Sleepy Bee: All About the "Local"

I really love breakfast food. From sweet fluffy pancakes to a scrumptious cheesy omelette, I'll try it all. However, often I find that after all is said and done, that slightly greasy pile of eggs and hash browns made me want to lie on a couch all day insead of fueling my morning. At The Sleepy Bee, things are done a bit differently. They seem to believe (as do I) that indulging in brunch doesn't have to mean abandoning your health-conscious inhibitions at the door. From the decor to the food, The Sleepy Bee is all about locally sourced goods. They are truly "green" from head to toe. With non-GMO meats and dairy, locally sourced produce and even local art, The Sleepy Bee is far more than just a "cute brunch place". The food is stellar, and the service impeccable. I'd describe the staff as "attentive with an extra dose of friendly". Offering fare for both vegans and goetta-lovers alike, there's truly something for everyone at Sleepy Bee. I'm more on the veggie-lover's side so I typically go for "The Avi" omlette featuring avocado, mushroom, spinach, onion, tomato and white cheddar. I'm one of those rare weirdos who doesn't love onions (yes, I know.. I know) but I'm sure they'd add an extra crunch. The avocado is a perfect addition as it balances out the sharpness of the white cheddar with a bit of that sweetness that comes from a perfectly ripe avocado. My favorite side item is the "roasted root vegetables". If you like sweet potatoes, I highly recommend ordering these. They have this amazing toasty, sweet flavor. The "roasted root vegetables" and the "home fries" are paired with a dipping sauce that is so perfect. I would say it's like ketchup, but that just seems wrong because it is SO much better (and better for you!) than ketchup.

My dining companion got the "Buzzy Grilled Cheese". Inside their version of grilled cheese is turkey, fontina and gruyere with a wonderful fig jam for balance.

They have sandwiches, soup and salads for those who might be more interested in lunch. Additionally, they offer smoothies and some wonderful looking baked goods.

A wonderful feature of The Sleepy Bee is that although you may have to wait to be seated, there's always somewhere to sit or stand. If I have to choose whether or not to wait for a table, my decision is often based on how comfortable I will be while I wait. Nobody likes to wait right near the drafty door or the crowded entryway, right? You can have a cup of their bottomless (and delicious) coffee in a mug with the most adorable sleepy bee on it. I mean seriously, look how sleepy he is? I just want to give him a pillow and blankie and read him a story.

There is always a mixed crowd from twenty-somethings and students to parents with small children. As I mentioned before, there is something to please even the most particular of eaters. That's why The Sleepy Bee is my go-to for a simple, honestly good brunch.

-EK

Red Feather: Fine Dining in Oakley

I know I've found a truly good restaurant when I can conjure up the delicious flavor of a dish simply by bringing it to mind. When the food is that memorable, you know you've stumbled upon something exceptional. I had heard such glowing reviews of Red Feather that I just had to see what all the fuss was about. Located in Boca's former home on Madison Road, Red Feather is an upscale dining option not to be overlooked. So often Cincinnatians turn to the swanky hotspots of downtown for an evening of fine dining. However, Red Feather in Oakley reminds us that location isn't everything. Beautifully designed with exposed brick and modern wood finishes, the space is comfortable, yet elegant. We sat at the 'Chef's Table' where we watched the chefs work their magic on the wood-burning oven and grill. Now that the cozy scene has been set, let's add some impressive eats to this picture.

First up were the amazing appetizers. Being the self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast that I am, I insisted we try the whipped ricotta. I could have eaten that fluffy honey and truffle ricotta with a spoon. Instead of a spoon (phew!) it arrived accompanied by crostini that was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The "Pork Belly Steamed Buns" were next. I wasn't quite sure this would be my cup of tea, but how wrong I was! These tender slices of pork belly with cucumber and pickled red onion were served atop a steamed bun with an absolutely remarkable sauce. The steamed buns had a unique, soft texture unlike anything I'd ever had. It melted in my mouth perfectly with the crunch of the onions and cucumber.

With my expectations high after those amazing starters, we entered into the main courses. The scallops featured a pumpkin mashed potato, a brussels sprout slaw with apples and a finish of a "maple bacon gastrique" that instantly threw me into one of those "mouth full, can't talk but this is so amazing" smiles. My mother went for a bowl of the french onion soup which was so flavorful. Even as someone who is not the onion's biggest fan, I agreed it was delicious.

My father opted for the pork chop which he was quite pleased with. Criminini mushrooms and pearled onions were a perfect compliment to this well-portioned cut of meat.

Red Feather is one of those places I left truly impressed with every aspect of the experience. Although it's on the higher end price-wise, it would be a wonderful place for a nice date night or a special occasion. The food and service is outstanding and yet it still has a reassuring, modest atmosphere. I highly recommend heading over to Oakley to experience this piece of Cincinnati's fine dining scene.

-EK

Annabel's: Mt. Lookout's Tiny Treasure

Surrounded by local bars, a famous burger joint and late-night sushi, Annabel's is quite the black sheep. With less than 10 tables, this tiny restaurant is quiet and comforting. The sizable windows in the front room flood the space with natural light. The decor is understated, simple and unpretentious, just the way a family-owned restaurant should be. The Eggs of the House are not to be missed. Hiding underneath two perfectly cooked eggs are delicious black beans and grilled cheesy grits. Though simple in it's ingredients, this dish is extraordinarily satisfying and unique.

This little slice of heaven was the Tart du Jour. It featured a delightful variety of cheeses, fresh basil and a stellar roasted tomato sauce on the side. I could have eaten the entire pan if given the chance.

Let me help you out a bit... If you've woken up and you need a greasy plate of eggs and grits, like RIGHT NOW, this is not the place for you. If you're in one of those "go with the flow" moods and are willing to wait in order to experience a truly unique brunch:   Annabel's should be on your agenda. I promise it will be worth the wait! Enjoy!

-EK