Metromix Dining Guide: Where to Eat Before You Die (in Cincinnati)

So, this article will appear in some form in Metromix’s dining guide. The inspiration? Where to eat before you move out of Cincinnati (or die)– but I didn’t want it to be “Skyline, Montgomery Inn, Graeter’s” but instead, some of my favorite stuff you can find all over Cincinnati– but you only have one day to do it. Look for this (and more) in Metromix’s dining guide which comes out tomorrow (free just about everywhere).

Where to Dine Before You Die (Or move out of Cincinnati, whichever comes first)

Cincinnati is known for three things: Montgomery Inn ribs, Cincinnati chili, and Graeter’s ice cream. A trip here, for my out of town guests, almost always includes a trip to a chili parlor and Graeter’s ice cream, but we often forget the other gems that we have here in the Queen City– our food culture is far more than the foodstuffs we are traditionally associated with. So, if you had just one more day to live, here’s a full day of meals in Cincinnati that you have to try.

Breakfast at Tucker’s on Vine, Over-the-Rhine: An Over-the-Rhine institution for over 60 years, it’s a must-see for locals and visitors alike. It’s an experience– Joe Tucker basting eggs on the grill; his wife Carla plating the dishes as servers take orders. The crowd is as diverse as the neighborhood– on a recent weekend, I saw political candidates campaigning, Franciscan friars catching breakfast after Mass at St. Francis Seraph, college students loading up on carbs after a late night out, and families with young children picking up Joe’s egg-and-biscuit sandwiches. The guests are white and black, young and old, rich, poor and everything in between. Joe and Carla welcome all of them with equal enthusiasm.

Last Breakfast: Shrimp and Grits, Joe’s red flannel hash (seasonal), Carla’s hazelnut french toast (seasonal), deluxe hashbrowns, fresh biscuits. Possibly all of them together, it’s just that good.

Lunch at Wildflower Cafe, Mason: Trek up to Mason for a fantastic, laid back, organic experience. Chef/Owner Todd Hudson and his wife and family run this cozy restaurant that feels like it could be a dining room in the country. Hudson specializes in local, organic and sustainable and his menu is fresh and exciting. Meals include homegrown tomatoes, locally sourced produce and meats, and wines from local vineyards, as well as an extensive beer list. You can enjoy coffee and treats early in the coffee bar, or sit down for a meal with friends in the small dining room. For dinner, reservations are recommended, and in good weather, the outside areas are a great way to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Last lunch: “The World’s Best Burger”, featuring well-seasoned, grain-fed beef, your choice of gourmet cheeses, fresh herbs and a pretzel bun. For a lighter choice, the salad trio (curried chicken, cucumber and hummus) and the soup of the day, which is, like everything else, house-made and delicious.

Dinner at York Street Cafe, Newport, KY. This drugstore turned restaurant is a favorite Newport destination. They feature excellent appetizers, inventive entrees, and homemade desserts in a funky, fun atmosphere. When you’re finished, head upstairs for live music and dancing.

Last dinner: Start off with “dirty hummus” (creamy hummus topped with a barbecue-style sauce, sauteed onions and peppers and cheese), their signature appetizer. Follow it up with a salad, topped with homemade Gorgonzola dressing. If you haven’t had enough gorgonzola yet, grab their Amish chicken, stuffed with bacon, gorgonzola and onions with a hard cider cream sauce. You’ll want to lick your plate (and if it’s your last day, you might as well, right?). Save room for dessert– their homemade desserts are displayed on the bar in the dining room. Try anything– they’re all great.

Snack: A Taste of Belgium, various locations. Cincinnati known for waffles? Jean-Francois Flechet and his waffles have become ubiquitous at Findlay Market, Fountain Square, and at various coffee shops around town. This isn’t your fluffy Belgian waffle– it’s dense, with a crispy outside and soft, sugary inside, made with a special waffle iron. You don’t need maple syrup– it’s sticky and sweet all on its own. I’ve had this style of waffle in New York (where they’re very popular at outdoor festivals), in Paris and in Brussels– A Taste of Belgium’s are the best.

Last snack: A waffle. Or two. Or maybe three…