by Brad Keeton » Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:10 am
I posted this in the main section, but thought a re-post here would be appropriate.
We took a little weekend trip to Cincy last weekend, so I thought I'd update this thread.
Boca: By far the highlight of the trip, and one of the better meals I've had in some time. The Hamachi Crudo and Mediterranean Loup de Mer were outstanding.
Metropole at 21C Cincinnati: Michael Paley's new home after departing Proof to open Metropole. I had some concerns that Metropole would just be Proof Cincinnati, but was pleasantly surprised. The food and decor is quite different, in a good way. We enjoyed all of our meal, but the Burnt Carrot Salad is sort of their signature dish, and it lived up to the hype. Breakfast was also solid.
As an aside, we stayed at 21C Cincinnati, and enjoyed it a lot. I think 21C has done a great job of not making it a mirror image of 21C Louisville, while incorporating some positive trademarks. In warmer weather, hit the rooftop cocktail terrace.
Senate: We popped in for a late lunch. This place is the real deal, with some really crazy but excellent hot dogs. I had the the special Dennis Rodman (hot smoked mett topped with spicy beer cheese, bourbon BBQ sauce, duck fat fries and chicharrónes). The lobster mac and cheese was also solid, and reminded me a bit of the late Avalon's version. It's in the hip Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and gets very crowded, so expect to wait. We arrived around 2:00 and got the last available seats.
"I don't eat vegans. They're too bony."
-Alton Brown