Cincinnati Magazine - October 2024 Edition by Cincinnati Magazine

Journey throu tiCneeuQehthg y’ s land of sugar-ytre a .st

Oregon for her undergraduate studies, where she earned bachelor of science degree in philosophy. She completed is double board certiﬁed in dermatology and Mohs

Mohs Surgery 101

Have you or a loved one ever had skin cancer on your face? You may have been referred to a Mohs surgeon to have this treated. Mona Dermatology is now offering Mohs surgery, in addition to their existing cosmetic and medical dermatology services.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a type of outpatient skin cancer surgery, named for its founder, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs. This specialized type of surgery allows a Mohs surgeon to completely remove skin cancer cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy skin. Undergoing Mohs surgery is very safe and only uses local anesthesia. Mohs surgery is the most effective way to treat non-melanoma skin cancers with a ﬁveyear cure rate of more than 98%!

How does Mohs surgery work?

Your surgical team will begin by making sure you are comfortable, prepping the area for surgery, and numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Then, the Mohs surgeon will begin by gently removing thin layers of the cancerous tissue. They will examine the layers of tissue under a microscope to conﬁrm that all cancerous cells have been removed. Your surgeon will continue this process until the cancerous lesion has been removed completely and only healthy skin remains. This technique is what makes Mohs surgery beneﬁcial, as it is highly precise and only removes small amounts of tissue at a time. It requires your surgeon

to be highly specialized, as they must act as both a surgeon and pathologist at the same time. Who is a candidate?

The precise technique of Mohs surgery is often recommended for cosmetically important areas, such as the face, ears, nose, ﬁngers or toes. It also may be recommended in certain cases if skin cancer is recurrent, at a high risk for recurrence, aggressive, fast growing, or large, if it has indistinct borders, or if the patient is immunosuppressed.

If you have a suspicious spot that has not yet been diagnosed by your dermatologist, it is best to begin by scheduling a spot check or complete skin exam online at moandermatology.com or by calling the office at 513.984.4800.

If you need skin cancer surgery in the future, consider scheduling an appointment at Mona Dermatology with Dr. Adkins. Our Kenwood-based practice offers an exceptional Mohs surgery experience in a comfortable, convenient setting. If you are interested in learning more about treating your skin cancer with Mohs surgery at Mona Dermatology, call the office at 513.984.4800.

Michael Beattie Division Manager

Bekeh Shields Relationship Manager

Vance Banker Relationship Manager

Amy Murray Relationship Manager

Romina Farler Relationship Manager

Kyle Brown Relationship Manager PRIVATE BANKING GROUP1 (513) 824-6170 (513) 824-6123 This is why clients choose

WEALTH MANAGEMENT & TRUST2

David Mulrooney Regional Manager

Erin Pille, CTFA ® Wealth Advisor

David Brooks Investment Advisor

Jason Hamilton, CFP ® Financial Planning Services Manager

3 4 34

THE SWEET LIFE

There’s always room for dessert when you have an amazing collection of treats to choose from! We scoured the tri-state to ﬁnd our favorite cookies, cakes, candy, brownies, and more.

TENDING TO OHIO’S BUDDING MARIJUANA INDUSTRY P. 48

Nine months after voters approved recreational cannabis sales, dispensary doors ﬁnally opened. But legislators aren’t ﬁnished futzing with the details or trying to redirect tax revenue.

BY CARRIE BLACKMORE

NOT A MOMENT, A MOVEMENT P. 52

West End families and friends rally after the shooting death of 11-yearold Domonic Davis and say, “Enough.”

BY MARY McCARTY

John Byrd, MD & Research Team Clinical Research

World-Class Patient Care

UC Blood Cancer Healing Center Atrium

14 / CONTRIBUTORS

14 / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FRONTLINES

17 / DISPATCH

County prosecutor candidates scaling up community involvement

18 / SPEAK EASY

Destinee Thomas’s call to BLINK artists

18 / POP LIFE

Frankenstein takes the stage

20 / STYLE COUNSEL

Shira Diamond creates period pieces

22 / HOMEGROWN

Manelos Leather features the work of tattoo artists

24 / PROFILES

Local cosplayers take comic expos by storm

26 / DR. KNOW

Your QC questions answered

COLUMNS

30 / LIVING IN CIN

We used to learn election results by cannons and ﬂoodlights

JAY GILBERT

136 / OBSCURA

Spring Grove Cemetery’s eerie, eroding mausoleum

BY CLAIRE LEFTON

DINE

116 / OFF THE MENU

Cincinnati’s new wine bars

120 / HOT PLATE

Truva Turkish Kitchen, Mason

120 / FIELD NOTES

A new LGBTQ+ bourbon event

122 / SNACK TIME

Hummus dips from Chickpea Chicks

123 / DINING OUT GUIDE

Greater Cincinnati restaurants: A selective list

ON THE COVER photograph by ANDREW DOENCH

food styling by BRITTANY DEXTER, EMI VILLAVICENCIO, STEFANIE HADIWIDJAJA

An extra serving of our outstanding dining coverage.

Decoding our civic DNA, from history to politics to personalities.

Tracking what’s new in local real estate, artisans, and storefronts.

Insight and analysis on the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati.

Fall Travel

Explore these 28 museums, gardens, architectural wonders, and heritage sites this fall.

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

Whether you love to walk, run or just need comfortable shoes, we can help! Visit Fleet Feet to find the shoes and gear to support you best. Join our community for fun runs, training groups, events and more. We can’t wait to run with you.

Schools: The Open House Guide

Local schools are working to provide the best education possible. Here’s what schools want parents to know now. Plus, a list of open houses, virtual tours, and other admission events.

Five Star Wealth Managers

Our list of the city’s award-winning wealth managers and investment professionals.

Health Watch

Precision Cancer Care

Local cancer treatment evolves, delivering more options and better outcomes.

As one of the nation’s leading mental health centers, we understand your journey is deeply personal. Bringing together unparalleled expertise, and a people-first approach, we provide life-changing care and support, infusing every interaction with the underlying belief that lasting well-being is possible. We see beyond diagnoses — we see you.

LINDNER CENTER OF HOPE lindnercenterofhope.org 513-536-4673

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Fox

DESIGN DIRECTOR Brittany Dexter

DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

Amanda Boyd Walters

SENIOR EDITOR

Aiesha D. Little

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emma Balcom

DIGITAL EDITOR

Claire Lefton

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Brianna Connock

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jim DeBrosse, Jay Gilbert, Lisa Murtha, Laurie Pike, John Stowell, Linda Vaccariello, Jenny Wohlfarth, J. Kevin Wolfe

IN MEMORIAM Brandon Wuske

EDITORIAL INTERNS Pieper Buckley, Paige Davis, Victoria Donahoe

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Emi Villavicencio

ART DIRECTOR Stef Hadiwidjaja

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORS Carlie Burton, Jessica Dunham

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Sophie Kallis, Matthew Spoleti

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Lance Adkins, Wes Battoclette, Aaron M. Conway, Andrew Doench, Devyn Glista, HATSUE, Chris von Holle, Jeremy Kramer, Ryan Kurtz, Lars Leetaru, Marlene Rounds, Jonny Ruzzo, Dola Sun, Catherine Viox

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR & IT SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Vu Luong

PUBLISHED BY CINCINNATI MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Maggie Wint Goecke, Joe Hoffecker, Julie Poyer

SENIOR MANAGER, SPONSORSHIP SALES

Chris Ohmer

SENIOR OUTSIDE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

Laura Bowling

VICE PRESIDENT OF EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP SALES

Tasha Stapleton

EVENT COORDINATOR

Savannah Walling

BUSINESS

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Missy Beiting

BUSINESS COORDINATOR Erica Birkle

CIRCULATION

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Geralyn Wilson

CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING OFFICES

1818 Race St., Suite 301 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-4300

E-MAIL cmletters@cincinnatimagazine.com WEB cincinnatimagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

1-866-660-6247

E-MAIL Cincinnati_Service@hourmediagroup.com

BEST MAGAZINE IN OHIO

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022 Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards

Photography by Jenny Walters

VVIRGINIA BAKERY WAS STILL OPEN WHEN I MOVED TO CLIFTON 30 YEARS AGO. It was next to Skyline on Ludlow Avenue, a classic little family shop with tile ﬂoors and big glass cases. They sold lots of fresh-baked sweets, though my daughter and I stuck mostly to doughnuts, and we’d sit at the tiny metal table and chairs on a Saturday morning and watch the world pass by the large window.

I wasn’t born or raised in Cincinnati and have no German heritage, so the cookies, cakes, and pastries with unusual names fascinated us. We fell in love with the schnecken after ﬁnally giving it a try, possibly because we enjoyed saying the word over and over, but probably because it was the best pastry ever.

The memory bubbled up as I was reading “The Sweet Life” (page 34). It reminds me yet again how food is inextricably tied to key moments in our lives and how tastes and smells can unlock deep emotions. And it highlights dozens of Cincinnati businesses built around food, often launched with family recipes originating in the home country. You can take a quick trip around the world at area sweet shops focused on Filipino, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and, yes, German fare.

I may not be doing a great job explaining the connections we make with each other through bakeries, neighborhood dives, high-end restaurants, and all of the other food and drink options we have at our ﬁngertips. But Brandon Wuske, our longtime dining critic, always had the right appreciation for the subtleties, complexities, and challenges chefs and foodies face in bringing their creations to life for paying customers. Brandon died in August after a sudden and quick bout with cancer, just 40 years old. This issue we publish his ﬁnal print stories for us, about classy restaurant desserts and new wine bars, and his farewell column at cincinnatimagazine.com. His writing always helped me smell, taste, and feel the good things in life, and we’ll really miss him. Just a reminder that Busken Bakery once again revives the Virginia Bakery schnecken recipe during the holiday season, starting on November 1. I’ll see you there.

JOHN FOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Senior Editor Aiesha D. Little has everything to do with everything food at CM—managing the monthly Dine section and all food-related covers, including “The Sweet Life” (page 34). “I’m a major proponent of dessert before dinner, so this package was right up my alley,” she says, adding that the dreamy Candyland-coded cover photo perfectly brought her idea to fruition. “It’s so fun working with the art team to bring a vision to life.”

Former CM Senior Editor Mary McCarty has frequently written about gun violence and its toll on children, but has rarely encountered a more tragic example than the mass shooting that killed 11-year-old Domonic Davis. “His father, Issac Davis, is the heart and soul of this story,” she says of “Not a Moment, A Movement” (page 52). “In spite of his own crushing grief, he has shared his journey in the hopes of saving other families from a similar tragedy.”

KATE O’HARA

Based in Reno, Nevada, freelance artist Kate O’Hara loves drawing complex compositions of detailed ﬂora and fauna. She’s completed illustrations for book covers, packaging, murals, and now for CM in “Tending to Ohio’s Budding Marijuana Industry” (page 48). “I focused on the intricate structure of the cannabis plant and its colorful leaves and buds, while adding in the gloved hand and dispensary to represent the growth of the marijuana industry,” she says.

MARY McCARTY

AIESHA D. LITTLE

THEIR ANALYSIS FINDS ANSWERS

There is no science without data. But data aren’t very useful without the expertise to understand them—expertise powered by world-class leaders like the faculty/researchers UC College of Medicine Department of Biostatistics, Health Informatics

From predictive models and clinical trials to AI solutions and next generation informatics, these multidisciplinary scientists are making a difference at the intersection of statistics and advanced health care. It’s where numbers meet diagnosis and disease prevention. And it’s right here in Cincinnati.

PHYSICIANS

College of Medicine

Left to right: Rodrigo Deliberato, MD, PhD; Jaroslaw Meller, PhD; Shesh Rai, PhD; and Laurah Turner, PhD, Department of Biostatistics, Health Informatics and Data Sciences

IN THE BALANCE

Hamilton County prosecutor candidates

Melissa Powers and Connie Pillich agree that curbing crime starts with community.

EMMA BALCOM

IT’S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE MELISSA POWERS AND CONNIE

Pillich announced their campaigns for Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney, and in that time the local race has become one of the most critical on the ballot. The prosecutor’s seat is valuable; one of only two countywide elected offices held by the GOP—for 92 years—it holds enormous sway when it comes to public safety and criminal justice.

Running as the incumbent, Republican candidate Powers was tapped in early 2023 to finish the term of Joe Deters when the former prosecutor was appointed to the state Supreme Court. She’s running against Democratic former state Rep. Connie Pillich, once an Air Force captain and public defender who is now CEO of her own law firm. Regardless of party, the victor will be the first woman ever elected to the position.

The two have different ideas for how to lead the office: Pillich intends to “professionalize” it through increased prosecutor training, auditing, and a commitment to ethics and de-politicization; Powers aims to modernize it while maintaining the restructuring and new programs she’s started. There’s one CONTINUED ON P. 18

thing the pair can agree on: Curbing crime starts with playing an active role in the community.

In general, violent crime is already on the downswing. In Cincinnati, incidents decreased 5.8 percent in the ﬁrst half of the year compared to last year, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. The trend is apparent across the nation. “Community involvement and community outreach from this office working with organizations is critical to helping ﬁnd solutions,” says Powers.

During her tenure in the prosecutor’s office, she has spearheaded a number of new community-based programs. These include the Elder Justice Unit, which works to protect seniors, and the Veterans’ Treatment Court, which provides veterans who’ve committed certain felony offenses the opportunity to plead guilty in exchange for admission into a ﬁvephase treatment program. The treatment court has graduated more than 275 veterans, according to Powers’s office.

into custody.”

The signiﬁ cance of community involvement is not lost on Pillich. She’s been attending public meetings to address juvenile crime and putting together a strategy for how to prevent youth from getting involved in violent behavior in the ﬁrst place.

She points to an instance when the Urban League, funded by 3CDC, paid to have supervisors monitor the Government Square bus station following a felonious assault by a group of teenagers. A month later, she says the supervisors had developed bonds with the high school students who waited for their bus there—teenagers she says just need “adults who show up on a regular basis.”

To the polls! Hamilton County residents cast their votes on November 5.

“I’ve been a very strong proponent of any kind of treatment court and diversion to redirect and rehabilitate, says Powers. “We don’t want them to come back in the system. We want them to get on a better path in their life.”

She also maintains a staunch “zerotolerance” policy for violent offenders. “Community involvement is key, but also there has to be accountability,” she says. “We have to protect the child who may be carrying guns by taking them

With that impact in mind, Pillich says she’d like to get federal funding to supervise juvenile-populated areas in 10 different neighborhoods. “There are a lot of kids who have a difﬁcult youth, and left on their own they grow up and it’s very hard for them to come back from that and lead a lawabiding life,” she says. “The prosecutor needs to be aware that all these factors impact what’s going on.”

Pillich says her past experience drives her campaign. Once a victim of a violent assault herself, the episode jumpstarted her passion for criminal justice. “My goal is to make sure we have justice for everyone: the victims, their families, the accused,” she says. “If that means the accused goes to prison, that’s justice.”

FRANKENSTEIN IN THE FLESH

Cincy Shakes gets into the Halloween spirit with David Catlin’s theatrical spin on the iconic Frankenstein, bringing the voice of author Mary Shelley to the stage. Shows start October 11. cincyshakes.com/on-stage/ frankenstein

HELPING CINCINNATI SHINE

After helping lead marketing for BLINK in 2019, Destinee Thomas is now a festival coproducer through her art collective, Cincy Nice. BLINK returns October 17-20, and while her role in the annual event has changed over the years, her mission remains the same: to curate art-centric experiences by and for the people of Cincinnati.

How is Cincy Nice involved in BLINK? We’re a team in the deepest sense of collaboration. We sit around the table together and dream up what this festival will look like each year. We love looking at it through the lens of opportunities for our local artists and how the festival can stay rooted in the community, and then adding a little extra sparkle along the path where we can.

Are you an artist yourself? I think we all have a little artist inside us.

My dad was a 30-plusyear art teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools, so I grew up admiring what he was able to do with art. My background is strategic communications and marketing and telling stories. I just love art, so helping folks tell those stories and get attention for the arts is what I do best.

What should we know about this year’s BLINK? We want everyone to feel like this event is their own. More than 80 artists are pouring their hearts into this event, and they’re so excited to show it to everyone. A lot of times we get asked what the most important thing on the map is, and we usually say to forget the map. Just get here and feel the magic. We encourage you to slow down and meet the artists and each other.

How do you go about ﬁnding local artists? We had almost 1,000 applications for BLINK this year. We try to boost the call to artists and amplify that as far and wide as we can. We had almost triple the number of applicants we had in 2022. An incredible group of nine local artists, art educators, and curators look at every one of those applications with the BLINK team. We’re always excited when people raise their hand and look for a space to experiment. We love using our connections and some of our literal spaces to make whatever people are dreaming up happen.

—PIEPER BUCKLEY

READ A LONGER INTERVIEW WITH DESTINEE AT CINCINNATIMAGAZINE. COM

SPEAK EASY

Shira Diamond

OCCUPATION: Fidelity Investments, Aradani Elf Ears during Ohio Renaissance Fest

STYLE: Historically inspired with a bit of modern flair

You say you’re a “sewist”— do you make your own clothes? I learned how to sew in high school. My mom used to make a lot of our Halloween costumes and would occasionally make some of our clothes too, and I learned a lot of my skills from her. The first piece of clothing I learned how to make was a typical circle skirt. Is it more difficult to sew period pieces than regular clothing? It depends on the pattern. I find that 18th century clothing can be challenging, but a lot of it is very angular-shaped, so it’s like sewing two pieces of fabric together. Do you source vintage items for your style as well? Typically, when I’m not making my clothing, I try to buy either from consignment stores or vintage clothing stores and some antique places. I’m always a bit wary of wearing really old clothing, because as soon as you put that clothing on your body, you’re immediately destroying it—bodies steadily degrade clothing. If I can, I typically prefer to make my clothes. I do love the idea of being able to give clothing a second life, though. Do you dress in historical attire every day? For a while, it was an everyday thing for me. I would say 75 percent at this point is me going out and being historical and the other 25 percent is me being in what I like to refer to as “incognito mode.” It’s always really cool to be out and hear people say, “I love how you’re dressed.” It makes me hopeful that I am inspiring people to explore different areas of fashion. Do you have a favorite item in your closet? Right now, I think my favorite thing is a waistcoat I recently made. It fits really nicely and I love how it ties my outfit together.

—VICTORIA DONAHOE

BETTER LEATHER

MANELOS LEATHER’S BAGS, WITH DESIGNS BY LOCAL ARTISTS, LAST FOR THE LONG HAUL. —PAIGE DAVIS

BBRYCE LANDERS’S CAREER IN LEATHER STARTED at the University of Cincinnati, where— oddly enough—she took classes in woodworking. While she didn’t have the space for her own woodworking studio, she fell in love with the craft and the process of creating with her own hands. That passion led Landers to try working with leather. She began by making wallets and bags, which she gave to friends and family to make sure that they held up over time, then ventured into selling for the first time in 2022. Today, she’s the sole owner of Manelos Leather.

Trial and error has been a notable part of Landers’s creative process—making and remaking products until she ends up with something that feels just right. Customers can see proof of this thoughtful process in Manelos’s intricately stitched cardholders, detailed and wearable hardware, and exquisitely sturdy keychains. “If I’m at -

tempting a new stitch or design, I reach out to other makers in the leather community to get their insight as well,” she says.

Landers offers a wide variety of products in various styles and colors, using different types of leather, such as English Bridle and vegetable tanned. “Each product I try to be extremely intentional about,” says Landers. “For instance, my oversize totes are made from a leather commonly used for car upholstery. Since I knew these were going to be thrown around, I wanted to make sure they’d be easy to clean.” Her expertise in the longevity of her leather comes from personal experience; she’s used the same leather bag—one she made herself—since 2019.

Manelos Leather is also a product of community. One of Landers’s favorite aspects of the business is collaboration. Many wallets and bags seen on the Manelos website have art engraved on their surface, similar to the style of American traditional and linework tattoos. These products are made through partnerships with local tattoo and ﬁne artists, including Jake Hill, Drew Christman, Jamie Morrison, Seth Gerke, Steven Steinway, Stephanie Mather, and Maggie Meiring. “Each artist I partner with has complete creative control, so the designers vary extensively,” says Landers. She also works closely with Alex Marsh, a model based out of Cincinnati, for content creation to advertise her leather.

HARD GOODS

Bryce Landers in her studio.

Manelos leather items, some of which feature linework-tattoo-style images.

P L A Y

Akakioga’s husband 3D printed the spear to assemble in multiple pieces, allowing for ease of travel.

Akakioga handsewed each bead row-byrow, which took nearly 80 hours to complete.

ALL DRESSED UP

Local cosplayers on making their own costumes and representing their community.

—JACLYN YOUHANA GARVER

hen Elk talks about her teenage self, she paints a picture of a shy girl and an award-winning artist. She used to be anxious and wanted to be seen a certain way. “Now I host panels and competitions,” says the woman behind Elk Cosplay. (Both participants are using their cosplay names for this story.)

Elk often attends the Cincinnati Comic Expo, which this year will be October 18–20 at the Sharonville Convention Center. It has

All of the armor is made with EVA foam, helping the costume stay light.

seen its costume contest grow to more than 190 people and is increasing each year, says Matt Bredestege, who’s been involved with the expo since it started in 2010.

Elk’s ﬁrst cosplay event was at the 2017 Cincinnati Comic Expo. There, she dressed as Toph Beifong, a character from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. She purchased Toph’s outﬁt, but she made the wig. “The entire weekend, people were so excited to see it and were wanting my picture

The leather for each drum was shaped using traditional indigenous techniques passed down by Elk’s family.

Elk carves her wigs out of wig foam and seals them with “gallons” of hairspray, then hot-glues the hair into place.

In Elk’s cosplay of Zohakuten from DemonSlayer, the horns are sculpted out of clay and attached directly to the face.

and were talking to me about it.”

Akakioga, of Akakioga Cosplay, struggled to ﬁgure out how long she spends on each costume. Recently, she dressed as Katara, from the live-action version of The Last Airbender. Akakioga handpainted each wave on the neckline, upper arms, and bottom hem of the tunic, which took about 20 hours. She faced a similar time commitment when she decided to cosplay Orisa from Overwatch inspired by the Dora Milaje from Black Panther. She taught herself to hand-stitch the beadwork, two or three beads at a time.

Akakioga ﬁrst got into cosplay as a child. She was always interested in anime and video games, and one birthday, her mother

took her to the Anime Expo in Anaheim. “My 12-year-old brain just exploded. I had no idea this was a thing. I begged my mom to buy me a costume at the convention onsite. ”

Today, Akakioga is a professional cosplayer. Also like Elk, she once hated to have people look at her, but now is happy to be in the spotlight.

“When I started, I could count the number of Black females on one hand who were doing what I was trying to do,” Akakioga says. “It was hard feeling like you weren’t being represented. You felt like you didn’t belong in the space. I love seeing how diverse the community has become versus what it was when I ﬁrst started.”

QCan you supply a coherent and credible summary of the supposedly “haunted” bust of Charles Breuer, the wealthy Cincinnatian buried in Spring Grove Cemetery? I keep ﬁnding conﬂicting versions. It would be nice to get this story straight for Halloween, even though it probably isn’t true. —HAUNTING LIKENESS

DEAR LIKENESS:

“Probably” not true? Extracting anything coherent and credible from a haunted legend is a fool’s errand. By deﬁnition, it is neither coherent nor credible. And in this case, its principal subject was legally declared non-coherent and non-credible.

Dr. Know is Jay Gilbert, radio personality and advertising prankster. Submit your questions about the city’s peculiarities at drknow@cincinnati magazine.com

It took five men to drag Charles C. Breuer to an insane asylum after he had (this list is incomplete) attacked his wife, misplaced $1,000 in cash, been repeatedly found wandering aimlessly, mailed a suicide note to the City Coroner, tried to blow up his own office building, etc. Still, after his death, his family afforded him a stately tombstone at Spring Grove bearing a detailed bust. Its glass eyes supposedly follow you when you walk past. Please. This is as tired a “haunted” concept as one can imagine.

A sidebar story tells of a time when one of Charlie’s eyes popped out and somehow returned itself. Fine. Whatever gets you through Halloween night. The worst horror remains how thoroughly cheap and stale your children’s candy turns out to be when you steal it.

Downtown, at the corner of Seventh and Sycamore, there’s a large apartment building that changes color. How is that even done? I don’t see slats rotating or anything. I guess it’s supposed to be amusing, but I ﬁnd it unsettling. Sometimes I commute a different way just to avoid it.

—COLOR ME CONFUSED

DEAR CONFUSED:

The Doctor must assume you are not old enough to have witnessed the prime years of the disco ball. You therefore failed to develop a tolerance for randomly refracted colors—and perhaps the Village People. It’s also a good guess that you have not yet attended a concert before sundown at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. Otherwise you would have noticed, and been disturbed by, a similar effect.

Both the Brady Center and the Encore Apartments at 716 Sycamore St. display exteriors that have a patented “iridescent PVDF coating” known as Kolorshift. Without going into too much detail (simply defining PVDF would explode our spell-checker), a Kolorshift coating “changes hues with varying angles of light,

dynamically shifting from one color to another as light reaches it.” A brisk walk by or even a passing cloud alters the colors your eyes see. Driving, of course, accelerates the effect.

Knowledge is power, so we hope this information has helped you understand and become more comfortable with your preferred commute route. As for the Village People, you’re on your own.

I was with friends at one of my favorite restaurants, El Coyote in Mt. Washington. When I mentioned a hot date I’d once enjoyed there back in 1975, they said no, it was Crestview Gardens at the time. I went and asked the manager, and he said they’re right. No, they’re not! Settle this for me.

—CRESTFALLEN

DEAR CREST:

This column repeatedly endures requests to settle a blurred-memory argument, which the Doctor usually declines. But he is delighted to make an exception here, since all of you are wrong.

Your 1975 hot date was not at El Coyote, which did not exist until 1982 and has never spent a single day in Mt. Washington: It lies solidly in Anderson Township. However, your friends have also erred in claiming that you were at Crestview Gardens. That venerable eatery dates back to the 1940s and indeed was the last name on the door just prior to El Coyote. But through most of the 1960s and ’70s it suff ered an identity crisis: Skylark, Bon Fire, Country House, Lenhardt’s Chateau Combi, La Chateau D’if, and Silly’s Disco (whose want ads said waitresses “must be attractive”). The Doctor hopes one of those names looks familiar.

On your side, those earlier restaurants often claimed they were in Mt. Washington. Try ﬁnding your ex and getting her version of that hot date, but be ready to hear that you were at Ponderosa.

Cincinnati Magazine Presents

THE GREAT CINCIN BAKE-

Professional and amateur bakers compete throughout the week, and you’re invited to join us as we announce the winners and sample sweet and savory treats from local bakeries and our sponsors in a celebration of baked goodness!

Tuesday, October 8

6–9 p.m.

Cintas Center 1624 Musketeer Dr.

Presenting Sponsors

NATI OFF

A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit

LIVING IN CIN

BY JAY GILBERT

I Election Clusterfest

ELECTION NIGHT USED TO BE BIGGER THAN OKTOBERFEST OR RIVERFEST—UNTIL IT WASN’T.

I WILL NOT WATCH THIS YEAR’S ELECTION RETURNS, AND YOU CAN’T MAKE ME. IT’S NOT THAT I’m terriﬁed of what will happen when 2024’s historic lunacy climaxes. I just don’t follow election night coverage anymore. I hate it. Remove all the shiny graphics and swooshing sound effects, and what do you have? A bunch of game-show hosts staring at an enormous hourglass, analyzing each individual grain of sand as it falls.

No, thanks. I recommend going to bed blissfully ignorant and waking up to actual news, good or bad. If they’re still bickering over the results in the morning, what was the point of crawling through them last night?

Maybe you’d prefer the ways Cincinnati used to report election returns long ago. In 1904, for example, blissfully ignorant sleep was not an option. Voting results were announced by rocket bombs launched from vertically-buried cannons every hour at

six locations around town. Newspapers instructed everyone to run to the window each time they heard the bombs bursting in air so they could see the ﬂaming colors slowly falling: Red indicates that Roosevelt is elected, green that Parker is elected, silver means doubtful but probably Roosevelt, blue means doubtful but probably Parker. Eventually the rockets’ red glare proclaimed that Teddy Roosevelt had been elected president, and that’s why neither you nor I have any idea who Parker was.

Rocket bombs were only one of the ways Cincinnati announced election returns in the days before electronic media. For those of you who will be obsessed with tracking the votes this year and for all you election-night junkies intravenously connected to your screen(s), join me in wading through what life was like for Cincinnatians like you in years past. It wasn’t pretty. Quite often it wasn’t sanitary.

THE BOMBS OF 1904 WERE KIND OF A milestone. For the first time ever, you could stay home and still ﬁnd out who’d won or lost. Before then, people who couldn’t wait for the morning papers— you, let’s say—had to put on a coat and go out into the November night to catch the latest numbers.

Downtown Cincinnati was more than ready for you and your buddies. It was probably more rowdy and chaotic than Oktoberfest had been just a few weeks earlier, because election night ended an excruciating day of a city without saloons: Alcohol sales were illegal during voting hours. Remember, we’re talking about 19th century Cincinnati here. The minute the polls closed, the bars opened, and the parties erupted. Gentlemen, start your livers!

It’s hard to overstate how big a social event election night in America was. It rivaled New Year’s Eve in size and suds, thanks mostly to the impact of the telegraph. The telegraph of the 1890s was as common as the fax machine of the 1990s, but with one major difference: Telegraphs were found only in businesses and institutions, never in homes. Anyone desperate for the latest vote tallies—you, let’s say—had to go someplace that had a ticker. Lucky for you, almost every type of store, restaurant, theater, social club, concert hall, hotel, pharmacy, etc. owned one.

On election night you expected, and welcomed, news interruptions during your concert or play. Venues that normally closed before midnight scheduled extra shows that kept the updates (and drinks) coming. Those who couldn’t afford tick-

those rocket bombs.) We can’t say for sure how much all that pressing of the flesh contributed to the era’s many epidemics, but ask your doctor if old-time Cincinnati was for you.

Go back even further, and election

ets or reservations—you, let’s say—went to an outdoor location, joining crowds in front of large displays beaming the latest rankings. Cincinnati’s major newspapers, including The Enquirer and The Post, treated this night as their Super Bowl, heavily promoting their prowess at getting results fast. (It turns out The Post had invested in

nights regularly spilled into sunrise. Without telegraphs or telephones or cars, Cincinnati got painfully slow results. Official returns from remote rural areas—in 1882, a place like Harrison ﬁt that description— would sometimes not arrive until a farmer ambled into town with his crops. Newspapers desperate for the latest numbers

would bribe workers at the printing plants of competing papers to get their hands on fresh editions before they hit the streets. Then came the 1890s, and all of downtown Cincinnati was wired. As were the parties. And then, suddenly, a revolution overthrew it all. The fi rst sign of the coming disruption happened quietly, barely noticed during 1904’s Night of Big Bombs. Inside the Chamber of Commerce building downtown, the Cincinnati Business Men’s Club held its usual private party. Here were assembled the town’s most esteemed, well-off , and well-connected aristocrats—not you, let’s say—enjoying a fine banquet as they received the voting results. Through countless miles of wire, dots and dashes arrived at the telegraph room on the sixth floor. But this year the telegraph was connected to a radio transmitter provided by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company. The transmitter “broadcasted” the dots and dashes up to the banquet hall on the seventh floor, and

Cincinnatians got their election returns out of thin air for the ﬁ rst time. It happened for only a few dozen people over a short distance, but it was the shot ﬁ red across the bow. Within a few years, most Americans would be getting voting results on their radios at home. The downtown crowds would slowly begin to thin out.

STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS BEfore, but newspapers were slow to acknowledge and adapt to change. In 1913, The Enquirer threw huge dollars into giant searchlights and strobes atop the new Union Central Tower (today’s Fourth and Vine Tower). The lights were easily seen from surrounding hills, with elaborate choreography indicating which candidates were winning: The shaft of light swinging from east to west means Mayor Hunt is winning, from west to east means Judge Spiegel is winning. The light show was really cool at ﬁ rst if you owned a compass, but long after almost every home and car had

a radio, as late as the election of 1930, The Enquirer was still doing this annual stunt. The Great Depression put an end to it.

Now it’s the 1940s, and World War II is raging. Don’t worry. A Cincinnati electionnight junkie like you can still get a ﬁx, but with fewer choices (except for radio stations, which have grown like weeds and have blanket coverage). You can still don your November coat and visit one of the downtown displays. Theaters and concert halls still offer special shows with regular breaks for election news. The Post, desperately trying to catch up with technology in 1944, brags that they’ll send updates to theaters via motorcycles. Wow, motorcycles! Next year they might even use telephones!

And then came television. Everything changed again. And then came the internet. The apple cart keeps ﬂ ipping, with each new thing pushing aside all the old things, and yet the old things somehow keep going. Well, not all of them. Nobody is launching bombs or shining giant

searchlights anymore.

Personally, I kind of wish those old stunts had stuck around longer. Just imagine: A searchlight sweeping east to west means that John Kennedy has won the state of Illinois, putting him ahead of Richard Nixon by 29 electoral votes. A rocket shooting orange ﬂames will mean that Chicago’s Mayor has been caught adding several thousand dead voters to JFK’s Illinois count. That would have been a fun night.

I have never regretted skipping the steady drip-drip of election night coverage. But to be honest, this year I wonder if I’ll have the fortitude to completely ignore everything going on out there. Especially if I start hearing bombs every hour.

What about you? Have you always had election night fever, or have you been immune like me? I realize that I may be too late in asking. You might not read this column until long after it’s all over. And what will “it’s all over” mean in 2024? God Bless America.

There’s always room for dessert when you have an amazing collection of treats to choose from!

Photographs By Andrew Doench Food Styling By Brittany Dexter, Emi Villavicencio, Stefanie Hadiwidjaja

MILK CAKE

International Delight

TURON

HALO-HALO

Sweets from other countries are everywhere you look.

Known as alwar ka mawa, Indian milk cake is a caramelized fudge with milk, sugar, and ghee (clariﬁed butter), topped with nuts. You can ﬁnd it locally at Brij Mohan Sweets & Restaurant (11259 Reading Rd., Sharonville, 513- 769-4549, brijmohancincinnati.com)

—AIESHA D. LITTLE

Watch out: The grainy texture gets crumbly when heated.

This Filipino treat is typically ripened bananas wrapped in spring roll wrapper and fried to a satisfying crisp. Food truck fave Little Chef Medy (little chefmedy.com) serves banana and mango versions smothered in cinnamon sugar with a side of French vanilla glaze and a dollop of whipped cream.

The unofficial national dessert of the Philippines includes ube ice cream, shaved ice, leche ﬂan, black and white sweet beans, and 10 other off-the-wall ingredients. Share this massive dessert with a friend—or two—at Christine’s Casual Dining (3360 Westbourne Dr., Western Hills, 513-574-1273, christ inescasualdining.com).

FO

ALL THECOOKIE MONSTERSINTHEQUEEN

Old Fashioned Gingerbread

While the banana pudding and cheesecake at Makers Bakers Co. are probably the most popular, the gingerbread deserves some love. These crisp, warm cookies with a kick of spice are perfect to munch on a chilly day. They’re available in man and house form, so feel free to decorate and customize an entire cookie village.

• 1801 RACE ST., OVER-THE-RHINE, (513) 807-9748, MAKERSBAKERSCO.COM

Sobacha Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Elaine Uykimpang Bentz’s ability to elevate basic pastries at Cafe Mochiko—including chocolate chip cookies—has put her on the map nationally. The cookie gets its name from the baked-in sobacha, a Japanese buckwheat tea, and giant chunks of fair trade Valrhona milk chocolate. If that wasn’t enough, toasted hazelnuts, Japanese sea salt, and sesame seeds top the dessert for a salty, umami ﬁnish.

• 1524 MADISON RD., EAST WALNUT HILLS, (513) 559-1000, CAFEMOCHIKO.COM

Chocolate

Chip Bomb

Sugar Chef/Owner Andrea Sutton Lee’s signature all-natural chocolate chip cookie is coated in a thick layer of semisweet chocolate chips resulting in the half-pound Bomb that Cincinnati’s sweet tooths know and love. You can even add toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, frosting, or ice cream if

BINGSU

During the Joseon Dynasty, the earliest form of Korean shaved ice was available only to the ruling classes, but these days, places like Milk Jar Café (milkjarcafe.com) serve it to the masses. With toppings such as mochi, cherries, and boba, this icy treat can be as sweet as you like.

BAKLAVA

This ﬂaky pastry of phyllo dough dates back to Mesopotamia’s ancient civilizations but can vary from culture to culture. At Fillo (1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513- 873-1995, ﬁllogreekbake shop.com), it’s spiced with cloves and cinnamon and sprinkled with honey and walnuts.

you so choose. • 6 W. 14TH ST., OVER-THE-RHINE, (513) 884-0787, SUGARCINCINNATI.COM

Turkish Coffee Chocolate Chip

Like everything at Happy Chicks Bakery, these warm, spicy cookies are completely plant based, but you’d never know. The combination of coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, and chocolate chips in the crisp shortbread transports you to a café at an open spice market. They’re also great for dipping into the hot beverage of your choice. • 4035 HAMILTON AVE., NORTHSIDE, (513) 386-7990, HAPPYCHICKSBAKERY.COM

S’mores Cookie

Little Spoon Bakery and Café serves up all kinds of cookies, cupcakes, macarons, and other pastries, but the S’mores cookie is one of the best. The thick and chewy treat takes its equally delicious chocolate chip cookie dough to the campﬁre with marshmallows, squares of Hershey’s chocolate, and pieces of gra-

MANGO CON CHILE

Skewered slices of mango covered in lime juice and sprinkled with chili powder is a Mexican street food favorite. At La Michoacana Y Sus Antojitos (5225 Montgomery Rd., Norwood, 513-432-5051), it’s served in a cup.

ham cracker. It’s a perfect pre-movie snack before heading upstairs to the Newport AMC. • 1 LEVEE WAY, SUITE 2120, NEWPORT, (859) 652-3150, FACEBOOK.COM/ LITTLESPOONNEWPORT

Black Raspberry Chip Stuffed Cookie

Eliza Jane’s BakeShop has a strong portfolio of fun oversized pastries. The black raspberry chip stuffed cookie is like biting into the pastry equivalent of the city’s favorite ice cream ﬂavor. Fruity but not overpowering, tart but not sour, sweet but not sickeningly so, its richness coming from the chocolate chips. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also stuffed with a vanilla cheesecake ﬁlling. 1811 ELM ST., OVER-THERHINE, (513) 823-9423, EJSBAKES.COM

Rugelach

The rugelach at Sweet Butter Bakery are a bubbe’s dream. These traditional Jewish pastries—available in a number of combinations like cinnamon and raisin, almond and apricot, and raspberry and chocolate chip—are like small crescent rolled cookies with a filling inside, from a recipe that pastry chef Erika Hecht got from a family friend. They’re soft, chewy, and have flavor bursting through both the filling and dough thanks to Hecht’s secret—making the dough with half butter and half cream cheese. You can find her pastries at place like Marx Bagels, Reading Farmers’ Market, and Wyoming Community Coffee. • 611 SHEPHERD DR., LOCKLAND, (513) 225-9722, SWEETBUTTERCINCY.COM

Classic Brownies with Buttercream Icing

Samantha’s Sweet Shoppe bakes an elevated take on oldschool brownies, with icings and toppings of your choice. The chocolate buttercream icing, which is applied very generously and will melt right in your mouth, with rainbow sprinkles and/or walnuts on top is a fan favorite combo. Even better, Samantha herself can deliver this chocolate goodness right to your door.

• 10658POTTINGER RD., COLERAIN TWP., (513) 549-7441, SAMANTHASSWEET SHOPPE.SQUARE.SITE

Vegan Snickers Brownie

Layers on layers of vegan goodness. The base is a classic brownie—minus the egg and butter—followed by a peanut caramel layer made with natural crunchy peanut butter. Chocolate ganache with candied peanuts and ﬂaky salt ﬁnishes it off for a richer, less sweet take on a Snickers. An annual favorite of the owner, try this candy bar on steroids at North South Baking Co.

• 39 W. PIKE ST., COVINGTON, (859) 815-8014, NORTH SOUTHBAKING.COM

Weiss Haus Brownie

The recipe for this brownie has been passed down through the Weiss Baking Co. family since 1921 and now has some modern twists. Containing a rich, midnight cocoa and topped with a Callebaut chocolate ganache, the Weiss Haus Brownie is a true classic. If you’re looking to spice it up, the white chocolate and macadamia blondie with butterscotch ganache is one of the owner’s personal favorites.

• 1705 STATE ROUTE 25, GOSHEN, (513) 646-2995, WEISSBAK INGCOMPANY.COM

PEACH-Y KEEN If you look forward to UDF’s peach ice cream every summer, you should try Creamalicious’s Porch Light Peach Cobbler ice cream. The chunks of buttery pie crust mixed into the peach ice cream is an icy southern delight. • Available at Target, Walmart, and Meijer TRY THIS

Fudgy Brownie

While the name implies cakes are its specialty, the fudgy brownie at Cora’s Cakery is the shining star. It has a simple ingredient list (Belgian cocoa powder, brown sugar, egg, cream, and ﬂour), but the result is a chewy, chocolatey brownie that’s big enough to save the other half for later. Other brownie options on rotation include Biscoff and Oreo.

• 1426 RACE ST., OVERTHE-RHINE, (513) 2460173, CORASCAKERY. ORG

Salted Caramel Brownie

Sweet and salty is quite the irresistible combo. Customers of mom-and-pop shop Buckabee Brownies love the salted caramel brownie. Handmade following a family recipe, it’s topped with flaky salt and filled with gooey caramel but isn’t overly sweetened. While the size is small, the flavors are big, and the brownie is filling. Stop by on a Tuesday if you want to try it for yourself (specialty brownies are rotated daily).

• 4756 CORNELL RD., BLUE ASH, (513) 815-6641, BUCKABEE BROWNIES.COM

Lisa’s Brownie

Haute Chocolate owner Lisa Cooper Holmes is the self-proclaimed “chocolate boss," so of course she named a brownie after herself. There are seven ﬂavors of Lisa’s Mini Brownie, but you can’t go wrong with the original. Made with double chocolate chip fudge batter and topped with fudge frosting and semisweet chocolate chips, it’s cakey yet not too rich. They come individually wrapped in a tin and are perfectly portioned but be careful—you might ﬁnd yourself going back for a second.

• 9424 SHELLY LN., MONTGOMERY, (513) 793-9999, HAUTE CHOCOLATE.COM

FROM CARRO T T O RED VELVET, EXPLORE T HE

Y ’S MOST DELICIOUS FLAVORS . GARIN PIRNIA

Carrot Cake

Since 1983, The BonBonerie has provided scrumptious desserts, including its signature opera cream cake, but the carrot cake is worth some hype, too. It’s made with fresh carrots and shellacked with cream cheese-infused frosting. But that’s not all—walnuts cover the sides, and diamond-shaped carrots made from white chocolate ring the top, along with a dusting of cinnamon. The rich cake is somewhat healthy (that vegetable does a lot of heavy lifting!), so indulge all you want. • 2030 MADISON RD., O’BRYONVILLE, (513) 321-3399, BONBONERIE.COM

Roll Cake

Hello Honey—known for interesting ice cream flavors like banana honeycomb, Thai tea, and charcoal sesame—offers a myriad of roll cake options, including a few Asian-inspired ones (co-owner Nitima Nicely has Thai heritage). The spongy rolled cake is similar to a Swiss roll cake, with filling flavors like lychee, black forest, chocolate cream, berry Earl Grey, orange cardamom, and taro pandan layered with cream. Of course, you could enhance the cake with a scoop or two of ice cream. • MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, HELLOHONEYICECREAM.COM

Chocolate Delectable Cake

Mon Petit Choux specializes in French- and European-inspired baked goods, like cream puffs and layered cakes. Owner Angela Grillo says blueberry lavender and lemon raspberry cakes are top sellers, but it’s the chocolate delectable cake you should sample, either by the slice or a whole six-inch tall cake. Made with Belgian Callebaut chocolate, it’s ﬁlled with malted chocolate and chocolate truffle and topped with chocolate ganache icing. Layers mean that every single bite contains chocolate, so it’s impossible not to experience chocolate overload. • 3704 CHEVIOT AVE., SUITE 2, WESTWOOD, (513) 631-8333, MON-PETIT-CHOUX.COM

Pound Cake

At Miley Pooh Sweets, owner/founder Bri’Ana Heard integrates the retro pineapple upside cake into pound cake form. The cake was her late brother D’Mile “Miley Pooh” Cunningham’s favorite dessert, and as a way to feel closer to him, she started baking it. Other ﬂavors like traditional, lemon, and red velvet pound cakes come by the slice, as a 10-inch cake, and as mini pound cakes. (Make sure to order yours with extra glaze.) This month, pumpkin spice pound cake lands on the menu, just in time for autumn. • 32 RIDGEWAY RD., HARTWELL, (513) 400-0050, MILEYPOOHSWEETS.COM

Caramel Apple Crunch Cake

Jillian Monet Adams named Eliza Jane’s BakeShop after her great grandmother, who taught her the love of baking. The shop sells cookies, brownies, and an assortment of cakes such as German Chocolate. Skip to the fall offerings and go for the caramel apple crunch cake. It’s a three-layer spice cake— cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—ﬁlled with apple chunks. The outside gets coated with brown butter buttercream and house-made caramel. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which sits atop of the cake, provides the “crunch.”. • 1811 ELM ST., OVER-THE-RHINE, (513) 823-9423, EJSBAKES.COM

THESE SWEE T S A R E WAY BETTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE CANDY

Triple Chocolate Truffle Cake

This morsel blends all of Ruby’s chocolates (white, milk, and dark) with rich ganache and chocolate cake, striking the perfect balance of textures. Each truffle comes enrobed in the titular triple chocolate blend that holds together beautifully for a silky ﬁnish. • 1725 ELM ST., OVER-THE-RHINE, (513) 8737992, RUBYSCHOCOLATES.COM

Prohibition Milk Chocolate Bar

There’s “chocolate,” and there’s chocolate made with cocoa beans as the ﬁrst ingredient. Maverick Chocolate Co.’s Prohibition bar blends the deep, complex ﬂavors of dark cocoa with smooth milk chocolate textures. Organic cocoa beans, the brand’s claim to fame, set the tone, but Kentucky bourbon gives this treat its soul. Bourbon barrel-smoked sea salt cuts the creamy milk chocolate for a mild contrast, setting up the bourbon to bridge the gap between sweet and salty for a moment of decadence that melts in your mouth. • 129 W. ELDER ST., OVER-THERHINE, (513) 381-0561, MAVERICKCHOCOLATE.COM

Sea Salt Caramels

A true classic, the sea salt caramels from Sunshine Caramel Co. are rare and wonderful examples of old-school candy-making. Made from natural ingredients and individually wrapped in paper twists, they’re so fresh you’ll have to keep them in the fridge. Brown sugar, sweet cream, and salt blend into the ultimate sweet and salty delight for a traditional caramel that’s incredibly soft. It may cling to your dreams, but it won’t stick to your teeth. • 7664 WOOSTER PIKE, PLAINVILLE, (513) 205-0619, SUNSHINECARAMELCO.COM

Haute Delicious Buckeyes

Ohio’s heart is filled with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate, and Haute Chocolate’s take on the local flavor is an award-winning experience. The creamy peanut butter filling shares space with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the sizeable snacks come in white, milk, or dark chocolate. The extra crunch from the miniature chips is a pleasant surprise that emphasizes the rest of the smooth filling. • 9424 SHELLY LN., MONTGOMERY, (513) 793-9999, HAUTE-CHOCOLATE.COM

Pecan Caramel Turtles

With Fawn Candy’s dedication to fresh, quality ingredients, these tasty turtles move fast. It’s hard to outshine old-fashioned caramel, but the rich, buttery pecans’ warm sweetness carries through. The milk and dark chocolate shells make each piece a creamy bite of bliss for classic candy fans. • 4271 HARRISON AVE., CHEVIOT, (513) 574-9612, FAWNCANDY.COM

Peppermint Candy Canes

Spun and hooked by hand, Doscher Candy Co.’s candy canes come with a 150year pedigree. This antique process produces peppermint candy with an airy and brittle texture, which makes it easier to chew. Cane sugar and real peppermint extract pair up to deliver a refreshing dessert a colorful twist above the usual. They’re proof peppermint isn’t reserved for the holidays. • 6926 MAIN ST., NEWTOWN, (513) 381-8656, DOSCHERSCANDIES.COM

Hand Painted Truffles

While the colorful variety of hand painted truffles at The Chocolate Bee is everchanging, the Honey Bee Truffle is the brand’s poster child. A dark chocolate shell balances the sticky-sweet honey inside. Naturally, it’s painted to be a charming little bee without a sting in sight. • 4037 HAMILTON AVE., NORTHSIDE, (513) 954-0997, CHOCOLATEBEECINCY.COM

High-end Desserts

For truly rich desserts, check out these splurge-worthy endings at some of our city’s ritziest restaurants. —BRANDON WUSKE

AIR RUBY CAKE

The ultimate praise for any sauce or frosting is that it “would taste good on a shoe.” But sometimes the shoe itself is the thing. Enter Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse’s Air Ruby Cake: a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, salted caramel crispy pearls, Chambord creme, and a cognac caramel sauce, all shaped like an Air Jordan IV shoe. The $75 price tag is almost in line with the shoe itself, but you didn’t come to Jeff Ruby’s to skimp. • 505 VINE ST., DOWNTOWN, (513) 7841200, JEFFRUBY.COM

CANDY BAR 3.0

Last time we did our Best Restaurants list, I chose Boca’s Candy Bar 3.0 as best dessert, and I still stand by that decision. Boca takes classic candy bar ingredients like nougat and chocolate (Grand Cru chocolate, to be exact) and dials them up several notches, adding Rocher and hazelnut ice cream for some grown-up sophistication. It’s a bite of nostalgia without the cloying aftertaste. Who said all sequels had to be bad? • 114 E. SIXTH ST., DOWNTOWN, (513) 5422022, BOCACINCINNATI.COM

POPE’S CHOCOLATE SALAME

The phrase “chocolate salame” might bring back memories of the chocolate covered bacon craze, but the truth is much more traditional. “Salame del Papa” (“salami made for the Pope”) is a time-honored dessert from Italy’s Piedmont region. Chocolate is mixed with cookies and wrapped in an elastic net to resemble the classic cured meat. Forno Osteria & Bar serves up slices of the rich, cookie-speckled chocolate with vanilla gelato and white chocolate crémeux. Truly a dessert ﬁt for a pope. • 3514 ERIE AVE., HYDE PARK, (513) 818-8720; 9415 MONTGOMERY RD., MONTGOMERY, (513) 231-5555, FORNOOSTERIABAR.COM

VIETNAMESE COFFEE PANNA COTTA

Speaking of Italian desserts, they don’t come much more classic than panna cotta, which translates to “cooked cream.” Sweetened cream, often thickened with gelatin, makes for a silky, decadent ﬁnish to any meal. The best desserts strike a delicate balance, and Metropole balances its sweetened cream with earthy coffee notes and crumbly streusel for added textural contrast. That after-dinner coffee never tasted better. • 609 WALNUT ST., DOWNTOWN, (513) 5786660, METROPOLEONWALNUT.COM

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

I love the elegant simplicity of the elevated bistro faire at Le Bar a Boeuf. Case in point, the chocolate mousse. Velvety chocolate mousse gets sprinkled with chocolate powder and garnished with berries, for a little contrasting sourness. A decidedly placid dessert, but in this case still waters run deep—lovely, dark, and deep. The restaurant has no formal dessert menu, but if you see this dish listed as a special, order it. • 2200 VICTORY PKWY., EAST WALNUT HILLS, (513) 751-2333, LEBARABOEUF.COM

MILLE-FEUILLE

Colette may be a self-described “mostly French” restaurant, but its mille-feuille—yeasty puff pastry layered with custardy crème légère that oozes out the sides like marshmallows in a s’more—seems fully French to me. Actually, Chef/Owner Danny Combs does add one nontraditional touch: a cherry drizzle that adds a delightful hint of tartness. It’s a dessert that somehow manages to be both light and satisfying. • 1400 RACE ST., OVER-THE-RHINE, (513) 381-1018, COLETTEOTR.COM

Banana Honeycomb

Hello Honey makes its smallbatch ice cream from scratch, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a flavor that hasn’t been fine-tuned to perfection. That includes banana honeycomb— made with fresh, ripe bananas and sweetened with sugar and honey, it’s mixed with pieces of honeycomb brittle made inhouse. While each of its flavors are created to stand alone, those with an especially sweet tooth may opt for torched-toorder marshmallow on top.

• MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. HELLOHONEY ICECREAM.COM

Strawberry Rose Cream Pop

Although St. Bernard–based Streetpops’s pop shop closes its doors once the summer ends, customers can order online year-round, including the fan favorite strawberry rose cream pop. Equal parts fruity and ﬂoral, this popsicle has won awards in local food truck rallies and at the annual Taste of Cincinnati festival.

• 4720 VINE ST., ST. BERNARD, (513) 446-7505, STREETPOPS.COM

West Side Mud Slide

Neighborhood ice cream joint Aubrey + Zach’s was named in honor of the owners’ grandchildren. It offers a variety of treats, including the West Side Mud Slide. The drink blends Dutch chocolate ice cream with Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and vodka, making for a sweet, boozy sip of a classic chocolate shake. • 3447 EPWORTH AVE., WESTWOOD, (513) 389-1234, WBARBISTRO.COM/AUBREYZACH

CHILL OUT WITH LOCAL FROZEN GOODIE S , F R O M ICE CREAM AND POPSICLES T O G E L ATO.

Affogato

Golden Gelato pairs Deeper Roots Coffee’s award-winning Alchemy Espresso blend—featuring accents of chocolate and cherry—with the customer’s choice of creamy gelato made fresh daily. While beginners to the beverage may opt for flavors such as fior di latte (Italian cream) or Madagascar vanilla, the house favorites include toasted coconut and hazelnut, but the flavor lineup is constantly changing. Take it a step further and spike your cup with a shot of Nocino black walnut liquor, bourbon, or coffee liqueur. • 130 W. PIKE ST., COVINGTON, (859) 360-3709, GOLDENGELATOCOV.COM

Family Pet

No dessert better exempliﬁes Cincy Sammys’s sweet pairings than the Family Pet. The giant ice cream sundae is served with three scoops of ice cream, three full-sized cookies, and two toppings of your choice (like hot fudge and rainbow sprinkles). The combo allows for unlimited mixing and matching, such as original vanilla, birthday cake, and midnight munchies paired with confetti, chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter cheesecake cookies, although ﬂavors are always changing.

• 119 READING RD., MASON, (513) 307-3314, CINCYSAMMYS.COM

Side by Side

The Side by Side at Fort Thomas Parlor combines two classic favorite sweets in one tasty dessert: ice cream and cookie dough. In a single cup, customers can pile soft-serve ice cream atop one scoop of cookie dough from an extensive menu of ﬂavors made from scratch. Try cake batter cookie dough topped with a heap of chocolate soft serve or spruce it up by adding a Nutella swirl. • 1013 S. FT. THOMAS AVE., FT. THOMAS, (859) 360-1202

Yellow Cake Batter Gelato

Despite its ever-changing list of frozen yogurt and ice cream flavors, Rhino’s yellow cake batter gelato is such a favorite that it only rotates when it runs out. While they say that other joints may use powders to flavor their froyos, this shop uses natural ingredients ground finely enough to be able to run through the dispensing machines and 10 percent butterfat to make the most flavorful bites. With more than 100 different toppings, including chocolate sauce, gummy teeth, cereals, sprinkles, and more, customers can create myriad combos to spice up their yellow cake creation. • 10415 KENWOOD RD., BLUE ASH, (513) 792-2822, RHINOSFROZENYOGURT.COM

CREAM DREAMS

The popularity of opera creams is unending in this town—look no further than the candy versions at Aglamesis Bro’s, Esther Price, Schneider’s Sweet Shop, and Papas and the cake version at The BonBonerie. Kidd Coffee’s homage to the candy puts all of that chocolate-y, creamy ﬂavor in a coffee cup. • kiddcoffee.com

Death by Chocolate

If it was possible to meet your maker by eating one of 3 Sweet Girls Cakery’s cupcakes, Death by Chocolate would be the way to go. The chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, chocolate frosting, and chocolate drizzle (plus rainbow chips) deliver a quadruple whammy of ooey-gooey goodness. • 7458 MONTGOMERY RD., SILVERTON, (513) 984-1100, 3SWEETGIRLS CAKERY.COM

Carrot Spice

Putting carrots in sweets is a tad old fashioned, but this cupcake will have you asking, "What’s up, Doc?” Abby Girl Sweets’s carrot spice is carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a pecan, a throwback ﬂavor that still makes the grade among its ﬂashier counterparts.

• MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, ABBYGIRLSWEETS.COM

Mint Chocolate Chip

Ever since winning the ﬁrst season of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2009, Chicago–based Molly’s Cupcakes

has been on a tear, expanding its footprint across 18 locations in six states. If the mint chocolate chip cupcake— moist chocolate cake ﬁlled with mint mousse, frosted with mint buttercream, and topped with mini chocolate chips—is any indication, we understand why the place is popular.

• MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, MOLLYSCUPCAKES.COM

Chunky Monkey

The chocolate cupcake with almond butter ﬁlling and vanilla frosting at Happy Chicks Bakery is a reminder of simpler times. Add the texture-y touch of crushed banana chips

on top, and you’ve got a cupcake worth splitting. • 4035 HAMILTON AVE., NORTHSIDE, (513) 386-7990, HAPPYCHICKS BAKERY.COM

Chocolate Raspberry

Chubby Bunny Bakery’s Allyson Moore makes her gluten-, egg-, dairy-, and nut-free products sing with ﬂavor. Exhibit A: Filled with a raspberry jam and topped with vanilla icing, a melted chocolate drizzle, and a raspberry, the chocolate raspberry cupcake is a tart-but-sweet trip on the tongue. • 216 MAIN ST., HAMILTON, (513) 939-4791, CHUBBYBUNNY BAKERY.COM

CHIPS AHOY

Graeter’s black raspberry chocolate chip is a hometown favorite, but the raspberry chip cannoli at Del Gardo’s—with Chambord black raspberry liqueur and topped with Ghirardelli chocolate chips—is well on its way to “classic” status. • delgardos.com TRY

Happy Trails to You

OHIO ICE CREAM TRAIL

OHIO.ORG/ICE-CREAMTRAIL

Ohio is chock full of sweet routes for your sweet tooth. Check out these stops in our area.

—AIESHA D. LITTLE

Aglamesis Bro’s, 3046 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 531-5196; 9899 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 791-7082, aglamesis.com

Graeter’s, multiple locations, graeters.com

Miranda’s Ice Cream Shop, 205 Main St., Morrow, (513) 431-3126, mirandasicecreamof morrow.com

GREAT MIAMI RIVERWAY’S SWEET TREATS TRAIL GREATMIAMIRIVERWAY. COM/MAP/UNIQUE-EATS

Henry’s Candy Company, 243 High St., Hamilton, (513) 889-2736, henryscandy.co

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, 1212 Central Ave., Middletown, (513) 783-4013, grandpajoescandyshop.com BUTLER COUNTY DONUT TRAIL TRAVELBUTLERCOUNTY. COM/DONUT-TRAIL

Central Pastry Shop, 1518 Central Ave., Middletown, (513) 423-4431, centralpastry.com

Holtman’s Donuts, 9558 Civic Centre Blvd., West Chester, (513) 755-1261, holtmansdonutshop.com Jupiter Coffee &

Donuts, 5353 Dixie Hwy., Fairﬁeld, (513) 829-7674, jupiter-coffee-donuts. square.site

Kelly’s Bakery, 1335 Main St., Hamilton, (513) 285-4040

Martin’s Donuts, 4 W. State St., Trenton, (513) 988-0883

Milton’s Donuts, 3533 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown, (513) 422-8612, miltonsdonuts.com

Mimi’s Lil’ Kitchen, 2267 Millville Ave., Hamilton, (513) 280-1911

Oxford Doughnut Shoppe, 120 S. Locust St., Oxford, (513) 523-9911

Ross Bakery, 1051 Eaton Ave., Hamilton, (513)

894-9016; 4421 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, (513) 738-3129

Stan the Donut Man, 7967 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., West Chester, (513) 759-0016

The Donut Dude, 7132 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 847-4005, the-donutdude.com

The Donut Hole by Milton’s, 8268 Princeton Glendale Rd., West Chester, (513) 883-2026, miltons

TRY THIS

donuts.com

The Donut Spot, 5130 Pleasant Ave., Fairﬁeld, (513) 863-7033

OHIO

BUCKEYE CANDY TRAIL HOMEGROWNGREAT.COM/ TRAILS/OHIO-BUCKEYECANDY-TRAIL

Haute Chocolate, 9424

Shelly Ln., Montgomery, (513) 793-9999, hautechoco late.com

Tickled Sweet, 317 Main

DOUGHNUT MISS IT

St., Milford, (513) 880-4169, tickledsweet.net

Annie’s Homemade Sweets, 10921 Reed Hartman Hwy., #221, Blue Ash, (513) 899-3651, annies homemadesweets.com

Loveland Sweets, 124 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, (513) 583-8305

Holly B’s Sweets, 33 S. Main St., Waynesville, (513) 897-2112

Busken’s nearly 100-year history of churning out glazed donuts (among other sweets) isn’t going away anytime soon, so it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. Hurts Donut Co.’s doughnuts come in a number of ﬂavors, including German chocolate, salted caramel, and red velvet cake. • wannahurts.com

Nine months after voters approved recreational cannabis sales, dispensary doors ﬁnally opened.

Tending to Ohio’s

Bu d d dd i n in g

Ma j u a jua n a

I n du Indu s t st r y

But legislators aren’t ﬁnished futzing with the details or trying to redirect tax revenue.

Oﬀ I-275 in Butler County, across the O ﬀ I - 275 i n Bu t l er Co u n t y, a cro s s t h e street from Forest F r Mall and be nd street Forest F r Mall and be a McDonald’s, sits a white and gray a Mc D o n a l d ’ s , s i t s a w h i t e a n d g ray building th lime t m that used to be t m to a K-Mart. No signs indi te to shoppers a K-Mar t No signs indi te to at a neighbo ng Home Depot what’s at a n ei g h b o n g Ho m e Dep ot wh at ’ s happening inside the warehouse, h a p p e n i n g i n s i d e t h e w a r e h o u s e , protected by a tall fence and two p r o t e c t e d by a t a l l f e n c e a n d t wo secu ty checkpoints. secu ty checkpoints

Inside, some of King City Gardens’s 170 employees assemble for morning meetings, wearing varying levels of protective coverings and company-logoed bucket hats. This crew grows and packages between 500 and 550 pounds of marijuana a week to help supply Ohio’s now ﬁve-year-old medical marijuana market and the brand-new recreational market that officially launched on August 6. Marketing and business development con-

sultant Jessica Thames begins a tour. Zipped head-to-toe in white coveralls, she starts where it all begins, in the “Mom Room.” Every cannabis strain grown here— from Blueberry Muffin to Ice Cream Cake—comes from a cutting off of a mother plant, which she explains is kept in the vegetative stage in order to create identical clones.

“If you think of craft beer or craft bourbon, it’s small batch,” she says.

“That’s what we do here,

only with cannabis.”

With the launch of recreational weed sales in Ohio, King City Gardens plans to double production and open three dispensaries in the Cincinnati area in the coming year, says Thames.

Voters passed Issue 2 in November 2023 by a 57-43 percent margin, making the Buckeye State the nation’s 24th to legalize adult recreational marijuana use. For many months now, adults 21 and older have been legally allowed to ingest, possess, and grow marijuana; a brand-new recreational sales industry is now taking off, ramped up and overseen by a newly formed state agency, the Division of Cannabis Control. As of early September, the division had granted 121 dual-use licenses to dispensaries around the state, including 27 in Southwest Ohio.

Meanwhile, around the

Co m m o n Common Q ues o n s Ques ons A b o u t t h e About the Recr o n al onal Ma j u a n a juana I n du s t r y Industry

HOW DO I BUY?

If you’re 21, take a valid state ID to a licensed dispensary. Most dispensaries accept debit cards and cash; some have ATMs inside.

WHERE DO I BUY?

So far, 27 dispensaries in Southwest Ohio have been issued operational licenses to sell both medical marijuana and recreational adult-use marijuana products.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I WANT?

Talk to store clerks at the dispensary. Tell them what feeling you’re trying to achieve and how you’d like to ingest the cannabis. They can help you understand the various types of products and strains.

HOW MUCH MARIJUANA CAN I POSSESS AT ONE TIME?

2.5 ounces.

HOW MANY PLANTS CAN I GROW?

Up to six plants per person or up to 12 in one household.

CAN I DRIVE AFTER OR WHILE SMOKING MARIJUANA?

No. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in every state, including Ohio.

CAN I SMOKE MARIJUANA ANYWHERE?

No, marijuana falls under the state’s smoking ban, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public areas, with a few exceptions.

The state also prohibits smoking cannabis on an outdoor patio at bars or restaurants.

—Carrie Blackmore

state, dozens of communities (including Fairﬁeld, West Chester Township, and Sycamore Township) have maintained a “Just Say No” approach, enacting moratoriums to limit or restrict marijuana businesses from opening in their jurisdictions.

Elsewhere, the state has begun collecting a 10 percent excise tax on recreational marijuana sales, as spelled out in

the ballot initiative. Issue 2 stipulated that tax revenue be split four ways: 36 percent directed to the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Fund, 36 percent to the Host Community Cannabis Fund, 25 percent to the Substance Abuse and Addiction Fund, and 3 percent to the Division of Cannabis Control and Tax Commissioner Fund.

Splitting the new tax

revenue, which is estimated to be between $276 million and $403 million a year, is written into the law but far from set in stone, says Douglas Berman, executive director of the Moritz College of Law’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at Ohio State University. He’s closely monitoring Ohio’s recreational roll-out and researches topics related to marijuana reform in Ohio and the nation.

“The speciﬁcs passed as part of the ballot initiative,” says Berman, “but that seems like the area that could possibly change.” Like many other states, Ohio passed its marijuana law as a legislative statute, which he says gives state-level elected officials the ability to collectively change the details. Some states passed constitutional amendments, enshrining marijuana legality into their state constitutions.

SECRET GARDEN Workers at King City Gardens (above and opposite page) grow marijuana to supply Ohio’s medical and recreational markets in a building that used to house a K-Mart.

NOT A MOMENT, A MOVEMENT

ALI RIZVI

ISSAC DAVIS

WEST END FAMILIES AND FRIENDS RALLY AFTER THE SHOOTING DEATH OF 11-YEAROLD DOMONIC DAVIS AND SAY, “ENOUGH.”

MARY McCARTY PHOTOGRAPH BY DEVYN GLISTA

MITCH MORRIS

REV. TODD O’NEAL

Issac Davis and his son Domonic

practiced a favorite Friday night ritual. As Issac dressed to go out, his son— the boy he described as “my little stylist”—would offer fashion tips. “Wear those glasses, Dad.” “Try that jacket.”

Friday nights are quieter these days in Davis’s Fairﬁeld house, his faithful shadow no longer by his side. Domonic was killed November 3 in a drive-by shooting at a playground just a hopscotch leap from his West End home.

Domonic was a sixth-grader at Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, a fun-loving kid who dreamed of growing up to become a basketball star or a rap artist or maybe even a barber like the dad he adored. He was 11 years old.

Sometimes Davis senses his son’s presence when he gets ready for a night out. “Domonic is still helping me out,” he says. “I still hear his voice.”

People all over the city, it seems, continue to hear Domonic’s voice, as a shocked community has rallied to reduce gun violence following the mass shooting that took his life. Four other children and one adult suffered gunshot wounds when an assailant in a dark sedan ﬁred 22 rounds into a crowd of children in the Laurel Playground.

The tragedy proved to be part of a disturbing trend in 2023, which saw a 29-percent spike in shootings in Cincinnati involving youths 21 and under. The previous year, the city’s gun homicide rate (19.4 per 100,000 population) was the 15thworst for U.S. cities with populations larger than 250,000 according to gun-safety group Everytown USA.

Mayor Aftab Pureval called the November shootings “sickening and unimaginable.” Veteran activists have joined forces with young volunteers to combat the problem that many have called a public health emergency. It’s as if the community collectively declared Enough.

A Cincinnati newcomer,—Ali Rizvi, was so moved by Domonic’s death that he organized the March to End Gun Violence in April.

says the Cincinnati Public Schools social worker.

“An 11-year-old is about as innocent as humankind can be.”

“This is not a moment, it’s a movement,” Bishop Ennis Tait said in an emotional speech opening the Anti-Gun Violence Summit in June. He summoned a minister’s eloquence as he closed his remarks: “God will hold you to account not just for the things you have done, but for the things that you haven’t done. God will call you out for those omissions. Every movement needs energy to stay alive. I urge you to leave this room committing yourselves to doing more.”

Davis, 48, has taken that message to heart, emerging as a prominent presence in this new movement despite his crippling grief and a lifelong struggle with stage fright. “My son did not deserve to die, and I feel like I should advocate for him,” he says.

Marchers thronged the streets of the West End on April 6 as the Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy band kept up a joyful beat. They gathered at the school auditorium for a town hall meeting in which residents and community leaders brainstormed strategies for change.

“There was something about the death of a young boy that galvanized a lot of people,”

Rizvi could hardly have imagined this moment when he and his wife, Emily, moved from New York City to Cincinnati in August 2023 to start

APRIL 6 (BELOW).

new jobs as social workers for Cincinnati Public Schools. Activism wasn’t on their agenda; the couple was too preoccupied with unpacking boxes.

That all changed when Rizvi came to work at Hays-Porter Elementary School the Monday morning after the mass shooting. Sadness hung over the school like a dense early morning fog. “Even though Domonic attended a different school, they all knew each other,” he says. “The West End really is like a village.”

Some of Rizvi’s traumatized students—pre-kindergartners through sixth graders—had been on the scene at Laurel Playground. “You would think they were living in a war zone,” he says. “The way they approach things psychologically is a state of disaster preparedness.”

Nearly every kid in the West End knows someone who has died. Schoolchildren hear gunﬁre as routinely as they hear a car backﬁ ring—and they can tell the difference. “My students are growing up believing they have a life expectancy of 21,” says Rizvi. “They are experiencing a mid-life crisis when they’re 8 years old.”

When Pureval held an assembly at Hays-Porter addressing the issue of gun violence, Rizvi privately asked him, “What can we do? I am at a loss.” When Rizvi suggested an anti-gun violence march, Pureval promised, “I will be there.”

Rizvi anticipated that he would take a back seat to more seasoned Cincinnati activists. When it became clear he was expected to assume the reins, he leaned heavily on his friend and mentor, the Rev. Todd O’Neal of the House of Joy Christian Ministries, a longtime civil rights activist. “Hey, Rev, I need your help,” he told him. “I don’t have roots in the commu-

nity, and I don’t want to be the outsider coming in and telling people what to do.”

O’Neal supported Rizvi every step of the way, ultimately taking part in the march and leading the prayer at the town hall event. “That was crucial,” Rizvi recalls. “I had never tried to lead anything like that, and I was deﬁ nitely outside of my comfort zone.”

The larger Cincinnati community also stepped up in a big way. Members of City Council, the Cincinnati Board of Education, and the West End Community Council jumped on board, as did U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn. The city’s special events department made a donation of $5,000 to cover permit costs and other fees, while the police department waived fees for a police detail and used special events ofﬁcers instead of charging organizers for off-duty offi cers at an hourly rate. The parks department and traffi c and engineering department also waived their permit fees.

“Cincinnati is relatively large, but it has this tight-knit community feel, almost like a neighborhood,” says Rizvi. “I realized that if you call your elected ofﬁcials and say something with some level of sincerity and passion, nine out of 10 will be there to support you.”

Rizvi opened the town hall with a moment of silence for Domonic and for other loved ones taken by gun violence. “Your presence today is heartwarming because it represents the strength, unity, and determination of your community,” he said. “And it’s profoundly sad because Domonic should still be with us. We are here because our kids deserve to grow up in a world where the fear of violence isn’t

part of their daily lives. Our children deserve a future ﬁlled with hope, not heartbreak and grieving.”

The march was conceived as a one-day event to plant the seeds for future projects and new partnerships. Like many of the city’s longtime activists, Rizvi remains laser-focused on creating change at the neighborhood level—in his case the West End—by fostering mentorships and youth activities, from the arts to gardening to basketball to culinary school.

“My primary focus is getting kids involved with things that give them a sense of purpose,” he says. “A kid who isn’t bored is a kid more likely to be on right track. I know this from my own life. In high school I got involved in some dumb things, and my parents and a few mentors saved my life. Without them, I would have nothing meaningful now.”

WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OUR KIDS DESERVE TO GROW UP IN A WORLD WHERE THE FEAR OF VIOLENCE ISN’T PART OF THEIR DAILY LIVES. OUR CHILDREN DESERVE A FUTURE FILLED WITH HOPE, NOT HEARTBREAK AND GRIEVING.

-ALI RIZVI

On Display

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus, Ohio) The combination indoor-outdoor gardens in Columbus offer breathtaking greenery at every turn. It’s a great afternoon out for all ages—you can take your time observing the detail and craftsmanship of the Bonsai Collection while the kids run around the Sunrise Lawn at the Children’s Garden. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH, (614) 715-8000, fpconservatory.org

National Aviary (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

At these 28 museums, gardens, architectural wonders, and heritage sites, you’ll travel through time, culture, space, and more.

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, the only country, is a must-see for bird lovers. From penguins to toucans to doves, the Aviary has more than 500 birds of 150 different species to see. For those less partial to feathery creatures, you can see (and even feed) Vivien, the twotoed sloth. 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, PA, (412) 323-7235, aviary.org

National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton, Ohio) Located on WrightPatterson Air Force Base, the museum has more than 360 aircraft and missiles from the U.S. Air Force’s entire history on display. Exhibits are sorted by time period, and go all the way back

brothers. 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH, (937) 2553286, nationalmuseum.af.mil

Dayton Art Institute (Dayton, Ohio)

As one of the best art museums in Ohio, the Dayton Art Institute caters to all artistic interests from ancient to contemporary. The DAI is also a great art museum for children, thanks to the Lange Family Experiencenter and many childoriented programs. 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH, (937) 223-4278, daytonartinstitute. org

Fallingwater (Mill Run, Pennsylvania)

Take the 70-mile drive out from Pittsburgh to visit the house designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest works of American architecture. With an Organic Style integrating both the surrounding forest and the waterfall it’s on top of, this house is worth the trip. 1491 Mill Run Rd., Mill Run, PA, (724) 329-8501, fallingwater. org

Kent State University Museum (Kent, Ohio)

the museum at Kent State. The massive collection of clothing, design sketches, historical garments, and costumes are available to students and the public alike. The entire collection can be searched online as well. 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent, OH, (330) 6723450, kent.edu/museum

Speed Art Museum (Louisville, Kentucky)

Speed is the largest and oldest art museum in the state of Kentucky. Collections range from all throughout history, but Speed is primarily known for its collection of Western art. The museum has recently added Speed Cinema, a curated 2035 S. Third St., Louisville, KY, (502) 634-2700, speedmuseum.org

Chicago History Museum (Chicago, Illinois) In 1856, the Chicago Historical Society opened this museum to study the city’s history and nearly 170 years later, it’s still going strong. The

interactive exhibits explore Chicago’s past and present with displays about The Great Chicago Fire, Abraham Lincoln, protest art, and more. 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org

The Warhol (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) This Pittsburgh art museum is the largest museum in the continent dedicated to a single artist—Andy Warhol. The beloved 20th century artist who popularized the pop-art movement is celebrated by a rotating collection of some of his most famous works. 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh, PA, (412) 237-8300, warhol.org

Michigan Science Center (Detroit, Michigan) The giant science museum and Smithsonian

from nanoscience to math in addition to live

it’s hard to disagree. 5020 John R. St., Detroit, MI, (313) 577-8400, mi-sci.org

Armstrong Air and Space Museum (Wapakoneta, Ohio) is located in the hometown of Neil Armstrong, all kinds of exhibits about space exploration featuring real spacecraft, spacesuits, and moon rocks. 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, OH, (419) 738-8811, armstrongmuseum.org

Mothman Museum (Point Pleasant, West Virginia) It’s the only museum in the world

accounts about the cryptid in the city where

400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV, (304) 812-5211, mothmanmuseum.com

Castle Noel (Medina, Ohio) Santa’s always coming to town at the country’s largest yearround indoor Christmas experience. The

40,000 square feet of Christmas installations— including window displays, animatronics, toys, movie props and costumes, indoor snow, and more—will put you in the holiday spirit no matter when you visit. 260 S. Court St., Medina, OH, (330) 721-6635, castlenoel.com

Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens (Dover, Ohio)

Warther’s family keeps his legacy and craft alive at this Dover museum. You’ll be able to walk through the old family home, explore Warther’s original workshop, and see plenty of his famous hand-carved wooden trains. 331 Karl Ave., Dover, OH, (330) 505-6003, thewarthermuseum.com

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park (Fishers, Indiana) Go back in time at Indiana’s signature immersive outdoor museum. You can get up close and personal with history as you weave baskets in the 1816 Lenape Indian Camp, play hoop and stick in 1836 Prairietown, feed a baby goat at the William Conner House, ride a hot

13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN, (317) 776-6000, connerprairie.org

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville, Kentucky) The factory where the iconic Louisville Slugger bats are produced doubles as a museum for baseball lovers. You can watch the interact with some of the bats of some of history’s 800 W. Main St., Louisville, KY, (877) 775-8443, sluggermuseum.com

Muhammad Ali Center (Louisville, Kentucky)

accomplishments and impact are celebrated at the Ali Center. Exhibits include memorabilia and artifacts from some of Ali’s most famous moments as well as an area to learn boxing skills yourself. 144 N. Sixth St., Louisville, KY, (502) 584-9254, alicenter.org

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg, Kentucky) The history of Kentucky’s Shaker community comes to life in this 3,000-acre village where you can explore, eat, and stay the night. Historic buildings are open for guests to walk around and stay in and the still-functioning farm provides fresh ingredients for The Trustees’ Table restaurant. 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg, KY, (859) 734-5411, shakervillageky.org

The National Aviary

Ernest Warther Museum

Always in Season? IT’S A SHORE THING

Shores & Islands Ohio has something for everyone. Hike and bike miles of natural trails, explore quaint downtowns and museums, witness fall bird migration, and enjoy the beauty of changing colors throughout our region.

Visit an orchard to pick a peck of apples or sample other fresh-from-the-farm produce at a farmer’s market. Take a tour of a local winery at the peak of harvest season and taste craft beverages at a brewery or distillery on the free Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail . Sign up, check in, and collect points for prizes!

Find your Lake Erie Love year-round at SHORESandISLANDS.com .

Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave

KENTUCKY’S OLDEST FESTIVAL

Don’t miss Kentucky’s oldest festival, October Court Day Festival, in downtown Mt. Sterling from dawn to dusk on Oct. 18-21. Located off I-64 East at Exit 110, this free festival features more than 500 vendors, a wide variety of food and live music on two stages on Oct. 19-20. mtsterlingtourism.com

UNFORGETTABLE BLUEGRASS VACATIONS

Known the world over as the Horse Capital of the World and the epicenter of Bourbon Country, the Bluegrass State is also a land of immense natural beauty and wide-open spaces offering plenty of places to play.

Sip centuries of tradition in the birthplace of bourbon and tour distilleries to learn how Kentucky’s signature spirit is made. Mix your own craft concoction with the help of a spirit specialist in a cocktail class. Stroll through rolling horse farms, catch a race at the track and take a trail ride through the forest. Visit epic family attractions, vibrant cities and charming small towns. Explore woods, waters, caves and trails offering endless outdoor adventure. Or just find your own quiet spot, hidden waterfall or stunning overlook to sit down and soak up the soothing sights and sounds of nature.

And let’s not forget the food! Savor signature

stands, mom-and-pop diners and hip restaurants, where talented chefs and mixologists are inspired by a bounty of fresh, local ingredients.

With so much to see, do and taste, the Bluegrass State is the perfect place for your next road trip, weekend getaway or family vacation.

This is Kentucky – come see for yourself!

NEXT STOP: WINCHESTER

Get Out and About With Us

Summer travel may be slowing down, but there’s plenty to do this fall in Winchester, Kentucky. Discover our historic downtown shops, delicious dining and relaxing charm as we welcome the cooler temps and colorful signs of fall.

Take advantage of hiking and biking on our scenic, peaceful trails. The crisp air and colorful landscape create ideal conditions for outdoor recreation.

Catch the continuing Legacy Grove Park Concert Series on October 8 for live music and family fun. Then, on October 26, visit Harkness Edwards Vineyards for a tour and tasting, savoring local wines against a backdrop of autumn. Always Original Winchester! visitwinchesterky.com

ADVENTURE IS BEGINNING

Welcome to London, Kentucky! The Cycling Capital of Kentucky ® boasts some of the most scenic and challenging

Off-roading more your speed? Laurel County is home to the Kentucky Adventure Trail featuring breathtaking landmarks, like the Battle of Camp Wildcat Mountain, the Twin Arches, several creek crossings and Laurel River Lake.

If the open road is calling, London–Laurel County is an excellent locale for an outing on your motorcycle. Cruise along exciting turns and curves surrounded by stunning scenery. Stop by Wildcat Harley-Davidson if you need gear.

visitlondonky.com

HISTORIC SCENES & LEGENDARY HERITAGE

Enjoy the vibrancy of fall in historic downtown Danville, where charming streets come alive as autumn sets in. Browse unique shops, enjoy local dining and soak in the town’s rich

Constitution was signed in 1792.

Experience the astounding scenery when you explore the nearby Perryville Battlefield, the site of Kentucky’s largest Civil War battle — celebrating the 162nd Battle Commemoration on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.

Danville is also an ideal starting point for the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. With easy access to distilleries like Wilderness Trail and Luca Mariano, you can dive into the region’s bourbon culture. danvillekentucky.com

FALL INTO FRANKFORT

Scenic Views & Family Fun

Discover the colors of Frankfort this fall while exploring the city’s many public art installations. The vibrant foliage and creative displays come together for a standout autumn experience for the entire family.

Enjoy Frankfort’s charming and historic downtown, where you can take in scenic river views while you discover unique shops and delicious dining.

We also offer convenient access to many local bourbon distilleries, including the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. Don’t miss the Bourbon on the Banks festival on Saturday, October 5th, featuring tastings and live music. Nothing goes better with fall weather, than Kentucky Bourbon! visitfrankfort.com

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Owensboro, Kentucky) Kentucky’s homegrown music genre has its own museum for fans to peruse. The museum functions as a bluegrass hall of fame with plaques and artifacts of some of the music’s biggest names. There are also regular performances by contemporary bluegrass artists. 311 W. Second St., Owensboro, KY, (270) 926-7891, bluegrasshall.org

National Quilt Museum (Paducah, Kentucky) The National Quilt Museum dedicates itself to the many different styles, time periods, and mediums of the quilting arts. In addition to displaying pieces, the museum hosts regular classes and contests to grow the country’s

quilting community. 215 Jefferson St., Paducah, KY, (270) 442-8856, quiltmuseum.org

Center of Science and Industry (Columbus, Ohio) Columbus’s Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a highly interactive and over-thetop science museum to educate and entertain people of all ages. Come for the walking six-footlong mechanical T-rex skeleton model, stay to watch rats playing basketball. 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH, (614) 228-2674, cosi.org

Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois) This natural history museum in Chicago is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Exhibits feature cultural and natural artifacts from all over the world, including gemstones, a Chinese scroll from the Song dynasty, and the biggest dinosaur skeleton ever discovered by scientists. 1400 S. Lake Shore

American Writers Museum (Chicago, Illinois) Book lovers are sure to enjoy the American Writers Museum, which celebrates the country’s best authors. From the beloved Children’s Literature Gallery to Mind of a Writer Gallery, visitors can explore the world of words. There are also frequent author talks for those who want to learn the tricks of the trade. 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit, Michigan)

The Wright in Detroit exhibits Black history and culture from the past to the present. Programming puts an emphasis on lifting the Black community through education and community-building. Exhibits are presented through different creative mediums like stained glass, murals, and immersive settings. 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI, (313) 494-5800, thewright.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron, Ohio) One man’s massive Akron estate from the turn of the century now boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in Ohio. The historic home museum features 10 different types of gardens in addition to an indoor conservatory. Tours are also available for the home and carriage house. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, (330) 836-5533, stanhywet.org

Louisville Slugger Museum

New Vrindaban

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum In the Presidential Museum, you can follow the journey of Lincoln’s life from boyhood to assassination and see his legacy through exhibits on the Civil Rights movement. Then check out his Presidential Library and its massive collection of Lincoln-related manuscripts, books, and artifacts.

Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan has created a museum to help visitors learn about and appreciate the people and culture of the Great Lakes Anishinabek. Ziibiwing’s grounds also function as the tribe’s cultural center and preservation hub.

New Vrindaban ( )

This international community of Hare Krishna feels more like a royal palace in India than a village in West Virginia. From the ornate Radha Krishna Temple to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, your strolls through the rose garden past cows and peacocks will transport you to another spiritual realm.

Chicago History Museum

COSI

SCHOOLS

MAKING GRADE the

Schools

and districts are required to provide data on how well they’re serving their students. But it can be hard to understand what the numbers mean to you and your student. This guide can help.

BY LEYLA SHOKOOHE

To understand today’s education benchmarks, we have to go back in time. In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. ESEA’s most prominent feature was Title I, designed to help low-income students overcome the achievement and accessibility gap between them and their middle-class suburban peers. Johnson believed quality education was essential to overcoming the poverty gap.

Nearly 60 years since ESEA became law, education in the United States has transformed dramatically. Over the years, ESEA was reauthorized several times and amended by other legislation. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed by President George W. Bush. NCLB attracted controversy, primarily because of strict accountability measures and subsequent penalties imposed upon schools. Schools were required to achieve “Adequate Yearly Progress” in reading and math, irrespective of any other curriculum areas.

In 2015, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander introduced the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. Signed into legislation later that same year by President Barack Obama, ESSA was designed to address issues surrounding the practical application of NCLB, emphasizing greater control for school districts, community-determined measures for gauging performance,

and more flexibility within the federal achievement framework. Community members worked with their states to create those measures of accountability, to be submitted for approval by the beginning of the 2017–2018 school year. According to the National Education Association, a labor organization that was one of the leading forces behind the passage of ESSA, state accountability measures had to include: reading and math assessments, graduation rates, another statewide indicator of success for middle and elementary schools, English language proficiency, and at least one indicator of school quality and student support.

The latter indicator, referred to by the NEA as the Opportunity Dashboard Indicator, allowed for more flexibility in quantifying the sum value of a school district.

The 2017–2018 school year saw the first year of ESSA implementation. Individual states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, have further fine-tuned ESSA regulations through additional legislation. However, COVID-19 knocked schools and districts everywhere for a loop. Indiana even paused its rating system due to the pandemic’s impact.

As the world stabilizes in a post-COVID era, so, too, do the classrooms of America. Each state in the Greater Cincinnati tri-state area currently uses different accountability ratings systems. Here, we offer a primer on what those systems measure—and what it all means for you and your student.

Rooted in faith. Intellectually curious. Confident.

Ursuline Academy Open House Saturday, Nov. 2

OHIO SCHOOL REPORT CARD

Ohio’s accountability measures for rating schools and districts were implemented in 2018. House Bill 82 further amended the accountability law, taking effect in 2021. This amendment changed the previous rating system used to assess Ohio schools from letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F) to a scale of 1 to 5 stars, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

RATING SYSTEM:1–5 STARS

Formerly: A–F grades

Introduced: 2021

The overall star rating includes the following components:

A sixth component, Readiness, is included in the report data available online, but doesn’t contribute to the star ratings. Readiness encompasses college, career, workforce, and military preparedness. This component will be included in the report card for the 2024–2025 school year.

CALCULATION

FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS

Each component has its own star rating and uses its own metrics, which are assigned weights to calculate the number of stars that component receives.

1 ACHIEVEMENT

Measures the academic achievement of students on State Tests, and whether that performance met established state thresholds. It assesses the level of achievement, not

but also tracks the percentage of students who scored

Ohio State Test by grade level and subject.

Why It Matters

Knowing a school/district’s level of achievement helps you compare it to both the state average and other schools/districts.

2 PROGRESS

Measures the growth/ progress rates of groups of students year to year, using results from Ohio’s State Tests. The most recent school year’s growth is weighted higher than the previous school year. A statistical analysis, the Overall Value-Added Progress Measure, measures growth/progress rates based on a growth index, which tracks whether expected growth/progress occurred, and the effect size, which tracks how much growth occurred compared to the whole state.

Why It Matters

This shows you how effectively that school/district can help your student grow academically.

FOR OVERALL STAR RATING

The points from each Individual component are added together using another set of weights. The result is the overall star rating assigned to each school and each district.

3 GAP CLOSING

Measures how well performance expectations are met for students in different categories, including: Gifted Performance; Chronic Absenteeism Improvement;

English learners); Graduate Goals by Student Subgroup; English Language Arts and Math Achievement by Student Subgroup; and English Language Arts and Math Progress/Growth by Student Subgroup.

Why It Matters

By evaluating how well a school helps different student groups succeed, you can understand if the school/district provides a fair and effective education for all students.

4 EARLY LITERACY

Measures reading for K–3 students. How many higher on the reading portion of Ohio’s State Test for grade 3 English language arts? What is the percentage of third-graders promoted to fourth? How well are schools/ districts supporting struggling readers to get on track?

Why It Matters

Foundational reading skills are crucial for academic success. Knowing how well a school/district helps young students develop those skills helps you determine whether that school/district will set your kids on a path to success.

5 GRADUATION

Measures how successful a school or district is in getting a student to on-time graduation. There are two graduation rates assessed here: the four-year cohort, or percentage of students who graduated within four years of starting the ninth grade, percentage of students who achieved the same within

Why It Matters

The percentage of students graduating on time is an indicator of the support students receive throughout their four years in that school.

KENTUCKY SCHOOL REPORT CARD

Kentucky Senate Bill 158 passed in 2020, further clarifying ESSA accountability measures for the state’s school report cards. Added to the report cards was the measure of “change,” which mance and “change” indicates the difference between the current and prior year.

RATING SYSTEM: FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST PERFORMANCE

Formerly: 1–5 stars Introduced: 2021

SIX KEY TOPICS ARE EVALUATED ON THE REPORT CARDS:

1 OVERVIEW

The total student

dant demographics, and

dents who drop out or repeat a grade. The total number of teachers and ment is assessed, as is parental involvement. Are students taught equitably? How many students participate work? How many are suspended or expelled, or chronically absent? How many computers are available? Is there

Why It Matters

All this helps parents get a sense of a school’s size, diversity, and overall feel.

2 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

gressing toward state goals? How are English language learners performing? How are students performing on sion test? How prepared are students entering kindergarten? How are students performing in career and technical training programs?

Why It Matters

Detailed student population breakdowns by various categories can help you see if there are programs and resources to support needs.

3 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Can students participate in Advanced Placement,

laureate, or Cambridge Advanced International courses? Are dual credit

ties available? Are there Gifted and Talented

about students who want to participate in visual and performing arts, world languages,

ical education, or career studies courses?

Why It Matters

The breadth and scope of opportunities a school offers shows you how well it prepares students for the future.

4 TRANSITION TO ADULT LIFE

How prepared are students for what comes after graduation? How many students graduate from a given school? How many are participating in career and technical education opportunities, like apprenticeships, career pathways programs, or earning industry

graduation, how many students go into the military, college, or the workforce?

Why It Matters

want to do next? This measure shows if the school can support their aspirations.

5 SCHOOL SAFETY

School safety analyzes the safety of schools and districts. How safe

behavioral events occur at a given school, and how are they resolved?

taking to ensure a safe learning environment?

Why It Matters

Knowing how a school or district handles all manner of threats to student safety is paramount for parental peace of mind.

6 FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY

a school? How much state, local, and federal funding does a district by school and district? How much does the school spend on the learning environment compared with other budgetary categories?

the district?

Why It Matters

Understanding the amount of investment a school pours into your student is critical to

nities they will have access to at that school.

2025 Flying Pig Youth Program

Looking for a great way to encourage kids to get moving & have fun at the same time?

Sign your class or youth organization up for the 2024 Flying Pig Youth Program. Interested youth group leaders can email kids@flyingpigmarathon.com to get started. Training starts Spring 2025.

Academic Mastery

1 ACADEMIC MASTERY

refers to a strong foundation like English language arts, social studies. It evaluates strate a deep understanding can apply their knowledge effectively.

Why It Matters

You want to know that your child will receive a quality education that prepares

your child up for success in college or a career path.

INDIANA GRADUATES PREPARED TO SUCCEED

The Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed dashboard was introduced in 2023, per Indiana House Enrolled Act 1591. This act did away with letter grades in favor of a report card presenting key data these characteristics.

RATING SYSTEM: NONE

Formerly: A–F grades

Introduced: 2023

THE FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESS ARE:

Communication and Collaboration

Career & Post-Secondary Readiness: Credentials and Experience

2 CAREER & POSTSECONDARY READINESS: CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE

This characteristic highlights pared for college and career paths. Do students possess the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to

about their future, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce directly after graduation?

Why It Matters

what to do with it is also key. Parents want to know that a school is equipping their child with the necessary skills

3 COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

es skills crucial for success

articulate their ideas, work effectively with others, and navigate diverse perspectives respectfully. They are able to establish relationships with a variety of individuals.

Why It Matters

and collaborating are both acteristic helps parents gauge how well a school prepares scenarios.

Civic, Financial, and Digital Literacy

Work Ethic

4 WORK ETHIC

A strong work ethic is essential for achieving goals

Graduates are equipped with severance, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility and personal endeavors. They and independence, and are able to plan and organize

They are adaptable, show

Why It Matters

Perseverance is necessary for achieving goals. You can assess how well a school helps your child develop the dedication necessary for success in college, careers, and personal endeavors.

5 CIVIC, FINANCIAL & DIGITAL LITERACY

individuals to actively participate as citizens in their ingful contributions based on a strong understanding responsibilities as citizens. navigate the digital world.

utilizing technology safely and ethically.

Why It Matters

FRESH START

We asked educators how they’re innovating and preparing schools for the future. They told us what they’re doing that prospective families should know about before they choose a school.

Badin High School

Hamilton

In an enriching and nurturing environment that fosters growth, rooted in Catholic tradition, Stephen T. Badin High School empowers young men and women to achieve their personal best, live their faith and lead the future.

Badin students are taught to be critical thinkers in the classroom. Faculty and staff empower students to live their best life, treat others with compassion and understanding and remember that with faith, we can do hard things.

Badin is in the process of building a long awaited multi-sport complex on campus. It will include a full synthetic -

locker rooms, seating for 2400+, new expanded parking lot and more. It will be open for Badin’s 60th season of sports in the fall of 2025.

—Natalie Agnew, Director of Admissions

Bethany School Glendale

Bethany School is a warm and diverse community that has served Ohio families for over 125 years. We believe in the joy of learning. Our small class sizes and curriculum spark curiosity, encourage play, and make discovery an exciting journey. Our graduates continue to experience academic success in Cincinnati’s premier high schools.

Bethany School’s students experience a vibrant array of activities including and community service. Our beautiful,

offering an eco-friendly learning space where your child can grow and create wonderful memories. Choose Bethany School for your child’s enriching educational journey.

—Holly Fidler, Head of School

Bishop Fenwick High School Middletown/Franklin

We continue to develop and improve our innovative Flock Block program, which is a daily 40-minute block period that allows students opportunities to connect with teachers, counselors, peers, and God through different activities, both structured and free-formed. Flock Block allows for academic intervention, study time, faith formation, community-building, and exploring new interests. This unique program, combined with our college prep, AP, and CCP curriculum, helps prepare our students for a successful future.

—Kaylene Schwab, Director of Communications and Marketing

Cincinnati Country Day School Indian Hill

Since 1926, Cincinnati Country Day preparatory schools in Ohio. A leader in education for nearly a century, Coun-

try Day has balanced a reputation for academic rigor with character-driven education and a nurturing community. As we approach the centennial anniversary of our founding, we are committed to sustaining this tradition of excellence.

To build on Country Day’s legacy of educational leadership for a second century, we will continue to innovate in response to a rapidly changing world. Accelerating technological disruption, ever-present digital connectivity, changing job markets, and a shifting cultural landscape all present opportunities to reimagine the traditional model of education. For our

amidst constant change, they will need new skills, new learning environments, and new mindsets. But just as was true in 1926, they will still need exceptional teachers and a campus that connects them to the natural world and each other. In alignment with our mission, our new strategic plan establishes a vision for our future, with students taking the lead. It reimagines the Country Day experience for the next generation of life-long learners, empowering them to connect with their own learning, with life-changing teachers, and with their community.

—Aaron B. Kellenberger, Director of Enrollment Management

Cincinnati

Hills Christian Academy Symmes Township & Downtown -

neurs felt a call to create a place where students in Cincinnati could receive a

world-class education centered on Christ. That spirit of innovation has continued to push our school forward, inspiring the last 35 years of academic excellence at CHCA. Today, innovation across our four campuses—three in Symmes Township and one downtown—looks like robust programming, top-tier facilities, and forward-thinking initiatives that challenge students to grow their hearts and minds. Take our 4,000-square-foot greenhouse, which houses our nationally recognized Entrepreneurship & Sustainability program, or our award-winning Arts department, which presents more than 50 productions, concerts, and events every year. From curated spaces specially designed to enhance collaboration and spiritual growth to state and regional championships in athletics, world rankings in robotics, and more,

to provide students with opportunities to develop their God-given gifts and become the person He has created them to be.

Our vision has been clear from the beginning: inspire students to unleash a lifelong passion to learn, lead, and serve. By approaching education holistically and centering everything we do on Christ, we’re raising future leaders equipped to make an impact in our city, country, and world.

—DanielleWilson,ExecutiveDirector, Marketing

Cincinnati Waldorf School Mariemont

Waldorf schools provide a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. Drawing on many traditions, we celebrate our common humanity, not our separateness in belief or practice. Alongside Waldorf schools worldwide, we graduate lifelong learners who give purpose to their lives and communities.

—KateKelley,EnrollmentDirector

Elder High School

Price Hill

At Elder High School, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to excel in the future. This commitment to innovation, combined with our strong traditions, ensures that our students are not just prepared for college, but for life.

One of the unique ways we prepare our students for the future is by leveraging our extensive alumni network, which the globe. This network translates into real-world opportunities and experiences for our students while they are still in high school. For example, our Business Law class is taught by a partner at KMK Law,

legal profession from a seasoned expert. Additionally, through our Early IT program in partnership with the University of Cin-

We also offer a diverse range of electives that allow students to explore their passions and discover their paths to robotics to animation, broadcasting, and organizational leadership, our courses are designed to be both challenging and we offer theatre internships and industrial design, providing hands-on experience trades program offers practical skills and training for students interested in careers

At Elder, we believe that education should be about more than just academyou are, what you’re passionate about, and how you can make a difference in thegrams and opportunities, we are ensuring that our students are well-prepared to

—Brian Hiles, Director of Admissions

Great Oaks Career Campuses

36 School Districts in Southwest Ohio

Great Oaks is the largest public career-technical school district in Ohio partnering with 36 school districts in an area

Each year, thousands of area high school juniors and seniors prepare for a career at one of Great Oaks’s state-of-the-art campuses—Diamond Oaks in Dent (Green Township), Laurel Oaks in Wilmington, healthcare to high-tech manufacturing to cybersecurity to construction trades, culinary arts, cosmetology, digital arts, animal science, auto technology, aviation its four campuses, Great Oaks offers over 30 different programs that focus on skills

half of the school day in their super-elective lab programs and the other half in can earn college credits, gain work experience through internships and co-ops, and

Great Oaks also offers over 100 “satellite” programs embedded in 30 partnering high schools across the region focused on workforce development including biomedical sciences, business management, mar-

The district serves adult learners through career training in high-demand

ations and engineering, police, and health

care, among many others. Great Oaks also provides programs like English for speakers of other languages, high school equivalency, and personal enrichment classes. Partnerships with local business, education, and community agencies help shape the programs offered.

—Chris

Pinelo, Community Relations and Education Foundation Strategist

Guardian Angels School Mt. Washington

Guardian Angels School is a mission-driven school providing a Catholic education to students in preschool through eighth grade. Our focus is to deliver an individualized education to each student through innovative practices such as our Halo Bell enrichment services, Makerspace Lab, and technology usage. We provide an environment which prepares each student to be faithful disciples through service and leadership by proclaiming values rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please join us in becoming part of our family!

—Sara Rehl, Director of Marketing and Communications

Mercy McAuley High School College Hill

Mercy McAuley High School is an all-girls, Catholic, college prep school located in College Hill. It is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education, a network of 54 Mercy schools in six countries and one territory. Mercy McAuley offers innovative academics, including its signature Women Lead Honors Program, a variety of AP and Dual Credit courses, and unique blended elective courses. Mercy McAuley has partnered with area colleges and universities to provide students with access to innovative programs such as the University of Cincinnati Early IT Program, and the Butler Tech State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) program. Mercy McAuley also offers competitive athletic programs, experiences, and dozens of clubs and extracurriculars. In early 2024, Mercy McAuley received a $1.1 million gift—the largest in school history—in the form of a bequest from a longtime supporter of Mother of Mercy and Mercy McAuley High Schools. A portion of the funds have already been used for campus improvements that are

—Patty Thelen, Director of Marketing

Mercy Montessori Center East Walnut Hills

Mercy Montessori is proud to offer a personalized educational experience that cultivates lifelong learning in our students.

This year, we are excited to introduce a range of cutting-edge STEAM programs in our Maker Space, featuring grant-funded coding robots and 3D printers.

Our unique Farmessori and Erdkinder programs allow our students to devel-

gardening, caring for livestock, baking, or managing a microeconomy business, students are encouraged to be curious, problem-solve, experience setbacks, learn from experts, and dream. The real-life applications and daily responsibilities that these programs provide are essential for students as they navigate their journey towards making positive contributions to our ever-evolving global community.

Mercy continues to provide swimming lessons as part of our curriculum, beginning at age 3. Swimming is a crucial skill that offers numerous advantages such as and mental well-being.

Mercy is dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school where all those who are part of our community feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to grow and thrive. Learn more about our work at www.mercymontessori.org/discover/deib/.

—Gretchen Hooker, Director of Communications

Miami Valley Christian Academy Newtown

Miami Valley Christian Academy has experienced exponential growth for the last 10 years. We are excited to occupy our new high school expansion spaces this year and welcome even more Lions to the pride! Miami Valley Christian Academy steadfastly embraces a commitment to uncompromising Christian education, beginning with preschool and spanning through high school. Our students are prepared academically to pursue any path they desire as well as navigate the currents of our culture to reach a successful destination. We unapologetically partner with Christian families to shape the future with strong Christian leaders for Christ.

—Jill Beasley, Advancement Director

Mount Notre Dame Reading

Guided by the Catholic faith and St. God, Mount Notre Dame educates and empowers young women to recognize and develop their unique capabilities to learn, live, lead, and serve. We are recognized for graduating young women who are empowered to transform the world. At MND, 69 percent of our most recent graduating class earned college credit through College Credit Plus and AP courses during their four years through our expansive offerings of 20 on-campus

THE SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL. WHERE STUDENTS START THECONVERSATION.

Walk & Talk Group Tours

All walking tours are 9-10 a.m.

Pre-k - Kindergarten

Sept. 17-Nov. 7 (Offered most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)

Grades 1-5

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Wednesday, Oct. 9

Grades 6-12

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Thursday, Oct. 17

Thursday, Nov. 14

Questions & Conversations

Virtual events at varied times

Pre-k - Grade 5

Wednesday, Oct. 23 9-10 a.m.

Grades 6-12

Tuesday, Oct. 22

6:30-7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

7-7:45 p.m.

Advanced Placement courses and 12 College Credit Plus course. Our class of 2024 earned college scholarships totaling more than $28 million. Experience all of the incredible opportunities at MND by visiting our Open House on October 27, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m.

—Elaine Skeldon, Director of Marketing and Communications

Purcell Marian High School

East Walnut Hills

At Purcell Marian, students have the opportunity to take a variety of IB classes. These two-year courses are designed to create lifelong learners, with an approach to teaching and learning that goes beyond memorizing facts and formulas. Our IB classes are lively, challenging, and student-centered, a place for Cavaliers to pursue their own interests and take pride in hard work.

Students who enroll in the full IB course load as juniors are eligible to pursue the IB Diploma, a diploma issued directly by the International Baccalaureate Organization and highly regarded by university the Castle, IB is also inclusive, offering a rigorous, holistic education to all Cavaliers.

Starting with the class of 2026, all Purcell Marian students will graduate with at least one IB course: IB Language and Literature. This course will replace all existing PM English courses at the 11th and 12th grade level and ensure that every student bene-

—Dawn Ellington, Admissions Director

Saint Ursula Academy East

Walnut Hills

Saint Ursula Academy is continuously innovating and preparing students for the future. One new initiative, exclusive to Saint Ursula students, will supply our girls with college-level coursework in entrepreneurship and the opportunity to earn SUA and College Credit Plus (CCP) credits through the Carl H. Lindner College of Business. We believe it will open doors for our students in the future. What’s really exciting is that the Lindner professor, Dr. Charles Matthews, will teach the course to SUA students on the Saint Ursula campus as part of the school day.

The course begins this fall and is called Essentials of Entrepreneurship. Program participants, will have the opportunity to engage with UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as Lindner co-curricular activities concentrated on uplifting women in business and women in entrepre-

neurship. Activities include business pitch competitions, venture capital programming, Lindner Women in Business’ Empowerment Day, Lindner Summer Institute, as well as access to Lindner and UC alumni, UC Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and Center for Entrepreneurship student mentors. Saint Ursula Academy’s portion of the program was made possible by a funding gift from locally based RDI Corporation.

Experiential Learning

Saint Ursula also understands that application of knowledge and hands-on experience takes learning to another level. SUA prioritizes and has increasing opportunities for experiential learning, giving students real-world experiences that can set them apart and help them discover what interests them. Plus, Saint Ursula’s central location combined with the collegiate-length classes makes

during class time during the school day.

Mentorship Program

Saint Ursula also offers students the opportunity to learn from SUA graduates Academy Alumnae Mentoring Program (AMP) connects SUA students with SUA alumnae for mentoring in varies jobs and careers, exploration of career options/ realities, and one-time professional

BRANCH OUT

shadowing opportunities.

—Kathy Restle, Principal

Seton High School West Price Hill

At Seton High School, our strong Catholic faith is at the forefront of every aspect of the school. The young women here are challenged to be critical thinkers in an individualized, supportive and experiential learning environment. Seton offers an Honors Program, a variety of both AP and dual college credit courses, and an inclusive and collaborative support services program. Our students are leaders in the -

lar clubs and activities, on stage and in their communities. They are prepared for college and beyond. The mission and values of Seton High School, strong academics and a true sense of sisterhood are why thousands of young women choose to become Seton Saints.

—

Sarah Cranley Lykins ’02, Director of Institutional Advancement

The Seven Hills School Madisonville/East Walnut Hills

Seven Hills’s mission is to “engage hearts

and minds” to prepare students to play “a meaningful role in a rapidly changing world.” We therefore focus not just on academic mastery, but on transdisciplinary skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration, as well as on enduring values such as kindness and integrity. This future-focused approach to education produces lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive and to live with purpose.

—Matthew Bolton, Head of School

Springer School and Center Hyde Park

At Springer students excel in academics and beyond, within a community designed to empower students diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges.

At Springer Lower School and Middle School, classes are sized 10–15 students with a lead teacher and instructional assistant providing small group instruction throughout the day. Springer’s diagnostic learning system fosters growth by putting the student at the core of instruction. Students participate in STEAM education alongside core subjects including science, math, and literature. Structured Wilson® credentialed instructors provide

all students targeted support in small groups. Arts opportunities are abundant and include visual arts, music, and theater programs. Annual residencies bring professional artists and musicians to work directly with students. Additionally, a variety of athletics and interest-based extracurriculars are offered throughout the year. Students build lasting friendships in our supportive community that builds on success both academically and socially.

At Springer High School, students are truly seen as the individuals they are, including and beyond academics. Building on strengths, each is celebrated and championed as they forge their path to adulthood. Small classes, with 15 or fewer students in each, allow teachers to know each student. Direct, multi-sensory, and

BECAUSE WHO THEY BECOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT THEY LEARN.

Every child, 18 months to 18 years, will be known, nurtured, and inspired here. We connect students both academically and personally, whether in the classroom or on our 60-acre campus. Innovative learning, independent thinking, and self-discovery guide students to be scholars, athletes, artists, leaders, and inventors.

COUNTRY DAY IS THE PLACE TO BE A

APPLY NOW FOR ADMISSION, TUITION ASSISTANCE, AND SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION.

experiential hands-on learning are the foundation of our intentionally designed, close-knit community. Students engage in core academics in addition to a growing variety of electives. Additional courses build on language skills, actively prepare students for college, and allow them to discover their identities as learners. Through our program, students become advocates for their own success. Student interests guide program development and extracurriculars, while meaningful relationships form through socials, interest-based clubs, and athletics.

—Sara McDulin, Communications Director

The Summit Country Day School

Hyde Park

The Summit Country Day School is a Catholic, independent school in the heart of Cincinnati serving students from 18 months through Grade 12, in a coeducational setting. Grounded in the values of its founders, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the core of The Summit mission is to educate leaders of character who will value and improve the world they inherit through a academic, physical, social, and artistic.

The Summit provides an exceptional

educational experience that can transform children into leaders of character who have the knowledge and skills to make the world a better place. The Leaders of Character curriculum is embedded throughout The Summit and focuses on three behaviors

Serves God, Builds Community, Grows Self.

The Summit takes a holistic approach to education, striving for academic excellence for all students according to their gifts. “I have three very different children that attended The Summit. Each had an experience that was different, challenging each to be the best person he/she could be.” — Niche.com parent review.

The Summit’s rigorous program develops intellectual and cultural competence using instructional best practices that emphasize creative problem-solving, global awareness and ethics. 95 percent of The Summit students have taken Advanced Placement courses by graduation.

Small class size and a culture of extraordinary care allows each child to be known, their God-given talents valued, and meaningful relationships develop naturally. The Summit has a no-cut athletics

physically and socially from participation in team sports, whether you’re a championship soccer player or have always wanted to play tennis. The Summit is one of the most diverse Catholic Schools in Cincinnati and for six consecutive years (2019–2024)

Niche.com ranked The Summit the number one Catholic high school in Ohio.

—Tina Tedesco, Director of Communication

Ursuline Academy Blue Ash

In the Catholic tradition of Ursuline education, the mission of Ursuline Academy is to prepare the young woman for college and beyond by nurturing her soul, intellect, heart, and imagination. In the vision of St. Angela Merici, Ursuline empowers the young woman to recognize her unique gifts, to give voice to her ideals, to strive for personal and academic excellence, to seek justice through actions inspired by Gospel values, and to accept the challenge of human freedom with its accompanying responsibilities.

We are excited about the knowledge and skills our students will gain from new course offerings, including business programming, introduction to business, sports psychology, and Python programming. In addition, Ursuline students in our dual-enrollment Spanish courses will have the ability to earn college course credits equivalent to a minor.

—Molly Speer, Director of Enrollment

• Students Earn Their H.A.L.O. Everyday by Being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others

• Earned Distinction as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

• All Students Participate in our Halo Bell Program, Providing Enrichment Services for ALL Students

• Opened New Makerspace Lab in 2022

• Mental and Physical Health Services Provided by a Full-Time School Counselor & Full-Time School Nurse

• Teachers Guide Students to Develop Spiritually, Academically, Emotionally, and Physically

• Technology Integrated into Every Classroom

• All K-8 Students Participate in Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education Weekly

• Extra-Curricular Activities Include Athletics, Music, Drama, and More

• EdChoice Program Provider

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE 2024-2025

Badin High School

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2024

RSVP online for Open House and all admissions events: BadinHS.org. Contact or (513) 869-4498 with any questions! 571 New London Rd. Hamilton, OH 45013 (513) 863-3993 | https://badinhs.org

Bethany School

SUNDAYS, 2–4 PM: OCTOBER 20, 2024; FEBRUARY 2, 2025 https://bethanyschool.org/open-house/ 555 Albion Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45246 (513) 771-7462 | https://bethanyschool.org

Cincinnati Country Day School

Our house is always open! Contact us to arrange a personalized tour and admission countryday.net, or www.countryday.net. Take a virtual tour of campus at www. countryday.net/admission/visit-us/campusmap.

6905 Given Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513) 979-0220 | www.countryday.net

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

NOVEMBER 9, 2024, 10 AM–1 PM

In-person tours and shadow visits are also available. Learn more at chca-oh.org/ visit-us.

CHCA Campus Locations:

Martha S. Lindner Campus (Upper School Grades 9–12) 11525 Snider Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513) 247-0900 | www.chca-oh.org

Founders’ Campus (Upper School Grades 7–8 & Upper Elementary Grades 4–6) 11300 Snider Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513) 247-0900 | www.chca-oh.org

Edyth B. Lindner Elementary School (Lower Elementary Grades K–3)/Blake Lindner Thomas Early Learning Center (Preschool 2–4 Years) 11312 Snider Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513) 247-0900 | www.chca-oh.org

Otto Armleder Memorial Education Campus (Preschool 3–4 Years–Grade 6) 140 W. Ninth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 721-2422 | www.chca-oh.org

Cincinnati Waldorf School

SATURDAYS, 10 AM–1 PM: NOVEMBER 2, 2024; FEBRUARY 1, 2025 6743 Chestnut St. Mariemont, OH 45227 (513) 541-0220 | www.cincinnatiwaldorfschool.org

Elder High School

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024, 4–8 PM elderhs.org/openhouse 3900 Vincent Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45205-1672 (513) 921-3427 | www.elderhs.org

Bishop Fenwick High School

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024, 1–4 PM

Information Nights

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024; MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024; TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Shadow Days are available throughout the fall. For more information about Fenwick or any of our Admissions Events, please contact Director of Enrollment Chris Kemper at

(513) 423-0723 ext. 2010. 4855 State Route 122 Franklin, OH 45005 (513) 428-0525 | www.fenwickfalcons.org

Great Oaks Career Campuses

Great Oaks is partnering once again with At the Core to present two in-person and one virtual “coffee chat” events for families to learn about career and technical education and other public school offerings.

Coffee Chat Dates and Locations:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024, 6:30–8 PM, VIRTUAL, https://bit.ly/GO102124

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024, 7–8:30 PM, ANDERSON BRANCH LIBRARY, https://bit.ly/ go102824

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024, 6:30–8 PM, MADEIRA BRANCH LIBRARY, https://bit. ly/GO103024

Great Oaks will also be hosting open houses at each of the four campuses in January. Visit greatoaks.com for more information.

Diamond Oaks Career Campus 6375 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45247 (513) 574-1300 | www.greatoaks.com

Laurel Oaks Career Campus

300 Oak Dr. Wilmington, OH 45177 (800) 752-5480 |www.greatoaks.com

Live Oaks Career Campus 5956 Buckwheat Rd. Milford, OH 45150 (513) 575-1900 |www.greatoaks.com

Scarlet Oaks Career Campus

300 Scarlet Oaks Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241 (513) 612-3609 | www.greatoaks.com

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE 2024-2025

Guardian Angels School

Schedule a personal tour today! 6539 Beechmont Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230 (513) 624-3141 | www.gaschool.org

Mercy McAuley High School

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024, 1–3:30 PM Register at www.mercymcauley.org/ openhouse 6000 Oakwood Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45224 (513) 681-1800 | www.mercymcauley.org

Mercy Montessori Center

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025, 1–3 PM Mercy Meet-Ups (Virtual Information Events)

TUESDAYS, 9 AM: OCTOBER 15, 2024; DECEMBER 17, 2024

WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 PM: NOVEMBER 13, 2024; JANUARY 15, 2025

Personalized tours available throughout the year. Please contact Amanda Grimm atagrimm@mercymontessori.orgor (513) 475-6700 to schedule. 2335 Grandview Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513) 475-6700 | www.mercymontessori.org

Miami Valley Christian Academy

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024, 10 AM–1 PM BY APPOINTMENT

Request an appointment by e-mailing Pmcelfesh@mvca-oh.com or via website at www.mvca-oh.com 6830 School St. Cincinnati, OH 45244 (513) 272-6822 | www.mvca-oh.com

Mount Notre Dame

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024, 4–7 PM www.mndhs.org/class-of-2029 711 E. Columbia Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45215 (513) 821-3044 | www.mndhs.org

Purcell Marian High School

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2024, 1–4 PM www.purcellmarian.org/openhouse 2935 Hackberry St. Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513) 751-1230 | www.purcellmarian.org

St. Ursula Academy

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024, 1–4 PM

Visit Saint Ursula Academy: Admissions Events: www.saintursula.org/Visit.aspx Virtual Tour: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kJN84Rtg3pE 1339 E. McMillan St. Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513) 961-3410 | www.saintursula.org

Seton High School

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024, 4:30–8:30 PM 3901 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45205 (513) 471-2600 | www.setoncincinnati.org

The Seven Hills School

Walk & Talk Group Tours

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, AND THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 17–NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Pre-K for 2-year-olds through kindergarten TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024; WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 Grades 1–5

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024; THURSDAYS: OCTOBER 17, 2024; NOVEMBER 14, 2024; AND JANUARY 16, 2025

Grades 6–12

Questions & Conversations Virtual Events

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024

Pre-K through Grade 5

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 AND JANUARY 22, 2025

Grades 6–12

Contact admissions@7hills.org to learn more!

5400 Red Bank Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45227 (513) 728-2400 | www.7hills.org

2726 Johnstone Place Cincinnati, OH 45206 (513) 728-2400 | www.7hills.org

Springer School and Center

Lower School & Middle School Open Houses AT SPRINGER: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024; TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, 9:30 AM

ONLINE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024, 6:30 PM

Registration required: www.springer-ld. org/open-house

2121 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 871-6080 | www.Springer-LD.org

The Summit Country Day School

Parent Preview Days (Montessori–Grade 8)

THURSDAYS, 8:30 AM: OCTOBER 24, 2024; NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Parent Preview Days (Grades 9–12)

WEDNESDAYS, 8:30 AM: SEPTEMBER 25, 2024; OCTOBER 16 & 30, 2024

Upper School Open House (Grades 9–12)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024, 6:30 PM

Montessori Information Session (Toddler–Kindergarten)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024, 8:30 AM

RSVP requested for all events. See QR code in advertisement. To take a virtual tour by program visit www.summitcds.org/ admission/virtual-tour.

Main Building 2161 Grandin Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 871-4700 | www.summitcds.org

Ursuline Academy

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024, 9 AM–NOON www.ursulineacademy.org/admissions/ open-house

Prospective Parent Information Night

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024, 6:30 PM

Admission Events: www.ursulineacademy. org/admissions/admissions-events 5535 Pfeiffer Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 791-5791 | www.ursulineacademy.org

It’s a party…

Calling kids of all ages!

Help Beech Acres Parenting Center celebrate 175 years of building strong families and loving connections.

Join us for the biggest brightest birthday bash in town, guaranteed to make your whole family smile!

We’re taking over Washington Park and packing it with fun!

October 13th | Noon – 5:00pm | Washington Park

Free & open to the public. Rain or shine.

Free pizza, free cake, free music, and free activities from arts & crafts to mascots and zoo animals, to fun family games.

Plus, our parenting experts will be there to answer your questions and share lots of helpful strengths-based caregiver tips throughout the day.

You’ll experience an afternoon of family-friendly memories that will last a lifetime!

FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS 2024 CINCINNATI

These days, it takes a village to manage your financial world. Whether it is managing your assets with a wealth manager, navigating the ever-changing tax landscape, sorting out your estate and succession planning or picking the right life insurance, finding the right team can be a daunting task. In fact, many consumers have a hard time figuring out where to even begin.

Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you off on the right path. Asking a professional what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own.

This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as Cincinnati Magazine to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the final list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com.

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER

DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA

Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10. Education and professional designations. 1,596 award candidates in the Cincinnati area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 200 (approximately 13% of the award candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers.

Wealth Manager

Financial Planning

Ryan F. Antepenko ∙ Rosselot Financial Group

Matthew C. Bayer ∙ The Bayer Financial Group, LLC Page 8

José L. Chavez ∙ The Rosselot Financial Group

Chris Collier ∙ WestPoint Financial Group

S. David Dinn ∙ Brecek & Young Financial Services

Monica Dwyer ∙ Harvest Financial Advisors

Ryan P. Grote ∙ The Rosselot Financial Group

Henry H. Hampton ∙ Thrivent Investment Management

Gregory W. Hang ∙ LPL Financial/Shared Vision Advisors Page 9

Randy E. Hein ∙ The Rosselot Financial Group

Thomas P. Keller ∙ Kehoe Financial Advisors

Nathan M. Kosman ∙ The Rosselot Financial Group

Ryan Krift ∙ Morgan Stanley Page 7

RESEARCH DISCLOSURES

In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers and investment professionals, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Selfnominations are not accepted. Cincinnati-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers or Five Star Investment Professionals.

• The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance.

• Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets.

• The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list or the Five Star Investment Professional list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or Cincinnati Magazine

• Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager, Five Star Investment Professional or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future.

• Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager or Five Star Investment Professional award programs, research and selection criteria, go to fivestarprofessional.com/research.

FIVE STAR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL

DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA

The investment professional award goes to estate planning attorneys, insurance agents and select others in the financial industry. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed with appropriate state or industry licensures. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 5. One-year client retention rate. 6. Five-year client retention rate. 7. Number of client households served. 8. Recent personal production and performance (industry specific criteria). 9. Education and professional designations/ industry and board certifications. 10. Pro Bono and community service work. This year, we honored 3 Cincinnatiarea investment professionals with the Five Star Investment Professional award.

All award winners are listed in this publication.

Mark Lindloff ∙ Osaic FS

Steven Lutz ∙ Morgan Stanley Page 7

Beth A. McDonald ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Molly A. O’Connor ∙ Lifetime Financial Growth, LLC Page 10

Theo Pericleous ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Page 5

Sonya R. Saskin ∙ TouchPoint Wealth Partners

Andy D. Sathe ∙ MCF

Barry Shelley ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/B.P. Shelley & Associates Page 6

Bradley Shelley ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/B.P. Shelley & Associates Page 6

Jason Sirotak ∙ WestPoint Financial Group Page 7

Mark B. Sutton ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Sutton & Associates Page 10

Chris R. Ward ∙ EntryPoint Wealth Management Page 10

Mark Wilkins ∙ Thrivent Investment Management

Jeremy J. Woolridge ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/ Further Financial Group

Christopher Wysong ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Investments

Ronald Bates ∙ 1919 Investment Counsel

Paul Burgdorf ∙ Harvest Financial Advisors

Robert Castellini ∙ Sentinel Private Wealth Management Group/Wells Fargo Advisors

Mitch Edwards ∙ Morgan Stanley

John Gould ∙ Morgan Stanley Page 3

Victor Jerome Gray ∙ Victor Dray Financial Service

Ronald J. Gulaskey ∙ Retire Right Wealth Management Page 9

Joel Handorf ∙ Morgan Stanley

Marc Henn ∙ Harvest Financial Advisors

Robert Huesman ∙ 1919 Investment Counsel

Peter D. McColgan ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

Nick Otto ∙ WestPoint Financial Group Page 7

Jonathan Peirson ∙ Peirson Financial Services, LLC Page 8

Jamie M. Powell ∙ Capital Advisory Services, LLC

Alan Runkel ∙ Independent Financial Resources, LLC

Philip Edward Seibert ∙ Julius Arthur Seibert & Co.

Erik E. Shifflett ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors Page 2

Michael E. Short ∙ Periscope Financial Page 4

Jeffrey David Stanley ∙ Morgan Stanley

James O. Stewart ∙ The Rosselot Financial Group

Todd D. Stout ∙ The Legend Group

Kimberly Thompson ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Tim Walsh ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Page 9

Donald Waterbury ∙ Waterbury & Associates

This award was issued on 09/01/2024 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 12/12/2023 through 07/09/2024. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed managers were considered for the award; 200 (13% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: 7/1/22; 2021: 1,357, 216, 16%, 9/1/21, 12/14/20 - 7/9/21; 2020: 1,406, 216, 15%, 9/1/20, 12/2/19 - 6/12/20; 2019: 1,371, 238, 1 7%, 9/1/19, 11/19/18 - 6/28/19; 427, 26%, 9/1/15, 2/10/15 - 7/25/15; 2014: 2,082, 483, 23%, 9/1/14, 2/10/14 - 7/25/14; 2013: 1,367, 509, 37%, 9/1/13, 2/10/13 - 7/25/13; 2012: 1,265, 477, 38%, Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee

8044 Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Left to right: Front row: 2012 - 2020, 2022 - 2024 winner Erik E. Shiff lett, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Investment Off icer; Carol Constable, Senior Registered Client Associate; Back row: Bill Johnson, Senior Client Associate; Aaron Till, CRPC®, First Vice President, Investment Off icer

8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 570 • Cincinnati, OH 45236

Phone: 513-985-2095 • Erik.E.Shifflett@wfa.com fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/8044-wmg/

questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1,596 Cincinnati-area wealth # Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2023: 1,649, 240, 15%, 9/1/23, 12/12/22 - 6/30/23; 2022: 1,585, 230, 15%, 9/1/22, 1/3/222018: 1,413, 239, 17%, 9/1/18, 12/20/17 - 7/19/18; 2017: 985, 288, 29%, 9/1/17, 12/21/16 - 6/29/17; 2016: 918, 368, 40%, 8/1/16, 2/10/16 - 7/25/16; 2015: 1,667, 9/1/12, 2/10/12 - 7/25/12. This year, we honored 3 Cincinnati-area investment professionals with the Five Star Investment Professional award.

WEALTH MANAGERS

John Gould

CFP®, CEPA®, CPM®, CPWA®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager

The more money you earn, the more complicated your financial life can become. Executives face corporate equity decisions. Business owners need exit strategies. Many families require complex estate plans.

As a Cincinnati-based team with 60-plus years of combined experience, we help design your financial future so that no challenge — complex or mundane — stands between you and your vision of success.

I have been named a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2016 – 2017 and 2019 – 2024. Get a fresh perspective on your financial future. Call us at 513-562-8313, or email Janie.Shaffer@morganstanley.com.

Toll-Free: 800-659-6599

Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected

Left to right: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 winner John Gould, CFP®, CEPA®, CPM®, CPWA®, Senior Vice Presi dent, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Alternative Investments Director, Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation; Anna Kohlem, Assistant Vice President, Wealth Manage ment Associate, Financial Planning Specialist; Janie Shaffer, Business Development Director

• Comprehensive wealth management

Michael E. Short

• Robust investment and protection strategies

• Personalized planning and service

• Holistic approach to financial well-being and legacy planning

For nearly 19 years, we have been dedicated to helping clients build, protect and pass on their wealth to pursue their personal and professional dreams. With thoughtful planning, effective risk management and reliable support, we guide our clients through financial challenges so they can stay focused on the long-term goals that matter most to them.

We moved into our new office one year ago, continuing a high level of service while welcoming new clients into the Periscope Financial family. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a meeting with us to discuss how we can help you achieve your financial goals. Also, feel free to check out our new website at www.periscopefinancial.com

2000 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45208

Phone: 513-430-0171

michael@periscopefinancial.com

lisa@periscopefinancial.com

alexa@periscopefinancial.com www.periscopefinancial.com

questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1,596 Cincinnati-area wealth managers Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2023: 1,649, 240, 15%, 9/1/23, 1/16/23 - 6/30/23; 2022: 1,585, 230, 15%, 9/1/22, 1/3/22 - 7/1/22; 2021: 1,357, 216, 12/20/17 - 7/19/18; 2017: 985, 288, 29%, 9/1/17, 12/21/16 - 6/29/17; 2016: 918, 368, 40%, 8/1/16, 2/10/16 - 7/25/16; 2015: 1,667, 427, 26%, 9/1/15, 2/10/15 - 7/25/15; honored 3 Cincinnati-area investment professionals with the Five Star Investment Professional award. investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com. FIVE

Left to right: 2013 – 2024 winner Michael Short, Owner, Wealth Advisor; Lisa O’Brien, Operations Manager; Alexa Casey, Licensed Sales Associate

Theo Pericleous

Left to right: Standing: Lauren Davies, Assistant; Kristos Pericleous, Associate Financial Advisor; 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021 and 2024 winner Theo Pericleous, Private Wealth Advisor, CRPC™; Kathryn Panstingel, Administrative Assistant; Alex Pericleous, Associate Financial Advisor; Seated: Nathan Marchal, Financial Advisor, CRPC™; 2015, 2017 and 2023 winner Neerja Chaudhry, Financial Advisor, CFP®, CRPC™,

Chapman,Financial Advisor

Barry Shelley • Bradley Shelley

Plan for the Future. Enjoy the Present. Leave a Legacy

For 40 years, Barry Shelley has served the Cincinnati area, providing financial advice and guiding his clients through the highs and lows of the markets to help them meet their goals. He is a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC and a 2012 – 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager.

In 2014, Brad Shelley, a 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager, joined his father, forming the practice B.P. Shelley & Associates. For the past 9 years, Barry and Brad have worked together to help their clients achieve their goals. They have continued to grow the practice with a team of advisors and support, all dedicated to guiding their clients in all aspects of their financial lives.

We are passionate about building generational wealth to provide for the needs of today but leaving a legacy to our loved ones for tomorrow. Both Barry and Brad are dedicated to growing their knowledge base to serve their clients better. Both are CFP® Professionals, amongst other designations, with specializations in the areas of Retirement Planning, Wealth Management, Insurance, Faith-based Investment and advice and working with members of the Military to navigate the complicated field of Military pay and benefits. We work with anyone, regardless of net worth, who has financial goals they want to accomplish in their life.

Left to right: 2012 – 2024 winner Barry Shelley, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CKA®, and MSFS, Private Wealth Advisor; 2024 winner Bradley Shelley, CFP®, ChFC®, CMFA®, Financial Advisor

The Cincinnati Cornerstone Group at Morgan Stanley

Steven Lutz, CFP® • Ryan Krift, CFP®

• Investment advice and stewardship

• Tailored retirement planning

• Dedicated personal service

• Modern wealth management tools

221 E 4th Street, Suite 2200 • Cincinnati, OH 45202

Steven Lutz: 513-852-4467 • steven.d.lutz@morganstanley.com

Ryan Krift: 513-852-4452 • ryan.krift@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/the-cincinnati-cornerstone-group

For us, retirement planning means more than providing our clients with investment advice. It means helping them maintain the financial independence they’ve worked their whole lives to achieve. It means striving to ensure they have the means to pursue what’s most important to them. It means understanding them as people with unique goals, values and circumstances that determine the strategies we develop on their behalf.

Steven Lutz is a 2012 – 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager. Ryan Krift is a 2012 –2024 Five Star Wealth Manager.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, C ERTIFIED F INANCIAL P LANNER ™, and the CFP® mark (with plaque design) in the U.S. ©2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. 3726871.

The Sirotak-Otto Team

Helping Build Secure Financial Futures

Our combined experience of over 25 years in the financial services industry allows us to help clients like you. Whether it’s retirement planning, investment allocation, insurance, college savings or something else, we develop strategies to help you meet the goals that are important to you.

We listen. In our first meeting, we let you do the talking. Here, we discover your goals and risk tolerance, current position, where you want to go and how to get you there. We work together. A solid financial plan requires teamwork and trust, which is why we take the time to discover what you envision for your financial future to tailor recommendations to your situation and set you up for success.

We care. We want to see you live the life you work hard to achieve. It will be a marathon rather than a sprint, but we’ve trained to run alongside you every step of the way. By analyzing, implementing and reviewing your strategy, we can ensure you’re on course toward achieving your goals.

8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 620 Cincinnati, OH 45236

Jason: 513-332-9982 • jsirotak@financialguide.com Nick: 513-332-9973 • notto@financialguide.com www.sirotakottoteam.com

This award was issued on 09/01/2024 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 12/12/2023 through 07/09/2024. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed were considered for the award; 200 (13% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # Considered, # 16%, 9/1/21, 12/14/20 - 7/9/21; 2020: 1,406, 221, 15%, 9/1/20, 12/2/19 - 6/12/20; 2019: 1,371, 238, 17%, 9/1/19, 11/19/18 - 6/28/19; 2018: 1,413, 239, 17%, 9/1/18, 2014: 2,082, 483, 23%, 9/1/14, 2/10/14 - 7/25/14; 2013: 1,367, 509, 37%, 9/1/13, 2/10/13 - 7/25/13; 2012: 1,265, 477, 38%, 9/1/12, 2/10/12 - 7/25/12. This year, we Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary

Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected

Left to right: Six-year winner (2019 – 2024) Nick Otto, CFP®, ChFC®, FSCP®; Michelle Graham, Team Operations Coordinator; Thirteen-year winner (2012 – 2024) Jason Sirotak, CFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, RICP®

Left to right: Luke Baker, Registered Client Service Associate; 2013 – 2016 winner Scott Bouldin, Financial Advisor, First Vice President; 2012 – 2024 winner Steven Lutz, CFP®, Financial Advisor, First Vice President; 2012 – 2024 winner Ryan Krift, CFP®, Financial Advisor, First Vice President

Jonathan Peirson

7450 Whispering Way Cincinnati, OH 45241 Office: 513-202-6228

jonathan.peirson@lpl.com www.peirsonfinancialservices.com

We work with select families and businesses across the country to oversee and coordinate their financial affairs, thus providing the confidence to pursue their goals. We do this by thoroughly assessing a client’s financial state of affairs and determining how we can best assist them.

™, and the CFP® mark (with plaque design) in the U.S. Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: CA, CO, NC, SC, GA, FL, IN, KY, NH, and OH. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of CA, CO, NC, SC, GA, FL, IN, KY, NH and OH. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Matthew C. Bayer

Portfolios With Purpose

2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018

2024 winner Matthew C. Bayer, President

Matt Bayer is celebrating over 29 years of providing independent financial advice. As an independent advisor, he can truly work in his clients’ best interests without external pressures. Matt is a SmartVestor Pro. He has the heart of a teacher, not the attitude of a salesman. Matt has positioned The Bayer Financial Group, LLC to work within fiduciary and suitability standards. Through a combination of fee-based and commission-based investment strategies, Matt has created the opportunity to not only keep client costs low, but guard against deep market swings and preserve assets for generations to come. Please visit the BFG website for a complete description of the planning process and to schedule some time to chat with Matt. 1948 E Whipp Road, Suite D • Kettering, OH 45440 Phone: 937-432-6585 bfg@bayerfinancialgroup.com www.bayerfinancialgroup.com

Seven-year winner Jonathan Peirson

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

Ronald J. Gulaskey

Ron has over 30 years of experience in investing. He is licensed as a Certified Financial Fiduciary® and has established his own retirement planning company, Retire Right Wealth Management. Retire Right specializes in working with retirement income planning with protected, safe investing, creating lifetime income streams and protecting assets from large losses. He is diligent in helping his clients achieve their long-term financial goals while utilizing an active management approach. He understands that his clients are the most important part of his firm and provides personalized recommendations when matching clients with the right financial strategies and services. In addition to developing a custom financial strategy for each client, he conducts regular meetings to review performance, reconfirm financial goals, and adjust as economic or lifestyle conditions warrant. Ron advances his education by continually training on new systems and products available. This allows him and the firm to keep up with financial changes and trends.

5506 Irwin Simpson Road • Mason, OH 45040 Phone: 513-722-9222 • rgulaskey@rrwmgroup.com www.rrwmgroup.com

Retire Right Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Gregory W. Hang

gregory.hang@lpl.com www.hangcfp.com

clients have distinct goals and desires. Their time frames and targets are unique. We take a detailed approach to better understand our clients and the qualitative factors that motivate them. Whether you are planning for an early retirement, educational costs, travel or a new home, we serve as your personal guide along the

2024 winner Ronald J. Gulaskey, Certified Financial Fiduciary®

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

CFP®

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 180 Cincinnati, OH 45246

Phone: 513-346-1771

mark.b.sutton@ampf.com

• Tax-planning strategies

• Investment strategies

• Retirement income planning and strategies

You may have many goals ahead of you: retirement, education or a new home. We tailor our advice to your goals to help you feel more confident. We help navigate the present while staying focused on the long term. Mark is a 2012 – 2018 and 2022 – 2024 award winner.

and the CFP® mark (with plaque design) in the U.S. Not FDIC or NCUA InsuredNo Financial Institution GuaranteeMay Lose Value Investors should conduct their own evaluation of a financial professional as working with a financial advisor is not a guarantee of future financial success. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Molly A.

O’Connor

Financial Advisor

419 Plum Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cell: 513-907-6974 • Office: 513-619-2508 molly_o’connor@lfgco.com www.mollyaoconnor.com

Molly has been a financial advisor serving the greater Cincinnati area for 20 years. Molly serves business owners and executives in the areas of retirement planning, investment management, education savings and insurance planning. Molly has served as a manager and senior advisor for Lifetime Financial Growth Company, LLC and runs an advisor team in the downtown Cincinnati office. Molly lives in Glendale, Ohio, with her fiance, Ethan, two daughters, Clara and Emma, and dog, Sugar. Protect. Invest. Achieve.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS). OSJ: 419 Plum Street; Cincinnati, OH 45202. Phone: (513) 579-1114. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Lifetime Financial Growth is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian and is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment advisor. California Insurance License ID #0G32031. 2024-177246 Exp. 06/26

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

2. Actively

as a RIA or as a

of a

Phone: 859-203-1414

chris@entrypointwm.com

www.entrypointwm.com

• Available: Hourly or AUM Fee

At EntryPoint Wealth Management, we help clients solve complex financial questions. Our focus is on serving wealthy individuals who are preparing for retirement and people who are already in retirement. We always partner with our clients as fiduciaries and implement complex tax and investment strategies to maximize our clients’ future wealth. Additionally, we consult with real estate investors who want to liquidate their holdings through 1031 tax-free exchanges and end their time as landlords.

Wealth Managers

assess your short-term goals such as buying a house and show you how that can also benefit any long-term goals you may have overlooked.

and

history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Wealth Manager

Dwayne E. Adams ∙ Adams Wealth Management Group

Brian Keith Albach ∙ Morgan Stanley

Daniel Joseph Altenau ∙ Altenau Financial

Greg Neal Altenau ∙ Hornor Townsend & Kent

Michael Louis Andrews ∙ Merrill Lynch

Edward L. Apfel ∙ Morgan Stanley

Francisco Javier Armada ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Stephen M. Ashworth ∙ Morgan Stanley

Lewis Andrew Assaley ∙ Morgan

Stanley

Adam Paul Atkinson ∙ Morgan Stanley

Richard Howard Beckert ∙ Merrill Lynch

Zachary Thomas Binzer ∙ Foster & Motley

Michael R. Bisbe ∙ Bisbe Capital

Casey Michael Boland ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Greg M. Bonner ∙ Merrill Lynch

Wesley Davis Botto ∙ Hillcrest Financial Group

Peter Robert Bouley ∙ Merrill Lynch

Jill Bracci ∙ Morgan Stanley

Phillip Ray Brann ∙ Morgan Stanley

Sean M. Buckley ∙ Buckley Financial Planning LLC

Gregory Brian Burch ∙ Lighthouse Agency, Inc.

Amy Rose Burgraff ∙ Morgan Stanley

Jake Elliott Butcher ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Jerry Butts ∙ 3 Point Wealth Strategies, LLC

Matthew Nicholas Calme ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Robert Carroll ∙ Carnegie Investment Counsel

Cory N. Curry ∙ Robert W. Baird & Co.

WEALTH MANAGERS — INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

All award winners are listed in this publication.

Michele R. Daniher ∙ Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory

Stephen Edward Dauer ∙ Morgan Stanley

Joshua David Deeter ∙ Deeter Advisory Group, LLC

Nancy Louise Del Grosso ∙ Morgan Stanley

Daryl Joseph Demo ∙ Daymark Wealth Partners

Emily Katherine Diaz ∙ Foster & Motley

Charlotte Anne Dougherty ∙ Dougherty & Associates

John E. Dougherty ∙ Dougherty & Associates

James Robert Eck ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

David Allan Eltringham ∙ Benchmark Wealth Management

Ryan English ∙ Foster & Motley

Jim Randall Eutsler ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Ben Feldmeyer ∙ Feldmeyer Financial Group

Jay Alan Finke ∙ Clarity Wealth Management

Christopher Michael Flores ∙ Three Corners Capital

Tim David Foster ∙ UBS

Ryan Andrew Fromm ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

Chuck Futel ∙ Primerica

Jim David Gaunt ∙ Formidable Asset Management

Jahn Dorab Gazder ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Michael Anthony George ∙ Tri-State Financial Group

Lisa Gerardi ∙ Gerardi Wealth Management

Christopher M. Gongola ∙ Gongola Financial

Elizabeth Marchal Green ∙ Foster & Motley

Robert John Grossheim ∙ Family Wealth Advisory Group

Lucas Parker Hail ∙ Foster & Motley

Sandra Faith Hall ∙ Faith Financial Advisors

Kathy J. Hamm ∙ Principled Wealth Advisors

Stephen Duane Hawkins ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Matt Aaron Held ∙ Clarity Wealth Management

Mike Thomas Hengehold ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Steve Elias Hengehold ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

David Brian Henning ∙ Formidable Asset Management

Aubrey Herman ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Nathan Roger High ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Shawn Hill ∙ Hill Financial Strategies

Gary E. Hollander ∙ Hollander & Associates, LLC

Zach Tyler Horn ∙ Foster & Motley

Bethany Bohmer Huffman ∙ Huffman Wealth Management

Matthew Jessup ∙ Jessup Wealth Management, Inc.

Youngjin Jung ∙ Morgan Stanley

George Edward Kavalauskas ∙ Park Avenue Securities

John Michael Kilcoyne ∙ Wealth Enhancement Group

Stephen Paul King ∙ Wealthquest

Erin D. Knodel ∙ Park Avenue Securities

Ronda L. Koehler ∙ Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory

Garry Phillip Kohn ∙ Kohn Wealth Management Advisors

George Peter Koumoutsos ∙ Omega Financial Group

Joseph Patrick Kuethe ∙ Raymond James Financial Services/Kuethe Wealth Planning

Matthew J. Larmann ∙ Larmann Financial Corp.

Karen F. Levy ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

Thomas Kevin Liguzinski ∙ Cornerstone Financial Group

Lance Allen Lohr ∙ Merrill Lynch

Ted Michael Lucien ∙ Morgan Stanley

Tony Robert Luckhardt ∙ Foster & Motley

Gregory Charles Luke ∙ Thor Wealth Management

Michael J. Maisel ∙ Legacy Financial Advisors

Paul David McCauley ∙ Morgan Stanley

Donald M. McClurg ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Michael Joseph McCormick ∙ Financial Clarity Group, Inc.

Bart Francis Metzler ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

John Patrick Meyer ∙ Meyer Capital Management

Timothy Robert Meyer ∙ Meyer Capital Management

Greg Allen Middendorf ∙ HCM Wealth Advisors

Eleanor Kirby Moffat ∙ Bahl & Gaynor

William Mark Motley ∙ Foster & Motley

David J. Nienaber ∙ Foster & Motley

Kristy Sue O’Brien ∙ Wealth Transitions, LLC

Stephen Frederick O’Neill ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Christopher Robert Oberholzer ∙ Infinity Wealth Counsel

Matthew John Oberholzer ∙ Infinity Wealth Counsel

Brian Tallman Parker ∙ Hyde Park Wealth Advisors

Joseph Anthony Patterson ∙ Foster & Motley

Boyd Patton ∙ Huntington Financial Advisors

Thanh T. Pham ∙ Morgan Stanley

Tyrone Phillippi ∙ McKinley Carter Wealth Services

MaryAnn Pietromonaco ∙ Morgan Stanley

Timothy Glenn Powell ∙ Concentric Wealth Management

Terry Powers ∙ Thrivent Investment Management

Carter Fitz Randolph ∙ Randolph Co.

Jereme Sebastian Ransick ∙ Principled Wealth Advisors

Rachel Ann Rasmussen ∙ Foster & Motley

Michael Rawlings ∙ Viceroy Wealth Counsel

John Kenneth Ritter ∙ Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory

Wilson Frederick Rosebraugh ∙ SR Investment Holdings

Eric Scott Ross ∙ F2 Wealth

Nicholas Edmund Roth ∙ Foster & Motley

Christopher S. Rueve ∙ Morgan Stanley

Deborah Anne Saas ∙ Center For Wealth Management

Chris Saul ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Irwin Bruce Scheineson ∙ Planning Works

Adam Joseph Schoster ∙ Morgan Stanley

Richard Alfred Shurmer III ∙ Lifetime Financial Growth

Jeffrey Scott Sims ∙ Mariner Wealth Advisors

Matthew Ronald Smith ∙ Morgan Stanley

Brad Michael Soper ∙ Foster & Motley

David Lauren Speer ∙ Cornerstone Financial Group

John Charles Spencer ∙ Hackman Financial Group

W. Russell Stewart ∙ Camargo Investment Management

Christopher Stiver ∙ LPL Financial

Elaina Cordelia Stuard ∙ Robert W. Baird & Co.

Andrew Scott Tedesco ∙ Dougherty & Associates

Amy Lynn Thomas ∙ Foster & Motley

Steven Mark Thomas ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

Angie Trandai ∙ Trandai Financial Solutions, LLC

David Francis Treft ∙ Clearpoint Wealth Advisors

D.J. J.

This award was issued on 09/01/2024 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 12/12/2023 through 07/09/2024. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 1,596 Cincinnati-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 200 (13% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. This year, we honored 3 Cincinnati-area investment professionals with the Five Star Investment Professional award.

(RIA) or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use

the

Comprehensive, Compassionate Breast Cancer Treatment

We know how quickly a breast cancer diagnosis can change your life. That’s why we use the latest in medical advancements and technology to help you stay strong, determined and hopeful. Our exceptional team of caregivers is here to provide the personalized, compassionate care you need to help you every step of the way. Visit mercy.com to find a location and connect with a provider today.

HEALTH WATCH 2024 PRECISION CANCER CARE

Cares and Cures

Local cancer treatment evolves, delivering more options and better outcomes.

A cancer diagnosis isn’t what it used to be.

According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 40 percent of Americans are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, but thanks to a web of new therapies, early diagnosis, and streamlined support, the national mortality rate for all forms of cancer has dropped steadily over the past two decades.

Local medical providers, however, are

and Pharmacogenomics with The Christ Hospital network. “Most medicines in the U.S. are developed from a general population perspective, but we know each medicine impacts everyone a little differently.”

“The old way of looking at cancer is everyone who has this disease gets this drug, and that’s not necessarily the best outcome for the patient, particularly in regards to side effects,” says Jennifer Wick, Assistant

of the most exciting is doctors’ increasing ability to determine how effective speciﬁc drugs will be based on cancer cells’ related receptors. This pairs with tests to determine how well tissues in a patient’s body will uptake a drug, which inﬂuences not only how the drug interacts with cancerous cells but also the rest of the patient’s body.

“When we do genetic testing here at Christ, we don’t just test for your cancer

Local medical providers are addressing obstacles to cancer care.

still looking forward, ﬁghting for higher remission rates while addressing lingering stigmas and obstacles to care. The Christ Hospital’s precision health program targets not only cancer but also patients’ quality of life during treatment.

“Precision health is really the combination of how a medicine or drug interacts with genomics,” says Kevin Banks, Ph.D., Executive Director of Precision Medicine

Director of Pharmacy for Ambulatory Services with The Christ Hospital network. “With precision medicine, we have the opportunity to target the cancer while sparing you some of those traditional side effects, because the drug is targeted to a part of the tumor that is different and unique from your own genetics.”

Genomics presents a growing opportunity for oncology on several fronts. One

and the genetic markings for that. We really try to take a holistic view of the patient,” Wick says.

This means anticipating side effects before they become a problem and using precision medicine to ﬁnd solutions a speciﬁc patient’s body will respond to. It’s individualized care that accounts for the patient’s experience throughout the process.

“Patients think genomic tests are something that will help them someday in the future, but the future is really now,” Wick says. “We have many cancer treatments that are speciﬁcally based off these genetic tests. We have drugs that will or won’t work for you based on your genomic tests. We’re living in a time where we can perform these tests and make signiﬁcant treatment decisions based on results.”

Beyond oncology, precision health opens the door to more proactive care that gives patients more power to avoid major events and diseases. The Christ Hospital’s precision health program touches nearly every service, from cardiology to endo-

“Is

it possible to treat the whole me, and not just

my cancer?”

- Joe, Cincinnati, OH

“Of

At the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center we provide our patients access to everything from precision medicine and international clinical trials to family support groups and yoga classes. We make sure all your needs are met, with personal nurse navigators and a whole team that puts YOU ﬁrst. We understand you have questions, and at St. Elizabeth we personalize care with answers you need.

Dr. Lauren Castellini Oncology

crinology, but Christ isn’t the only local institution addressing patient care with cutting-edge technology.

Generative AI has been making headlinesrecently, but artiﬁcial intelligence has been a multifaceted tool in TriHealth’s arsenal for years.

“We’re making a creative space for technology to really change how we provide healthcare,” says Donna Peters, TriHealth’s chief information officer.

AI developers and vendors are partnering with health providers like TriHealth as essential data sources to train their systems. Some of these systems, like ProFound AI, improve cancer care through imaging.

“The earlier you detect a cancer, the better a patient’s chance of survival,” says Anthony Antonoplos, M.D., a diagnostic radiology specialist with TriHealth. “[AI] is increasing your cancer detection rates, and you’re ﬁnding cancers earlier.”

Radiology is just the tip of the iceberg, though. For over a decade, TriHealth has used AI for things like predictive analyt-

proactive care, reaching out with tailored interactions, such as reminders for those who struggle with medication routines or following up at the best time for the individual patient.

Since it’s widely accepted that early detection through regular screenings is a key factor in falling mortality rates, this active approach may be a vital step to further reducing cancer-related deaths in the next few years.

AI promises even more eventual services. Peters is particularly excited about the potential development of “second-generation smart room” technology. This equips AI with audio and visual tools to monitor patients and staff. Not only are there potential safety beneﬁts, but the system could aid in documentation and recordkeeping, leaving more time for direct care.

All these developments feed back into evolving, data-driven solutions to anticipate problems before they become threats.

“We use all sorts of risk models to assess patients that have historically been

patients are looking for an easy-to-use, consumer-friendly experience, and healthcare really doesn’t have that tagline,” she says. “So, we’re leveraging AI to make a better patient experience and partnering for population health.”

TriHealth isn’t alone in its emphasis on patient experience as part of patient care. New facilities in the region underline their support and accessibility as much as their state-of-the-art therapies.

St. Elizabeth’s Dearborn Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art imaging, multi-disciplinary care, nutritional counseling, spiritual care, pet therapy, and much more in a beautiful building ﬂooded with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide patients with views of nature during treatment, and a boutique assists patients with hair replacement and breast prosthetics.

“Providing cancer care is so multifaceted. A great team requires many different parts,” says Terri Bogan, director of breast health and site director of the Dearborn

New facilities in the region offer support as

well

as state-of-the-art therapies.

ics. This forecasting tool helps anticipate community needs and demand in time to prepare for sudden changes, but TriHealth also employs natural language processing for clinical and administrative purposes.

“This is really about personalizing the experience for patients,” Peters says. “One of the things we’re using AI for is psychographic segmentation, or seeing what incentivizes a patient to seek care.”

Psychographic segmentation uses routine information like how often patients cancel appointments or successfully follow their doctor’s directions to ﬁnd motivational triggers and stumbling blocks. TriHealth transforms this information into

based on lifestyle and familial risk factors,” Antonoplos says. “But what we’ve noticed is you can now have image-derived, AI-based risk modeling. So, it can be a normal mammogram this year, but because of what the AI picks up in that image, the image itself can be added to the traditional risk models. These hybrid models are going to be the way of the future, so we can reﬁne our screening tools to provide the most accurate risk assessment for populations that would beneﬁt from early interventions or screenings.”

Individualized care is at the heart of these projects, and Peters wants to address experiential barriers to care. “We believe

Cancer Center. “The Center has put together an incredible team of professionals that provide extensive oncology and support services in this community.”

“For so long cancer care has been about chemo and CT scans, and we’ve never subscribed to that view,” says Douglas Flora, M.D., executive medical director of oncology services. “We call it whole person care. We try not to just treat the physical issues, but the mental, the emotional, the social, the ﬁnancial tolls that cancer can take on families and their caregivers.”

That team understands cancer is expensive. According to the American Cancer Society’s Survivor Views research panel,

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, Cincinnati Cancer Advisors (CCA) is the go-to resource for patients and healthcare providers for a second opinion - at no cost to you, thanks to generous donors.

• Thorough Consultations

• Genetic Testing & Counseling

• Financial Navigation

• Care Coordination

• Physician Collaboration

four in 10 patients deal with nutrition insecurity, with 40 percent going into debt to afford doctor-recommended food. Roughly one-third felt they had to choose between food and treatment. This burden adds to rampant medical debt, which the American Cancer Society found 47 percent of patients and survivors bear, even though nearly all had insurance at the time of treatment.

“Quality cancer care must address the social and emotional aspects of the cancer diagnosis,” Bogan says. “Is this person a caregiver? Are they the breadwinner in their family, and how will undergoing treatment for cancer impact their daily lives? Will it impact their ability to provide ﬁnancially for their family?”

Social workers are onsite daily to assist patients and their families with barriers to care like food insecurity and travel, another common obstacle. Rural communities like Dearborn typically see higher morbidity rates than urban areas. This stems from the additional cost and time patients need to reach treatment centers for regular screenings, tests, and therapies. That translates to fewer cases of early detection and more reasons for patients to put off care.

“Access in Dearborn was a major issue,” Flora says. “Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. This center delivers care directly to the communities that need it. Wherever you live, you deserve a fair and just opportunity to live without cancer, regardless of how much money you make or where you live.”

In Cincinnati, UC is also building a new approach to cancer treatment. The UC Blood Cancer Healing Center opened its ﬁrst round of ﬂoors and associated services earlier this year with plans to open the rest of the building in late 2025.

“We think of this as an all-encompassing treatment center for our patients with blood cancer as well as those in many of our clinical trials,” says Emily Curran, M.D., a hematologist-oncologist at University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

“Within the Blood Cancer Center, we have our clinic, but we also have an early-phase clinical trial unit where patients are getting state-of-the-art treatment through new clinical trials that aren’t available elsewhere in the city. Above that we have our in-patient unit. We also have our infusion center there and an extended care unit.”

Integrative medicine, survivorship and supportive services, and oncology primary care providers share the currently open ﬂoors as well. The next phase of the project will bring some of UC’s cancer researchers into the building with a dedicated laboratory. There are also plans for a teaching kitchen for patients along with other wellness spaces like a yoga studio and rooftop garden. Food and coffee options for not only patients but also caregivers feature in upcoming developments, too.

“This makes it so much easier on the patients because it brings it all into one place,” Curran says.

A simple but telling element of the Healing Center is its attached parking. While parking can be a challenge anywhere in Cincinnati, the team at UC recognized it as a removable hurdle for patients.

“If someone has just been diagnosed and they’re coming for their first visit, finding parking and figuring out where they’re going is just a layer of stress they don’t need, even though it’s a very small thing,” says Erin Hertlein, Ph.D., a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center researcher. “I think it’s a testament to all those small things that were considered when planning this facility.”

Patients aren’t the only ones UC is welcoming into the Healing Center. While quality-of-life services like coffee, food, and yoga have incredible value for today’s patients, the future of cancer care will be made in the onsite lab.

“Research and clinical care tend to be on the opposite sides of campus,” Hertlein says, “and that doesn’t foster the cohesiveness we want. As researchers we want to work very closely with the clinician scientists because that is how we’re going to move forward.”

“We’re putting everybody under the same roof, and we’re making real-time decisions that are going to affect the speed at which research comes together,” says Megan Johnstone, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Leukemia and Drug Development Lab at the University of Cincinnati. “We already have some data that suggests that putting everybody under one roof and making these decisions quickly can drive products to patients in months rather than years.”

As research continues and understanding of cancer’s social, psychological, and financial strains develops, it’s becoming apparent that defeating this disease isn’t about finding a cure. It’s about finding many tailored solutions, focusing on patients as individuals.

“I think a common misconception people have about cancer treatment is that it’s a death sentence, and that’s just not true, especially now,” Bogan says. “We are making huge advancements in cancer treatments and cancer care.”

New technology helps doctors hone therapies to speciﬁc cells, and integrative perspectives continue working toward better support for patients and survivors. Today, cancer care means more than it used to.

OHIO’S

Since Ohio voters approved Issue 2, several bills have been introduced and debated in Columbus that would change the law, but none has garnered enough support to pass. Most recently, before summer recess, legislators introduced Senate Bill 278 to alter the law in many ways, including banning or limiting home growing, eliminating the Social Equity and Jobs Program entirely, and changing the distribution of tax revenue to instead fund jail construction and renovation, peace officer training, law enforcement continuing education, and local drug task forces. Berman predicts a ﬁnal bill may come together in the lame duck session after November’s elections or during the state budgeting process next year.

Rabin’s students. Today he is product manager at Backroad Wellness, a small, family-owned company with three dispensaries across Ohio.

He’s sort of the “Swiss Army Knife of the crew,” Wurzbacher says, doing essentially anything that interacts with the product: purchasing, inventory, budget management, and managing relationships with vendors, the company’s point-of-sale system, and online menu. He’s working on a smart phone app, an e-mail campaign, and loyalty program, too.

Wurzbacher loves talking about cannabis and being part of the industry. He feels the stigma around the drug beginning to lift in many ways, including just how much more inquisitive people are about it than they were a few years ago. “Even my own mom, who was opposed to cannabis my whole life to the point of drug-testing my brothers and me in high school, now refers to it as medicine,” Wurzbacher says. Her mind began to change, he says, after his great aunt was diagnosed with cancer; although she died, he says cannabis gummies helped improve her appetite and quality of life.

THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER FOUND

THAT 74 PERCENT OF AMERICANS LIVE IN A LEGAL MARIJUANA STATE. KENTUCKY BEGINS ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM IN JANUARY 2025.

OHIO’S MARIJUANA INDUSTRY GROWS while those details shake out, says Bonnie Rabin, an adjunct professor in the Cannabis Studies program at the University of Cincinnati. She’s amazed at the variety of students working toward the 15-hour Cannabis Studies Certiﬁcate, offered to all majors and non-matriculating students.

“Everything from horticulture students to architecture students, chemical engineering, marketing, political science, psychology, risk management, neuroscience, everyone is interested,” says Rabin. “All of these jobs touch the cannabis industry in some way. A lot of eyes across the country are on Ohio, because we have strong products here and a lot of potential.”

Patrick Wurzbacher, a 24-year-old Pleasant Ridge resident, was one of

Nationwide, attitudes have certainly shifted over the past 50 years. According to Gallup, just 12 percent of Americans in 1969 thought marijuana should be legal, with the percentage rising to about 58 percent by 2013 and about 70 percent today. A recent analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 74 percent of Americans live in a legal marijuana state. (Kentucky begins its medical marijuana program in January 2025.)

But that sentiment isn’t shared everywhere. According to the OSU Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, 71 communities in Ohio have passed some sort of local prohibition statute. That represents just 3 percent of the state’s incorporated municipalities and townships, but a cluster lies in Southwest Ohio, including many in

Butler and Montgomery counties. Fairfield City Council, for example, passed a prohibition against all types of marijuana businesses in the city in 2017 after Ohio’s medical marijuana law went into eff ect. “The council’s position was to wait and see how things turn out,” says Greg Kathman, Fairﬁ eld’s development services director.

After the community’s voters approved Issue 2 by 57.8 percent, though, some councilmembers leaned toward lifting that prohibition, which expired after this issue went to press. “Staff has presented some legislation that would allow one dispensary to open in certain limited areas of town and might also allow cultivators and processors to operate in town,” Kathman says. “But it’s unclear how it will end up.”

According to the OSU study, local moratoriums were enacted mainly to preserve public safety and/or wait for full state rules. The public safety piece is difficult to suss out, says Jana Hrdinová, administrative director at the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center. “The bag is really mixed with some research showing a slight increase in crime, some research showing no effect, and some showing a decline in crime,” she says. “Legalization is still fairly recent, so we don’t have a long runway of data.”

Michelle Rutter Friberg, director of government relations at the National Cannabis Industry Association, argues there is in fact some clear evidence that cannabis legalization has had positive impacts on public health and safety. “This is a relatively new policy area, but we have already seen data that shows, for instance, states that have either medical marijuana and/or adult-use programs see a signiﬁcant decrease in opioid deaths and overdoses after implementation begins,” she says. “Border states also see a drop in drug smuggling once they have a legal program, and we haven’t seen a huge rise in traffic fatalities or anything like that.”

For these and many other reasons, the trade organization representing roughly 500 U.S. cannabis businesses supports an ongoing effort to reschedule or remove marijuana from America’s controlled substances list.

Marijuana was listed as a Schedule I drug when the Controlled Substance Act

passed in 1970. That meant the drug was considered to have the highest possible potential for abuse and severe psychological and/or physical dependence—higher than cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. In August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended that it be rescheduled to Schedule III, as a drug with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.

“We believe marijuana should not be on the controlled substances list at all and that it should be regulated in America like alcohol,” says Rutter Friberg. “However, recognizing that that is not where policymakers are, we support rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III.”

A major reason, she says, is that companies collecting revenue from a Schedule I drug do not qualify for basic business tax deductions. “No payroll, no rent, no utilities,” she says. “What ends up happening is that these businesses are taxed at a tax rate upwards of what some of our members say is 70 percent. These business conditions make it nearly impossible to stay aﬂoat.”

The federal government recently closed public comment on the topic of rescheduling and received more than 43,000 comments, with the vast majority in favor of rescheduling or descheduling. Now the industry waits, says Rutter Friberg. “Everyone wants to know how long this will take, and I have no idea,” she says. “It’s unclear to me both in terms of the logistics and in terms of the politics, which I think are probably two different questions.”

AT THE STATE LEVEL, POLITICS AND THE uncertainty of legal changes are holding up key parts of the Issue 2 statute, says OSU’s Hrdinová.

Ohio law says the state should be moving toward pre-legalization criminal justice reform, like expungement of previous marijuana criminal offenses, investment in communities disproportionately affected by the prohibition of marijuana in the past, and facilitating the participation of underrepresented groups in the marijuana industry with technical and ﬁnancial support. These social equity topics, in general, have been some of the most controversial, so the holdup “is understandable but frustrating,” Hrdinová says. “The sooner social

equity businesses can get online, the more likely it is that they might actually make it ﬁnancially proﬁtable. If they don’t even have the criteria yet, then it’s likely that social equity applicants will enter a more saturated market.”

The Ohio Department of Development, which is responsible for creating these programs, did not have an explicit timeline for their launch and did not answer questions about what sort of progress has been made. While a signiﬁcant number of supporters of Issue 2 really care about the social equity piece, Berman says, it can get overlooked once an industry gets going.

Abayomi Nelson says it’s frustrating to see elected officials continue their efforts to change a law approved by voters.

A graduate of Mason High School and the University of Cincinnati, he began using marijuana years ago to treat pain and discomfort from old soccer injuries as well as attention deﬁcit hyperactivity disorder.

“I was taking Adderall and Vyvanse, and my girlfriend at the time was like, ‘I can’t be around you because it changes who you are,’” Nelson says. “And it really did. Cannabis helped me curb my hyperactivity and allowed me to focus and feel like myself.”

Today, Nelson is general manager at The Landing, a dispensary in Norwood, and he feels like he’s found a career helping others access the beneﬁts of cannabis. “The people who work here are dedicated, passionate, and really care,” he says. “They want you to be the best person you can be, because that makes them happy.”

The dispensary is located off of the Smith-Edwards exit on I-71. Upon entering, customers check in at the front desk with a medical cannabis card or state-issued ID. When it’s their turn, they enter the sales room and are greeted by “budtenders,” who can answer questions about the products available. Prices will ﬂuctuate, but during the ﬁrst week of sales in August

The Landing was selling 2.3 grams of cannabis for $30-$55, depending on the strain. Half an ounce was going for $110 to $203.

The store also sells other types of products, including tinctures, edibles, and topicals.

On the first day of legal recreational sales, the store served 404 customers.

The space was so full at times that people had to line up outside, because the building

had reached ﬁre marshal capacity. Nelson says he’s looking forward to an update to sales guidelines, which he anticipates happening later this year. For one, customers should eventually be able to look at and smell different products before buying, which is not allowed under the current guidelines. Customers can decide what products to buy at the store or order online and pick up their purchase inside or sometimes at a drive-through window, depending on the dispensary.

Ohio’s system, from seed to sale, operates fully within the state’s borders. While there are a few multi-state cannabis companies, each state has its separate set of rules and regulations. Christy Bezuijen is managing director of commercial at Firelands Scientific, which has cultivation, processing, and dispensary licenses in Ohio, including The Landing dispensaries in Norwood and Monroe, and also does business in West Virginia. She praises the new Division of Cannabis Control, calling its first superintendent, Jim Canepa, “a breath of fresh air.” Canepa declined an interview request, but the division pledges to “ensure fair access to the non-medical cannabis marketplace,” “reduce or crush the black market for cannabis,” and “alleviate over concentration of eventual businesses in the Ohio market.”“Going forward the goal is to provide a level playing field for our operators and to continue ensuring that the products available to consumers are safe and meet the division’s highest standards,” writes spokesman James Crawford in an e-mail.

Back at King City Gardens, cofounder Caveh Azadeh praises the state for controlling the number of licenses granted to the cannabis industry. Michigan didn’t. And now prices—and quality, Azadeh argues— have plunged there. He’s excited to see where the recreational market takes them.

“Ohio is one of the largest states in the country,” says Azadeh. The medical market was serving about 165,000 people before recreational sales began and there are roughly 11.7 million people living in Ohio, he says, so the industry eventually grows 10 times if 10 percent of Ohioans buy legal weed. “It’s an opportunity that was appealing to us. Ohio is very regulated, but we like that because it ensures quality, consistency, and stable pricing.”

Rizvi advocates for common-sense gun laws that protect children, but acknowledges that legislative change is only part of the solution. “We adults and kids alike must also call for an immediate ceaseﬁre in our community,” he said at the April rally. “We understand that much of the violence in the community stems from the cycles of retaliation and vengeance for past injustices. This retaliatory violence only fuels more suffering, more loss, and more heartbreak.”

BISHOP TAIT STRUCK AN INSPIRATIONAL tone in welcoming remarks at the June 1

are coming together more, talking together more, and there is room for everybody at the table. We can’t do this work alone.”

Issac Davis struggled to say the simple words “Good morning” as he took the stage along with other survivors. “I haven’t been able to say Good morning since November 3,” he said. “Domonic’s killer is still out there. He could kill more kids.”

Nearly a decade ago, Davis lost another of his children, then-3-year-old daughter Iyana, to brain cancer. For more than a year as she fought cancer, he stood vigil at her bedside every day.

Iyana’s illness inspired Davis to turn his life around. He’d been running the streets during his youth in Price Hill, even spending brief periods in jail. “I sold drugs and carried guns to protect myself,” he recalls. “When my daughter got sick, that’s when I really changed. I just focused on her. I couldn’t be in jail.”

With Domonic’s death, the family experienced a different kind of grief and shock.

“THERE IS SO MUCH PAIN OUT THERE,” SAYS MITCH MORRIS.

“EVERY TIME ANOTHER LIFE IS LOST, I THINK ABOUT ALL THE MOTHERS AND FATHERS WHO’VE LOST A CHILD.”

Anti-Gun Violence Summit, illuminating the collaborative nature of the community’s ﬁght against gun violence. “We are talking about a different fentanyl, the drug of despair,” he said. “We are talking about a different crack, the drug of character assassination. And we are talking about a different weed, the drug of weariness. When we abuse those drugs, it brings on violence.”

Panelists throughout the day-long event in Avondale featured survivors, activists, and city officials—including Pureval—as well as Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey and Capt. Mark Burns and Health Program Manager Karen Rumsey from the Cincinnati Police Department.

The participants’ diversity demonstrates the way that various agencies have been working together to support the family since Domonic’s death, says Rumsey.“In the past everyone was more in our own silos,” she says. “Since Domonic’s death, agencies

Davis doesn’t remember his frantic drive to the hospital after receiving the news that his son had been shot.“I don’t know how I made it downtown,” he says. “It’s all a blank.”

He hadn’t reached the hospital when a second call came in: A sheet had been draped over Domonic’s body. “I didn’t get to say goodbye,” says Davis. “We had to wait for three days to get his body. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”

And that was only the beginning of the family’s ordeal. Davis has grown increasingly frustrated that the murder remains unsolved and that few witnesses have come forward. “My son grew up in the community, and you would think that people would want justice,” he says. “I understand that they’re scared because they live here, but we cannot continue to allow these guys to control our community. If we keep being scared, then the next time it could be your brother or your nephew or your son.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in the mass shooting.“Why is the reward only $5,000? You would think my son was out there committing crimes,” says Davis. “You would think he was the intended target instead of an innocent 11-yearold who loved living downtown and loved his neighborhood and his friends.”

Where’s the urgency, Davis asks, that would have resulted if five children had been shot in an affluent neighborhood such as Wyoming or Mariemont? Why are the sentences relatively light when a young Black man is murdered? “This keeps happening time after time,” he says. “These guys are still on the street. Are they waiting for them to strike again?”

It’s not only young people’s physical safety that haunts him; it’s the psychological well-being of children like his son’s schoolmates. “They don’t realize they have been in trauma or how much this affects them,” he says. “When you look at them, they’re still giggling, still playing. They are so used to the violence, and it’s become a part of their lives. That’s terrible.”

Davis’s concerns were borne out by statistics gathered and presented at the June summit by Carole Womeldorf, director of operations for the Community Peace Builders Network. It’s an umbrella organization for community youth outreach agencies such as Positive Force in Avondale, Save Our Youth Kings and Queens in Winton Terrace, and Peace & Hope Lifestyle in East Westwood.

“This is a public health emergency that stems from adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect,” says Womeldorf. Citing the Center for Community Resilience at George Washington University, she adds, “It stems from incredibly ready access to cheap guns, addiction, incarceration, environmental racism, homelessness, and violence or mental illness in the home. The antidotes are safe and stable neighborhoods, community advocacy and agency, connectedness, good schools, living wages, affordable housing, fair policing, and access to money.”

From May to October, every year since 2019, Womeldorf notes, Cincinnati averages 44 shootings per month. Such sta-

tistics, disturbing as they are, don’t begin to capture the scope of the problem. “Each shooting affects so many people,” she says. “Imagine if you’re the mother, other schoolkids, medical professionals, or ﬁrst responders. The violence against children hits people in a way they can’t shake off.”

THE EXCITEMENT WAS PALPABLE AS THE chartered bus pulled away from the Save Our Youth Kings and Queens office on July 18. “Washington, D.C.!” the kids shouted as they headed out for their ﬁrst visit to the nation’s capital.

“Who says you can’t have a fun trip and learn things at the same time?” Markayla Alexander says now, describing how she was awed by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Justyce Davis, a huge fan of the musical Hamilton, marveled at the marble statues of the Founding Fathers in the U.S. Capitol. “It was an incredible experience to be not just outside of Winton Terrace but outside of our city,” Alexander says as she prepares to record a podcast about the student trip.

That’s exactly the kind of impact Mitch Morris imagined when he founded Kings and Queens ﬁve years ago. “I want them to know there is more to this world than what they see every day in this neighborhood,” says Morris, who has been working for 40 years to end gun violence. In 2022, he was invited to the White House for the signing of the Safer Communities Act.

As a mentor and recruiter for the Phoenix Program at Cincinnati Works, which assists people living in poverty find employment, Morris responds to shootings and sponsors community events aimed at stopping gun violence for young adults. The Kings and Queens program was born when younger children started approaching him, asking, “Mr. Mitch, what about me? I need something, too.”

Today the program, located in a Winton Terrace civic building, welcomes about 65 neighborhood children a day for free meals and a wide variety of activities and services: karate classes, dance lessons, tutoring, a computer lab, video game room, cosmetology space, and a recording studio. It’s a place, Morris says, where kids can be kids for a few hours, no matter how dire their situation at home.

“There’s a king or a queen inside of you,”

he tells his young charges. “It’s a matter of surrounding yourselves with the right people to bring out the king or queen in you.”

Ending gun violence has been a lifelong mission for Morris, 67, who’s comforted far too many grieving mothers and fathers. “There is so much pain out there,” he says. “Every time another life is lost, I think about all the mothers and fathers and the look on their faces when they realize they’ve lost a child.”

Mental health counselor Sherri Heidelburg is one of those grieving mothers; her 21-year-old autistic son, Key’olvonte, was shot to death in Avondale in 2021. She volunteers with the Kings and Queens program after work, hoping to serve as a mentor to young people just as so many others mentored her son. “What Mitch is doing is really close to my heart,” she says. “It’s needed more than people know. You hear about gun violence all the time, but you don’t really think about how many people are impacted. The reach is so wide—my whole church family, hundreds of people—and that was just my child.”

The Kings and Queens program takes a holistic approach involving the entire family. Morris is focused on ending the cycle of revenge killings, warning young men not to seek vengeance for a friend or family member who has been killed. “If you have two brothers and one of them has been killed,” he says, “I will tell the surviving brother, You are an uncle, so help to raise your brother’s kids. That’s what your brother would want you to do. Your mother doesn’t want to lose another son to the penitentiary or the graveyard.”

Morris isn’t speaking hyperbole; he knows one mother who’s lost three sons to gun violence. “This is a crisis in our community,” he says.“I’m embedded in this ﬁght, and I’m going to stay in it as long as the good Lord gives me the strength to stand.”

REMINDERS OF DOMONIC ARE EVERYwhere during the Davis family’s road trip to Clearwater, Florida, in August: a framed photograph enshrined in every hotel room, pillows that his brothers and sisters brought from home imprinted with his image, the names “Domonic” and “Iyana” etched in the sand on Clearwater Beach. “We were deﬁnitely missing the life of the party,” Davis says of his son.

Yet it was a healing trip in many ways, a chance for carefree days at Universal Studios and the beach after so many months of anxiety. The hubbub provided a welcome respite from the unaccustomed quiet at home. On his 30-minute drive to work at the barber shop in Clifton, Davis no longer plays music in his car. He says he drives in silence, reﬂecting on life and loss.

Davis has already lost two children and can’t bear the thought of losing another. “I’ve been on pins and needles about the safety of my other kids,” he says. He lectures the older children in much the same way that he once lectured Domonic: “These streets are real. You can’t get involved with stuff. Don’t get caught up in the beef between Evanston and downtown. Be careful with your social media posts.”

The family celebrates Iyana’s birthday every year, raising money for other families at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and releasing butterﬂies or balloons at her gravesite. Domonic no doubt will be remembered with similar rituals. In midAugust, Davis sponsored a youth outreach event at the Neighborhood House in the West End, offering free food and free haircuts and hairstyles. But the most profound part of Dominic’s legacy may be the efforts of his family and his community to prevent such a tragedy from happening to anyone else.

“I have been here for a long time working in the Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit and have seen these movements come and go, but usually very quickly it dies down,” says Rumsey, the police health program manager. “But since the horrible death of Domonic, this time it seems to be building rather than diminishing.”

That’s thanks in no small part to the courage and devotion of survivors like the Davis family, who have come forward to share their stories. Rumsey tells survivors,“When you speak out, you are helping to keep that person’s memory alive and bringing more meaning and purpose to a life cut short by violence.” She reminds them that everyone’s journey will be different, “but as a survivor you are the only voice for your loved one.”

As long as Cincinnati continues to lose young people to gun violence, Davis will be Domonic’s voice. “I owe it to my son,” he says.

SCAN FOR THESE CARVINGS PLUS MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPES

OREO Jack-O’Lanterns

OREO Monsters OREO Ghosts

NEW WINE BARS P. 116 MEDI FOOD IN MASON P. 120 BOURBON & BELONGING P. 120

Grapes of Mirth

Exploring Cincinnati’s latest crop of wine bars.

—BRANDON WUSKE

IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT AND I’M ENJOYING A glass of chenin blanc at Wine Not Wine Bar in Symmes Township. It’s been a long week, but in keeping with the bar’s name, I’ve got no complaints. The recently opened bar, with its scented candles and love seats, feels like a suburban living room, and I feel like a welcome guest.

I land on a tart South African vintage after an enthusiastic discussion of my mood and preferences with the bartender. He insists I try it ﬁrst. One sip and I’m sold. This is a friendly, unpretentious bar, and it’s packed. Although it’s brand-new, it already feels like a community gathering place.

These laid-back vibes seem to be exactly what owner Mark Wimmers had in mind when he opened. And he’s not alone in that goal. Several wine bars have opened in the tri-state recently, community-oriented places that aim to take the supposed snootiness out of wine culture. Hart & Cru, Annata, and Vinology join more established but equally welcoming peers like Revel, Skeleton Root, Ripple, and 1215. This might be a beer town, but wine has quickly gained ground.

Pendleton’s Hart & Cru is located on a leafy corner of 12th and Broadway. On warm, pleasant days, you’ll find people sipping wine and sampling snacks (fruits, cheeses, crackers, dips) on the small sidewalk patio. You’ll also ﬁnd them doing the same in the loft apartment interior. One large communal table runs the length of the room, which makes this a great place to meet a stranger or, judging from the number of laptops set up on said table, do a little work while sipping chardonnay. Against the wall is a ﬂoor-to-ceiling shelf featuring a

diverse, well-curated selection of wines. While this might not be a Jungle-Jim’ssized inventory, each bottle reflects the tastes and expertise of owner Kevin Hart and his team.

While Hart & Cru opened its brickand-mortar in 2021, it has provided winecentric services like personalized cellar management, team wine tastings, and hospitality industry consulting for years. Hart himself has built a long and illustrious career in wine, having served as sommelier at both Boca and Pigall’s. While his knowledge and experience are formidable, he has created a spot that feels welcoming to all.

Before going to Hart & Cru, we stopped by Annata Wine Bar, which owner Tim Shumrick opened last year in his former Chateau Pomije space in O’Bryonville. Annata is laid out more like a typical bar, with ample bar and high-top seating and a large outdoor patio. The wall across from the bar displays its generous daily specials. As we were there on a Saturday, it was $5 off bottles and $2 off dips. Happily, the robust menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and ﬂatbreads.

Wines here are helpfully divided into type, with a substantial offering of each grape variety. Moreover, all of the world’s wine-producing regions are well-represented; the “by the glass” menu alone jet sets from the U.S. to Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia. We opted for a wine ﬂight, three moderately full glasses for $20. In our case, a Grillo, a rosé, and a red blend. The Grillo had a delightful taste of apple and pear, the rosé was downright peachy, and the red blend brought plum and a little spice into the mix. If I lived in East Walnut Hills, this would deﬁnitely be my wine bar. In fact, it might even be my bar, period.

For vinophiles a little farther east, Vinology, which opened this spring in Mt. Lookout, pulls its wines from all over but specializes in wines from Austria and Germany. As Owner Michelle Nguyen tells it, this tight focus is the result of a chance encounter. She was walking her dog when she ran into David Schildknecht. After some small

Rockets

Wine bars like Annata, Wine Not, Hart & Cru, and Vinology (all pictured here) have become popular spots around Greater Cincinnati, offering a broad selection of wines as well as food choices, education, and a comfortable place to hang out.

Bottle

ORDEROURDESSER

talk, she revealed that she was opening a wine bar and Schildknecht shared that he knew “a thing or two about wine.”

Turns out, he knows quite a lot about it. He writes for Wine & Spirits magazine, leads wine tours of Europe, and is regarded as the local expert on Austrian and German varietals. He eventually signed on to be Vinology’s “chief wine officer,” with many of the bar/shop’s bottles coming from his personal cellar. Nguyen—who draws on a love of wine she developed while touring Europe as a young adult, eventually earning a Level 1 sommelier certiﬁcation in Boston—was working the bar on my visit, highlighting its selection of glasses and bottles to curious patrons.

For those whose curiosity runs a bit deeper, Schildknecht teaches classes at the affiliated Cincinnati Wine Academy, upstairs from the bar. The room is decked out in his rare vintages as well as maps of Europe’s great wine regions. At a wooden table in the center, a dozen or so guests can indulge in a quick wine tasting or take a four-hour class on, say, the wines of the Loire Valley (complete with ample samples, of course).

That’s the thing about Vinology, and all of these wine bars, for that matter. Just because they are accessible and unpretentious doesn’t mean that their offerings are shallow or merely introductory. They’re all willing to go as deep as you’d like with one of the world’s oldest spirits. Yours truly has a lot more “research” to do in this department. Luckily, my glass overﬂows.

Wine Not Wine Bar, 12090 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 582-8687, winenotwinebar. com

Hart & Cru, 1206 Broadway St., Pendleton, (513) 725-7525, hartandcru.com

Annata Wine Bar & Cellar, 2021 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, (513) 871-8788. annatawinebarand cellar.com

Vinology, 3181 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 321-0636, vinology.club

In late August, Brandon Wuske, who served as our main food critic for the past three years, passed away at age 40 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. You can read “Soup’s On,” his last column for the magazine, on our website at cincin natimagazine.com

The Council Oak Steaks and Seafood team unveils two new Johnny Bench-inspired dishes.

Johnny Bench’s Catch and Release

Johnny Bench’s Apple Caramel Funnel Cake

Kebabs Galore

RUVA TURKISH KITCHEN’S NEW LOCATION IN Deerﬁeld Towne Center blends elevated presentation and atmosphere with classic Turkish comfort foods. While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to your favorites, the ﬂavors here invite guests to explore.

The Chef’s Mixed Grill (Doner kebab, Adana kebab, shish kebab, chicken kebab, chicken Adana kebab, low carb vegetables, and bulgur pilaf) puts the menu’s highlights on a single plate. It’s served “family style” for two or four diners, and although several of the dishes share a sauce or seasoning, each has something different to offer. The doner kebab (blended beef and lamb grilled on a vertical spit) is rich without being heavy and a great introduction to lamb for someone who’s never tried it. The shish kebab (marinated, cubed lamb) showcases more of lamb’s subtle tang under the savory spices, and the chicken kebab best highlights Truva’s special sauce. The mellow white meat gives the marinade the spotlight. Both Adana kebabs are heavily seasoned minced meats (chicken or lamb) with novel textures and refreshing notes of red bell peppers. Finally, the pilaf plays its supporting role well with vibrant color and robust, aromatic ﬂavor. Be sure to stay for dessert. The baklava is a ﬂaky dream of phyllo dough and savory walnuts: crumbly, sweet, and gone too soon. Pair it with Turkish coffee or tea for a warm end to your evening. —M.

LEIGH HOOD

Truva Turkish Kitchen, 5065 Deerﬁeld Blvd., Mason, (513) 486-1856, truvaturkishkitchen.com

With the help of eight Kentucky-based destination marketing organizations (including Covingtonbased meetNKY), “Bourbon & Belonging”—a ﬁve-day statewide event sponsored by nonproﬁt Queer Kentucky—is ready to roll out the red carpet to LGBTQ+ visitors and showcase the state’s rich bourbon culture. “Bourbon & Belonging bridges our state’s long-standing traditions with its vibrant future, emphasizing the unity and diversity that makes Kentucky so special,” says Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY. “We are excited that several stops along The B-Line will represent our region during this inaugural event.” Activities include tours of New Riff Distilling, bourbon blending at Wenzel Whiskey, and whiskey tastings at The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar as well as a drag brunch at Opal and a performance by Cin City Burlesque. The Northern Kentucky leg of “Bourbon & Belonging” kicks off at New Riff’s Aquifer Tasting Room on October 2.

Bourbon & Belonging, October 2–6, bourbonandbelonging. com

DIP IT GOOD

POV: IT’S FOOTBALL season and you’re tired of munching on the same old snacks every Sunday. Enter Chickpea Chicks. Kelly Armstrong’s smallbatch, artisanal hummus is big on flavor with no preservatives. The result of her longtime commitment to vegetarianism, Armstrong (who shares a kitchen with the glutenfree, vegan-focused bakery Chubby Bunny in Hamilton) concocts her own blends for taste combinations that you may not have in mind for hummus. “I like to find unique and interesting flavors from different cuisines,” she says. The Lemon Zowie has organic juice and a lemon-y zest while the Smokin! (with chipotle chile peppers) and wasabi green onion offer a mild heat. And then there’s the Cincy Style, which pays homage to the Queen City’s favorite local delicacy. Whichever flavor you choose, you’re one pita chip or pretzel away from happiness. You can find Armstrong’s creations in the refrigerated case at Chubby Bunny Bakery in Hamilton or at several retail locations, including Aimee’s Produce in Middletown, MOON Co-op in Oxford, the Farmer’s Collective in Hamilton, Harmony Plant Fare in Findlay Market, and Jungle Jim’s locations in Eastgate and Fairfield.

—AIESHA D. LITTLE

Chickpea Chicks, chickpeachicks.com

DINING GUIDE

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S dining guide is compiled by our editors as a service to our readers. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for a restaurant listing. The editors may add or delete restaurants based on their judgment. Because of space limitations, all

of the guide’s restaurants may not be included. Many restaurants have changing seasonal menus; dishes listed here are examples of the type of cuisine available and may not be on the menu when you visit.

To update listings, e-mail: cmletters@cincinnati magazine.com

AMERICAN

BOOMTOWN BISCUITS & WHISKEY

Boomtown leans hard into the Gold Rush theme: prospector-style overall aprons on servers, bluegrass tunes humming, and rustic decor details. And the dense grub isn’t for the faint of heart. Arrive with an empty belly, ready for a carbo load. The biscuits are all they’re cracked up to be, and the gravy’s not playing around, either. Sample its biscuits and gravy styles with a gravy ﬂight. Or try The Yukon, an anytime breakfast sandwich, featuring fried chicken on par with the best the city has to offer. By the end of the meal, you’ll feel a little out of place without your own denim getup. 9039 U.S. Route 42, Suite H, Union, (859) 384-5910, boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wed–Sat. Breakfast and lunch Sun. MCC. $

BROWN DOG CAFÉ

If you haven’t had a plate of Shawn McCoy’s design set in front of you, it’s about time. Many of the menu’s dishes show his knack for the plate as a palette. A trio of duck breast, lamb chop, and demi haute chocolate boar is a standout. The eye for detail and contrasts of colors and textures belongs to someone who cares for food.

1000 Summit Place, Blue Ash, (513) 794-1610, thebrowndogcafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

COZY’S CAFÉ & PUB

On a visit to England, Jan Collins discovered the “cozy” atmosphere of London restaurants built in historic houses. She brought that warm, comfortable feeling back to the United States in opening Cozy’s. Though the atmosphere in the restaurant is reminiscent of Collins’s London travels, the food remains proudly American. The produce in virtually every dish is fresh, seasonal, and ﬂavorful. The braised short rib stands out with its cheesy grits and haystack onions along with a portion of tender meat. And when it comes down to the classics, from the biscuits that open the meal to the carrot cake at the end, Cozy’s does it right. 6440 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp.,

FIRE STARTER

Catch-A-Fire Pizza opens its fourth location in College Hill this fall. The pizza joint, which has locations in Westwood, Lebanon, and Blue Ash, will make its home in the neighborhood’s bustling business district at 5920 Hamilton Ave., across from Patrick Wolterman Memorial Park. catchaﬁrepizza.com

KEY: No checks unless specified.

AE American Express, DC Diners Club

DS Discover, MC MasterCard, V Visa MCC Major credit cards: AE, MC, V

$ = Under $15

$$ = Up to $30

$$$ = Up to $49

$$$$ = $50 and up

= Named a Best Restaurant March 2023. Top 10

= Named a Best New Restaurant March 2024.

(513) 644-9365, cozyscafeandpub.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

EMBERS

The menu here is built for celebration: poshly priced steak and sushi selections are meant to suit every special occasion. Appetizers are both classic (shrimp cocktail) and Asian-inspired (shrimp tempura); fashionable ingredients are name-checked (micro-greens and truffles); a prominent sushi section (nigiri, sashimi, and rolls) precedes a list of archetypal salads; Kobe beef on sushi rolls sidles up to steaks of prime; non-steak entrées (Chilean sea bass or Dover sole with haricots verts and almondine) make for high-style alternative selections. Talk about a party.

8170 Montgomery Rd., Madeira, (513) 9848090, embersrestaurant.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$$

GREYHOUND TAVERN

Back in the streetcar days, this roughly 100-yearold roadhouse was at the end of the Dixie Highway line, where the cars turned around to head north. The place was called the Dixie Tea Room then, and they served ice cream. The fried chicken came along in the 1930s, and they’re still dishing it up today. Families and regulars alike pile in on Mondays and Tuesdays for the fried chicken special. While the juicy (never greasy) chicken with its lightly seasoned, crisp coating is the star, the side dishes—homemade biscuits, coleslaw, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy—will make you ask for seconds. Call ahead no matter what night you choose: There’s bound to be a crowd. Not in the mood for chicken? Choose from steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and comfort food options that include meatloaf and a Kentucky Hot Brown. Or just try the onion rings. You’ll wonder where onions that big come from.

2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, (859) 3313767, greyhoundtavern.com. Lunch and dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$

MR. GENE’S DOGHOUSE

Cumminsville is home to arguably the best hot chili cheese mett and chocolate malt in Greater Cincinnati. A family-owned business that began as a simple hot dog stand more than 50 years ago, Mr. Gene’s still attracts lines of loyal customers at its

windows. Can’t stand the heat? Order the mild chili cheese mett—more ﬂavor, fewer BTUs. And if you still haven’t embraced Cincinnati-style coneys, try the Chicago-style hot dog with pickles, onions, relish, mustard, tomato, sport peppers, and celery salt; a pork sandwich; or wings (a sign proclaims “So hot they make the devil sweat”). Although the chocolate malt is the biggest seller, we love the $4.75 pineapple shake, made with real pineapple. 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville, (513) 541-7636, mrgenesdoghouse.com. Open Feb–Oct for lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MC, V. $

Top

10 IVORY HOUSE

The menu here generally doesn’t reinvent dishes or introduce outlandish flavors, but simply pays attention to enough little things to make the results unusually good. All steaks are premium and hand-selected, the star player being the Japanese A5 Wagyu. The Ultimate Surf & Turf is a date night favorite with a 34-ounce Angus Tomahawk, four shrimp, four scallops and two lobster tails. Bluefin tuna steak is complemented by cilantro lime rice, a vegetable medley, chimichurri, and a soy ginger vinaigrette. Confit duck leg, an Ivory House specialty, is served with parsnip mash, confit beets, and berry gastrique. The cocktails are ones you’ve probably seen before, but everything—from the Death Valley Farm Old Fashioned to the Best West Lemon Drop—has an extra dash of liveliness from a house-made element, like the rosemary syrup.

2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood, (513) 3890175, ivoryhousecincy.com. Dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC. DC. $$$

THE NORTHSTAR CAFÉ

In Northstar’s ﬁrst outpost beyond the Greater Columbus area, the space itself reﬂects the ethos of the food: warm and comfortable, but still modern and fresh. The dinner and cocktail menus are fab, as is the large bar. But breakfast is worth waking up early for. Take the mushroom frittata, made with meaty mushrooms, caramelized sweet onions, and Gruyère. The portions are no joke—that frittata comes with breakfast potatoes and arugula—yet it doesn’t feel gluttonous or excessive. In large part that’s due to the freshness (e.g., the sausage made in-house daily) and the abundance of healthy options. One of our favorites: the shooting star juice, a balanced blend of carrot, ginger,

CHEESE CHAMP

Urban Stead

Cheese’s Street Ched won “Best USA Cheese” at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards. The traditional Englishstyle Clothbound Cheddar is aged for a minimum of 12 months to produce its sweet and tangy sharpness. The cheese shop also recently won three medals at the American Cheese Society Awards for its Street Ched, Aged Gouda, and Quark cheeses. urbansteadcheese. com

orange, and lemon. 7610 Sloan Way, Liberty Township, (513) 759-0033, thenorthstarcafe.com. Breakfast and dinner seven days, lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. No cash. $

QUATMAN CAFÉ

The quintessential neighborhood dive, Quatman’s sits in the shadow of the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, serving up a classic bar burger. Look elsewhere if you like your burger with exotic toppings: This half-pound of grilled beef is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Sometimes cheese. The no-frills theme is straightforward and appealing. A menu of standard sandwich fare and smooth mock turtle soup; beer on tap or soda in cans (no wine or liquor); and plenty of kitsch is served daily. Peppered with regulars, families, and political discussions, Quatman’s is far from fancy, but it’s fun, fast, and delicious.

2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, (513) 7314370; 224 W. Main St., Mason, (513) 229-0222, quatmancafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS, MCC. $

RON’S

ROOST

Ron’s stakes its reputation on its fried chicken, serving roughly 10,000 pieces weekly. It takes a few minutes, since each batch is made to order. Ron’s also serves chicken 18 other ways, including chicken livers in gravy. It’s all about the chicken here, but the menu is ﬁve solid pages of other stuff good enough to be called specialties: Oktoberfest sauerbraten, Black Angus cheeseburgers, fried whiteﬁsh on rye, hot bacon slaw, lemon meringue pie (homemade, of course), and the best Saratoga chips this side of Saratoga.

3853 Race Rd., Bridgetown, (513) 574-0222, ronsroost.net. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

THE SCHOOLHOUSE RESTAURANT

An old flag stands in one corner and pictures of Abe Lincoln and the first George W. hang on the wall of this Civil War–era schoolhouse. The daily menu of familiar Midwestern comfort fare is written in letter-perfect cursive on the original chalkboard. Once you order from a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to your high school lunch lady, the elevated lazy Susan in the center of the table begins to fill up with individual bowls and baskets of cornbread, slaw, salad, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and vegetables. The deal here is quantity. More mashed potatoes with your fried chicken? More cornbread with your baked ham? You don’t even have to raise your hand. 8031 Glendale-Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, (513) 831-5753, theschoolhousecincinnati.com. Lunch Thurs–Fri, dinner Thurs–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

SOUL SECRETS

You no longer need an event to celebrate with a fish fry. At Candice Holloway’s restaurant, Soul Secrets, fried chicken and fish are always on the menu. Servers wearing T-shirts that read “my ancestors sent me” introduce guests to a trim menu full of the best soul food. You can’t go wrong with the fried fish platters. The whiting is good, but the catfish is divine. The cornmeal breading is so perfectly seasoned you won’t need salt, and the light crunch it adds doesn’t hide the star of the show. So soft it’s nearly fluffy, the catfish melts in your mouth. Each catfish platter delivers two enormous pieces of fish along with two sides and a cornbread muffin that may be the best in Cincinnati. This is the kind of meal you take home with you—not just in your heart but in a box—because chances are low you’ll conquer all the fish and sides in one go. 1434 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-7685, soulsecretscincy.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $

SUGAR N’ SPICE

This Paddock Hills diner, with other locations in

Over-the-Rhine and Blue Ash, has been dishing up wispy-thin pancakes and football-sized omelettes to Cincinnatians since FDR was signing new deals. Breakfast and lunch offerings mix old-hat classics like steak and eggs, corned beef hash, and basic burgers with funky iterations that draw on ethnic ingredients such as chorizo and tzatziki. Get here early if you don’t want to stand in line.

4381 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills, (513) 2423521; 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 762-0390; 10275 Summit Pkwy., Blue Ash, (513) 447-6453, eatsugarnspice.com. Breakfast and lunch seven days. MCC. $

TANO BISTRO

This Loveland bistro is comfortable, with reasonably priced food and amenable service. The menu is tidy—25 or so dishes divided between appetizers, salads, and entrées, plus two or three specials—its flavor profile partially influenced by a childhood growing up in a third-generation Italian family. Most of Tano Bistro’s main courses lean toward the comfortable side of American. For instance, Williams serves a stuffed salmon and an allegiance pork chop. The sprout & snout appetizer is also worth a trip to Loveland, combining balsamic-drizzled Brussels sprouts with sliced pork belly.

204 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, (513) 6838266; 150 Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton, (513) 795-8654, foodbytano.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat, dinner Sun & Mon. MCC. $$$

TRIO

Trio is nothing if not a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re in the mood for a California-style pizza or ﬁlet mignon (with a baked potato and compound herb butter), the menu is broad enough to offer something for everyone. It may lack a cohesive point of view, but with the number of regulars who come in seven nights a week, variety is Trio’s ace in the hole. A simple Margherita pizza with Roma tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and mozzarella delivered a ﬁne balance of crunchy crust, soft cheese, and sweet, roasted tomatoes. Paired with a glass of pinot noir, it made a perfect light meal. The service is friendly enough for a casual neighborhood joint but comes with white tablecloth attentiveness and knowledge. Combine that with the consistency in the kitchen, and Trio is a safe bet. 7565 Kenwood Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-1905, triobistro.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC. $$

THE WILDFLOWER CAFÉ

Wildflower Café is not the sort of place that tries to wow anyone with feats of inventiveness. Its formula is simple but satisfying: lots of mostly local meat and produce, a menu that continuously changes with available ingredients, a nice selection of wine and beer, and well-made, homey food. The small, focused menu has a classic American quality (salads, steaks, burgers) with enough surprises to keep things interesting. Many of the dishes are designed with open spaces to be filled with whatever is available in the kitchen that day, an advantage of an unfussy style. You don’t go to Wildflower expecting a certain kind of perfection; you accept that your favorite dish from last time might be made differently tonight, or no longer available. Like the farmhouse that Wildflower occupies, the imperfections are part of the charm. 207 E. Main St., Mason, (513) 492-7514, wildflowermason.com. Dinner Mon–Fri. MCC. $$$

BARBECUE

BEE’S BARBEQUE

You’ll want to get to Bee’s early if you want to avoid the line of friendly regulars. The restaurant’s smoker churns out a variety of meats—including

brisket, pulled pork, ribs, turkey breast, and two kinds of sausage—so it’s easy to see why they keep coming back. If you enjoy the spicy grease that oozes out of a good chorizo, you’ll love the Cincinnati Hot Link, which tastes like the delicious love child of a chorizo and a hot mett. Word to the wise: Bee’s opens at 11 a.m. and closes when they run out of meat. Understandably, this doesn’t take long.

5910 Chandler St., Madisonville, (513) 5612337. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat; 1403 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-2337, beesbarbecue. com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $

ELI’S BBQ

Elias Leisring started building his pulled pork reputation under canopies at Findlay Market and Fountain Square in 2011. Leisring’s proper little ’cue shack along the river serves up ribs that are speaking-in-tongues good, some of the zazziest jalapeño cheese grits north of the Mason-Dixon line, and browned mashed potatoes that would make any short-order cook diner-proud. The small no-frills restaurant—packed cheek-by-jowl most nights—feels like it’s been there a lifetime, with customers dropping vinyl on the turntable, dogs romping in the side yard, and picnic tables crowded with diners. The hooch is bring-yourown, and the barbecue is bona ﬁde.

3313 Riverside Dr., East End, (513) 533-1957; 133 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 5331957, ext. 2, elisbarbeque.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

WALT’S HITCHING POST

A Northern Kentucky institution returns. Roughly 750 pounds of ribs per week are pit-ﬁred in a small building in front of the restaurant, with a smaller dedicated smoker out back for brisket and chicken. Walt’s ribs begin with several hours in the smokehouse and then are quick-seared at the time of service. This hybrid method takes advantage of the leaner nature of the baby-back ribs they prefer to use. Each rib had a just-right tooth to it where soft ﬂesh peeled away from the bone. One hidden treasure: Walt’s homemade tomato and garlic dressing. Slightly thicker than a vinaigrette yet unwilling to overwhelm a plate of greens, the two key elements play well together.

3300 Madison Pke., Ft. Wright, (859) 3602222, waltshitchingpost.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

CAJUN/ CARIBBEAN

BREWRIVER CREOLE

More than 800 miles from New Orleans, this may be as close as you can get to the real deal here in your own backyard. The menu fully leans into Chef Michael Shields’s penchant for cuisine from the Crescent City. His six years of training under NOLA’s own Emeril Lagasse comes through in a scratch kitchen menu that spans a range of the city’s classics. The enormous shrimp and oyster po’boys—the former protein fried in a light and crispy beer batter and the latter in a hearty cornmeal breading—are served on ﬂuffy French bread loaves and dressed with lightly spicy rémoulades. The jambalaya packs all the heat of a late summer day in the French Quarter without masking a hint of its satisfying ﬂavors. Paired with a Sazerac and nightly live jazz, you may just feel tempted to start a second line.

4632 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 861-2484, brewrivercreolekitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sun, brunch and lunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $

SWAMPWATER GRILL

At ﬁrst blush, this place is a dive where homesick Cajuns can ﬁnd a good pile of jambalaya. But

thoughtful details like draft Abita Root Beer and char-grilled Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell signal its ambition. Bayou standards like jambalaya, gumbo, and fried seafood also make an appearance. But the extensive menu also features amped-up pub-style items for those who may be squeamish about crawfish tails (which can be added to just about anything on the menu). You’ll also find a roundup of oyster, shrimp, catfish, and alligator po’boys, as well as a selection of hardwood-smoked meats.

3742 Kellogg Ave., East End, (513) 834-7067, swampwatergrill.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun, brunch Sat & Sun. V, MC, DS, AMEX. $$

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU

The Pine serves some of the best Louisiana home-style food you’ll find this far north of New Orleans. Taste the fried catfish filets with their peppery crust, or the garlic sauteed shrimp with smoky greens on the side, and you’ll understand why it’s called soul food. Between March and June, it’s crawfish season. Get them boiled and heaped high on a platter or in a superb crawfish etouffee. But the rockin’ gumbo—a thick, murky brew of andouille sausage, chicken, and vegetables—serves the best roundhouse punch all year round. As soon as you inhale the bouquet and take that first bite, you realize why Cajun-style food is considered a high art form and a serious pleasure. And you’ll start planning your return trip.

6302 Licking Pke., Cold Spring, (859) 781-2200, theknottypineonthebayou.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

CHINESE

AMERASIA

A sense of energetic fun defines this tiny Chinese spot with a robust beer list. The glossy paper menu depicts Master Chef Rich Chu as a “Kung Food” master fighting the evil fast-food villain with dishes like “fly rice,” “Brocco-Lee,” and “Big Bird’s Nest.” Freshness rules. Potstickers, dumplings, and wontons are hand shaped. The Dragon’s Breath wontons will invade your dreams. Seasoned ground pork, onion, and cilantro meatballs are wrapped in egg dough, wok simmered, and topped with thick, spicy red pepper sauce and fresh cilantro. Noodles are clearly Chef Chu’s specialty, with zonxon (a tangle of thin noodles, finely chopped pork, and mushrooms cloaked in spicy dark sauce and crowned with peanuts and cilantro) and Matt Chu’s Special (shaved rice noodles, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetables in gingery white sauce) topping the menu’s flavor charts. 521 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6121, kungfood. online. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Sat. MCC. $

GREAT TANG

Although the (24-page!) menu features classic dishes in every style, the specialty at Great Tang is the reﬁned coastal cuisine of Zhejiang. If you like spice, you can get still the Sichuanese and Hunanese classics. One dish will hint at the surprises in store for people who are mainly used to Chinese takeout: the lovely Xian cold noodle. The dish is exquisitely layered: the creamy and nutty undertone of sesame paste, mixed with notes of tang and spice, topped with the bright pop of cilantro. The combination of textures is also delightful, with crunches of cucumber and sprouted mung and the softness of the ﬂat noodles. And that tofu! It was wonderfully meaty, with dense layers, substantial and satisfying as a counterpart to the noodles. Be as brave as you are in the mood to be. Ask for some suggestions and prepare to be astonished.

7340 Kingsgate Way, West Chester, (513) 847-6097, greattangohio.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Mon, dim sum Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

ORIENTAL WOK

When Mike and Helen Wong opened Oriental Wok in 1977, the couple wanted to recreate the glamor and refinement of the Hong Kong-Cantonese cuisine they knew. Today, locals and expats alike enjoy authentic Chinese and Chinese-American dishes in dining rooms reminiscent of Beijing. Beyond the elephant tusk entryway and fish ponds and fountains is the warmth and hospitality of the Wong family, service on par with the finest establishments, and very, very good

food. Best are the fresh ﬁsh: salmon, grouper and sea bass steamed, grilled or fried in a wok, needing little more than the ginger-green onion sauce that accompanies them. Oriental Wok is the tri-state’s longest-running family-owned Chinese restaurant for a reason.

317 Buttermilk Pke., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3000; 2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok. com. Lunch Mon–Fri (Ft. Mitchell; buffet Sun 11–2:30), lunch Tues–Sat (Hyde Park), dinner Mon–Sat (Ft. Mitchell) dinner Tues–Sun (Hyde Park). MCC. $$

THE PACIFIC KITCHEN

The monster of a menu can be dizzying. Ease in with some top-notch Korean Wings. These slightly bubbly, shatter-crisp wings are painted with a thin gochujang chili sauce (a foil to the fat). It takes 24 hours to prep the Cantonese duck, between a honey-vinegar brine to dry the skin, a marinade of star anise, bean paste, and soy within the re-sealed cavity, and the crispy convection oven finish. Dolsot bibimbap had plenty of crispy rice at the bottom of the stone bowl, and the accompanying banchan were soothing yet flavorful. Even dishes like a Malaysian goat stew resonated with rich, original flavors.

8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, (513) 898-1833, thepaciﬁc.kitchen. Lunch and dinner Mon & Wed–Sun, dim sum lunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

SICHUAN BISTRO

Like many Chinese restaurants that cater to both mainstream American and Chinese palates, this strip mall gem uses two menus. The real story here is found in dishes of pungent multi-layered ﬂavors that set your mouth ablaze with fermented peppers and fresh chilies and then just as quickly cool it down with the devilish, numbing sensation of hua jiao, Sichuan pepper. Its numbing effect is subtle at ﬁrst: appetizers of cold sliced beef and tripe, as well as slices of pork belly with a profusion of minced garlic, lean toward the hot and sweet; mapo tofu freckled with tiny fermented black beans and scallions, and pork with pickled red peppers and strips of ginger root, progress from sweet to pungent to hot to salty—in that order. Alternated with cooling dishes—nibbles of rice, a verdant mound of baby bok choy stir-fried with a shovelful of garlic, refreshing spinach wilted in ginger sauce, a simply sensational tea-smoked duck—the effect is momentarily tempered.

7888 S. Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-3123, sichuanbistro.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

UNCLE YIP’S

Long before sushi somehow un-disgusted itself to the Western World, China had houses of dim sum. Uncle Yip’s valiantly upholds that tradition in Evendale. This is a traditional dim sum house with all manner of exotic dumplings, including shark ﬁn or beef tripe with ginger and onion. As for the seafood part of the restaurant’s full name, Uncle Yip has most everything the sea has to offer, from lobster to mussels. The menu has more than 160 items, so you’ll ﬁnd a range of favorites, from moo goo gai pan to rock salt frog legs.

10736 Reading Rd., Evendale, (513) 733-8484, uncleyips.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, discount for cash. $$

ECLECTIC

Top 10 ABIGAIL STREET

Most people who’ve eaten at Abigail Street have favorite dishes that they order every visit: the Moroccan spiced broccoli, for example, or the mussels charmoula, with its perfect balance of saffron, creaminess, and tomatoey acidity. Many of the new items on the menu have the same perfected feeling as these classics. Working within a loose framework of Middle Eastern and North African flavors, Abigail Street has never fallen into a routine that would sap its energy. Offerings like the lamb belly skewer with tzatziki and pickled shallots, feel just as accomplished as old favorites like the falafel, beautifully moist and crumbly with a bright parsley interior. The restaurant is always watching for what works and what will truly satisfy, ready to sacrifice the superficially interesting

in favor of the essential. 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-4040, abigailstreet.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

ALCOVE

Alcove lives up to its name, the embodiment of a green oasis at the corner of Vine and 14th streets. A lot of care goes into the space’s bright, ﬂoral design—it features more than 300 square feet of plant-covered “living walls,” which are pruned by their creator, Urban Blooms, on a weekly basis. Equal care and attention went goes into Alcove’s the seasonal farm-to-table menu. It’s an uncomplicated affair featuring exceptional-but-approachable dishes. As one might expect from a restaurant where plants cover most of the walls, vegetables are done very well here. The simple, clean pear and quark salad stands out as do the stuffed mushrooms. Like the produce, much of the meat is sourced from local and regional farms (for instance, the “Denver Cut” of steak— a lean cut, taken from the shoulder—comes from Sakura Farms in nearby Westerville, Ohio). Among other local vendors, Rich Life Farms, Urban Stead Cheese, and Eli Settler (a.k.a. “Eli the Farmer”) all contribute to Alcove’s menu. This is a restaurant that takes sustainability seriously, and sustainability has a funny way of going hand-in-hand with quality.

1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 371-5700, madtree. com/locations/alcove-bar-restaurant. Brunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE APERTURE

After several pandemic-related setbacks, Chef/ Owner Jordan Anthony-Brown opened his Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Walnut Hills’s historic Paramount Square Building. And it was worth the wait. The restaurant’s seasonal menu draws on ﬂavors from across the Mediterranean with subtle touches, such as its woodﬁred pita, elevated with za’atar seasoning and olive oil. The sublime charred carrots are served with Middle Eastern spice blends like dukkah and ras el hanout as well as mint and crumbles of lamb merguez sausage. Brined, poached, and cooked over coals, the carrots themselves eat like a tender smoked sausage. It’s a dish that perfectly encapsulates The Aperture’s commitment to serving substantial versions of traditionally lighter fare. For a restaurant so serious about food—and exceptional wines—it’s refreshing to see it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The original cocktails have offbeat names like #lemon and I’m Her, and the catchy playlist is heavy on old-school hip-hop. At heart, The Aperture is a neighborhood restaurant, albeit one that’s bound to bring people in from all over.

900 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, (513) 872-1970, theaperturecinci.com. Dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

ATWOOD OYSTER HOUSE

While Atwood has done an excellent job of working closely with coastal purveyors to curate a focused but eclectic selection of oysters, the rest of its menu consists of southern coastal cuisine prepared with rigorous French technique. The wild-caught ﬁsh is as fresh and deliberately sourced as the eponymous oysters, and grilled shrimp with Calabrian chili and arugula. The modern, clean-lined space, adorned with busts and oil paintings (curated with the help of neighborhood artist Alex Frank) matches the elegant food. It’s stately without being stuffy; it somehow feels both timeless and hip. Like everything else at Atwood, it’s the result of a delicate, highly successful balancing act.

1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4256, atwoodoysterhouse.com. Dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $$

Top 10 BOCA

With its grand staircase, chandelier, and floorto-ceiling draperies, Boca has an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. There is a sense of drama not only in the decor but in everything it serves. In some dishes, there is a painterly sense of contrast and surprise, like the maple tuile served with the maple mascarpone cheesecake. In others, there is a dramatic suspense, like the whole egg yolk quivering in the center of the beef tartare waiting to be broken. While staying mostly grounded in the fundamentals of Italian and French cuisine, Boca has an air of international sophistication that sets its food apart. The hamachi crudo, an old standby on the menu, takes Japanese flavors and gives them new dimensions with grapefruit suprêmes and slivers of shishito pepper. This is food of extraordinary

creativity and ﬂair.

114 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, bocacincinnati.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

Top10 BOUQUET RESTAURANT

Normally diners aren’t pleased when a restaurant runs out of something. At Bouquet, though, surprise changes to the menu are simply a sign of integrity. Chefowner Stephen Williams is serious about using seasonal ingredients, and if the ﬁgs have run out or there is no more chicken from a local farm, so be it. The ﬂavors at Bouquet are about doing justice to what’s available. Preparations are unfussy, complexity coming from within the vegetables and proteins themselves. A spring salad—wonderfully fresh and vibrant, so you know the strawberries included have just come off a nearby vine—is dressed with candy-striped beets, jerk-seasoned pepitas and whipped goat cheese. This determination to make something delicious out of what’s on hand, to embrace limitations, gives the food at Bouquet a rustic, soulful quality.

519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetbistro. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

CHÉ

This spot draws on authentic Argentine recipes, including the empanadas. Choose from a dozen different crispy, perfectly cinched dough pockets, with ﬁllings ranging from traditional (a mixture of cumin-spiced beef, hard-boiled egg, and olives) to experimental (mushrooms, feta, green onion, and mozzarella). There are also six different dipping sauces to choose from, but you need not stray from the house chimichurri.

1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine; 2038 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, (513) 345-8838, checincinnati.com. Lunch Tues–Sun, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. V, MCC, DC, AMEX. $$

CROWN REPUBLIC GASTROPUB

What makes Crown Republic special isn’t its handful of outstanding dishes. It’s the place’s sheer consistency. No single dish is absolutely mind-blowing or completely original, but when almost everything that comes out is genuinely tasty, the service is always friendly and attentive, and (stop the presses!) the bill is quite a bit less than you expected, you sit up and pay attention. The crab and avocado toast, served on toasted bread with lime juice and slivers of pickled Fresno chiles, is a prime example of what makes Crown Republic tick. The cocktails are equally unfussy and good, like the Tequila Honey Bee, made with tequila reposado, honey thyme syrup, lemon, bitters, and mezcal rinse, which adds a smoky kick.

720 Sycamore St., downtown, (513) 246-4272, crownrepublicgastropub.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. Brunch Sat & Sun. V, MC, DS, AMEX. $$

FIVE ON VINE

The ﬁfth venture from Anthony Sitek and wife Haley Nutter-Sitek’s Crown Restaurant Group, Five on Vine achieves excitement through comfort food with meticulous attention to detail: the meat is butchered in-house, the bread and pasta are made from scratch, and the bacon is house-cured. House-butchered beef and house-made pasta come together beautifully in the pappardelle stroganoff, served with chunks of short rib that are as tender as the noodles themselves. Thick, cleanly acidic fried green tomatoes make an appearance, as does a bountiful cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American ﬁsherman in San Francisco. Some of the dishes are pulled straight from Sitek’s own childhood, in New Jersey. “Gracie’s Meatballs,” named in honor of

his grandmother, use her unique blend of raisins and pine nuts. A love letter to the long-beloved dishes, the menu is an extended rebuttal against the tired argument that American food is bland and boring.

1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4301, ﬁveonvine.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE GOVERNOR

This Milford restaurant playfully elevates diner classics. Breakfast is available all day so if you’re looking to greet the morning with decadence, try the Madame Rangoon, a thick slab of brioche toast smothered in crab whipped cream cheese and eggs. Sandwiches also get an inventive twist here. The “Governor Tso’s chicken”—a crispy, gluten-free fried chicken breast glazed with a General Tso’s–inspired sauce, topped with apricot slaw and served on a toasted brioche bun—is a gigantic, happy mess of a sandwich, but the sweet glaze faintly evokes the namesake “General” while letting the sublimely fried chicken lead the charge. Order a side of bowling alley fries and ask for the red dip. (You’ll thank us later.)

231 Main St., Milford, (513) 239-8298, governordiner. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Sun. Breakfast and lunch Sun. Brunch seven days. MCC. $

MAPLEWOOD KITCHEN

At Maplewood, you order at the counter, then ﬁnd a table, and a server will deliver what you’ve selected. There’s no cohesive cuisine, rather, the menu takes its cue from all corners of the globe: chilaquiles, guajillo chicken are all represented, along with the satisfying Maplewood hash with goetta and local mushrooms. Brunch is available all day so try the light lemon ricotta pancakes or the shakshuka. 525 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-2100, maplewoodkitchenandbar.com. Breakfast and lunch seven days. MCC. $$

MELT REVIVAL

In this Northside sandwich joint, the restaurant’s name

pretty much dictates what you should get. Diners have their choice of sandwiches, including the vegetarian cheesesteak—seitan (a meat substitute) topped with roasted onions, peppers, and provolone—and The Gobbler, turkey burger served with curried aioli, red cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and arugula. For those who require meat in their meals, try the verde chicken ﬂatbread: juicy pieces of chicken intermingle with pesto, zucchini, and provolone. Not sure you’ll want a whole sandwich? Try a half-sandwich with a half-salad or half-soup order—a popular selection with the lunch crowd.

4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 818-8951, meltrevival.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues—Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $

METROPOLE

Metropole has been remarkably stable since it opened in 2012. Even when chefs have left, the organization has promoted from within, kept popular dishes on the menu, and maintained a certain vibe, a balance between sophistication and rusticity. Its vegetarian fare contains many of its most inventive and delightful creations. The seared salmon is served with miso wild rice, asparagus, pickled bok choy, and sesame seeds. The blistered shishitos, served with burrata and preserved lemon, encapsulates Metropole at its best: fun and whimsical, but rooted in careful execution of deep and satisfying ﬂavors.

609 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com. Breakfast Wed–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. V, DS, MC, AMEX. $$

Top 10 MITA’S

It’s ﬁtting that Chef/Owner Jose Salazar named this restaurant after his grandmother, because there is something deeply homey about the food at Mita’s. With a focus on Spanish and Latin-American tapas, it always feels, in the best possible way, like elevated home cooking. Its sophistication is modestly concealed. The ﬂavors are bold and direct, whether the spicy freshness of the cevi-

che de camarones with passionfruit leche de tigre or the intensely bright sourness of the pozole verde. The tacos de barriga de cerdo, which come in pairs, are made with fried pork belly, citrus gastrique, habanero slaw, huitalacoche mayo, and are served on house-made corn tortillas. But what mainly comes through is the warm-hearted affection a grandmother might have put into a meal for a beloved grandson. It’s the kind of big hug everyone needs from time to time.

501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC. $$$

NICHOLSON’S

To remind local diners that they were here before those young dog-toting punks with their exposed brick and crafty ales in Over-the-Rhine, Nicholson’s branded themselves Cincinnati’s “ﬁrst and ﬁnest gastropub,” and revamped the menu to include plenty of snacks and small plates for grazing, and not-quite-brawny, straightforward sandwiches and main dishes. Try the Faroe Island salmon, a bowl of cock-aleekie soup, or check out the shepherd’s or BBQ bacon-style burgers or the turkey reuben with Russian dressing. And the bar’s clubby intimacy makes it easy to belly up and enjoy the impressive collection of single malts or a Scottish ale.

625 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 564-9111, nicholsonspub.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $$

NOLIA

Chef/Owner Jeffery Harris, a New Orleans native, prepares the cuisine of his beloved city with sophistication and ﬂair, drawing on all the inﬂuences that have contributed to the cuisine of the Big Easy—from West African to French to Japanese to Haitian. The menu changes seasonally, with almost a complete overhaul each time. If classic New Orleans dishes do show up on the menu, they’re likely to get delightfully unexpected touches. The smoked chicken, for example, comes with peach Alabama barbecue sauce, greens, mirliton, and charred peach. It’s exquisitely

prepared food served in a funky, laid-back atmosphere. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 384-3597, noliakitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC,DC. $$$

OPAL

Opal’s hip-ly minimal menu (many of the dishes have one syllable names like “Duck” or “Fish”) centers around the restaurant’s wood-fired, 88-inch grill. You can taste the grill’s handiwork on the “Cauliflower” appetizer, which also comes with citrus supremes, fennel pollen (a potent and rather pricey spice), salsa brava (a smoky Mediterranean sauce, not to be confused with the ubiquitous Latin American salsa), feta, and almonds. For the duck, the kiss of flame locks in the juices while a medley of blackberry, peanut, chow chow, and jus add the sweetness that one expects to flavor a good game bird. According to Owner Bill Whitlow, Opal’s menu started small as the team figured out which dishes worked best with its signature grill. The selections, like the restaurant, have continued to grow, so you can expect tweaks and seasonal changes to a menu this committed to fresh meat and produce.

535 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-0629, opalrooftop.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DC. $$$

THE QUARTER BISTRO

Quarter Bistro has multiple personalities: one part clubby neighborhood joint, one part dinner and a movie with a dash of lusty romance. The Bistro Burger, a half-pound of black Angus beef, is seasoned but not overly so, with a sturdy-but-not-too-chewy bun. The 18-hour short ribs are the star, and reason enough to skip the movie next door. Braised into a ﬂavor bomb of meat candy, it’s served with pappardelle pasta, roasted vegetables, and onion straws. With the no-lip service, The Quarter Bistro could be well on the way to making middle age look sexy.

6904 Wooster Pke., Mariemont, (513) 271-5400, qbcincy.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

RUTH’S PARKSIDE CAFÉ

86 PARTICIPATING VENUES. 107 PROJECTS.

The FotoFocus Biennial is a month-long celebration of photography and lens-based art held in October every two years—the largest of its kind in America. Now in its seventh iteration, the Biennial encompasses 107 projects and more than 200 programs at Participating Venues across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky FOTOFOCUS.ORG

Chip Thomas, Step During the Day, 2017. Courtesy of the artist

The spiritual successor of Mullane’s Parkside Café, Ruth’s brings back the vegetable-forward menu with a few concessions to contemporary tastes. Dinner options now include steaks and heavier entrées. But the stir-fries, beans and rice, pasta, and the traditional option to add a protein to an entrée (tofu, tempeh, chicken, or local chorizo) for an upcharge are all old standards. While dishes are generally hearty, they are rarely too rich, leaving room to freely consider dessert. There is a small selection of baked goods, including a gooey butter cake, homemade fruit pies, and Madisono’s Gelato. 1550 Blue Rock St., Northside, (513) 542-7884, ruthscafe.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$

SENATE

Ever since it began dishing out its lo-ﬁ eats, Chef Dan Wright’s gastropub has been operating at a velocity few can match. From the howl and growl of supremely badass hot dogs to the palate-rattling poutine, Senate has led the charge in changing the local conventional wisdom about what makes a great restaurant. Consumption of mussels charmoula means either ordering additional grilled bread to soak up every drop of the herby, saffron-laced broth or drinking the remainder straight from the bowl and perfectly crisped and seasoned truffle fries inspire countless return visits.

1100 Summit Place Dr., Blue Ash, (513) 769-0099, senateblueash.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MC, V, DS. $

TASTE OF BELGIUM

Jean-François Flechet’s waffle empire grew from a back counter of Madison’s grocery at Findlay Market to multiple full-service sit-down spots. There’s more on the menu than the authentic Belgian treat, though it would be a crime to miss the chicken and waffles: a dense, yeasty waffle topped with a succulent buttermilk fried chicken breast, Frank’s hot sauce, and maple syrup. There are also frites, of course, and Brussels sprouts—served with pancetta and sherry vinaigrette—plus a gem of a Bolognese. And let’s not forget the beer. Six rotating taps offer some of the best the Belgians brew, not to mention those made in town.

1135 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 396-5800, and other locations, authenticwaffle.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues–Sun, breakfast and lunch Mon, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$

20 BRIX

This restaurant mixes Mediterranean influences with homespun choices, and he comes up with some marvelous food. Lamb meatballs with melted onions and romesco sauce are sweet and peppery, and their simplicity partners well with a lush Zinfandel. The excellent wine list, arranged by flavor profiles within the varietals, features dozens of varieties by the glass in five-ounce or two-ounce pours, which makes it easy to try several.

101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS, DC. $$

TERANGA

West African cuisine consists of mostly simple, home-style dishes of stews and grilled lamb with just enough of the exotic to offer a glimpse of another culture. Be prepared for a few stimulating sights and ﬂavors that warm from within. An entire grilled tilapia—head and all—in a peppery citrus marinade and served on plantains with a side of Dijoncoated cooked onions is interesting enough to pique foodie interest without overwhelming the moderate eater. Stews of lamb or chicken with vegetables and rice are a milder bet, and Moroccan-style couscous with vegetables and mustard sauce accompanies most items. The dining room atmosphere is extremely modest with most of the action coming from the constant stream of carryout orders. 8438 Vine St., Hartwell, (513) 821-1300, terangacinci. com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

YUCA

Yuca is in The Fairﬁeld’s former space, retaining much of the same modern, airy, and inviting café vibes with a neighbor-

hood feel, but boasting a menu certainly worth a commute. In the mood for a hearty breakfast? Indulge in the Fat Zach, a heaping corn gordita packed to the brim with chicken, chorizo, and scrambled egg, served with avocado, pineapple pico, and sweet and spicy potatoes. There’s a full drink menu ranging from coffee to Bloody Marys—or a selection of margaritas and palomas if you’re looking to stick around.

700 Fairﬁeld Ave., Bellevue, (859) 360-0110, yucabycedar.com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

FRENCH

CHEZ RENÉE FRENCH BISTROT

Based on American stereotypes of French food—that it’s elaborate, elitist, and expensive—one might expect Chez Renée to fall on the chichi side. Instead, it’s elegant in an everyday way, operating on the principle that it is better to excel at simplicity than to badly execute something complicated. The formula is not complex: Simple ingredients, generally fresh and from nearby, prepared without much fuss. Warmed brie is served with thyme, almonds, fruit, and bread, and the chicken risotto is served with creamy mushrooms. This is solid, tasty food, both approachable and well-executed. It’s well on its way to becoming, as a good bistrot should be, a neighborhood institution.

233 Main St., Milford, (513) 428-0454, chezreneefrenchbistrot.com. Lunch Fri & Sat, dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

COLETTE

At his new “mostly French” restaurant Colette, which occupies the former Zula space across from Washington Park, Chef Danny Combs has built a more laid-back home for his focused, pristine cooking. While there is classic bistro fare, like steak frites, on the concentrated menu, there are also less familiar but equally classic French dishes, like Brandade de Morue (a silky emulsion of whipped salt cod served with rustic bread) and the savory puff pastry known as Vol-au-Vent. One can turn to the extensive drink menu (also “mostly French”) to ﬁnd a wine or cocktail to go with any dish on offer. Like Zula, Colette would function just ﬁne as a wine and cocktail bar, though we can’t imagine coming to a place this good and not eating something.

1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1018, coletteotr.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DC. $$

FRENCH CRUST

Located in the old Globe Furniture building at the corner of Elm and Elder Streets, this Jean-Robert de Cavel creation offers French fare in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. Swing by for lunch and have a quiche Lorraine (French Crust’s quiches are unrivaled in our humble opinion) and an avocado and shrimp salad, or opt for a more hearty entree—like cassoulet—for dinner. If you’re an early bird, a Croque Monsieur (with a sunny side-up egg) is a great way to start the day. 1801 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 455-3720, frenchcrustcafe.com. Breakfast and lunch Wed–Sun, dinner Thurs–Sat. MCC. $$

Top 10

LE BAR A BOEUF

If it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been to Le Bar a Boeuf—the late Jean-Robert de Cavel’s fun-yet-refined French bistro located on the first floor of the Edgecliff Private Residences in East Walnut Hills—it may be time for a revisit. The formerly burger-centric menu now approaches the full repertoire of bistro classics. The menu reads like a greatest hits list of bistro fare, with escargot, beef tartare, duck leg confit, steak frites, and French onion soup all making appearances. As France’s influence on American fine dining has waned, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant committed to not only preserving the French classics but reinvigorating them.

2200 Victory Pkwy., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-2333, lebarboeuf.com. Dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

LUCA BISTRO

Luca Bistro opened in October 2022, but it feels like it has been around for decades. The unabashedly French restaurant, with its French posters, bright red

outer paneling, and chalkboard menu proclaiming its specials to passersby, fits into its Mt. Adams environs so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine Hatch Street without it. That, combined with warm service, timeless French fare, and relaxed joie de vivre makes this a true neighborhood establishment. Chef Frederic Maniet grew up in the south of France and has done an excellent job transporting his native cuisine to a quiet corner of Cincinnati. These are the dishes that culinary Francophiles often crave, prepared in a straightforward, time-honored way. The Bouchées à la Reine, a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms, peas, Gruyèere cheese, and béchamel sauce, is so warm and comforting it makes chicken pot pie seem aloof by comparison. It’s a warm, gentle reminder that French food can be convivial and affordable.

934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams, (513) 621-5822, lucabistro. com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun, dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

INDIAN

AMMA’S KITCHEN

Muthu Kumar Muthiah serves traditional southern Indian and Indo-Chinese vegetarian cuisine, but with a sizable Orthodox Jewish community nearby, Muthiah saw an opportunity: If he was going to cook vegetarian, why not also make it kosher? Muthiah prepares every item—from the addictively crunchy gobhi Manchurian, a spicy Chinese cauliﬂower dish, to the lemon pickle, tamarind, and mint sauces—entirely from scratch under the careful eye of Rabbi Michoel Stern. Always 80 percent vegan, the daily lunch buffet is 100 percent animal-product-free on Wednesdays. Tuck into a warm and savory channa masala (spiced chickpeas) or malai kofta (vegetable dumplings in tomato sauce) from the curry menu. Or tear into a crispy, two-foot diameter dosa (chickpea ﬂour crepe) stuffed with spiced onions and potatoes.

7633 Reading Rd., Roselawn, (513) 821-2021, cincinnati. ammaskitchen.com. Lunch buffet Mon–Fri (all vegan on Wed), dinner seven days. MC, V, DS. $

BRIJ MOHAN

Order at the counter the way you might at a fast food joint, except the shakes come in mango and there’s no supersizing your mint lassi. The saag, full of cream in most northern Indian restaurants, is as intensely ﬂavored as collard greens in the Deep South—real Punjabi soul food. Tarka dal is spectacular here, the black lentils smoky from charred tomatoes and onions, and the pani puri, hollow fried shells into which you spoon a peppery cold broth, burst with tart cool crunch. Follow the spice with soothing ras malai, freshly made cheese simmered in thick almond-ﬂavored milk, cooled and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

11259 Reading Rd., Sharonville, (513) 769-4549, brijmohancincinnati.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner Tues–Sun. MC, V, DC, AMEX. $

ITALIAN

A TAVOLA

In 2011, Jared Wayne opened A Tavola Pizza with two friends just as OTR was blowing up. A Ferrara pizza oven was ordered from Italy; Wayne, a skilled woodworker, built custom tables; and the menu was fleshed in with trendy crowd-pleasers like charcuterie and craft cocktails. Fast-forward a decade. The OTR outpost is closed but the second location is still going strong in the ’burbs: A Tavola Madeira capitalizes on the menu from the Vine Street location, including the fresh and zesty artichoke pizza on a Neapolitan crust; gooey mozzarella-filled arancini, or risotto fritters; and the zucchini mozzarella. Wash down your small plates with a glass of crisp and grassy Sannio falanghina or an ice-cold Rhinegeist. They’re definitely going to need a bigger parking lot.

7022 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-0192, atavolapizza.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. V, DC, MS, AMEX. $

August 11, 2024

MegaCorp Pavillion

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR: MadTree

SPONSORS: Amaro Montenegro, Bad Tom Smith, The B Line, BLOX, Brazen Oak, Cruz Corporation Development, Chinet, Cinco Cruzitos

Tequila, Fever-Tree, Lux Row, Mason Mirabeau, McCormick, McCormick Gourmet, Monk’s Road, New Riff Distilling, On The Rocks, POLI 1898, Pour, Rock On Ice, Nothing Bunt Cakes, SELECT, Tito’s, Turtles Brew, Zardetto Spritz

→ Cincinnati Magazine readers sipped it up at On The Rocks. More than 400 guests enjoyed 20 tasting opportunities from local and national distilleries as well as gourmet bites. The ROCK ON ICE large-scale live ice carving was a hit on the main stage.

Special thanks to Katy Greiner, Shawn Myers, Craig Marshall, and Molly Wellmann for judging our contests. Congratulations to Jordan from Three Spirits Tavern for best cocktail and Chase from Wiseguy Lounge for best mocktail!

AL-POSTO

Al-Posto is an upscale southern Italian spot that reﬂects the same commitment to quality ingredients and delicate preparation that made its predecessor Dear such a gem. Appetizers include classic sharables like marinated olives (prepared with orange zest, rosemary, and Calabrian chile), burrata with grilled focaccia, and coppa (a cured pork served with preserved peppers and almonds), but it’s the pasta (which can be ordered as an entrée or a ﬁrst course) that’s not to be missed. We recommend the Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple dish comprised of bucatini (similar to spaghetti, but thicker), black pepper, and a sharp pecorino Toscano. Since you’re probably wondering, “Al-Posto” roughly translates to “at the spot.” Located in the middle of Hyde Park Square, this eatery seems poised to become the culinary focal point of the neighborhood.

2710 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 321-2710, al-posto. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DC, DS. $$

FORNO

Cristian Pietoso’s second restaurant has all the bones of an upscale eatery, but the menu is infused with enough Italian soul to make nonna proud. In most instances, raving about a side of creamed corn wouldn’t bode well for the rest of the menu. Here, that side dish—kernels swimming in a pool of truffle-laced heavy cream that demands sopping up—is evidence that each component is purpose-driven. The red wine–braised honeycomb tripe, which carries a warning label (“Don’t be scared!”), and the tagliatelle bolognese with traditional beef and veal sauce are examples of the elevated, adventurous comfort food that Pietoso strives for.

3514 Erie Ave., East Hyde Park, (513) 818-8720,

fornoosteriabar.com. Dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $$

Top10

NICOLA’S

Chef/Restaurateur Cristian Pietoso carries on the legacy of his father, Nicola, as the elder Pietoso’s Over-the-Rhine eatery celebrated 25 years in business in 2021. You can still get the old Italian classics, and they’ll be as good as ever, but the rest of the menu has blossomed into a freewheeling tour of modern American cuisine. Any establishment paying this level of attention to detail—from the aged balsamic and lavender honey on the Italian cheese board to the staff ’s wine knowledge—is going to put out special meals. Rarely have humble insalate been so intricately delicious, between the non-traditional summer gazpacho, ﬁlled with crab, zucchini, peaches, and squash, or the balance of the tangy, salty, and citrusy Siciliana salad. Order an old favorite, by all means, but make sure you try something new, too.

1420 Sycamore St., Pendleton, (513) 721-6200, nicolasotr.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

PADRINO

Billed as “Italian comfort food,” this sister restaurant to 20 Brix offers the classics (like lasagna and chicken carbonara) plus hoagies and meatball sliders, an impressive wine list, seasonal martinis, and a decadent signature appetizer— garlic knots, doughy buns smothered in olive oil and garlic. Best of all, Barraco’s pizza sauce, which is comprised of roasted tomatoes and basil, is so garden-fresh that one can’t help but wonder: If this is real pizza, what have we been eating all these years?

111 Main St., Milford, (513) 965-0100; 14 N. Grand Ave. Ft Thomas, (859) 957-4082, padrinoitalian.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

PEPP & DOLORES

As with all of Thunderdome’s restaurants, you get a sense that they want to deliver a meal that satisﬁes many differ-

ent kinds of people. The prices are reasonable, with pasta entrées about $15. The dishes are familiar in their flavors, but everything feels balanced, modulated and gradually perfected. There is lovely variety: the limone pasta is zippy with lemon and chili flakes, and just the right mixture of tart and creamy; the deep meaty flavors on the mushroom toast are balanced with a nice acidity; and the heat in dishes like the eggplant involtini is just enough to wake up the sauce without overwhelming the flavor. The menu has a wealth of excellent vegetarian and pasta-alternative options. 1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 419-1820, peppanddolores.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

PRIMAVISTA

Besides offering the old-world ﬂavors of Italy, Primavista also serves up a specialty no other restaurant can match: a bird’s eye view of Cincinnati from the west side. The kitchen is equally comfortable with northern and southern regional specialties: a Venetian carpaccio of paper-thin raw beef sparked by fruity olive oil; house-made fresh mozzarella stuffed with pesto and mushrooms; or artichoke hearts with snails and mushrooms in a creamy Gorgonzola sauce from Lombardy. Among the classics, nothing is more restorative than the pasta e fagioli, a hearty soup of cannellini, ditali pasta, and bacon. Most of the pastas are cooked just a degree more mellow than al dente so that they soak up the fragrant tomato basil or satiny cream sauces. The forktender osso buco Milanese, with its marrow-ﬁlled center bone and salty-sweet brown sauce (marinara and lemon juice), is simply superb. Desserts present further problems; you’ll be hard-pressed to decide between the house-made tiramisu or bread pudding with caramel sauce, marsalasoaked raisins, and cream.

810 Matson Pl., Price Hill, (513) 251-6467, pvista.com.

Dinner Wed–Sun. MCC, DC, DS. $$

Top10 SOTTO

There are certain books and movies that you can

read or watch over and over. Eating at Sotto is a similar experience: familiar, but so profound and satisfying that there is no reason to ever stop. Unlike other restaurants, where the techniques are often elaborate and unfamiliar, the magic at Sotto happens right in front of you, using ordinary elements and methods. When you taste the results, though, you realize that some mysterious transmutation has taken place. The wood-ﬁred branzino with zucchini, matched with the warm, smoky taste of the Calabrian pepper, offers a ﬂavor that you could go on eating forever. From the texture of the chicken liver mousse to the citrusy lemon aioli on the tartare di fassone, most of the food has some added element of soulfulness.

118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 822-5154, sottocincinnati.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

SUBITO

Focusing on Northern Italian cuisine, Subito carves out its own worthwhile place in the landscape. Most of the items on the menu—from pizza to various pastas—will be familiar, but there are delightful surprises, like the lion’s mane lumache. This citrusy dish is served on lumache pasta and cooked with scallions, garlic, shallots, chili, brodo, and pecorino. Everything at Subito is done with intelligence and a light touch.

311 Pike St., downtown, (513) 579-3860, thelytleparkhotel.com/dining/subito. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

VIA VITE

Via Vite serves up crowd-pleasing entrées, including the Pietoso family Bolognese, over penne, right on Fountain Square. (Add in a golf-ball-sized veal meatball heavy with lemon zest, and it’s an over-the-top comforting main dish.)

The same applies to the risotto, where a few small touches add sophistication. Carnaroli rice results in a glossier, starchier dish. A puree of asparagus turns the risotto an eye-popping green, and the poached lobster garnish creates a nice back-and-forth between vegetal and briny ﬂavors.

Braised lamb shank over polenta is comforting workhorse, and the ﬂavorful Faroe Island salmon with roasted carrot puree, caramelized Brussel sprouts and truffled brown butter balsamic vinaigrette.

520 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-8483, viaviterestaurant.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

JAPANESE

ANDO

You don’t go just anywhere to dine on uni sashimi (sea urchin) or tanshio (thinly sliced charcoal-grilled beef tongue). Don’t miss the creamy béchamel sauce cooked in the panko breaded and fried croquettes, or the buttery amberjack collar marinated in a Japanese citrus infused soy sauce and grilled over charcoal. Noodles are also well represented, with udon, soba, or ramen options available. And don’t forget to ask about the specials; owners Ken and Keiko Ando always have something new, be it kamo negi maki (grilled duck breast stuffed with organic green onions) or a chocolate crepe and matcha parfait, delicacies that you’ll be hard-pressed to ﬁnd in anywhere else. The only thing you won’t ﬁnd here is sake, or any other alcohol. Bring your own, or stick to the nutty and outright addicting barley tea.

11255 Reed Hartman Hwy., Blue Ash, (513) 954-0041, andojapaneserestaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

BARU

Baru, the sleek izakaya in the former MidiCi space, prioritizes bar dining, which is meant to be enjoyed alongside its eclectic drinks list. The menu is broken down into drinks, sushi, “small plates,” “plates,” sides, and ishiyaki. Start with clever cocktail offerings, like the Japanese Highball (which uses Japanese whiskey), the Sake-tini, or

the sweetly spicy Wasabi Margarita. Baru’s sushi offerings are—like the rest of the menu—fun and funky. The sushi menu is varied, but concise, featuring a trio of ahi tuna, spicy tuna, and escolar, as well as a quail egg nigiri. If sushi got the party going, the theatrical ishiyaki kicked it into high gear. The term refers to dishes that diners grill tableside on a hot stone, such as the prime New York strip. For all its convivial buzz, Baru is also a spot where solo diners can enjoy a few peaceful bar-side bites. The Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna from the small plates section brought the same level of freshness and quality as the rest of the menu. Sometimes it pays to dine alone.

595 Race St., downtown, (513) 246-0150, barusushi. com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

Top10 KIKI

Kiki started as a pop-up at Northside Yacht Club, then leapt into brick-and-mortar life in College Hill’s bustling business district. Your best bet here is to share plates, or simply order too much, starting with the edamame; it comes either salted or tossed in tare, a savory dipping sauce. Add the karaage fried chicken, with the Jordy mayo and the oroshi ponzu, conﬁt chicken on spaghetti and rice that somehow works. And, yes, the ramen, too. The shio features pork belly and tea-marinated soft-boiled egg, but the kimchi subs in tofu and its namesake cabbage for the meat.

5932 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, (513) 541-0381, kikicincinnati.com. Lunch Sun and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC, DS. $

KYOTO

Owner Jason Shi seems to know everybody’s name as he chats up diners, guiding them through the extensive sushi and sashimi menu. Five young sushi chefs, all part of Shi’s family, work at light speed behind the bar, a choreography backlit by rows of gleaming liquor bottles. Dinner proceeds with glorious chaos as a feisty Carla Tortelli–like server delivers one dish after another—combination of crab, ﬁsh,

shrimp, scallop, and vegetable tempuras, a volcanic tower of chopped fatty tuna hidden inside overlapping layers of thin avocado slices, crispy chicken katsu with a mayo sauce,, and delicate slices of a samurai roll—all between shots of chilled sake.

12082 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 583-8897, kyotousa.m988.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

ZUNDO

RAMEN & DONBURI

A stark contrast to Styrofoam cup soup, chef Han Lin’s ramens are a deep and exciting branch of cuisine, capable of subtlety, variation, and depth. The simplicity of the dish’s name hides a world of complexity. Zundo uses the traditional Japanese building blocks of ﬂavor—soy sauce, miso, sake, mirin—to create something freewheeling and time-tested. Bowls of ramen come with a marinated soft-boiled egg half, roast pork, green onion, and a healthy serving of noodles. Each has a distinct identity, like the milky richness of the tonkotsu, the rich and buttery miso, or the light and faintly sweet shoyu ramen. A transformative add-in is the mayu, or black garlic oil. Dripped on top of one of the subtler broths, it adds a deep, mushroom-y richness, with the hint of burned ﬂavor that makes barbecue so good.

220 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 9750706, zundootr.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

KOREAN

RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Come for the jham bong—a seafood soup with flour noodles in a spicy broth with pork, shrimp, squid, mussels, and vegetables. Revered for its medicinal properties, the dinner-sized soup will leave your eyes glistening and your brow beaded with sweat. It’s a detox for your overindulgence, rejuvenation for when you’re feeling under the weather. Expect crowds on weekends. Expect too, that dozens of them have come for dolsot bibimbap, the hot stone pots filled with layers of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, egg, and chili paste. Characterized by its electric color and addictive flavors, Riverside Korean’s version is a captivating bowl of heaven.

512 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

MEDITERRANEAN

ANDY’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

In this lively joint with a burnished summer lodge interior of wood and stone, even the food is unrestrained: rough-cut chunks of charbroiled beef tenderloin, big slices of onion and green pepper turned sweet and wet in the heat, skewers of mari-

nated and charbroiled chicken perched on rice too generous for its plate.

906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, (513) 281-9791, andyskabob.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

CAFÉ MEDITERRANEAN

Chef-driven Middle Eastern cuisine leans heavily on Turkish tradition here. The baba ghanoush uses seared eggplant, which adds a pleasant smokiness to the ﬁnal product. Börek is described as a “Turkish Egg Roll,” wrapping feta and fresh and dried herbs into phyllo dough and frying it lightly to brittle ﬂakiness. The pastry arrives atop a vivid cherry tomato marmalade, which adds a welcome dimension of barely sweet fruitiness. While there is a smooth, simple hummus on the menu, you should go for the classic sucuklu hummus, which is spiked with sujuk, a common beef sausage popular all over the Middle East.

3520 Erie Ave., East Hyde Park, (513) 871-8714, mediterranean-cafe.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

Top10

PHOENICIAN TAVERNA

No matter how much restraint you go in with, meals at Phoenician Taverna quickly become feasts. There is just too much that’s good, and everything is meant to be shared. With fresh pita bread continuously arriving from the ovens, and a table of quickly multiplying meze (hummus, falafel, muhammara), there is a warmth and depth to the cooking that envelops you. With such traditional cuisine, you may think there isn’t much left to discover beyond simply executed classics prepared according to time-tested methods. But there are always new discoveries as the ﬂavors mingle from plate to plate: the tabbouleh with

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM

Aglamesis Bro’s recently announced the opening of a third location in Hamilton later this year. This will be the ﬁrst new location since the company opened its second parlor in Montgomery in 1970. aglamesis.com

the hummus, mixed with a touch of harissa, or the smoky baba ghanoush spooned onto falafel. Phoenician Taverna keeps taking these classics a little further.

7944 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

SANTORINI

Steak, eggs, and home fries. Jumbo haddock sandwich with Greek fries. Chocolate chip hotcakes with bacon. Notice something wrong with this menu? Chicken Philly cheese steak sandwich with Olympic onion rings. Yep, it’s obvious: What’s wrong with this menu is that there’s nothing wrong with this menu. Greek feta cheese omelette with a side of ham. It’s been owned by the same family for more than 30 years. Santorini has diner standards, like cheeseburgers, chili ﬁve ways, and breakfast anytime, but they also make some Greek pastries in-house, like spanakopita and baklava.

3414 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, (513) 662-8080. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Sat, breakfast and lunch Sun. Cash. $

SEBASTIAN’S

When the wind is just right, you can smell the meat roasting from a mile away. Watch the rotating wheels of beef and lamb, and you understand how Greek food has escaped the American tendency to appropriate foreign cuisines. Sebastian’s specializes in gyros, shaved off the stick, wrapped in thick griddle pita with onions and tomatoes, and served with cool tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re having a crisp Greek salad with house-made dressing, triangles of spanakopita, or simply the best walnut and honey baklava this side of the Atlantic, they never misses a beat, turning more covers in the tiny restaurant on one Saturday afternoon than some restaurants do in an entire weekend.

5209 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, (513) 471-2100, sebastiansgyros.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. DS. $

MEXICAN

EL VALLE VERDE

Guests with dietary issues, high anxiety, and no Spanish may take a pass, but for hardy souls, this taqueria delivers a memorable evening. Seafood dishes are the star here— ceviche tostadas, crisp corn tortillas piled high with pico de gallo, avocado, and lime-tastic bits of white ﬁsh, squid, and crab; the oversized goblet of cocktel campechano, with ample poached shrimp crammed into a Clamato-heavy gazpacho; and simmering sopa de marisco came with langoustines, mussels, crab legs, and an entire ﬁsh—enough to feed three.

6717 Vine St., Carthage, (513) 821-5400, Lunch and dinner seven days. $

MAZUNTE

Mazunte runs a culinary full-court press, switching up specials to keep both regulars and staff engaged. Pork tamales arrive swaddled in a banana leaf, the shredded pork filling steeped in a sauce fiery with guajillo and ancho chilies yet foiled by the calming sweetness of raisins. The fried fish tacos are finished with a citrusy red and white cabbage slaw that complements the accompanying mangohabañero salsa. With this level of authentic yet fast-paced execution, a slightly greasy pozole can be easily forgiven. Don’t miss the Mexican Coke, the margaritas, or the nonalcoholic horchata.

5207 Madison Rd., Madisonville, (513) 785-0000, mazuntetacos.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $

NADA

The brains behind Boca deliver authentic, contemporary, high-quality Mexican fare downtown. You’ll ﬁnd a concise menu, including tacos, salads and sides, large plates, and

desserts. The Pork Al Pastor tacos, zesty with salsa verde and sweet with grilled pineapple, are deﬁnite crowd-pleasers. If you’re biased against Brussels sprouts, Nada just might convert you. The crispy sprouts, served with chipotle honey and candied ancho pepitas, are a deliciously intriguing starter.

600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

TAQUERIA MERCADO

On a Saturday night, Taqueria Mercado is a lively ﬁesta, with seemingly half of the local Hispanic community guzzling margaritas and cervezas or carrying out sacks of burritos and carnitas tacos—pork tenderized by a long simmer, its edges frizzled and crispy. The Mercado’s strip mall interior, splashed with a large, colorful mural, is equally energetic: the bustling semi-open kitchen; a busy counter that handles a constant stream of take-out orders; a clamorous, convivial chatter in Spanish and English. Try camarones a la plancha, 12 chubby grilled shrimp tangled with grilled onions (be sure to specify if you like your onions well done). The starchiness of the rice absorbs the caramelized onion juice, offset by the crunch of lettuce, buttery slices of avocado, and the coolhot pico de gallo. A shrimp quesadilla paired with one of their cheap and potent margaritas is worth the drive alone.

6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairﬁeld, (513) 942-4943; 100 E. Eighth St., downtown, (513) 381-0678, tmercadocincy. com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

SEAFOOD

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S

The daily rotation here reads like a ﬁsherman’s wish list: lobster tails from Australia and the North Atlantic, ahi tuna from Hawaii, clams from New England. But high-quality

ingredients are only half the equation; preparation is the other. Herb-broth sea bass, served with roasted ﬁngerling potatoes, makes the taste buds dance. The spacious digs and attentive waitstaff bring a touch of class to Fountain Square and make it a sophisticated destination. It’s likely to remain a favorite. After all, it’s right in the middle of things.

21 E. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 721-9339, mccormickandschmicks.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $$

ROSEWOOD SUSHI, THAI & SEAFOOD

Chanaka De Lanerolle sold Mt. Adams Fish House back in 2011, and Rosewood Sushi, Thai & Seafood is its reincarnation—and reinvention. Most of the menu includes crowd favorites such as Pad Thai, made with rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, and a choice of protein. The handful of ethnic experiments on the menu—like the Black Tiger Roll, one of the chef’s special sushi rolls, made with shrimp tempura, eel, shiitake mushrooms, and topped with eel sauce—are among its most vibrant offerings.

3036 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 631-3474, rosewoodoakley.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$$

STEAKS

CARLO & JOHNNY

The stars of the menu are 12 delectable steaks that could

sway the vegi-curious to recommit. Not sure which to choose? If you prefer brawny ﬂavor over buttery texture, go for one of the three bone-in rib cuts. Or if it’s that meltin-your-mouth experience that raises your serotonin levels, C&J features several tenderloin cuts, including the premium six-ounce Wagyu ﬁlet. There are the usual suspects of raw bar, seafood, pork chops, et al, if you’re interested in non-beef alternatives.

9769 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 936-8600, jeffruby.com/carlo-johnny. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

JEFF RUBY’S

Filled most nights with local scenesters and power brokers (and those who think they are), everything in this urban steakhouse is generous—from the portions to the expert service. White-jacketed waiters with ﬂoor-length aprons deliver two-ﬁsted martinis and mounds of greens dressed in thin vinaigrettes or thick, creamy emulsions. An occasional salmon or sea bass appears, and there’s a small but decent assortment of land fare. But most customers are there for the slabs of beef (dry aged USDA prime). The best of these is Jeff Ruby’s Cowboy, 22 ounces of 70-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye. This is steak tailor-made for movers and shakers.

505 Vine St., downtown, (513) 784-1200, jeffruby.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC. $$$$

Top 10 LOSANTI

A bit more upscale than its sister restaurant, Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti is also more conservative in its offerings. Service is friendly and informal, and though the meal feels like a special occasion, prices and atmosphere are right for, say, a date, rather than a wedding anniversary. The ﬁlet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip are cut to order for each table (there are a few available weights for each). The steaks themselves are totally irreproachable, perfectly seasoned, cooked to precisely the right point. Losanti even makes the steakhouse sides a little special. Sweet and smoky caramelized

onions are folded into the mashed potatoes, a nice dusting of truffles wakes up the mac and cheese, and the sweet corn is at least freshly cut off the cob and recalls elote with lime and chile.

1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4213, losantiotr.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

Top 10 THE

PRECINCT

Part of the appeal of the Ruby restaurants is their ability to deliver deep, comfort-food satisfaction. And the steaks. The meat is tender with a rich mineral ﬂavor, and the signature seasoning provided a nice crunch, not to mention blazing heat. The supporting cast is strong— the basket of warm Sixteen Bricks bread with a mushroom truffle butter, the addictive baked macaroni and cheese, the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the crisp-tender asparagus with roasted garlic and lemon vinaigrette—and dinner ends on a sweet note with a piece of Ruby family recipe cheesecake. Neither cloyingly sweet nor overwhelmingly creamy, it’s a lovely slice of restraint.

311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 321-5454, jeffruby.com/precinct. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

TONY’S

He is a captivating presence, Tony Ricci. Best known for his 30 years in ﬁne dining—including the Jeff Ruby empire while managing the venerable Precinct—Ricci has built a life in the hospitality industry. Much of Tony’s menu is right out of a steakhouse playbook: jumbo shrimp and king crab legs from the raw bar; Caprese, Greek, and Caesar salads; sides of creamed spinach, mac-and-cheese, asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms; toppings of roasted garlic or Gorgonzola butters to accompany your center cut of ﬁlet mignon. There are boutique touches, though, that make it stand out—a garlic herb aioli with the calamari, steak tartare torch-kissed and topped with a poached egg, a superb rack of lamb rubbed with aromatic sumac and served with mint pesto.

12110 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Township, (513) 677-

Springboro (937) 748-6800 Explore legendary food cities like never before with our Food Tours, featuring behind-the-scenes tours and tastings along the way.

Led by a professional travel guide, Food Tours accommodate 10-12 travelers and include unique experiences, hotel accommodations, several group meals, and travel between tour stops on the itinerary. Airfare not included.

Oakwood (937) 299-3561

Washington Square (937) 434-1294

8669, tonysofcincinnati.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$$

THAI

GREEN PAPAYA

Inside this simple dining room, replete with soothing browns and greens and handsome, dark wood furniture, it takes time to sort through the many curries and chef’s specialties, not to mention the wide variety of sushi on the somethingfor-everyone menu. Have the staff—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—help you. When the food arrives, you’ll need only a deep inhale to know you made the right choice. The Green Papaya sushi rolls are as delicious as they look, with a manic swirl of spicy mayo and bits of crabstick and crispy tempura batter scattered atop the spicy tuna, mango, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura sushi—all rolled in a vivid green soybean wrap.

2942 Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107, greenpapayacincinnati.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

TEAK THAI

Owner Chanaka De Lanerolle has said that he decided to bring back Teak’s take on Thai food because of the renewed vibrancy in Over-the-Rhine, which he compared to the energy he felt in Mt. Adams during his time there. But for all of the hype around the restaurant’s re-emergence on the scene, it’s probably best to consider it a reimagining rather than a reopening. While long-time favorites show up on the menu, prepared by many of the same kitchen staff members from Mt. Adams, some adaptations have been made to better meet expectations of modern diners. Letting go of preconceived notions about Teak will serve you well. With a two-sided, standalone sushi menu and a wide variety of

main plates ranging from small bites to signature dishes, you have plenty of room to craft your own dining experience. 1200 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-8325, teakotr. com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

THAI NAMTIP

Classic Thai comfort food on the west side from chef/owner Tussanee Leach, who grew up with galangal on her tongue and sriracha sauce in her veins. Her curries reign: pale yellow sweetened with coconut milk and poured over tender chicken breast and chunks of boiled pineapple; red curry the color of new brick, tasting of earth at first bite, then the sharply verdant Thai basil leaves, followed by a distant heat. Tom Kha Gai soup defines the complex interplay of flavors in Thai food: astringent lemongrass gives way to pepper, then Makrut lime, shot through with the gingery, herbaceous galangal, all yielding to the taunting sweetness of coconut. Even the simple skewers of chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce are rough and honest, dulcified by honey and dirtied up by a smoky grill.

5461 North Bend Rd., Monfort Heights, (513) 481-3360, thainamtip.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MC, V. $

WILD GINGER

The ability to satisfy a deep desire for Vietnamese and Thai fusion cuisine is evident in Wild Ginger’s signature Hee Ma roll—a fortress of seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, and topped with red tuna, pulled crab stick, tempura flakes, a bit of masago, scallions, and of course, spicy mayo. It’s tasty, even though the sweet fried floodwall of tempura and spicy mayo overpowered the tuna completely. The spicy pad char entrée was a solid seven out of 10: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, succulent red bell peppers, green beans, and beef, accented with basil and lime leaves in a peppercornand-chili brown sauce.

3655 Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 533-9500, wildgingercincy.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

VIETNAMESE

PHO LANG THANG

Owners Duy and Bao Nguyen and David Le have created a greatest hits playlist of Vietnamese cuisine: elegant, brothy pho made from poultry, beef, or vegan stocks poured over rice noodles and adrift with slices of onions, meats, or vegetables (the vegan pho chay is by far the most ﬂavorful); fresh julienned vegetables, crunchy sprouts, and herbs served over vermicelli rice noodles (again, the vegan version, bun chay, is the standout); and bánh mì. Be sure to end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, a devilish jolt of dark roast and sweetened condensed milk that should make canned energy drinks obsolete.

1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS, DC. $

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, (ISSN 0746-8 210), October 2024, Volume 57, Number 1. Published monthly ($19.95 for 12 issues annually) at 221 E. Fourth St., Ste. 130, Cincinnati, OH 45202. (513) 421-4300. Copyright © 2024 by Cincinnati Magazine LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media Group, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and artwork should be accompanied by SASE for return. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-866-660-6247. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

Chapel Groan

AMONG THE MANY CRYPTS AND MONUMENTS IN SPRING GROVE CEMETERY SITS A STRIKingly spooky chapel known as the Dexter Mausoleum. Designed over the course of four years (1865–1869) by James Keyes Wilson, this Gothic revival mausoleum was meant to resemble the grand architecture of Europe. When construction stopped in 1869 (it was never fully completed), it featured the only flying buttresses in the city. Deceased members of the Dexter family lie in the underground portion of the mausoleum. “There are 36 catacombs in there, and 20 of them are used,” says Spring Grove Cemetery historian Debbie Brandt. “The others can’t be used because today’s standards have changed, and the spaces are too small.” Edmund Dexter, the family patriarch who commissioned the building, gained his notoriety and fortune as a whiskey baron, but the money ran out, so the elevator and stained-glass windows in the original were never installed. According to Brandt, the building can’t be fully restored or repaired because it’s a private family-owned building. Due to damage from ivy, age, and erosion, the mausoleum is considered unsafe; it’s padlocked, and Spring Grove officials keep an eye on its condition.

—CLAIRE LEFTON

Limited tickets available. November 4 & 6–8 | 6–10 p.m.

OXFORD, OHIO — home to Miami University — is a legendary college town that’s consistently ranked among the top 5 best in America. Discover the red-brick streets of Uptown for yourself, just north of Cincinnati.