KEY Cincinnati

Dining • Shopping • Entertainment • Resources

MAY 2013

OFFICIAL CITY GUIDE

®

Nightlife

Entertainment

Shopping

Dining

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

Growing Up

At The Zoo See Key Cover Story, p. 8

Your Key to always having the most recent issue.

since 1943 • keycincinnati.com KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

BEDROOM FURNISHINGS OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS

LIVING ROOM & ACCESSORIES

ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS

AND MORE!

Harper’s Station 11349 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 513.247.9100 www.bovafurniture.com Monday thru Friday 10-7 Saturday 10-5 • Closed Sunday

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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Contents 6 The Queen City: Mom’s Pick 8 KEY Cover Story: Growing Up At The Zoo ®

OFFICIAL CITY GUIDE

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky VOL. 70

MAY 201 3

NO. 5

KEY MAGAZINE CINCINNATI 320 Clay Street Dayton, KY 41074 513-708-3854 www.keycincinnati.com

Publisher/Editor Michele Roth

michele@keycincinnati.com

Editor Brian McClure President of Sales John Bick Creative Director Trena Perrine trena@keycincinnati.com

Contributing Writers Michele Roth Sue Cunningham Thomas Bell Sydney Miller Prochazka © COPYRIGHT 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, including electronic and photocopy, without the permission in writing from the publisher. All ads designed by KEY Cincinnati Magazine may not be reproduced for publications elsewhere without written permission from the publisher.

Key Magazine Cincinnati is distributed monthly to hotels and other distribution points throughout the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area.

SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $21 per year, first class mail. Single copies mailed at $1.75.

KEY Cincinnati Magazine is a registered trademark. This magazine is authorized by KEY Magazines, Inc. Cover Story: Cover photo is used with permission and provided by The Cincinnati Zoo.

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

12 Beer of The Month 14 City Source 16 Metro Map 17 Southbank Shuttle Trolley Map 18 Support Local Music 20 Calendar of Events 22 KEY Dining: Creating Transformation 24 Dining Unlocked 26 KEY Shopping: Spring’s Must Have Styles 29 KEY Nightlife: And The Winner Is 30 Editor’s Pick: Sister Act

Welcome!

On behalf of the citizens of Cincinnati, I am pleased to welcome you to our city. Our central geographic location and our picturesque setting along the Ohio River make Cincinnati an ideal destination for both leisure and business.

You will find that Cincinnati offers worldclass accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and diverse shopping opportunities. From our museums and galleries, to our sports and recreational activities, this truly is a unique city. Our residents and visitors alike mingle on Fountain Square, dine in our top-notch restaurants, and shop in our vibrant and lively downtown area.

Whatever your tastes, there is sure to be something for you to do and enjoy.

A stay in Cincinnati is the beginning of a lifetime relationship with one of the finest cities in America. I am confident that your first visit here will not be your last.

Sincerely,

Mark Mallory, Mayor

Southern Ohio’s largest seller of fine writing instruments with over twenty lines, with refills and accessories.

Large selection of Cincinnati’s famous Rookwood art tiles and other fine gift items. i

phone: (513) 421.7430 email: appointments@411pens.com website: www.411pens.com “appointments the business store”

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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Cincinnati

The Queen City

by Michele Roth

C

incinnati, also known as the Queen City, is a city rich in history and culture with exceptional visual and creative arts, professional sports teams and top notch museums. Whether you are a resident or a visitor there is always something to learn, see and do in Cincinnati and our neighboring cities of Covington and Newport. For those reasons and many more, it’s no surprise that in 2012 Lonely Planet Travel Guide named Cincinnati number three of the top ten travel destinations in the United States. Cincinnati offers all the benefits of larger cities like Chicago and New York while maintaining the small hometown hospitality. In this section we like to bring interesting facts and opinions. This is what we have for you in this month’s issue:

Mother’s Day is May 12th and we asked several local moms what they would like to do and where they would like to spend their special day in the Tri-State. Of course moms like to have some spa time for a massage or to have their nails done but the important thing to the moms we asked was to just spend time with their families.

Here are the top five places they said they would like to go:

1. Krohn Conservatory 2. The Cincinnati Zoo 3. King’s Island 4. Cincinnati Reds Game 5. The Appalachian Festival at Coney Island

“The city is indeed, justly styled the Queen of the West: distinguished for order, enterprise, public spirit, and liberality, she stands the wonder of an admiring world.”

- B. Cooke, The Inquisitor and Cincinnati Advertiser, 1819

Photo by Annie and Toby Toby Varland Varland varlandphotography.com

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Krohn Conservatory

Family Fun

S

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Reds Great American Ball Park

ince the amusement park opened in 1972, many local moms have delighted in taking their families to Kings Island, but so have television moms.

One of T.V.’s most famous families visited the park in 1973, the Brady Bunch. The episode aired on November 23rd of that same year and the episode was called “The Cincinnati Kids”.

But the Brady Bunch weren’t the first television family to visit the popular park. In 1972, it was visited by another television family known as The Partridge Family. The episode was #66 from season three and called “I Left My Heart in Cincinnati” and it originally aired January 26th, 1973 airing ten months before the Brady Bunch episode.

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 20137

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Cover Story

by Michele Roth

M

any of us have the opinion that baby “anythings” are cute, but you can form your own opinion at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens the entire month of May with the 27th Annual Zoo Babies celebration. In addition to all the sights there are to see at the second oldest Zoo in the United States, guests can follow the six foot tall pink and blue stork signs guiding you to the sights of this event that is free with your regular Zoo admission.

The successful breeding efforts, including those of many endangered species, have earned the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden the nickname of “The Sexiest Zoo in America”. It has also given visitors the chance to see some of the cutest little ones on the planet including baby flamingos, a Bonobo monkey and aardvark just to name a few. There have been two other babies

Photo by Mike Dulaney

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

that have been in the spotlight as well over the past few months, Lulu and Gladys.

The baby giraffe Lulu and the baby gorilla Gladys have already developed a fan base. Lulu was born on October 12th to Tessa and Kimba. Lulu and her parents can be seen at the new African expansion which is due to fully open June 29th and will be the home to new lions and a new cheetah.

Gladys, the baby Gorilla was born on January 29th to a first time mom who’s maternal instincts didn’t kick in. So Gladys was sent to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden where she is being cared for by her human surrogate mothers until it is determined which of the female gorillas will bond to Gladys the most then take over that role.

Gladys also brings one career experience full circle for Curator of Mammals, Mike Dulaney. Mike has been a full time employee with the Zoo for 40 years but his career with the Zoo started when he was only nine years old. Chad Yelton, Marketing Director for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden jokes, “ I always say that Mikes’ parents dropped him off when he was a little boy and Cover Feature continued on page 10...

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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Cover Feature continued from page 9...

never came back to get him. Don’t worry. He’s very happy.” Although Chad is joking, some elements of his statement appear quite accurate.

A nine year old Mike Dulaney got a 3rd degree sunburn which required a trip to the doctor. That doctor was a Zoo member who gave Mike a couple of passes to the Zoo so he and a friend could go when he was better. Catching a bus with his friend from Fairfax, Mikes’ career was now on route.

Becoming enamored with a squirrel monkey, Mike was convinced he would be able to train it. So he came back every weekend making friends with the keepers, employees and one squirrel monkey. Eventually he trained that monkey to walk around on his shoulder. The keeper couldn’t give him the squirrel monkey but could give him a squirrel that had been nursed back to health. What did Mike do? He trained it, which landed him an appearance on the Skipper Ryle Show.

At 14, Mike was a member of the Junior Zoologist Club. He had the opportunity to watch a gorilla named Penelope give birth to Samantha, who at 43 years of age is now the oldest gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Samantha also happens to be the great grandmother of Gladys, bringing that particular (and sentimental) experience full circle.

Mike’s first paying job at the Zoo was as a parking lot attendant. He then moved his way up to the Children’s Zoo until his senior year of high school when a keeper position opened up. For 22 years he was a keeper at the Zoo and for almost 18 year s he’s been the Curator of Mammals. His love for the animals inspires him to get to work an hour and a half early just so he can go around and visit the animals. Mike smiles and says, “I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.”

There’s no rush Mike, but there is a rush to get to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens for Zoo Babies because they won’t stay babies forever.

While at the zoo make sure to visit Mai Tai the Asian Elephant to wish her a Happy 40th Birthday. Many of you may have received a ride from Mai Tai, some of you may have seen her in the opera Aida or even in a parade or seen one of her colorful paintings.

After all, she has accomplished a lot in her 40 years and has earned her daily pedicures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAI TAI! 10

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Zinzinnati’s Oldest Restaurant –Founded 1865!

GERMAN & AMERICAN CUISINE FREE SHUTTLE

to & from all UC men’s home football games.

An Authentic German “Bier Garten” Since 1865 Family Owned & Operated

• Continuous Service • Lunch: Monday-Friday Dinner: Monday-Saturday Closed Sundays

Reservations Suggested– Walk-ins Welcome! www.mecklenburgs.net

513-221-5353

MINUTES from Krohn Conservatory, Downtown, UC & Zoo

302 EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE CINCINNATI, OH 45219

Only Authentic German Restaurant in Cincinnati!

513-621-1100 WWW.MANTRAONTHEHILL.COM

934 HATCH STREET, CINCINNATI, OH 45202 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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Beer of the Month

Christian Moerlein Hefeweizen (4.8% Alc. by Volume)

Bavarian-style wheat beer inspired by the hills, vices and virtues of Cincinnati, Moerlein Seven Hefeweizen has distinctive banana and clove aromas and flavors imparted from the yeast, with a dry, tart finish from balanced hop character. Slowly pour into a wide-mouthed glass taking care to leave the yeast in the bottom of the bottle, or swirl the bottle and pour the yeast contents for a more robust flavor.

Christian Moerlein and KEY MAGAZINE remind you to please drink responsibly.

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Also available at Picnic & Pantry, Strauss Dog and Pet Wants North, Madeira!

VOTED “BEST CHRISTMAS SHOP”

by Cincinnati Magazine

25-50% OFF EVERYTHING! Eastern European gifts • German gifts Nutcrackers • beer steins • holiday ornaments Steiffe teddy bears • Hard-to-find imported candies (German chocolate bars and liqueurs) • German costumes including lederhosen • Craft gifts from Tom Clark’s troll collection • Russian

Matrioshka dolls • Polish dolls Cat Meow Villages and more!

LINDEN NOLL GIFT HAUS

506 W. 6th St., Covington, KY

859-581-7633

Quality and Reliability You Can Count On www.apiprint.com 859-431-4901 ▪ 800-354-9707 320 Clay Street, Dayton KY 41074 Preferred Printer of Key Magazine

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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City Sources EMERGENCY Police/Fire/Ambulance.........................911 AAA Emergency Roadside Assistance ................................................ 800-222-4357 Cincinnati Police (Non-Emergency) ................................................ 513-765-1212 Ohio State Highway Patrol ................................................ 877-772-8765 Kentucky State Highway Patrol ................................................ 800-222-5555 Cellular.................................................... *55 Poison Control Center.......... 800-222-1222

CREDIT CARDS (Report Loss) American Express.................. 800-528-4800 Diners Club............................. 800-234-6377 Discover.................................. 800-347-2683 MasterCard or Visa............... 800-336-8472

ROUND G TRANSPORTATION Metro (Cincinnati Bus Service) ................................................ 513-632-7575 Tank/Southbank Shuttle (NKY) ................................................ 859-331-8265 Fetch (Dispatch to all taxi services) ................................................ 513-353-3824 Yellow Cab............................. 859-727-2900 Airport Executive Shuttle...... 859-261-8841 Greyhound Bus Lines............. 513-352-6012

AIRLINES American............................... 800-433-7300 Continental............................ 800-525-0280 Delta....................................... 800-221-1212 Northwest............................... 800-225-2525 Southwest............................... 800-435-9792 United..................................... 800-241-6522 USAir........................................ 800-428-4322

AIRPORTS Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.............. 859-767-7020 Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field ................................................ 513-321-4132

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ATTRACTIONS Carew Tower.......................... 513-241-3888 Cincinnati Art Museum......... 513-241-3888 Cincinnati Fire Museum........ 513-621-5553 Cincinnati Museum Center.. 513-287-7000 at Union Terminal Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden................. 513-281-4700 Visit www.cincinnatizoo.org See our ad on page 32.

Coney Island.......................... 513-232-8230 Contemporary Art Center.... 513-345-8400 Kings Island Amusement Park ................................................ 513-754-5700 Krohn Conservatory.............. 513-421-4086 National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.................... 513-333-7500 Newport Aquarium............... 800-406-3474 Taft Museum of Art................ 513-241-0343

PERFORMING ARTS Broadway Across America.. 513-241-2345 Cincinnati Arts Association.. 513-621-2782 Cincinnati Ballet.................... 513-621-5219 Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park ................................................ 513-421-3888 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra ................................................ 513-381-3300

SPORTS Cincinnati Reds..................... 513-765-7000 Florence Freedoms............... 859-594-4487

Key Dining Cincinnati Bella Luna......................................................

Visit www.bellalunacincy.com See our ad on page 25.

Boswell’s........................................................

Visit www.boswellalley.com See our ad on page 25.

Campanello’s Italian Restaurant...............

Visit www.campanellos.com See our ad on page 11.

El Coyote........................................................

Visit www.elcoyotecincy.com See our ad on page 25.

Johnny Chan 2..............................................

Visit www.johnnychan2.com See our ad on page 13.

Mantra On The Hill........................................

Visit www.mantraonthehill.com See our ad on pages 11 & 25.

Mecklenburg Garden’s...............................

Visit www.mecklenburgs.net See our ad on page 11.

Primavista......................................................

Visit www.pvista.com See our ad on page 13.

Northern Kentucky Chez Nora.....................................................

Visit www.cheznora.com See our ad on page 25.

Greyhound Tavern.......................................

Visit www.greyhoundtavern.com See our ad on page 25.

Hofbräuhaus.................................................

Visit www.hofbrauhausnewport.com See our ad on page 5.

Pompilio’s......................................................

Visit www.pompilorestaurant.com See our ad on page 25.

Tousey House Tavern....................................

Visit www.touseyhouse.com See our ad on page 25.

Reds ▪ Bengals ▪ Nascar Colts ▪ NHL ▪ UC, XU & UK Concerts ▪ & More

BEST TICKETS AT THE BEST PRICE IN AND OUT OF TOWN 317 West 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-241-3301 ▪ 1-800-928-5626 premiumtix@aol.com

www.premiumtickets.net

KEY SHOPPING AND SPECIALTY SHOPS Appointments...............................................

Visit www.411pens.com See our ad on page 5.

BOVA Contemporary Furniture...................

Visit www.bovafurniture.com See our ad on page 3.

Deerfield Towne Center..............................

Visit www.deerfieldtownecenter.com See our ad on page 2.

Green Scene Events, LLC............................

Visit www.greenscenellc.com See our ad on page 19.

Linden Noll Gift Haus....................................

See our ad on page 13.

Pet Wants......................................................

Visit www.petwants.com See our ad on page 13.

MISCELLANeous 1480 WDJO Rock and Roll Oldies...............

Visit www.oldies1480.net See our ad on page 19.

API Printing....................................................

Visit www.apiprint.com See our ad on page 13.

Utimate Air Shuttle........................................

Visit www.ultimateairshuttle.com See our ad on page 31.

Laptop Express, LLC

Your One Stop Laptop Shop Complete Sales & Service Hotel Pick Up & Delivery Available 9035 Colerain Avenue

513-741-9300

5625 Glenway Avenue

513-347-7077 Lowest Prices in Town KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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KEY CINCINNATI DECEMBER MAY 2013 2012

KEY KEYCINCINNATI CINCINNATIAPRIL MAY 2013

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Joel Cott

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Experie on & The

Fat Shan nons @ Up Ov er

Support Local Music el @ Cover Mod

Phoenix @ J 18

im and Jac

ks

KEY CINCINNATI MARCH MAY 2013

s

Strasse Hau

We take the party places!

Any background, any event, you and you’re guests will have a blast!

Reserve your date today!

Green Scene Events, LLC 859-261-0556

www.GreenSceneLLC.com Weddings ▪ Birthdays ▪ Anniversaries ▪ Corporate Events ▪ Much More

RADIO NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD! Ohio State Football and Basketball ABC News ▪ Accuweather oldies1480.net Cincinnati Traffic Reports www.oldies1480.net First Generation Rock & Roll All Day Long

Your contact Old World Holiday & Speciality Shop For advertising information Jerry Welch at 513-421-1480 or at jerrywelch@oldies1480.net KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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May 2013 Calendar of Events

1st – June 30th

BUTTERFLIES OF MOROCCO Krohn Conservatory 513-421-4086 • cincinnatiparks.com

1st

CSO/CSYO SIDE BY SIDE CONCERT Music Hall 513-381-3300 • cincinnatisymphony.org

1st – 5th, 7th –12th & 14th-18th DOUBLE ENDEMNITY Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Marx Theatre 513-421-3888 • cincyplay.com

1st – 19th

MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS & GOWNS Ensemble Theatre 513-421-3555 • ensemblecincinnati.org

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

PARTY IN THE PARK Yeatman’s Cove 513-352-4080 • cincinnatiparks.com

1st – 5th & 7th – 12th

SISTER ACT Aronoff Center, Proctor & Gamble Hall 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

2nd

APAC WINE & ART Ault Park Pavilion 513-352-4080 • cincinnatiparks.com

3rd – 5th

CINCINNATI FLYING PIG MARATHON AND WEEKEND EVENTS Downtown Cincinnati 513-721-7447 • flyingpigmarathon.com

3rd & 4TH

CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER: AREA CHOREOGRAPHERS FESTIVAL Aronoff Center, Jarson-Kaplan Theater 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

3rd

FANFARE FOR CINCINNATI Music Hall 513-381-3300 • cincinnatisymphony.org

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

3th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18Th & 19th GO.DOG. GO! Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Marx Theatre 513-421-3888 • cincyplay.com

3rd – 26th

MEASURE FOR MEASURE Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 513-381-2273 • cincyshakes.com

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st SCPA IN THE PARK Washington Park 513-352-4080 • cincinnatiparks.com

6th – 8th

CINCINNATI REDS VS. ATLANTA BRAVES Great American Ballpark 513-765-7000 cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

9th

AN EVENING WITH LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP The Taft Theatre, In the Theatre 513-232-6220 • tafttheatre.org

9th

BUSTER KEATON IN STEAMBOAT BILL, JR featuring THE MIGHTY WURLITZER Music Hall Ballroom 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

10th – 12th

APPALACIAN FESTIVAL Coney Island 513-251-3378 appalacianfestival.org

10th – 12th, 17th & 18th

CINCINNATI MAY FESTIVAL Music Hall 513-621-2787 • mayfestival.com

10th – 12th & 16th – 18th

CINCINNATI MUSIC THEATRE: SUNSET BOULEVARD Aronoff Center, Jarson-Kaplan Theater 513 -621-2787 • cincinnatimusictheatre.org

Event Dates Subject To Change

10th – 12th

24th – 26th

16th – 18th

25th – 27th

CINCINNATI REDS VS.MILWAUKEE BREWERS Great American Ballpark 513-765-7000 • cincinnati.reds.mlb.com FLORENCE FREEDOM VS. RIVER CITY RASCALS USMC Stadium 859-594-4487 • florencefreedom.com

17th

CAA PRESENTS: HAL HOLBROOK IN MARK TWAIN TONIGHT Aronoff Center, Proctor & Gamble Hall 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

17th – 19th

MAIFEST MainStrasse Village, Covington 859-491-0458 • mainstrasse.org

17th – 19th

SESAME STREET LIVE: ELMO’S SUPER HEROES U.S. Bank Arena 513-421-4111 • usbankarena.com

18th

CHILDREN’S THEATER PERFORMS RUIMPLESTILSKIN WITH SPECKAL GUESTS BULLOONEY PUPPET WORKS Smale Riverfront Park, Shmidlapp Event Lawn 513-352-4080 • cincinnatiparks.com

18th, 19TH, 21st – 26th & 28th – 31st SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Marx Theatre 513-421-3888 • cincyplay.com

18th

EXHIBITIONISM 3 Weston Art Gallery 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

21st

CPI NEW VOICES: MOMUS AND APHRODITE Aronoff Center, Jarson-Kaplan Theater 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

22nd – 23rd

FLORENCE FREEDOM VS. SCHAUMBURG BOOMERS USMC Stadium 859-594-4487 • florencefreedom.com

CINCINNATI REDS VS. CHICAGO CUBS Great American Ballpark 513-765-7000 • cincinnati.reds.mlb.com TASTE OF CINCINNATI Downtown Cincinnati 513-579-3124 • tasteofcincinnati.com

26th

HERE COME THE MUMMIES The Taft Theatre, In the Theatre 513-232-6220 • tafttheatre.org

27th – 28th

CINCINNATI REDS VS. CLEVELAND INDIANS Great American Ballpark 513-765-7000 • cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

28th – June 8th

CINCINNATI FRINGE FESTIVAL Various Venues 513-300-5669 • cincyfringe.com

29th

MELVINS The Taft Theatre, In the Theatre 513-232-6220 • tafttheatre.org

30th

MOUNTAIN HEART The Taft Theatre, In the Theatre 513-232-6220 • tafttheatre.org

31st

FLORENCE FREEDOM VS. ROCKFORD AVIATORS USMC Stadium 859-594-4487 • florencefreedom.com

31st

GUIDED GHOST TOUR OF CINCINNATI MUSIC HALL Cincinnati Music Hall 513-621-2787 • cincinnatiarts.org

31st – 2nd

SUMMERFAIR CINCINNATI Coney Island 513-271-7222 • summerfair.org KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

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Dining

Creating Transformation By: Sue Cunningham

dishes, as well as modern interpretations from Tatraditional regional Indian favorites, are awaiting you in Mt. Adams Mantra on the Hill. Just a five minute drive from down-

town, its location is convenient when seeing a performance at the Aronoff Center for the Arts or a play at Play House in the Park. If you are looking to make your dining experience an event, Mantra is a destination in itself.

With every course, you are sure to find favorites you won’t find elsewhere. Imli Baingan, thin eggplant chips in a date tamarind sauce with sesame seeds, and the Coconut

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Scallops prepared with roasted coriander, coconut, curry leaf, and tomato ragout are both highly recommended starters. A popular entrée is Kali Mirch Tikka, a boneless chicken breast with cheddar black pepper, yogurt marinade garnished with pickled beets, and onions. Lamb, Seafood or Vegetarian entrées are available in delectable dishes like Masala Chops, Ribbon Rice with Shrimp, and Biryani.

Every dish is beautifully presented and, as the Catering and Special Events Coordinator Phiroza Setna proudly shares, “he’s more than a chef he’s an artist.” The man she’s talking about behind these culinary masterpieces is Executive Chef Yajan Upadhyaya. You can taste his passion in every bite and his food reflects what he says, “food is my mantra.” Also reflected is Mantra’s generosity as they designate days where the proceeds go to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, March of Dimes, Lymphoma & Leukemia Society and American Diabetes Association.

Phiroza describes the food and the décor as, “simply elegant to elegantly simple.” Chef Yajan and the staff have established Mantra as not only a gem to Mt. Adams but a welcome addition to the Cincinnati culinary scene.

From an intimate dinner in one of the two dining rooms, a book club meeting in the private dining room, a night out with friends on the patio for dinner and live music or even picking up a carry out order, Mantra will creatively transform a dull evening into a taste pleasing experience.

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Dining Unlocked

Opening the doors to what’s inside area restaurants

By Sue Cunningham

The month of May is filled with celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Graduations, Memorial Day and more. Here are some delicious suggestions on where to take the celebration or how to bring the party home.

El Coyote

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or anytime with a delicious Margarita at El Coyote. Traditional (Lime), Strawberry, Raspberry or Peach made Frozen, “On the Rocks or Half & Half they’re made with the best Tequilas and ingredients available.

Boswell’s

Enjoy a wonderful brunch at Boswell’s with friends, family or spend time with Mom for Mother’s Day. Have a traditional breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon and toast or a crowd favorite French toast made with a hint of cinnamon and dusted with powdered sugar.

Pompilio’s

As they say at Pompilio’s, “Just like Mamma used to make”. But give mom a break from the kitchen and take her out for the Italian Sampler. Celebrating at home?

Place an order for your favorite dish and take it home, an alternative to slaving in the kitchen saving you time and money.

Greyhound Tavern

Award winning Fried Chicken from the Greyhound Tavern is perfect for any celebration. Gently rolled in their secret herbed flour and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Accompanied by your favorite sides this fried chicken takes a little time but is well worth the wait.

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KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Experience the memorable scene in one of the great classic films Rain Man.

BOSWELL’S Great Food, Great Times!

Just Like Mamma Used To Make.

859-581-3065

600 Washington Avenue, Newport, KY

www.pompiliosrestaurant.com

513-681-8100 1686 Blue Rock Street, Norhside www.boswellalley.com

Authentic Traditional Fare

859-491-6659 112 E. Fourth Street Roebling Point Covington, KY 41011

www.mollymalonesirishpub.com

513-871-5862

4632 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45226

www.bellalunacincy.com

Since 1983 and still the Best,

STEAKS, CHOPS AND TEX-MEX 513-621-1100 WWW.MANTRAONTHEHILL.COM

934 HATCH STREET, CINCINNATI, OH 45202 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI

513-421-5757 41 East 6th Street Cincinnati, OH

www.elcoyotecincy.com

KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

25

Shopping

Spri n g’ s Must Have Styles

By: Sydney Miller Prochazka

T

ake advantage of the Deerfield Towne Center’s open-air design as you shop premier boutiques and your favorite national retailers for your must have styles. Storefronts artfully display this season’s hottest colors of red, coral, emerald green, aquamarine and sapphire blue.

Skinny jeans or maxi dresses, ikat or eyelet patterned--there is something stylish for women of all ages at Deerfield Towne Center.

26 KEY CINCINNATI MAY 2013

Hot Mama offers clothing for a wide array of customers, whether you’re a mom or not. Store manager Angela Evans boasts, “We carry 9 labels of premium denim for all different body types.” The boutique, which gets in new apparel daily, divides its merchandise into two sections: sophisticated & preppy, and fun & trendy. With great denim options and over 250 brands to choose from, Hot Mama is a must stop shop.

The professional woman can fulfill all of her apparel needs at Deerfield Towne Center. Featuring familiar fabrics and silhouettes, reimagined with modern, high contrast patterns and bold colors, this season’s must haves are sure to add a spring to your step. For an outfit that can take you from work to evening, try New York & Company. Or head next door to Loft where there is no shortage of curve-enhancing peplum tops in jewel tones paired with a pencil skirt to give you a polished work look that’s also on trend for a night out. Talbots is always in style with preppy colored crop pants and polos. Top off your work look with one of Talbots’ rounded shoulder jackets or beautiful faux diamond bee-buttoned blouses.

A great look wouldn’t be complete without the right accessories, so to complete your ensemble, head over to Francesca’s for a bold statement necklace, neon clutch or a peep toe pump. While you’re there, pick up a new perfume like Indigo Waters, a Francesa’s signature scent.

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Nightlife

And The Winne By: Thomas Bell

E

stablished in 1996, Rick’s Tavern & Grille (known as RT&G by the regulars) appeals to neighbors with 50 flat screens, so it’s a great place to watch sports while enjoying award winning ribs, mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches.

However, RT&G has become a destination for those seeking an evening of live music.

This top notch venue always has a great lineup of bands, including some of the area’s local favorites like The Naked Karate Girls, The Websters, Bad Habit and DV8 just to name a few. Having local bands play at your venue is a great way to support local music, but for the last couple of years Rick’s Tavern & Grill has gone above and beyond. Creator and host of Cincinnati’s Next Big Band, Rick’s third annual competition, is now in full swing. This is a competition to give exposure to garage bands, weekend bands, young and old bands to play in front of a live audience.

Every Thursday evening for the next several weeks three different bands will play and be critiqued by three judges, picking one winner every week. Those nine winning bands will move 28

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er Is... on to the semi-finals. At the end of the semi-finals four bands will move on to the finals for the chance to be named Cincinnati’s Next Big Band, winning several prizes including a paid gig at RT&G as well as studio recording time.

Each band will perform five songs and the judging will be based on four categories: overall musical ability, stage presence, composition & interpretation and audience response. There are no genre restrictions, so this is a great opportunity to catch upand-coming area musicians. And since audience reaction is part of the judging criteria, it’s your opportunity to help pick Cincinnati’s Next Big Band.

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Editor’s Pick

Photo by Joan Marcus

Sister Act

Direct from Broadway, SISTER ACT, the hilarious, five-time Tonynominated musical smash is now playing at the Aronoff Center for a limited engagement as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series. Based on the mega-hit feature film, SISTER ACT features an original Alan Menken/Glenn Slater score with a vast inspiration of musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great big disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy.

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