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NEWS

Ayman Soliman was released from the Butler County Jail on Sept. 19. P H O T O : I N S TA G R A M . C O M / O H I O I M M I G R A N TA L L I A N C E

Former Cincinnati Children’s Chaplain Detained by ICE Released from Jail Imam Ayman Soliman had been held at the Butler County Jail since July 9. BY K AT H E R I N E BA R R I E R , M A D E L I N E F E N I N G A N D L I LY O G B U R N

ormer Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Imam Ayman Soliman, who was detained by ICE in July, was released from the Butler County Jail on Sept. 19. His asylum status has been reinstated and he is no longer facing deportation. Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), one of Soliman’s legal representatives, made the announcement on social media that afternoon, writing, “MLFA’s client Ayman Soliman was released from ICE custody today, and will no longer face deportation. This amazing result is due to fearless lawyering by MLFA’s Immigration Litigation Attorneys, Kathryn Brady and Franchel Daniel, along with cocounsel and grassroots advocates in Ohio.” On Instagram, Young United Souls for Revolutionary Action (YUSRA) shared a video of Soliman leaving the detention center on Sept. 19, smiling and carrying what appears to be a bag of personal belongings. Soliman, as well as his friends, supporters and lawyers, held a press conference at the Clifton Mosque later that day. U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-1) released a statement following Soliman’s release: “My team and I are very glad that Ayman has been released and is on his way home and back to our Cincinnati community. I had a really wonderful

conversation with Ayman this morning, where we mostly talked about his faith and chaplaincy work, which he now has the opportunity to continue to do.”

Background Soliman had been in the Butler County Jail since a July 9 check-in at the Homeland Security Office in Blue Ash ended in his arrest, and he was scheduled to go to trial at the end of September. He had worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a chaplain until his asylum status was officially revoked in June. Soliman, who has no criminal record, fled to the U.S. from Egypt in 2014, according to immigration advocates at Ignite Peace Cincinnati. Soliman has said he was “escaping death” when he left his family in Egypt more than a decade ago. Soliman was reportedly jailed as a freelance journalist for his coverage of events related to the Arab Spring, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio. While in jail, the MLFA alleges he was “beaten and tortured for days at a time.” He applied for asylum status in 2015 and was approved in 2018. He then filed for his wife and child to join him in the U.S. under the same asylum case. He also applied for a green card shortly after being granted asylum; that application remains pending.

But in June 2025, Soliman’s asylum status was officially revoked after federal authorities started looking into his case in December 2024. Before Soliman’s July 9 arrest, advocates said he was extensively questioned by immigration and other federal authorities about his political affiliations. In 2021, Soliman discovered there was an “FBI flag” on his record when he was offered a position at the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) as an Islamic chaplain. His first background check showed an FBI flag, which caused the Department of Corrections to take back the job offer. Soliman sued the FBI and the Terrorist Screening Center in 2021, claiming his fingerprints did not match prints in the government’s terrorism screening database. In Soliman’s most recent lawsuit filed against the federal government regarding the termination of his asylum status, he argued the government revoked his asylum due to past ties with the group Al-Jameya al Shareya (also written as Al-Gam’iyya al Shar’iyya) when he lived in Egypt. Soliman said his involvement as a board member of the organization was disclosed to DHS when he was granted asylum. The U.S. government alleges Al-Jameya al Shareya supported the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt has called a terrorist organization. International experts and Soliman’s lawyers

have pushed back on the designation. “Al-Jameya al Shareya is not a terrorist group,” Soliman’s legal team said in July. “It is a nongovernmental organization that provides medical services and charitable community services. Neither the U.S. government nor the Egyptian government has designated AGS/AJS a terrorist group.” Soliman’s case garnered widespread attention and support from local leaders and community members, including many faith leaders in the Cincinnati area. After immigrating to the U.S., Soliman became a board member for the Clifton Mosque, the Islamic Association of Cincinnati and the Initiative on Islam and Medicine. According to his bio on the Clifton Mosque’s website, Soliman holds undergraduate degrees in Islamic studies, Qura’n and Islamic Da’wah. He holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity in Islamic Studies and Muslim Chaplaincy, as well as a PhD in Islamic Studies. Tala Ali, chairperson of the Clifton Mosque and the Islamic Association of Cincinnati, addressed reporters alongside several community advocates just hours after Soliman’s arrest. She said Soliman serves families of all faiths in the Cincinnati community. “He not only serves Muslim families, but families of all backgrounds and faiths,” she said. “He holds presence and pastoral care for all people.”

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Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Online Romance Scam BY AV E RY PA D G E T T

Cincinnati man has pleaded guilty to an online catfishing conspiracy that scammed victims out of more than $2 million. Richard Opoku Agyemang, 41, was found guilty of laundering the proceeds of an online romance fraud scheme. A press release from the Southern District of Ohio’s United States Attorney’s Office alleges that others involved in the romance fraud scheme would steal photos and information to create false dating profiles on websites, establishing online relationships with a number of people. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Agyemang managed the accounts that received victims’ payments through wire transfers and check deposits. The victims thought they were helping support their supposed romantic partner with things like medical expenses when they sent the money. Agyemang was accused of transferring $32,000 of fraud proceeds in 2022. He was charged in federal court in April 2024 and he pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering related to that 2022 transfer. According to court documents, he was charged in an 11-count indictment in 2024 for conspiracy to commit

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According to the United States Federal Trade Commission, victims lost a total of approximately $547 million to romance scams in 2021. P H OTO : C OT TO N B RO ST U D I O, P E X E LS

wire fraud, engaging in monetary transactions involving criminal proceeds, money laundering and making false statements. Agyemang now faces a sentence of up to 41 months in prison. According to the United States

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Federal Trade Commission, victims lost a total of approximately $547 million to romance scams in 2021, an 80% jump from 2020. Romance scammers often claim to be in the military, working overseas, or stranded without a visa

to trick victims into sending gift cards, cryptocurrency or other funds. The press release from the United States Attorney’s office makes no mention of others charged in connection with the same conspiracy.

Don Driehaus Makes a Second Bid for Cincinnati City Council BY AV E RY PA D G E T T

on Driehaus is used to running. The 66-year-old has been running through Cincinnati’s West Side and his own Price Hill neighborhood for the past 16 years. This year, he’s running again. But this time, Driehaus is running for Cincinnati City Council. The Driehaus name is a recognizable one in Cincinnati politics. Driehaus’s father, also named Don, served as co-chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, so his childhood was steeped in door-knocking campaigns and political volunteering. Both Driehaus’s brother and sister, Steve and Denise, served in the Ohio House of Representatives before moving on to other political positions. Driehaus has lived in Cincinnati for almost 50 years, and he made his first bid for a council position in 1995, though he lost. With the Cincinnati City Council election in November, Driehaus hopes to join his other family members in local politics. Focused on cleaner streets, connecting high schoolers to trade work and boosting police and firefighter ranks, the West Price Hill Community Council officer has earned an endorsement from the independent Charter Committee of Cincinnati. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. CityBeat: On your website, you say that you’re going to fix what is broken. What exactly is broken? Don Driehaus: Well, right now in the city, we’re just seeing the streets are not paved as well as they should be. And a lot of this seems to be neglected by the city, so I think we need the city, and the communities in general, to be served in a better way when it comes to just cleaning the neighborhoods, cleaning the sidewalks, fixing the streets. CB: Do you feel like Price Hill is well represented on the Cincinnati City Council? DD: No. I think that we are underrepresented. We’re a large neighborhood. Price Hill and Westwood, in general, are two very large West Side neighborhoods. And I don’t think we’re represented relative to our population. CB: As an officer of the West Price Hill Community Council, how have you connected with the people in your community and what makes you think that you are the person to take that representation to a bigger scale? DD: I’ve been encouraged by the members of the Community Council, as well as other business people and members in East Price Hill and other members of

the West Side. I was kind of approached about six months back, along with the Charter Committee. At first, I was reluctant because it’s a big race and running citywide. I did this 30 years ago. And I said, “Okay, let’s give this a run.” We will run a good campaign and try to run a positive campaign and help represent people that right now are busy. You got a lot of business owners, you got people living their own lives. I have the ability at this point and the time to put the effort into this. CB: Why do you think you were reluctant to try again? DD: Running a city-wide campaign is just a lot of work. It’s work for everybody. Once I’ve made the commitment, we’re all in. So it was just saying okay, you got your toe in the water and you’re ready to swim. So now we’re swimming. CB: How do you think you’ve changed since you first ran for City Council back in 1995? DD: Well, that 30-year period, personally, I’ve learned a few things. I’ve been married 40 years. I have four children, three who live in the city, and so I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it is to raise a family in the city, what it is to work in the city. But I’ve also learned through my volunteer efforts and through my community work just how many people in this community care. Each neighborhood is unique, and I’m learning quite a bit. So even at an old age like mine I try to be fungible to the point where I could take in new ideas and understand how people feel. And it’s been a good experience. It’s good to hear what people have to say. So hopefully that translates into some action in November. CB: Having lived in and raised a family in Cincinnati for as long as you have, do you feel that you have an advantage over the younger candidates? DD: I’m pretty spry for an old guy. I started running again when I was 50 years old, so I’ve been running now for like the last 16 years all over the West Side. I ran this morning. I think we need to strike a balance in City Hall. It’s good to be young and have young ideas, but I can tell you this much, when I was 35 years old, I did not know what I know today. But most of these kids were in grade school when I started working the neighborhoods and working in the city. You’ve got guys in their thirties, and they would have been 10 years old when I was really in the thick of it. Even working as a volunteer on the [Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority] back

Don Driehaus is one of five candidates endorsed by the Charter Committee of Cincinnati, an independent political organization founded in 1924 to combat political corruption. P H O T O : C H A R T E R C O M M I T T E E O F C I N C I N N AT I FA C E B O O K

in the mid-2000s, these guys would have still been in high school. So I’ve got the experience and the key is to bring the energy, because you’re right — sometimes they think this is a young person’s game, and I won’t disagree with that. But you also need to bring experience and some energy so you can focus in on important questions. And I think we can strike that balance. There’s nine seats on council — maybe one old guy or one old woman can step up and help out. CB: Over the summer, Cincinnati City Council enacted a variety of crime initiatives, centering on youth crime specifically, such as the foot patrols and curfew. What are your thoughts on those actions? DD: I don’t know how impactful they’re gonna be. I think a lot of it has to do with alcohol, a lot of it has to do with if you’re hanging out at three in the morning, things happen. And when it comes to youth violence, we see it, and it needs to be addressed. And if gunshots are fired, that’s serious business. I’ve been around it, and it needs to be addressed. So if there are kids that are actively engaged in that type of activity, they’re going to need to be dealt with in a serious manner. Does that mean they’ve got to be put away forever? Heck no. But we need to get serious about how we’re dealing with gun violence. You may be able to mitigate some of the youth issues if you’re out dealing with the truants who are in the streets right now. Because they’re going to be if they’re out there during the date time during a school year, we need to address where they need to go and maybe get them back in class or get them into a different situation where they’re not just roaming the streets. My problem with council right now is

this should have all been done in April. This should have been done prior to the summer. Summertime has always busier. Kids around, things happen. That’s the way it is. And now in mid-September, maybe October, right before the election, we’re going to put a pot of money next to this problem, and I’m going, well, that seems a little late to the game. And the second issue I have with the way they’re doing it right now is, yes, I understand downtown needs to be addressed. You’re putting close to $900,000 into Over-theRhine and Downtown, but for example, Price Hill, we’re getting something like $4,000 or $5,000, So, the disparity there and where we’re going to address street crime is significant. But it seems to be that the neighborhoods are kind of like, “eh, you’re second-class citizens up there, guys. You know, we got to focus on downtown.” We can focus on both. We’ve got a city of 52 neighborhoods. CB: Due to your family’s extensive history in local politics, do you think you see politics as a kind of family business? DD: I don’t know if I call it a family business. You have the obligation. You have an obligation to go out there and serve in your community. And for a family where much has been given, much should be expected. And we’ve been fortunate as a family. A general election for the position of mayor and the nine city council seats will be held on Nov. 4 in Cincinnati. All current council members, excluding Victoria Parks, will be up for reelection and have received an endorsement from the Democratic Party. To find the nearest polling station, visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections’ site.

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A riverboat on the river Marigold PH HO OT TO O :: L E IM WEI IDNMGAANR T E N P VIILY A W

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ith cooler weather and changing leaves and that crisp autumn-air smell coming to Greater Cincinnati ith cooler weather and changing leaves and that crisp autumn-air smell coming to Greater Cincinnati soon, coziness is on all of our minds. And while staying home curled up with a cup of hot tea or coffee soon, coziness is on all of our minds. And while staying home curled up with a cup of hot tea or coffee and a good book is always a good idea, going out with friends and family for a delicious meal or drink and a good book is always a good idea, going out with friends and family for a delicious meal or drink at a cozy Cincinnati restaurant or bar is a must when the seasons change. at a cozy Cincinnati restaurant or bar is a must when the seasons change. And Cincinnati has its share of cozy restaurants and bars, from intimate dining rooms with warm lighting to vintageAnd Cincinnati has its share of cozy restaurants and bars, from intimate dining rooms with warm lighting to vintagestyle bistros and even an actual home, complete with comfy furniture and nooks. The food is hot and warms your soul, style bistros and even an actual home, complete with comfy furniture and nooks. The food is hot and warms your soul, the drinks are strong and the company is good. Keep scrolling to see some of the coziest bars and restaurants in Greater the drinks are strong and the company is good. Keep scrolling to see some of the coziest bars and restaurants in Greater Cincinnati. Cincinnati.

Cozy’s Cafe and Pub Cozy’s Cafe and Pub 6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty

an actual (and adorable) farmhouse in an actual (and adorable) Mason. Wildflower Cafe’sfarmhouse old-schoolin Mason. Wildflower Cafe’s old-school dining room makes you feel like you’re dining room makes you feel likeand you’re sitting in a loved one’s kitchen, the sitting in a loved one’s kitchen, and walls feature chalkboard menus andthe walls featureof chalkboard and illustrations where the menus restaurant’s illustrations of where the restaurant’s locally and sustainably sourced and locally and sustainably and Beef high-quality ingredientssourced come from. high-quality ingredients come from. Beef is farm-raised locally and grass-fed, while is farm-raised locally and grass-fed, while the extensive wine list offers products the wine listvineyards. offers products fromextensive Cincinnati-area And from Cincinnati-area vineyards. And to complete the fresh, home-cooked to complete the fresh, home-cooked meal experience, be sure to try one of meal experience, sure tolike try one of Wildflower Cafe’s be desserts, the paleo Wildflower Cafe’s desserts, like the paleo peanut butter cheesecake or Grandma peanut Sheila’s butter bread cheesecake pudding. or Grandma Sheila’s bread pudding.

6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township Township Cozy is right there in the name of Cozy’s Cozy is right the name Cozy’s Cafe and Pub.there The in space is in a of former Cafe and Pub. The space is in a former house, so you feel right at home dining on house, so you feel rightfood at home dining on their gourmet comfort in one of the their gourmet comfort food in one of the farmhouse-style dining rooms or outside farmhouse-style dining rooms or outside on the patio by the fire. The menu features on the patio by the fire. The menu farm-to-table-style fare, including features pastas, farm-to-table-style fare, including seafood and meat-focused entreespastas, like seafood and meat-focused entrees like the Cozy’s House Filet and Tomahawk the PorkCozy’s Chop.House Cozy’sFilet alsoand has Tomahawk a thoughtfully Pork Chop. Cozy’s also has a and thoughtfully curated wine list, craft beers classic curated wine list, craft beers and cocktails with a twist, as well as anclassic incocktails withchef a twist, as well as an in-deshouse pastry crafting delectable house delectable desserts topastry really chef bringcrafting your meal full circle. serts to really bring your meal full circle.

Highland Coffee House Highland Coffee 2839 Highland Ave., CorryvilleHouse

2839 Highland Ave.,Coffee Corryville Although Highland House isn’t Although Highland Coffee isn’t your traditional coffee shopHouse (it doesn’t your traditional coffee shop (it doesn’t open until the afternoon), it does offer the open the afternoon), it does offer the same until coziness with its artsy, plant-filled same coziness with its artsy, plant-filled interior and comfy seating. This mellow interior andspot comfy seating. Thisalongside mellow bohemian offers a full bar bohemian spot offers a full bar alongside its coffee drinks, as well as boozy milkits coffeepie drinks, as well as shakes, and cookies. It’sboozy also amilkfavorite shakes, pie and cookies. It’s also a favorite spot among University of Cincinnati spot among University of Cincinnati students to burn the midnight oil to study students to burn the midnight oil to study and finish papers. and finish papers.

Mid City Restaurant Mid City Restaurant 40 E. Court St., Downtown

40 E. Court Helmed by St., the Downtown same team as popular Helmed by the same team as popular Over-the-Rhine bar Longfellow, Mid City Over-the-Rhine bar Longfellow, Mid City Restaurant describes itself as intimate Restaurant describes itself as intimate and relaxed, with a menu of savory small and relaxed, with a menu of savory small

Knowledge Bar & Knowledge Social RoomBar & Social Room 620 Madison Ave., Covington

The Härth Room The Härth P H OT O : M ARoom RY L E B U S P H OTO : M A RY L E B U S

(but hearty) plates like mushrooms in foil, (but hearty) plates like mushrooms in foil, chicken skewers and a petite steak filet; chicken skewers and a petite steak filet; classic cocktails like the Gibson martini, classic cocktails like the Gibson martini, Manhattan and highball; and vintage Manhattan and highball; and vintage desserts like Baked Alaska. The restaurant desserts like Bakedseating Alaska.and Thewalls restaurant features cafe-style lined features cafe-style seating and walls with traditional-style oil paintings, aslined well with traditional-style oil paintings, well as a calming beige, white and greenascolor as a calming beige, white and green color palette for a laid-back dining experience. palette for a laid-back dining experience.

The Blind Lemon The Blind Lemon 936 Hatch St., Mt. Adams

936 Hatch St.,one Mt.ofAdams Often called the most romantic Often called one of theinmost romantic drinking destinations Cincinnati, The drinking destinations in Cincinnati, Blind Lemon’s interior calls to mind The an Blind Lemon’s calls to mind an English pub — interior all moody lighting, copper English pub — all moody lighting, copper

pots over a fireplace, wooden ceiling pots over a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams and stone walls. It’s a cozy spot to beams and stone walls. It’s a cozy to enjoy one of the bar’s specialty hotspot cockenjoy one of the bar’s specialty hot cocktails or a glass of bourbon or scotch when tails or a glass of bourbon scotch the weather begins to cool.orOr, if youwhen the weather begins to cool. Or, if youa Paris prefer a mix of Bourbon Street with prefer a mix of Bourbon Street with a Paris cafe, the boho garden patio allows you cafe, the boho garden patio allows you some fresh air while still feeling tucked some fresh stillthe feeling tucked away — notair to while mention opportunity away — not to mention the opportunity to snuggle up around its wood-burning to snuggleinup wood-burning fireplace thearound colderits months. fireplace in the colder months.

Wildflower Cafe Wildflower Cafe 207 E. Main St., Mason

207 Main St., Mason ThisE. farm-to-table restaurant offers a This farm-to-table restaurantfare offers a menu of elevated American from menu of elevated American fare from

620 Madison Ave., Covington Located in hotel North by Hotel CovingLocated in hotelBar North by Hotel Covington, Knowledge & Social Room is ton, Knowledge Bar & Social Room is named after a racehorse John Coppin, named after a racehorse John Coppin, founder of the former department store founder of the former department store that is now home to the original Hotel that is now home to the original Hotel Covington, placed a winning bet on. The Covington, placed a winning bet on.that The bar is a lavish but inviting hideaway bar is a lavish but inviting hideaway that blends glamour with relaxation, with blends glamour relaxation, withart rich wood tones,with marble and lighted rich wood tones, marble and lighted art displays throughout. Guests can enjoy displays throughout. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with horse-racexpertly crafted horse-racing-esque namescocktails created with by the master ing-esque names created by the master bartenders, like the Bankroll by Chris bartenders, like the Bankroll by Chris Camp (bourbon, cognac, maraschino, Camp (bourbon, maraschino, tawny port, bitterscognac, and vanilla demerara) tawny port, bitters and vanilla demerara) or the Beginner’s Luck by Kelsey St. Clair or the Beginner’s Luck by Kelsey St. Clair (sugar-snap pea-infused pisco, green (sugar-snap pea-infused pisco, green herbal liqueur and lime). The bar also herbal liqueur and lime). The bar also

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offers a quality selection of bourbons and wines from around the world.

Kantine

1220 Harrison Ave., West End Kantine offers Southern German fare from an off-the-beaten-path spot in an old industrial brick building in the West End. The restaurant’s aesthetic is industrialbut-make-it-cozy, with exposed brick walls, copper pipes on the ceiling and accents of corrugated metal, but communal seating and a pleasant outdoor patio that make you feel like you’re in an authentic German bier hall. The dishes are equally cozy, with hearty plates of Allgäuer Kässpatzen (house-made spätzle, allgäuer cheese blend and fried onions with a side salad) and Schnitzel Wiener Art (breaded, pan-fried pork escalope with house-made Southern German-style potato salad.

Luca Bistro

934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at Luca Bistro. The menu is filled with cozy, flavorful and laid-back dishes that Chef Frédéric Maniet says are common in French foods. Breakfast offers familiar favorites like omelets, tartine and croissants. For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious ham, gruyère and béchamel. The dinner menu is similar to lunch, with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board and basil Boursin crostinis, plus decadent dessert options like chocolate

mousse and orange crème brûlée. Diners can also order an assortment of French table wines, along with beers and cocktails. The space is decorated with vintage European posters to really transport you to the bistros of Paris.

Muse Cafe

3018 Harrison Ave., Westwood This Westwood coffee and wine bar offers up cafe items like frappes and smoothies, plus a sizable food menu that includes breakfast, lunch, tapas and cheese plates. Speaking of cheese, do not sleep on the paninis. Muse is more than a cafe with delicious meals and drinks, however; community is what really sets this place apart, as you also go for the welcoming third-space experience: gathering with friends to catch up, unwinding after a long day with a glass of wine or taking in the live music performances or local art displays.

The Härth Room

125 W. Fourth St., Downtown With its autumnal colors and fiery lighting, The Härth Room is a warm, welcoming place to grab a seat, drink a cocktail or craft beer and listen to some live jazz music. A beautiful fireplace serves as the centerpiece for this stylish, urban lounge — fitting as the bar serves as an extension of Bromwell’s grand showroom of fireplaces and accessories in the neighboring retail space. The bar serves coffee, teas and classic cocktails like Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds, as well as a selection of beers, bourbons and wine.

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King Pigeon

2436 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills Contemporary coffee lounge and cocktail bar King Pigeon is the perfect place to go if you want imaginative drinks in a relaxed environment. Every few months, King Pigeon releases a special menu featuring a fun and creative tale of the “King Pigeon” that takes you on a journey through the bar’s seasonal drink offerings, with four flavor categories: sour, umami, sweet and bitter. A helpful chart at the beginning of the menu shows where each drink falls within that category and whether it is more true to the flavor category or if it edges closer to a mix of flavors.

Nolia

1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine Bringing New Orleans-style flair and fare to Over-the-Rhine, Nolia offers diners an upscale, yet approachable, experience. The exposed brick and bold floral wallpaper add a bright and airy feeling to the intimate setting, and the rotating, seasonal menu features innovative and delectable plates that add modern twists to classic Southern flavors. To drink, the bar can mix up one of Nolia’s signature cocktails like the Madeira (bourbon, magnolia syrup, lemon juice and club soda) or the St. Vincent – St. Mary (watermelon-infused mezcal, prickly pear syrup and lime juice). Nolia also has a selection of red, white, sparkling and dessert wines, as well as mocktails.

Bar Saeso

1208 Sycamore St., Pendleton A glowing red, neon sign reading “BAR” is the only hint you get that you’re about to enter Saeso, which is tucked away in a small, unassuming building in Pendleton. But once you walk in, you’ll know you found something special. Saeso offers an airy, European feel as you walk in, greeted by terracotta floor tiles, plants and exposed brick. A marble-topped bar beckons you to sit and chat with a friendly bartender while you browse a cocktail menu that takes the work out of ordering. Walk down a narrow hallway to find another bar space and the entrance to the back patio. The menu offers a rotating selection of cocktails that, much like the bar, are a secret you’ll have to experience when you visit, but trust us when we say the drinks are always worth the trip.

Otto’s

521 Main St., Covington Otto’s menu of Southern-style fare and its bright and colorful dining room will make you feel right at home. While the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, it’s also a favorite brunch spot among Cincinnatians, with the breakfast casserole (featuring potatoes, sausage, eggs, artichoke hearts, red peppers, onions, mushrooms, spicy sour cream, cheddar and spinach) sure to warm you up. During your meal, be sure to look up and admire the decorative chandeliers also.

Juniper’s

409 W. Sixth St., Covington Gin is the star of the show when it comes to Juniper’s cocktail menu, with drinks that are crafted with time-tested techniques, but through a lens of innovation that keeps everything exciting and fresh. The bar features a collection of over 200 gins — which is always growing — and an Old World-inspired aesthetic, with low lighting and decor that looks straight out of a Victorian parlor — perfect for sipping on some botanical delights. To eat, you’ll find a rotating selection of tapas, which currently includes bread service featuring local bread with honey brown butter, bratwurst meatballs and a flatbread with roasted figs, blue cheese, ham and arugula. Juniper’s also offers Sunday brunch, with a menu featuring offerings like eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy and shakshuka.

Marigold

60 W. Fifth St., Downtown The newest concept from Crown Restaurant Group, English-style public house Marigold opened in The Foundry in February. Marigold brings an innovative culinary experience to downtown, offering an elevated, yet approachable atmosphere that blends British elegance with a menu inspired by Indian dishes commonly found in traditional public houses, including curries and charred meat and vegetable-forward plates. The restaurant’s design is modeled after the 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement, with soft, diffused lighting and deep, moody colors like emerald, crimson, amber and muted earth tones layered with rich textures, like pressed marigolds, aged leather, polished wood and silk, to create an elegant and warm, yet bold and rich space.

Alive & Well

3410 Telford St., Clifton Alive & Well in Clifton’s Gaslight District provides an out-of-the-ordinary Ludlow Avenue experience, blending the grandeur of the building’s historic Art Deco façade with a vintage, punk-rock ambiance inside. The wall beside the bar is lined with shelves of vinyl records, while cozy leather couches and shimmering chandeliers transport you to a 1920s speakeasy, with hints of dark academia vibes throughout. The drink menu features a curated selection of top-quality spirits, cocktails and wines that change with the season, but the house marg and seasonal sangrias are staples that are worth a try.

Abigail Street

1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine This wine and tapas bar offers decadent small plates to share in a vibrant, yet cozy setting. The interior is rustic, but modern, with a Mediterranean lean to it, much like the menu. Diners can order a variety of small plates to share, like wood-grilled

octopus, fattoush, roasted beets with lebna and baklava and Turkish coffee for dessert. Wine on tap is available by the glass, quartino or bottle.

Caffè Vivace

975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills For a cozy night of jazz and drinks, Caffè Vivace is the perfect spot. The space is intimate and decked out in autumnal colors that come to life when the lights go down and the music starts to play. During the day, it serves a coffeehouse menu along with hot breakfast sandwiches, a vegan African peanut stew, flatbreads and pastries. But at night, Caffè Vivace transforms into a jazz lounge complete with live music, café drinks, specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

Sotto

118 E. Sixth St., Downtown A classic when you need a cozy romantic spot, Sotto offers a rustic Italian dining experience in a basement trattoria. Located under sister restaurant Boca, this Tuscan-inspired spot calls to mind a wine cellar with its low lighting, wooden ceiling beams and rough brick walls, making you want to lean in closer to your dinner date. The menu offers handmade pasta (the short rib cappellacci is a bestseller, and for a very good reason), a selection of antipasti like bread, salads and grilled octopus, and Secondi options with bigticket items like the Bisteca Fiorentina, a grilled Creekstone porterhouse steak, and the Scottadito — a Rocky Mountain lamb rack.

Second Sight Spirits

301 Elm St., Ludlow Distillery and lounge Second Sight Spirits is truly a sight to behold. Giving off the air of a turn-of-the-century boardwalk carnival mixed with some 19th-century séance vibes, the space is eclectic, but cozy. The focal point of the room is where all the spirited magic happens: the Second Sight Still on display on a stage for all to admire. While Second Sight is located on Kentucky’s famed bourbon trail and does distill plenty of good whiskey, it also crafts delicious rums, as well as a hazelnut liqueur and red absinthe.

Krishna Indian Restaurant and Carry Out

313 Calhoun St., CUF Krishna may be one of Clifton’s best-kept secrets. The space is truly tiny, but if you decide to snag one of the few booths, it’s a great place to enjoy a hot plate of chicken tikka saag and some garlic naan on a cold day. And you’re in luck if you need some extra kick with your meal: Krishna’s spice scale goes up to a 7.

Fable Cafe

3117 Harrison Ave., Westwood Fable Cafe owner Brandie Potzick sees the value in third spaces — those places

The Blind Lemon P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

we go between home and work or school that allow us to unwind, maybe catch up with friends or family. That’s partly why she chose the name Fable for her Westwood coffee shop — envisioning friends and families gathered with cups of coffee in hand as they share stories, or parents, like herself, who may tire of the ‘kid places’ but still want to bring their children somewhere with a little bit of magic. And there is magic in the walls of Fable, which offers coziness in a bright and airy space with its rustic, chic design, including a whimsical mural featuring vignettes of fairytaleesque characters drawn by Brandie’s friend, and an all-are-welcome ethos. Fable’s menu is classic coffeehouse — simple, no-fuss drinks with a small selection of seasonal, housemade syrups. To eat, try one of the made-toorder breakfast sandwiches or a delicious pastry.

Carmelo’s

434 Madison Ave., Covington Carmelo’s, an Italian restaurant helmed by Billy Grise and Chef Mitche Arens — two Greater Cincinnati dining and hospitality veterans — is named after Grise’s grandfather, who inspired his love for the restaurant business. The space is inviting and modern, yet rustic — a reflection of Nono Carmelo’s warm and jovial spirit, says the team. On the menu, diners can expect quintessential Italian-American dishes, including some selections that will “push their palates,” with regional staples from Italy. Menu highlights include the mozzarella, hand-pulled to order with grilled focaccia and olive oil, and the 101-layer lasagna, which is a whole pound of lasagna, pan-seared until the edges are crispy and served with red gravy and parmesan. As for the

beverage program, Carmelo’s features classic cocktails with a spin, as well as an all-Italian wine list that highlights Italian varietals.

GlendAlehouse Brewery

310 E. Sharon Road, Glendale You can truly feel like you’re cozied up at home at the GlendAlehouse Brewery. The owners of this family-operated brewery took the first floor of their house and transformed it into a warm, inviting space to enjoy some pizza and beer with loved ones. The interior is still very homey, with comfy chairs, bookshelves and nooks around the space to give it that lived-in feeling. The beer selection is varied, so there’s something for everyone, and the wood-fired pizzas are made from scratch daily.

Bellevue Bistro

313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Bellevue Bistro is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of historic Bellevue. The space offers an eclectic and vintage vibe, from the pressed-tin ceilings to the striped awning out front. And while the eatery is on the smaller side, the menu features wholesome dishes with big flavors. There’s an assortment of breakfast bakes, like the goetta/ cheddar jack/sautéed onions Bellevue option or the vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean, made with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, spinach, basil, feta and mozzarella. You can also opt for one of the benedicts or hot browns or try the avocado toast or spicy breakfast tacos. For lunch, Bellevue Bistro serves up a variety of sandwiches, including paninis, wraps and even a cinnabread one topped with fried eggs, cheddar jack and American cheese, with pepper jelly and potatoes on the side.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Carnegie’s production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show P H OTO : M I K K I S C H A F F N E R

Witches, Vampires and Dodos? Oh My! Halloween takes over Greater Cincinnati stages BY J U L I E CA R P E N T E R

t’s the most wonderful time of the year when everything is pumpkinflavored and an array of cinematic terrors like Aunt Gladys show up on your doorstep asking for candy. Whether you can’t get enough of ghosts, goblins and jump scares, or if Glinda the witch is more your speed, Greater Cincinnati theaters have a treat for you, and it’s thankfully not candy corn. Vampires might not be visible in mirrors, but this Halloween they’re showing up on several stages. The Count himself visits Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Oct. 3-Nov. 1), where the vampire classic swaps scary for campy as a female Van Helsing and company launch a humorous pursuit of Dracula. Up the road in Dayton, Bram Stoker’s story is also the basis for Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really at The Human Race Theatre Company (Oct. 29-Nov. 9), a play that keeps some of the scares, adds some humor and challenges assumptions about monsters and predators. Know Theatre’s octKNOWber Nights (Oct. 2-30) showcases several Cincinnati artists and producers performing seasonal staged readings, stand-up comedy, improv and music featuring ghosts and, of course, vampires. If you prefer emo and sparkly vampires, Twilight in Concert (Oct. 28), presented by the Cincinnati Arts Association, is screening

the 2008 film accompanied by a live band. It’s hard to believe Team Edward and Team Jacob have been feuding for nearly 20 years now. Speaking of blood, the Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative’s New Voices Series features Frightfest (Oct. 28) when eight 10-minute plays tell tales of murder, hitchhikers, alarming noises, evil forces and more — all benefiting the Care Center Animal Blood Bank. Clowns top the list of things that shouldn’t be scary but are, and Oompa Loompas are a close second. For those who prefer their scary clowns to be more graceful and less Stephen King, Exhale Dance Tribe performs Frown Upside Down (Oct. 25), a “Halloween-clown themed spectacle” at the Arnoff Center. Thankfully, there are no Willy Wonka activities scheduled this Halloween. When you get tired of listening to “Thriller,” “Monster Mash” and “Flying Purple People Eater,” try out one of the “scary” musicals, rated G or PG, on Cincinnati stages. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati opens its new home at the Emery Theater with The Wizard of Oz (Oct. 10-26). It has witches AND flying monkeys, so it’s definitely a Halloween musical. Monsters from ancient Greece rock and roll in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Oct. 23-25) at the University of Cincinnati’s CollegeConservatory of Music. The Minotaur, Furies and Medusa may not roll off the

tongue like “lions and tigers and bears,” but they deserve a big OH MY. A witchfilled Disney’s Hocus Pocus in Concert (Nov. 1-2), although not technically a musical, features Cincinnati Pops Orchestra playing the score live to this family favorite film. The Carnegie’s production of The Rocky Horror Show (Oct. 24-Nov. 2) was such a hit last year that they are literally doing the time warp again. Join Brad, Janet and Dr. Frank-N-Furter in this not-for-children celebration of campy science fiction and horror. The movie version turns 50 this year and will likely return to area screens for Halloween. For an extended Day of the Dead celebration, head down the road to Actors Theatre of Louisville for Dead as a Dodo (Oct. 30-Nov. 9). The Obie Award-winning Wakka Wakka company’s production brings together puppetry and music to share the underworld adventures of a dodo and boy, both skeletons. Theatergoers with non-traditional fears have their own options to celebrate the scary season. Sufferers of philophobia (fear of falling in love) may shudder through CCM’s production of Pride and Prejudice (Oct. 2-4) while the rest of the audience enjoys a charming Regency Era meet-cute romance. Other options for the philophobic, and also the melophobic (fear of music), include Hello, Dolly! (Oct. 4-Nov. 2) and The Notebook (Oct. 14-26). The

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Oct. 16 -19) at Xavier University will scare the pants off the melophobic and logophobics (fear of words). If you’re suffering from neophobia (fear of new things), get your scare on with Transmigration: A Festival of Student-Created New Works (Oct. 28-30) featuring original 30-minute shows created by CCM students. Theatergoers with glossophobia (fear of public speaking) may find Falcon Theatre’s Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons (Nov. 7-22) a relief, but the specter of censorship may prove terrifying to others in the audience. The witch hunts of The Crucible (Nov. 14-22) at Xavier University were a metaphor for the McCarthy era but have a scary relevance today. For everyone already over Halloween since the decorations have been out since August, check out a charming play set at Thanksgiving, The Heart Sellers (Oct 25-Nov. 23) at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. With so many great options, theatergoers are sure to find a treat that will be the full-size Snickers in your candy bag — no homemade popcorn balls in this bunch! And you don’t even have to dress up.

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Get more information on the Halloween shows and tickets by visiting each theater’s website.

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Experience Cincinnati’s Newest Fall Tradition Showcasing over 6,000 hand-carved Jack O’ Lanterns!

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Arts & Culture Briefs CULTURE

The latest arts & culture stories in Greater Cincinnati BY K AT H E R I N E BA R R I E R

It’s a Boy! Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Baby Gorilla

he Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden are celebrating the arrival of a new bundle of joy. The zoo’s 12-year-old gorilla, Gladys, has given birth to a baby boy. Baby Boy Gorilla was delivered at the zoo on Sept. 20 at 8:32 a.m. The zoo says both mom and baby are healthy and doing well. The infant is Gladys’ first baby and the 51st gorilla born at the Cincinnati Zoo. The zoo says a 24/7 baby watch by Zoo Volunteer Observers (ZVOs) began about four weeks ago over a remote camera. “The ZVOs reported signs of labor throughout the early hours on Saturday morning, and she was in active labor when I arrived at 5:30 a.m.,” Cincinnati Zoo’s head gorilla keeper, Ashley Ashcraft, said in a press release. “A few hours

later, keepers had the honor of quietly observing her birth! She has been very attentive to the baby and is doing all the right things. We are so proud of her.” The baby’s father is Mbeli, a 23-yearold silverback gorilla who is also a firsttime parent. The zoo says he will remain fairly hands-off in raising the baby but will continue to provide protection for both Gladys and the baby within their social group. Mom and baby are bonding behind the scenes, and the keeper team is currently discussing names and looking for public input. You can submit your ideas on the zoo’s social media channels. The Cincinnati Zoo says there are about 765 gorillas in zoos worldwide. In the wild, western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, with fewer than 175,000 individuals.

The Cincinnati Zoo’s gorilla Gladys gave birth to a baby boy on Sept. 20. P H O T O : P R O V I D E D BY C I N C I N N AT I Z O O & B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N

Family and Friends Launch GoFundMe for Cincinnati Film Critic Diagnosed With Cancer

First Artifacts Arrive at Cincinnati Museum Center for Upcoming Exhibit on Auschwitz

t stern-enzi, a Cincinnati film critic and well-known figure in the local film scene, has been hospitalized after a cancer diagnosis, and friends and family are hoping to raise enough money to cover his treatment. According to a GoFundMe set up by family friends, stern-enzi, who once wrote for CityBeat and most recently worked as a contributor for FOX19 and as the artistic director for the Over-theRhine International Film Festival, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 30 for what he believed was pneumonia. Doctors, however, discovered he had a rare form of cancer. stern-enzi was diagnosed with stage 4 sarcomatoid renal cancer, which has metastasized to his lungs. His original tumor is considered to be inoperable at this time. Friends say stern-enzi has undergone several surgeries due to blood, fluid and scarring in his lungs, and he requires frequent blood transfusions and IV fluids. It’s not known when he’ll be able to be discharged from the hospital, and insurance reportedly won’t cover his treatment costs if he is in the hospital. stern-enzi will need two immunotherapy medications that have been shown to be successful in treating sarcomatoid renal cancer. The GoFundMe is aiming to raise $50,000 and has, as of Monday afternoon, raised over $41,000. stern-enzi’s wife, Jessica, provided

tt stern-enzi (right) with a guest at a past Overthe-Rhine International Film Festival event P H O T O : P R O V I D E D BY T H E O V E R - T H E R H I N E I N T E R N AT I O N A L F I L M F E S T I VA L

an update on GoFundMe on Sept. 22, writing, “Friends. So much going on here at Christ Hospital. Today is day 24 here. I am still in shock that this is all happening and every day brings a new challenge(s). It’s been gut wrenching. Your very generous support has honestly made an incredibly challenging experience feel a bit more manageable. I can’t begin to express how much my family appreciates you. Please continue to share with your networks so that we can exceed our goal. The road ahead is unknown at this point but knowing that we don’t have to worry about insurance or discharge in order to get his immunotherapy approved is huge.” You can donate to the GoFundMe by visiting gofundme.com/f/ jessica-tt-sternenzi-need-your-support.

his fall, Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center will open a new exhibit aimed at bearing witness to one of the world’s darkest moments in history. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. will focus on the people interned at the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz, many of whom lost their lives there. The exhibit will open at Union Terminal on Oct. 18 and feature over 500 artifacts and 400 photographs from the concentration camp, with the most extensive and comprehensive collection of artifacts from Auschwitz outside Europe. It will also highlight the humanity of those who died there and offer a poignant and sobering look at the suffering they endured. It also traces the rise of Nazi ideology and how the Polish town of Oświęcim transformed into the camp. As the museum prepares for the exhibit, the first of these 500 artifacts arrived at the gallery two weeks ago: a set of iron train wheels from a 1930s German National Railway locomotive. The wheels would have once pulled trains and boxcars across European rails — the same rails that took millions of Jews, Poles, Roma, Sinti and others to concentration camps like Auschwitz. This week, museum staff carefully brought in the massive wheels

— weighing almost 6,000 pounds — for installation in the gallery. In the ‘40s, Cincinnati’s Union Terminal served as a major transportation hub for World War II soldiers and was also an arrival point for Holocaust survivors and war refugees. CMC says this history and connection make the museum a powerful and profound space to learn more about and reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and the people who suffered. “In Cincinnati, we have an important and specific opportunity to share the history of Auschwitz and its survivors,” CMC President and CEO Elizabeth Pierce said in a previous press release. “Union Terminal is part of this history, both for liberators and for survivors. With our partners at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, Union Terminal is part of the healing and resilience that continues today.” Along with the collection, exhibit visitors can also hear stories from local Holocaust survivors who came to Cincinnati after the war. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. opens Oct. 18 at Union Terminal. You can learn more or join the waitlist for tickets by visiting cincymuseum. org/Auschwitz.

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Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., West End. More info: cincymuseum.org.

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FOOD & DRINK

Kiki on Ludlow P H O T O : E M I LY W I D M A N

Kiki Makes Clifton Sing

The James Beard–nominated team moves to Ludlow Avenue with an approachable menu, friendly prices and enough hits to draw diners citywide. R E V I E W BY PA M A M IT C H E L L

aybe everyone feels this way about where they live, but I think my Gaslight Clifton neighborhood is the best ‘hood in the city. It’s a little like a college town, one that is surrounded by top-notch medical and academic institutions; another cool neighborhood (Northside) just next door; the outdoor delights of Burnet Woods Park and nearby Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum; and super close to Findlay Market, OTR and downtown. But it’s been a challenge for Clifton to attract and sustain what I consider top-notch restaurants. That’s not to say you can’t get a good meal in Clifton, but we haven’t had many places that draw folks from other neighborhoods. In other words, a destination restaurant. Until now, I think, with the debut of Kiki on Ludlow, an affordable, casual establishment that brings an exciting cuisine to our corner of Uptown Cincinnati. Owner Hideki Harada, formerly at the helm of Kaze in OTR, operated the Japanese gastropub Kiki in College Hill for more than five years. Along the way, he and his wife, Yuko, earned a James Beard Foundation nomination, and the restaurant made it into an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I discovered Kiki in College Hill soon after the pandemic and was immediately smitten. The food was so good,

interesting and approachable. The vibe resonated with me, too, the way they made clever use of limited space that included a comfortable bar. When I passed along the news that the couple planned to move Kiki into the recently vacated Habanero’s on Ludlow Avenue, my neighbors literally whooped and cheered. Toward the end of summer, the promise became reality, and, at least in the early going, the neighborhood has given the newly renamed Kiki on Ludlow a warm welcome. There’s nothing stuffy or forbidding about the place, and the price points are significantly lower than other establishments I might consider as destination restaurants. The space isn’t quite as comfortable as the College Hill location was, but Kiki’s general manager Ryan Back told me that over the next year or so, they expect to add enhancements to the interior. Whereas the former restaurant had three separate dining areas, Kiki on Ludlow is one big, high-ceilinged room with an open kitchen and no room for a traditional bar. After deep cleaning the space, the new tenants painted the interior and exterior, added lighting, and didn’t do much else. The goal seemed to be to get the place open for business ASAP. To serve as head chef in the new venture, Harada hired Logan Wells,

formerly chef at Pho Lang Thang at Findlay Market, another great spot for Asian food — Vietnamese, in that case. Sushi was not an emphasis at College Hill but, happily, there’s now a selection of both basic and specialty rolls along with nigiri and sashimi. Also new at this location is lunch service Tuesday through Saturday from a limited menu that consists of five or six bowls — ramen, poke and a rotating vegetable-based bowl. I’ve tried and liked both the poke bowl and the kimchi ramen bowl. Ramen (including a pork belly version) is also available at dinner. The restaurant opened without a liquor license but by the time you read this, they should have acquired the ability to offer sake, beer and wine. You’ll have many more options at dinner than at lunch, ordering from four menu sections. “Cold” selections include two nice salads; one based on seaweed and the other a delectable Napa Caesar. The section headed “Kushiyaki” (skewered and grilled seafood, meat or veggies) offers wagyu beef, sea scallops, salmon chunks or shishito peppers. I’m fond of salmon skewers, and my boyfriend often orders kushiyaki scallops. The addition of shishito in this category — something for vegetarians/ vegans — reflects other features of this menu, highlighting the health profile

of much Japanese cuisine. It is seafood and vegetable oriented, offering many options for vegetarians and vegans. But meat eaters won’t go hungry. In fact, a couple of pork preps stand out, including a plate of three steamed buns served with a generous portion of marinated pork, oven-roasted in a sweetened soy sauce. Also, on the plate — an accompaniment to several other dishes — is a side of yumitsuki cabbage slaw, which you can layer with pork on the buns. As an alternative to pork buns, you can get jackfruit buns: roasted and sauced jackfruit with cabbage slaw and three steamed buns. One of the most popular hot dishes is pork gyoza. “They are pan-fried in a crepe-like slurry,” Back said, “and so the order of five come connected in a thin and crispy layer of fried dough.” He added, “I frequently recommend these to first-time [visitors]. “There’s a cauliflower dish I like, perfect if you want a veggie side for the table. “It’s a generous, shareable half head of cauliflower, flash-fried and topped with a curry aioli, pickled jalapeño and red onion and cilantro,” Back told me. You’ll find both the cauliflower and pork gyoza in the “Hot” section of the menu, along with curry pan, deepfried dough stuffed with mashed potato, onion and carrot, and chicken karaage, succulent fried morsels served with your choice of five sauces. Dessert consists of two special offerings from Dojo Gelato: miso caramel stracciatella gelato and strawberry yuzu sorbetto. Be sure to ask whether one of Yuko Harada’s cheesecakes is available, and if so, try a slice. Back said this about the treat: “Like a lot of our food, Yuko’s cheesecake stands out by being very simple and high quality. Most of what makes them good is Yuko’s knowledge of ingredients and technique. Her cheesecakes are almost always gluten-free and use a simple graham cracker crust.” Over the next year or so, Back said they hope to create a small sushi bar adjacent to the kitchen area, and perhaps commission some art to adorn the walls. It can get quite noisy during the dinner hours, a problem common in so many restaurants these days. It’s not an easy fix but I hope they will find some way to tone it down here. The front of the house is especially cacophonous in the evenings, making it hard to converse with a server or your tablemates. You might ask for a table toward the back of the room, which is a little quieter. Reservations are a good idea for dinner, but you should be able to stop for lunch without advance notice. It will take a few visits to sample the menu and find your favorites. Meanwhile, welcome to the neighborhood! Kiki on Ludlow, 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. More info: kikicincinnati.com.

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SOUND ADVICE

Neko Case P H OTO : E B RU Y I L D I Z

NEKO CASE WITH DES DEMONAS Oct. 14 • Taft Theatre Published earlier this year, Neko Case’s The Harder I Fight the More I Love You is a fascinating, often strange and affecting memoir, the work of a woman with a vast imagination and a unique sense of self. Case was born in Virginia but largely grew up south of Seattle. She left home at 15, the result of a lonely upbringing marked by her unstable, emotionally distant parents and her love of nature. The contents of The Harder I Fight the More I Love You will likely not come as a surprise to those familiar with Case’s nearly three-decade career as a songwriter and musician — its vivid prose is as singular as her mood-altering singing voice. In 1994, after nearly a decade of soulsearching that would become a staple of her nomadic life, she enrolled in art school in Vancouver, Canada, where she also started playing drums in multiple post-punk outfits. Case came into her own when she switched to singing, employing a voice that is equal parts feral and tender. Her 1997 solo debut, The Virginian, leaned heavily into oldschool country, drawing from the past

but dosed with Case’s distinctive lyrics and twisted humor. But it was the onetwo punch of her next record, 2000’s Furnace Room Lullaby, and her vocal contributions to power pop band The New Pornographers that would break her to a wider audience. A quarter century later, Case has released her eighth studio effort, Neon Grey Midnight Green, which she produced all by herself for the first time — a dozen songs rife with melancholy and wonder. In fact, given the state of our current cultural moment, it often comes off more buoyant than some might expect. “I absolutely refused to be overtaken by despair,” Case said in a recent interview with Pitchfork. “I wanted to remind people of their own power, that they still matter, and that resisting this weird, mechanized, grinding machine our world is turning into is important. These songs aren’t about that on the nose because I like leaving them openended for listeners to fit themselves into the picture.” Mission accomplished, Neko. Neko Case and Des Demonas play Taft Theatre on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. More info: tafttheatre.org. (Jason Gargano)

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