Cincinnati Magazine - May 2026 Edition

Megan’s Skin Cancer Story

From a Patient to a Provider

Megan Niese was first diagnosed with melanoma in her 20s. Many diagnoses later, she now helps others prevent and treat skin cancer as a dermatology Physician Assistant. In honor of skin cancer awareness month, she’s sharing her story with us.

I’m a redhead with fair skin, and I loved the sun like the best of them. Before I turned 25, I had collected a lifetime of sun exposure: childhood afternoons playing sports, long days as a lifeguard, chasing a tan to match my friends, and more trips to the tanning bed in college than I’m proud to admit. In many ways, I did everything I now tell my patients not to do.

In my mid-20s, while living in Asheville, North Carolina, I began noticing more and more moles appearing. I went to see a dermatologist, who recommended several biopsies. I will never forget the phone call: melanoma. Fortunately, it was caught early enough to be treated with surgical excision. Still, that diagnosis was the start of a long series of interventions. Over the next few

years, I had 15-plus moles biopsied, many of which were precancerous, requiring surgery. This included two more melanomas, one of which had a bit more depth to it, requiring a bigger surgery. Luckily, none of them had spread beyond the skin.

Being diagnosed with three melanomas before 30 was a wake-up call. I changed how I lived: daily sunscreen, wide-brim hats, UPF clothing, and vigilance about sun exposure. I became fanatical about skin checks and about teaching others what I’d learned the hard way. That experience also changed the course of my career. At the time, I was working as a Physician Assistant in trauma surgery, but the impact of my own diagnoses sparked a passion for dermatology and preventive skin care. In 2019, my husband and I moved back to our native state of Ohio, and I was fortunate to join Mona Dermatology. Today I’m proud to provide skin checks and skin cancer surgery, and to counsel patients about sun safety.

Prevention matters: routine skin exams, sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can make a real difference. Surgery is often lifesaving, and the cosmetic tools we have—lasers, scar revision techniques—can significantly improve outcomes after treatment. I enjoy both the medical and cosmetic sides of dermatology and the chance to help patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

If my story helps even one person think twice about a sunburn, a tanning bed session, or a suspicious mole, then sharing it was worth it. We can always do better for our future selves—and for our children. I’m grateful to work in a practice where I can turn a difficult personal experience into care, prevention, and hope for others.

Megan PA-C Prevention Matters

* Get a complete skin exam with your dermatologist yearly

* Do your own skin checks regularly

* Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen

* Avoid mid-day sun (10 am–2 pm)

* Wear a broad-brimmed hat

* Consider wearing UPF clothing for added protection

COMAMOS! Our favorite restaurants, food trucks, drinks, and sweets that celebrate the cuisine of Mexico.

COURSE CORRECTION P. 4 4 44

UC, Miami, and other Ohio public universities are introducing a new government-mandated U.S. history class. Is this the right way to improve our lagging civic literacy?

BY LEYLA SHOKOOHE

MORE QUESTIONS

THAN ANSWERS

P. 4 8 48

When local nonprofit founder Rosemary Oglesby-Henry decided to run for Congress, she wanted to help her community. Then she was arrested, and the questions began: Was she the victim of a friend’s mental illness? Was it a coordinated political attack? Did the system fail her?

BY LISA MURTHA

Extra

FRONTLINES

10 / LETTER

15 / DISPATCH

40 years of the Afghan Whigs

16 / SPEAK EASY

Alyssa Wang, Cincy Ballet music director

16 / MUSIC

Cincinnati Pops and Star Wars

18 / INTERSECTION

Businesses and bites in Bellevue’s Business District

20 / ESSAYS

Finding your palette through color analysis

22 / ON THE MARKET

A renovated home on Filmer’s Row

24 / DR. KNOW

Your QC questions answered

COLUMNS

26 / WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

No more small talk with strangers BY

JUDI KETTELER

104 / OBSCURA

DINE

86 / DINING OUT

Salazar gets a second life

88 / LUNCHBOX

Pizza by the slice at Guardia, Mt. Lookout

88 / TABLESIDE

The Mi Cozumel empire, led by Liliana Jaime

90 / HIGH SPIRITS

Sidecar Bar + Kitchen at The Rambler boutique hotel

92 / SNACK TIME

Bite-sized Brazilian brigadeiros

96 / DINING GUIDE

Greater Cincinnati restaurants: A selective list

ON THE COVER photograph by MARLENE ROUNDS food styling by ALLISON HAMILTON

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

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

Star-gazing in the planetarium BY

CLAIRE LEFTON

Insight and analysis on the Reds and FC Cincinnati.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

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Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards

Find out who received this year’s honors and how their leadership is impacting the

eld of nursing.

PAGE 63

America 250

Find more than 50 ways to celebrate America250 in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana this summer with this special guide.

BONUS FOR SUBSCRIBERS

Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine and Membership Directory

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Learn more about Greater Anderson with this look at the region’s amenities. Plus, the business directory helps you find what you need.

E

EVERYTHING FEELS POLITICAL NOW, DOESN’T IT? NORMAL DAILY LIFE, CONVERsations, and social media posts often trigger unnecessarily nasty reactions. Remarking on the spring heat? Watching the Academy Awards? Driving a Tesla? Getting a flu shot? They’ve all become political statements in our strange times. Much of the negative reaction comes from people trolling others—usually others they don’t know—for fun or spite. They enjoy making others angry or defensive, and their point seems to be disorienting the rest of us and sowing confusion. Day-to-day life is challenging even on the best days, but this manufactured political outrage can be exhausting. It makes you want to give up expressing any beliefs or opinions at all—which I think is the trolls’ ultimate goal.

A little voice of doubt in my head popped up as we were finishing work on three pieces in this month’s issue. Two directly involved state and local politics (“Course Correction” on page 44 and “More Questions Than Answers” on page 48) and the other is our Mexican food feature on page 34. We didn’t coordinate the stories to run in the same issue, but it turns out May is a great month to talk about college classrooms, Ohio’s primary election (May 5), and Mexican culture, respectively. (Tip of the hat to Cinco de Mayo.)

That voice asked me if we wanted to reconsider publishing pieces that might open us up to trolling by people we don’t know offering political criticisms only they understand. As always, I quickly chased away the doubt by focusing on Cincinnati Magazine’s mission to engage our community through storytelling that makes connections. The topics we tackle this month—taking responsibility for teaching American history to a new generation, a nonprofit leader’s difficult campaign for political office, and celebrating the culinary legacies of our Mexican brothers and sisters—are exactly the kind of storytelling we take pride in and are known for.

Cincinnati is a complex, diverse city where we embrace unique and interesting people and stories every day. It doesn’t have to be a constant political battleground. Instead, let’s focus on these voices in our heads: Can we have nice things? Can we get along? Can we meet up for amazing tacos this weekend?

JOHN FOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CONTRIBUTORS

SHON CURTIS

In “More Questions Than Answers” (page 48), Congressional candidate Rosemary Oglesby-Henry lays clear the challenges she’s faced and the resilience she’s maintained throughout her campaign. Contributing photographer Shon Curtis approached capturing portraits at the residence where she was arrested by being “culturally aware and honest,” and hopes that his photos resonate with readers.

LISA MURTHA

Lisa Murtha has contributed many stories to Cincinnati Magazine over the years, spanning real estate, personal-interest columns, and features. After welcoming Congressional candidate Rosemary OglesbyHenry onto her podcast, Verbal Journalism, Murtha then dove into a trove of public records, intimate interviews, and careful research in an attempt to unravel a complex, unresolved narrative (page 48). “I’m a storyteller,” she says.

ASTRID PRASETIANTI

After a week of drawing, illustrator Astrid Prasetianti became very familiar with Cincinnati’s Mexican food truck scene, despite the fact that she’s never stepped foot in the city. A resident of France, Prasetianti’s style is characterized by color, fun, and community—an essential aspect to her food truck map (page 38). You don’t know about a food truck because of the internet, Prasetianti says. “You know it from your friend or word of mouth.”

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ROCK ISLAND

THEY KEEP COMING BACK

The Afghan Whigs mark 40 years as a band at (where else?) Bogart’s. JASON COHEN

WHEN THE AFGHAN WHIGS GOT BACK TOGETHER TO RECORD TWO new songs for a 2007 greatest hits collection, frontman Greg Dulli made it clear that it was still not a reunion. “No fuckin’ way,” he told Billboard. “I don’t look back. I did what I did, now I do what I do.” Three years later, prior to a solo show at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley, he said much the same thing in Cincinnati Magazine’s very pages. And even when the band finally gave into the siren song of Gen X nostalgia in 2012, touring around several prestige festivals, things were meant to go no further. “We aren’t getting back together to make a new album,” Dulli, who by then had made five records with his post-Whigs band, Twilight Singers, told The Quietus. “We’re doing this one time: See it now, or never see it again.”

Or see it on May 6. That’s when the Afghan Whigs will celebrate their 40th anniversary at Bogart’s. A new album—the band’s fourth since 2014, and 10th overall—is also under way, with a teaser track, “House of I,” already streaming. But if Dulli’s past comments were the rock and roll equivalent of “Freezing Cold Takes”—the longrunning social media account for unprophetic CONTINUED ON P. 16

sports predictions—that doesn’t mean he was a liar. Things change, and the Whigs definitely did. What might have been a static journey though the past evolved into a thriving future.

This is admittedly not the way I saw it in 2012. “The band playing at Bogart’s on October 25 is not the Afghan Whigs,” began my story for this magazine, lamenting that original drummer Steve Earle wasn’t in the lineup alongside Dulli, bassist John Curley, and guitarist Rick McCollum. But the show I saw in Austin, Texas, including the original trio was still great. And then came two big shockers. Not only did the Whigs continue on, but they did so sans McCollum.

Something Hot

The Afghan Whigs play Bogart’s on May 6. bogarts.com

But even though McCollum’s guitar defined the band’s sound as much as Dulli’s songs and soul, his departure also freed the group to become something new. Or, at least, a newish hybrid of Twilight Singers (Dulli, guitarist Dave Rosser, multiinstrumentalist Rick G. Nelson, drummer Cully Symington) plus John Curley. At the time the Whigs first did it in 2012, alt-rock reunions (Dinosaur Jr., the Jesus Lizard, Pavement) were a fairly new phenomenon. So was the idea that the post-punk generation would continue to play music in their 60s and beyond. As time goes by, you’re either a band that breaks up forever or a band with members who get fired, quit, or leave this mortal coil.

The Whigs have been through all of that. Patrick Keeler of The Green-

hornes and The Raconteurs became the fifth drummer in 2015, injecting another Cincinnatian into the band. But they also lost Rosser to colon cancer at the age of 50 in 2017, as well as longtime pal and backing vocalist Doug Falsetti in 2024. Dulli has often said his animating force is making music with his friends. Some bands merely become business partners. Others do their best creative work in tension. Rock and roll romanticizes bands who fight, break up, and reunite, from The Police to Oasis to Spinal Tap. But when you’ve been doing it for 40 years, getting to do it with people you actually want to be in the same room with matters. In this age of Spotify and social media, anyone who has figured out a way to keep making the music they want to make, in whatever band or bands they want, is practically heroic.

Is it really the Afghan Whigs’s 40th anniversary? Give or take a dormant decade, sure. But what’s more impressive is this second era (2012–2026) has now matched the first one (1986–2000) in longevity. They did what they did, and still had more to say. It’s far better to be an active band with new material, after all, than one that plays only the hits. On the band’s 2024 co-headline tour with The Church, they typically played just five songs from the first six albums. Presumably, a longer 40th anniversary set will lean more on old favorites. And hey, if Steve Earle or Rick McCollum show up to play “Gentlemen,” I wouldn’t complain.

IN A THEATER FAR, FAR AWAY

From May 1 to 3, Cincinnati Pops performs the biggest hits from the Star Wars universe, including “The Imperial March” and “Rey’s Theme.” For an additional fee, access the Hyperspace Cabaret interstellar lounge and grab a drink at its private bar. cincinnatisymphony.org

THE MUSIC

In May last year, the Cincinnati Ballet announced that it had found its newest music director, filling a vacancy left by former Music Director Emeritus Carmon DeLeone, who stepped down after more than 50 years in the role. Alyssa Wang, 31, comes to Cincinnati from Boston with a wealth of experience: She is as an accomplished violinist, composer, and conductor. As only the second music director that Cincinnati Ballet has ever had, Wang found herself with big shoes to fill upon her December debut, but she already knows what legacy she wants to leave behind.

What sort of creative choices are you making when figuring out how to conduct a work of music? At the forefront of everything is the music that was written by the composer. I’m looking at the indications that are written for me in the music, but then you also have the choreographer who is coming in and often is changing some of the things that are not written in the music and insisting on certain transitions and tempos. My job is to balance both things, between what the composer wants and what the choreographer

wants, and then on a third level, what the dancers need in order to be able to execute all the moves that they need.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave on the company? We all understand the importance of live music in the world of ballet, right? Without music, there is no dance. I perceive an amazing opportunity to grow the music department at Cincinnati Ballet, have more live music in the studio every single day, and have more live music in our productions—not all of our productions have live music.

How do you want to be a leader in Cincinnati? I am very interested in trying to teach the art of ballet conducting to more conducting students. I also started this series that we did right before Swan Lake, the first one ever, called Behind the Baton, and it’s like my lecture performance series that I’m trying to do to reveal more behind-the-scenes knowledge about what makes the scores of these ballets so amazing and also illuminate the connection between the music and the choreography. —EMMA BALCOM

READ A LONGER INTERVIEW WITH ALYSSA AT CINCINNATIMAGAZINE. COM

IT’S BETTER IN BELLEVUE

Bellevue’s Downtown

Historic Business District is a quarter-mile stretch of Northern Kentucky’s best businesses and bites.

1. ORACLE ANTIQUES & VINTAGE

Oracle Antiques has intentionally maintained a vintage aversion to social media presence over the years, cultivating an organic relationship with its loyal customers through

its high-quality collection and friendly experience. Although restocked often, this store doesn’t have

the overwhelmingly overcrowded shelves of your everyday antique mall—owners Jason Davis and Todd Dugle use their shared experience in antiquing to supply art, decor, and furniture that feels easily possible to arrange in your home. 305 Fairfield Ave., (859) 412-1950, oracleantiquesand vintage.com

2.

SLOW RIDE VINTAGE

Owners Crystal and Carlos Weaver’s clothing collection is a groovy mix of bright colors and vivid patterns that matches the equally vibrant aesthetic of their shop. The inventory includes everything from 1980s Bengals merchandise and ’90s name-brand accessories to graphic tees, vintage denim, worn-in leather, and more. 307 Fairfield

Ave., (513) 467-8094, instagram.com/slow ridevintage

3. CODA CO.

What started as a way for owners Kelti and Tanner Ziese to sell their handmade woodworking and macrame projects has evolved into a popular boutique, selling kitschy gifts, trendy clothing, eclectic home decor, and more. The shop’s Instagram regularly updates the newest goodies in stock, and the storefront itself has hosted pop-up holiday events and workshops. 400 Fairfield Ave., (859) 488-7798, shop codaco.com

4. PRETZEL PLACE

For a hearty lunch or an afternoon snack, the Pretzel Place has all your bases covered with its warm, freshbaked pretzels. This family-run café makes and twists the dough by hand, offering pretzels in four different flavors: butter salt, cinnamon sugar, jalapeño cheddar, and bacon cheddar. If one pretzel isn’t enough, you can opt to make it a sandwich, choosing from a variety of meats, cheese, veggies, and toppings. 411 Fairfield Ave., (859) 781-6569, thepretzelplaceky.com

5.

SCHNEIDER’S SWEET SHOP

This shop has maintained a firm belief in family tradition since 1939, using the original recipes, equipment, and candy-making methods of its founders. The corner sweet shop has been handed down through three generations and offers a selection of handmade chocolate, fudge, caramel, holiday sweets, and its signature opera creams—a sweet white center made of cream, milk, and sugar, covered in smooth milk or dark chocolate. 420 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 431-3545, schnei derscandies.com

Mrs. Teapots Tearoom and Eatery has maintained a commitment to friendly service and Southern hospitality for 20 years. Reserve ahead for its British-style high teas—bottomless tea experiences that include tieredcourses of savory sandwiches, freshbaked pastries, and assorted desserts.

339 Fairfield Ave., (859) 491-2731

Bellevue’s Historic Business District also includes the Bellevue Entertainment District, where an open-container DORA allows visitors to sip, shop, and stroll all at once. During monthly First Fridays, most retail shops extend their evening hours and collaborate with bars and restaurants to create themed events, including holiday celebrations, block parties, and more.

TRUE COLORS

What’s at the end of the rainbow? Embracing your natural hues.

—BRIANNA CONNOCK

’VE ALWAYS enjoyed color. I know what colors I like to wear, but I’ve never considered what colors I should be wearing.

In a historic property in the West End of Cincinnati, I’m about to find out, through the process of color analysis. The Palette Parlour (@thepaletteparlour) is run by image consultant Annie Olson. To begin, she asks about my current style preferences: hair color (brown), the colors I wear often (neutral with a pop of color), makeup (I love a colored mascara), jewelry (my engagement ring is gold, so I feel committed at this point), and more.

Olson then leads me to the room where the analysis happens. Two different ring lights are cast on my face as I sit down in front of a large mirror and am draped with a white cloth. Behind me are rows of colored fabric in every hue.

Step one: Find out if my skin has a warm or cool undertone. Olson alternates holding two different flags under my face—each has many colors of the rainbow, with varying undertones, value, and saturation to see which make my skin look healthier and brighter. She does so in silence, alternating between each one and watching to see how the colors make me look lively

and balance my features. She concludes I have warmtoned skin—the warmer shades of oranges and reds especially complement me.

Step two: Find my “home season,” meaning which season of colors (spring, summer, fall, winter) best suits me.

Because I’m warm-toned, she compares the two warm seasons: spring and autumn. After another round of flag flopping, it is clear to her that I am an autumn. Although I wasn’t always sure, I start to see how the autumn palette brings out the rosiness of my cheeks and makes my skin look brighter. In contrast, the

spring colors feel overwhelming on me—they are too bright and feel distracting. Olson explains that the right colors will draw eyes toward a person’s face, not away from it.

The final step: Decide whether I’m a “true” autumn or a sub-season of autumn mixed with another season. Here we use flags that have autumn hues intermixed with colors from other seasons. Olson confirms that I’m a true autumn—a palette filled with rich, woodsy, earthy tones, including lots of browns, oranges, and greens with warm undertones.

To wrap up, Olson goes

through every color in my palette to explain why they are “my” colors: They bring out my eyes or flatter my jawline or complement my skin tone. It isn’t always obvious to me until she points it out, but after she does, I can see what she means. Some of the colors I felt most drawn to in my palette were the shades of brown. They matched my eye and hair color and made me look warmer and brighter.

To close our session, she arms me with tools to help me embrace my palette: a booklet with color swatches, a digital guide in my e-mail inbox, and a link to a curated Pinterest board with outfits,

makeup, and hair colors all suited for a true autumn.

Using this information, I’ve been able to incorporate new things into my routine based on my findings, like trying a new shade of blush that works with my eyes and skin tone.

At the end of it all, color analysis is not about throwing out all your old clothes and panic-buying new ones.

“It’s a way to celebrate and appreciate our natural beauty,” says Olson. “This is for the person who wants to simplify the decision-making process when shopping and be confident in what they look like.”

ON FILMER’S ROW

WHEN RECALLING THE HEYDAY OF HOLLYwood, thoughts of the Midwest and its importance to the film industry probably don’t come to mind. Yet, surprisingly, cities like Cincinnati were ideal for the less glitzy, though exceedingly important, necessity of film storage. Known as “Filmer’s Row,” this stretch of Central Parkway once housed film exchanges for the biggest names in the business: Universal, Warner Brothers, MGM, and others. Film reels were stored in these warehouses and then rented to movie theaters.

Built in 1941, 1628 Central Pkwy. was the home of Universal Pictures’s film exchange for approximately 25 years. Now, it has been completely reimagined for modern living, with two spacious apartments

under one roof. TQL Stadium is mere steps away, while new developments continue down the street, making the Over-the-Rhine location nothing short of envy-inducing.

“This distinctive residence showcases unique architecture, flexible living spaces, a private outdoor area, and an exceptional urban location,” says listing agent Jen Drescher.

Inside, the fi rst fl oor off ers a onebedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a bright, open layout spanning the living room into the kitchen.

The aesthetic leans rustic, with wood planks wrapping the fireplace and refrigerator, while barn doors separate the kitchen from the laundry room. This roughhewn texture balances the sleekness of more modern finishes, like the polished concrete floors, black honeycomb backsplash, and dark countertops.

Upstairs, the vibe is decidedly more industrial chic—think open ceiling, exposed duct work, and original brick accent walls offset by high-end appliances and elegantly designed bathrooms. Natural light pours in through large windows.

The kitchen offers generous counter space, with a large island that can seat four. Its most eye-catching feature is a gleaming AGA range that perfectly suits the property’s rich history.

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

on this single disreputable product. It was but one of his numerous failures.

He moved to California, where he also published magazines, gave lectures, and led political campaigns promoting his other brilliant passion: socialism. Mr. Wilshire came from a fabulously wealthy Cincinnati family, but he thoroughly enjoyed throwing enormous amounts of Daddy’s money into destroying the capitalist system. You may notice that this also failed.

Even today’s Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles owes little to Mr. Wilshire himself. The road he built was just four blocks long. Only later did it extend through the famous park where a much-more-famous “someone” left the cake out in the rain, and it ultimately grew into America’s poster child for traffic congestion and pollution. As a Cincinnati native, Gaylord Wilshire may not deserve being ghosted quite as much as, say, Charles Manson, but he’s still rather embarrassing.

When I jog along Wasson Way in Norwood, I see shiny steel columns at the street intersections. Some of them have odd-shaped tabs on the top that flip up. What are those tabs for? Securing a dog? Hanging a backpack? Aiming a slingshot? Seriously, why are they there? —KEEPING TABS

AWhy doesn’t anyone know that the world-famous Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles was named for H. Gaylord Wilshire, who grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Woodward High School?

He was wealthy and influential, but he’s never on a list of famous Cincinnati natives. How come?

—WHY WON’T WILSHIRE

DEAR WON’T:

The Doctor’s Word of the Month is Ionaco. That was the electric belt whose tingles supposedly cured several medical maladies, invented in the 1920s by Henry Gaylord Wilshire. It was quickly debunked. Cincinnati’s snub of Mr. Wilshire’s origins, however, can’t be blamed

DEAR KEEPING:

The Doctor’s New Word of the Month is bollard. Bollards are any row of steel poles, boulders, planters, or flying pig sculptures that block vehicles from pedestrian areas. Along Wasson Way’s miles of greenery and urbanity, handsome steel bollards stand guard at various street intersections. They are about three feet tall and spaced four feet apart, allowing humans to easily fit between them while keeping cars at bay from the Way.

Sometimes, however, a bollard needs to get out of the Way’s way for a city vehicle. Trucks must deliver mowers. Arborists must tend to the young trees that were planted when the Way was underway. Aha,

those tabs! Flip one up, and you have a convenient handle for lifting out a bollard.

Well, not you; various safeguards prevent riffraff like you from popping out a pair and using them as barbells. Don’t get any ideas. A much better idea is to donate to Wasson Way’s further development, bringing Cincinnati even more pedestrian enjoyment, more healthy exercise, and more bollards.

I take State Avenue most days to the Western Hills Viaduct. On the way I pass a corner that says Liberty Street, but there’s no actual street, just a short rump of empty asphalt. I assume this was somehow connected to the real Liberty Street across the Mill Creek? I hope there’s a good story.

—GIVE ME LIBERTY

DEAR GIVE:

The Doctor’s Even Newer Word of the Month is boondoggle . It’s only a good story because it’s so laughably bad. The Liberty Street Viaduct connected Cincinnati’s east and west sides, which was perfect for 1890 but useless every year thereafter. It wasn’t wide enough to handle those new-fangled electric streetcars alongside those newer-fangled automobiles. Only horses, wagons, and old-fangled pedestrians could use it. Streetcar tracks were added later, but worries about the weight of a 6-ton streetcar, combined with several transit companies fi ghting over access, kept traffic minimal.

Also, the viaduct ended at the very bottom of Price Hill—not a welcome sight for those pedestrians, horses, streetcars, or even automobiles. Within a few years the thing was barely used or maintained, even after extensions to Liberty Street were built. The viaduct that “ran from no place to nowhere” was finally torn down in 1929, though the city still had five years to go in paying for it. The Doctor will look into getting your tiny rump of Liberty Street changed to Boondoggle Street.

WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

BY JUDI KETTELER

I’m Done With People

SMALL TALK, SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, SOCIAL MEDIA, MEETINGS…IT’S ALL TOO MUCH.

MY 15-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER CATCHES MY EYE IN THE BLEACHERS AT THE VARSITY BASKETball game. She’s on the floor cheering, and I’m sitting alone and away from the crowd. My hair hangs long over my ears—my attempt to cover that I’m wearing my AirPods, listening to a book as I clap for three-pointers and watch her tumble. She knows, though, and shoots me her Why are you so weird? look. It’s a fair question.

At halftime, she finds me in the stands and asks what I’m listening to. A novel, I tell her. “That tracks,” she says. I don’t say that it’s a smutty, filthy romance story with pulsing this and that, which I would definitely not want to accidentally be broadcast over the gym’s loudspeaker. I actually listen to all kinds of books in the bleachers. It’s my way to hide

in plain sight, to settle any nervous body language I may have and keep me from dangerous looks left or right that might spark someone to speak to me. Which would require small talk.

I’ve always been a bit of a weirdo who highly favors her own company and tries to disappear in crowds. I am a writer, after all. A textbook introvert. A person who has worked for herself for almost 25 years. But lately I’m beginning to think I’ve turned into a character from a quirky Fredrik Backman novel—an eccentric old lady withdrawing from society after some inciting incident. Except I don’t have an inciting incident. I’m just done with people. Done. With. People.

(To all the people who know me and talk regularly to me, Not you. You’re great! I’m talking about everyone else. And if you’re my client, you should probably just stop reading now, because this doesn’t apply to you—definitely not the section about pointless meetings for the sake of meetings. Really. Your meetings are as snappy and elegantly paced as an Aaron Sorkin script. Thank you for feeding my family! Stop reading.)

I RAN MY FIRST MARATHON, THE 2001 Flying Pig, with my sister Laura. Our parents came to cheer us at the finish line. I remember the agony of those last miles and the joy of being done with the torture. But the thing I remember most is my mom, wringing her hands, looking at us with a kind of despair as we wrapped mylar blankets around our half-dead bodies and tried to stay standing long enough to get a picture. “It’s just so hard, I can’t imagine,” she said. She couldn’t bear the thought of running 26 miles. Her brain just couldn’t do it. “Oh,” she kept saying. “Oh!” I found it hilarious at the time. Now it’s how I feel about people. I just can’t.

How am I done with people? In the words of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, let me count the ways. I am done with people to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. (Theory: Liz really wanted to write Sonnet 43 about being done with people, but love was selling better.) I am done with people because they have too many questions, like How are you? or the dreaded Are you doing anything fun this weekend? followed up on Monday with Did you have a good weekend?

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WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

These questions should be stricken in every language, punishable by broken fingernails and ice cream headaches and forced trips to the BMV. No one should ever be allowed to inquire about either my hopes for the weekend or if I had a “good” weekend. There are no honest answers anymore, and

I’m done with people when they have suggestions. This is an especially hard one, since I have built my life on writing articles full of suggestions and pretending like I am an expert in a great many things. “Oh, you have an arrhythmia? Well, you know the treatment for that is ablation. I’ve written 12

NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE ALLOWED TO INQUIRE ABOUT EITHER MY HOPES FOR THE WEEKEND OR IF I HAD A

“GOOD”

WEEKEND. THERE ARE NO HONEST ANSWERS ANYMORE.

the ones that are closest to honest—“Well, I laid in bed for hours Saturday morning feeling sick about the state of the world, floods, wars, and people being murdered, but on the plus side we didn’t have to deal with either the emergency room or the police, so yeah the weekend was as good as it gets”—are not what anyone wants to hear.

articles about it, let me tell you all about it.”

I am as guilty as they come with having suggestions. But now I see the light. Suggestion’s close cousin, advice, is an even worse player in the game, because it pretends to be all humble, all shucks and golly and I know you’re not really asking but I’m just a simple, salt of the earth thing when really

it’s a blood-sucking judgment machine. I know this because all that unsolicited advice I’ve given over the years always came with the unsaid, I do the thing we’re talking about better than you.

I’m done with people and their effusive displays of pride in their children’s many accomplishments, their family’s matching holiday pajamas, and their ability to take a picture of the Northern Lights that their naked eye never saw but their iPhone camera created. Look at my pink sky! Look at my senior who has been accepted to every college in the country! I’m well aware of the Mel Robbins advice to “let them,” but I think we’ve established how I feel about people’s advice. Yes, you have intuited correctly that I’m not actually talking about the fake Northern Lights; it’s about having a kiddo who graduated from high school in a much different way from everyone else around me. Let’s move on.

In no particular order, I’m also done with parents who scream from the stands

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at sports referees (um, I can’t hear my book when you do that); husbands when they say, But it’s only 8 o’clock on a Saturday night, do we have to go home already?; political candidates when they send their desperate fund-raising texts and I want them to win and make the madness stop, except life is really expensive lately. I’m done with outrage and indignation that “nobody wants to parent anymore” when a kid is spotted on a bike or scooter not wearing a helmet. I’m done with people telling me to have a “blessed day.” Sometimes, I’m even a little bit done with my cat, because we’ve been working on it for months and she still won’t ring a bell for treats the way those cats on Instagram do.

I’VE SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST, THE most egregious thing about people: They have meetings. Team meetings. Board meetings. Stand-up meetings. Weekly meetings. Kick-off meetings. Pre-kick-off meetings. Meetings to plan later meetings. Meetings

to reflect on the meetings already held. These meetings come with invites that fling wet mud into my e-mail inbox. Google Meet. Zoom. Teams. Sometimes you have to type in a series of slanty letters that were drawn by a drunk person to even be admitted to the meeting.

Once in the meeting, there might be icebreakers. For the record, I would like to keep the ice intact. I would like to skate alone and enjoy the ice’s smooth, gleaming surface. But, no, we have to introduce ourselves.

It’s equally bad when the meeting starts like a Greek drama, in the middle, and you have absolutely no idea what’s going on. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I don’t even need to be there. Still, I put on my serious eyes and agree Yes, what a big problem we have to solve. The answer is always the same: I will take the weird shit you’ve put on your website and write sentences that make sense. But if I said that, the meeting would be over too soon. I must prove my worth. I must use phrases like Let’s get into it and

We should circle back on that and We can take that offline, all the while plotting how I can be permanently offline.

If I were truly a character in a wacky Swedish novel, I would grow increasingly idiosyncratic before stumbling upon a weird little cadre of people who would eventually come to need me as much as I needed them, and there would be a happy ending. I consider this as I fish a $10 bill from my wallet to give to my daughter for the concession stand. “Thanks, Mommy,” she says, hugging me in a cloud of perfume.

Across the gym, I see the teacher who almost single-handedly got my son through his senior year, and I give her a nod of gratitude. On the way back from the bathroom, I run into a good friend of mine and we plan a walk for later.

Soon, the game has started again and these kids are all teamwork. I sigh. It’s so annoying when people aren’t annoying. But I can be done with them tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow I will really be done.

¡Comamos!

Our favorite restaurants, food trucks, drinks, and sweets that celebrate the cuisine of Mexico.

Tulum

Tulum serves up both authentic and adventurous options from its Fairfield Avenue location in Bellevue. You can’t go wrong with the classic burrito (rice, queso, beans, and your choice of protein, served with a side of chips and salsa), which is packed full and expertly wrapped. Cincinnati chili lovers might feel called to order the birria coney (toasted hot dog bun with melted cheese and birria; add onions and mustard on request). We say: Answer the call. 225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 261-1340, tulumky.com

Fiesta Cocina Latín Restaurant

This place feels like a hidden gem, where the employees call everyone “amigo” or “amiga.” While the restaurant looks small off the busy road, it’s surprisingly spacious, with ample indoor seating. The empanadas (filled with picadillo and topped with lettuce, cheese, and sour cream) are light with the perfect crunch. The massive quesadillas, however, are on the heavier side. They come stuffed with your choice of protein and tons of cheesy goodness. 17 Carothers Rd., Newport, (859) 261-1284, fiestacocina latinrestaurant.com

Taqueria San Miguel

Step off Madison Avenue in Covington into the bright red storefront of Taqueria San Miguel and you’ll be met with lively music, a colorful interior (one full wall painted like a Mexican flag), and delicious food. If you’re hungry, the tortas (served on a toasted white roll with your choice of protein, tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and avocado) are as big as your head. Or choose one of the platillos Mexicanos—grilled steak, shrimp plates, or the quesadilla suprema, to name a few—all of which are served with a side of Mexican salad (tomato, onion, avocado, rice, and beans). 812 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-0611, taqueriasanmiguelrestaurantky. com

DRINK UP

Wet your whistle with these Mexican drinks. —AVERY PADGETT

Jalapeño Pineapple

Rita

This spiced-up drink at Agave & Rye treats people to a tongue-burning twist on a classic margarita, with jalapeño-infused tequila, pineapple juice, sugar water, fresh lime juice, and “secrets.” Multiple locations, agaveandrye.com

Sparkler Margs

Add some spark into your life and bring flavorful fun to your Mi Cozumel table with these colorful cocktails. The Queen Margarita, Fountain Margarita, Fishbowl Margarita, and Ivy Margarita each come with their own sparkler decoration for a bit of added excitement. Multiple locations, micozumel.com

Espresso Horchata

Garnished with a cinnamon stick, Bakersfield OTR brings the sweet silkiness of Mexican horchata alive with the zing of Esplòlon Blanco tequila, Spanish Licor 43, Punt e Mes, bitters, and cold brew in this rich cocktail. 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 579-0446, bakersfieldtacos.com

Michelada

OLLA TAQUERIA GUTIERREZ

It’s established itself as one of the best taco spots in Greater Cincinnati among locals, and for good reason. You can’t skip the birria at Olla—it comes in traditional ways like on a taco or in a burrito, as well as in ramen and grilled cheese form. The Guti fries and nachos are heaping portions (so large that they recently added a half size option to the menu) with fresh cilantro, onion, mozzarella and cotija cheeses, spicy mayo, and guacamole. And on weekends, grab a breakfast burrito or an eggs and chorizo plate during brunch hours (11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 302 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Covington, (859) 261-6552, ollacov.com

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant’s Mexican twist on a Bloody Mary skips the vodka and instead cracks open a beer, adding Tajín, lime, and tomato juice to make for a refreshingly savory drink. Multiple locations, acapulcocinci.com

Carajillo

This cocktail from Mita’s combines drinks and dessert by merging the citrus and vanilla tones of Licor 43 with espresso, creating a smooth pick-me-up to help you conclude (or continue) your night. 501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co

Paleta Shots

At Olla in Covington, tanginess and sweetness collide under a Tajín rim in this Mexican candy–inspired shot. Spiced with Valentina hot sauce and Chamoy, this drink gets its fruity flavor from watermelon puree blended with tequila. 302 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Covington, (859) 261-6552, ollacov.com

CANTINA

Cantina offers top-notch gourmet Mexican dishes from a gluten-free kitchen. Enjoy a seasonal ceviche or the decadent queso fundido with a smoky salsa macha verde and chile toreados. How do you choose between Baja fish tacos, featuring perfectly crispy pieces of mahi-mahi, and the sharable large plates like the carne asada, which comes out in a sizzling skillet, or the rich chicken mole served up with buttered rice and frijoles negros? You may just have to bring more people with you as an excuse to try everything. 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton, (513) 345-6783, crowncantina.com

La Torta Loca

Find authentic Mexican and Venezuelan street food at one of La Torta Loca’s two locations—with offerings from quesadillas and tacos to arepas and empanadas. As the name suggests, the tortas are the star of the show here. The massive sandwiches are served on fluffy white rolls and come in a variety of preparations, like the savory Norteña (norteña steak, grilled onions, avocado, lime, salsa verde) or the sweeter Tropicana (grilled chicken, chipotle sauce, pineapple, Mexican cheese blend). 8645 Haines Dr., #A, Florence, (859) 817-1028, latortalocaflorence.com; 564 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, (859) 360-2423, latortalocaky.com

Lita’s Tacos

The newly reopened Lita’s Tacos hides away in a Florence strip mall, but you won’t want to miss it. Get the best bang for your buck with the taco combo deals: choose three or four tacos with your choice of protein (chicken, carne asada, and a veggie) and get a drink for $12–$13.50. The papas—Mexican baked potatoes—are oven-baked and loaded with cheese, your choice of protein, and topped with fresh onions and cilantro. On the side, try the elote, served on the cob and coated with cream, cotija cheese, and Tajin. 4975 Houston Rd., Florence, (859) 817-0163, litastacos.com

Pata Roja Taqueria

Chef Derrick Braziel serves up authentic Mexico City–style street food at his Court Street taqueria. He and his team make the sumptuous meats in-house, including the signature al pastor that originally inspired Braziel to purse his passion for Mexican street food. The flavor doesn’t stop at the tacos—get a side of seasoned tortilla chips coated with warm spices that complement the fresh guacamole. 52 E. Court St., downtown, (513) 547-8226, patarojatacos.com

Gomez Salsa

After a long evening of exploring and enjoying the bars and nightlife that Over-the-Rhine has to offer, Gomez is the place to go for delicious late-night bites. The menu is simple: a few variations of fillings in your choice of tacos, burritos, bowls, or the signature Turtle (the restaurant’s take on a Crunchwrap). Check the monthly specials for limited-edition Turtles like Philly cheesesteak, Cali fish, and even gyro. 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1596, gomezsalsa.com

Dos Hermanos

After 14 years as a food truck in central Ohio, Dos Hermanos opened its first full-service Queen City location in Findlay Market in January. Vibrant decorations make the space pop alongside a simple but perfectly executed menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls. Whether you choose a basic protein or the deluxe birria, no order is complete without a big basket of fresh tortilla chips and some creamy guac. 1819 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 277-0878, eatatdos.com

Mi Casita

Part neighborhood market, part taqueria, this hidden gem offers flavors that are authentically Mexican, with bright salsas, well-seasoned meats, and horchata to wash it all down. Order at the counter and watch tortillas get made fresh before tacos arrive piled with carne asada, chorizo, or birria. Prices are affordable, making it easy to feed a crowd on a budget. This is the kind of casual spot taco lovers return to again and again. 5714 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, (513) 407-8322, micasitarestaurant ohiooh.com

Mi Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill

Mi Cabaña brings festive energy to Western Hills with an expansive menu and a bar that serves jumbo margaritas without skimping on the tequila. Classic Mexican dishes like birria tacos drip with savory richness, and the fiesta burrito is packed with grilled chicken, steak, onions, beans and rice, and topped with cheese, chorizo, pineapple, and shrimp. Come hungry, as the portions are generous and leftovers are practically guaranteed. 2169 Queen City Ave., Western Hills, (513) 481-3888

La Piñata Mexican Grill & Bar

This place pairs south-of-the-border decor with a menu that covers just about every Mexican dish you can imagine. The nachos supreme come covered with cheese, chicken, beef, and beans, while the fajitas are served sizzling with flavorful meats, seafood, and veggies. With friendly service that keeps the pace upbeat, La Piñata is the kind of neighborhood place where families gather for lunch after soccer games and friends meet for casual dinners on the weekends. 3731 Stone Creek Blvd., Colerain Twp., (513) 923-2733, lapinatacolerain.com

El Taco Veloz

As the name implies (“veloz” means “speedy”), tacos are slung fast here. If you’re into something fruity, try the Parrillada Hay Mama, made with your choice of meat, onions, cilantro, rice, beans, and pineapple queso fresco. Something classic? The Taco-Go street tacos come with meat, onions, cilantro, and a can of Mexican beer. What about something funky? Go for the Tacos Épicos, filled with steak, mac and cheese, corn, and cabbage salad. 922 Business 28, Milford, (513) 239-6293, eltacovelozmilford.com

El Toro

In Hyde Park Plaza, El Toro has the mark of any familyfavorite Mexican joint: ample seating, low wait times, occasional live music, and a whopping 10-page menu. While you peruse more than 70 entrées, treat yourself to a skillet of choriqueso for the table—traditional queso fundido made with four different cheeses and topped with chorizo. The cheese pull is beyond impressive, and the flavor even more so. 3816 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 321-4222, eltoro-bravo.com

Los Cazadores

Dining here feels like eating in a booth in the middle of a bustling square, so you might forget you’re in Withamsville. The joint prides itself on a myriad of lunch and dinner combos: make the perfect pair by choosing between enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tamales, and chile relleno (roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and meat). 637 Ohio Pike, Withamsville, (513) 843-6195, loscazadoresbeechmont.com

EL BARRIL MEXICAN SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Game days are just better at El Barril. Its roll-up garage doors and cozy patio are ideal for warm spring days during baseball season, and its friendly servers and bar staff are happy to walk you through the menu or chat about the latest game. The restaurant combines the best of both worlds: traditional Mexican fare as well as new takes on game-day favorites, like the poblano burger and shredded chicken pizza with cilantro and onions. 940 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams, (513) 381-6112, elbarrilmexican.com

KEEP

TRUCKIN’

Catch these Mexican food trucks around the Queen City. —Ella Rose Johnston

1 Jorge’s Taco Truck, 3980 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 370-0232, jorges tacotruckcincinnati.com

2 The Mexican Village, 5201 Fenwick Ave., Norwood, (513) 646-2119

3 Cocina Jalisco, 2701 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington, (513) 2255255

4 Taqueria Los Cuñados, 2696 Madison Rd., Norwood, (513) 257-5254

5 Taqueria Los Cuñados, 30 Donnermeyer Dr., Bellevue, (513) 601-6323

6 El Cardenal Taqueria, 4003 Eastern Ave., outside Streetside Brewery, Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 327-8038, elcardenal cincy.com

7 JC’s Taco Truck, 405 E. Wyoming Ave., Lockland, (513) 793-8836

8 Tacos Don Chavita, 1924 Sherman Ave., Norwood, (513) 822-4281, tacosdonchavitaoh.com

9 Taco Queen Food Trailer, 10119 Old Union Rd., Union, (859) 869-0015

Taqueria Mana Del Cielo, 7451 Vine St., Carthage, (513) 291-9580

11 Taqueria El Pastor Dorado, 3251 Mt. Carmel Rd., Anderson Twp., (513) 4327236, taqueriaelpastor dorado.online

Tacos El Gordis, 4545 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills, (513) 823-7076, tacoselgordisquio.com

La Rancherita, 4514 Mt. Carmel Tobasco Rd., Anderson Twp., (513) 807-9125

Tacos El Joven, 2157 Queen City Ave., South Fairmont, (513) 208-1713

El Taco Bus, 7014 Vine St., Carthage, (513) 254-9308

La Jaiba Seafood & Taqueria

La Jaiba’s intimate setting envelopes you like the arms of your favorite abuelita. Peruse the five-page menu and choose among an impressive array of tacos, burritos, and fajitas as well as harder-to-find specialties like parrilladas, molcajete, and tortas. Wash it all down with a refreshing 24-ounce margarita or bottled Mexican soda and get an order of lengua tacos to go. 11941 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 880-4565, lajaibacincy.com/home

Madre’s Modern Mexican

In March, East Walnut Hill’s Tequila Modern Mexican moved across the river to its new Covington corner spot, rebranded endearingly as Madre’s. The drink menu lists roughly 100 different tequilas from a massively impressive collection behind the bar while the food menu offers an array of enchiladas, fajitas, and impressive lunchtime offerings. We’re partial to the enchiladas Mexicanas: three rolled tortillas filled with queso, steak, and chicken and topped with housemade mole, queso, and tomatillo sauce, respectively. 801 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 279-3669

El Jinete

Along with its decor, the menu at this spacious Mexican spot leans into a Tex-Mex vibe, offering a boatload of nacho options such as the Nacho Carbon and Nacho Jim (with chicken or steak topped with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes) and shrimp fajita nachos as well as hefty burritos chock-full of all kinds of proteins. We recommend the seafood burrito combo: served with a side of rice, it’s filled with shrimp, scallops, onions, and crab, and topped with chimichurri sauce and pico de gallo. 10780 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 247-2272, eljinetemexican.com (additional locations in Fairfax, Deer Park, and Taylor Mill)

Tacos Time

Tacos Time popped up next to a laundromat in a former Busken Bakery location back in 2021 and quickly became a west side favorite. From the Chipotle-style assembly line, you can watch the restaurant’s crew members assemble standard Mexican fare, including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and bowls with the freshest ingredients, but don’t skip the specials. Grab an order of birria tacos or a pupusa—a thick grilled tortilla stuffed with savory fillings and served with coleslaw salad and salsa on the side—and drive home happy. 5345 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, (513) 922-8226, tacostimeoh.com

El Nuevo Valle Mexican Restaurant

The Carthage/Elmwood Place area has more Mexican food trucks than restaurants, but honestlyEl Nuevo Valle is enough. Deep in the Carthage neighborhood and attached to a grocery store, this hole in the wall joint is exactly what you want for authentic Mexican food—a colorful, no-frills interior balanced out by a menu packed with flavor. The serving for the Valle Verde nachos is big enough to feed three and you’ll love the seafood burritos. 6711 Vine St., Carthage, (513) 821-2232

TORTILLERIA GARCIA

The housemade corn tortillas at Tortilleria Garcia—where owner Omar Garcia uses the same recipe his grandmother and mother taught him in Michoacán, Mexico, on his family’s corn farm—have helped propel the restaurant’s expansion to three locations across the city. Mix and match them with carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, shrimp, chicken, or other options for a combo platter topped with the likes of cheese, tomatoes, onions, refried beans, pico de gallo, and more. 5917 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, (513) 541-0568 (additional locations in Springdale and Mason)

Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

The vibe here is equal parts neighborhood hangout and lively cantina. The broad menu covers all the classics like Mexican street corn, tamales, burritos, and quesadillas, alongside crowd favorites such as raw oysters. Portions are generous, chips and salsa arrive fresh, and the colorful drink menu keeps the energy high. Friendly service and a welcoming dining area make it easy to see why regulars treat this Colerain spot like a second home. 8598 Colerain Ave., Colerain Twp., (513) 923-3400, lospanchoscolerain.com

Taqueria Mercado

The León family has been slinging authentic Mexican dishes at Fairfield’s family-owned Taqueria Mercado location since 1990, so the menu items have withstood the test of time. Start your day with a heaping plate of machaca or chilaquiles, come back for a tasty lunch special under $9, then end your day with a createyour-own burrito, taco, tostada, or quesadilla—all freshly prepared and served up hot. 6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943, taqueriamercado.com (also 100 E. Eighth St., downtown, 513-381-0678)

El Rancho Nuevo

This spot embraces a “más grande cantina” vibe, where customers are encouraged to eat and drink big. Specialties include the Coctel el Patrón, piled high with shrimp ceviche, octopus, shrimp, and an array of cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, onions, and salsa. The restaurant is kid friendly, offering weekly menu specials. Plus, there’s happy hour pricing every day from 3 to 6 p.m. 2870 Menards Blvd., Fairfield Twp., (513) 737-3319, elranchonuevo.com (additional locations in Liberty Township, Mason, and West Chester)

ELEVATION STATION

These fusion restaurants give Mexican food some extra oomph.

—CLAIRE WESTON

Nada

Kick back on Nada’s bright red brick patio— surrounded by lush greenery in the spring and summer months—and chow down on rich and spicy flavors that elevate Mexican fare in interesting ways. We always recommend the mac and cheese with roasted poblano and garlic breadcrumbs, and the jalapeño cheddar cornbread. 600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada. com

Lalo Chino Latino

Enjoy warm and elaborate Asian-Latino dishes—ranging from birria ramen to Mexi bibimbap—inside this bright fast-casual dining spot. You can also get all of Lalo’s flavors to go with its taco meals, noodle dishes, and individual boxed lunch catering. 26 W. Court St., downtown, (513) 3815256, lalocincinnati.com

Roberto & Miguel’s

Handcrafted Mexican

Step into this open and sunlit restaurant to experience its Guatemalan take on handcrafted Mexican dishes, created with fresh ingredients. Meats and fish are slow-cooked and marinated in Guatemalan spices that shine along with the vibrant, housemade salsas. 6735 Lakota Lane, Ste. 400, Liberty Twp., (513) 838-5704, handcraftedmexican.com

Red Sesame

Visit Element Eatery to savor Mexican-style dishes and traditional Korean flavors. Mouthwatering Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are served with housemade sauces. 5350 Medpace Way, #7, Madisonville, (513) 356-0880, redsesamebbq. com

AZUL TACOS & TEQUILA

From the vibrant atmosphere to the large menu graphics, the variety of bright cocktail garnishes, and the entrées themselves, everything at Azul lives up to its colorful name. When you have a craving for traditional Mexican, birria, or authentic street food, it’s hard to beat the offerings here. Come for the Mexican street corn on a stick smothered in Cotija and stay for the chiles rellenos served with rice and guacamole. 11305 Princeton Pike, Springdale, (513) 772-1800, azulcincin nati.com

Taqueria Don Chago

If you’re looking for a relaxing, family-oriented Mexican restaurant with room enough to host your next big celebration, this is your destination. Customers come for the tasty tamales, savory street tacos, overstuffed burritos, and giant helpings of nachos as well as housemade salsa and smoky chorizo. Kick back with friends and enjoy frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas in a cool, modern industrial space lined with murals. 11449 Princeton Pike, Springdale, (513) 771-8226, taqueria-donchago.com

Shango’s Urban Taqueria

Visit this Latin-Caribbean fusion restaurant to enjoy tasty Mexican-style soul food. The toppings on the signature nachos include smoked jerk chicken, braised oxtail, creole-spiced shrimp, and butterpoached crawfish. 2750 Park Ave., Norwood, (513) 999-8888, shangostacos.com

VALLE ESCONDIDO MEXICAN GRILL

El Vaquero

Setting up shop in the former Taste of Belgium space on Short Vine, El Vaquero has a lot going on. Being around the corner from the University of Cincinnati means the place not only has a great selection of margaritas and Mexican favorites for students and other visitors to the area to enjoy (tacos, nachos, fajitas, and enchiladas platters, for instance), it also offers specialty events, like dance nights and comedy nights, to keep the crowds coming. 2845 Short Vine St., Corryville, (513) 221-0516, vaquero restaurant.com

Mi Tierra

Head past the aisles and aisles of groceries and you’ll find a culinary oasis of sorts. Inside this market, there’s a restaurant waiting for you, boasting a large menu with an emphasis on seafood specialties. Fish tacos are the go-to dish here, but you’ll also want to try the Fajitas Mi Tierra with chicken, steak, shrimp, green peppers, roasted jalapeños, onions, lettuce, beans, and rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, snag one of the dishes that feature octopus, like the seafood molcajete: shrimp, octopus, crab leg, scallops, and mussels served scorching hot on a stone mortar. 1770 E. Kemper Rd., Sharonville, (513) 648-9240; 401 W. Kemper Rd., Springdale, (513) 648-9498

Valle Escondido has become a favorite among west-siders. The menu balances Tex-Mex favorites with more traditional offerings, from classic deep-fried golden chimichangas and saucy, cheesy enchiladas to creamy guacamole and carne asada cooked with onions and jalapeños. Colorful decor and attentive service elevate the experience beyond the usual Mexican eatery. And with additional locations in Harrison and Union, Valle Escondido resonates with foodies throughout the tri-state. 19908 Augusta Dr., Lawrenceburg, Indiana, (812) 537-1986, valleescondidomexican grill.com (additional locations in Harrison and Union)

SWEET THINGS

Live the dulce life with these Mexican treats from La Michoacana Y Sus Antojitos. —LELA WALKER

Coctel de Frutas

Stay hydrated with this fruit salad, which includes a tasty mix of mango, watermelon, melon, pineapple, and cucumber. You can also add chamoy, Tajin, lime, and the seasonal jicama.

Sandia Loca

Filled with crazy textures and flavors, this inch-thick watermelon is placed on a plate with a stick through the bottom of the fruit. Add Tajin, lime, and chamoy for tangy layers of flavor.

Aguas Frescas

Known as “cool waters,” these refreshing fruit drinks are a rice and cinnamon water base, perfect for a hot summer day. The most popular flavors are horchata, strawberry, mango, and pineapple.

Raspados

This popular treat combines flavorful syrups with crushed ice in a cup. The mango raspado includes diced pieces of mango on top of shaved ice, with the option of adding Tajin to the rim for extra spice and color.

Mango con Chile

This sweet and savory treat typically features sliced mango sprinkled with Tajin, and mixed with lime, chile, salt, and chamoy. The sour, hot salsa on top adds pops of color with hints of spice.

Paletas de Leche and de Agua

Made from rich, creamy ingredients, these Mexican milk and water–based popsicles are prepared with natural strawberry, coconut, and chocolate flavors.

How much do you remember from your American history classes?

If you’re like the average citizen, probably not much. Did you even take a U.S. history class in college?

The Ohio Legislature got involved in the debate over our collective civic illiteracy by approving Senate Bill 1 last year, requiring all students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at public state universities to take and pass a class covering specific aspects of American history and civics. Politicians being politicians, the bill also included a number of unrelated directives: university DEI departments must be dissolved, along with diversity statements; faculty strikes are prohibited; academic programs with small graduating class numbers over a three-year period must be eliminated; and safeguards

must be enacted against the interference and influence of the People’s Republic of China.

Spearheaded by Ohio State Senator Jerry Cirino, a Republican from the Cleveland area, SB1 was framed as a way to preserve free expression on college campuses. The bill claims to enhance both speech and academic freedom, not limit them, “with a requirement that diversity of thought be promoted,” according to his January 2025 news release introducing the bill.

SB1 meticulously outlines what an American civic literacy course should entail at the university level, including specific readings. Universities are not given any funding to meet the mandate—to cover a

new professor’s salary, for example—and must implement the course by fall 2026 for the graduating class of 2030 and beyond.

“There are aspects of [SB 1] that I think are wrong-headed,” says David Stradling, professor of urban history at the University of Cincinnati. “But in general I was supportive of this legislation [regarding American civic literacy] from the very beginning.”

Stradling, who’s taught at UC for 25 years, is one of the key faculty members who helped shape the university’s response. UC has launched a new history course, Democracy and the American Tradition, alongside an updated political science offering from the School of Public and

International Affairs (SPIA) to fulfill the requirement.

“There was already a political science course at UC that did much of what the legislation asked for,” says Stradling. “We worked in parallel and in communication with each other. SPIA transformed their course to meet the legislation’s specific needs, and the history department created a brand-new class that includes all of the required documents.”

The political science class, American Political Thought, has been reconfigured from a more major-specific course to meet the wider student base it’s now also serving. “The course focuses on the political philosophy behind the founding of the United States and then traces forward how political thought has changed up until the present,” says Steve Mockabee, SPIA director and professor. “We’ve redesigned that course to now be offered at the 1000 level instead of as an upper-level course.”

Miami University is also adding multiple versions of the course in different departments and units. At least four versions will be taught on Miami’s main campus: a new history course taught by history faculty, a redesigned political science class that will replace an introductory American government survey, and two courses

through Miami’s Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, which will cover the same set of texts but with slightly different objectives. There may be other versions released in the future as well. Regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester will have their own version of the course.

The percentage of college students who take an American history class has plummeted, says Stradling, a depressing thought as the country gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday. “I used to teach 200 students each quarter in the American survey, and essentially every American history professor did that,” he says. “So we were teaching thousands of students American history, and others were teaching other kinds of history. I think it’s important to study American history, but it’s important to study history period And that really wasn’t happening anymore.”

The class of 2030 starts college this fall. Exact enrollment numbers aren’t out yet, but UC projected that nearly 9,000 firsttime undergraduates began their studies across all of its campuses in fall 2025. Students who began five-year programs in 2025 are among the first required to take the

“We complain that Americans aren’t informed enough about government. Well, here’s an effort to alleviate that,” says Spencer Kiesel, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati.

More

QUESTIONS

Than ANSWERS

When local nonprofit founder Rosemary Oglesby-Henry decided to run for Congress, she wanted to help her community. Then she was arrested, and the questions began:

Was she the victim of a friend’s mental illness? Was it a coordinated political attack? Did the system fail her?

There are no clear answers.

By Lisa Murtha

Photographs

by

Shon Curtis

It was Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, when District One Congressional candidate Rosemary Oglesby-Henry stood outside her Westwood home with a locksmith. Her longtime friend Kevin Farmer, a fellow Black Republican she’d been helping with his own city council campaign, was inside. She had loaned her truck to Farmer, but he said he lost the keys. They argued. Concerned she’d be late to church, OglesbyHenry decided to change the locks and get going.

Just three weeks earlier, 46-year-old Oglesby-Henry had announced she’d be running in the May 2026 Republican primary for the seat held by Democrat Greg Landsman. On her campaign website, Oglesby-Henry writes, “I am living proof that while the journey may be hard, everything can be OK because real change happens when courage meets compassion, and compassion is followed by execution.” Black, Christian, and conservative, she had already garnered significant support. Momentum was building. Donors were interested. She began scheduling public appearances and interviews. The truck, the argument with Farmer, it all seemed like little more than a distraction.

But as the locksmith worked on the truck, the 39-year-old Farmer grew agitated, pacing, shaking his foot, raising his tone. Oglesby-Henry recognized the signs of mental distress. She found herself standing on the threshold of her own front door, with Farmer still inside her home, cell phone in hand. The last thing she remembers him saying is: I am about to make your life living hell. Then he called the police, claiming OglesbyHenry had threatened him with a gun.

Never mind that there was no gun anywhere on the premises or in Oglesby-Henry’s possession—a fact later established by police, who searched her home for over an hour and found no weapons. Never mind that, even if there had been a gun, Oglesby-Henry had a concealed carry permit. Never mind that she owned the property and had every right to defend herself against a mentally unstable man in her own home.

“It didn’t matter what evidence I showed them,” Oglesby-Henry says today of the police. Based on nothing more than Farmer’s word, she would end up handcuffed and jailed for three days. Media would broadcast

her mugshot throughout the region. And Farmer would be left squatting undisturbed in her house for days.

Oglesby-Henry would spend a month and a half fighting to clear her name until finally, with little fanfare, Cincinnati prosecutors would drop the charges against her in early November and send Farmer to jail for breaking into her home a second time. By then, Oglesby-Henry’s campaign staff and donors had jumped ship, and even some of her friends distanced themselves from her.

And yet she remained undeterred. She has continued to run, mounting a formidable grassroots comeback campaign, speaking at GOP and other events throughout Greater Cincinnati. “What was meant to break me will not succeed,” she said in a statement shortly after her release. “This only strengthens my resolve to fight for justice, for safety, and for every woman and family who has ever been targeted unfairly.” What happened that September day is still a source of confusion. Oglesby-Henry is left to deal with the fallout personally and politically. How could this happen? There are no clear answers.

AS VOTERS HEAD TO THE POLLS TO vote in Ohio’s May primaries, they’ll see a slew of names on the Republican slate, all vying for the right to run for Greg Landsman’s District One congressional seat: an Air Force veteran and CIA operative who went to Elder but seems not to have lived in Cincinnati since high school; a Catholic Madeira-based dentist raised in Warren County; a Christian Hamilton native and former Turning Point USA staffer; and Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, a nonprofit founder and certified minister who has lived in Cincinnati her whole life and is known

to many simply as “Ms. Rosemary.”

SAFE SPACE “IT DIDN’T MATTER WHAT EVIDENCE I SHOWED [THE POLICE],” OGLESBYHENRY SAYS. SHE WAS ARRESTED AT HER HOME IN SEPTEMBER 2025.

I have known Oglesby-Henry for years, having written about the nonprofit she founded, Rosemary’s Babies, for this publication and others, and hosted her on my podcast twice. She is unique among public figures in her ability to walk the razor’s edge of a deep political divide, given her nonprofit neatly skirts the pro-life / pro-choice issue by simply helping single parents ages 13–19 navigate life and high school. The program teaches life skills and goalsetting, providing one-on-one mentoring and peer support sessions that explore relationship, parenting, and communication skills. She has helped more than 3,000 young mothers stop the generational cycles that threaten to keep them impoverished, unemployed, and undereducated. But most who know her had no idea she was a Republican until now. As former Rosemary’s Babies advisory board member Mark Osborne puts it, “being a CEO of a nonprofit, she can’t take a public political stance.”

As her nonprofit grew, OglesbyHenry earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and received awards from the Business Courier, the Ohio Senate, the NAACP, and the Holocaust & Humanity Center. She eventually grew her nonprofit so much that she needed a new space to house all the teens she serves each day. She set her sights on a large abandoned home in North Avondale, raised enough money to renovate it, and spent years fighting the North Avondale Community Council, finally emerging triumphant when Holloway House opened in March 2025. Along the way, she learned there is no legislation in Ohio regulating residential parent facilities.

The journey was not without its trials—she is currently involved in a legal dispute with a contractor—but she says it made her realize that no matter how hard she advocated for teen parents, there were legal barriers preventing them from accessing services they needed. Since

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 WINNERS

A LETTER FROM THE DEAN

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI COLLEGE OF NURSING

N T

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing is proud to recognize this year’s Torch of Excellence Nursing Award recipients, an extraordinary group of professionals whose work reflects the depth, breadth, and impact of modern nursing practice.

These honorees represent diverse roles across acute care, community health, executive leadership, maternal-child services, quality improvement, and professional advocacy. Collectively, they demonstrate that excellence in nursing is not confined to a single role or setting—it is expressed in the steady hands of the critical care nurse, the strategic vision of the systems leader, the advocacy of the community partner, the innovation of the entrepreneur, and the mentorship of the seasoned clinician who shapes the next generation of nurses.

What distinguishes this year’s awardees is not only professional achievement, but purpose. Through program development, quality initiatives, education, and collaboration, they have transformed care while remaining grounded in compassion and human connection. They lead with integrity and accountability, center patients and families in every decision, and elevate colleagues while serving as role models within and beyond their organizations. Their work reminds us that nursing is both a scientific discipline and a moral commitment, one that calls for courage, curiosity, and deep respect for the dignity of every individual.

As we celebrate these outstanding professionals, we also celebrate the collective strength of our nursing community. Their accomplishments inspire us to continue advancing care, equity, and innovation.

We are honored to recognize this year’s Torch of Excellence Nursing Award recipients and congratulate them on this well-deserved distinction.

Alicia Ribar, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE Dean & Schmidlapp Professor of Nursing University of Cincinnati College of Nursing

TORCH OF EXCELLENCE NURSING AWARDS 2026

CARLA BLUE, BSN, CCRN, RN

University of Cincinnati Medical Center

Since 2004, Carla Blue has served as a dedicated nurse at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, becoming a leader in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) in 2009. Beyond her bedside responsibilities, Blue played a foundational role in developing the STAT program, through which she proactively supports highrisk patients and bedside nurses throughout the hospital. She responds to all rapid responses and codes with confidence and focus and has collaborated with transportation services to designate a critical care transporter, ensuring patients receive timely access to essential tests and procedures.

As both a charge nurse and preceptor, she plays a vital role in guiding and shaping the next generation of CVICU nurses. She co-founded an innovative cardiothoracic surgery education and simulation program, significantly enhancing nurse confidence and advancing patient safety. Her leadership extends beyond her unit through active participation in Shared Governance at all levels and her key role in establishing the Critical Care Committee, which brings ICU nurses together across shifts and specialties.

DEASA DORSEY, BSN, RN

iCan Health and Black Nurse Network

Deasa Dorsey is a distinguished leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning clinical practice, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy. As co-founder of the Black Nurse Network, she has empowered Black nursing students while advancing inclusive education, resilience, and excellence within the profession. Her commitment to holistic health is further demonstrated through the founding of iCan Health, Inc., where she delivers innovative strategies to support individuals managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Dorsey’s influence extends into academia and mentorship, having served as an adjunct clinical instructor at the UC College of Nursing and as a faculty advisor for a student organization. Her leadership includes roles such as past president of the UC College of Nursing Alumni Board and service on boards including Cradle Cincinnati and the Committee for Equity & Inclusive Excellence. She recently co-produced Breaking the Silence: A Black Nursing Documentary, which amplifies the voices of Black nurses and advocates for equity within the profession.

TORCH OF EXCELLENCE NURSING AWARDS 2026

MOLLY MENDENHALL, MBOE, BSN, LSSBB, RN Oncology Hematology Care (OHC)

Molly Mendenhall is a transformational nursing leader who has evolved from bedside oncology nurse to Senior Director of Quality and Compliance, bringing more than 14 years of clinical experience to executive decision-making. As a member of her organization’s Executive Leadership Team, she brings a frontline nurse’s perspective to strategy, care models, and risk management, ensuring that initiatives improve outcomes not just at the bedside, but across entire patient populations.

Through her leadership in the Oncology Care Model, Mendenhall guided a six-year practice transformation that reduced avoidable hospitalizations by 16 percent while generating significant cost savings for Medicare. For patients and families, this translated into fewer emergency visits, better symptom management, and stronger continuity of care. She has also advanced precision oncology by standardizing biomarker and genetic testing processes, increasing access to targeted therapies, and reducing missed opportunities for life-extending treatments. Mendenhall is a nationally recognized presenter and published author who shares practical, outcomes-driven strategies at oncology and value-based care conferences across the country. Her leadership reflects a rare combination of clinical instinct, operational excellence, and unwavering compassion.

CHARLA PAYNE, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC

The Christ Hospital Health Network

Charla Payne is a visionary leader in maternal and newborn care whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to patients, families, and her community. As Director of Nursing for Women’s Health and Newborn Services at The Christ Hospital Health Network, Payne combines clinical expertise, compassion, and strategic insight to guide a growing service line while remaining deeply connected to the bedside.

Payne has been a driving force in shaping compassionate, family-centered care at every level. She helped develop the hospital’s breast milk donation program to ensure infants receive essential nutrition and championed the Angel Suites—dedicated spaces offering privacy and comfort to families experiencing fetal loss. She actively supports the WINGS program through memorial services and fundraisers, and played a pivotal role in both the Liberty Birthing Center expansion and the main campus renovation.

Her commitment to excellence is evident not only in measurable outcomes, but in the trust and confidence she builds with patients, families, and her team every day.

LORI (DOLORES) PUTHOFF, MSN, RN, NE-BC

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Lori (Dolores) Puthoff is an extraordinary nursing leader whose impact spans decades, roles, and countless lives. As Director of the Specialty Resource Unit (SRU) at Cincinnati Children’s from 2011 to 2025, she built a strong, autonomous team that supports all 17 areas of the hospital, ensuring nurses are deplotyed effectively to meet operational needs while maintaining clinical excellence. Her leadership during the height of COVID exemplified her dedication—she redeployed nurses across inpatient, ambulatory, psychiatry, homecare, and public vaccine clinics, keeping staff engaged, safe, and contributing during unprecedented challenges. Beyond her own hospital, Puthoff founded the National Float Pool Collaborative—now the National Collaborative for Healthcare Resource Teams—bringing together over 70 organizations to share best practices and advance float pool nursing nationwide. Her innovative spirit is reflected in multiple transformative initiatives: developing the Remote Patient Monitoring program to improve post-discharge care, optimizing patient flow through the Transfer/Command Center, and creating the pre-arrival nurse role to enhance patient transitions and satisfaction.

CLAUDIA VELEZ, MSN, RN, CPN, HNB-BC, CLC

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Since joining Cincinnati Children’s in 2013, Claudia Velez advanced from the Specialty Resource Unit to a pivotal role as a nurse home visitor with Every Child Succeeds/ Nurse-Family Partnership. In this position, she serves as a trusted guide for fi rsttime, at-risk mothers—particularly within the Hispanic community—leveraging her professional expertise, cultural fluency, and compassion to improve maternal and child outcomes. Velez manages a caseload of 23–25 clients, providing individualized, evidence-based education and support from early pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. Her work spans a wide range of complex challenges—prenatal nutrition, infant development, mental health, intimate partner violence, breastfeeding, and access to healthcare resources. To date, she has impacted the lives of 59 mothers and children, maintaining a remarkable 99 percent retention rate among clients within the service area—a testament to both her relational depth and clinical expertise.

Velez’s work includes extraordinary accomplishments, such as supporting the youngest client ever enrolled in the program, a 12-year-old mother, ensuring both her and her baby thrived. She also advances nursing practice through advanced education, multiple specialty certifications, and leadership initiatives, including founding a collaborative to address maternal and child health disparities.

ANETA HELMER, BSN, CCRN, RN

Good Samaritan Hospital

TORCH OF EXCELLENCE NURSING AWARDS 20XX

NAME NAMERSON, MHA, BSN, RN

Hospital Name Here

A remarkable nurse whose 50-year career in the ICU exemplifies the very best of nursing excellence, Aneta Helmer has saved countless lives, yet what truly sets her apart is the care she provides every day—the attention to detail, the compassion and the unwavering commitment to her patients’ dignity and comfort. From ensuring mobility, hygiene, and cleanliness to creating environments that feel safe and supportive, Helmer understands that these seemingly small acts have a profound impact on patients and their families.

Her dedication to lifelong learning is equally impressive—Helmer reads AACN journals monthly, stays current with evidence-based practice, and continually seeks ways to improve patient care. She shares her knowledge generously, teaching Basic Life Support (BLS), mentoring nurses, residents, and doctors, and serving as a clinical coach, charge nurse, and interim manager. The standards she has set in her ICU reflect years of persistence, expertise, and leadership.

Helmer’s influence extends beyond her own bedside. By showing that expertise and humility can coexist, she demonstrates that true nursing leadership means rolling up your sleeves while guiding others, fostering a culture of excellence that inspires colleagues to uphold the highest standards of care.

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Sunt quo quam id unt, cus volorro is si cust, aliti debis essum sum sinctur, nonsequia coria dolupta pari ipic tem

2026 FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGERS

NAME NAMERSON,

Hospital

Name Here

MHA,

BSN, RN

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SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing relies on the generosity of our alumni and friends to continue educating and honoring outstanding nurses. For information about making a charitable gift to one of the many funds within the college, please contact the Office of Development at (513) 558-5386 or visit uc.edu/give.

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Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at VISITSHELBYKY.COM.

america 250 america 250

Celebrate 250 Years of American History in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky

This summer, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here’s a guide to more than 50 festivals, parades, readings, performances, historic reenactments, podcasts, speeches, military ceremonies, ice cream socials, and more in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky that celebrate the rich history of America from its founding to now. We’re making it a summer to remember!

OHIO

must-sees

Celebrate Ohio communities through public art with Murals Across Ohio highlighting over 100 murals across 88 counties that can be viewed in person or virtually through an interactive online map. (america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio)

Discover Ohio’s vibrant creativite community by exploring over 100 sites across the state on the Ohio Creativity Trail showcasing everything literature, music, and visual arts to glass, pottery, folk and traditional arts, and carousel art. (america250-ohio. org/ohio-creativity-trail)

Choose your own adventure with the Lake Erie To Ohio River Trail interactive digital map, which lets you pick themes including Lake Erie Lighthouses, Boat Rides & Ferryboats, Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites, Ohio Canal Museums & Historic Sites, Ohio River Museums & Historic Sites, Natural Areas & Overlooks, and Aquatic Science & Research Sites. (america250-ohio.org/lake-erie-to-ohio-river)

Calendar of Events

May 2 | Fourth Annual “Walk In Our Boots” Walk/Run • Gahanna, Ohio

This fund-raiser supports once-homeless local veterans who are becoming reacclimated to a normal, self-sustaining life with the help of the local community. (runsignup.com)

May 2–3 | Annual Ohio Civil War Show • Mans-

This show features 800 tables of military materials

demonstrations, reenactments, bands, a church service and a reading of the Gettysburg Address by an Abe Lincoln impersonator. (ohiocivilwarshow. com)

May 2, June 6, and July 4 | Coffee with a Colonial at Tim Hortons • Portsmouth, Ohio

Have a free cup of coffee with a Revolutionary War soldier or just chat and learn about Ohio’s involvement in the Revolutionary War from a history August.

May 3 | The Best Day in UA: Celebrating 100 Years of July Fourth Traditions • Columbus, Ohio

America’s 250th anniversary coincides with the 100th time Upper Arlington has held July Fourth festivities. To commemorate this milestone, the Upper Arlington Historical Society presents the history of how the Fourth of July celebration grew

into an iconic, community-wide, day-long party. (uahistory.org)

May 6 | Strike! Workers, Unions, and the Labor Movement in Town and Country • Bowling Green, Ohio

This lecture at the Wood County Museum uses the social and political turmoil of 1930s Toledo to focus on the American labor movement and its farreaching implications. (wcparks.org)

May 8–9 | Cornucopia: A Feast of American Music

The Magpie Consort presents an all-American program marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A. with choral classics, early American hymns, Appalachian folk songs, gospel, blues, spirituals, and other Americana. (magpieconsort.org)

May 9 | America250: Of Thee We Sing • Downtown Celebrate 250 years of our nation’s past with the Cincinnati Youth Choir and Cincinnati Choral Acad-

America—its dreams, challenges, and triumphs— through music that honors its people, its promise, and the common threads that unite us. (cincinnatichoir.org)

May 10, June 14, and July 12 | St. Clair’s Defeat Recovery, Ohio

Head to the Ft. Recovery Museum for guided tours

worst defeat of the Northwest Indian War in 1791. (fortrecoverymuseum.com)

May 11 | America250: Signing of the Declaration of Independence • Mason

Stand with Mason’s City Council in symbolically signing the Declaration of Independence—a moment that honors the courage, unity, and shared purpose that shaped our nation. All attendees are invited to bring history to life by adding their name. (imaginemason.org)

May 12 | Frederick Douglass Speaks on American Democracy • Fremont, Ohio

Join a living history presenter portraying Frederick Douglass, former slave, writer, orator, abolitionist, and civil rights leader, for a conversation about the meaning of American democracy in the historic Hayes Home. (rbhayes.org)

May 15–16 | Lewis and Clark in Ohio, Forts of Ohio Tour • Western Ohio

Departing from Erlanger, Kentucky, this three-day motor coach tour explores the forts of Western Ohio associated with the post–Revolutionary War period and the Northwest Indian War, where both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent time in the area during their military careers. (lewisandclark.travel)

May 17 | America @ 250 • Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a program that highlights the rich history of American chamber music. (liveartstoledo.com)

May 23–24 | Revolutionary War Reenactment • Bolivar, Ohio

Come to Ft. Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, for its annual Revolutionary War reenactment. Watch a mock battle for American independence with reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution. Learn about 18th century life through music, artillery, cooking, medicine, and discussions with Colonial and British soldiers and civilian reenactors. (fortlaurensmuseum.org)

May 23–25 | 1812 – Grand Tactical and Memorial Day Commemoration • Perrysburg, Ohio

Experience authentic 1812 military camps, musket and cannon demonstrations, battle reenactments, hands-on activities, and more. On Memorial Day, Ft. Meigs honors our nation’s fallen heroes and War of 1812 soldiers with a special wreath-laying ceremony. (fortmeigs.org)

June 4–6 | Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival • Logan, Ohio

The Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival celebrates everything to do with the washboard, a unique piece of American history. (loganwashboardfestival.com)

June 6 and June 13 | Zoar Towpath Trail History Tours • Historic Zoar Village, Ohio

Walk the scenic Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail between Zoar and Ft. Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, while exploring the rich history of the Ohio and Erie Canal. (historiczoarvillage.com)

June 13–14 | America 250 Celebration • Chillicothe, Ohio

Experience 1776 at Adena Mansion & Gardens

CVG Means Business.

Business and personal travel made easy — with 60 nonstop destinations and your choice of 14 carriers.

drills, soldier’s kit presentations, cooking demonstrations, and period military music. Don’t miss ceremony, hands-on exhibits, children’s games, beer making, and other activities. (ohiohistory.org)

June 19–20 | Homefront to War Front • Dennison, Ohio

Travel back in time on a one-hour WWII troop train ride. Experience a 1940s canteen, meet Rosie the Riveter, see a Victory Garden display, enjoy patriotic entertainment, visit the WWII National Historic Landmark Museum, and more. (dennisondepot.org)

June 19–20 | Taste of History 2026 • Amherst, Ohio

Try food and rations from across different eras during this event with reenactors and displays of what both the homefront and battle front was like offering samples of period meals to all attendees. (mhpg.us)

June 19–21 | Columbus Air Show • Columbus, Ohio

bending maneuvers and formations, helicopters, wing walkers, and parachutists in this stunning show. You can also get up close and personal with tanks, a jet truck, and more. (columbusairshow.com)

June 25–28 | 1776 • Alliance, Ohio

Witness the pivotal moments that forged our nation as you’re transported to the intense summer days of the Continental Congress in this compelling and witty musical. (carnationcityplayers.org)

June 28 | Historical Independence Day Celebration • West Liberty, Ohio

Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. at this 19th century Independence Day celebration outside at Piatt Castle. Bring a picnic lunch, learn how to play period games such as cricket and roll hoops, enjoy poems and storytelling, and listen to the Declaration of Independence read aloud. (piattcastle.org)

July 1–31 | Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic: Food, Fun, & Freedom • Various locations, Ohio

A series of picnics coordinated in communities across the state, with each participating Ohio town and county celebrating in its own unique, regional works shows, and more. (america250-ohio.org/ picnic)

July 3 | Blazes in the Woods • Oregonia

This hands-on event at the Ft. Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve explains how the earthworks were built by the Hopewell culture, as well as how this site came to be the far western edge of the Virginia Military district of the late 1700s and the role it played in how Ohio was divided up. (ohiohistory.org)

July 3 | Patriotic Concert – 250 Years of Red, White, and Blue • Montgomery

The Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra plays a vibrant and celebratory concert that explores the colors of our shared cultural story through music that spans centuries, styles, and generations. From patriotic anthems to pop, classical masterworks, and beloved favorites, this of our nation. (bamso.ludus.com)

July 4 | A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence • Eden Park

Come to Eden Park for a revival of the 19th century tradition of publicly reading the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. (julyfourthproject.com)

July 5 | America’s Potluck • Wausean, Ohio

Neighbors join one another for a communal meal and enjoy a program that includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence by soldiers in Revo-

soldiers buried in Fulton County, and the planting and dedication of an America 250 tree. (museumoffultoncounty.org)

July 17–18 | Blazing Paddles Riverfest • Cleveland, Ohio

The eighth annual paddlefest on the Cuyahoga River includes activations that commemorate the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail and the part Ohio’s waterways played in shaping America. (sharetheriver.com)

July 31–August 1 | SAR Changing of the Guard Ceremony • Bolivar, Ohio

Sons of the American Revolution conduct a Changing of the Guard Ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. This ceremony is modeled after the ceremony in Washington D.C. (fortlaurensmuseum.org)

July 29–August 9 | Ohio State Fair • Columbus, Ohio

This year, the Ohio State Fair celebrates America’s 250th “Ohio-style” with events, contests, and patriotic displays to get fairgoers in the birthday spirit. (ohiostatefair.com)

indiana

indi

must-sees

traveling exh Amer

ian Institution’s Muse vide sprin ideas Ameri

The free traveling exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, created by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, features photos, videos, artifacts, and more that serve as a springboard for discussion about the ideas America’s founding fathers grappled with 250 years ago: Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? Brought to Indiana in conjunction with Indiana Humanities and Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council, the exhibit tours seven Hoosier sites now through spring 2027. (india nahumanities.org/program/voicesandvotes)

• March 28–May 10, 2026: Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County, Angola

• May 16–June 28, 2026: Orange County Visitors Center, West Baden Springs

• July 4–August 16, 2026: Love Community Center, Rushville

• August 22–October 4, 2026: Upland Community Building, Upland

• October 10–November 20, 2026: The Prindle Institute for Ethics, Greencastle

• November 28, 2026–January 10, 2027: Jennings County Historical Society, Vernon

• January 30–March 14, 2027: Whitley County Community Foundation, Columbia City

Take the self-guided tour at Indiana University in Bloomington and meet George Washington, view an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, and visit special exhibits around campus. (go.iu.edu/america-250)

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, artists from around the state present scenes depicting Indiana’s 25 state parks for the Indiana State Parks Platter Project. The traveling art exhibit will be on display at state parks across Indiana through spring 2027. (facebook.com/IndianaWOCP)

Calendar of Events

May 2–3 | Five Medals Living History Experience • Nappanee, Indiana

If you wonder how people from all walks of life lived in 1776, come watch tinsmiths, blacksmiths,

Live it up. Underground.

You may think you know Kentucky, but you’ll discover surprises at every turn. Explore exhilarating above- and below-ground experiences. Come and play where the future is bright and the adventures are never-ending. Y’all interested? Plan your trip to our new Kentucky

Where Kentucky’s Story Began AMERICA

250TH CELEBRATION

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Danville, where Kentucky’s story began. Explore historic Constitution Square, enjoy family-friendly celebrations and live music and savor local cuisine. Discover small-town charm, rich history and unforgettable Bluegrass hospitality in Kentucky’s birthplace. DanvilleKentucky.com/america-250

Free Family Fun

2026 SPRING INTO SUMMER FESTIVAL

Celebrate Derby Day

GET YOUR BLUEGRASS ON WITH US, Y’ALL!

Kick off Derby season in true Kentucky style at the Derby Celebration in downtown Frankfort. Savor delicious breakfast and brunch, sip signature Derby cocktails — including the classic mint julep — enjoy live music, family fun and unique local shopping, all wrapped in the irresistible charm of downtown.

VisitFrankfort.com/event/2026-downtownderby-day-celebration

On May 23-24, 2026, join us for the 19th Annual Spring into Summer Salutes Fort Campbell Festival in Oak Grove, Kentucky. This free awardwinning festival features two days of stage shows, carnival rides, concerts, parachute-jumping demonstrations, drone light shows and live music headlined by country star Brett Young. No tickets are necessary for entry, parking, concerts, shows or carnival rides. Come together to celebrate the arrival of summer, plus a few surprises celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. If you can’t make it to our Spring into Summer Festival, make plans now for our Kentucky Bands, Bourbon & Wine Festival in July.

VisitOakGroveKY.com/festivals/spring-intosummer-festival-salutes-fort-campbell

Plan Your Next Adventure

VISIT KENTUCKY STATE PARKS

Kentucky’s 44 state parks — including 17 resort parks — are perfect for families to unplug, explore nature and spend quality time together without complicated travel planning. With free park entry, reasonably priced lodging and activities for all ages, Kentucky State Parks make outdoor travel affordable and easy to enjoy close to home.

Eastern Kentucky is made for adventures. Beyond amazing hiking, mountain biking, paddling and fishing, did you know you can enjoy underground pool party events and daily cave tours at Carter Caves? If you’re traveling to western Kentucky, visit the museum at John James Audubon State Park to see the world’s largest collection of Audubon art and personal memorabilia. Farther south, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is a premier destination for scuba divers, known for its crystal-clear water, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course.

Visit parks.ky.gov/events to start planning. With so much to see and do, our new Kentucky home is the perfect place for your next familymemory making vacation.

Lift Your Spirits

EXPLORE THE WINE, WHISKEY & ALE TRAIL

Just 20 minutes south of Louisville, explore the Bullitt County Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail. Discover the James B. Beam American Outpost & Distillery, the Four Roses Bourbon Warehouse & Bottling Experience and Coxs Creek Distilling. The trail also features four award-winning wineries and two craft breweries. Get a free souvenir glass when you complete the trail.

TravelBullitt.org

Unforgettable Bluegrass Vacations

Known as the Horse Capital of the World and the epicenter of bourbon, the Bluegrass State is also a land of immense natural beauty. Sip centuries of tradition in the birthplace of bourbon. Stroll through rolling horse farms and catch a race at the track. Explore waters, caves and trails for endless adventure. With so much to see, do and taste, the Bluegrass State is the perfect place for your next vacation. Find what moves you in our new Kentucky home.

KentuckyTourism.com

knapper, a hide tanner, a soap-maker, a baker or a French Soldier. Historical interpreters will share stories and answer visitor questions. (visitelkhartcounty.com)

May 6, June 4, and June 24 | Honoring Boone County, IN Revolutionary War Patriots • Multiple locations

Boone County honors the Revolutionary War veterans buried in cemeteries across the region with wreath-laying ceremonies. (discoverboonecounty. com)

May 9 | America 250 Tea • Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Enjoy a Colonial-era full afternoon tea at The Opal Haus, complete with savory items, scones, and desserts, as well as historical readings and patriotic toasts. (cincyae.com)

May 19 | Adventurescapes Puerto Rico: Exploring 250 Years of American History • Jasper, Indiana

This series that takes place once a month through December 2026 journeys through different regions of the U.S. and its territories, including American Samoa, the South, New England, Alaska, Guam, and more. Adults and teens learn how these places help shape America through discussion, hands-on activiregion.

May 23 | Memorial Weekend Candlelight Tours • Vincennes, Indiana

Experience Vincennes State Historic Sites by candlelight with costumed interpreters as they lead you through several locations locations while sharing stories of the sites, the people who lived and worked in them, and the history of old Vincennes. This tour happens alongside the annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous.

May 23–24 | The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous • Vincennes, Indiana

This living history experience includes an 18th century trade fair featuring merchants selling historical wares, strolling performers, traditional music and food vendors, children’s activities, and battle reenactments twice daily. The second day and a troop parade.

June 2–3 | William Tuffs: Elkhart County’s Own Revolutionary War Patriot • Elkhart, Indiana

This gallery talk at the Beardsley Discovery Center on the campus of the Ruthmere in Elkhart explores the life of a Revolutionary War veteran who migrated to Indiana after the war.

June 3–6 | Chain O’ Lakes Festival • Albion, Indiana

Celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial at

this annual summer event. This year, the festival

June 5–7 | Kosciusko County Freedom Fest • Warsaw, Indiana

This multiday festival for America’s 250th birthdayworks, vendors, reenactments, historical displays, a parade, and much more.

June 6 | Civil War Day and Tour at Lanier Mansion • Madison, Indiana

The city of Madison played a fascinating role in the American Civil War. Step back in time for a living history encampment. Learn how citizens contributed to the war effort and coped with its hardships as you meet reenactors, join a dance workshop with the Forget-Me-Not Historical Dance Company, and hear the thunder of cannon demonstrations.

June 7 | Sunday Funday at the Fort: Forging Life on the Western Frontier • Vincennes, Indiana

Attendees join a frontier camp experience and take part in activities like mapmaking and surveying, and iron starters, and learning about ways to secure the perimeters of a camp.

June 12 | Two Constitutions in One Nation: The American Constitution and Indiana Constitution • Corydon, Indiana

Find out how the American Constitution and the Indiana Constitution were drafted and the similarities and differences between these two documents. Attendees will visit the Constitution Elm and families will receive a booklet about Indiana’s Constitution.

June 12–13 | Colonial Fair Living History Experience • Indianapolis, Indiana

This event offers guests a chance to step back in time to 1776 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Be immersed in village life during the time of the American Revolution, meet people from all walks of life and hear their stories, and partic ipate in hands-on activities, including musket drills, making cloth from wool, a spy mission, and more.

with something for all ages including entertain-

June 27 | America’s 250th Outdoor Summer Celebration and Star Spangled Sky Drone Show

• Indianapolis, Indiana

Grab a blanket and a picnic and bring your family and friends to Celebration Plaza in White River State Park to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Collaborate on a community mural and enjoy hands-on activities. Stay later for the Star Spangled Sky drone show featuring 200 drones lighting up the sky with patriotic imagery. (indianamuseum.

June 27 | Framing the Past: The Art of Historical Thinking • New Harmony, Indiana

Step into the past and learn how historians interpret events, objects, and ideas within the context of their own time through discussion and hands-on examples and discover history is not just about what happened, but how and why it happened and how it made sense to those who lived it. (indiana-

June 27 | Birthday on the Bash • Terre Haute, Indiana

Celebrate America’s 250th with a blowout birthday celebration on the banks of the Wabash River featuring a bicycle ride, community fun run, Kids Zone, Freedom Plaza, and America 250 Presentation including a Veterans Program, children’s choir, and more. (birthdayonthebash.com)

June 28 | Taste of the Festival: Presidential Edition • Ligonier, Indiana

Join the Stone’s Trace Historical Society at Stone’s Tavern for a special community day honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America with music, food, and family-friendly activities. (stonestrace.com)

June 25–27 | Freedom Festival • Eley Memorial Park, Avilla, Indiana

Head to Eley Memorial Park for the annual familyfriendly celebration, this year serving as Noble

July 2 | Patriotic Park Party

• Jasper, Indiana

Food trucks, live bands, aworks show take over Jasper in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

July 4 | Celebrate Independence • Fountain City, Indiana

celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Bring the family for a day of activities and remembrance.

THERE’SNOPLACELIKETHISHOME

July 4 | From Independence to Idealism: The Revolutionary Roots of New Harmony’s Utopias • New Harmony, Indiana

Discover how the ideas of liberty, equality, and the promise of social progress inspired not only the American Revolution, but also the utopian societies created by the Harmonists and the Owenites during this 90-minute walking tour. (indianamuseum.org)

July 4 and July 8 | Breaking from the Monarchy: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence • Corydon, Indiana

Come hear the Declaration of Independence read

aloud from the Capitol Square by a historical interpreter at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. (indianamuseum.org)

July 11 | Second Saturday Speaker Series: The Revolution & Beyond • Vincennes, Indiana

Learn how the American Revolution affected the new nation and the world. This talk focuses on what happened immediately after the revolution, how the nation grew and worked toward international recognition, and how it impacted the territory that later became the state of Indiana. (indianamuseum.org)

July 18–19 | Vietnam Veterans Appreciation • Vincennes, Indiana

honors the veterans and casualties of the war, with living history displays, reenactments, and memorabilia. (indianamilitarymuseum.org)

July 30–August 2 | Jasper Strassenfest: America250 – Threads of History, Patterns of Progress • Jasper, Indiana

This year, Jasper’s annual street fest honors America’s 250th alongside its traditional celebration of local German heritage, featuring food, games,

contests, carnival rides, and hot air balloons. (jasperstrassenfest.org)

KENTUCKY Must-Sees

While the East Coast is famously known for locations like the Old North Church and Yorktown, many people don’t know Kentucky is host to several Revolutionary War sites. Old Ft. Harrod State Park in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, includes a full-scale replica of the fort built by James Harrod in 1774, which

settlers during the War of Independence. The park also contains several log structures representing aspects of family and military life on the frontier, as well as the Greek revival Mansion Museum, the Lincoln Marriage Temple where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married, the George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, the oldest cemetery west of the Alleghenies, and the “Big Ole Tree”—the largest Osage orange tree in the U.S. (parks.ky.gov)

Ft. Boonesborough State Park in Richmond is home to the original Ft. Boonesborough, built along

the Kentucky River in 1775 by Daniel Boone. It was a major frontier outpost during the Revolutionary War and remains one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of early westward expansion by British colonists of the 18th and 19th centuries. The reconstructed working fort is complete with cabins, blockhouses, furnishings, and implements. (parks.ky.gov)

The last battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on the grounds of what is now Blue Licks Battlenear Lexington, Kentucky, in 1782, after the British had already surrendered. The park has a 15-acre nature preserve once home to bison, elk, and woolly mammoths and a Pioneer Museum with artifacts that focus on Central Kentucky’s natural and cultural history, including a mastodon tooth found during an excavation, relics from the Civil War, and a diorama of the Battle of Blue Licks. (parks.ky.gov)

Calendar of Events

Learn about Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of William Clark, who set out to create the

Kentucky Derby, not only the pinnacle of American horse racing but the most famous horse race in the world. (locustgrove.org)

This presentation hosted by a living history performer explores the history of the Kentucky Militia and Kentucky National Guard from the frontier era through World War II. Kentucky’s citizen soldiers over those decades played essential roles in both the nation’s wars and peacetime life in the Commonwealth. (pspl.org)

celebrating Red, White, & Bluegrass in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The evening brings together supporters, partners, and friends of the museum for a thoughtfully curated experience that (fraziermuseum.org)

Experience presentations by historians and local authors highlighting stories related to the history of Kentucky in honor of the America250 celebration. Explore the vendor hall featuring local and Kentucky historical and genealogical organizations. (kentonlibrary.org/)

Explore the Kentucky state capital’s past by taking a walk down memory lane—while much has changed in Frankfort, many of its historic buildings remain standing. (history.ky.gov)

This signature annual event invites the community to gather for an unforgettable star-spangled gala

Quiltmakers and quilt lovers are invited to join the Kentucky Historical Society for a special celebration of Kentucky’s rich quilting tradition, with a focus on historical quilts that also honors contemporary quilts and quilt-making methods. This one-of-akind event brings together historians, curators, and textile experts for a day devoted to the artistry, history, and legacy of quilts. (history.ky.gov)

May 22 | Homeschool History Day: Revolutionary Kentucky • Frankfort, Kentucy History-living homeschoolers can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and learn about Kentucky‘s role during the American War for Independence. (history.ky.gov)

May 23 | A Trailblazer’s Tour Across Central Kentucky • Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky Historical Society educators drive you across central Kentucky on a day-long tour to explore Ft. Boonesborough, Old Ft. Harrod, and Constitution Square, battlefronts and historic sites connected to Kentucky’s founding. (history.ky.gov)

May 23 | Revolutionary Kentucky Family Day • Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and discover dence. Mingle with costumed interpreters dressed in historical attire, decorate your own “powder horn,” write your own Declaration of Independence, learn frontier skills, toss “tea” into the Kentucky River, and more. (history.ky.gov)

May 23 | Live in Liberty Music Festival • Liberty, Kentucky

anniversary on Memorial Day Weekend 2026, celebrating 250 years of America in true Liberty style. (kentuckytourism.com)

May 31 | Tea in the Time of Libery, an America250 Commemorative Tea • Stanford, Kentucky

Honoring tea’s role in the history of Colonial America and Kentucky, this teatime celebration at Arcadia Farm features recipes from the archives of Elmwood Inn and a talk by Bruce Richardson, the tea master for the Boston Tea Party Ships Museum. (danvillekentucky.com)

American Revolution is aimed at researchers and members of the public to foster an interest in history in honor of America’s 250th birthday. (teachingwiththemes.com)

June 6 | Kentucky History Day • Old State Capitol & Public Grounds, Frankfort, Kentucky Celebrate the Commonwealth in style as Kentucky turns 234 with a full day of music, living history, performances, and hands-on experiences that showcase the people, traditions, and stories that make Kentucky truly one of a kind. looking ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, this special event highlights Kentucky’s role in America’s story—bringing together tourism, arts, heritage, and history in one unforgettable celebration. (history.ky.gov)

June 6 | Duncan Hines Day Eats & Beats Music Fest • Bowling Green, Kentucky

June 2 | How to Use a University Archive for Historical Research • Lancaster, Kentucky This lecture presented by the Daughters of the

The stage is set for another unforgettable day of live music, food trucks, family activities, and interactive art celebrating Kentucky’s rich musical heritage. As part of the America250 celebrations, the event highlights Kentucky musicians whose

Americana genre and the spirit of Duncan Hines’s storytelling. (duncanhinesdays.com)

June 6 | KET Summer Celebration: Cheers to 250 Years • Lexington, Kentucky

Commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, KET public television honors the red, white, and blue while bringing together “We the People” for dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, and a mobile auction. (ket.org)

June 13 | Lessons From “The Great Dissenter” • Frankfort, Kentucky

Managing editor of Politico and author of The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America’s Judicial Hero ure who played a key role in keeping the state loyal to the Union during the Civil War, served on the U.S. Supreme Court, and advocated for the rights of Black people and the lower class. (pspl.org)

land and Russell Neighborhoods • Louisville, Kentucky

In this installment of this monthly series at Playport, historian Rick Bell explores memorable

European settlement who helped shaped the city. (louisvilleky.gov)

June 19–23 | Summer Camp: A Kentucky Tale • Frankfort, Kentucky

Children ages 6 to 9 learn about the founding of the United States and Kentucky, meeting everyday

and Revolutionary eras and exploring frontier life. (history.ky.gov)

ter With Brian McKnight • Frankfort, Kentucky

History professor Brian McKnight examines the leadup to—and causes of—the 1976 mine explosions that took 26 lives. Attendees will learn about the fallout not just in the community but across the nation, which led to the passage of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. (history.ky.gov)

June 20 | Innovation Through the Generations • Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Step back in time as this engaging theatrical program brings the story of Dawson Springs to life through performance and storytelling, tracing the city’s evolution from its founding as the “health resort of the Upper South” to the resilient, innovative

Take These With You Take These With You

Whether you’re at home or traveling on the road, take these playlists and podcasts with you to celebrate and learn more about America’s 250th.

Road Trip 250 Spotify

This 4½-hour Spotify playlist by The Great American Road Trip includes a mix of country and rock hits, from classics like Foghat’s “Slow Ride” and The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” to newer Wanna Shine.”

Ohio & The Revolution YouTube

This quarterly webinar series explores the history of Ohio at the time of the American Revolution. (america250-ohio.org)

Happiness: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence multiple platforms

kazentrum in Hamburg, Germany, Andrew Sola explores the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its impact in this interdisciplinary podcast, featuring experts from the USA and around the world. (life-liberty-podcast.podigee.io)

on the

Every Women on the Go itinerary is carefully planned so you can safely explore your dream destinations among new friends, often with an expert by your side.

RSVP for an upcoming meeting to see what we have in store.

community it is today. (dawson-springs-chamber-ofcommerce.square.site)

June 20 | Afrobeats in the Garden • Louisville, Kentucky

Guests indulge their senses through sound, taste, and atmosphere while exploring the African diaspora in the U.S. during this annual garden social featuring live music, art, and Afro-fusion cuisine paired with wines from around the world. (locustgrove.org)

June 20 | Hangar Party 2026 • Bowling Green, Kentucky

Aviation Heritage Park & Museum serves up barbecue and refreshments, free drinks, up-close aircraft

cated to educating the public on America’s aviation history. (aviationheritagepark.com)

July 3 | First Friday Street Fair & Car Show: Red, White, & Spokes • Scottsville, Kentucky

On the eve of Independence Day, this lively monthly event that transforms downtown Scottsville into a hub of activity with artisan and food vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and a classic

car show will include a bike parade—red, white, and blue–style—to celebrate America250 and the county’s birthday. (heartofscottsville.org)

July 3 | Montgomery Gentry Concert Featuring Eddie Montgomery • Danville, Kentucky

To kick off the July Fourth weekend, this free concert features Danville’s own Eddie Montgomery— one of the most recognizable voices in country music—performing the hits fans know and love. (danvillekentucky.com)

July 4 | Danville Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks at Millennium Park • Danville, Kentucky

Danville’s Military Appreciation Parade honors our nation’s independence while paying special tribute to military servicemembers past and present, celebrating the enduring spirit of freedom that has shaped Boyle County for 250 years. The parade is followed by food trucks, bounce houses, live music,nium Park. (danvillekentucky.com)

July 4 | Liberty’s Fourth of July 2026 • Liberty, Kentucky

A kiddie parade and free face painting, contests and games, and treats including hot dogs, popcorn, and

ROAD TRIP TO GRANT COUNTY

Not Too Far For Adventure visitgrantky.com

Adventure begins only 35 minutes from Cincinnati! Pristine lakes, hiking trails and parks, an 18-hole disc golf course and a free splash park wait for you. Or check out the William Arnold Family Log Home, Sherman Tavern and the Ark Encounter. Plan your trip around Skeeterfest in July or A Nation Remembers Veterans Tribute Weekend in September.

snow cones are only some of the highlights of this fest taking over downtown Liberty on America’s special 250th birthday. (explorelibertyky.com)

July 4 | Fort Campbell July Fourth 2026 • Clarksville, Kentucky and more in this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. (campbell.armymwr.com)

isville Waterfront and the Story of the Park • Louisville, Kentucky

During this talk at PlayPort, historian Rick Bell ex-

settlement from the city’s early history to its transformation into a beloved park. (louisvilleky.gov)

July 27–31 | Summer Camp: Frontier to Freedom • Frankfort, Kentucky

Kids ages 10 to 13 learn about the U.S. and Kentucky’s revolutionary experiment in selfgovernance through visits to historic sites, viewing Colonial artifacts and archives, and exploring pre-Colonial and frontier life through hands-on activities. (history.ky.gov)

Hello, Cincinnati.

Clermont County is celebrating America 250 with vibrant public murals, historic storytelling, and a new passport highlighting museums and heritage sites. From colorful artwork, to hands-on history experiences, the county is bringing America’s story to life.

Come explore, collect your stamps, and be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration in Clermont County!

new American civic literacy course.

“We want to make our courses at UC the best in the state, with really high quality,” says Mockabee. “I think a lot of us as faculty feel that the state legislature designing courses and mandating them is not necessarily good public policy. But given the fact that this legislation has happened, we said, OK, we’re going to pivot and do the best job we can to make this high quality, not just a course that everybody has to take.”

To teach the American Political Thought course, SPIA hired assistant professor Spencer Kiesel, formerly a lecturer

ter from Birmingham Jail, and the writings of Adam Smith, including a study of the principles written in The Wealth of Nations.

“There’s a bunch of stuff on that list that any reasonable professor would have included,” says Kiesel. “I don’t know how to teach U.S. political thought without including the Constitution, some Federalist Papers, and the Declaration of Independence. So it’s sort of weird being required to do that. There is a natural discomfort with being ordered to do things. It puts us in a space where it starts to look more like a state indoctrination type of deal.”

Several organizations made the argument that requiring universities to teach what the government mandates creates a slippery slope. The American Historical Association, the largest membership association of historians in the world, submitted testimony opposing SB1, saying the legislation would undermine public education in Ohio by undercutting the free exchange of ideas and overruling the pro-

“WHEN WE HAVE A MANDATED COURSE WITH MANDATED TEXTS, IT OBVIOUSLY INVITES A QUESTION OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM,” SAYS NATHAN FRENCH AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY.

at the University of California Davis. “We wanted to make sure that this wasn’t a boxticking exercise,” says Kiesel. “They wanted to hire a full-time dedicated faculty member, someone who can oversee the whole process and develop a really sharp course that doesn’t just take what the legislature wanted us to do and do it on the cheap as fast as possible. Someone who would give students something that’s actually going to be valuable.”

The civic literacy class taught at every public university in Ohio must be a minimum of three credit hours and include a study of the American economic system and a study of capitalism. Readings must include the entire Constitution of the United States, the entire Declaration of Independence, a minimum of five essays in their entirety from the Federalist Papers, the entire Emancipation Proclamation, the entire Gettysburg Address, the entire Let-

fessional judgment of qualified academics.

Kiesel says he’s more concerned about the issue of redundancy. “I would be much happier with just the course being required and then allowing us to determine whatever we want to include, though I would pick most of the same things,” he says. “So functionally it makes very little difference, probably aside from the Adam Smith bit. He’s a British writer, and so in American Political Thought it’s a bit of a curveball.”

Smith was the progenitor of free trade and strongly opposed to tariffs (especially retaliatory tariffs, like those recently imposed by the U.S.). He was a great thinker of the 18th century, someone the founding fathers would have known about and almost certainly read. The Wealth of Nations was published in March 1776, just months before America established its independence.

“Smith’s economic ideas are terribly influential,” says Kiesel. “A lot of them did

get adopted by the U.S. government and early U.S. policymakers. You can see how this book got included as part of U.S. political thought, but you could have picked an American.”

Kiesel says he would have selected Alexander Hamilton instead.

ENGAGING WITH WORKS WRITTEN centuries ago can be dry, so professors teaching this history and civics class are free to supplement the required texts with other readings, media, and secondary sources that can help contextualize the messages presented. It also helps to consider the historical figures in context with the standards and reality of their own time period. Woodrow Wilson, for example, was a progressive in certain ways, but also a vehement racist. The progressive movement of the early 20th century, Kiesel notes, is not analogous to modern definitions of progress.

“These are people,” he says. “They’re human beings, not TV characters. They’re complex and weird. They can disagree with themselves. Who they are at age 20 isn’t necessarily who they are at 40, right? Humanizing a lot of these figures for the students really helps them sort of get out of the ideological trench.”

American Political Thought runs chronologically, from the concepts the country was founded on through major historical events. To be in compliance with the new legislature, UC had to submit its plan and sample syllabus to the Ohio Department of Education for approval.

“It’s an affirmation that our approach of emphasizing quality is the right one,” says Mockabee. “We’re currently offering the class, and we’re anticipating enrollment will grow in the fall.”

Students must contribute and participate in the class throughout the semester. Much like other courses, they take part in small group discussions and report back to the full class. They must submit questions online and then discus them in class, too. Students also participate in a mock Constitutional Convention, where they propose and debate new amendments.

“What surprised me so far was how little I have to do to get them to talk about things,” says Kiesel. “I generally relax con-

straints and rules until it’s as free and open for them as much as possible, and I have to do almost no prompting. They’re happy to bring stuff up, happy to talk. They disagree all the time, but nobody ever gets mad or yells at each other.”

These discussions can bring up uncomfortable topics such as slavery, wars, violence, prejudice, and wealth inequality. The idea of a university education, though, is that the classroom is where these conversations can be had and critical thinking can be undertaken. “In college, we’re working with adults,” says Stradling. “They come from different backgrounds and have different experiences and ideas, and that makes for much more fertile ground for discussions about how the past still echoes in the present.”

Mockabee says one of the biggest concerns for historians and political scientists is that history can be used as a political weapon to whitewash certain parts of the American experience or teach only the comfortable parts. “We want to just teach it honestly,” he says. “That will continue to be the guiding principle here at UC. So this isn’t a state law that many faculty would have written, but given that this is where we are, we want to do the best we can to serve our students.”

SIMILAR DISCUSSIONS AND PLANNING

have been going on at Miami University, which convened an interdisciplinary team last year to design the new courses. The process was facilitated by Nathan French, associate professor of religion and international studies and chair of Miami’s senate executive committee, and led by Elizabeth Hoover, a teaching professor of musicology and interim director of the university’s Office of Liberal Education, and Flagg Taylor, director of the new Center for Civics, Culture, and Society. Faculty from political science, history, economics, media, journalism, film, and the Menard Family Center for Democracy came together to discuss the university’s approach.

The resulting history and political science courses aren’t completely different classes so much as two curricular frameworks tailored to how the different fields approach knowledge and methodology, says French. “If a colleague in political science

wanted to teach a version of the course, we have a syllabus with assignments that would fulfill what we’d expect out of a social science,” he says. “If someone in the humanities wanted to teach that course, same idea.”

Miami’s regional campuses will have their own version of the course based on specific student needs for curriculum there. “We have a significantly sized population of high school students who are College Credit Plus students taking courses at the regionals,” says John Forren, associate professor and director of the Menard Family Center for Democracy. “The version at the regional campuses is being designed to meet both the civic course outcomes and requirements as well as the state’s requirements and guidelines for high school government. It meets several goals at once because we’re serving a unique population.”

Two years before SB1 was introduced, SB117 appropriated millions of dollars from the state’s General Revenue Fund to create civics centers as independent academic units at the state’s top public universities, from Ohio State and Cleveland State to UC and Miami. UC, which houses the Portman Center for Policy Solutions, declined to create a new center; the money went to Wright State instead. Miami created the Center for Civics, Culture, and Society.

“These civics units sit outside of the regular academic structure, and it was part of legislators’ reaction against the perception that state colleges were run by leftists, so they couldn’t trust people to hire a diverse faculty and teach a diverse perspective on issues,” says Stradling. “The Portman Center is designed to have bipartisan dialogue around critical issues, so I think UC was well positioned to make the case that we can actually be trusted to have open dialogue. That’s why the actual history department and the actual political science faculty will be leading these classes.”

Miami took a different tack in creating the new classes, says Forren. The Menard Family Center for Democracy might at first glance seem similar to UC’s Portman Center, in that it’s focused on civic matters both on and off campus, but Miami decided to use the state funding to create the Center for Civics, Culture, and Society as a curriculum-focused entity. “They’re

focused very heavily on curriculum, on teaching courses and developing new courses,” he says. “We focus much more on student and faculty research and public programming.”

Wherever the course is taught in the Miami system, the mandated readings remain the same. There is no provision at this time for those readings to change as the course matures and student and faculty feedback comes in, but French is optimistic.

“When we have a mandated course with mandated texts, it obviously invites a question of academic freedom,” he says. “I also hope it means that we will revisit what those texts are over time. And when the state chooses to revisit what those texts are, I hope they consult with faculty, especially the faculty who have been teaching this course early in that process.”

When it comes time to review the course’s success, SB1 requires each school’s Chancellor to perform an annual evaluation. At Miami, the course and its instructors will be evaluated as usual according to the school’s regular evaluation guidelines, which French says are also “responsive” to state law.

“One critical note I’m sure that will be reviewed early will of course be, Are students passing the required exam that comes at the end of the course?” he says. “Because they could actually pass the class, but if they fail the exam they won’t get credit for the course. The law explicitly says they must pass the exam. So I think the university will be focusing on that closely, and I’m sure that the Ohio Department of Education will as well.”

The American civic literacy course is carrying a lot of responsibility on its back. Whatever the legislation’s potential intentions were, or are, faculty at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University are approaching the mandate with education at the core.

“We complain that Americans aren’t informed enough about government,” says Kiesel. “Well, here’s an effort to alleviate that—have everyone who gets a college education learn a little bit about the history and the politics of their country and the structures of their government. That sounds great to me.”

they are often still minors when they have their first child, they cannot sign leases or otherwise move forward without some form of guidance or assistance. “While we uphold accountability and good stewardship,” she says on her campaign website, communities who want lift up their most vulnerable, including teen parents, “must also partner with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to fill gaps, provide wraparound support, and offer jobs and wages that are competitive, not merely equitable.” This, she says, will allow Ohio families of all sorts to not just “survive,” but “thrive.”

hurled her way just weeks into her campaign. But she also noted defiantly that those attacks only made her more determined to run for office, to serve and to be a voice for many of what she calls “the forgotten people of Ohio.”

Then, just as she began ramping up her campaign, a friend with a history of mental health issues made a decision that temporarily stopped her dead in her tracks.

When my second podcast interview with Oglesby-Henry ran, shortly after her arrest, I found Farmer’s LinkedIn page, which describes him as an “influencer,” an “antagonist,” a “Jerk” and a “PR and Marketing Expert.” The page also states that he was president of an organization called Made You Look Promotions LLC, with skillsets including “influencing public opinion on product, campaigns, and opinions.”

In a later phone interview, where he struck an entirely apologetic tone, Farmer claimed that he has worked for multiple campaigns of politicians from both parties. He also claims he had been hired in

“I DECIDED TO STAND ON TRUTH,” OGLESBY-HENRY SAYS.

“THE ONLY THING YOU CAN TRULY DO IS USE THAT EXPERIENCE. IT SHOWS I’M HUMAN, AN EVERYDAY PERSON.”

Instead of lobbying someone else to help overcome those barriers, OglesbyHenry decided she was best positioned to speak for her constituents by running for political office—not for a seat on a neighborhood or city council, but for the U.S. Congress.

“People need to know Rose is for getting things done,” says her father, Daryl Figgs. “She wants to see people more together than anything else. She wants the teenaged girls to have an education. She’s into that so deeply.”

A campaign kickoff party at The Barn in Mariemont drew attention. Big money backers began considering funding her run. On my podcast, recorded just days before her arrest, she spoke about what it was like to be a conservative Black woman running in this politically raw era, discussing the insults and threats that had already been

the past “by opposition to stir up conflict and throw bricks.”

Farmer’s behavior wasn’t the only disturbing thing that happened that day. The two female officers who initially responded to Farmer’s call seemed inclined to file a complaint and move on, says OglesbyHenry. After all, she’d shown them her mortgage documents and her daughter showed them Farmer’s driver’s license, his lease, and his registration for city council, all of which show him living at an Avondale address. That all changed when the responding officers called in a second group of officers and a sergeant who were “mostly men,” says Oglesby-Henry.

She recalls that second group of officers disregarding blatant signs Farmer was in a state of mental decline. “Kevin’s eyes were bloodshot, he had a dry mouth, his foot was shaking, he was pacing and had raised

tones,” she says. “You can see that in the videos.”

Longtime employee and friend Michael Rice, who was there, says, “The sergeant showed up and—he didn’t even assess the situation—he looked around, and he said, ‘Somebody’s going to jail.’ ”

The situation looked salvageable after the police had swept Oglesby-Henry’s home for an hour or more and found no weapon. Then the sergeant asked her if she would leave. Although her children—both adults—protested, noting it was her home, she says she wanted the whole thing to be over and agreed. She asked if the police would go back inside the house and get her purse, understanding that her mere presence could be a trigger for Farmer. She says the officers told her they would protect her if she went inside and got it herself. When she did, Farmer began complaining that she hadn’t yet been arrested (he corroborates this account). Then, without warning, she says, the police “slammed” her against a table and arrested her for aggravated menacing. Friends, family, and neighbors watched in disbelief as she was brought outside the home in handcuffs. (The Cincinnati Police Department has not replied to multiple requests for comment.)

For three days, Oglesby-Henry languished in a Cincinnati jail cell with a young woman accused of murder and another on a $500,000 bond for fighting. Meanwhile, Farmer lived undisturbed in her home. When Oglesby-Henry fi nally emerged from jail, everyone in her inner circle expected her to give up the congressional run. Potential donors had already jumped ship. Much of the team working on her campaign left as well, as did several personal friends, says former board member Osborne. “But we didn’t know the story from Rosemary,” he says. “All we saw was what was in the media.” And the media, Oglesby-Henry told Osborne, “has painted me to be a monster.”

To nearly everyone’s surprise, after taking 48 hours to pray and ingest all that had happened, Oglesby-Henry chose not to back out. Urged forward by her parents (“I told her nobody can stop you—you’ll always win if the Lord is the foundation of whatever you do,” says Figgs), her children, and hundreds of teen parents who re-

minded her that “you fight for us and you wouldn’t want us to quit,” says Rosemary, she chose instead to forge forward.

“I decided to stand on truth,” she says. “The only thing you can truly do is walk into it, use that story and experience to be as transparent as possible. It shows I’m human, an everyday person. But my job and purpose [are still] service to others.”

She announced her decision via a press release with the subject line I WILL NOT BE SILENCED.

SHORTLY AFTER OGLESBY-HENRY’S RElease, Pastor Damon Lynch, whose son, Damon Lynch IV, eventually announced his own candidacy for the same Congressional seat (he is running as a Democrat), somehow convinced Farmer to check himself into The Christ Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. Days later, on October 14, public records show Farmer was held under a temporary order of detention for the purposes of “forced medication.” (OglesbyHenry says documents she read described him as being in a bipolar manic state.)

She filed a protective order against Farmer, but the Cincinnati legal system did not budge. “They refused to drop the charges even after this man was hospitalized for being a danger to himself and to the public,” she says.

On Halloween, shortly after he was released, Farmer broke into Oglesby-Henry’s garage. When Oglesby-Henry, who was not home, received the alert from her monitoring system, she called the police; this time, they arrested Farmer for burglary and put him in jail.

On November 9, 45 days after her arrest, the charges against Oglesby-Henry were quietly dropped due to lack of evidence. In a press release, Oglesby-Henry said the whole incident left her “humbled and questioning why a system designed to protect victims has failed to protect me.”

FARMER AND OGLESBY-HENRY HAVE known each other for a long time. In a November 3, 2025, statement, Oglesby-Henry says: “At the time of this incident, our relationship was of a professional nature and friendship.”

In an interview for this piece, she says, “I have been helping [Kevin] behind the

scenes for years,” noting especially his difficult upbringing in the “broken” foster care system. “He wasn’t raised,” she says. “He grew up and then was ejected [at 18] into the world with no guidance.” She takes issue with people who question why she would befriend someone who is mentally unstable, noting: “I work in a field of service, and that service is not just for sane people or those that are not troubled.”

But what she and others close to her find most disturbing is how easily people overlooked the rights violations in her case. “How do you keep somebody in jail?” asks Figgs. “Ain’t no guns, ain’t no nothing. She was in her house—he don’t live there. You can’t lock a person up, especially a political person, just because. They just hung her out to dry.”

Though no one in the Republican Party has publicly commented about her arrest or campaign, Oglesby-Henry says she has been asked by other Republicans to run for County Commissioner or State Representative instead of Congress on her first try. She says Democrats expressed dismay initially at her party affiliation and suggested she “start lower” as well.

Farmer, meantime, is out of jail and apologetic. “I shouldn’t have called the police,” he says. “I literally weaponized law enforcement to hurt a friend. I broke God’s commandment; I bore false witness against my neighbor.” But he also claims the altercation between him and Oglesby-Henry was used to snuff out both of their political aspirations.

“There’s a lot of people who got upset [by] what we were doing as Republicans,” he says. “There are forces inside these parties that have an influence on things when it comes down to trying to get somebody out of their way.”

Rice, her colleague at Rosemary’s Babies, says, “I still don’t fully understand how this actually happened.”

Ohio Press Network Editor-in-Chief Jack Windsor, who interviewed OglesbyHenry about this incident and has spent years covering Ohio’s political scene, sees both Farmer and Oglesby-Henry as pawns in a political game. “I believe Rosemary was hung out to dry by powers in Cincinnati because she’s a Black Republican and conservative. [They know] most people only read

headlines and don’t go into the weeds, so if they catch you in a situation that’s compromising, that’s all they need. It’s easy to point to the story and say: ‘Is this who you want representing you in Congress?’ ” If the incident was “used by people who are left leaning,” Windsor says, that’s not the only group at fault. “I think people on the right failed to understand the egregiousness of her situation and stand up for her as a party that is supposed to stand on principles and stand for honesty and integrity.” At the end of the day, he adds, Farmer and Oglesby-Henry “are both probably hurting, damaged, and examples of how hard it is to get involved in Ohio politics.”

IT’S NOT DIFFICULT TO SEE WINDSOR’S points. Oglesby-Henry’s platform could easily appeal to constituents of both parties. “She wants an equal playing field, especially when you deserve it,” says Rice. “She preaches you shouldn’t stay on government assistance forever. She doesn’t teach our young girls and men to sit in subsidized housing; she says stay in it for a year and while you’re there, save money. If they sit her in a room and do a debate [with the other candidates], she will eat everyone up.”

Even Farmer says he is voting for Oglesby-Henry in the primary—when asked, he says, “Of course.”

In an interview for this piece, she elaborated on her policy, noting that if the Big Beautiful Bill works as intended, her constituents-to-be can use government programming to transition their skills and become independent. “All people are asking is that you don’t move the line,” she says. “And when they’re ready to come off the system there’s housing, jobs, tools, and resources for them to stay afloat so they don’t make one dollar too much and end up on that benefits cliff.” She also asks Democrats to consider crossing party lines on election day. “Judge the person standing in front of you,” she says, “not the party as a whole.”

Oglesby-Henry is a formidable force, says Osborne. “She has already served this group of neglected teen parents who don’t have a support system from the government or nonprofits. She outgrew her first space. She moved into her other place on Reading Road and then she outgrew that space and now has opened Holloway

MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

House. What could she do in office if she has already done this much? The truth will come out.”

FOLLOW US

When asked whether people are giving her the benefit of the doubt now that the charges against her have been dismissed, Oglesby-Henry says, simply, “The apology is never as grand as the assault. If I could throw Google out the window, I would.” Just as the memory of the September incident with Farmer had begun to fade, it made headlines again in February when the court dismissed the case against Farmer. (Oglesby-Henry couldn’t show up to court due to a scheduling conflict with arbitration over the construction of Holloway House.)

Undeterred by things she cannot control, she has continued her campaign, speaking recently at the Warren County Republican Club, where she discussed solutions to District One’s problems given her own lived experience, including making the American dream attainable for a broader audience (abandoning property taxes while pursuing “educational excellence”), and her reliance on prayer and God for keeping priorities straight.

She also discussed how, as a former teen mom, she made sure her son became the first young man in her family to graduate from high school by homeschooling him. She explained how she teaches other teen parents that, “when the Democratic Party gives you what you want, you will stay exactly where you are; you have to resiliently move forward and say no at times, even when it hurts.”

Afterwards, one precinct chair was so moved by her speech, she spontaneously stood up and urged the Warren County Republicans to endorse Oglesby-Henry in the primary. (They chose to endorse Steven Erbeck,a Warren County native, instead.)

“I came from the mud and I’ve been in every room,” Oglesby-Henry says, “and I am still the same Ms. Rosemary who believes policies and people and government can provide resources and tools so everybody can rise up to meet their full potential.”

On May 5, Republican Congressional District One voters will decide whether or not they agree.

SECOND

LIFE

What’s old is new again as Salazar blooms in its custom downtown digs. —M. LEIGH HOOD

C

HEF JOSE SALAZAR HAS JUGGLED MANY PLATES IN MANY KITCHENS. ADAPTING to the fickle whims of the industry is a valuable skill, but when his namesake restaurant shuttered in 2023, foodies mourned something special. November brought Salazar’s reincarnation, right across the road from Mita’s, another of the chef’s restaurants. The new venue is nearly five times the size of the previous location. Hosting more customers, with more room to innovate behind the scenes, offers a unique opportunity. The larger footprint accommodates more equipment in the kitchen, and there are more possibilities for events, guest chefs, and philanthropic efforts.

There are only a handful of menu holdovers from the restaurant’s first life, namely the local breads with bone marrow butter, the Little Fried Oyster Sandwich, and the Bruce Banner cocktail. The new menus are longer, more varied, and full of fresh twists.

It begins with the nibbles. Once you’ve had one Caesar salad, you’ve had them all, right? Wrong. This salad has everything that makes a Caesar what it is and then some. Rye croutons and Parmesan share the greens with dill and cured egg yolk, a combination that works surprisingly well. The dill adds an aromatic hint of something fresher than fresh, and the cured egg yolk lends the dressing a rich, punchy kick.

Seasonal dishes appear across the menu, and they are always worth the splurge. While a few core dishes will be available year-round, the flexibility and elbow room in his new kitchen play to Salazar’s vision of a locally driven, highly seasonal restaurant.

The drink menu is one of the best in Cincinnati, not to mention one of the most considerate. In addi-

FYI

Salazar, 101 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 345-1500, salazarcin cinnati.com

Hours Dinner Mon–Thurs 5–10 p.m., Fri & Sat 4–10 p.m.

Prices

$8 (Little Fried Oyster Sandwich)–$115 (Grand Seafood Tower)

Credit Cards

All major

The Takeaway

Salazar is a culinary playground with an emphasis on local and seasonal foods.

tion to a beautifully curated wine list, a full bar, and signature cocktails, guests will find zero-proof beers, mocktails, and wine. It’s an inclusive spread that doesn’t skimp on the non-alcoholic offerings like the NOKOK (NA agave blanco, tandoori, passion fruit, and bubbles). This mocktail arrives with all the excitement of the first day of a tropical vacation. It’s naturally sweet, but far from cloying. The tandoori and passion fruit do the heavy lifting, and the NOKOK is as memorable as its alcoholic alternative, the AKOK.

Every level of your visit highlights Salazar’s focus on crafting the ideal customer experience via friendly service and exceptional ingredients. Quality isn’t a matter of trust. Fresh seafood gets the VIP treatment all aspiring raw bar ingredients deserve, shuttled by Salazar straight from CVG to the restaurant’s kitchen. That tender loving care stands tall in Salazar’s seafood towers. However, sometimes the best parts of life are the little things.

The Little Fried Oyster Sandwich (kimchi, garlic mayo, and radish sprouts on a brioche bun) made the move to the new venue, but it has to fight for its place as the cutest dish on the menu. The mini lobster rolls (Maine lobster and yuzu kosho mayo on split-top rolls) are coming for the crown. Served on the same housemade brioche in pairs, these fun little appetizers are hard to share. The tender lobster and brioche create a sweet base that’s elevated by the savory mayo and sharpened with tart hints of yuzu.

If you can’t ignore the call of the sea, let the tide carry you through to the scallops (hijiki risotto, leeks, miso, and togarashi). Artfully seared, the delicate meat takes on a silky texture and a

bewitching flavor that suggests the scallops are much richer in fat than they really are. The risotto pulls its most memorable elements from Japanese cuisine, namely the seaweed, miso, and togarashi (a Japanese spice blend featuring sesame, chiles, fruit peels, ginger, seaweed, and seeds). Combined, they deepen the overall flavor while lightening the dish’s creamy foundation. They bring out the best in the scallops, too, conjuring exquisite hints of the shellfish’s natural flavor while still developing a pleasantly unique profile.

Although the nibbles and seafood are great, Salazar has something special on the menu for all tastes. The pasta ranges from gnocchi to rigatoni, and you’ll spy power players like wild mushrooms, crispy prosciutto, and blue crab in the sauces. Mains include tandoori spiced cauliflower, New York strip, pasture-raised chicken breast, lamb shank, and fish (crispy skin king salmon when we visited). If you aren’t feeling adventurous, the half-pound burger (house blend patty, pepper, cheddar, pepper bacon, tomato, pickles, and “mac” sauce on a sesame seed bun) will still take you on a journey, and any vegetable you order as penance will still taste divine.

Wrap things up with the dark chocolate cremeux (coffee-almond crumble, smoked ice cream, meringue, and salted caramel), which is as good as it sounds and even better than it looks. It’s solid, decadent, and positively swoon-worthy. Everything else orbits this dark star. Toasted shards of meringue circle the chocolate like caramelized bites of marshmallow, the salted caramel pools on the side, and the coffee-almond crumbles always land where they’re needed most. Of all the moving parts that make this dessert so special, however, the most important is the smoked ice cream. The whisper of smoke that’s settled into the cream is as innovative as it is surprising. It isn’t sweet. It isn’t salty. It’s refreshingly dark, like the puff of a candle extinguished at the end of a meal.

Slice, Slice Baby

LAST JULY, THE OWNERS OF DELWOOD ON MT. LOOKOUT SQUARE OPENED THEIR NEWEST concept: Guardia Pizza & Bar. At less than 1,000 square feet, it’s worth the squeeze for date nights or drinks with an old friend. Just make sure you come hungry—the pizzas here are large and loaded. Tabletop seating offers prime views (and smells) of the pizzamaking station, but on a busy night when seating is scarce, staff are more than willing to engage in a friendly chat at the bar. Try the Hugo Spritz, a light and fresh counterpart to the Aperol, made with St-Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and fresh sprigs of mint. Then pregame your meal with a meatball, which comes coated in red sauce and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

LILIANA JAIME

THE CEO AND FOUNDER OF Mi Cozumel wants you to celebrate Mexican culture with her.

Who taught you how to cook Mexican food? I have always loved the art of cooking and was fascinated by our rich culinary traditions as a young girl in Mexico. I worked at Mexican restaurants before founding my own and worked alongside several talented chefs. I learned countless techniques and styles from them and chose to [combine] their best skills with my own twist to implement into my vision.

Why did you decide you wanted to run your own restaurant? Owning my own restaurant has always been a dream of mine since I started working in the restaurant industry. Ironically, I was fixed on studying engineering, but while working as a hostess, server, and later a manger, I became deeply passionate about Mexican restaurants. I wanted to create a space where our culture could be shared and deeply felt by anyone who walks through our doors.

What’s your favorite Mexican dish to eat/make? Enchiladas are my favorite by far. The depth of flavor and savory smell takes me back to my childhood in Mexico and makes me feel back at home as a little girl eager for my mom to finish preparing them. – AIESHA D . LITTLE

Guardia Pizza & Bar, 3200 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 800-5424, guardia cincy.com

When it’s time for pizza, you can build your own 12- or 18-inch pie (choosing from an 18-topping menu), but we’re partial to The Works. Guardia’s version of a supreme is piled high with pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives, and it’s a two-man job to take down even half of the pie. If that sounds like too much, the restaurant offers pizza-by-the-slice from its walk-up window. The Burrata is a savory classic—housemade red sauce, mozzarella, freshly shaved Parmesan, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—with a drool-worthy cheese pull. Just make sure you get a napkin (or five) for the road—it takes two hands to hold one slice. —EMMA BALCOM

Mi Cozumel has locations in Newport, downtown, Oakley, Kenwood, Finneytown, and Lebanon. micozumel.com.

Read a longer interview with Liliana at cincinnatimagazine.com

Girls’ Night Out

A Night to Shop in Madeira

Old School Cool

The Hotel Rambler’s bar makes for a fun outing in Montgomery.

LOOKING FOR A SWANKY DATE-NIGHT option in the ’burbs? Try Sidecar Bar + Kitchen, the bar and restaurant at the new boutique hotel The Rambler, which opened in the Montgomery Quarter development last October. Perfect for those who love all things Mid-Century Modern and Mad Men , the space is a vibey destination for an evening out with your amour. Low lighting, a crackling fireplace, and an elevated design make it feel like the kind of spot where Don Draper and Roger Sterling might meet a client.

The setting lends itself to ordering a classic like an Old Fashioned. The Sidecar Old Fashioned features Old McBrayer, Benchmark, and Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters, garnished with a zesty swirl of orange peel and plump maraschino cherry. If you’re looking for something a little more cosmopolitan, the bar’s eponymous Sidecar is a showstopper: Rémy Martin cognac, Benchmark bourbon, and mélange of apricot, blackberry, lemon, vanilla, and egg white. This is the kind of drink worth savoring slowly, intentionally. Of course, the espresso martini is always a delight, and those looking for a nonalcoholic libation can choose from myriad mocktail options, like the Lavender Haze, a fun and fizzy finale to your 9–5. —SARAH McCOSHAM

Sidecar Bar + Kitchen, 7711 Roosa St., Montgomery, (513) 954-4100

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Cincinnati Magazine

SPONSORS: Sysco, San Pellegrino, -196, On the Rocks, La Brea Bakery, Big Blue Moving, Decal Impressions, NIDO, and Keurig Coffee Collective

March 9, 2026

Newport Car Barn

→ The Newport Car Barn hosted more than a dozen of Cincinnati Magazine’s past and current Best Restaurants as well as other local favorites. More than 500 guests enjoyed bites from Mita’s, Salazar, Abigail Street, Phoenician Taverna, and many more. The evening also featured two Porsches, a permanent jewelry artist, and a DJ, raising $500 for Ethan’s Purpose.

BRAZILIAN BITES

WANT TO TAKE AN exotic trip without leaving the country? Visit Loveland’s Wards Crossing Shopping Center and be transported to South America with just one bite at Sweetness Brazilian Bakery. Owners Thiago Riva and Patricia Sebold grew up baking pastries and treats with their families, so opening a bakery of their own just felt right. The couple offer cookies, cakes, savory pastries, breads, and authentic Brazilian treats like the brigadeiro. Made with sweetened condensed milk and butter and rolled into a ball, this dessert is bite-sized with a rich, fudge-like texture and comes served in a paper cup (like a chocolate truffle). While traditional brigadeiros are always made with cocoa powder and topped with chocolate sprinkles, Sweetness goes beyond, offering 12 flavors from pistachio to passionfruit to Oreo. It’s hard to choose, but luckily you don’t have to: Customers can order an assorted dozen. Bring a bite of Brazil to your next gathering—if you don’t eat them all yourself first.

—BRIANNA CONNOCK

Sweetness Brazilian Bakery, 471 Wards Corner Rd., Loveland, (513) 908-2410

Ategrity Specialty Insurance Company, carrier of the Heartland, is proud to sponsor Cincinnati Magazine’s Discover Local Spotlight and champion the small businesses that power Cincinnati and the Midwest. Reach out to your agent for an Ategrity insurance quote for your business and let us protect what you’re building! PRESENTED BY

DRESS STORE

The Queen’s Lace

A dress boutique focused on mothers-of-the-bride / groom.

320b W. Benson St., Reading https://thequeenslace.com

SENIOR LIVING

St. Theresa Village Senior Living

Providing safe, quality low-income housing and affordable resident services for seniors in need.

6783 Siebern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45236 https://www.mercyhousing.org/southeast/

Fleet Feet

Cincinnati’s local running specialty store since ’01. 9525 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash https://fleetfeetcincy.com

CHILDCARE

Mini Miracles Learning Center

Where every child is a miracle worth nurturing. 1832 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237 Minimiracles710@yahoo.com

Breadsmith

Breadsmith produces artisan, preservative-free bread from scratch, daily.

3500 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park 315 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue https://www.breadsmith.com/cincinnati/

BAR/RESTAURANT

Brew House

A friendly neighborhood bar with good burgers. 1047 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206 https://www.brewhouse.com/

AMERICAN 96 BARBECUE 98

CAJUN/CARIBBEAN 98

CHINESE 98

ECLECTIC 99

FRENCH 100

INDIAN 100

ITALIAN 100

JAPANESE 101

KOREAN 102

MEDITERRANEAN 102 MEXICAN 102

102

102

103

103

AMERICAN

BOOMTOWN BISCUITS & WHISKEY

Boomtown leans hard into the Gold Rush theme and the dense grub isn’t for the faint of heart. Arrive with an empty belly, ready for a carbo load. The biscuits are all they’re cracked up to be, and the gravy’s not playing around, either. Sample its biscuits and gravy styles with a gravy flight. Or try The Yukon, an anytime breakfast sandwich, featuring fried chicken on par with the best the city has to offer. By the end of the meal, you’ll feel a little out of place without your own denim getup.

9039 U.S. Route 42, Ste. H, Union, (859) 384-5910, boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wed–Sat. Breakfast and lunch Sun. MCC. $$

COPPIN’S

With wine on tap and a local beer list, Coppin’s is an ideal place to meet for drinks. In addition to plenty of Kentucky bourbon, much of the produce, meat, and cheese comes from local growers and producers. House-cured meat and cheese from Kenny’s Farmhouse and cheese from Urban Stead populate the “Artisanal Meat and Cheese Board,” which dresses up the main attractions with honey, dips, house pickles, and Sixteen Bricks purple barley bread. The steak frites with beef fat fries, and your choice of peppercorn demi, bearnaise, or chimichurri are a must-try item. Or snag the seared scallops with Parmesan risotto, local mushrooms, and Pedro Ximenez sherry vinegar.

638 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 9056800, hotelcovington.com/dining/coppinsrestaurant. Breakfast, lunchand dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

EMBERS

The menu here is built for celebration: poshly priced steak and sushi selections are meant to suit every special occasion. Appetizers are both classic (shrimp cocktail) and Asian-inspired (shrimp tempura); fashionable ingredients are name-checked (micro-greens and truffles); a prominent sushi section (nigiri, sashimi, and rolls) precedes a list

DINING GUIDE

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S

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

of the guide’s restaurants may not be included. Many restaurants have changing seasonal menus; dishes listed here are examples of the type of cuisine available and may not be on the menu when you visit. To update listings, e-mail: cmletters@cincinnati magazine.com

of archetypal salads; Kobe beef on sushi rolls sidles up to steaks of prime; non-steak entrées (Chilean sea bass or Dover sole with haricots verts and almondine) make for high-style alternative selections. Talk about a party.

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

GREYHOUND TAVERN

NATION’S BEST

Mita’s was recently named to USA Today’s “2026 Restaurants of the Year” list. The list, which debuted in 2024, is compiled by USATodayNetwork food journalists across the country. The restaurant, named after Chef/ Owner Jose Salazar’s Colombian grandmother, was called “a place to have fun” by CincinnatiEnquirer’s Keith Pandolfi. mitas.co

Back in the streetcar days, this roughly 100-yearold roadhouse was at the end of the Dixie Highway line, where the cars turned around to head north. The place was called the Dixie Tea Room then, and they served ice cream. The fried chicken came along in the 1930s, and they’re still dishing it up today. Families and regulars alike pile in on Mondays and Tuesdays for the fried chicken special. While the juicy (never greasy) chicken with its lightly seasoned, crisp coating is the star, the side dishes—homemade biscuits, coleslaw, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy—will make you ask for seconds. Call ahead no matter what night you choose: There’s bound to be a crowd. Not in the mood for chicken? Choose from steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and comfort food options that include meatloaf and a Kentucky Hot Brown. Or just try the onion rings. You’ll wonder where onions that big come from. 2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, (859) 3313767, greyhoundtavern.com. Lunch and dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

MR. GENE’S

DOGHOUSE

Cumminsville is home to arguably the best hot chili cheese mett and chocolate malt in Greater Cincinnati. A family-owned business that began as a simple hot dog stand more than 50 years ago, Mr. Gene’s still attracts lines of loyal customers at its windows. Can’t stand the heat? Order the mild chili cheese mett—more flavor, fewer BTUs. And if you still haven’t embraced Cincinnati-style coneys, try the Chicago-style hot dog with pickles, onions, relish, mustard, tomato, sport peppers, and celery salt; a pork sandwich; or wings. Although the chocolate malt is the biggest seller, we love the $4.75 pineapple shake, made with real pineapple. 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville, (513) 541-7636, mrgenesdoghouse.com. Open Feb–Oct for lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MC, V. $

IVORY HOUSE

The menu here generally doesn’t reinvent dishes or introduce outlandish flavors, but simply pays attention to enough little things to make the results unusually good. All steaks are premium and hand-selected, the star player being the Japanese A5 Wagyu. The Ultimate Surf & Turf is a date night favorite with a 34-ounce Angus Tomahawk, four shrimp, four scallops and two lobster tails. Bluefin tuna steak is complemented by cilantro lime rice, a vegetable medley, chimichurri, and a soy ginger vinaigrette. Confit duck leg, an Ivory House specialty, is served with parsnip mash, confit beets, and berry gastrique. The cocktails are ones you’ve probably seen before, but everything—from the Death Valley Farm Old Fashioned to the Best West Lemon Drop—has an extra dash of liveliness from a house-made element, like the rosemary syrup. 2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood, (513) 3890175, ivoryhousecincy.com. Dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC. DC. $$$

QUATMAN CAFÉ

The quintessential neighborhood dive, Quatman’s sits in the shadow of the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, serving up a classic bar burger. Look elsewhere if you like your burger with exotic toppings: This half-pound of grilled beef is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Sometimes cheese. The no-frills theme is straightforward and appealing. A menu of standard sandwich fare and smooth mock turtle soup; beer on tap or soda in cans (no wine or liquor); and plenty of kitsch is served daily. Peppered with regulars, families, and political discussions, Quatman’s is far from fancy, but it’s fun, fast, and delicious. 2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, (513) 7314370; 224 W. Main St., Mason, (513) 229-0222, quatmancafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $

RON’S ROOST

Ron’s stakes its reputation on its fried chicken, serving roughly 10,000 pieces weekly. It takes a few minutes, since each batch is made to order. Ron’s also serves chicken 18 other ways, including chicken livers in gravy. It’s all about the chicken here, but the menu is five solid pages of other stuff good enough to be called specialties: Oktoberfest sauerbraten, Black Angus cheeseburgers,

EAT YOUR WAY

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fried whitefish on rye, hot bacon slaw, lemon meringue pie (homemade, of course), and the best Saratoga chips this side of Saratoga.

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

SOUL SECRETS

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

1434 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-7685, soulsecretscincy.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $

TANO

BISTRO

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

204 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, (513) 683-8266; 150 Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton, (513) 795-8654, foodbytano. com. Lunch Thurs–Sun, dinner Mon–Wed, brunch Sun. MCC. $$$

THE WILDFLOWER CAFÉ

Wildflower Café is not the sort of place that tries to wow anyone with feats of inventiveness. Its formula is simple but satisfying: meat and produce sourced from its own farm, a menu that continuously changes with available ingredients, a nice selection of wine and beer, and wellmade, homey food. The small, focused menu has a classic American quality (salads, steaks, burgers) with enough surprises to keep things interesting. Many of the dishes are designed with open spaces to be filled with whatever is available in the kitchen that day, an advantage of an unfussy style. You don’t go to Wildflower expecting a certain kind of perfection; you accept that your favorite dish from last time might be made differently tonight, or no longer available. Like the farmhouse that Wildflower occupies, the imperfections are part of the charm.

207 E. Main St., Mason, (513) 492-7514, wildflowermason.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

BARBECUE

BEE’S BARBEQUE

You’ll want to get to Bee’s early if you want to avoid the line of friendly regulars. The restaurant’s smoker churns out a variety of meats—including brisket, pulled pork, rib tips, turkey breast, and two kinds of sausage—so it’s easy to see why they keep coming back. If you enjoy the spicy grease that oozes out of a good chorizo, you’ll love the Cincinnati Hot Link, which tastes like the delicious love child of a chorizo and a hot mett. Word to the wise: Bee’s opens at 11 a.m. and closes when they run out of meat. Understandably, this doesn’t take long.

5910 Chandler St., Madisonville, (513) 561-2337. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat; 1403 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-2337, beesbarbecue.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $

ELI’S BBQ

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

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

WALT’S HITCHING POST

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

3300 Madison Pke., Ft. Wright, (859) 360-2222, waltshitchingpost.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

CAJUN/ CARIBBEAN

BREWRIVER CREOLE

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

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

SWAMPWATER GRILL

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

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

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU

The Pine serves some of the best Louisiana home-style food you’ll find this far north of New Orleans. Taste the fried catfish filets with their peppery crust, or the garlic sauteed shrimp with smoky greens on the side, and you’ll

understand why it’s called soul food. Between March and June, it’s crawfish season. Get them boiled and heaped high on a platter or in a superb crawfish etouffee. But the rockin’ gumbo—a thick, murky brew of andouille sausage, chicken, and vegetables—serves the best roundhouse punch all year round. As soon as you inhale the bouquet and take that first bite, you realize why Cajun-style food is considered a high art form and a serious pleasure. And you’ll start planning your return trip.

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

CHINESE

AMERASIA

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

521 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6121, kungfood. online. Lunch and dinner Mon–Fri, dinner Sat. MCC. $

ORIENTAL WOK

When Mike and Helen Wong opened Oriental Wok in 1977, the couple wanted to recreate the glamor and refinement of the Hong Kong-Cantonese cuisine they knew. Today, locals and expats alike enjoy authentic Chinese and Chinese-American dishes in dining rooms reminiscent of Beijing. Beyond the elephant tusk entryway and fish ponds and fountains is the warmth and hospitality of the Wong family, service on par with the finest establishments, and very, very good food. Best are the fresh fish: salmon, grouper and sea bass steamed, grilled or fried in a wok, needing little more than the ginger-green onion sauce that accompanies them. Oriental Wok is the tri-state’s longest-running family-owned Chinese restaurant for a reason.

317 Buttermilk Pke., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3000; 2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok. com. Lunch Sun–Fri (Ft. Mitchell; buffet Sun 11–2:30), lunch Tues–Sat (Hyde Park), dinner seven days (Ft. Mitchell) dinner Tues–Sun (Hyde Park). MCC. $$

SICHUAN BISTRO

Like many Chinese restaurants that cater to both mainstream American and Chinese palates, this strip mall gem uses two menus. The real story here is found in dishes of pungent multi-layered flavors that set your mouth ablaze with fermented peppers and fresh chilies and then just as quickly cool it down with the devilish, numbing sensation of hua jiao, Sichuan pepper. Its numbing effect is subtle at first: appetizers of cold sliced beef and tripe, as well as slices of pork belly with a profusion of minced garlic, lean toward the hot and sweet; mapo tofu freckled with tiny fermented black beans and scallions, and pork with pickled red peppers and strips of ginger root, progress from sweet to pungent to hot to salty—in that order. Alternated with cooling dishes— nibbles of rice, a verdant mound of baby bok choy stir-fried with a shovelful of garlic, a simply sensational tea-smoked duck—the effect is momentarily tempered.

7888 S. Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-3123, sichuanbistro.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

UNCLE YIP’S

Long before sushi somehow un-disgusted itself to the Western World, China had houses of dim sum. Uncle Yip’s valiantly upholds that tradition in Evendale. This is a traditional dim sum house with all manner of exotic dumplings, including shark fin or beef tripe with ginger and onion. As

for the seafood part of the restaurant’s full name, Uncle Yip has most everything the sea has to offer. The menu has more than 160 items, so you’ll find a range of favorites, from moo goo gai pan to rock salt frog legs.

10736 Reading Rd., Evendale, (513) 733-8484, uncleyips.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, discount for cash. $$

ECLECTIC

Top 10 ABIGAIL STREET

Most people who’ve eaten at Abigail Street have favorite dishes that they order every visit: the Moroccan spiced broccoli, for example, or the mussels charmoula, with its perfect balance of saffron, creaminess, and tomatoey acidity. Many of the new items on the menu have the same perfected feeling as these classics. Working within a loose framework of Middle Eastern and North African flavors, Abigail Street has never fallen into a routine that would sap its energy. Offerings like the lamb spaghetti with grana padano feel just as accomplished as old favorites like the falafel. The restaurant is always watching for what works and what will truly satisfy, ready to sacrifice the superficially interesting in favor of the essential.

1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-4040, abigailstreet.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

Top 10

BOCA

With its grand staircase, chandelier, and floorto-ceiling draperies, Boca has an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. There is a sense of drama not only in the decor but in everything it serves. In some dishes, there is a painterly sense of contrast and surprise, like the maple tuile served with the maple mascarpone cheesecake. In others, there is a dramatic suspense, like the whole egg yolk quivering in the center of the beef tartare waiting to be broken. While staying mostly grounded in the fundamentals of Italian and French cuisine, Boca has an air of international sophistication that sets its food apart with extraordinary creativity and flair.

114 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, bocacincinnati.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

CHÉ

This spot draws on authentic Argentine recipes, including the empanadas. Choose from a dozen different crispy, perfectly cinched dough pockets, with fillings ranging from traditional (a mixture of cumin-spiced beef, hard-boiled egg, and olives) to experimental (mushrooms, feta, green onion, and mozzarella). There are also six different dipping sauces to choose from, but you need not stray from the house chimichurri.

1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine; 2038 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, (513) 345-8838, checincinnati.com. Dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. V, MCC, DC, AMEX. $$

THE GOVERNOR

This Milford restaurant playfully elevates diner classics. Sandwiches get an inventive twist here. The “Governor Tso’s chicken”—a crispy, gluten-free fried chicken breast glazed with a General Tso’s–inspired sauce, topped with apricot slaw and served on a toasted brioche bun—is a gigantic, happy mess of a sandwich, but the sweet glaze faintly evokes the namesake “General” while letting the sublimely fried chicken lead the charge. Order a side of bowling alley fries and ask for the red dip. (You’ll thank us later.)

231 Main St., Milford, (513) 239-8298, governordiner. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Sun. Breakfast and lunch Sun. Brunch seven days. MCC. $

MARIGOLD

To understand what this restaurant offers, you must first learn what it does not. It isn’t a replacement for your favorite Indian take-out or an Irish pub repainted with the Union Jack. This is the fusion of Anglo and Indian cuisines that grew from multicultural neighborhoods, where immigrants from colonized nations served meals that appealed to all of their new neighbors. The English curry is more sweet than spicy. Try the butter chicken (a mellow reflection of tikka masala with tender, cubed chicken) or the vegetarian korma chickpea and squash. If you aren’t feeling terribly

adventurous, don’t worry. The Marigold burger is a blend of tenderloin, rib-eye, and striploin dolled up with Welsh rarebit (imagine a very thick, very cheesy roux), and served on a house-made English muffin.

60 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 996-0210, marigoldcincy.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

METROPOLE

Metropole has been remarkably stable since it opened in 2012. Even when chefs have left, the restaurant has kept popular dishes on the menu and maintained a certain vibe, a balance between sophistication and rusticity. Its vegetarian fare contains many of its most inventive and delightful creations. Showcasing housemade pastas, house-cured meats, and more, the menu honors the region’s ingredients for a fun and whimsical meals rooted in careful execution of deep and satisfying flavors.

609 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com. Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days. V, DS, MC, AMEX. $$

Top 10 MITA’S

It’s fitting that Chef/Owner Jose Salazar named this restaurant after his grandmother, because there is something deeply homey about the food at Mita’s. With a focus on Spanish and Latin-American tapas, it always feels, in the best possible way, like elevated home cooking. Its sophistication is modestly concealed. The flavors are bold and direct, like the spicy freshness of the ceviche de camarones with poached gulf shrimp, sour orange, fava beans, and jalapeños. The tacos de lengua, which come in pairs, are made with beef tongue, watermelon pico de gallo, watermelon radish, salsa roja, and mint, and are served on housemade corn tortillas. But what mainly comes through is the warm-hearted affection a grandmother might have put into a meal for a beloved grandson. It’s the kind of big hug everyone needs from time to time.

501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

NOLIA KITCHEN

Top 10

Chef/Owner Jeffery Harris, a New Orleans native, prepares the cuisine of his beloved city with sophistication and flair, drawing on all the influences that have contributed to the cuisine of the Big Easy—from West African to French to Japanese to Haitian. The menu changes seasonally, with almost a complete overhaul each time. If classic New Orleans dishes do show up on the menu, they’re likely to get delightfully unexpected touches. The smoked chicken, for example, comes with peach Alabama barbecue sauce, greens, mirliton, and charred peach. It’s exquisitely prepared food served in a funky, laid-back atmosphere. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 384-3597, noliakitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC,DC. $$$

PENNYFLOWER BISTRO & BAR

While Pennyflower Bistro & Bar celebrates Fountain Square’s past life as an open-air market with its name, the restaurant offers farm-to-table goodness with its menu. Chef/Owner Jacob Benavides and his team butcher proteins in-house, make sauces from scratch, and even shred their own hash browns, but also work with local businesses to source bread (Sixteen Bricks), gin (Northern Row Distillery), and microgreens (Fort Thomas Microgreens). These and other details are showcased in dishes like the carbonara croquettes, the sweet house pickles on the hot Nashville chicken sandwich, and the Amish chicken pressade. But some of the best parts of the menu hide at the end of the meal, like the “deconstructed” s’mores dessert featuring Italian meringue, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate ganache, graham racker crumbs, and dates. 701 Broadway St., downtown, (513) 904-4149, pennyflowerbistro.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

SACRED BEAST

Sacred Beast advertises itself as a kind of upscale diner, but the real gems are the oddball dishes that don’t quite fit the diner mold. The menu can be disorienting in its eclecticism: Parisian-style gnocchi is next to fries with lobster gravy, and a king salmon is next to a diner breakfast and deviled eggs. Winners are scattered throughout the menu in every category. On the cocktail list, the New Fashioned, which features Ritual Zero Proof whiskey, demerara, and

Tabasco sauce, is oddly satisfying. The service is good, and there is some flair about the place—including vintage touches, from the facsimile reel-to-reel audio system to the mostly classic cocktails—even within its rather chilly industrial design. In short, go for the unique grub; stay for the elegant, shareable twists on classic snacks. 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 213-2864, sacredbeastdiner.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC, DS. $

Top 10

SALAZAR

Chef Jose Salazar’s namesake restaurant returned to the culinary landscape in new digs (right across the street from Mita’s) with a fresh menu full of style. There are classics from the old venue, but Salazar’s vision for this new, larger space features fresh, joyful ambition you can see, smell, and taste. Much of the food’s vibrance is due to the emphasis on seasonality. However, The Little Fried Oyster Slider is a microcosm of the Salazar experience as a whole. It’s inventive, colorful, and surprisingly playful. Everything is made with love and obsessive attention to detail, from the housemade brioche bun to the artfully arranged greens that bloom just so around the sandwich’s periphery. Little, polishing touches to the menu, like loose leaf tea from Churchill’s, underline the reborn Salazar’s investment in honing a unique, but entirely comfortable, dining experience.

101 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 345-1500, salazarcincinnati.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

SUDOVA

Top 10

Sarah Dworak packed a lot into her latest venture. She began introducing fresh takes on eastern European cuisine to the dining scene via the nowdefunct Wodka Bar, and while everyone loved its pierogi window, Dworak wanted to offer more. Sudova gives her the literal space to spread her wings with far more seating and a built-out kitchen. Recipes for the halushki (caramelized cabbage and onion, brown butter, and Linnea’s spaetzle), holubsti (stuffed cabbage rolls and tomato sauce), and rye varenyky (potato, sauerkraut, caramelized onion, and dill sour cream) come straight from Dworak’s baba and they are the jewels in the restaurant’s crown. Most small plates arrive dressed in herbs from Dark Wood Farm and culinary flower petals, deepening the illusion that you’ve stopped for dinner at some grandmother’s cottage deep in the woods, and she’s just picked something fresh from the garden. You should feel grateful that you don’t have to go over the hills and through the woods to get it.

22 W. Court St., downtown, (513) 407-7974, sudovaoncourt.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$$

TASTE OF BELGIUM

Jean-François Flechet’s Belgian waffle haven grew from a back counter of Madison’s grocery at Findlay Market to multiple full-service sit-down spots. There’s more on the menu than the authentic Belgian treat, though it would be a crime to miss the chicken and waffles: a dense, yeasty waffle topped with a succulent buttermilk fried chicken breast, Frank’s hot sauce, and maple syrup. There are also frites, of course, and Brussels sprouts—served with pancetta and sherry vinaigrette—plus a gem of a Bolognese. And let’s not forget the beer. Six rotating taps offer some of the best the Belgians brew, not to mention those made in town.

16 W. Freedom Way, downtown, (513) 396-5800, and other locations, authenticwaffle.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues–Sun, breakfast and lunch Mon, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$

20 BRIX

This restaurant mixes Mediterranean influences with homespun choices, and he comes up with some marvelous food. Lamb meatballs with melted onions and romesco sauce are sweet and peppery, and their simplicity partners well with a lush Zinfandel. The excellent wine list, arranged by flavor profiles within the varietals, features dozens of varieties by the glass in five-ounce or two-ounce pours, which makes it easy to try several.

101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

Top 10

WILDWEED

Before it opened as a restaurant, Wildweed developed a loyal fan base through the hundreds of

INCOMING!

Indianapolis fave Cafe Patachou, which offers “an elevated take on breakfast and lunch,” will open in The District at Deerfield at 5200 District Park Dr. in Mason this spring. Breakfast offerings including dishes like French omelettes, chilaquiles, and croissant French toast. cafepatachou.com

pasta pop-ups that Chefs David and Lydia Jackman held around the city. Even today, it retains some of the freewheeling quality from its pop-up era with a palpable sense of restlessness in the food. Part of the menu changes from week to week, based on what’s available in the woods and from local farms. What makes Wildweed a place to return is its sense of adventure. This place is always pushing itself to try something different.

1301 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4274, wildweed-restaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

FRENCH

CHEZ RENÉE FRENCH BISTROT

Based on American stereotypes of French food— that it’s elaborate, elitist, and expensive—one might expect Chez Renée to fall on the chichi side. Instead, it’s elegant in an everyday way, operating on the principle that it is better to excel at simplicity than to badly execute something complicated. The formula is not complex: Simple ingredients, generally fresh and from nearby, prepared without much fuss. Warmed brie is served with thyme, almonds, fruit, and bread, and the chicken risotto is served with creamy mushrooms. This is solid, tasty food, both approachable and well-executed. It’s well on its way to becoming, as a good bistrot should be, a neighborhood institution.

233 Main St., Milford, (513) 428-0454, chezreneefrenchbistrot.com. Lunch Fri & Sat, dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

Top 10 COLETTE

At this “mostly French” restaurant, which occupies the former Zula space across from Washington Park, Chef Danny Combs has built a more laid-back home for his focused, pristine cooking. While there is classic bistro fare, like steak frites, on the concentrated menu, there are also less familiar but equally classic French dishes, like the poulet frit a la moutarde (chicken with Dijon and crème fraîche) and the tagliolini aux champignons (egg yolk pasta with ragout and Parmesan). One can turn to the extensive drink menu (also “mostly French”) to find a wine or cocktail to go with any dish on offer. Like Zula, Colette would function just fine as a wine and cocktail bar, though we can’t imagine coming to a place this good and not eating something.

1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1018, coletteotr.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DC. $$

LE BAR A BOEUF

If it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been to Le Bar a Boeuf—the late Jean-Robert de Cavel’s fun-yet-refined French bistro located on the first floor of the Edgecliff Private Residences in East Walnut Hills—it may be time for a revisit. The formerly burger-centric menu now approaches the full repertoire of bistro classics. The menu reads like a greatest hits list of bistro fare, with escargot, beef tartare, duck leg confit, steak frites, and French onion soup all making appearances. As France’s influence on American fine dining has waned, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant committed to not only preserving the French classics but reinvigorating them.

2200 Victory Pkwy., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-2333, decavelgroup.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

LUCA BISTRO

This unabashedly French restaurant, with its French posters, bright red outer paneling, and chalkboard menu proclaiming its specials to passersby, fits into its Mt. Adams environs so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine Hatch Street without it. That, combined with warm service, timeless

French fare, and relaxed joie de vivre makes this a true neighborhood establishment. Chef Frederic Maniet grew up in the south of France and has done an excellent job transporting his native cuisine to a quiet corner of Cincinnati. These are the dishes that culinary Francophiles often crave, prepared in a straightforward, time-honored way. The Bouchées à la Reine, a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms, peas, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, is so warm and comforting it makes chicken pot pie seem aloof by comparison. It’s a warm, gentle reminder that French food can be convivial and affordable. 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams, (513) 621-5822, lucabistro.com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun, dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

INDIAN

AMMA’S KITCHEN

Muthu Kumar Muthiah serves traditional southern Indian and Indo-Chinese vegetarian cuisine, but with a sizable Orthodox Jewish community nearby, Muthiah saw an opportunity: If he was going to cook vegetarian, why not also make it kosher? Muthiah prepares every item—from the addictively crunchy gobhi Manchurian, a spicy Chinese cauliflower dish, to the lemon pickle, tamarind, and mint sauces—entirely from scratch under the careful eye of Rabbi Michoel Stern. Always 80 percent vegan, the daily lunch buffet is 100 percent animal-product-free on Wednesdays. Tuck into a warm and savory channa masala (spiced chickpeas) or malai kofta (vegetable dumplings in tomato sauce) from the curry menu. Or tear into a crispy, two-foot diameter dosa (chickpea flour crepe) stuffed with spiced onions and potatoes. 7633 Reading Rd., Roselawn, (513) 821-2021, cincinnati.ammaskitchen.com. Lunch buffet (all vegan on Wed) and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

BRIJ MOHAN

Order at the counter the way you might at a fast food joint, except the shakes come in mango and there’s no supersizing your mint lassi. The saag, full of cream in most northern Indian restaurants, is as intensely flavored as collard greens in the Deep South—real Punjabi soul food. Tarka dal is spectacular here, the black lentils smoky from charred tomatoes and onions, and the pani puri, hollow fried shells into which you spoon a peppery cold broth, burst with tart cool crunch. Follow the spice with soothing ras malai, freshly made cheese simmered in thick almond-flavored milk, cooled and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. 11259 Reading Rd., Sharonville, (513) 7694549, brijmohancincinnati.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MC, V, DC, AMEX. $

ITALIAN

A TAVOLA

In 2011, Jared Wayne opened A Tavola Pizza with two friends just as OTR was blowing up. A Ferrara pizza oven was ordered from Italy; Wayne, a skilled woodworker, built custom tables; and the menu was fleshed in with trendy crowd-pleasers like charcuterie and craft cocktails. Fast-forward a decade. The OTR outpost is closed but the second location is still going strong in the ’burbs: A Tavola Madeira capitalizes on the menu from the Vine Street location, including the fresh and zesty artichoke pizza on a Neapolitan crust; gooey mozzarella-filled arancini, or risotto fritters; and the zucchini mozzarella. Wash down your small plates with a glass of crisp and grassy Sannio falanghina or an ice-cold Rhinegeist. They’re definitely going to need a bigger parking lot.

7022 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-0192, atavolapizza.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. V, DC, MS, AMEX. $

CARMELO’S

Every great Italian eatery needs its classic entrées, and this restaurant delivers. The 101-Layer Lasagna actually looks like it has 101 layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. The shareable meatball appetizer—which consists of two enormous veal, pork, and beef meatballs that crumble with a little elbow grease— is the solution for diners craving a protein with their pasta. The oxtail ragu, with rich gravy-like osso buco ragu, incorporates subtle tomato and robust seasoning with the dish’s shredded meat and Parmesan. Portions are large, and the staff is ready to stow your leftovers the minute you raise the white flag. Remember, there’s no shame in surrender.

434 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 287-4700, eatatcarmelos.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

NICOLA’S

Chef/Restaurateur Cristian Pietoso carries on the legacy of his father, Nicola, as the elder Pietoso’s Over-the-Rhine eatery celebrated 25 years in business in 2021. You can still get the old Italian classics, and they’ll be as good as ever, but the rest of the menu has blossomed into a freewheeling tour of modern American cuisine. Any establishment paying this level of attention to detail—from the aged balsamic and lavender honey on the Italian cheese board to the staff’s wine knowledge—is going to put out special meals. Order an old favorite, by all means, but make sure you try something new, too.

1420 Sycamore St., Pendleton, (513) 721-6200, nicolasotr.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

NOCHE

This restaurant’s setting embodies what Chef Alfio Gulisano set out to achieve: An elegant but approachable restaurant where pasta, cocktails, and conversation blend with ease. The bourbon wagyu brisket burrata, with its hand-pulled mozzarella filled with slow-braised wagyu brisket and topped with a drizzle of hot honey, is decadent yet disciplined. The short rib sliders, braised for five hours after a quick grill that locks in flavor, then packed within soft buns with provolone and garlic aioli, make them both familiar and refined. While Gulisano plays up creativity with the appetizers, pasta dishes stay closer to classic Italian roots. The prime tenderloin gnocchi, the pulled brisket BBQ ravioli, and the pan-seared lasagna all have an abundance of richness without being too heavy. Gulisano’s cooking has always been rooted in heart and tradition, but at Noche the flavors of Argentina and Italy, once parallels in his life, now meet on the same plate.

701 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6900, las-noches.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

PADRINO

Billed as “Italian comfort food,” this sister restaurant to 20 Brix offers the classics (like lasagna and chicken carbonara) plus hoagies and meatball sliders, an impressive wine list, seasonal martinis, and a decadent signature appetizer—garlic knots, doughy buns smothered in olive oil and garlic. Best of all, Barraco’s pizza sauce, which is comprised of roasted tomatoes and basil, is so garden-fresh that one can’t help but wonder: If this is real pizza, what have we been eating all these years?

111 Main St., Milford, (513) 965-0100; 14 N. Grand Ave. Ft Thomas, (859) 957-4082, padrinoitalian.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

Top 10

SOTTO

There are certain books and movies that you can read or watch over and over. Eating at Sotto is a similar experience: familiar, but so

profound and satisfying that there is no reason to ever stop. Unlike other restaurants, where the techniques are often elaborate and unfamiliar, the magic at Sotto happens right in front of you, using ordinary elements and methods. When you taste the results, though, you realize that some mysterious transmutation has taken place. The wood-fired branzino with broccolini, matched with the warm, smoky taste of the Calabrian pepper, offers a flavor that you could go on eating forever. From the texture of the chicken liver mousse to the citrusy lemon aioli on the tartare di fassone, most of the food has some added element of soulfulness.

118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 822-5154, sottocincinnati.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

SUBITO

Focusing on Northern Italian cuisine, Subito carves out its own worthwhile place in the landscape. Most of the items on the menu—from pizza to various pastas—will be familiar, but there are delightful surprises, like the smoked grape crostini. This zingy dish is served with herb whipped goat cheese, apple, pecan, and maple agrodolce. Everything at Subito is done with intelligence and a light touch.

311 Pike St., downtown, (513) 579-3860, thelytleparkhotel.com/dining/subito. Breakfast and lunch seven days, dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

VIA VITE

Via Vite serves up crowd-pleasing entrées—including the Pietoso family Bolognese, over tagliatelle—right on Fountain Square. This is where small touches add sophistication. Golf-ball-sized veal meatballs are heavy with lemon zest, an over-the-top comfort dish. The same applies to the risotto frutti di mare, its soffritto, shrimp, lobster, mussels, and Boston bay clams creates a nice back-and-forth between vegetal and briny flavors. Braised lamb shank over polenta is a workhorse, and the flavorful Faroe Island salmon with roasted carrot puree, caramelized Brussel sprouts, and truffled brown butter balsamic vinaigrette is a delight.

520 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-8483, viaviterestaurant.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

JAPANESE

ANDO

You don’t go just anywhere to dine on uni sashimi (sea urchin) or tanshio (thinly sliced charcoal-grilled beef tongue). And when it’s on the menu, don’t overlook the buttery amberjack collar marinated in a Japanese citrus infused soy sauce and grilled over charcoal. Noodles are also well represented, with udon, soba, or ramen options available. Owners Ken and Keiko Ando always have something new, be it kamo negi maki (grilled duck breast stuffed with organic green onions) or a chocolate crepe and matcha parfait, delicacies that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in anywhere else, so dont’ forget to check out the specials.

11255 Reed Hartman Hwy., Blue Ash, (513) 9540041, andojapaneserestaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

KIKI

Your best bet here is to share plates or simply order too much. Start with the edamame and the chicken karaage. The selection of sauces (from tare to ponzu to chili oil) makes each dish better. And, of course, the ramen is the main reason for visiting. The shio features pork belly and tea-marinated soft-boiled egg, but the kimchi subs in tofu and its namesake cabbage for the meat. Be sure to try something from the sushi bar which offers nigiri, sashimi, and roll options.

358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 706-8902, kikicincinnati.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

’BURBS LAUNCH

Thunderdome

Group restaurants

Pepp & Dolores and The Eagle will open in the mixed-use development The District at Deerfield in Mason in early fall. Pepp & Dolores and The Eagle will operate as their own restaurants, but the latter will pair with Thunderdome’s chicken tendersonly concept CityBird for carryout and delivery orders. thunderdomerestau rants.com

KYOTO

Owner Jason Shi seems to know everybody’s name as he chats up diners, guiding them through the extensive sushi and sashimi menu. Four young sushi chefs, all part of Shi’s family, work at light speed behind the bar, a choreography backlit by rows of gleaming liquor bottles. Dinner proceeds with glorious chaos as a feisty Carla Tortelli–like server delivers one dish after another—combination of crab, fish, shrimp, scallop, and vegetable tempuras, a volcanic tower of chopped fatty tuna hidden inside overlapping layers of thin avocado slices, crispy chicken katsu with a mayo sauce,, and delicate slices of a samurai roll—all between shots of chilled sake.

12082 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 583-8897, kyotousa.m988.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

KOREAN

RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Come for the jham bong—a seafood soup with flour noodles in a spicy broth with pork, shrimp, squid, mussels, and vegetables. Revered for its medicinal properties, the dinner-sized soup will leave your eyes glistening and your brow beaded with sweat. It’s a detox for your overindulgence, rejuvenation for when you’re feeling under the weather. Expect crowds on weekends. Expect too, that dozens of them have come for dolsot bibimbap, the hot stone pots filled with layers of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, egg, and chili paste. Characterized by its electric color and addictive flavors, Riverside Korean’s version is a captivating bowl of heaven.

512 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

MEDITERRANEAN

ANDY’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

In this lively joint with a burnished summer lodge interior of wood and stone, even the food is unrestrained: rough-cut chunks of charbroiled beef tenderloin, big slices of onion and green pepper turned sweet and wet in the heat, skewers of marinated and charbroiled chicken perched on rice too generous for its plate.

906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, (513) 281-9791, andyskabob.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

FILLO

This modern Greek restaurant has a menu composed of mezedes, the small, shareable plates that serve as the binder to a great Greek meal. Take the saganaki, for example. True to Greek tradition, Fillo’s version is served without a tableside flambé. But what the dish lacks in spectacle, it makes up for in spectacular flavor. The layering of ingredients and flavors defines Fillo’s most filling entrée: moussaka. The classic dish appears on several local Mediterranean menus, but for pure comfort, Fillo’s combination of eggplant, potato, tomato-y beef ragu sauce, and béchamel can’t be beat.

1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 873-1995, fillomoderngreek.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

Top 10 PHOENICIAN TAVERNA

No matter how much restraint you go

in with, meals at Phoenician Taverna quickly become feasts. There is just too much that’s good, and everything is meant to be shared. With fresh pita bread continuously arriving from the ovens, and a table of quickly multiplying meze (hummus, falafel, muhammara), there is a warmth and depth to the cooking that envelops you. With such traditional cuisine, you may think there isn’t much left to discover beyond simply executed classics prepared according to time-tested methods. But there are always new discoveries, like the tabbouleh with the hummus, mixed with a touch of harissa, or the smoky baba ghanoush spooned onto falafel. Phoenician Taverna keeps taking these classics a little further.

7944 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

SEBASTIAN’S

Watch the rotating wheels of beef and lamb, and you understand how Greek food has escaped the American tendency to appropriate foreign cuisines. Sebastian’s specializes in gyros, shaved off the stick, wrapped in thick griddle pita with onions and tomatoes, and served with cool tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re having a crisp Greek salad with house-made dressing, triangles of spanakopita, or simply the best walnut and honey baklava this side of the Atlantic, they never misses a beat, turning more covers in the tiny restaurant on one Saturday afternoon than some restaurants do in an entire weekend.

5209 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, (513) 471-2100, sebastiansgyros.com. Brunch, lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. DS. $

MEXICAN

MAZUNTE

Mazunte runs a culinary full-court press, switching up specials to keep both regulars and staff engaged. Pork tamales arrive swaddled in a banana leaf, the shredded pork filling steeped in a sauce fiery with guajillo and ancho chilies yet foiled by the calming sweetness of raisins. The fried fish tacos are finished with a citrusy red and white cabbage slaw that complements the accompanying mangohabañero salsa. With this level of authentic yet fastpaced execution, a slightly greasy pozole can be easily forgiven. Don’t miss the Mexican Coke, the margaritas, or the non-alcoholic horchata.

5207 Madison Rd., Madisonville, (513) 7850000, mazuntetacos.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

TAQUERIA MERCADO

The Mercado’s strip mall interior, splashed with a large, colorful mural, is as energetic as the crowd it serves: the bustling semi-open kitchen; a busy counter that handles a constant stream of take-out orders; a clamorous, convivial chatter in Spanish and English. Try camarones a la plancha, 12 chubby grilled shrimp tangled with grilled onions (be sure to specify if you like your onions well done). The starchiness of the rice absorbs the caramelized onion juice, offset by the crunch of lettuce, buttery slices of avocado, and the cool-hot pico de gallo. A shrimp quesadilla paired with one of their cheap and potent margaritas is worth the drive alone.

6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943; 100 E. Eighth St., downtown, (513) 381-0678, taqueriamercado.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

SEAFOOD

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S

The daily rotation here reads

wish list: lobster tails from Australia and the North Atlantic, ahi tuna from Hawaii, clams from New England. But high-quality ingredients are only half the equation; preparation is the other. Herb-broth sea bass, served with roasted fingerling potatoes, makes the taste buds dance. The spacious digs and attentive waitstaff bring a touch of class to Fountain Square and make it a sophisticated destination.

21 E. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 721-9339, mccormickandschmicks.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $$

STEAKS

CARLO & JOHNNY

The stars of the menu are 12 delectable steaks that could sway the vegi-curious to recommit. Not sure which to choose? If you prefer brawny flavor over buttery texture, go for one of the three bone-in rib cuts. Or if it’s that melt-in-your-mouth experience that raises your serotonin levels, C&J features several tenderloin cuts, including the premium six-ounce Wagyu filet. There are the usual suspects of seafood, pork chops, et al, for non-beef alternatives.

9769 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 936-8600, jeffruby.com/carlo-johnny. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

JEFF RUBY’S

Filled most nights with local scenesters and power brokers (and those who think they are), everything in this urban steakhouse is generous—from the portions to the expert service. Waiters deliver two-fisted martinis and mounds of greens dressed in thin vinaigrettes or thick, creamy emulsions. An occasional salmon or sea bass appears, and there’s a small but decent assortment of land fare. But most customers are there for the slabs of beef (dry aged USDA prime). The best of these is Jeff Ruby’s Cowboy, 22 ounces of 70-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye. This is steak tailor-made for movers and shakers.

505 Vine St., downtown, (513) 784-1200, jeffruby.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DC. $$$$

LOSANTI

A bit more upscale than its sister restaurant, Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti is also more conservative in its offerings. Service is friendly and informal, and though the meal feels like a special occasion, prices and atmosphere are right for, say, a date, rather than a wedding anniversary. The filet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip are cut to order for each table (there are a few available weights for each). The steaks themselves are totally irreproachable, perfectly seasoned, cooked to precisely the right point. Losanti even makes the steakhouse sides a little special. Sweet and smoky caramelized onions are folded into the mashed potatoes, a nice dusting of truffles wakes up the mac and cheese, and the sweet corn is at least freshly cut off the cob and recalls elote with lime and chile.

1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4213, losantiotr.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

THE PRECINCT

Part of the appeal of the Ruby restaurants is their ability to deliver deep, comfort-food satisfaction. And the steaks. The meat is tender with a rich mineral flavor, and the signature seasoning provided a nice crunch, not to mention blazing heat. The supporting cast is strong—the basket of warm Sixteen Bricks bread with a mushroom truffle butter, the addictive baked macaroni and cheese, the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the crisp-tender asparagus with roasted garlic and lemon vinaigrette—and dinner ends on a sweet note with a piece of Ruby family recipe cheese-

cake. Neither cloyingly sweet nor overwhelmingly creamy, it’s a lovely slice of restraint.

311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 321-5454, jeffruby.com/precinct. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

THAI

GREEN PAPAYA

Inside this simple dining room, replete with soothing browns and greens and handsome, dark wood furniture, it takes time to sort through the many curries and chef’s specialties, not to mention the wide variety of sushi on the something-for-everyone menu. Have the staff—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—help you. When the food arrives, you’ll need only a deep inhale to know you made the right choice. The Green Papaya sushi rolls are as delicious as they look, with a manic swirl of spicy mayo and bits of crabstick and crispy tempura batter scattered atop the spicy tuna, mango, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura sushi—all rolled in a vivid green soybean wrap.

2942 Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107; 4002 Plainville Rd., Mariemont, (513) 272-8424, greenpapayacincinnati.com. Lunch and dinner seven days (Oakley), Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat (Mariemont). MCC. $$

TEAK SUSHI & THAI

Owner Chanaka De Lanerolle has said that he decided to bring back Teak’s take on Thai food because of the renewed vibrancy in Over-the-Rhine, which he compared to the energy he felt in Mt. Adams during his time there. But for all of the hype around the restaurant’s re-emergence on the scene, it’s probably best to consider it a reimagining rather than a reopening. While long-time favorites show up on the menu, prepared by many of the same kitchen staff mem-

bers from Mt. Adams, some adaptations have been made to better meet expectations of modern diners. Letting go of preconceived notions about Teak will serve you well. With a two-sided, standalone sushi menu and a wide variety of main plates ranging from small bites to signature dishes, you have plenty of room to craft your own dining experience.

1200 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-8325 ; 110 S. Second St., Loveland, (513) 583-8325, teakotr.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

WILD GINGER

The ability to satisfy a deep desire for Vietnamese and Thai fusion cuisine is evident in Wild Ginger’s signature Hee Ma roll—a fortress of seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, and topped with red tuna, pulled crab stick, tempura flakes, a bit of masago, scallions, and of course, spicy mayo. It’s tasty, even though the sweet fried floodwall of tempura and spicy mayo overpowered the tuna completely. The spicy pad char entrée was a solid seven out of 10: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, succulent red bell peppers, green beans, and beef, accented with basil and lime leaves in a peppercornand-chili brown sauce.

3655 Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 533-9500, wildgingeroh.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

VIETNAMESE

PHO LANG THANG

Owners Duy and Bao Nguyen and David Le have created a greatest hits playlist of Vietnamese cuisine: elegant, brothy pho made from poultry, beef, or vegan stocks poured over rice noodles and adrift with slices of onions, meats, or vegetables (the vegan pho chay is by far the most fla-

vorful); fresh julienned vegetables, crunchy sprouts, and herbs served over vermicelli rice noodles (again, the vegan version, bun chay, is the standout); and bánh mì. Be sure to end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS, DC. $$

QUAN HAPA

The Nguyen brothers, along with partner David Le, followed up on Pho Lang Thang’s success with some of the boldest flavors in the city at Quan Hapa. this small restaurant features a mash-up of Asian street foods—okonomiyaki, turmeric chicken skewers, and hearty noodle bowls—inventive cocktails, and glass garage doors that roll up to the vibrant Vine St. scene.

1331 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-7826, quanhapa.com. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $$

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, (ISSN 0746-8 210), May 2026, Volume 59, Number 8. Published monthly ($19.95 for 12 issues annually) at 221 E. Fourth St., Ste. 130, Cincinnati, OH 45202. (513) 421-4300. Copyright © 2026 by Cincinnati Magazine LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media Group, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and artwork should be accompanied by SASE for return. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-866-660-6247. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

Lost in Space

ONE SMALL ROOM IN THE TRAILSIDE NATURE CENTER AT BURNET WOODS CONTAINS THE entire cosmos. The Wolff Planetarium may be able to fit just 18 people under its dome, but the top-of-the-line Digitarium Iota projector can take guests to the far reaches of the galaxy with high-res views of stars, planets, constellations, nebulas, historical simulations of the night sky, and more. While the planetarium has been educating and wowing guests since the 1950s, its invention was a happy accident—the dome was built as a Frank Lloyd Wright-style architectural flourish without any practical use in mind. “The first naturalist here thought that it might serve as a place to do star shows,” says Trailside Nature Center Director Michael George. “During the bulk of the year the room was set up with natural history displays. During the winter months they’d remove all the collections, install the projector on its stand, hang the blackout curtains, and run the shows.” It’s now a full-time planetarium, but many public shows still take place in the winter while nature and astronomy camps take over the space in summer. Adds George, “Just to have this opportunity where it’s a live narrated program with interaction and storytelling really makes us come alive.”

—CLAIRE LEFTON

MIAMI UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS STUDENT

MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH HORSE THERAPY

At Miami University, equine-assisted therapy connects students with counselors — and horses — to promote positive mental health. At our on-campus equestrian center, students groom and care for the horses while participating in talk therapy with a counselor. This partnership between the Student Counseling Service and Miami’s Equestrian Center represents the university’s dedication to supporting our students’ and community’s well-being. Learn more: