West Chester & Liberty, OH October 2023

Eats + Treats

Passionate About Food

To say that I’m passionate about food would be an understatement. This summer I had the pleasure of traveling to Europe, and when I’m asked what I enjoyed most, I literally shout my answer with elation - the food! My mission was to eat my way through Spain, France and Italy, and I am proud to say I accomplished that goal. Genoa, Italy was my favorite because we had a local guide take us away from the touristy areas to the spots where the locals eat. Among other things I enjoyed that day, I ate the most delicious pasta dishes of my life. I’m a pretty decent cook, so I tried to replicate the dishes when I got home, but sadly I could not successfully recreate those magical meals.

If you’re passionate about food, get excited for this month’s “Eats + Treats” issue. Our feature story takes us behind the scenes at Centre Park of West Chester and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. Their bustling event space and restaurant are known for their amazing meals, with steak and pasta featured as their specialties. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert, look no further. Nothing Bundt Cakes recently opened in Liberty Township. Learn what they’re cooking up for our towns on page 22. We also spoke with area food trucks to find out more about their niche and learn where they can be found this fall.

If cooking is your passion, we have included recipes for you to try at home, whether you’re cooking for just your family or for entertaining guests. Pair your meal with a refreshing punch recipe from The Spicy Olive.

We hope your mouth is watering as you flip through the pages of our annual “Eats + Treats” issue. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town—probably sitting in one of my favorite local restaurants.

Bon appétit!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, A.J. Lape, Nan Paraskevopoulos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Cathy Lyons—Lyons Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER

MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

The Journey to Early Literacy Starts Now!

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Liberty Collective Complex Breaks Ground in Liberty Township

Liberty Collective, a new 18,000 square foot entertainment complex, broke ground on August 1 at 6735 Lakota Lane, across from Lakota East High School. Liberty Township owners and developers Mike and Heather Ewers look forward to a Spring, 2024 opening. The indoor/outdoor facility features five restaurant concepts, a coffee/breakfast bar, an ice cream shoppe, three bars, sand volleyball and bocce ball courts, games, green space, private event space and remote workspace. Liberty-Collective.com

Reach Out Lakota Welcomes Brenda Yablonsky as New Executive Director

Brenda Yablonsky returns to a career of service to our community as the Executive Director at Reach Out Lakota. She is happy to rejoin the nonprofit realm, organizing West Chester and Liberty Township residents to give a “helping hand up” to locals in need. Join Yablonsky and the ROL team for the upcoming Stuff the Bus, Thanksgiving Meals and Holiday Toy Programs. Find a current needs list for the food and clothing pantries online. ReachOutLakota.org

AVtech Scores with Whole House Technology Integration

Is your home ready for some football? This fall, let the professionals at AVtech equip your indoor and outdoor living spaces just in time for Bengals fever. Specializing in new and retrofitting installations to outfit residential and commercial properties, AVtech will amp up your whole home audio, networking, Wi-Fi, automated lighting, outdoor televisions and smart home systems from start to finish. They can even mount your television on a stone fireplace! AVtechLtd.com

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

Dear SPENGA, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2022. In the agonizing wait for surgery and treatment, SPENGA gave me a goal to focus on — get stronger for the battle ahead. During recovery I could not wait to get back to sessions and restore a sense of normalcy, to rebuild my strength and renew my mind. What a relief it was that instructors understood my needs when I returned — their encouragement helped me stay determined while I regained mobility and confidence. Thank you SPENGA for being a place of positivity and support and for being with me on my journey through and beyond cancer.

Sincerely,

elevated events

DISCOVER CENTRE PARK OF WEST CHESTER’S SOPHISTICATED BLEND OF LUXURY + VERSATILITY

ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN + PROVIDED

Nestled in the heart of West Chester, just off I-75, lies an enchanting utopia of possibilities—Centre Park of West Chester. This event center holds over 20,000 square feet of opportunities for corporate functions, business meetings, trade shows and weddings.

Contemporary decor with an Italian flair makes Centre Park of West Chester a time machine back to the Rat Pack era where customers can choose from rooms named after Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Those rooms are transformed to fit customers’ needs based on their size and functionality.

Because Centre Park’s services are all under one roof, they host everything from an antique car event to fashion shows to a monthly reptile exhibit.

“Rooms are airtight and soundproof unless you have extensive audio equipment,” Director of Sales and Catering Christy King says. “But we have other meeting spaces that we use for more intimate events, or less grandeur.”

Not only does Centre Park of West Chester offer indoor meeting spaces but outdoor ones as well. The outdoor area, with its picturesque foliage, is often used for weddings.

“We can host two weddings at one time,” adds King. “The guest list can accommodate up to 600 indoors and 250 outdoors.”

Centre Park collaborates with its clients to supply succulent food for their special events.

“We make everything in-house through Johnny’s Steakhouse. If customers say they are vegan or vegetarian, we can meet those needs too,” King says.

Clients aren’t limited to the Centre’s banquet staples.

“One client wanted a Carino’s taco bar,” claims King, “so the chefs made the requested tacos for their special event.”

Centre Park’s meeting spaces and accommodations are flexible to meet shifting needs. They can easily remap each area to fit whatever the customer chooses.

“We can be creative,” she adds.

Centre Park also has an on-site, full-service hotel, the Holiday Inn Cincinnati North, with 130 sleeping rooms.

“We have bridal and groom suites and dressing rooms that are kept on separate floors. Our shuttle service can also transport any guest to area restaurants or wherever they want within a five-mile radius with 24-hour notice.”

Other standout amenities include complimentary coffee and tea, Wi-Fi internet, an onsite business center and same-day laundry. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and room service.

A major selling point for the Centre is its personal touch with clients. It assigns coordinators for each event to ensure timelines and expectations are met.

“Everything is here that you could want,” says King. “Whether large business meetings, associations, reunions or training, we have completed the tasks in front of us. If it’s a wedding, then a coordinator walks with the bride,” ensuring every detail, from the vows to the last plate served, is flawlessly executed.

Discover the sophisticated blend of luxury and versatility that is Centre Park of West Chester.

CENTRE PARK OF WEST CHESTER

5800 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester

CentreParkOfWestchester.com

“Everything is here that you could want. Whether large business meetings, associations, reunions or training, we have completed the tasks in front of us. If it’s a wedding, then a coordinator walks with the bride.”

Old Hollywood in the Heart of West Chester

Indulge in a culinary journey at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, where the art of hand-cut steaks, mouthwatering Italian fare and a curated wine list intertwine. With an interior reminiscent of Old Hollywood charm, Johnny’s is perfect for intimate dinners as well as business gatherings. One of the main attractions from its scratch kitchen is the Steak De Burgo—a 6 oz. filet with roasted garlic, basil and oregano in a cream sauce. Also popular is the Chanel No. 5—a blended cheese ravioli topped with lobster, shrimp, artichokes, prosciutto, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce. Each dish has an attention to detail, guaranteed to satisfy. Johnny’s customizes meals for its Centre Park customers. They serve breakfast and dinner, complete with daily specials that include grilled chicken breast, filet tips, housemade cavatappi, steak and fish and chips.

JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

5800 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester

JohnnysItalianSteakhouse.com

SWEET COMPANY

Whether you’re seeking the perfect centerpiece for a special occasion or simply craving a classic treat to brighten your day, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Liberty Township and Mason offers a slice of indulgence that’s hard to resist.

Mary Thress was introduced to her business partner Carey Greiner for what was supposed to be a simple 20-minute meet-and-greet but immediately fell in love with the idea. Before they knew it, their first franchise location was born in 2016.

“Two women started the company out of their kitchens in 1996, and most of the franchises are owned by women today,” says Thress.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has 11 regular flavors that come in multiple sizes: full-sized Bundt cakes, single-serving Bundlets and one dozen packs of party-sized Bundtinis. Of the thousands of cakes that have been sold, twenty-five thousand bundlets and more than fifty thousand bundtinis, Thress states that the most popular is the decadent Chocolate Chocolate Chip, closely followed by White Chocolate Raspberry.

Each cake is baked to perfection and adorned with the bakery’s signature butter cream cheese frosting, prepared in-house daily. Their popular Carrot Cake can be served dairy-free by omitting the frosting, and they even have a gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. The bakery offers seasonal flavors as well. In the autumn, they offer a Pumpkin Spice Cake and for winter, they have Peppermint Chocolate Chip.

CONTINUED > 23 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTCHESTERANDLIBERTY OCTOBER 2023

if people are walking in to buy, but flavors will be limited. People can order online or call the bakery if they have any questions,” says Thress.

While the bakery’s name emphasizes the Bundt cakes themselves, it offers more than desserts. Customers can explore such items as Bundtlet towers, gifts and personalized decorations for various occasions such as birthdays, sporting events and celebrations.

“We have a lot of cute things in our Bundt’ique,” shares Thress.

Bundt Cakes are relatively new to America. They were inspired by a European cake that dates back to the 15th century—the ‘gugelhupf’—which, unlike the Bundt, is leavened with yeast and contains fruit. In the 17th century, it became a favorite of Marie Antoinette but didn’t come into popularity in America until the 1960s when Ella Rita Helfrich won second place in the Pillsbury Bake-Off with her Tunnel of Fudge.

Helfrich’s overnight sensation became synonymous with America. In the 2002 comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a Bundt cake humorously demonstrates the difference between a family from America and a family from Greece. The Greek matriarch happily exclaims, “It’s a cake!” and displays it as a centerpiece, showing the integration of the two families.

From the history of the Bundt cake to the modern interpretations offered by the bakery, every bite from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Liberty and Mason tells a story of craftsmanship and passion. Sweetness takes center stage, reminding us that sometimes, a simple slice of cake can be the gateway to connection. NothingBundtCakes.com

bundt fun facts

• The first American Bundt pan was invented by the company Nordic Ware, but sales only took off after the Tunnel of Fudge cake won the Pillsbury BakeOff in 1966.

• National Bundt Cake Day is celebrated on November 15.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub members receive free Bundlet coupons for their birthdays!

• Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise locations can be found in more than 40 states + Canada, spreading the joy of Bundt cakes far and wide.

Mobile Meals

A Roundup of Local Food Trucks to Tempt Your Taste Buds

Food trucks take their menus to the streets, offering creative dishes at great prices wherever they may roam. Tempt your taste buds with these favorite foodie entrepreneurs when they pop up at parties, picnics and parking lots around town.

TWISTED GREEK

Facebook.com/twistedgreekfoodtruck

With an award-winning menu inspired by traditional Greek fare, Twisted Greek puts their special twist on non-traditional offerings. From Gyros to Loaded Tater Tots, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are straight from the gods.

WRAPTOR CAFÉ FOOD TRUCK

Find Wraptor Café on Facebook

Wraptor Café is known for its fresh-grilled meats—chicken or steak, topped with fresh veggies and served in handheld wraps. Healthy food options abound on their menu. The messier the meal, the better it tastes.

MAMABEAR’S MAC

MamaBearsMac.com

Seeking comfort food? Look to MamaBear’s Mac. This month, they are celebrating one year of legendary Mac and Cheese in a brick-and-mortar corner at Grainworks Brewery in West Chester, a collaborative home where wings are also flying off the menu.

AJ’S CHEESESTEAKS

AJsCheesesteak.com

When not in their converted school bus at local events, you will find AJ’s Cheesesteaks at the TQL Stadium during FCC games. Their authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks are fresh off the grill, ooey and gooey, with all of the fixings.

DIVINE 9 DINES

Divine9Dines.com

With curated dishes from Chicago, New Orleans and Kansas City, the menu at Divine 9 Dines is a tasty tour of American classics. Their Italian Beef, Bang Bang Shrimp and OMG Brisket are served with down-home hospitality and make foodie hearts sing.

DINE-IN HAWAIIAN

Facebook.com/Dineinhawaiian

Hang loose with the crew at Dine-In Hawaiian for a taste of local Hawaiianstyle dishes with an Asian twist. Fans rave about the generous servings and mouthwatering signature flavors in the Korean Brisket Tacos and Aloha Bowls. Don’t miss the Fried Musubi— the sweet, salty and sticky treat is a traditional Hawaiian snack made with rice and Spam, the famed canned meat product. Dine-In Hawaiian has a rotating menu that keeps diners on the hunt for each stop.

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cureall, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling:

Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

APPLE CHUTNEY

This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped

• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts

• 1/3 cup apple juice

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER

7TH + 8TH

Lakota West Craft Show

LAKOTA WEST HIGH SCHOOL | 9:00 AM

Visit the 45th annual Lakota West Craft Show, Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Booths will fill the school for a shopping extravaganza that supports student programs. Enjoy food, raffles and the Stuff the Bus canned food drive—one donated can equals one raffle ticket! Listen for Senior Nick Johnson’s radio commercials advertising the event. Facebook.com/p/Lakota-West-PTSO-Craft-Show

OCTOBER 8TH

Spot-A-Truck

LIBERTY CENTER | 10:00 AM

Join Liberty Township and MidPointe Library Liberty in the parking lot next to Liberty Center’s Taylor Garage for Spot-A-Truck, an exclusive look at some of your favorite community vehicles. Gather from 10 a.m.-12 noon to see snow plows, emergency vehicles, dump trucks and more. Complimentary face painting, bumper cars and balloon sculptures will also be available. Liberty-Township.com

OCTOBER

13TH - 15TH

Operation Pumpkin + Art Festival

DOWNTOWN HAMILTON | 11:00 AM

Celebrate autumn at the 12th annual Operation Pumpkin + Art Festival in Hamilton, October 13-15. Bring the whole family for the fun, including a giant pumpkin weigh-in and carving contests, costumed pet parade, live stage entertainment, art and craft vendors, festival food and more! Operation-Pumpkin.org

OCTOBER 14TH

Great Pumpkin Fest

KEEHNER PARK | 2:00 PM

The community is invited to the Great Pumpkin Fest, West Chester’s free, family-friendly festival celebrating all things fall at Keehner Park on October 8, 2-6 p.m. Enjoy a puppet show, petting zoo, costume contest, hay bale maze, games, crafts and the popular “Not-So-Scary” haunted trail. Wear a costume and bring your own bag to collect treats. WestChesterOH.org

OCTOBER 15TH

Great Miami Rowing Club Lucky Duck Regatta

THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER, BETWEEN BLACK AND HIGH STREETS, HAMILTON | 4:00 PM

Get your ducks in a row for the 3rd Annual Miami Rowing Club Duck Regatta. Go online to purchase one duck or invest in a whole flock to compete. The fastest three ducks down river win prizes. This year’s Grand Prize is $1,000. Winners will be announced —you do not need to be present to win. GreatMiamiRowing.com

OCTOBER 21ST

The Howl

WIGGLY FIELD DOG PARK, VOICE OF AMERICA METROPARK | 4:00 PM

Calling all of the community’s canine friends and their families to Wiggly Field Dog Park for some doggone fun, October 21, 4-7 p.m. Participate in a costume contest, take on an obstacle course, visit pet-friendly vendors and more. Costume categories include: Cutest, Scariest, Most Original and Best Duo/Group. No registration is required. $5 fee per participating pup. YourMetroParks.net

OCTOBER 21ST

Home Free: Ohio Artists Envision Prison Abolition Exhibit

FITTON CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS | 10:00 AM

Artists directly impacted by the carceral system critique mass incarceration as a means to safety and justice. Co-curated by Aimee Wissman and Nicole R. Fleetwood, the exhibition is a partnership between the Returning Artists Guild, the Fitton Center and Marking Time. View the exhibit from October 21-January 5. Attend the opening night event on October 28 at 5:30 p.m. FittonCenter.org

OCTOBER 24TH

Medicare Seminar

EMERY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, 7890 E. KEMPER ROAD | 6:00 PM

It’s not too early to learn all about Medicare eligibility, enrollment periods and coverage options from the financial experts at Emery Federal Credit Union at their Medicare Seminar.  Bring your questions to the Kemper Road location on October 24 at 6 p.m. EmeryFCU.org

OCTOBER 31ST

Halloween Trick-or-Treat

WEST CHESTER + LIBERTY TOWNSHIP | 6:00 PM

Trick-or-Treat in West Chester and Liberty Township extends from 6-8 p.m. on the evening of Halloween. Stick together in groups, take care crossing streets and carry a flashlight for visibility as evening descends. Have a safe and happy Halloween! Liberty- Township.com , WestChesterOH.org

NOVEMBER 1ST

West Chester Health + Wellness Expo

KEMBA CREDIT UNION COMMUNITY ROOM | 10:00 AM

Join us in the new Kemba building for the first West Chester Health + Wellness Expo. This free event is 10 a.m.2 p.m. and features interactive exhibits and presenters on a variety of health and wellness topics. Schedule health screenings, learn the right way to do a deadlift, connect to mental health resources and much more.

117 Reading Rd Mason, OH T-Fri 11-5 | Sat 11-4 Mossandivymason

Common medical conditions treated include rashes, eczema and psoriasis. We routinely conduct full body examinations and skin cancer evaluations.

Dr. Elizabeth Muennich specializes in facial rejuvenation and youth restoration offering a complete selection of non-surgical aesthetic procedures including laser skin treatments, BOTOX® Cosmetic, facial fillers, PDO threads, laser hair removal, chemical peels and more.

Kelly Ann Commercial Photography. Creating professional eye catching images for your business. Advertising, head shots, website content, products, industrial, architectural, and more. To learn more, please visit our website at kellyannphotos.com.

After Reface

FEATURED: 6345 Coach House

Just like new home in desirable Crooked Tree Preserve. This lot has one of the best views! Covered patio with stamped concrete overlooks the lake. 10’ ceilings. Hardwood floors throughout the 1st floor. Gourmet kitchen with gas range and butler’s pantry. Island overlooks great room with stone fireplace. Luxury primary suite. Study with French doors.

Gorgeous, updated home on one of the best lots in desirable Cedarbrook! This spacious floor plan features an updated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances, gas range and walk-in pantry. Built-ins surround the stone fireplace. Remodeled primary suite with spa bathroom & huge walkin-closet. Fenced back yard with storage shed & wildflower garden.