Review: Mt. Adams Bar & Grill

I really love going up to Mt. Adams but don't go very often.  My friend Jessica, who lives in Kentucky, and I were making dinner plans a week or so back, and thought Mt. Adams would be a good middle spot to meet.  I do wish there were more options of restaurants in the Mt. Adams area.  We decided to meet at Mt. Adams Bar & Grill which I had been to multiple times before and have always been pleased.

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill is located on Hatch St. right next to the Blind Lemon and Daveed's.  It's a nice location because there are options for parking near by (there isn't a ton of parking in the Mt. Adams area, so that is a plus).  We met on a weekday night and it wasn't very crowded.  Walking in, you notice the wooded walls, a bar to the left, and some booths and tables in the front room.  This restaurant is very warm and welcoming.  We were taken to a back room that had some old Cincinnati memorabilia, various clocks, and other eclectic signs on the walls.  I love how this restaurant has rooms that seem to just keep going.  It's a very long and narrow building with windows along one side that face out onto the Mt. Adams streets.

The restaurant's menu consists of salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and some burgers.  I have had their Mediterranean Plate before and really love it, but tonight I didn't want an appetizer.  I have had some sandwiches here before as well that were all pretty good, so I decided to try a salad tonight.  I ordered the Greek Salad minus the olives (I just do not like them). This is romaine, tomatoes, feta and onion with a side of hummus.  I added grilled chicken for $3.75.  This salad turned out great!  I really liked it a lot.  There was plenty of toppings, the chicken was juicy and had a nice grill seasoning to it, and I loved having just a bit of hummus with toasted pitas on the side.  The dressing was good as well and not overpowering or overdressed at all.  I would definitely order this salad again!

My friend Jessica ordered the French Onion Chicken sandwich, which I had before and really liked.  This was marinated grilled chicken topped with grilled onion, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a grilled onion roll.  She got this with a side of their sweet potato fries.  She really liked this sandwich a lot.  It is something a bit different and I like that it is served on a grilled onion roll.  The sweet potato fries are great as well--pretty average sweet potato fries, but great all the same!

This is overall a great place to go that is reasonably priced with some standard bar food and some unique specialties as well.  Service is very average.  There is also a good selection of beer and wine.  This is a very solid restaurant, every time I have gone I have enjoyed it.  It won't knock your socks off--but I like it!  If you're in the Mt. Adams area, check it out, it is sure to have something for everyone!
~Kate

Food: 3.5
Service: 3
Overall Experience: 3

Review: Silverglades Deli at Findlay Market

Findlay Market was sounded like the perfect place to go on a sunny Saturday afternoon about two weeks ago. Ross had never been before, and we thought this was a great day to check it out.  It was cold enough outside to wear a light jacket but warm enough that it wasn't unbearable to walk around the shops.  I'm not going to go into a huge description of Findlay Market, I recommend checking out their website for more details and information.  I will say that it's a nice place to go and grab lunch, visit a couple specialty items, or to just walk around.  Don't anybody lash out at me, but I think it is a BIT over-rated.  Maybe the people I have talked to before have just talked it up more and led me to have higher expectations, but having gone at least 5 times, I'd say that it's: fine.  There are a variety of great meats, cheeses, bakery items, seafood, and wine, but unless I go with something in mind to get, nothing has ever stood out to me.  I have also gotten mixed produce down there.  I do like supporting the farmer's markets, but I have had good and bad produce here also.

Now, since we went around lunch time, Ross and I decided to grab a bite to eat.  I wanted to try the restaurant Pho Lang Thang because I've heard great things about it, but we were in the mood for a sandwich. We stopped over at Silverglades Deli that is located near the outdoor vendors and Pho Lang Thang.  There is a downtown location of this restaurant at 8th and Sycamore and this location at Findlay Market.  I have been here once before and got a really great sandwich, so we decided to give it another try.

Walking into Silverglades, you are immediately faced with huge cases of meats and cheeses.  I had to stand on my tip toes to see over them actually!  On a board above lists some specialty sandwiches, but it is noted that you can really order any kind of sandwich you would like.  We grabbed a number while we decided what to order.  Everything sounded really great to me.  There is chicken salad sandwiches, roast beef, turkey, ham, Italian sandwiches, and more.  After debating and perusing, I finally talked Ross into each of us ordering a sandwich and sharing so we could each try two sandwiches.  I opted for the Cincy Gobbler: Home Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Relish, Smoked Applewood Cheddar, and lettuce on white bread.  Ross ordered the Derby Deli: Home Roasted Beef Top Round, Horseradish Cheddar, Lettuce, Onion, and Steak Sauce on marble rye.

The girl took our order and quickly got to work making our sandwich to order.  As she was busy working on our lunch, I went to the other side of the deli to look at some of their olives, salads, and such.  I have had their chicken salad before, which is great!  I ended up ordering some to go as well as a side of pasta salad for us to share.

After just a few minutes of waiting, we paid for our sandwiches and took them to go.  We ended up grabbing a table right inside the deli because all the tables outside were taken.  Upon opening our styrofoam boxes, one of my first impressions was the size of these sandwiches: very big!  The ingredients all looked fresh and colorful.  I jumped right into the Cincy Gobbler.  The cranberry relish was added a great sweetness to the turkey and the smoked cheddar really stood out to me as well.  I thought the sandwich as a whole was just a bit dry, it could have used more relish--but overall pretty good.

The Derby Deli was also a large sandwich.  The biggest thing that surprised me about this sandwich was the steak sauce.  The horseradish cheddar went nicely with the roast beef, but I think I would have liked a bit more horseradish.  I didn't love the steak sauce on this sandwich, it was a bit too tangy for me.  The ingredients were all fantastic quality though.  Both sandwiches were served with a crisp pickle, which I liked also!

The side pasta salad was nothing to write home about.  It was pretty standard olive oil, pasta, and just a few carrots and spinach.  I wouldn't get this again, but there were many other salads I would like to try.

I'd definitely go back to Silverglades, but I would probably order some other things.  One other blogger review used the word "solid" to describe Silverglades, and I would say that is a pretty good description.  I had the chicken salad that week for lunch and it was great.  I would maybe order my sandwich more to my liking and see if they are better.   There were many other options inside the Findlay Market area also that I want to try, so we will most likely be back soon!
~Kate

Food: 2.5
Service: 3.5
Overall Experience: 3

Review: Outback Steakhouse

I think once you have worked in a restaurant, you develop either a hatred for the place or a sort of fondness for the restaurant.  I used to work at Skyline in high school, and I still go there at least once a month around 1 or 2 in the morning for a late night snack---I could pretty much eat Skyline any time.  I think this feeling is how my sister feels about Outback Steakhouse.  She worked there in high school and will still crave their cheese fries and I feel like she could eat there almost any time.  Last week, my sister stopped by for an impromptu visit so we decided to go grab a bite to eat for dinner.  After she perused her new iPad using the restaurant App, or something like that, she remembered Outback near my house.  So, to Outback we went.  I had a bit of weariness in the back of my head because I have had some disappointing experiences here, but I have also really liked it too, so I was in.

We went on a Thursday night around 6 or so and it wasn't very busy.  The parking lot looked packed, but it wasn't inside at all.  Our waitress greeted us with a great smile and was very friendly.  Ross, Kelley, and I all ordered a drink while we decided what to get.

The menu consists of appetizers, including cheese fries, a bloomin onion, or seared ahi tuna to name a few.  We opted out of appetizers, especially because every table receives a loaf of warm bread and butter.  I always like this bread, it is warm and soft, and you can get as much as you want if one loaf isn't enough!

The rest of the menu has salads, chicken, seafood, and of course steaks.  After looking over the menu for a couple minutes, my sister decided on a half order of cheese fries and a side salad, Ross ordered the same thing he always gets: the Outback Special which is a sirloin served with your choice of side and a Signature Salad.  He got a side of cheese fries and the Caesar salad.  I decided to get the Filet Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad--medium rare.  I stress this because almost every time I have come here, they don't cook my steak right....I was hoping to be wrong.  She also stated that the steak is served on the side which was what I wanted so it wouldn't get all over the salad.

Ross and Kelley's salads came out first and they both looked great. This is one of Ross' favorite side salads anywhere we go.  The Caesar dressing has a bit of a kick to it and is topped with croutons and parmesan cheese.  I really like this salad too, although, I think they tend to overdress it.

My sister got the same salad that I ordered minus the steak and she was very pleased with that.

We continued chatting and laughing over our drinks as we waited for our entrees to come out.  Not much later our meals came---and immediately, I knew it happened again. This was not medium rare.  There was barely any pink at all, let alone a warm red center.  With just one look I knew my steak was over cooked.  I don't know if it is just me, but I don't understand how a "steak" restaurant continues to not know how to cook a steak.  Also, the steak was served atop the salad already sliced.  The other thing---I do not think this piece of meat was a filet.  I have gotten filet here before and it was thicker, juicier, and did not have any fat on it.  I didn't think filets ever had chunks of fat on them.   I really hate doing this, but I had to say something to my server.  As my face reddened (again, I hate doing this)  I told her that this just was not what I had expected and the steak looked over-cooked to me.  The server looked at it, and agreed with me (maybe she didn't run the food, I really don't remember, but if you agree that it was over-cooked, why would you serve it??)

In the meantime, Ross' steak looked to be medium as he ordered and Kelley was pleased with her cheese fries (although, I think she asked for the cheese to be "layered"--remember she used to work there---and it wasn't).

The manager came over to our table and apologized for the steak.  She asked if she could get me a cup of clam chowder, and I politely declined.  I think she could have offered something different, my glass of wine was empty, or even comp part of the meal, but clam chowder was as good as it got.

I laughed off the mistake, because honestly, I kind of anticipated it.  This has happened to me multiple times here.  The server brought my new salad with the steak on the side shortly after.  This steak was cooked more to medium rare (I still would have classified this as medium) but it was much better.  It was also pre-sliced, but I guess that's just how they serve it with the salad.  I have to say, after all that, I really did like the salad! The pecans added some sweetness with the sharpness of the blue cheese.  IF I were to go back, I would maybe order the salad as a side with something else, it was really good.

So, all in all, it was okay.  Again, I have never been a huge Outback fan.  I didn't go in with high expectations of the best steak I have ever had, but I would like for them to be able to AT LEAST cook it correctly.  We didn't order dessert, but did enjoy ourselves with another drink.

~Kate

Food: 2
Service: 3
Overall Experience: 2

Review: Stone Creek

This may be a somewhat biased review because I have been to Stone Creek a couple times before and have loved it, but also because I have two friends who work there. Having said that, I had seen a YoDeal offer for Stone Creek and snagged it right away, $50 for $25, definitely worth it. 

Stone Creek has two locations locally, one in Montgomery and one in West Chester.  I have only been to the one in  Montgomery and have had great dining experiences each time, and this past time was the same! 

If you have never been to Stone Creek in Montgomery, the parking situation could be confusing, but it really is easy.  There is a garage underneath the restaurant and elevators that take you right up near the entrance.  Walking in to the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by two hosts who were happy to seat us in either of our friends sections.  My friend was bartending, so we sat at a table near the bar. Of course I think the service was great, but I will note that I have always had great service at Stone Creek, even when my friends haven't waited on me.

Each table is given fresh warm bread and an oil and herb dipping sauce.  This stuff is DELICIOUS! I absolutely love it.  It has a tangy flavor in the sauce with a nice sweetness, and the bread was sooo soft, it just disintegrates in your mouth.  I had to stop myself from eating too much bread before my meal!

Stone Creek has a nice wine list, beers, and specialty drinks.  They also have daily drink specials which would be nice to take advantage of if you go.  This night, I opted for a glass of wine, and my husband went with a craft beer.

Stone Creek's menu is pretty varied.  They have salads, steaks, chicken, seafood, and pastas.  I like that there is also an option to get a combo of 2 entree items with a vegetable and baked potato.  This is a great idea to try smaller portions of two different items.

This night, I decided to get the Durango Beef Medallions which are served with garlic mashed potatoes, a portabella mushroom cap, tomatoes, applewood bacon, spinach and gorgonzola.  How good does that sound!?  These are all many of my favorite ingredients, so I love this dish.  I also ordered a side house salad with my entree.  The house salad is served with a raspberry vinaigrette that is light, sweet, and very refreshing.  This salad was great.

I ordered the medallions medium.  My dish turned out delicious.  A delicious bite with all those ingredients is perfection.  My only complain this night was one medallion was cooked perfectly medium while the other one was medium well....a  bit disappointing, but didn't affect my overall satisfaction with the dish.

Ross has actually said that he thinks Stone Creek is one of the best steaks he has ever had, but he decided to get a slightly different item tonight.  He decided to order the surf and turf which consists of beef tenderloin medallions, lump crab, leeks, garlic mashed potatoes, and balsamic tomatoes and a side Caesar salad.  His salad had just the right amount of dressing and was a more oil based Caesar dressing, which he likes.  The shaved parmesan was also a nice touch.

His medallions were cooked to order and lump crab was a generous portion that added a sweet and tender topping to the medallions.  He was very pleased with his dish.

Overall we both LOVE Stone Creek.  Many people have complained they think it's a bit overpriced, and I could see that. It is a bit pricey, but every time I have gone, I thought I got my money's worth.  I have left satisfied, pleased, and felt that I had a great dining experience.  I would recommend this place to anyone who would want a great meal and are willing to spend around $20-$25 a person....I'd even go just for the bread :)
~Kate

Food: 4.5
Service: 5 (can't beat having a friend serve you!)
Overall Experience: 4.5

Review: Paxton's Grill

It has been so hot and miserable outside.  There is no other way to put this weather we have been having for at least two or three weeks now.  When my friends Alli and April and I decided to get together for dinner, we would have loved to enjoy a place with a nice patio and breeze, but that is not really a choice with the weather we have had.  April suggested Paxton's Grill, located in Loveland right on the Loveland Bike Trail.  This place has a great patio looking over the trail, but we couldn't take the heat, so we sat inside.

Paxton's is a typical bar and grill on the inside.  It is very packed in there. There are many bar tables, regular tables, and a bar.  I felt a little cramped, but not uncomfortable. I noticed that this place slowly got very busy, so I was glad we got there when we did.  After talking with my friends who have been there before, they said that Paxton's is almost always crowded.  I could tell that this restaurant has a lot of locals and regular customers.  The rest of the mood was lively, loud-but not too loud-with a variety of clients: teenagers, families, older couples, as well as twenty-somethings. 

Paxton's menu is a somewhat typical bar and grill menu with a couple dishes that seem unique.  They offer a variety of appetizers, including fried pickles, hummus, wings and nachos.  April is a fan of the zucchini slices so we shared an order of those.  These are beer battered and served with ranch dressing.  I thought these were pretty good...a pretty standard fried appetizer, but I did like the batter.  It wasn't too greasy and a bit crunchy which I like.

I had a really hard time deciding what to order.  Paxton's menu has a good amount of entree salads: cobb salad, mandarin chicken, and buffalo chicken salads to name a few. They all sounded good to me, but I just couldn't figure out what kind of mood I was in.  The rest of the menu offers sandwiches, burgers, paninis, wraps, and a few platters. I finally decided to try to the Bourbon St. Chicken sandwich.  The sandwiches are served with chips or you can substitute fries or onion rings for an upcharge.  I was in the mood for a side salad, so I got a side Caesar instead.  The salad came out first and was pretty good.  The lettuce tasted fresh and had just enough dressing.

My sandwich was grilled chicken topped with sauteed onions and mushrooms smothered in homemade bourbon glaze....so MESSY.  This sandwich was overall pretty good.  Nothing that I would really remember again though.  I liked the bourbon glaze, but would have maybe liked a bit more of it.  The onions and mushrooms were fine.

Alli went with the buffalo chicken wrap, which is served with waffles fries.  I didn't try the wrap but Alli liked it and it looked pretty good. I tried the waffle fries which I thought were very good!

April got the BLT and substituted waffle fries for her chips.  She also seemed pleased with her sandwich. It appeared to be a pretty standard BLT. 

I thought Paxton's was okay.  Like I said,  a pretty typical bar and grill.  Service was standard.  I liked its location and thought that was definitely a perk. I would like to go again when it is a bit cooler out to enjoy the patio, but otherwise, I probably wouldn't make the drive just for the food.

~Kate

Food: 2
Service: 2.5
Overall Experience: 3

Review: Bistro at Nordstrom

I actually have never really shopped at Nordstrom apart from the occassional walk-through, so I had no clue that there was a Bistro in the top floor of the department store.  Awhile back, I had read a couple reviews and thought that this was a place I definitely wanted to try, I had only read good reviews!  It's been awhile since I went with my friend Kenzie, so I'm going to do the best to remember everything for you here:

First of all, the Bistro is located on the top floor near the juniors department.  A lady greeted me right when I walked up and nicely gave me a menu and told me that you order at the counter and then someone will seat you.  The Bistro has many salads, some flatbreads, and some sandwiches as well.  Honestly, everything sounded delicious.  When I walked in, I noticed that it smelled so good, there was a nice smoky flavor in the air.  The girl at the counter told me that it was the soup, so I wanted to try that for sure.  I got a cup of the soup and decided on a salad.  I can't remember the name of the salad, but it had artichokes, spinach, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, chicken, and croutons. 

After we ordered, we were sat in a nice booth along the wall.  This restaurant was surprisingly bigger than I had imagined.  It was very warm inside and had the decor of a nicer/upscale restaurant.  There was seating at a bar area as well.  Very chic but inviting inside.

Our waiter came over and greeted us after we sat down.  He was a friendly guy, but honestsly, a bit strange.  He just made very odd comments that forced our friend and I to awkwardly laugh, even though he wasn't in the least bit funny....

My soup was served immediately with a toasted crostini on top.  I wish I could remember the name of this soup, but I am sorry, I dont....all I know was that it was amazing! Such great flavors.  I remember it being a very hearty dish with some smoky and peppery flavors.  I loved this!! So good.

Next came our salads.  This picture doesn't even do it justice.  I absolutely loved this salad!  Everything was so fresh and just the right amount of all ingredients.  Plenty of goat cheese, chicken, and the dresing was light and refreshing.  By far one of the best salads I have ever had.

Kenzie got a shrimp salad that looked just as good as mine.  She loved hers as well.  She had actually been here before and said it was just as fantastic her previous visit as well. 

Now, we were already to get going; however, I had read another blog post about this place and the writer said how much they loved the berry shortcake.  Soooo, I talked Kenzie into sharing it with me :) 

This came out and we were so excited.  It looked amazing...and it tasted just as good as it looked.  The shortcake was homemade and more of a biscuit, which from my understanding is the more traditional way a shortcake is made.  There were tons of strawberries, a few blackberries, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  The whipped cream was obviously homemade and was also delicious.  This was definitely one of the best desserts I have had in a long time and I love how everything was homemade.  

If you can't tell, I thought this place was fantastic.  As for prices, it wasn't cheap but wasn't terribly expensive either.  I would have easily been satisfied with just a salad, especially for lunch.  Now, the only thing we were a bit confused by was the pay/tipping situation.  We paid for our meals at the counter, so if you don't have cash, you don't really have the opportunity to tip the waiter.  Since we got dessert, he was able to run our card and we could tip on that, but otherwise, I'm not sure what you're supposed to do!

If you are in the Kenwood area, it's worth dealing with the parking lot to try this place!

~Kate
Food: 4.5
Service: 3
Overall Experience: 4.5