This is my dude!
First, the question: Daniel and I will have been together for one phenomenal year on Sunday, June 6th. We're racking our brains to think of somewhere perfect to dine on this momentous occasion, but for some reason we're having a hard time. Can anyone help out?
We want something nice, but not insane. For example, I looked at Orchids-- that's a bit too much. We've done Bella Luna, we've done Via Vite. We want something special and non-chainy. Any suggestions?
The photos in this post are from Tunes & Blooms, at the Cincinnati Zoo. I should have posted these... oh, back in APRIL, when the event actually occurred, but things were getting pretty hectic back then.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
16 comments:
Have you eaten at Virgil's across the river in Bellevue, KY? It would be perfect for an anniversary dinner! Small, independently-owned, fresh, local fare, fancy enough but not outrageously expensive. Of course, ever since it was featured on a show on the Food Network, I hear it's been packed so it might be hard to get in...
No, I've never been to Virgil's! Maybe we'll check it out.
For my birthday last month, my guy took me to Nectar in Mt. Lookout. Local, organic, fresh. I loved it. Sweet potato gnocchi with gorgonzola and fiddlehead ferns? Yes, please!
Here's the site: http://dineatnectar.com/
(BTW, I am very remiss in not letting you know that I did receive Linchpin and am excited to read it whenever I get a spare minute.)
Sweet potato gnocchi!! Ask Dan how insane I am about that stuff. Thank you for the recommendation!
And yes, HULLO, get to reading Kelly!
Palace at the Cincinnnatian-- $45 each prix fixe, two savory, one sweet. Amazingly awesome.
I know you said Orchids is too much, but it is a transformative eating experience. Really spectacular. My wife and I also enjoy feeling like we've been transported back in time with the amazing decor.
And if you top it off with a stay at the Hilton, then you can be fat and happy and just go right upstairs to your room.
Of course, reading over that, it does sound like too much. But I LOVE IT!
My boss has been raving about Boca. Take a look at that, too. On Brazee, off of Madison. While you're there take a look at Brazee Street Studios. Some very cool stuff going on there.
Vinoklet- Its a vineyard up past colrain. Its tucked back into the country. GORGEOUS!
The owner is a hoot and the atmosphere is romantic in a not sickly sweet kinda way.
They give you a choice of entree protein ( fish, chicken, pork or steak) then show you to this huge room with giant grills where you get to season and grill to your own preferences. After a short wine tasting ( they are widely recognized for their Ice Wines- type of grape not frosty like) you get a bottle of wine, 2 entrees all you can eat sides, salads, bread and desert for about 40 a person.PLUS you can take your wine and glasses and stroll freely through the vineyard and vines.
Geez! We may need to get a couple other anniversaries up in here. The first time we saw a movie together... the first time we watched Top Gear together... etc
And if you've done Via Vite but now want to share a huge plate go to Nicolas! Congrats on the anniversary!
Virgils or York Street - and if you go to Virgil's and Matt catches wind it's your anniversary - he'll probably even do a special dessert for ya!
We just went to Orchid's and it really is special. If you stick to the first and second course, you can eat great and have plenty of food without breaking the bank. But, you said no Orchid's so...
Honey might be a good option - it's nice, local sourcing, not too expensive, etc.
Good luck!
Hugo is our new special event go-to spot. It's southern cuisine and out-of-this-world amazing, but not too stuffy. We've had three meals there so far, and they've been scrumptious every time. Great bourbon selection, too. I'd recommend the Shrimp and Grits with a Jefferson's Reserve, neat. Or, you know, anything else on the menu. It's all amazing.
I have to echo the Orchid's comments. Yes, it's expensive but, unlike some of the other "fancy" places around here, you won't feel like you're paying for pretense, just for quality. Nicola's is of a similar caliber in terms of food quality and service.
I would also recommend Honey -- it's always done me right. Some other places -- Dee Felice, Nectar, and Slim's [not my favorite, but [people rave about it]. And, not on the 6th but only 4 days later is this event that seems to be very much what you're after.
Also, congratulations!
his and hers Double Downs
I can't thank you guys enough for all the suggestions! (Except for Bradley. I can thank him enough.)
We'll let you know where you end up going!
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