Chi-Nnatti’s Pizza

Skip the Bruchetta, Go for Happy Hour, Stick with the Deep Dish.

As I spent a few years living in Chicago post-college, when splurging meant ordering pizza delivered, I fancy myself somewhat of a pizza connoisseur – and I do know my way around a deep dish. But don’t get me wrong – I don’t discriminate – I enjoy folding a good slice of New York-style pizza or cracking a crispy thin crust any day of the week. Those however, are more easily found around these parts. A true Chicago-style deep dish outside of Uno’s, I had yet to find. 

Backstage Cafe

As we wandered around The Madison Theater last night before the Guster concert, we spotted several establishments (Covington Chili, Rima’s Diner …) that appeared to be open only for lunch hours. Situated directly next to the theater, Backstage Cafe was a more than convenient spot to grab a seat, a beer, and a quick bite before the show.

Mama says, “Don’t bother” with Mama Vita’s

My husband and I decided to take advantage of a restaurant.com gift certificate to Mama Vita’s (fine print = redemption for lunch only) and have a rare lunch together during the workweek.   We arrived at noon, a time one would guess would be nearing the peak of a lunch rush, and the place was empty.  Not one diner. Not one worker.  We wondered if it was even open, as we waited a good three or four minutes before someone noticed we were there.  

The Melting Pot: Share the Goodness (But bring exact change!)

Last night I got together with a few girls for a little cheese and chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot.  (Really, what more could a girl ask for – cheese AND chocolate … all melty and yum?  To quote The Zoe, “I die.”)

Apparently, as a way to support breast cancer awareness month, The Melting Pot is hosting “Ladies’ Night Out” every Thursday in October with Mary Kay.  (Not the most original name, but it’s for a good cause, so I can overlook it … and yowzers, what a deal …)  For $19, we each got a salad, shared cheese and chocolate fondues, and ordered $5 martinis.  Plus, since $1 from each of our meals will be donated to breast cancer research, it rids you of any guilt associated with consuming massive amounts of the hot gooey goodness.

Veni Vidi Vici … Vito’s!

It was the night of my visit to Vito’s Cafe with the Cincinnati Tastecasting Team that I conveniently changed my personal foodie philosophy from “vegetarian” to “flexitarian.” (And believe me, you would’ve too if you had been presented with the same sumptuous plates …)