When you order at Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro, you may think with a mixture of relief and disappointment that you've managed to snag soup and Vermicelli at one of the only layman-friendly Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Don't dwell on it for too long, though, because you've still got to decide what kind of spices you want; your desired sauces or dressings; what kind of noodles, etc, etc. As you munch later on, you might try to count what other Cincinnati Vietnamese restaurants you had ordered this dish from; we promise you won't need to relinquish your chopsticks hand to add it up.

Obviously, we at BuyCincy are a little disappointed that a good deal of the Best of Taste awards at this years Taste of Cincinnati went to businesses not from Greater Cincinnati, inculding the award for Best Damn Dish, which went to an outsider, for the second straight year.

So, we are going to award our own Best of Taste awards.  Stick with BuyCincy as we provide information on the Taste, and what we believe are the Best of the Taste of Cincinnati 2008.

 

Just a few more things*: 

Please play nice, it's good for your karma. In order to win a free gallon of Mythic Paint you must live in the Cincinnati area. You must provide an email address on your entry in order to be contacted if you win. One entry per person. The entry form will be removed from the website on May 28th. The winning entry will be chosen at random on May 28th. I'm not a lawyer and please don't make me have to be one. My mom says cheaters never win.

*By submitting the form, you are agreeing to our terms.

Click here to enter.

Buy Cincy spends many a weekend in Northside at the fabulous local restaurants (Melt, Slims, Honey...) and the eclectic businesses (ShakeIt Records, Bughouse Video, Casablanca Vintage Clothing Store...). Add some of the city's coolest bars (the Comet, the Gypsy Hut, and of course, Northside Tavern), and you've got a great place to play.

Soon, we'll be hanging out there on Wednesday nights, too, when the Northside Farmers Market opens for the season.  

Greetings from Findlay Market
Cheryl Eagleson, Marketing Director

Two weeks ago Cincinnati hosted the Society of Architectural Historians conference. Architreks conducted tours through our wonderful Over-the-Rhine to show off the collection of amazing buildings and districts of Italianate architecture. Naturally, many attendees made their way to Findlay Market. Why? Because of the significance of the Market's historical relevance to the city of Cincinnati's economic and cultural development.

What's the deal?

In their most recent issue, Soapbox Media released some long awaited news for downtown residents hungry for another grocery option (oh the puns!). Avril Bleh, the 114 year-old Court St. butcher, will be expanding into the adjacent building to carry, according to the owner, "dairy products, eggs, produce, bread, dry goods and other staples."  The big day is anticpated to be soon, May 13, for the restored space to be unveiled.  Downtowners, residents and workers, your new grocery awaits.

Where to get it?

35 E. Court St
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Photo Credit: Soapbox Media - Scott Beseler
 

To commemorate Christian Moerlein's Barbarossa Double Dark Lager, Rookwood Pottery has released its own limited edition "Barbarossa" stein. The anticipated unveiling at Bockfest Hall was delayed by inclement weather conditions, but now beer lovers all over Cincinnati are clamoring to get their hands on their own Rookwood stein (this writer included).

The country is already a week into National Bike Month and Cincinnati is joining cities around the nation in celebrating.  One event happening through May is "Deals on Wheels," headed by Queen City Bike.  DoW is an effort by Cincinnati-area businesses to celebrate Bike Month by offering specials to those who cycle to the store.  You can check out all of the shop and restaurant specials on our Cincinnati Bike Month page.  So, get out and spend this beautiful weather on two wheels, trim your waist and keep your wallet fat.