Three Little Griddles ~

First visit: Aug 2022 (Greenwood Village - closed)

They're still open in Aurora.

Completing our Denver overnight trip, we decided on Three Little Griddles for our Sunday morning breakfast. Since it sits in a contemporary condo/shopping center in the middle of a business district, we figured it wouldn't be too crowded. And we were right. Guessing their primary crowd is during the work week. It appears this used to be a full service restaurant with countertop stool seating. They really should bring that kind of service back - enough of these pandemic excuses. Anyway, the stools have been removed and you order up at the front. But they still want the same tip to just do their job and nothing more. Not from me you don't!  I think we should start tipping the hardware store clerks when they point us to which aisle the lightbulbs sit it in. Maybe I should tip the bank teller for depositing my check. It really drives me nuts. Tipping was invented for extra service - like filling your coffee cup, bringing your food, making sure you have everything. Not to just take your order. And usually with a bad attitude at that. OK, OK.... I'm done.

I ordered the usual smothered breakfast burrito and Mrs. RJG had bacon and eggs. I also ordered a mocha. They frothed it properly but forgot to stir it, leaving all the chocolate on the bottom. Beautiful. On the positive front, the burrito was better than the last two I've had in Denver - Sabor and Illegal Pete's. It was hotter for one thing. It could have used a bit more heat, but fortunately it wasn't lukewarm. Now this is a hardcore green chile, as it contained lots of chunks of pork. Definitely not for the almost-vegetarian crowd (they have that has an option too). It's spice level was medium. Thumbs up from me overall. The burrito however was too much flour - they should do more with crisping it up. The foodstuff of eggs, potatoes, and bacon were good, if not overly unique. Mrs. RJG enjoyed the crispy bacon and well done scrambled eggs, which they cooked properly to order. She loved the toast as well. Overall a good experience. Not a great one. I'll come back though next year - might be a good place to start a crate digging record day. We'll see if they take it to the next level.

For whatever reason, some parts of Southeast Denver maintain an Englewood address (the PO here used to identify with Englewood years ago), even though the suburb is much further west. Most of these have been converted to Centennial (or Greenwood Village). For practical purposes, I've labeled it that, but you won't find it on a map that way.

8/29/22 (new entry)

Blue Spruce Brewing ~ Centennial, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2022

After the 3 Freaks visit didn't pan out as expected, it was time to find our next "stones throw" brewery. Only 2 major blocks west lies Blue Spruce. It's a quick car ride so we settled on this for our final stop of the night.

This is much more of what I expect to find in the southern suburbs of Denver. Now we're in a much nicer strip center location. A big spacious place with sports on TV and - of course - a live solo act singing folk music. That everyone ignored. The crowd was a mix of middle aged folks and various neighborhood gatherings. Very comfortable and we enjoyed the people watching. The brewery features a number of beers, and not all the typical styles. So I can get a Vienna or a Helles, not just an IPA. They also promote their kitchen and it seemed like it would be a good place to eat as well. Will have to do that sometime. In any case, the beers are great and it's a nice festive place. The opposite of 3 Freaks 'fraid to say.

BTW - Centennial has a very weird border structure. You'll note that Mama Louise is in Centennial, and yet it's many miles to the east, near Aurora. Essentially Centennial is a thin strip across the southern part of Denver. 10 yards tall and 30 miles wide. Or so it seems.

8/28/22 (new entry)

3 Freaks Brewery ~ Highlands Ranch, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2022

Anyone who has read my reviews while in Baltimore will note that I like to try as many beers as possible when there. And while the Inner Harbor / Fells Point area didn't have their own brewery, they certainly had tons of restaurants and bars that served all (or almost all) the locally made Maryland / DC brew. I have to push Mrs. RJG to go in on this idea, but she always has a great time once it gets going. So as part of the "date night", I wanted to go to a brewery within walking distance of the hotel.

Like I said in the LowDown review, one only has to throw a rock in any direction to find a brewery. And that holds true even in the tony southern suburbs of Denver. Highlands Ranch and Capitol Hill are complete opposites in every single way imaginable, but they both still have hipster breweries.

3 Freaks Brewery seems to be just hanging on from the pandemic's side effects. The breweries of central Denver have the advantage of public transportation and compact pedestrian business zones. Lots of walk-in traffic. For the 'burbs, one usually needs wheels. Most people don't want to drink and drive (meaning too much drinking of course), and Uber can get expensive. Fortunately 3 Freaks was nearby to where we were staying, so we walked over. It's a ramshackle of a place, sitting in one of those rare - but necessary - run down strip centers in a wealthier part of town. Here you have a pot shop - a hookah lounge - Chinese to-go for the munchies - an animal hospital (maybe not just for pets?) - and an Indian grocery store which provided our entertainment while sitting outside. They only had 4 beers available and it just seems like the dream is over for them. Glad we each got one in - as this will likely be my last chance to try them unless they get new ownership. The beers were good for sure. I wish them the best. However, there was no vibe whatsoever, so we took off.

8/28/22 (new entry)

Mama Louise ~ Centennial, Colorado

Latest visit: Aug 2022

First visit: sometime in 1998

So I received an email from one of the non-business hotel chains I frequent. They informed me that I would forfeit my points unless I did something on the account. Some of you may remember our visit to Prescott Valley, Arizona a year ago February to tend to Mrs. RJG's Official Mom. We stayed the week at this chain that I don't use for business - because it was a much better deal. A fine hotel too. It was too much investment to let the points go, so I suggested to Mrs. RJG that we should make a date of it, and eat, drink, and spend the night in Denver at one of their hotels to maintain status. No family allowed!  So that day happened this weekend. It has been over 3 years since we last visited Mama Louise. Pre-pandemic. It could have been 24 years since we last went - and absolutely nothing has changed. Thank goodness. In an era when the restaurant industry seems to be in a tailspin, it's comforting to know that Mama Louise still exists in a romantic past. We both ordered the chicken parm, our favorite dish from here. Mine with Pasta Louise sauce, hers with their house red. It still comes with a simple house salad and minestrone soup. Absolutely delicious - still the best Italian restaurant in Colorado. And with Pietro's closing in Dallas, maybe in the country. Obviously we haven't been everywhere, but this is the competition for us. We also ordered a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. One difference we noted is it seems we got more chicken than in the past, and less pasta. You would think it would be the other way around! Not complaining at all - though more pasta would have been nice. I can eat those noodles without any seasonings and still love it.

The overall bill was expensive as was expected, but they were never cheap. Also they now add a surcharge if you use a credit card. Not happy about that. Cash only may make sense for $20 and under, but not for $100+ meals. Oh well - we don't go enough to warrant attention to the criticism (we didn't say a word of course). But Kent still remembered us - all these years later! Love this place.

--- original 7/11/13 review

Continuing with our favorite Denver area restaurants, here is our go-to Italian place. We first started going to Mama Louise not long after they opened in the Tech Center (Arapahoe and Dayton) around 1998 or so. (Prior to this there was a burrito place - I believe it was called Jalapeno's that we had eaten at a couple of times). After about a year of infrequently visiting, Mrs. RJG and I became regulars. Rarely would a week go by where we wouldn't venture up from Parker (The Pinery really) for a dinner. Usually on Friday night. Even on snow nights, we would go. Not long after we relocated back to DFW, owner Kent moved his establishment east to the Piney Creek area of Aurora (later known as Centennial). I can remember going to the original DTC location as recent as 2004 on a visit, so this must have happened shortly thereafter. The new location is a wonderfully decorated restaurant. Kent has been there since day one, and he's always pleasant and glad to see you. For years, his Mom would be by his side ensuring all was running smoothly. Apparently she had knee surgery not long ago, and is now traveling the world. So you won't see her anymore! :-) The family originally had a restaurant in Highland as far back as 1978 (I can't remember the name - but I don't think it was Mama Louise) and closed down. Kent is the son of the founder and restarted the tradition in 1997/8, as stated above.

I can only use the term "best" or "favorite" in relation to the places I've frequented. But what makes it so special for the RJG? Because they have the best chicken parm I've ever had. Anywhere. In the world. I like my parm crispy, and that's what you get at Mama Louise, along with an incredible seasoning mixture unlike anything I've ever had. Make sure you ask for Louise Sauce with your pasta. It's a spicy concoction made up of Italian sausage, ground beef, and tomato sauce. It's extremely flavorful and comes with a nice kick. Each meal starts with a minestrone soup, which I quite like, though it's not a traditional recipe (it's more like a noodle / bean soup with celery). This is followed by a cold iceberg lettuce salad, that is pleasantly simple with an excellent homemade Italian dressing. And they have fine desserts as well. And a decent wine list. This is also Mrs. RJG's favorite, and in a rare case of solidarity when it comes to food selection, she also loves the chicken parm. Excellent all around.

1998; 1999; 2000; 2001; 12/27/02; 7/14/04; 7/9/10; 4/17/12; 7/11/13 (new entry); 5/14/14; 7/31/19; 8/28/22

LowDown Brewery + Kitchen ~ Denver, Colorado ***CLOSED***

Closed Sep 2023

First visit: Aug 2022

Oops - got a bit out of order here. Already forgetting the breweries! On the Illegal Pete's post I mentioned going to the record show. To be honest, it was very disappointing, after having great success at the last 3 shows (there are two different conventions in Denver - though they feature a lot of the same dealers). Everyone wants too much money for their LPs. Come to the Colorado Springs bi-annual show and the RJG's tables is where it's at - and we sell at fair prices! OK, advertisement over.

In any case, I was very thirsty and was tempted to get a beer at the show. Great Divide were one of the sponsors and they are one of my favorite brewers in the state. But I wanted to try something more local. We get Great Divide at home. Heck, I first tried them in Texas before our state even had more than 10 microbreweries. When you're in Denver, you can pretty much throw a rock in any direction and hit a brewery. Maybe even 2 if you get a good ricochet. Especially in this part of Denver, which is known as Capitol Hill. This is your Little Amsterdam if you get the reference. Trendy bars, pot shops, vegetarian restaurants, expensive loft apartments, tattoo parlors, Antifa, clothiers, etc... are all over the place. And even a couple of my favorite record stores too. Lots of wasted youth as it was known in the 80s. It's the edgy side of trendy. Which is where art flourishes. And so do the brewers. Perfect for the RJG when traveling about. Wouldn't want to live here, but it's fun to visit.

LowDown has the look and feel of the neighborhood. Old warehouse styled expansive open setup. I walked in and looked completely out of place (I'm used to that... the only person there without tattoos as but one example). Was pretty much ignored until I shoved my way to the bar. Everyone was nice really (which is usually the case), just in a different orbit. They have a large selection of beers. Normally I enjoy sitting at the bar, chatting it up with the bartender or the neighboring stools. But it was clear on this day that I probably would be more comfortable sitting at an isolated table by the window watching the human circus outside. The beers were delicious as expected. What came out of the kitchen looked good too. At some point, I'll have to eat here - perhaps the next show if they choose the same venue. Not for Mrs. RJG though, that's for sure.

8/28/22 (new entry)

Nano 108 Brewing ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado

Latest visit: Jul 2022

First visit: Aug 2018

One of the many breweries out east on the Powers corridor (read: cheaper rents). Nano 108's claim to fame is they never make the same beer twice. I like the philosophy, but I think I'd prefer a little of both. Always new beers to try with some favorites brought out at different times. In any case, Nano 108 seems to be one of the more popular breweries in town, at least among beer aficionados. It's location is a classic run down former agricultural supply area. Inside is dark but welcoming. Plenty of places to sit outside as well and admire the scrub brush and rusted trucks.

8//18; 1//19; 7/9/22; 8/28/22 (new entry)

Jak's Brewery ~ Falcon, Colorado

Latest visit: Jun 2022

First visit: Nov 2018

They also have a taproom off of Dublin (also east) in the Springs.

If heading way out east, then try Jak's, which sits comfortably in a modern shopping center. A large space compared to many breweries, you'll feel welcome here with plenty of TV's to ensure you don't miss a play. They also maintain a large selection of beers, and not just the usual suspects. Like many breweries in Colorado Springs, Jak's maintains their strong military outlook and background. These aren't the places to bring your woke philosophies.

11//18; 6/24/22; 8/28/22 (new entry)

Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado ***CLOSED***

Closed: Jun 2024

First visit: Mar 2022

Opening in February of 2022, Batch Slapped (lol) is the newest Colorado Springs brewery to open (it was when I visited - no longer the case). They are one of many to be found on the east side of the Springs, so hopefully saturation isn't occurring. It's in a nondescript 1980s looking strip mall, so I suspect at least their rent is reasonable. Inside has been renovated nicely and is what the kids call "chill". Nice open fireplace in the middle to warm up to if needed. All in all, yet another fine brewery for us. BTW - already their name has come under the lens of the cancel culture gestapo. No one has a sense of humor anymore. Must - pass - purity test.

3/8/22; 8/28/22 (new entry)

Smiling Toad Brewery ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado ***CLOSED***

Last visit: Feb 2022

First visit: Dec 2018 (on 8th street)

Closed Apr 2023. Owner (age 71) decided to retire. Can't blame him!

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Smiling Toad has new digs since I last visited, when they were off of 8th Street. They are now in Old Colorado City in a pretty interesting 2 story building. It's original function was likely industrial, but it's perfect for a small brewery. Though in recent times, it too hosted a bar called Thirsty's Tavern. When you walk in, go left and upstairs. Typical RJG I first wandered around aimlessly on the main floor trying to figure out where to enter. The first floor is where the beer is made. Friendly staff. Lots of games to play. A very bright space upstairs. Definitely a hardcore local brewery. 

12//18; 5//19; 2/14/22; 8/28/22 (new entry)

Bell Brothers Brewery ~ Colorado Springs, Colorado ***CLOSED***

Closed: Sep 2024

First visit: Feb 2022

Opened on New Year's Eve 2021, Bell Brothers is one of three new Colorado Springs breweries to pop up recently. Nice downtown space on Tejon, reminds me of the Baltimore taverns. Good lighting and an open industrial feel. Met one of the Bell Brothers, as he was tending bar. He is also the brew master. Very friendly staff. They also serve panini's and other light fare. I took advantage of their beef panini, and it was perfectly prepared!

2/13/22; 8/28/22 (new entry)

Pompilio's ~ Newport, Kentucky

Check out that historical photo from their website. That's just too awesome.

--- 

Truth be told, I fact check myself at many turns of the proverbial road. Partly this is driven by the immense mounds of BS floating around my brain, but getting older and having imperfect recall of places visited decades ago - and revisited recently - are cause for a refresher.

Case in point, Pompilio’s. For a few decades I have told folks elsewhere about visiting the restaurant from the toothpick scene in Rainman and incorrectly attributed this to Scotti’s. Now, don’t get me wrong, Scotti’s is also a fine establishment, up on Vine St on the Ohio side. But the 4-in-the-box joint is really Pompilio’s in Newport, KY.

Also only visited this place for lunch in the past. Way different animal. Tonight I tried dinner, and it was worth the trip!

Sitting at the bar - as is my want - guidance came from the gal behind the bar named Kristen. She guided me to the eggplant parm appetizer - not listed on menu - and it came out lovely and huge! (Spoiler alert - 50% left with me for lunch manana.) Now we are free to explore dinner.

One of my daughters made the not-too-pushy ask for a Chix Parm with vodka sauce recently. It was worth trying again! Ate the whole chicken and took last of the pasta with half the eggplant for lunch tomorrow.

Chicken very good, vodka sauce fresh, tasty, could use a skosh more spice. But all in all a thoroughly enjoyable meal!

Our fair bar-lass Kristen also guided me to a nice Chianti to accompany said feast. Bar sports a nice tap list, wide array of bourbon, a few of the usual suspects, still perusing as they have interesting selections.

In spite of confusion on Scotti’s vs Pompilio’s - now rectified - I’ll be back here for another meal (likely marsala!)

- Rude Dante review

Bob Evans ~ regional chain :

Hadn't thought about this chain in a long time. I've only been once - long ago with my Dad on our last road trip together. Hammond, Indiana. May 1989. It was outside the Super 8 where we stayed. It was the perfect Dad kind of experience - cheap motel with a diner next door. We did - in fact - have dinner there. Rude Dante obviously didn't witness us... In any case, the next 3 days we were in Chicago. I selected every place we ate. Otherwise we probably would have eaten at Denny's... in Chicago. That is what is known in Biblical terms as a... sin.

According to Wikipedia, there are 442 locations in 18 states.

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An homage to Bob Evans. This regional chain competes (effectively) with Cracker Barrel and Waffle House (Denny's and iHOP do not stand a chance here) across the Midwest. Based in central Ohio east of Columbus, the original farm was in hard SE Ohio - Rio Grande (DAMN CLOSE to West Virginia - in all ways), Bob produced better sausage than Jimmy Dean but did not extend his distribution as effectively in the retail space. It's damn hard to find Bob Evans sausage or restaurants west of the Mississippi.

Truly a breakfast joint, I'm not sure I have seen anyone eat dinner at a Bob Evans (although I once witnessed an individual who shall not be named as Troy Johns successfully negotiate refills on coleslaw at lunch). If you order bacon there, shame on you! The only real question is links or patties.

Upon finding heavy traffic earlier this week driving from Akron to Erlanger KY, the ONLY viable option was to stop at Bob's for breakfast (ed: in psychology, they refer to this situation as Rationalization). It's not cheap, not that special nor is it fancy, but it is always consistent and always good (so long as you stick to sausage, that is).

- Rude Dante review

Winking Lizard ~ Ohio : Peninsula

Small regional restaurant & taproom - my location of choice: 1615 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264

The Winking Lizard is a genuine national treasure (though not sure to which nation they pledge allegiance: maybe Belgium, or Deutschland, possibly the Czech Republic?). One of my favorite taproom format restaurants, I knew I loved them when I discovered their midsummer special was a Belgian Trappist Ale called Orval - ON TAP - paired with a cheeseburger special featuring Orval cheese (yes, from the very same Trappist monastery about 45 minutes from Luxembourg). They stole my heart, or maybe my stomach - and a chunk of my liver.

Noteworthy feature of the Peninsula location: it is located just off the Cuyahoga River in the heart of the eponymous national park between Akron and Cleveland. The river - once known for catching fire in the 60s and 70s (to be fair, pretty sure the Maumee in Toledo bears the same claim) is now pristine, clear as a bell, and fields canoe and kayak enthusiasts along with fishermen. There is a Boston Qualifier marathon that runs on the Tow Path through the park the first or second weekend in October every year. Magical place!

One of the other great features of the bar is the beer tour of the world (something like, "Around the World in 80 Beers" if memory serves). With the number - and ABV - of taps they field, it can take a while to get through them. At one time the prize for doing so was a leather bomber jacket with their logo on the breast. Pretty sure that has devolved into a free cardboard beer coaster (ed: lol).

Last interesting nugget: all the locations I visited featured an actual winking lizard (get your mind out of that gutter!) Here's a pilfered image of the Peninsula lizard:

- Rude Dante review

Diamond Delicatessen ~ Akron, Ohio

Gotta love Diamonds and Watches with your sandwich! And those sandwiches look awesome!

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(Zero relation to the Grill; 378 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311)

This is one of those deli's where you want to bring your friend with a hollow leg. HUGE mf sandwiches (and that ain't for muffuletta!) Gynormous! A metric shit-ton of meat on each! We had this one guy on my team who was ALWAYS hungry, but ate at a snail's pace. We once sat with him while he ate 2 of their sandwiches. I think we are still waiting for him to finish?!

A couple pics - to illustrate the deal (Reuben is my go-to, second one below):

- Rude Dante review

Diamond Grille ~ Akron, Ohio

Rude Dante also spent a couple of years in the fine town of Akron. He's back for a revisit. And yea, definitely Regular Joe's Guide Hall of Fame signage right there. Also note the extra e on Grill. Yea, man!

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(77 W Market St, Akron, OH 44308)

This is a pretty amazing place - but not the best steak you'll ever have. What it lacks in 'fancy' is more than compensated for in ambience. F'rinstance: when it comes time to pay your bill, no credit / debit / other cards are accepted. Cash. Or a check.  Or they can invoice you. That is one bill that I would pay promptly.

Dinner options are steak and steak and steak. Truth be told, there is also chicken, seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. But why?

I did ask for my steak to be 'Oscar' - then recanted when they said they'd have to check and see if they had crab. And absolutely Zero asparagus. I didn't even ask about hollandaise sauce - just said gimme the meat!'

Came here last for a retirement celebration for a guy who worked at Goodyear 50 +/- years. Great guy, hard worker, funny as hell. My dinner was a wedge salad and the 'long bone' - a bone-in ribeye. It was good, not the best ever, but a solid cut of meat. The kind you want to salt a bit more - and maybe add some fresh ground pepper (because, well, no Oscar). For sides, they brought a full plate of home fries, family style - looking like one of those monster German pancakes they serve you at the Pancake House franchises. Too much food, all good. 

It's not outrageous pricing, with the most expensive steak just topping $50. Dinner for 8 was under $600 - including a bottle of wine that was $125 or so and a couple cocktails. You don't get out of meals for under $60 / head at most steak joints.

Previous visit was one of those lunch-with-stock-broker deals with a guy who I liked a lot but did horrible things with my investments for a few years. Better friend than broker. 

- Rude Dante review

Skyline Chili ~ regional chain : Crescent Springs, Kentucky

Last visit: Aug 2017 (Crescent Springs, Kentucky)

First visit: Aug 2002 (Cincinnati)

As promised from Rude Dante's recent visit, I decided to add a new entry here. For me the Cincinnati chili experience all started with Gold Star in 1995. They had one location (count 'em) west of the Mississippi back then (maybe even outside of Ohio) - and it was in the Denver Tech Center very close to where I was working at the time. So I started to go over for lunch somewhat regularly. Then came Rude Dante to the same company, and where we first met (see El Tepehuan entry for more on that). He had much more knowledge on the subject having just moved from the area. And so began a ritual with us - until the company we were with sold out in 1997. It was at this time that Mrs. RJG and I were married (having also met her at the same company - obviously a life changing place to be!), and joined a consulting firm and hit the road (and tales continue to flow from that experience).

Then comes July of 1999, and I finally landed a "local" consulting gig at a major defense contractor in the southwest part of Denver (we were in The Pinery, so not exactly around the corner, but at least didn't need an airplane to get there!). And would you believe our friends from the Tech Center moved their Gold Star to Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton? Close by again, and I was reunited with a regular habit. That lasted about 9 months, and after which the RJG secured a management job and visits to Gold Star diminished greatly. Eventually that store couldn't make it, and that was the end of the Cincinnati Chili experience for me... for awhile.

Mrs. RJG and I finally made it to the Queen City in 2002, and we made a beeline for Skyline, which was the most legendary of the Cincy chili parlors. Rude Dante had talked them up as well, and so we were most excited to go. It was delicious, just as I had remembered Gold Star. It was too long apart to make any kind of side by side comparison. I was just happy to get my 3 Way - spaghetti, chili, and cheese. You can add onions and beans as well if wanting to go 4 way (either / or) or 5 way (both). And for dessert, I would indulge in a 3 way coney hot dog. And douse them both with their own cayenne pepper sauce (essentially Frank's Hot Sauce with a press agent). Guaranteed to get your salt content for the whole week!

As it turns out, I ended up going back to the area for a few years in a row. And in particular, I officed for a brief while in Columbus in late 2007 / early 2008. One particular great visit happened in March of 2008 where I was awarded Customer of the Day and received a free T Shirt! Weeee.

So anytime we're in the area, I insist on going to at least one chili parlor. And I've tried many different ones over the years, but Skyline is oftentimes (along with Gold Star) more convenient. They are the ultimate regional chain. Cincy chili parlors are ubiquitous in the region and almost non-existent otherwise. If you see one - give it a shot. It's the most addictive food I know of.

These days, rare goes a week where Mr. RJG doesn't indulge in this most tasty dish at home. And why is that? Because you can now buy Skyline Chili at the local grocery store. Only one chain though - and that would be Cincinnati's most known grocer: Kroger. Or as we call it here: King Soopers. Buy a can the next time you're shopping (it sits next to Wolf Brand and other known chili's). I recommend thin spaghetti (al dente of course!), shredded grocery store brand cheese (not the processed Kraft junk), and a bottle of Frank's to drown it in. I get 3 meals out of one can - so don't dump the whole pot on the pasta. It will be too runny. It reheats well. Enjoy!

As of this posting there are a bazillion stores (technical term) in the Cincinnati area, with a smattering of others in the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana area. They've also managed to maintain a presence in Florida due to what we presume to be winter snowbirds / or retirees from the same area. 

Rude Dante's comments from his recent visit (and the impetus for this posting): "So … there is some room for quibbling on the variations of Cincinnati Chili (with an ‘i’ not an ‘e’). Original would be Price Hill Chili, biggest innovator being Delhi Chili (breakfast 8-way includes goetta); but the real, core debate rolls down to Skyline vs Gold Star. Both have their merits: Skyline is better, but some Gold Star locations serve beer. Hmmm. My easy answer: Skyline, Cheese Coney with onions and habanero jack cheese, plus a standard 3-way." (see photo)

8/5/02; 3/11/08; 8/27/17; 8/17/22 (new entry)

Rude Dante is in Cincinnati!

Other than Denver and NW Indiana, Rude Dante's roots can be found here. He has started with a summary. We'll see if we can get some of these fleshed out. In fact, one of them I will do now based on my own experience in the state of Ohio.

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OK - this one merits an introduction - albeit briefly.

Just started a project within spitting distance of the Cincinnati airport - CVG for those in the know (for Covington KY - although the airport address is in Hebron - what's up with that?) For the reading audience, Rude Dante lived a number of years on the Ohio side of this metropolis, so this is largely an exercise in re-checking boxes last checked some 25-30 years ago.

True test of whether or not much has changed in the area comes on day 1. My normal approach is to eat 2 meals per day on the road (ed: we have that in common as well!). There is a foodstuff that is local to Cincinnati area - and probably a handful of locations in Deutschland - known as 'goetta'. It is best described in terms of '...if you can't put it in hot dogs...' I've never seen it outside the Cincy area, and not that much within the I-275 corridor. My 2 meals - breakfast buffet at the Hilton, dinner at a landmark fried chicken joint known as the Greyhound Tavern - BOTH feature goetta on the menu. Welcome home!

OK - let's break this into 2 parts. One part is 'that which has been confirmed' whilst the the second we shall dub 'to be revisited / confirmed'. Away we go!

GRAETERS
A true standby in the tristate region, this is perhaps the best local ice cream joint on earth. My selection after a ‘light menu’ fried chicken dinner: toffee chip. Had to eat it fast because - A) summer, and B) rookie on the ice cream scoop left dangling, dripping participles rather than a tightly clustered scoop on my cone. Alternative options - for next visit - include Coffee chip and black raspberry chip. Others might lead to ‘fighting werds’! (ed: Been to one of these in Cincinnati as well. Great as RD states. We'll see if a larger entry emerges)

GREYHOUND TAVERN
One of the better fried chicken joints in the state of KY. More details to follow, but this one did not disappoint after my return post 30-year hiatus. Nuff said!

RAFFERTY’S
First time caller, first time listener. Met a couple named Marcia and Ted at the bar  - both of whom have been coming here for years. Marcia says this little franchise was started by some Pike’s (Pi Kappa Alphas) from Western KY. What it reminds me of is the Bennigan’s format from the early 80s - when they were a division of Steak & Ale. Summary: good food, nice people, less Applebees / Chile's than it appears.

SKYLINE
So … there is some room for quibbling on the variations of Cincinnati Chili (with an ‘i’ not an ‘e’). Original would be Price Hill Chili, biggest innovator being Delhi Chili (breakfast 8-way includes goetta); but the real, core debate rolls down to Skyline vs Gold Star. Bot have their merits: Skyline is better, but some Gold Star locations serve beer. Hmmm. My easy answer: Skyline, Cheese Coney with onions and habanero jack cheese, plus a standard 3-way. (ed: OK, I'm going to add an entry for this one now...)

Grab an 8-pack of Little Kings on the way home! 

If you are not following this, go to Paterson, NJ and ask for Mike Boreal’s family. He can help you out!

FIRST WATCH
A regional chain that seeks to out-hip Le Peep - and generally succeeds. Enjoyed a home-rolled omelette with fruit & sourdough toast, coffee, stunning waitress. Why was I even thinking about Bob Evans? (ed: We got this one covered RD - we'll add your comments to the entry)

To be confirmed / validated:

DEE FELICE
SCOTTY’s
MONTGOMERY INN
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Ziggi's Coffee ~ regional chain : Colorado Springs, Colorado

First visit: Aug 2022 (Colorado Springs - Chapel Hill)

Met a co-worker here recently, and this was my first visit to the well loved chain. I'm not really trained on the art of coffee drinking, but I've come to appreciate sea salted caramel of late, replacing my old mocha standby. Ideally they would have real coffee ice cream shakes, but you rarely see that beyond the individual specialty shops. In any case, I enjoyed it as did my coworker. The setting inside is comfortable, though we took advantage of the fine weather and sat outside under the umbrella. They have a lot of good looking items on their drink menu. Will have to go back and try some of them.

Ziggi's started in Longmont and most of their shops are in Colorado. However you can now find disparate stores in 13 other states.

8/17/22 (new entry)