Dinner On A Train

The Cincinnati Dinner Train
2172 Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237
(513) 791-7245

For several years I have been trying to book a reservation for the Cincinnati Dinner Train to celebrate my birthday. Two years passed where I visited the website a month in advance to try to lock down dinner during the peak fall foliage season, when it's clear everyone else had the same idea but they moved faster. After the second year miss, I asked for a set of gift certificates for Christmas from my mom. They didn't expire for two years. Just like a procrastinator, I held on to them until the last possible moment. I missed my  opportunity to book my birthday weekend and peak fall foliage again but settled for the second week of November, unfortunately, after daylight saving ended.  The point was I was going, I'd gotten a reservation. I still had to book the reservation in September to get that. I say all of this to say, this is a hot ticket as far as Ohio experiences go. If you want to dine on the Cincinnati Dinner Train, it requires a few months planning.

Saturday I arrived at the location to board the train. It was a little off putting because the entrance is behind another business. I almost thought we were in the wrong place until we saw the train arriving. My date and I were the first to arrive, an hour before we were supposed to be there. We wanted to make sure we had plenty of time for correction if we got lost or somehow ended up in the wrong place. We left the parking lot to ride around in the immediate area, before we were scheduled to board. When we returned there were more cars in the lot and the staff was setting up. A man greeted us as we pulled into the lot, directed us to our parking space and explained where to pick up our boarding passes.

Boarding time was 5pm. I collected my boarding passes that were most likely meant to be really cute souvenirs for a scrap book. Both tickets had my name printed on them, the train car we were dining in and the table where we would spend the next few hours. We were greeted by a cute elderly man dressed in a train conductor's uniform. As we stood in line we were entertained by the Queen City Sisters, a women's singing group who cover songs from the 30's, 40's and 50's A cappella. The trip is designed to take you back to 1949, the singers set the mood. We almost reached the booster stairs to the train when we were stopped to take a photo that we had the opportunity to purchase later on in the ride. Everyone was dressed in late 1940s clothing including the photographer and his assistant.

The reservation was in the New York Central car, a car that was used from 1947 until 1967 in NYC. Before it became one of the Cincinnati Dinner Train cars, it also served as a soft-serve ice cream parlor in Cincinnati.

Once we boarded the train and reached the table, the appetizer was already waiting for us. It was a simple charcuterie plate with summer sausage, a scoop of sun dried tomato spread, crackers and grapes. We were offered tea or water with our meal. The option for beer, wine and cocktails are extra. The entree I pre-ordered when I made the reservation, was salmon, so I ordered a glass of white wine to drink with it later. The second course was a tossed green salad with ranch dressing and a roll. After the salad, the entree was served. They offer three options when you make the reservation, prime rib,boneless chicken breast in white wine sauce or salmon with spicy hoisin glaze.

Though I do not have images of any courses besides the appetizer because of lighting issues, I will at least share my experience. The salad was basic but fresh tasting. The salmon was tender and moist but I was not entirely sold on the hoisin glaze. I am used to a glaze being a little thick and sticky. The glaze on the salmon I was served was juicy and tasted more like citrus than hoisin. It was not what I expected but I still enjoyed it. My favorite part of the meal was dessert. I ordered the pecan pie but also tasted my date's cheese cake. Both were delicious.
   
My date and I shared the table with another couple, residents of Cincinnati. I was worried initially about who our table mates would be but we lucked out with a couple who we had so much in common with, we were like personality mirror images. We had so much to talk about that we spent more time talking when we were supposed to be eating.

Service on the train was impeccable. The wait staff came to check on tables often. My tea stayed filled and plates were removed in a timely fashion. They brought out desserts with candles for those celebrating birthdays and since it was Veterans Day weekend, veterans received a free cocktail of their choice.

We were entertained on and off throughout the night by The Queen City Sisters who sang songs from the 40's. They also sung Happy Birthday to all the people celebrating on the train. In the last hour of the ride they were in the last car performing until we return to the starting point. This train car felt like a 1940s club. There was only a bar, the singers and room to hangout.Past that car was the caboose where everyone was able to pull the train whistle. I felt like a goofy kid, so excited to pull a train whistle. 

This by far was one of my favorite Ohio dining experiences, and I have had a lot. The ambiance is great for a romantic date or a special occasion.  The ride isn't very scenic, there are a few special architectural and historical points of interest, but what they lack in outside views is made up for in the charm, detail and service of the staff. I see myself returning for a round two.

Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

 

The Cure To Boredom Fall/Winter 2016-2017

Adventure To Do List Fall/Winter 2016-17

It has been a while since I have done a 'Cure to Boredom List' (aka bucket list). I have been in the habit of just saying yes to new things without actually writing anything down. I have also referenced my old lists for things I have yet to cross off. I have since crossed off few things from my combined lists like taking a food tour out of town. I have taken two, one with Cincinnati Food Tours and if I can count The Christmas Cookie Tour of Inns in Amish Country. What? Aren't cookies food? Lol. I took a very short trip to Canton, Ohio, though I didn't get to do anything on my Canton To Do List, it counts.

The cold seasons are always harder to make things happen. I want to try to get out and do things but I also hate to be cold. Winter is a boring season and some of us get a little depressed, so this year I really want to find as much to do as possible. I will share some of it with you as it happens. Follow me on instagram @krisofohio.

1. Have Dinner on the Cincinnati Dinner Train
2. Take a photography workshop or class
3. Go Snow-tubing
4. Visit Clifton Mill
5. Try Cupping
6. Finish the Columbus Ale Trail
7.Start a food blog.
8.Grow garlic
9.Take a winter hike.
10. Learn to brew a batch of beer.


What are your plans for the fall/winter season?

Until next time,
 
Kris,

Summer 2016

The summer was full of first experiences, mixed in with some familiar ones. I traveled near and far. I explored new territory. I partied like I was 21 again and payed for it for a month after. I didn't do a Spring/Summer to do list but I promised myself I would say yes to whatever people asked me to do that was logically and financially reasonable. While I am thinking about the plans for my Fall/Winter season, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite moments from my Spring/Summer 2016 seasons.

Comfest  2016

10. I planted the best garden yet.

I have been gardening for years but this year I worked harder than ever to create my dream garden. Too bad that I get bored with it after a while, but I tried to keep it weeded, well up until August this year. This has been the best yielding garden because I am still harvesting lettuce, tomatoes, green beans and beets. 

1. Beets by Kris 2. Heirloom tomatoes 3. My hand painted garden markers 4.Lettuce variety

9. I Visited Wylie the Walleye.

Sometimes you have to drive a couple hours away to eat a great fish sandwich. This was my second year visiting the Port Clinton Walleye Festival. I literally went for the sandwich and left, but the sandwich is so great that the trip deserved to be mentioned.

Dancing with Wylie the Walleye at the Walleye Festival in Port Clinton.

 

8. I Enjoyed Some Dirty Dancing.

After all of the back and fourth with the Janet Jackson Concert, is she or isn't she, I returned my tickets and used my credit toward two tickets to see Dirty Dancing the Musical on Broadway when they came to Columbus. I took the only other person who I thought would appreciate it, my sister. We were obsessed with the movie as kids. The show was pretty great!

Play Bill from Dirty Dancing

 
7.  I Got Trapped in the Room with a Zombie Again & then Again.

Even though I already did the first Trapped in the Room with a Zombie a few years ago, I did it again as a planned group event for my friend's birthday. Then I treated my sister to Trapped in a Room with a Zombie Part 2 (Still Hungry) a couple months later. Even though you know the zombies aren't real, it's such an adrenaline rush.

Still Hungry with my little sister

 
6. I faced my fear of power tools.

This summer I began making my own beads out of wood scrap from my friend's wood shop. I have used power tools several times but have always been a little anxious about it, fearing I would hurt myself. I am now very comfortable using a drill and hand sanders. I have created some of the best jewelry pieces I have ever made. I am now working on getting comfortable with the saws.

Necklace created with vintage and handmade beads.

5. I checked off another Columbus Food Adventure Tour.

I  have been obsessed with this company's food tours and food tours in general. Earlier this spring I crossed the Grandview Walking Tour off my list. I enjoyed it as I have the other tour itineraries, that Columbus Food Adventure's offers. 

Berries with balsamic and cream from the Oilerie. Columbus Food Adventures Grandview Walking Tour

4. I spent a day in Toledo.

I spent a day during the July 4, weekend in Toledo exploring the city. My trip included a few hours at the Toledo Zoo, a Hungarian hotdog from Tony Packo's original location, a flight of brews from Maumee Bay Brewing Co. and some smores at Maumee Bay State Park. It was one of the best Ohio day trips I have taken.

Toledo Zoo Aviary

3. I introduced my jewelry at Comfest.

We have been trying to get into this festival on and off for a few years. This year we were selected and we met so many cool people and made a few new contacts. Most important, we had a great time and sold some of our labors of love.

Our Global Gal Collection at Comfest

2.  I went on an Ohio Adventure and made new friends.

 I have always wanted to participate in a group event with others who love to explore Ohio. 
My sister and I had the pleasure of joining a meet up planned by My Ohio Adventure, 7Thirty8Apparel and The Campfire Experience. We hiked Slate Run trails, we explored Slate Run Historical Farm, checked out Rockmill Historical Park and ended the day drinking some brews at Rockmill Brewery. 
 

Rockmill Historical Park, Grist mill and bridge

1. I Partied in Brooklyn!

I try to take a trip out of the state at least once a year. This year I went to Brooklyn in celebration of my friend Christina's birthday. I won't get into it because I just recently posted about it here but it was the best event of my summer. I enjoyed spending time away from Ohio with my best friend. It was also great to meet so many creative, business minded people. I love the city almost as much as I love home.

Me in front of our AirBnB in Crown Heights Brooklyn

Until Next Time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

Tasty Travels: Cafe Rue Dix Brooklyn

Cafe Rue Dix

 1451 Bedford Ave @ Park Pl
 Crown Heights, Brooklyn 

 929-234-2543

When I travel, the first thing I get excited about is the food. I am by no means the girl who visits a city to eat at a chain restaurant where I can dine while at home.  I want something delicious and special. I want something that speaks of the city I am visiting. It has to feel like a place that I can only experience there. I ate at a few special places in New York, but nothing stood out like Cafe Rue Dix in Brooklyn.  

On the last day of my trip for Christina's birthday celebration, we walked around the neighborhood with our Airbnb host. We wanted our last meal in the city to be something that we would have a hard time finding in Columbus. It was a restaurant recommended by our Airbnb host in his list of places to check out close to the property. Before we arrived we knew we had to make it a priority. I am not sure I have ever eaten French/Senegalese style food, though I was familiar with African food from a several countries in both West and East Africa. 

 The place was intimate with a little over a handful of tables. The bar, the focal point of the place, was decorated with West African masks with cowrie shell covered gourds used as lighting. There were beautiful West African geometric patterns found on the bar, at the tables and on the front of the building.

 

The food speaks for itself as well. The presentation is beautiful but the taste is just as pleasing. Christina and I fell in love with the Senegalese spring rolls, so much so that we are still salivating over them a month later. They were a a delicious combinations of spicy beef and shrimp served over kale. I ordered the "National plate of Senegal", theThiebou Jen, a very tender stewed fish which was served over a mound of rice with cabbage and carrots.The fish had a beautiful flaky texture. It was  full of flavor with a tolerable spicy kick. The vegetables were also very tender like you would expect from being stewed. They took on the flavor of the seasoned liquid that they were probably soaking in, as they were also slightly spicy. 

I can't speak much about my lunch companions selections but the consensus was that everyone enjoyed their food.  Our AirB&B host ordered the portobello sandwich and Christina had the Yassa Gunimar, a stewed chicken and rice dish, which she washed down with hot chai tea served from a beautiful red tea pot. 

I regret that I wasn't able to try more items on the menu or to try the native coffee or one of the interesting beers they had available from West Africa. After nights of cocktails mixed with pepper, all I wanted was water. I hope to return in the near future to have a proper tasting of their menu offerings but I couldn't just not mention this visit. It was truly one of the best tasting meals I have had in a while.
  

Senegalese Spring Rolls

Chai Tea

Stewed Fish

Christina & I Thanks to Airbnb Host Niya

Until Next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous! 
Kris,

Four Days & Four Nights in Brooklyn

Standing in front of Luna Park in Coney Island.

It's been almost a month since I returned from New York and I kind of miss it. I traveled with Christina to celebrate her birthday in Brooklyn and Manhattan. We both had been to New York many times but neither of us took the time to explore Brooklyn previously. So, with plans to see as much of Brooklyn as we could, we booked a beautiful studio apartment on Airbnb in the Crown Heights neighborhood. The last time we spent time together in New York we were participating in an Pre-Fashion Week accessory event in 2013. That year we stayed in Harlem, as I have alone, many times before. With Brooklyn being new and unfamiliar territory, I was excited for a totally different New York experience. 

We spent four days and four nights in New York. We arrived Saturday evening. We had plans to check out a few local microbreweries but after an unforeseen long check in process, and an Uber mix up, we only made it to one.  Excited, we set out to a brewery using Uber and ended up at the correct address but in the wrong city. We thought we were being dropped off at a Brooklyn brewery but when we crossed the Manhattan bridge and were let out in Chinatown at a dark building under construction that housed a Chinese massage parlor, we knew we were not in the right place. Who knew that there were duplicate addresses for Brooklyn and Manhattan? We sure didn't. We scratched the original spot and headed to Strong Rope Brewing. It was a cozy, casual atmosphere where you could meet friends and have conversation.  We sipped on flights of some very interesting brews like a peppery Saison called Cloud Dragon. That was the night one and nothing went according to plan.

Saturday Night 8/ 27

A Strong Rope Brewery Flight

  
The rest of the trip went so much smoother with just a few crazy moments here and there. We went to Afro Punk Music Festival. We visited Coney Island Beach where I bought a fabulous new swimsuit , played in the water, visited the Coney Island Brewery and stopped to watch a few innings at a Brooklyn Cyclones & Auburn game. We went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the costume exhibit Manus x Machina, Fashion in the Age of Technology. We had Christina's birthday diner at popular Manhattan spot called Vandal and stayed to hangout in the downstairs lounge. We visited many cool bars and clubs. We met some interesting people.



 Here are some of the highlights from my Brooklyn experience.

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!

Kris,   

Sunday 8/28

A beautiful Ali piece  by Brolga in Williamsburg Brooklyn

Desserts and Coffee at Fabiane's Cafe & Pastry

Afropunk Fest

Monday 8/29

Coney Island Boardwalk Nathan's

My new swimsuit at Coney Island Beach.

Coney Island Brewing

A Coney Island Brewing Flight.

The Brooklyn Cyclones vs Auburn at the MCU Park in Coney Island Brooklyn.

Tuesday 8/30 Christina's Birthday in Manhattan

The crowded Met stairway.

Me and a Chanel dress at the Manus x Machina exhibit at the Met.

Issey Miyake at the Met's Manus x Machina exhibit.

Tapas at Vandal for Christina's Birthday.

Vandal

Wednesday Day 8/31 Coming Soon