You are currently browsing the archives for the Cincinnati category.

Calendar of Posts

March 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Katie Davis

@PopCultureCuisine

Categories

A Look Back

On Twitter

Contact Katie

popculturecuisine@gmail.com

Archive for the ‘Cincinnati’ Category

Friday, July 29, 2011 @ 08:07 AM

093Man it’s HOT out there! I know if you are anywhere close to the Midwest you know what I am talking about; and this segues nicely into our next topic, Chili… Cincinnati chili to be exact. If you know anything about this kind of chili, you know it really has nothing to do with heat at all, rather is a Greek style spice. However, this next spot definitely sets itself apart…but we’ll get to that.

If you have been following the blog for any length of time, you know I don’t do spicy. I will take a little bit here and there for flavor, but I really don’t enjoy the spicy foods, which is partly why I enjoy Cincinnati chili so much. It’s a much sweeter chili, and along with its lack of beans makes it a favorite of Adam’s.

Now many cities are known for specific dishes, with many places being known for a that unique specialty. When it comes to chili in Cincinnati, this is no different. There are quite a few famous spots, probably one of the most notable being Skyline, which we will showcase at a later date, and PCC has already featured Blue Ash Chili a few months back. So we knew that when we were back in the Cincinnati area, we would definitely have to pay a visit to one of the other of the city’s famous favorites…, Camp Washington Chili.

Camp Washington Chili is a true legend in the area, with its patriarch Johnny Johnson (who we had the privilege of meeting) manning the helm since 1951 when he emigrated from Greece. Open 24-hours, six days a week, this chili parlor is no joke in how many coneys and 3-ways they are churning out in a day. It’s so popular, Travel Channel even saw fit to feature it as #65 on its “101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown” (Chowdown Countdown). So we knew it certainly was a place we needed to try.

096

097077

We were in downtown Cincinnati for a whirlwind birthday weekend for Adam and planned our visit to Camp Washington on a Saturday. We found it fairly easily, but noticed when we arrived it seemed to be pretty popular given that the whole parking lot was packed. Now granted… the parking lot wasn’t huge, but we definitely had to wait a little bit to get a spot. Luckily, once inside we noticed it was not as packed as the parking lot would have you believe, so we were easily led to a table. Our waitress was super sweet and chatted with us all about their chili vs. the other popular spots in the area, and it didn’t take us long to decide on our order. I went with my typical order of one coney with onions, but this time decided to give their onion rings a go since they sounded tasty. Adam went with his typical order of 2 cheese coneys (mustard only) and a 3-way, which if you are unfamiliar, is served over spaghetti noodles and topped with a mountain of shredded mild cheddar cheese.

079

082088

092

Like most other Cincinnati chili joints, the orders come out quick. The first thing we both noticed with each or our respective first bites is that Camp Washington definitely has a bit more “bite.” In other words…it’s hot! While I would hardly say it was too spicy for me to eat, I was considerably taken aback by the impactful flavor of their chili. It’s not that it wasn’t good, it just was not what I was expecting based on my other Cincinnati chili experiences. It just was much spicier than any other sweet Cincinnati chili I am used to; and while I was so hungry that I practically inhaled my coney, I have to be honest in saying it just wasn’t my favorite due to the amount of spice. In my opinion, it just took away from the typical sweet aspect I so enjoy about the other local chili I’ve had.

084

086

085

Adam definitely agreed. He said the hot sauce or whatever it contained made the chili a lot more watery, therefore not adhering it to the noodles as well. Plus, unlike Skyline or Blue Ash, these noodles were not cooked in the sauce either, a big fault in his book.

The one saving grace of the food was the onion rings. These were AMAZING and all but made up for the unfortunate chili. They were perfectly brown, crispy, and sweet, while not losing all the breading from the onion in one bite. We both agreed these were some pretty awesome-tastic onion rings, maybe not the best ever, but still SOOOO good.

Sadly, even the rings were not enough in the end to overcome the spice that lingered in our mouths, and unfortunately we left Camp Washington feeling a tad disappointed and dissatisfied. I had a hard time feeling as if I ate when I really didn’t enjoy my meal to its full capacity. So while I enjoyed the experience of visiting Camp Washington Chili, it definitely does not rank highest on my list.

SIGNATURE DISH: Cincinnati Chili! While like the other chili joints in the area they do have other items on the menu for you non chili fans. But, they don’t call these Cincinnati Chili restaurants for no reason.

TASTE: We’ve made it our goal to try the major players in the Cincinnati chili discussion and Camp Washington was far from our favorite. Unfortunately, the spice they gave it completely overpowered the sweetness we have come to love in its typical flavor. However, if you are a “standard” chili fan…this might be right up your ally.

AMBIANCE: Where I felt Camp Washington lacked in the traditional flavor I was looking for, it definitely made up for in charm. The restaurant was very clean, yet had a certain old fashioned feel about it and you certainly did get the sense that it has been around for a long time. In fact, their logo alone is quite fun and Adam even bought a t-shirt to commemorate our trip.

PRICE: Another perk of Camp Washington was it was not very expensive, so while it wasn’t our favorite meal, at least we didn’t leave feeling as if we had hurt the pocket book.

SERVICE: As I mentioned above, our waitress was another good selling point. She was super cheerful, talkative, and helpful in guiding us in some options of things to do after lunch. It is always nice to have a waitress who genuinely seems as if she wants to be there helping you out.

Unfortunately Camp Washington just didn’t pan out and this time around…we vehemently disagree with The Travel Channel’s experts. However, that isn’t to say that many people in the area don’t love it and maybe you might too, especially if other Cincinnati chilis have not been something you’ve enjoyed. Who knows…maybe this one is for you. We just didn’t really enjoy the flavor; so while I still urge you to try it for yourself, I give Camp Washington 2 ‘Little Piggies.’

pig-icon_thumb3pig-icon_thumb3

Friday, June 17, 2011 @ 02:06 PM

036After over a year of writing, I am sure it is no secret to most that I am a HUGE fan of barbecued meats, especially ribs; and I think this might be a trait I inherited from my father, because his favorite meal in the world just happens to be a certain place’s ribs…the place I’m featuring today. I don’t know what it is, but there is just something so enjoyable about the whole rib-eating experience for me. The mess, the sauce, the smoke….not quite sure, but I love it!

That being said, I have tried my fair share of ribs and some of my favorites vary wildly from one another. But one thing is for sure, I am definitely more of a vinegar based sauce fan… “Carolina” style if you will.  This isn’t to say I don’t still enjoy a plate of thickly sauced ribs, but they have to be from the right places…which leads us to our next stop…a place that boasts the phrase “The Ribs King” in its title. 

Montgomery Inn in Montgomery, OH started serving up its now famous ribs in 1951. Little did the owners Matula and Ted Gregory know then that their small family owned restaurant would later grow into three major locations around the Cincinnati area and that their sauce and ribs would find their way into grocery store shelves in 23 states.  Yet, that sauce placed on some ribs for a special one night that caused such a stir they decided they would need to become a menu staple.  Either way, Montgomery Inn has become so popularized in Cincinnati and beyond that many celebrities (sports stars especially) and even President Bush have made many a trip into the restaurant which is evident from the amount of memorabilia they have on the walls.

I grew up hearing about “Ribs King” thanks to my Dad…a native Cincinnatian who LOVES them! We even made a few stops throughout my childhood at a location when visiting where my Dad had grown up, however this was long before blogs existed or I even considered myself a foodie, so I admit I don’t really remember a heck of a lot about the experience.  I just know they are my father’s favorite to this day and since Adam and I were planning a trip to Cincinnati for his birthday, I knew we had to experience them again for Adam for the first time.

038

056

073

My grandparents still live in the area and we figured since they live in a retirement community without a car, they might enjoy a visit to the Inn, especially since they don’t get to travel out much; and with both of them having lived in Cincinnati for many years, I knew they would enjoy the whole experience (they are BIG fans as well), and did they ever!

I had forewarned Adam that I knew the Montgomery Inn’s sauce is pretty heavy, not like the typical Carolina style sauces or strictly dry rubs he enjoys. I just wanted to prepare him so he could prepare his taste buds before heading in. However, then, I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can ask for your ribs to be left un-sauced (or sauce on the side), so you can determine how much or how little you want on your own (but if you do this, be prepared….you may get a dirty look from you waiter…., just sayin’). 

It didn’t take us long to settle in and place our order. All of us ordered the ribs with our own unique sides; Adam with Mac and Cheese (of course), while I went with their also famous Saratoga-style chips and a salad to start. Hey… this preggo chick was hungry!

042

045046

048

050053

049

It wasn’t too long before our food arrived, and just before, we were asked if we wanted bibs…we obliged (I mean for picture purposes, you gotta….right!). Bibs in place….we dug in and my grandparents were like two kids in a candy store for sure.

Both Adam and I were glad we had asked for our sauce on the side. It gave us the chance to make sure we liked it before slathering if all over, which it turns out Adam did. He really liked it! I, on the other hand, wasn’t as huge of a fan as I remembered. Still, I kept lightly brushing it on for flavor, but was still glad to not have so much of it clouding the flavor of the ribs themselves….which were pretty tasty.

058061063

062

065068

064

066069

Overall, we had a really wonderful evening and I know that my grandparents absolutely loved it.  My grandma, who can’t express herself very well anymore, told us on the way back that she had such a good time. You could tell she had worked out in her mind the whole dinner what she wanted to say; and to share that experience with them alone made the whole thing worth it…right up there with all the PCC culinary adventures combined!

SIGNATURE DISH: Although they have many other dishes on their menu, you can tell with a name like “The Ribs King” what Montgomery Inn is known for, and many people rave about them. So if you are in the Cincinnati area, you would be missing out if you passed up an opportunity to try these famous ribs.

TASTE: Here is where it is hard for me. I may be shunned by my family for my views, or the whole of Cincinnati for that matter…, but I have had better ribs.  However, I will say that if this was one of my only ribs experiences and I lived in the area, I might sing a different tune.  However, due to the wonderful hobby I have taken on with this blog (along with a husband who loves food more than I ever could), I have had the chance to try a plethora of ribs…, and I mean A LOT. So while I still enjoy Montgomery Inn for the nostalgia, I have to admit there are ribs around the country I love much better.  Although Adam might disagree, this is due largely to their sauce, which although has a slight twinge of vinegar, it is not enough for my taste.

AMBIANCE: The feeling of the restaurant is very cool, and when I say that I mean real swanky and upscale-sports-bar like.  If you are into sports you will love looking around and seeing all of the cool memorabilia they have lining the walls.  Adam was able to walk around the main restaurant and look at the back rooms. Also, the interior designer in me really liked the rich woods and low lighting, giving the Inn a very polished feel.

PRICE: At $19.99 for an order or $24.99 for a full slab, I felt their prices while a bit hefty for barbecued meat. However, their name in the area is so popular, I understand they can charge a little more and people will pay it. I just don’t think these particular cuts of pork were worth what we paid.

SERVICE: Our waiter was very attentive, however I found him to be a little on the snotty side.  As I mentioned above, I did get a lovely eye roll when I ordered my sauce on the side and you could tell he just wasn’t overly patient with my grandmother who took a little time to place her order.  I do not fault the Montgomery Inn for this, rather I just chalked it up to that dude’s personality or his attitude that evening.

So while these ribs are not my all-time favorite, they still fulfilled my need for a little ‘Que.  Also, I was so glad we were able to share that time with my grandparents, which elevated the whole experience and will be one I will live with the rest of my life.

Still, I need to look at just the culinary aspects…and with that, I give Montgomery Inn “The Ribs King” 2 1/2 ‘Little Piggies’….and thank them for the lovely evening.

pig-icon_thumb3pig-icon_thumb3pig-icon-half

Monday, January 10, 2011 @ 09:01 AM

Well we are back from a wonderful weekend in Nashville celebrating my lil’ brother’s wedding.  Needless to say due to the business of all of that I apologize that this post is a little bit tardy.

Pop Culture Cuisine is officially a year old and we can hardly believe how fast time has flown!  Adam and I have loved incorporating all these wonderful culinary adventures into our travels, mostly because of the great memories it has made for us.  We have compiled a list of some of our favorite and not so favorite spots to share with you with links so you can read our reviews for yourself.  We love food and hope to continue to share lots of great finds with you all along the way.

SIGNATURE DISH

094

1. Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous’ “Ribs” – Memphis, TN

2. Round Rock Donuts’ “Round Rock Donut” – Round Rock, TX

3. Lucky’s Sandwich Co.’s “Stuffed Sandwich” – Chicago, IL

TASTE

101102

1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX

2. Louie’s – Dallas, TX

3. Twisted Root – Dallas, TX

AMBIANCE

train car

1. The Silver Palm – Chicago, IL

2. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX

3. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX

SERVICE

036

1. Blue Ash ChiliAnna – Blue Ash, OH

2. PinkberryChristine – Orlando, FL

3. Avila’s – Dallas, TX

PRICE

098

1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX

2. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX

3. Blue Ash Chili – Blue Ash, OH

OVERALL TOP 5

123

1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX

2. Manny’s Delicatessen – Chicago, IL

3. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX

4. Blue Ash Chili – Blue Ash, OH

5. Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous – Memphis, TN

TOP 5 BIGGEST LET DOWNS…NOT WORTH THE HYPE!

504

1. Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q – Memphis, TN

2. Willie Mae’s Scotch House – New Orleans, LA

3. Acme Oyster House – New Orleans, LA

4. Drago’s Seafood – New Orleans, LA

5. Juan in a Million – Austin, TX

BEST OF THE REST…HONORABLE MENTION

078

Best Burger – Twisted Root – Dallas, TX

010

Best Pizza – Giordano’s – Chicago, IL

003

Best Sandwich – Lucky’s Sandwich Co. – Chicago, IL

098

Best BBQ – The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX

0511001715

Best Bar Food – J. Gilligan’s “Irish Nachos” – Arlington, TX

171

Best Cocktail – Pat O’Brien’s “Hurricane” – New Orleans, LA

Three Little Piggies

Most Outrageous Dish – The Silver Palm’s “Three Little Pigs Sandwich” Chicago, IL