2020 is the year of trying new things, and the folks at OTR Chili are expanding their horizons with a monthly kitschy pop-up called Blue Plate.
Blue Plate is an opportunity for OTR Chili's head chef Francisco Alfaro and bar manager Aaron Kirby to explore creative culinary endeavors while tying in nostalgic and "kitschy" recipes inspired by retro cookbooks, after-school snacks, their parent's favorite cocktails and steakhouse classics, according to Claire Koontz, who facilitates OTR Chili's social media, FOH operations and assists with pastries.
"Sometimes that'll be Midwest-inspired diner fare, but Blue Plate is open to wherever we want to take it. It's more about being creative and having fun than adhering to any specific category," says Koontz. "We'll be serving up easy-going and accessible food that's backed up by the fine dining experience our staff has."
Blue Plate, which will host a brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, offers a refined menu during its pop-ups, focusing on a technique-driven approach — continuing to utilize their whole butchered cows and fresh produce from OTR Chili, but in a more eclectic fashion.
"Our crew is full of creatives, whether it's music, photography, bartending, design or cooking, so this is a fun way for us to harness all of that. It's also a way for us to work with all of our industry friends and the local farm community in a new, experimental way. We want this to be by and for our friends and community so we're keeping the price point really accessible," Koontz says.
During the pop-ups, the Blue Plate team suggests that guests reserve their seats by emailing [email protected] or DMing them on Instagram at @blueplateotr. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged.
The OTR Chili menu will still be available for delivery and carry-out, as well as in the Rhinegeist taproom.
For more info, follow @blueplateotr in Instagram.
Blue Plate OTR, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
