Mar 4-17, 2020

Mar 4-17, 2020 / Vol. 27 / No. 16
A New Culinary Dynamic

Battle Over Ohio’s Postponed Primary Election Date Takes Shape

If you thought the cliffhanger coronavirus COVID-19 triggered on the eve of Ohio's now-postponed primary election was over, well, buckle up. The Ohio Democratic Party and a woman from Reynoldsburg are suing Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose in the Ohio Supreme Court over the move canceling in-person voting yesterday, saying that there should be…

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day From Your Front Porch

We may be practicing social distancing, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate ole St. Patrick together — from afar.  A public local Facebook event has been circulating, asking folks to partake in the tradition, while respecting coronavirus safety concerns.  "It's St. Patrick's Day. Have a front porch, stoop or balcony? Then join us all…

Jerry’s Jug House in Newport is Offering Green Beer for Carry-Out

Jerry's Jug House in Newport is looking out for everyone still committed to celebrating Saint Patrick's Day by offering green beer for carry-out. From 2-8 p.m. you can grab a crowler of the emerald beverage to drink alone or with the people in your house/apartment/etc. also social distancing/self-quarantining. https://www.instagram.com/p/B91318Coi0H Other alcohol carry-out starts at 4…

Boombox Buns Goes From Over-the-Rhine Walk-Up Window to Brick and Mortar

Nathan Friday is the man behind Boombox Buns, Over-the-Rhine’s source for homemade Chinese-style steamed buns, also known as baozi or bao. Boombox is the first brand within Friday’s company, Together We Eat, and it likely won’t be the last. He made his debut as a restaurateur when he opened Boombox Buns for weekend-only, walk-up-window business on…

A Frightening Descent: ‘Pipeline’ at Ensemble Theatre Company

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ensemble Theatre opens its 2021-22 season with a relaunch of  Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline. They staged a single performance on March 11, 2020, the night it opened, before COVID cut the production short. Its set has remained on ETC’s stage since then.  CRITIC'S PICK According to statistics from the American Civil Liberties Union, black students…

Guest Tips $1,000 on Check at Hyde Park’s Oriental Wok

A guest visiting Oriental Wok's Hyde Park location left a rather generous tip for one of the restaurant's employees on March 14, proving that despite widespread uncertainty and fear with growing coronavirus concerns, the world is still looking out for each other.  The Chinese restaurant, a staple in the Greater Cincinnati area for over 40…

May’s Flying Pig Marathon Rescheduled Because of Coronavirus Concerns

The 22nd-annual Flying Pig Marathon, originally slated to take place May 1-3, has been rescheduled for Oct. 9-11, 2020. In a media statement, the race said: "We’ve prided ourselves in producing the Flying Pig Marathon as a fun event that rewards the emotions and significant accomplishments of all our participants. With that, we’ve also made…

Ohio Health Director Orders Polls Closed

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton ordered the state's polls closed for the March 17 primary over concerns about pandemic virus COVID-19. Those going to their polling places will be greeted with signs advising the locations are closed. DeWine has suggested that absentee voting be extended and that in-person voting take place June 2. In her…

Art Academy’s Benjamin Cook Founds the Social Distance Gallery, and It’s Already Amassed Over 14,000 Followers

Most universities, in an effort to comply with "social distancing," have moved to remote learning. For art students, this presents a particular challenge: much of their education traditionally entails exhibiting their work in public spaces.  That's where @socialdistancegallery comes in. The platform is a response to the COVID-19 virus, which the World Health Organization has…

The Party Source is Offering Online Ordering and Curbside Pick-Up

Bellevue/Newport mega liquor store The Party Source (95 Riviera Drive) is offering customers online ordering and curbside pick-up. Great news if you're practicing social distancing and avoiding shopping in person, but still want alcohol.  Place your order at thepartysource.com or call 859-291-4007. You can call or text when you arrive and someone will bring your order out to…

Cincinnati Zoo Offering Digital Safaris During Coronavirus Closure

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is currently closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain closed until further notice.  But since you can't go to the zoo, the zoo is coming to you. The institution will be offering digital alternatives to connect with its audience during this time, including hosting a series…

DeWine: Ohio Considering Ordering Restaurants, Bars to Close

In response to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Mike DeWine's administration is considering an order that would require the state's restaurants and bars to close, he said on cable news shows today. DeWine also revealed that Ohio schools may not reopen this season due to the virus. "The experts tell us…

Some Local Musicians Continue to Play Greater Cincinnati Shows But Most Touring Acts Have Postponed Concerts Amid Coronavirus Concern

In the wake of coronavirus concerns, recommendations and, in Ohio, mandates over public gatherings, most touring musical acts have canceled imminent tour dates — and sometimes full, lengthy tours. In Greater Cincinnati, it's difficult to find any touring bands or solo acts that haven't at least postponed dates. Larger venues in Ohio hosting touring artists…

Where Have Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus Popped Up in Ohio and Kentucky?

Cases of coronavirus COVID-19 continue to emerge in Ohio and Kentucky as the global pandemic increases its foothold in the U.S. But those confirmed cases haven't been evenly spread across those states, and none have been confirmed in Hamilton County or Northern Kentucky just yet. Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton said she believed…

Here’s How to Make Toilet Paper Out of CityBeat Newspapers

Things are getting weird out there, folks. If you've hopped on social media or watched the news over the past several days, you're probably quite familiar with the COVID-19 virus and concerns that have swept across the world.  Businesses are temporarily shutting down, events are being canceled or rescheduled, and everybody is buying up all…

UC Health Confirms First Coronavirus Cases in Greater Cincinnati

UC Health has announced the first confirmed COVID-19 cases in Greater Cincinnati. Four patients were seen at UC Health’s West Chester Hospital and treated and released. No further details were given. COVID-19 UPDATE: UC Health confirms that four patients have tested positive for COVID-19. Initially seen at UC Health’s West Chester Hospital, they have been…

Cincinnati-Based Ultimate Air Shuttle Temporarily Suspending Flights Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Cincinnati-based Ultimate Air Shuttle has announced that they will temporarily suspend select flight destinations amid Coronavirus concerns. "In this rapidly changing environment we are all in, due to the Coronavirus 19, we have witnessed unprecedented demand changes," a press release from the airline reads. "The majority of our small to large corporations have issued travel bans until…

Here is What Area Hospitals Are Doing to Prepare for Coronavirus

Ohio's top health official says as many as 100,000 people may have novel coronavirus COVID-19 undiagnosed —  a figure that could put strain on a number of the state's vital systems soon. As Ohio Health Director Amy Acton made that stunning announcement March 12, executives and physicians from five area hospital systems said they've been…

Pour-Your-Own-Drink Bar Copper and Flame to Open in Over-the-Rhine

An experiential new bar concept will be opening on Over-the-Rhine's Vine Street this summer in a space that might seem familiar.  Copper and Flame will take over the space formerly occupied by The Rook OTR, a game board bar and eatery that closed last spring (and later reopened in conjunction with Harrison's Divrsion Arcade.) The bar…

Clifton’s Esquire Theatre Offering $1 Corona Beers to Say Thanks to Patrons During Coronavirus Outbreak

Clifton's Esquire Theatre is well-known for its movie offerings, from mainstream and foreign to special themed events and midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  It's also about to be known for dollar beers. While many events are being canceled, postponed or rescheduled due to the current coronavirus outbreak, the Esquire Theatre is maintaining its screening…

‘Pride & Prejudice’ at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a Witty, Romantic and Feminist Take on the Austen Classic

The most popular of Jane Austen’s novels is getting the stage treatment. Witty, highly-quotable, and oozing with romance, Pride & Prejudice will grace Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s stage. Directed by Sara Clark and adapted by playwright Kate Hamill, the work has been hailed as “unlike any adaptation of Jane Austen one has seen before.” In a…

Colerain Township’s Big Art’s BBQ to Close After 21 Years

A Greater Cincinnati barbecue staple is permanently closing its doors after 21 years of serving the community.  Big Art's BBQ, located in Colerain, announced in a Facebook post that its last day open will be March 12.  After restaurant owner Big Art passed away unexpectedly in 2016, the family took over and has worked hard…

Telenovela Twists and Turns in Playhouse’s ‘Destiny of Desire’

Perhaps you’ve heard of telenovelas, those soap opera-ish dramas popularized by the Telemundo channel and adored by more than 2 billion viewers worldwide. If you have, then the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of Destiny of Desire should be on your dance card in the weeks ahead. And if you haven’t, well, perhaps you…

Former Cincinnati City Councilmember Tamaya Dennard Indicted by Grand Jury

A federal grand jury indicted former Cincinnati City Councilmember Tamaya Dennard on wire fraud, bribery and attempted extortion charges, U.S. attorneys announced yesterday afternoon (March 11). Dennard has denied wrongdoing and her attorneys say she will fight the charges.  The grand jury approved charges that are identical to those on which Dennard was arraigned on…

Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Canceled This Saturday

Cincinnati's St. Patrick's Parade is cancelled amid fears about the spread of COVID-19. The announcement comes after local and state officials March 12 implored organizers of mass gatherings to consider canceling those events in the face of the pandemic. “The 54th annual Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade scheduled for this Saturday, March 14th will be cancelled," Cincinnati St. Patrick's…

Pop Star Niall Horan is Coming to Cincinnati This Summer

Pop star Niall Horan — who rose to fame as a member of the group One Direction — has announced the second leg of his Nice to Meet Ya Tour and it includes a stop in Cincinnati. Horan will perform at Riverbend Music Center on July 18 with special guest Sam Fischer. Tickets ($29.50-$89.50) go…

The March 26 Reds Opening Day Parade is Canceled, Organizers Say

The 101st Reds Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, slated to be held Thursday, March 26, is being canceled or postponed according to event organizers.  The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade website says, "Our 101st Anniversary Parade has been cancelled/postponed due to the Corona Virus issue." So whatever happens in the future in regards to it…

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is Partially Canceled in Response to Coronavirus Prevention Efforts

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival has announced that it has canceled portions of its annual event as a preventative measure in response to COVID-19 updates.  "In accordance with updated recommendations at the state and local level today regarding preparedness and response to COVID-19, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival is now cancelling the Grand Tastings, Education Sessions…

Empanadas Aqui Opens Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Mason

Venezuelan food truck Empanadas Aqui has opened their highly anticipated brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mason.  The eatery takes over the space formerly occupied by Troy's Cafe at 322 Reading Road.  Owners Pat Fettig, Brett and Dadnitri Johnson first opened their food truck in 2014 as a way for Dadnitri, a Venezuela native, to share a taste…

L.A. Based Metalcore Band Bad Omens to Headline Riverfront Live on Friday the 13th

L.A.-based Metalcore sensation Bad Omens has notched several impressive accomplishments in the five years since their formation. Guitarist and Richmond, Virginia resident Noah Sebastian started compiling lyrics while playing with DC-area band Immortalize with a thought toward assembling his own group. In 2015, Sebastian first recruited guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo and then-bassist Vincent Riquier, who suggested…

Founder of La Terza Coffee Opens Adesso Coffee Shop in Downtown Mason

Downtown Mason is growing, welcoming a new coffee shop to its line-up of locally owned restaurants and drinking destinations along Main Street.  Adesso Coffee opened its doors on March 8, offering traditional Italian espresso beverages as well as a menu focused on seasonal bites that represent the flavors of the Ohio Valley.  Shop owner and…

Live Updates: Everything Cincinnatians Need to Know About Coronavirus

This blog will be updated frequently as new information emerges. Scroll down for general information about COVID-19. Live Updates: March 17, 7:07 p.m. Oh, yeah — it's St. Patrick's Day. Celebrate responsibly (and from a safe distance). A local Facebook event asks folks of the Queen City to pour themselves a drink and wave to…

Skirball Museum’s ‘Archie Rand: Sixty Paintings From the Bible’ is an Exhibition of Biblical — and Comical — Proportions

Rendered in expressionistic comic-book style, Adam and Eve — yes, that Adam and Eve — stand aghast by the tree of life as a snake coils around it. Animals blur in the background and a thickly-outlined speech bubble protrudes from the man’s mouth: “WE’RE NAKED.” Double underline.  That’s how the Skirball Museum’s current exhibition, Archie Rand:…

Underground Hip Hop Fave R.A.P. Ferreira to Play Urban Artifact This Week

When your given initials spell out the word “RAP,” is a stage name really necessary? For New England emcee Rory Allen Phillip Ferreira, doing so would have once been too obvious a choice, smacking of predestination. Instead, he’s spent the last decade writing himself into narratives of his own creation. Since the release of his…

Skyline Chili Offering a 3-Way with Green Noodles for Saint Patrick’s Day

Skyline Chili is bringing back its "Green Way" to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. For one day only — March 17 — Skyline locations will be offering 3-ways, 4-ways and 5-ways with "shamrock green" pasta. This decade-old tradition "is a fun way to celebrate Cincinnati’s long-standing Irish history and heritage," says a release. The dish does not…

DeWine: Three Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed in Ohio

Three cases of novel coronavirus COVID-19 have been confirmed in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced this afternoon. DeWine declared a state of emergency in Ohio following the revelation. "The state of emergency that I've declared in #Ohio is a legal necessity that allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response," DeWine tweeted…

PJ Harvey Documentary to Screen at The Woodward Theater in April

The 2019 documentary film A Dog Called Money will be screened at The Woodward Theater next month. The movie, which chronicles the extensive and unique creative process behind acclaimed British singer/songwriter PJ Harvey's 2016 album, The Hope Six Demolition Project, will be shown on April 14 at 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are available now for…

Cincinnati is One of the Unhappiest Cities in America

According to WalletHub, living in Cincinnati might be a bummer. The website just released a study ranking "2020's Happiest Cities in America" and we kind of sucked. It looked at 180ish of the largest cities in the U.S. and researched 30 "key indicators" of happiness, then put them in three categories: Emotional & Physical Well-Being,…

Cincinnati City Councilmember Will Propose Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags

An ordinance Cincinnati City Councilmember Chris Seelbach will propose today (March 9) would bar grocery stores and restaurants from issuing single-use plastic bags. If approved, establishments would be able to charge at least 5 cents for thicker, multi-use plastic bags or paper bags that are fully recyclable and made of at least 40 percent recycled…

First Cases of Coronavirus Confirmed in Kentucky and Indiana

The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Ohio's neighboring states of Kentucky and Indiana. The Kentucky case is in Lexington; the Indiana case is in Marion County (where Indianapolis is located). Both individuals are in isolation and the Lexington patient is in a medical facility receiving treatment; the Indiana patient is just described…

The 17 Best Ways to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Cincinnati

It’s rare for Cincinnatians to run out of reasons to gather and drink beer on the weekend, but Saint Patrick’s Day brings a distinct level of “enthusiasm” to the activity. It would probably be easier to make a guide of places not offering some variation of green drink specials and Irish music to celebrate the boozy holiday, but…

Gold Star Is Giving Away Two 24K Gold 3-Ways on Saint Patrick’s Day

Cincinnati's Gold Star chili is giving away two 24K gold 3-ways on Saint Patrick's Day: one original-recipe meaty one and one made with Beyond Meat for vegetarians.  Each dish is worth $300. And they are entirely edible, like, except for the plate. Not only will the lucky winners receive golden 3-ways, they will also receive…

Lauryn Hill Returns to Cincinnati for Headlining Taft Theatre Show

Have you ever heard parents with just one kid joke that they “got it right on the first try” when asked why they’re not having more children? That might not be why acclaimed Soul/Hip Hop/Pop singer/songwriter Lauryn Hill has only made one studio album, but the answer would be sufficient. Though she has done impressive…

Pixar’s ‘Onward’ is Predictably Solid Family Fare

Like virtually all Pixar films, from 1995's Toy Story to 2017's Coco, the premise of Onward, which opens Friday (March 6) in wide release, is built on solid imaginative foundations. Set in a fantasy land that resembles suburban U.S.A., the film is a standard teenage quest story in which the protagonists happen to be trolls…

Alaska Airlines Coming to CVG, Will Offer Daily Flights to Seattle

Want to fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport directly from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport?  Starting Aug. 18 you can on Alaska Airlines. According to a release from CVG, Cincinnati is the 93rd nonstop destination served from Alaska Airlines' hub in Seattle and "will connect two dynamic regions, each with thriving technology and business centers." “The…

ArtsWave’s Power of Her Day Features 50 Free Female-Centric Events, Exhibits and Performances in a Single Day

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 7, seven area arts organizations and venues are hosting more than 50 different performances, exhibits and events during ArtsWave's Power of Her Day. The day features "female-centric, female-storied, female-led and female-involved works of all types," says an ArtWorks release, and is a single-day sampling of their season-wide women-focused initiative, which…

Ohio March 17 Primaries: 1st Congressional District

Two Democrats are competing for the chance to take on Republican congressional veteran U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot in his district that includes the western portion of Hamilton County and all of Warren County. Clifton healthcare executive and former Cincinnati Board of Health member Kate Schroder has scored the Hamilton County Democratic Party's endorsement in that…

Ohio March 17 Election: Hamilton County Commission Primaries

Democrats have a three-way race to consider for an open seat on the Hamilton County Commission left by the retirement and passing of former commissioner and long-time political powerhouse Todd Portune.  Former State Reps. Alicia Reece and Connie Pillich and community activist Kelli Prather are battling it out for that seat, which is currently occupied…

Ohio March 17 Election: Democratic Party Presidential Primary

The race to become the Democratic Party's nominee to challenge President Donald Trump has changed rapidly in the past week, with Super Tuesday results tilting advantage in the race from left-leaning U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont to moderate former Vice President Joe Biden. Now that Super Tuesday — when 13 states conduct their primaries…

Ohio March 17 Elections: Hamilton County Sheriff Democratic Party Primary

One of the most contentious primary races so far in the county has been the battle between incumbent Democrat Sheriff Jim Neil and his challenger and one-time employee, former Justice Center Commander Charmaine McGuffey.  McGuffey got the Hamilton County Democratic Party's endorsement in January — unusual for someone challenging an incumbent in a primary.  Neil…

Country Music Hitmakers LANCO Play Bogart’s This Weekend

Brandon Lancaster is living the dream — literally. The frontman of LANCO has seen the hit single “Greatest Love Story” top the Country charts. But having the hit single isn’t the dream he’s talking about. It’s what he sees on stage night to night, as an outgrowth of the single’s success, that has Lancaster smiling.…

Purrfect Day Cat Cafe to Open in Covington This Summer

Great news for feline lovers (and folks who enjoy coffee): A cat cafe will soon open up shop in Covington.  Purrfect Day Cafe is slated to open early this June next to Libby's Southern Comfort. According to Northern Kentucky native and cafe "purrprietor" Chuck Patton, the cafe will collaborate with local animal shelter Kenton County…

FUSIAN Offers Limited-Time Lobster Sushi Roll Collaboration with Luke’s Lobster

FUSIAN loves making collaboration sushi rolls with both local and national businesses and past mash-ups have included a barbecue sushi roll with Eli's BBQ and a hot chicken roll with Columbus' Hot Chicken Takeover. This current limited-time collaboration revisits a 2018 relationship with Luke's Lobster, a sustainable fishery that sources its lobster from Maine.  The…

Betsy Sundermann Sworn in on Cincinnati City Council

West Side Hamilton County Probate Court Magistrate Elizabeth "Betsy" Sundermann was sworn in as a Cincinnati City Councilmember today (March 4), replacing fellow Republican Amy Murray, who is leaving for a job in the Trump administration.  "Cincinnatians place their trust in us to do the best for them, and that's what we have to do,"…

Cincy Shakes’ 2020-21 Season Boasts Tales of Laughter, Tragedy, History and a Taste of the Future

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s just-announced 27th season offers another collection of works broadly defined as classics — not just plays by the Bard, but legendary storytelling from American and British playwrights and novelists. Three shows on the company’s Over-the-Rhine stage are adaptations of great movies. And one that’s very recent imagines a future story about British…

Legislation Seeking to End Ohio’s Death Penalty Coming to State Senate

A bipartisan group of state senators is sponsoring legislation seeking to end Ohio's death penalty, supporters announced at a news conference today. State Sens. Nickie J. Antonio, a Democrat, and Peggy Lehner, a Republican, are joint sponsors of the legislation. Republican State Sen. Kristina Roegner will be a co-sponsor.  Antonio says she and others have…

World-Renowned DJ Steve Aoki Uses His Platform for More Than Just Music

Of all the fascinating bullet points on Steve Aoki’s curriculum vitae — son of late Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, owner/operator of renowned independent label Dim Mak, in-demand producer/remixer/collaborator, author and tireless philanthropist — perhaps the one that stands out in the boldest relief would be “one of the world’s most acclaimed DJs.” As it happens,…

Evanston’s Sugar + Cream Coffee House Announces Grand Opening Date

Cincinnati's Evanston neighborhood will soon be home to a new cafe called Cream + Sugar Coffee House in the space once occupied by a coffeeshop called Community Blend.  The shop is owned by two African-American women, Taren Kinebrew and Crystal Grace, who have been friends for over three decades and have individual businesses and nonprofit organizations…

Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills Named One of Insider’s Most ‘Beautiful Places You Didn’t Know Existed’

Online publication Insider recently put together a round-up highlighting beautiful lesser-known destinations in the U.S. The list recognizes 20 beautiful locations ranging from the Pelindaba Lavender Farm in San Juan County, Washington to Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona with photographs showing off their beauty. And an Ohio landmark happened to land a spot on the…


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