Second Sunday on Main is now called Second Sunday OTR. I guess they’re making the point that there are shops and galleries open and participating throughout the downtown neighborhood, even beyond the confines of Main Street where specialty vendors and entertainment attractions set up monthly for the hip, eclectic Street Fair.
The event kicks off its fifth season this Sunday and continues throughout the summer on the second Sunday of every month (through Sept. 12) from noon-5 p.m. in historic Over-the-Rhine on Main Street between 13th and Liberty streets. The event is free and open to the public. —-
Special culinary events have always enhanced the festival atmosphere, and this year they’re again featuring “Celebrity Chef & Wine Pairings.” The always-hospitable Brian Hymel of City Cellars (908 Race St., 513-621-9463) will work with the chefs to put together delicious pairings, and he’ll be on hand to discuss the wines being poured. (For Brian’s benefit, remember to throw in some wine-geek commentary as you taste. One of my favorites — from the film Sideways — is, “Quaffable, but far from transcendent…”)
This year’s schedule is still being finalized, though you can look forward to:
• May 9: Jeremy Luers & Rom Wells of Mt. Adams’ Rookwood Bar and Restaurant, plus a bonus craft cocktail along with the wine pairing!
• June 13: Mark Bodenstein of Chalk Food Wine in Covington
• July 11: Daniel Wright from the acclaimed Gateway Quarter-newcomer Senate
• Aug. 8: Jose Salazar (a disciple of the great Thomas Keller, with whom he opened New York’s Bouchon Bakery and Per Se), who is now the Executive Chef at The Palace in the Cincinnatian Hotel
• Sept 12: TBA
All tastings start at 2:30 p.m. at 1419 Main St. in Unit #1. Doors open at 2 p.m. and there are only 50 seats. Guaranteed samples are available for only the first 50 guests; after that, it’s standing-room only with no guarantee that you’ll get served. So plan on arriving a little early!
