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| Melt Eclectic Deli |
Melt Eclectic Deli has that Granola/hippie/ethnically diverse/Womyn’s Festival vibe going that linked with its tasty, upscale deli menu, is the soul of Northside. We went for lunch and it was an eye-opening experience. It’s a smart, but unprepossessing storefront on Hamilton Avenue with
a friendly, low-key staff. There are three seating areas: one is in front where the orders are taken looking out onto the avenue; the second is a retro coffee shop type space behind the kitchen; the third is a charming, outdoor, patio courtyard. We ate out there and it really is a beautiful spot.
a friendly, low-key staff. There are three seating areas: one is in front where the orders are taken looking out onto the avenue; the second is a retro coffee shop type space behind the kitchen; the third is a charming, outdoor, patio courtyard. We ate out there and it really is a beautiful spot.
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| The Tree Canopied Courtyard |
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| Rachel Sandwich and Vegan Chili |
There are Meaty and Veggie choices (also some vegan). Neil had The Rachel, which is a Reuben with turkey in place of corned beef. The rubykraut (red cabbage and apples) lent a sweet and sour note to the sandwich and the Shadeau Bread’s sourdough rye is an excellent choice. Whenever a local restaurant offers Shadeau Bread, it’s a smart idea. He had the Vegan Chili as his side. It’s a rich, dense chili, practically ruby red in color and complexly flavored without being overly spicy.
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| Tuscan Chicken and Red Pepper Soup |
I ordered the Tuscan Chicken, which was a flatbread pizza – an au courant item in restaurants – with a real sense of Italian and Mediterranean seasoning. I ordered the Red Pepper Soup as my side. It had a strong, citrusy taste of roasted red pepper, but there was also a strong note of either fennel or tarragon, I’m not certain which, and it didn’t mesh well with the pepper. However, both meals were good values for lunch.
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| Flourless Vegan Chocolate Cake |
We wanted to try one of the desserts that were at the counter when we ordered our meal. I asked Neil to make the decision and he returned with the Flourless Vegan Chocolate Cake. It was rich with cocoa, incredibly creamy throughout, and a thoroughly satisfying ending to our experience. It's only one reason this is a one of a kind place that’s turning into a Cincinnati institution.
Their garden would be a great place to run around and hide in. This is one place I wish the guys had asked me to go along.
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