Gateway Quarter Lab Takes Flight

Dexter Explores the Gateway Quarter

     Our trip to 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab was for one purpose—dessert and coffee.  We had dined at Bakersfield OTR next door with Ann and Woody and since they don't have any sweets on the menu, our Bakersfield server suggested the lab.  On an earlier walk by one Saturday night the mood

Orange Leaf Dispenses a Fun Time and Frozen Yogurt

The Happy Interior at Orange Leaf

      Entering the Orange Leaf frozen yogurt store in Kenwood felt like walking onto the set of a kid's TV show.  The colors and glitz pack a punch as you're drawn into the world of creating your own dessert.  The flavor stations line up across a shimmering tiled wall offering single flavors, or twists that have been paired to aid in the decision-making.  

      We were greeted by a staff member and directed to the back wall for bowls and yogurt dispensing.  Eric opted for a bowl with a waffle cone shell.  There were assorted flavors from the traditional vanilla and chocolate to cotton candy and fruits.  The intensity of the flavors also had a wide range, especially with the fruits.  They all tasted natural, lending themselves to the topping bar made up of fresh fruits, candies, nuts, syrups, and more.  Also offered were bobas: tapioca pearls filled with fruit flavors that explode in your mouth. 

Our Very Own Creations

      One note of caution: the bowls come in two sizes, large and extra large.  They fill up fast and since the price is per ounce (currently 49¢), your final amount could be a shocker.  Also, Eric usually likes a waffle cone, but felt that it didn't really add anything in this instance.  Fortunately, it didn't weigh much either.

      It's a fun place and a good escape...if only while you're finishing your very own creation. And, it's open until 11pm daily for when you need something sweet as a nightcap.

http://orangeleafyogurt.com

I wouldn't mind a visit to Orange Leaf before I hit the sack at night.

Arthur's Second (Third, or Fourth?) Chance

      It's NEVER a good idea to join a friend at an establishment where she once had an ill-fated dating experience, even if it was umpteen years ago.  That was the situation I placed myself in when I asked Jan if she would like to have lunch with me at Arthur's off of Hyde Park Square.  Although billed as a café, it's better described as a bar with food.  I've never had a memorable dining experience there, but it's rated as one of Cincinnati's favorites, so we were there to put it to the test.  It's another burger joint, but I'm not one of those people that has to have a burger every time I dine out.  I've found my favorites in the city (Gordo's and Terry's Turf Club) so why spend more time to continue the quest?

      Arthur's has a lot of history (over 60 years worth) and some of it could be smelled as we entered the door.  We both looked at one another as we were seated in one of the original booths.  It was before noon and there was already a line up at the long bar.  They looked like regular patrons that had been gathering there for much of the 60+ years.  The scent lingered and Jan best described it as dirty dish rags that had been sitting around for a few days.  Not exactly welcoming!

Caricature Wall Mural at Arthur's

We looked over the menu and the caricatures that were painted on the wall mural.  Many of them were patrons from decades past.  Some were from when WEBN was broadcasting from Hyde Park Square and