Tricks and Treats

It’s almost time for one of my favorite holidays, Mongilloween! Hi, it’s Meghan. :) When I was a child, my mom would go all out for this spooky holiday. Each year she decorated the house, made our costumes and would dress up as a witch and chase us around the house yelling, "I’ll get you my pretty."  I must admit I’ve inherited her Halloween enthusiasm. I even hid a fake rat in the shower to scare my sister one morning this week! (it worked)

Since early September, orange and black has dominated my decor. There is a little cobweb craziness and monster mania going on in my Norwood home. If you check out the picture you can see floating monster heads hanging from my chandelier and scary creatures sitting around the dining room. In the vases I arranged sticks that I spray painted black and added fake mice and snakes.

Besides creating tricks around my house I also love making treats. Caramel apples, Reese's Pieces peanut butter cookies, iced cut-out cookies, orange brownies and Oreo eyes are waiting my ghostly guests. If you aren’t a baker, no problem.  The Oreo eyes were super easy. I bought football shaped Oreo’s at the store, dipped them in white chocolate and used icing and an M&M's to complete the look. Yummy!

As for costumes, I actually have two this year.  One night you can just call me Supergirl.  Another night I’m going to dress-up as Medusa, complete with snakes entwined in my hair.  Here's wishing you a safe and Happy Halloween! :)

Perfect Anniversary Gift

Good Morning, Dan Wells writing, I hope this note finds you guys well and in good spirits. So you may have heard the lovely Tracey Johnson mention last week that I was celebrating my anniversary. Well today I thought I’d let you know what I got for my wife. (see the picture below) Shiny. Silver. One-of-a-kind. The Little Love Charmer from Tina Steinberg.

Now let’s back up for a minute…so you get the back story. First off, my wife loves gifts….buying, wrapping, giving, receiving, opening. She loves them actually what woman doesn’t love them. Right?

Well despite that love for gifts in general, it has been a long time since she’s felt this crazy (in a good way) about something she’s received, clothes and shoes just don’t seem to cut it anymore.
So after three and a half weeks of waiting by the door like my daughter waiting for me to come home from work, she saw the mailwoman place the package in the mailbox yesterday and she could not get out that door fast enough. They're here. See, each of my daughters' fingerprint impressions are on one side of each of the charms and their names are inscripted on the other. They are simple, unordinary, and timeless. In my wife’s world, it's pretty much the perfect gift. I think I did good this year. Happy gift giving.

Rock Of Ages

We Built This City...We Built This City On Rock And Roll! Good Morning Everyone, Frank Here...Do you sing out loud to classic 80's songs? Do you think you know the words, but like me you often make words up to songs? Well if you answered yes then you will love Rock of Ages, playing now at the Aronoff Center downtown. The show was fantastic, showcasing some of your favorite 80's songs with pop culture from the decade. You even get a pretend lighter to wave in the air which is pretty cool. One of the stars of the show is Constantine Maroulis, former American Idol contestant who really found his calling in this show. The story line is one of a boy and girl who go through the roller coaster of finding love in the rock and roll culture of the day. You owe it to yourself to see this non-traditional musical, it will have you on your feet. Later this morning some of the stars will be in our studio and on Thursday we will be LIVE on the set of Rock of Ages.

Christmas Already??!!

I was picking up my prescription at CVS yesterday and they're already getting ready for Christmas.

Hey everyone Rob here.

I was at CVS yesterday feeling a little under the weather. I was wasting time walking around wasting time waiting for the pharmacist to fill my prescription. I then saw something that really made me sick. I saw some employees putting up Christmas stuff. What!!?? Its not even November yet and stores are already getting ready.

Every year it gets earlier. Now I understand that these weeks leading up to the holidays are important. But this early?? This morning Sheila and I read a story about a mall in Costa Mesa, CA. It already has its 100 ft tall Christmas tree up. Don't get me wrong. I love the holidays, but you have 59 days until Christmas. Plenty of time to stress over buying gifts for family and friends.

Jean Robert's Table Is A Success!

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." --Virginia Woolf

Good morning! It's Sheila, and I am so happy to have Jean Robert back! Okay, I know Jean Robert didn't go anywhere, but for months I have been missing his food. I say this with conviction: I have eaten a lot of food, and I have met a lot of chefs, but I have never known one who is as talented as Jean Robert de Cavel. And here's the really cool thing. He's such a nice person!

I first met Jean Robert when he was the chef at the world famous Maisonette downtown. For me, the Maisonette was intimidating. I had never been to a five-star restaurant before I moved to Cincinnati. It made me nervous to eat there in a booth facing out toward the restaurant. Would I use the wrong fork? God forbid, spill something? The first time I ate dinner there, I didn't know Jean Robert, but his food made an impact, and then I understood just why the Maisonette kept its 5-star rating for the years he was there.

Jean Robert came to Cincinnati to work in the Queen CIty's most famous restaurant, but he made our city his home, and he has worked hard to make it a better place. When downtown was looking a bit bleak after the riots and September 11th attacks, Jean Robert invested in downtown by opening his own place. Rob ate at Pigall's first, and he exclaimed to me afterward, "Jean Robert is a genius!"

It's been about two years since Pigall's closed its doors for the last time.

After a legal battle with his former partners, Cincinnati's favorite chef is back with Table at 7th and Vine. And when you taste the food, you'll see for yourself why Jean Robert is a genius.

My husband Ric had a date night Saturday, and we couldn't wait to go back to Table. Jean Robert convinced manager Mary Lou Lind to come home to Cincinnati from Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and she told me business has been just as busy in January as it was during the holiday season. She's not having much fun in the snow, but it's clear she loves being part of the success of Jean Robert's new venture.

One of Chef's specialities in seafood, so Ric and I ordered the sole and halibut, respectively. Ric's sole came with a delicious truffle cream sauce, and the halibut was paired with squash, grapefruit, and a luscious citrus sauce. It really is to die for, and I'm always amazed at the ingredients Jean Robert puts together in his dishes. We topped off our meal with an incredible creme brulee and coffee, always served at Table in a french press. I never drink coffee in the evening, but I indulged in two cups!

The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere, and it's a welcome addition to downtown Cincinnati. One Facebook friend told me he felt like he was in the Village in NYC, and added to my sentiment that Cincinnati really needed something like this. You can read the menu and find out more about Jean Robert's table at http://jrtable.com/

Take A Hike

Well, now that the 80 and 90 degree temperatures have finally subsided and fall has officially hit Cincinnati, there is a lot to enjoy around the city. Something that has caught my attention is the Redwing Trail Loop located in Rowe Woods. Flowers? Check. Wildlife? Yep. Good trails? You bet. This easy loop in Rowe Woods packs a lot in 4.9 miles. I have heard some great things about it, but have yet to check it out. From what I've heard, it has a little bit for everyone attracting hikers, runners, walkers, bike-riders, and those who simply love the outdoors. A short drive from I-275, it's just under a 5 mile loop, encompassing everything from lakes, waterfalls, and wetlands to mature woodlands that are home to some oaks that are estimated to be more than 200 years old.

In addition, you can also find a Geology trail as well as observation decks along your way. So, if you've already checked out Rowe Woods or do so after reading this, it would be great to hear any comments! Get out and have a great weekend!

TO TRAILHEAD: I-275 to US 50 E. In 2.6 mi., R onto Roundbottom Rd. In .5 mi., turn L onto Tealtown Rd. for .5 mi., then turn R at entrance to Rowe Woods. Park in main lot near visitor center.

And they're off!

In the paddock
before race #12

There is something I look forward to each fall besides football games, Halloween and my favorite coats. It's an idyllic horse track in the heart of the Bluegrass State called Keeneland. Hi, it's Meghan. :)

I’ve been to Keeneland many times, but each time I am still awed by the experience. Considered one of America’s most beautiful tracks, Keeneland is known for its historic architecture, meticulous landscaping, and top notch horse racing.

Me with the Desperate
Housewives of Delhi

It’s kind of long story as to how and why, but I ended joining a bus trip organized by the Seton High Athletic Boosters Club, despite no prior connection to the organization. Luckily the group was very welcoming and a ton of fun. The Seton Boosters were a lively and passionate group that took pride in their school and their Westside community. We traveled down in a nice bus and our tailgate surely was the envy of the parking lot. One group of ladies referred to themselves as the Desperate Housewives of Delhi – check out my picture with some of them. Oh, and a special thanks to Lou and Michelle and the others who did all the work to organize the trip.

By mid-afternoon, it was time to watch the ponies! You may be surprised to learn that I know enough horse racing to know that the horse with the best name usually wins. So that is how I came to win $30 on a $5 show bet on Sun Bear in race #3. I know that’s not much money, but a win is a win! :)

with super trainer Mike Maker

My friends Brandi and Jeff are part owners of a horse so we got access into the paddock, the prep area where the horses are paraded just before a race. Getting an up close look at the muscle and strength these animals posses is amazing. On the very last race their horse Twinspired lined up in the #12 position and surprised everyone with a first place finish!!! We all rushed to the winner’s circle, where I got my picture taken with famous trainer Mike Maker. If you’re wondering, no I wasn’t smart enough to place a bet on their 12:1 long shot. Darn it!!

You still have time to create your own Keeneland memories. The fall races run through October 30th.