Review: Buz

A few months ago, I heard that the people of Green Dog Cafe had opened a new space, but I hadn't pursued the information further.  Between a hectic work schedule these past few weeks (I celebrated it being over with a martini), trying to get our yard manicured and looking good (I did nothing, it was all Steve), and a myriad of other exciting activities, I had neglected the local new food scene.  Fortunately for me, my sister had heard of Buz and wanted to give it a try.

If Green Dog Cafe is the veggie, feel good, healthy spot then Buz is the carnivorious, stylized, feel good hideaway. Both have their place in Cincinnati (which happens to be side-by-side), but I definitely think Buz is worth a little extra BUZZ at this point, because it's really that good. 

Our group of four couldn't resist the appetizer list to start our meal at Buz. While the pork belly confit, edamame and bourbon popcorn all sounded delicious, we opted for the cheese beignets with crab.  Sigh, I wish I could magically blink my eyes, wiggle my nose, and have these appear before me.  These little spheres of warm cheese with a lime honey glaze cannot be missed.  They were a delicious way to get started.  

We also tried the pork belly flat bread with apples.  This was a very generous serving and would make a lovely meal on it's own, but was an even better starter for our group -- we possess some very divergent palettes. This satisfied us all. I really wish I could share with you pictures of the starters, but we all gobbled them down too quickly!

Dinner was an easy decision for me.  Steak.  I'm a meat-eater, happily, but I don't often eat steak.  I'm glad I saved this occassion for this meal. The steak was a worthy competitor to the gem of all steaks sitting right down the street, Jeff Ruby's Precinct.  In fact, you'd have to offer a good steak to sit on that block without being laughed out of the neighborhood.  I found the steak to be flavorful, smokey, and perfectly complemented by the bernaise and sides.  And don't get me started on the sides.  Green beans and mashed potatoes.  The green beans were bright and fresh without being drowned in butter.  And the mashed potatoes -- wow o wow. I spent the entire meal taking a bite and trying to figure out the secret ingredient.  I finally had to ask the server who asked the chef.  Alouette Cheese!!  It adds a creamy, savory flavor that I can't wait to try in my own garlic mashed potatoes.

My dinner companions dined on short ribs over mashed potatoes and scallops over risotto. The short ribs were fall-apart delicious and full of bright flavors.  The scallops were a good size and perfectly carmelized.  I would try either dish the next time I visit.

Finally, while I was in a meat and potato coma, our table (rather, one person who was generous to share bites) ordered the chocolate cake. There was probably a much more sophisticated description rather than chocolate cake, but I was drowning in potatoes and didn't notice.  Regardless, the dessert was generous and fun with two little milkshakes next to the slice. 

Overall, the atmosphere at Buz is relaxed and intimate.  The dark wood, shades of grey, and exposed brick are the perfect contrast to the friendly servers and a menu that begs for return visits.  I look forward to returning to Buz! 

1 Night, 12 Kitchens 2012

Do you ever find yourself in a place and wonder how on earth you got an invite?  Yep. That pretty much sums up my awe-inspired, awe-induced, awe-some experience at the Midwest Culinary Institute's 1 Night, 12 Kitchens. I'm lucky to have received an invite from my culinary-chic friend, Kimberly, and spent the evening hobnobbing with the culinary elite in Cincinnati.  And by hobnobbing I mean stuffing my face with perfectly portioned food, station after station, trying to make as little eye contact as possible with other people.

While eating from the likes of Jean Robert, Dan Wright, Todd Kelly and Jose Salazar is pretty much queen city heaven, the real treat of the evening for me was exploring the MCI kitchens, talking to interesting chefs, and watching a demonstration on molecular gastronomy.  The chefs were by and large very happy to talk to attendees about food and changes to their menus. I loved chatting with Chef Drew Vogel (wicked sense of humor!) and Chef Michelle Brown (finally got to thank her for my favorite Steak Tartare) and in general enjoyed getting a 'behind the scenes' glimpse of the amazing work these chefs slave over night after night. 

The molecular gastronomy presentation by Chef Coltrane was a little bit chemistry mixed with a sprinkle of magic, swirled into a pot, and topped with liquid nitrogen. In other words, FANTASTIC.  I learned how to make a suspension cocktail (fruit and herbs literally suspended in liquid), how to make dippin' dots (I still LOVE those things) and how to turn a liquid into a powder (that's just plain cool). 

And then, the food.  I'd say I have lots of photos to share, but I will be perfectly honest -- My face hoovered (as in, the vacuum) the food off the plates and bowls faster than my camera shutter could click. Highlights include:

• Jag's prime rib sandwich 
• Fresh Table's hamburger on grilled bread 
• Honey's lemon cream bee dessert 
• Orchid's brown butter icecream sandwich

Here are a few pictures I managed to grab in between bites --

My photos can't do 1 Night, 12 Kitchens justice, but I promise, put this event on your calendar for 2013 and be prepared with spanx, suspenders, and day-long fasting ahead of time!

I got a new toy!

Well, folks, I've officially done it.  I've jumped the shark.  Steve wants me to point out that the phrase 'jump the shark' is in reference to Happy Days and blah blah blah (long explanation later...) and what I really mean to say is I've gone over to the dark side.  I told myself (and mostly Steve) that my upgrade from a point and shoot to a micro 4/3's camera was really just an investment in our family.  Great photos of our lives together (read:  kitties), a fun way to capture my food hobby, and generally no different than the video camera he wanted before our first vacation!  Only...this little camera is the gift that keeps on giving...by way of pricey accessories. First, it was the photo editing software (don't worry, I just use an app that cost a few dollars), then the leather camera case (well, I wanted my retro looking camera to have a retro looking case...tanned...hand crafted...one of a kind), and now it's officially over.  The day has come where my 'kit lens' that came with my beautiful olympus pen e-pl2 camera just doesn't cut it anymore.  No, my friends, I've made the upgrade to the lens I've been lusting over for months...the panasonic lumix pancake lens.  20 mm. F1.7. If that means nothing to you, that's ok, it meant nothing to me until I saw what it could do.  Basically, it lets lots of light into the camera and produces beautiful pictures in lowlight, even with the muttonhead (great word!) behind the camera not having a clue what she is doing. ISO?  Aperture?  More like, pushing the numbers up and down to under-and-over expose my pictures!  But, alas, I digress.  This little lens will be fun for my food pictures (which have been lacking in inspiration recently!) and for my many trips this year...have I mentioned I'm going to Paris?? (THIS FRIDAY!). 

Here's a preview of the pics I took in the first hour of playing with my new toy (warning:  felines will follow):

 

I leave for Paris for over a week on Friday and then will be in Louisville for a few days before settling back at home.  I hope to cook and snap pictures of food before my trip.  If you don't hear from me, know that I am indulging on french food, being as chic as my Cincinnati-self can muster, and generally enjoying getting lost and loving life.  

Joyeux Cuisine!

Events: Mainstrasse Mardi Gras 2012

This post may be a little late if you plan your weekend outings in advance, but if you are still wondering what to do on a sunny Saturday in February, consider coming out to Mardi Gras tonight.  With a cousin from NJ in town, I'd like to show her a good time in Cincy and I can't imagine a better way to look at the Cincinnati skyline then with a German town celebrating with parades, rich food, and costumes!  

Get your beads ready and head out to Mainstrasse, event times listed here.

http://www.Flickr.com/photos/mccoryjames/4407154904/

Enjoy your Saturday!