My Top 10 Places to Shop Local in Cincinnati.

I've always been a big fan of "buying local," even before it was a catch phrase and a movement and a political agenda. That's because buying local has always seemed like the only way to really get to know a place.

I learned to appreciate buying local when my family traveled to Italy for the first time. While my friends opted for McDonalds lunches Roman-style, the Holt fam ducked into a teeny hole-in-the-wall and let the chef (the owner's wife) impress us with a dozen different, flavorful, delicious dishes. Eventually, the rest of our group caught on -- and it's a habit that follows me on all my travels, as well as one I practice at home. 

Living in Cincinnati, though, has pushed my commitment to buying local to a whole new level. I think this is a direct result of knowing not a single person when I moved here, and recognizing I had to have some kind of cool angle to get my friends to want to visit me in Cincinnati. Not to mention, I truly believe it is the best way to get acquainted to, and start to feel at home in, a new place.

So when I stumbled across the image highlighting the "Top 10 Reasons to Buy Local" on Facebook today, I decided to dedicate a post to my Top 10 Favorite Local Places in Cincinnati.

So, in no particular order -- here's the list!

1. Findlay Market. Ok, this one is in the number one spot because it's my favorite place in Cincinnati. I take every visitor here for waffles from the Taste of Belgium stand; it's the best place to people watch; and they are incredible because they accept food stamps, helping to bring nutritious food to the Queen City's neediest.
   
   
2. Frank's Fish and Seafood Market. A counter in Findlay Market, Frank's has the absolute best seafood in the city. Hands down. Everything is super fresh -- and each employee knows to the day how long each item has been out of the water. I buy scallops here at least once a week, and I've never been disappointed.
   
   
3. Roebling Point Bookstore. Located a short walk across the Roebling Bridge from downtown Cincinnati, this little bookstore is a gem on Greenup Street in Covington. Their inventory focuses on local authors, stories and folklore; as well as travel and adventure books that prove you don't need to leave Kentucky to find great outdoor experiences. Recently, I bought "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles" from this shop, and I've used it on almost all my weekend excursions. They're also adding a coffee shop to the store, and have begun opening on weekends -- so there's no better time to check the place out!
   
   
4. The Esquire Theatre. I catch a movie at the Esquire almost every weekend. You probably won't see a big-budget blockbuster at this old-timey theatre in Clifton, but you will see the films that take Sundance and Cannes by storm. The Esquire also has the best gummi bears in the city as part of their concession stand (locally made, of course), and recently added a bar to the mix. Talk about taking movie refreshments to a new level.
   
   
5. Nada. I wouldn't consider Nada authentic Mexican, but it is my favorite place to treat myself for a nice dinner. The atmosphere is cool and loungey, with bright, Spanish-looking colors setting the mood for festive and exciting meals. The food is delicious -- especially the guac and pork belly tacos -- and the drinks are, well, strong. Just the way I like them. Happy hour at Nada can't be beat, with great deals on a selection of appetizers and their signature cocktails.
   
   
6. Ruthai's Thai Kitchen. Almost hidden between a dive bar and a cobbler's shop in Mt. Lookout, Ruthai's is without a doubt my favorite Pad Thai in Cincinnati. The veggies and meat are fresh, and the peanuts taste like they're ground in the back as dishes are ordered. Guests can opt to dine cross-legged at low tables on raised platforms, or at a standard table -- the Pad Thai is delicious either way.
   
   
7. Taqueria Mercado. The service here is a little slow, but I crave their Camarones a la Diabla at least once a week. The strong margaritas and authentic, spicy salsa also cement my repeat business.
   
   
8. Amerasia (C'mon, guys, get a website!). I had flounder the last time I dined at Amerasia -- flounder! And it was delicious. Recently bought, renovated and re-opened by a couple twenty or thirty-somethings, Amerasia is hip and laid-back, with an incredible menu that the chef will gladly deviate from if you ask. With an assortment of fresh peppers, you'll always have just the right amount of heat in your General Tsos chicken or Catonese Noodles; and with their impressive selection of more than 100 varieties of microbrewed beer, you'll always have the perfect brew to cool back off with. 
   
   
9. Covington Yoga. I'm just starting to get back into my yoga practice, and this studio in the heart of Covington has been the perfect place to get reacquainted. Peaceful and conveniently located, I had been attending classes here a few days a week before the holidays -- always finding a class that fit my needs, and always learning something new. Each teacher I worked with was patient, kind and knowledgeable, and I never felt uncomfortable about my skill level or how I looked while being twisted and stretched in crazy (but oh-so-good) ways. I also want to mention Karen's pilates class, which helped me lose 10 pounds in a month. Yay!
   
   
10. Toko Baru. For my G-Rap friends, this is the Cincinnati version of Little Bohemia -- a tiny shop that smells of incense and has the greatest collection of gifts and knick-knacks for even the most eclectic group of friends. Jewelry, art, candles, clothes, cosmetics and homegoods are just a few of the neat finds you can dig up on a trip to Toko Baru. 

That's it! Of course, there are a bunch of other amazing places I like to go -- a few of them have been featured in their own posts on the blog -- but these are the few I end up going back to again and again.

If you have other suggestions about where I should be going, leave a comment! I'm always ready to switch it up and find new favorites.

Lavomatic Cafe -- the Place for Brunch in Cincinnati.

I have a new friend here in the Queen City -- Korey is a fellow Alpha Chi Omega, and through the glory of social media, we got in touch after she posted a note on an AXO message board about moving to Cincinnati. Needless to say, I am quite pleased to have made a new connection, and even more excited that we're both in the bond.

Korey and I had both been dying to try the new Taste of Belgium storefront in Over the Rhine. After all, the waffles and crepes the shop peddles at a counter in Findlay Market are the most incredible breakfast treat you'll ever have -- and I stand by that statement so strongly, Findlay Market is the first place I take anyone who visits me in Cincinnati. But I digress.

The new storefront takes up a nice corner space just a few blocks north of my office, and with a menu featuring their famous waffles, as well as other delicacies and microbrews, it stands to quickly become my new favorite eatery. Once I try it, that is. On the Sunday Korey and I met there, the shop was closed, without explanation as to why. Disappointed, Korey and I decided to saunter up Vine St. and see where else we might duck into for a bite, which is how we ended up at Lavomatic Cafe.

I have been looking for a good brunch spot since I left the Windy City. Everyone in Chicago knows about Sunday Funday, but I'm not sure Cinci has gotten the memo. Lavomatic, though, has caught on to the glory that is the combination of breakfast, lunch and cocktails -- and there is no doubt I will be going back for seconds.

For starters, Lavomatic's cocktail list is impressive. With the standard offerings of a bloody mary or mimosa completely overshadowed by concoctions like a Bardstown Sling and Texas Cider Potion. I opted for the Lavo Pimm's Cup -- a refreshing mix of Pimm's #1, fresh lemon juice, ginger simple and soda. It was crisp, cool and light, and I enjoyed every sip.

Since we're talking cocktails, I did have a second round -- at the encouragement of our waiter. He recommended the Corpse Reviver #2, which based on its name and ingredient list made me nervous, but I trusted his judgment, and I definitely got a treat. New Amsterdam gin, orange liquor, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, a dash of absinthe and an orange twist don't sound delicious -- but all together, they create a tangy, fruity, strong cocktail that can only be sipped. Again, delicious.

Not to be outdone, the menu options are clever and brunch-y, with new twists on old favorites, and new ideas served up on modern, white platters in the vintage-inspired storefront.

Korey and I both had the grilled cheese with a cup of soup -- hers, tomato and red pepper; mine, french onion. The soups were good, sure, but the sandwiches were the thickest, creamiest most delectable take on grilled cheese I've ever had.

The savory combination of cheddar and American cheese, smothered with a red pepper goat cheese spread on brioche was the perfect comfort food for a chilly January day. I enjoyed every bite -- and even though I wanted to have enough to take home, I couldn't leave even a morsel on the plate.

I'm still looking forward to trying Taste of Belgium, but I am so glad Korey and I faced a hiccup in our plans that day, because Lavomatic was a wonderful brunch alternative.

So, friends, repeat visitors now get a trip to Lavomatic in addition to Findlay Market -- who's in?!