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?!
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?!
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