Quick Bites
What's new to eat in the Cincinnati area
JULIE FITZGERALD | CIN WEEKLY
BOCA RELOCATES
Contemporary-chic Boca has re-opened at 3200 Madison Road, Oakley.
Owner David Falk is thrilled with the "upscale, Tuscan feel" of the new space.
"I got two of the things I've always wanted: an exposed brick wall (inside the dining room) and a restaurant in Oakley," he says.
Closing Boca's Northside location in September after nearly three years, Falk says the move has allowed him to build the restaurant of his dreams. Design details capture the charm of the original Boca and the ambiance of a Manhattan bistro, Falk says.
The menu has also changed. Falk's three-course prix fix menu ($49 per person) includes items such as Ahi tuna, Atlantic salmon and wild mushroom duck.
Call (513) 542-2022 for more info.
CAFÉ AU CONVENIENCE
If you live in the Symmes Township area, you've likely driven past Morningstar (11911 Montgomery Road).
It's small. It's drive-thru only. And manager Tyler Martin says it's a popular concept on the West Coast. Craig Martin (Tyler's father) opened the area's first Morningstar in September, hoping the trend will catch on here with people who don't want to get out of the car just for a cup of joe.
Morningstar offers a full line of cappuccino ($2.55 small), mocha ($2.75 small) and café au lait ($1.60) coffee drinks. Bakery items, smoothies and drinks for kids are also available - which is important. Martin says parents with little ones in the backseat are making the most drive-thru mileage.
Call (513) 683-5190 for more info.
BAGELS FOR THE CURE
Finally, a good cause to splurge on carbs: pink ribbon bagels. Through the month of October, Panera Bread will donate 20 cents from the sale of special ribbon bagels to the American Cancer Society.
These limited-time, goodwill bagels (79 cents each) are cherry-flavored with bits of bing cherries and cranberries folded in. And Steve Browning, manager of the Deerfield Township location at 5095 Deerfield Blvd., says they've "been one of our more popular bagels."
Call (513) 770-0160 for more info or visit www.panera.com for locations.
