Have you ever made homemade pasta? It's something I've always wanted to learn to do. And after my friend Alex Burdette threw a dinner party, I don't think I can ever go back to store-bought pasta again.

Alex and his wife Emily were kind enough to throw "A Taste of Italy"-themed dinner party with some of our friends. And, wow, I can't remember the last time I had such an amazing meal. Here are some tidbits.

Butternut squash ravioli with balsamic reduction and brown butter infused with sage.

Three-cheese tortellini with mozzarella housemade ricotta and Parmesan. Basil and nutmeg. In a housemade pesto.

Garganelli Cacio e Pepe with Parmesan and Romano cheese and black pepper and butter.

Pasta e olio - linguine with oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley and lemon.

I think the key to good pasta, for me, is the nice chew, al dente texture. I hate super soft, limp noodles. I want something to stand up rich flavor. And this was that and more.


And, I didn't mention the homemade bread from Emily and Sam, and house-made tiramisu. I mean, my goodness. I nearly moved in.

Every time we would turn the corner in Cincinnati, I'd find another cute little coffee shop that I just ~had~ to try.

That was the case with Coffee Emporium, which just looked way to cute to pass up.

They had a case stocked full of goodies: scones, handpies, biscotti, etc.

They also have sandwiches, etc., for those who want a full meal.

I was just here for coffee and went for the "White Chocolate Truffle."

The blended drink was so good. I love me a good coffee milkshake, and this had those hints of hazelnut and caramel that make it even better.

What's your favorite drink here?

Maplewood is a trendy, hipster kitchen and bar where you can get things like avocado toast...



The interior is beautiful - like something Joanna Gaines created. I love the dark tile, hanging lights and large, wooden booths.

The menu has a special section for "toast," which I was excited about.

I decided to go with the namesake "Maplewood." It had avocado, pistachios, local honey and sea salt. Pretty tasty!

And here's a lemon ricotta pancake! Mmm.

Montgomery Inn is an Ohio tradition known for its ribs - bibs and all!




After a very lengthy wait, and the subsequent discovery they overlooked our reservation, we were finally seated.




I went with an order of the "THE ORIGINAL WORLD FAMOUS PORK LOIN BACK RIBS" and a side of Saratoga Chips.

First, we were served some bread.

And, I was served a bib to prep for the oncoming mess.

How cute?

The ribs were very good. I am not a ribs connoisseur - but I loved the sauce, and the meat was so tender. These were delish, and I'd be happy with a full rack next time!

Bakersfield is a hip spot with delicious tacos and tequila. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and that always makes me curious to check it out.

We were seated right near the open wall that spills out onto the sidewalk. And even though it was rainy, it was neat to get the fresh air and have this sort of indoor-outdoor dining experience.

We went simple with queso, and I got a taco.

The queso was tasty - pretty creamy and a little bit of heat.

And my taco was the SHORT RIB: braised short rib, queso fresco, crema, white onion, radish, cilantro. It was very good. I almost wish I would have tried more tacos - there just wasn't room in my belly. Do you have a favorite here?