Nada is a cocktail and drink joint with a beautiful entrance filled with plants and seating. Once I saw this cute place, I knew we had to squeeze it in.

This restaurant was a warm, welcome respite from some of the chilly Cincinnati temperatures. We sat upstairs to warm up and get a nibble.

I ordered the Queso Gringo, which came with smoked gouda + habanero + pico de gallo + black bean purée.

After just a few minutes, we had a hot pile of cheese - perfect to warm any tummy!

This was pretty good - love the little bit of heat - and homemade chips! But is queso ever really bad? Yum!

Prepare yourself for one of the best meals I've EVER had. Seriously.

That's a bold claim considering I spent the entire weekend in Cincinnati eating, so I was never actually hungry at any of these restaurants. But, The Eagle served me a sandwich that I will never forget.

We were in line when they opened so we could get one of the first seats. They tend to have a long line, and we were short on time. But I knew we had to make it here. And, I'm so, so glad we did.

After being seated, I quickly skimmed the menu. They are known for their fried chicken, so I knew I had to get my hands on that. I went for the FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH: fried chicken breast, cole slaw, spicy mayo, house pickles. I also ordered a side of spoonbread.

The sandwich came out with a side of this spicy honey - one of my favorites! - so I already knew this was going to be good.

Good god, if there's one chicken sandwich you have to eat in your lifetime - make it this one. The sweetness, spiciness, creaminess, crunchiness all combined with a touch of acid and a touch of heaven to make for one of the best things I've put in my mouth.

The spoonbread came out a bit late, so I ended up taking most of it to go and eating it on the ride back. It was pretty delicious, but I was still salivating over that chicken sandwich.

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.