A gastronomic return to the land of my people

We packed up and headed back to Cincinnati for a few days of indulgence in the culinary offerings of the Queen City as it was known in my youth, Porkopolis 80 years before then, and currently the Natti. Either way, the visit was punctuated by visits to cultural landmarks and museums as well as restaurants and familial haunts.

One of the first food items that we need upon our return is Camp Washington Chili. It is one of the most amazing places on earth with a varied menagerie from all social classes. Phenomenal spot for people watching, as well as the best iteration of Cincy Chili that I have encountered. most go for Skyline Chili, however this pales in comparison. In addition to 3-5 ways (chili, spaghetti, onions, cheese, beans), they have what is referred by father as the best turkey club ever.

After a bit of back and forth Cait wrangled together the order consisting of 15 cheese coneys with mustard and onions, 2 coneys with cheese, 2 three-ways, 3 turkey clubs and 2 orders of chili cheese fries. After being placed on hold repeatedly, and then having them refuse to read back the order to confirm, Cait was dubious about how close to what was intended would actually be delivered. Once my dad and I got there however, and I saw that the woman behind the counter had a 3" script tattoo that read 'KEITH' in old english script on her neck, I knew all would be well. I mean hell, I'm sure that Keith learned her proper, and as expected the order was spot on. The coneys surpassed all expectation and recollections. This will always be my first stop upon my return.

My father has become a true conisseur of the greasy spoon, and when the conversation turned to cheeseburgers he knew just the spot. A nondescript joint just the other side of the river in Covington Kentucky that has been around since 1939. It was up the hill, and away from the business district. It was an amazing example of simple food done great. Chip manned the small flatiron grill, and about 10 minutes after arrival we were treated to a simple feast of burgers, Hussman potato chips, and a coke each. 3 of us got out of there for $14, almost unheard of in this day and age, and one of the more memorable meals of the trip.

Pizza was a mixed bag, 2 of my favorites Pommodori's which specializes in wood fired pizzas, and Adriaticos that had done a thick crust garlic infused gem. Well, Pommodori's despite the sign reading 'Cincinnati's Best Pizza' had slipped considerably. There was none of the blistering of the crust that wood fired pizzas are known for, and I was told that Adriaticos had slipped so far that it was not worth pursuing, and that I was better off with my memories unspoiled on this front. The upside came from Dewey's, a relative newcomer, but certainly a welcome addition to the regimen.

One of my earliest childhood memories is of shopping at Findlay Market. It has certainly had it's share of ups and downs over the last few decades, and has made an amazing recovery. There are tons of organic farmers with stalls, as well as surrounding shops carrying Asian spices, African wares, meats and cheeses. It draws all races and income stratas and they not only get along, they actually interact with each other. Hell even the old black blues musician played a Loggins and Messina song in his set. Certainly something for everyone.

The other childhood food shopping experience that I was able to faithfully relive was Avril's meat market in the heart of downtown. A Cincinnati institution since 1894, serving up some of the most amazing German Sausages that I have ever had. My grandfather used to stop by there every Friday to pick up the fixins for the Sunday cookout. Although the bratwurst are stunning, it's the hot mets or metwurst that I always enjoyed, preferably on their salt rye with the homemade horseradish cheddar and brown mustard.

We made it to the old art deco Union Terminal train station that has been successfully transformed into the Cincinnati Museum Center which houses 3 museums, a reference library, the historical society, and an imax theater. Oh yeah, it's still an Amtrak station as well. There are a series of mosaic murals that are absolutely stunning, and for some time it was the world's largest free standing half-dome.

Next on tap was a field trip to Pyramid Hill sculpture garden, about 20 minutes outside of Cincinnati. A truly amazing collection that should be on anyones list of must sees if visiting the area.