Six New Restaurants, One Almost New One and One More To Boot

2010 marks our movement into a new future worldwide. 2009 was chocked full of scary predictions and media recession hype. In the eastside world, we did see a few culinary comrades fall. As of yet we’ve seen nothing that would indicate any failures were due to a recession. Truth is most folks that went bust were bound to regardless of the economic climate.
The tides of entrepreneurship roll on and it seems the new players have a better prospective than the old. A more quality focused wind seems to be prevailing. You can be certain the owners of 2010’s new businesses see a brighter year ahead than the owners of 2009’s closed ones.
We see 2010 with the eyes of a child at Christmas, bright and full of wild expectation. Expecting... perhaps a long awaited departure from a long standing stagnation. Is it coming? You be the judge. Here are the first newcomers 2010 has to offer.

Bangkok Thai 1055 Main Street Milford 248-2999

The original Bangkok Thai is back. Milford’s East Bay Chinese restaurant met with it’s demise this past September. We liked it there and had concerns, what would open there next? Would it be as good? We worried about our Chinese take out future. Where would we go now? Would we have to travel from Milford to Beechmont just to get Pad See Ew? Would Fields Ertel be closer?
We maintained our Asian appetites off the other local wok houses but still felt a void in our diet. Something was missing.
Something wonderful.
Not anymore! The original owners of the business have stepped back in the ring and they’re ready to take on all challengers. Bangkok Thai is in the house. But is it as good? Thankfully, yes.
What about the noodle? Bangkok offers traditional Pad Thai noodles and (our new favorite) Pad Kee Mao noodles ($8.95).
These thicker rice noodles are almost dumpling like. Served with meat and vegetables just like Pad Thai. The difference is in the texture and the sauce. Both divine.
Bangkok is also offering wine, four lunch specials for $5.95 and delicious dinner specials. The menu has the traditional crowd faves as well as authentic items worth investigating thoroughly (the Pad Kee Mao being one). If your lover is fond of fine Asian check out Bangkok Thai’s Valentine dinner special. It’s a full meal with dessert and wine for $30 each. We‘ll be exploring the menu deeper, if it’s all as good as what we’ve had so far, we’re in for a treat.

Butterbee's 4022 Mount Carmel Tobasco Road Cincinnati, OH 528-5800

We’ve had many requests for information on Butterbee’s. We thought we were going to spill out the juicy details in this issue. We were wrong.
After two failed attempts we sadly have nothing to report. Our first attempt was made on a weekday just after the lunch rush.
After getting more familiar with the reserve parking lot than we wanted to we hiked up to the front door and were warmed by the fireplace and a smiling hostess.
Seated, we were welcomed by the server. He brought our waters and gave us a minute to take in the menu. After discovering the one and only vegetarian option was a $6.49 side salad with soup or chili our veggie diner was dismayed.
Upon the servers return we asked “What vegetarian entree selections do you recommend?” He seemed stumped and said
“I’m not sure, I’ll have to ask the kitchen”. It must have scared him off altogether because we saw hide nor hair again. We had already wasted almost an hour and our appetites were getting aggressive.
After an all too patient wait we simply went on our way to seek out fast relief elsewhere (we went to Indian Mun for the lunch buffet and we were sooo glad we did).
Disgruntled but still determined we drove by several more times and again were faced with a hike from the adjacent parking lot and a packed house to contend with. A little too packed for our tastes.
Nearing our deadline we finally opted to simply snag a spot right in front in “take out” parking and get a take out order (minus the salad). Good and hungry we walked in and again were walking back out empty handed. “Sorry, we’re not doing take out for a few more weeks”. She did say it with a smile though! Damn glad we didn’t have to walk around the block in the whipping winter wind to find that out.
Someday we’ll bring you our scoop. If you love packed houses, winter strolls and have plenty of patience, go try it. Tell us what you think. If your just looking for a laid back dinner out, think hard if this is right for you. If your a vegetarian looking for a hearty meal don’t even bother.
We’ll try again but it damn sure butter be great, we quit giving our money to Applebee’s and Friday’s long ago. From what we’ve seen so far Butterbee’s is just a corporate clone with a mirrored menu.

Hana Tokyo 1067 State Route 28 Milford 239-8083

Japanese sushi steak houses have been popping up around the eastside lately. First Fuji took the old Damons spot and now Hana Tokyo refitted the former Los Cabos in Milford. Complete with big hibachi grills and sushi bar Hana looks like it means business. Late on a Monday night we took our seat. We opted for booth seating as we’ve experienced the hibachi before and find the limited menu doesn’t merit the flame show.
Sushi is the focus. Steak, chicken and shrimp are available in many forms but tofu is a bit more rare. A Tofu Teriyaki looked promising and we needed one more dish and I was hoping for some fine Asian noodles. Three versions are available. Udon, Soba (both $8.50) or Yaki Udon ($11) a pan fried Japanese noodle (simular to ramen). The Yaki Udon sounded fine but was offered only as beef or chicken. Upon request it was made with tofu just for us.

One factor in entree decisions was price. Our dishes were priced according to most any Asian restaurant standards. However many dinner menu items were much more expensive ($10.95 - $25.95). Our choices were among the very cheapest.
We watched a family of hibachi diners nearly get singed and then sang to. A Japanese birthday song involves two or more singers and a drum. A cupcake with a single candle was presented as a petite treat. The booths were fairly private but we could see enough of the handsome wood work and clean Japanese design to be impressed.
Shortly after the Tofu Teriyaki arrived our server coached us on chop stick etiquette. Service was quite attentive from start to finish. Our Yaki Udon noodles didn’t show themselves until 15 minutes or so into the Teriyaki. It wasn’t good timing but presented us with no problem as we were sharing. Had we not been sharing it would have been more aggravating.
Both dishes were decent. The Tofu was unique. Large rectangles of semi firm tofu lightly seared outside and stacked in series atop a sizzling hot skillet. One end was decorated with asparagus, snow pea, baby corn, mushroom, broccoli and carrot. White rice accompanied as a sticky side dish. The hot skillet crusts the tofu pieces with sweet brown sauce wherever they touch. Usually these skillets are just for wow factors but here it added a dimension we did enjoy (one diner found it a bit too burnt tasting). The vegetables were screamingly fresh and served basically bare.
The noodle dish was much more Chinese like. Slightly smoky and rich the sauce was reminiscent of Lo Mein. Fine shreds of tofu, mushrooms, cabbage and onion were laced throughout. The portion was plentiful and every sliver was eaten. Happily.
Both dishes were portioned well and again, priced the same as any take out joint. Service was excellent if not almost too attentive. We chalked it up to true friendliness as after finishing the owner also made a personal appearance and asked us about our meal. He also made a pretty convincing pitch for us to try his California roll and “lightly fried” sushi on our return visit. We’re going to take him up on it too.
There are too many interesting dishes to name. If you have the budget and like to explore Asian delicacies then Hana should interest you. Same for folks looking for a healthy quick lunch. Hibachi fans get a front row seat for free and sushi lovers should also find delight in Hana’s dishes.

Tano Bistro 204 West Loveland Avenue 683-TANO

Tano is Loveland’s new bistro. Its home is in a handsome space at 204 West Loveland Avenue. Most all the reviews make mention of the fact that Chef Gaetano Williams opened the McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant on Fountain Square. Dig deeper and you’ll discover he also opened Buca Di Peppo (and 29 other restaurants).
What the other reviews don’t mention is the fact that tiring of the corporate chain gang is what inspired Chef Williams to open his own business. First he opened his catering company under the same name (Tano). Then the restaurant followed in December.
The chef’s focus is on offering a quaint, quality eatery locals can relax in and enjoy.A taste of downtown in their home town.
It’s also Gaetano’s home town. “I think it’s the perfect place, I love being here”.
From what we’ve seen Loveland loves him being here too.
If you plan to try Tano, make a reservation (683-TANO). The bistro has only 16 tables and they like to keep things orderly. We booked a 9 o’clock spot for two and were welcomed at the door (at 8:30) by name.
Tucked in a cozy two top we were presented with the food & wine menus while our server gave us the details on the special of the evening. Sea Bass.
It all sounded good. We decided not to decide and take it all in for a bit. Being later, there were only two large groups and one other couple in the restaurant. We noticed both groups made certain to compliment the chef directly.

With great confidence we opted to give Tano a tough test. Tilapia. One EV staffer has never had a piece of tilapia she liked. It’s been on her black list for years. We thought she would make the perfect testing medium and indeed it proved to be true.
Her Tilapia ($15) was served with citrus risotto, swiss chard and finished with a lemon caper buerre blanc sauce. It certainly looked pretty, a nice browned crust that was so thin and light it was like a tattoo compared to most breading. The moment of truth came when she cautiously took the first nibble, then a bite, then a smile. She liked it. The first ever tilapia to tickle her fancy. The risotto was bright with lemon yet still creamy and rich ( a tad underdone for some but near perfect nonetheless). The swiss chard brought balance to the citrus in the dish. Well orchestrated.
We also ordered a bruschetta trio ($7). The freshness in the flavors really shined. The balsamic was obviously of top quality, as were all the ingredients (Gorgonzola, caramelized shallot, roasted eggplant, basil & tomato).
We bet Chef Williams has a buzz of excitement (and the occasional butterfly) over his new bistro. After decades of showing corporations how the business is done he’s finally just doing it all himself. That brings a satisfaction few can understand. It also brings uncertainty, financial struggles and nearly never ending hours. Much praise and compliment is sure to ease the worry but the reservations are the truly calming proof that Tano is just what people were waiting for. Simple, wholesome quality cuisine offered in gourmet glory on a seasonal menu. Tano shows the decades of experience that is at work here. From the flawless service to the unpretentious menu our Tano experience flowed with a polished feel to it.

Dos Amigos 8600 Beechmont Ave 429-4195

Dos Amigos took over the Margarita’s location and is quickly putting the previous cantina to shame. The interior looks much the same but the menu has little in common.
10 main sections include: appetizers, salads, fajitas, steaks, chicken, seafood, enchiladas, burritos, vegetarian and specialties. Prices are reasonable ($8.95-$14.95) and selections include American/Mexican as well as authentic.
We tested the authenticity with the taco. We know what is should be and very surprisingly that’s what it was. Simple and delicious. Be sure you ask for the real deal.
Our veggie enchiladas and flautas were excellent. Dos Amigo’s stuffs their vegetarian versions with broccoli, carrot, cauliflower and onion. The most hearty Mexican vegetarian we’ve seen yet! Service was stellar. We see this place as the best Mexican on Beechmont now. Seriously.

Big Poppa Slims Cafe On Main 233 Main Street Milford 340-4256

Old Milford has a new joint. Big Poppa Slims just took over the former Tatties location (233 Main St.). A seven section menu details Big Poppa’s offerings. Sandwiches include: sun dried tomato pesto turkey, French dip, Cajun blasted chicken, BLT, and a ruben, all $7.95. Big Poppa also includes sandwiches like “Old Blue Eyes”, thin sliced Capicola, deluxe ham and Genoa salami topped with Picante provolone, sun dried tomato basil aioli on fresh sour dough. The “Bill Murray” is a house made meatball, mozzarella and marinara sandwich on a split garlic roll.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either, the Caprese is also a fresh sour dough sandwich with sun dried tomato pesto, mozzarella, whole leaf basil & tomatoes (also $7.95). Wraps are just $6.95 with Tony Packo Pickles and choice of chips. Of the five wraps the “Chinese Chicken” (chicken breast, lettuce, cilantro, chow mein noodles & bean sprouts with honey sesame dressing) and the “Superman” (spinach, tomato, cucumber, bean sprouts, avocado, mozzarella with red wine vinaigrette) sound especially interesting. Don’t forget the slow roasted pulled pork, it is their signature sandwich.
They serve Boar’s Head quarter pound franks served with fresh sauerkraut, diced onion and spicy mustard on a soft bakery roll ($3.45) too.
Dinners are served after 4, both the meatloaf and Carolina pulled pork are offered with two sides and rolls for $8.95. Salads ($7.95), soups, chili, sides and desserts finish off your choices.
Owner Jeff Geotz (Big Poppa) left the loan biz and along with ex-restaurant manager Ken Williams and accountant Kevine, the trio took over the Milford space and now it’s open for all to try. Being westsiders, Ken and Kevine are still learning the nuances of eastside life and are excited to be here. We’re glad to have them. Stop in and show them a warm eastside welcome and they’ll thank you with a warm Big Poppa meal. Complete with a coke & a smile.