Runs with knives!
On Saturday, January 14, 2006, Milan, Brian, Tracy, Ted, Wendy, and Drew dined at the best restaurant in Cincinnati, the incomparable Jean-Robert at Pigall’s. Our reservations were for 6:00, but we’d decided to meet at 5:30 to have a drink in Pigall’s intimate bar. We…
 On Saturday, February 11, 2006, I spent my twelfth night in the kitchens of Jean-Robert at Pigall’s. I arrived around 1:15 and was greeted by Todd, the sous chef, with, “Are you here all night?”. Each time he’s said that to me in the…
This evening, the HAPPY MOUTH SUPPER CLUB entered our fifth year of monthly dining. It was Wendy B’s month to select, and she did a great job in choosing Germano’s Restaurant. Germano’s Restaurant, one of the top Italian Restaurants in the Midwest, has been delighting patrons from around the world for over 16 years. Experience their fine cuisine, in a warm and casual atmosphere. At Germano’s, they have a passion for flavor.
The setting was very comfortable. Our group — Dave, Robin, Angel, Jay, Holly, Tracy, Ted, John, Wendy B, Wendy V, and Drew — was seated along the front window of the restaurant. Wendy & I started with Mozarella Caprese which was nice. Wendy had soup, I had a house salad before our entrees. Wendy ordered Crabmeat Stuffed Salmon with Fettucini (Wendy substituted Gnocchi instead) and I ordered a ‘surf & turf’ — seared duck breast with a petite lobster tail and some very nice risotto. Desserts were very nice as well — I ordered a espresso hazelnut gelato and Wendy got a lovely chocolate bombe. Loads of other dishes were sampled, and everything was very tasty.
Another successful Happy Mouth!
 This afternoon, I spent my thirteenth day in the kitchen of Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, the 4-star French restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. I arrived at 1:00 and stayed until 5:30 since we had dinner plans this evening. While there, I prepped a variety of products and…
Tonight, a group of us (Bob, Sharon, Jay, Angel, Chef Doug, Wendy, and Drew) met at the Iron Horse Inn in Glendale for a Saturday night Wine Dinner. It was a good time. Here’s the menu: The Iron Horse Inn Restaurant Italian Wine Dinner —…
This evening was another monthly outing of the HAPPY MOUTH SUPPER CLUB, and it was Tracy’s month to pick. Tracy indicated that she was feeling bold after her two most recent picks, so she selected THE CELESTIAL in Mount Adams. The Celestial has an absolutely amazing view of the Cincinnati skyline — perhaps the most beautiful setting in Cincinnati, and the clubby atmosphere with carved wood and elegant service is welcoming and warm.
Our large group (13 of us — Chuck, Kristy, Robin, Dave, Ron, Ted, Tracy, Angel, Jay, Holly, Ed, Wendy V, and Drew) was seated in a private dining area. Our server, David, did an excellent job making sure our needs were well cared-for.
We ordered appetizers — everything from Lobster Bisque to Goat Cheese-stuffed Vine Leaves to Baked Oysters to Raw Oysters. Everything was served at appropriate temperatures and flavors were good. The raw Oysters were fresh, plump, and briny.
Our entrees were very good as well, everything from American Kobe Beef with Gnocchi to Braised Red Snapper to Seafood Pasta dishes to steaks. All were very tasty, and even with our large group, dishes were served at the same time. Judging from the dramatic drop in the volume of our conversation when the food was delivered, all the diners enjoyed their meals.
The wine list was large and wide-ranging across all price ranges. The wines we selected (with some assistance from David) were all top-notch with our meals. Desserts were very good as well.
We thoroughly enjoyed The Celestial and will take out-of-town visitors there for the dramatic view and great food.
Another successful Happy Mouth! Good pick, Tracy!
PICTURES ARE HERE! This evening’s activities were really fun. Wendy & Holly had collaborated to plan a surprise party for Jay, who turns 40 at the end of April. Holly provided all the decorations, Ed delivered them to Wendy, and Wendy & I (with help…