On January 19, 2008, members of the Happy Mouth Supper Club met (our first meeting of 2008!) for dinner at Bouquet in Covington Kentucky, which was Angel’s pick. Bouquet is a nice little wine bar and restaurant that opened December 1, 2007 and is developing their big ideas for what the place should be as time and money allows. Chef/owner Stephen Williams, formerly sous chef at Otto’s next door, has opened the intimate space to focus on wine and food, and does well on both counts.

Holly, Jay, Wendy, and I arrived at Bouquet early (after catching an Omnimax showing of SEA MONSTERS at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) for a glass of wine and an appetizer of crab cakes. Slowly, the rest of our large party (13 of us) arrived, and our evening kicked off with soup (excellent butternut squash soup, served with fresh crusty bread), salads, then entrees such as their salmon, lamb, and various steak selections. Everything was well-prepared and served appropriately seasoned. The service staff was knowledgable and present without being overbearing. Water glasses were filled (and re-filled (we’re a thirsty bunch!)) as necessary, and it was no problem at all for our check to be split (we told them ahead of ordering, for which they seemed grateful). The music was appropriate and played at a suitable volume that made conversation easy. The room, which was empty when we arrived, was filled by the time our dinner was in full swing. Bouquet accepts reservations, and it seems like a good idea to secure them before heading down there.

Stephen Williams is a recent graduate of the Midwest Culinary Institute, so my wishes for his success are doubled (at least!).

On December 19, 2007, members of the Happy Mouth Supper Club, along with guests Julie, Terry, and Adam, dined at Zola’s in Covington. It was Ed’s month to pick, and we really enjoyed the convivial pub atomosphere of Zola’s. Comfortable, fun and unpretentious. The burgers are widely rumored to be the best in town, and based on what we ate, there is little reason to doubt that claim. We had the upstairs room pretty much to ourselves, and we made very merry indeed.

This guest article written by Ronald Lee.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2007, most of the members of the Happy Mouth Supper Club cabal (Drew, Wendy, Ted, Holly, Jay, John, Angel, and Ron) met for the monthly soirée at one of ‘Johnny Robert’s’ joints in Covington, Kentucky. It’s officially known as Jean-Robert’s Greenup Cafe. These usual suspects were joined this month by special guests Julie, Terry, and DeAnn.

The Greenup Cafe (named for the street on which it is located) is in the former Wild Flour restaurant location that used to be frequented by lawyers, judges, court officers, and other nefarious characters from in and around Covington. The old building (historical, I think) has been somewhat renovated by the French guy and his minions & the food was awesome. In fact, it was so good I almost forgave the French for World War II… Almost.

We were comfortably seated in one of two upstairs private dining areas and started the evening with a nice cocktail hour before settling in for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Appetizers included the charcuterie plate with white bean salad, outstanding soup (butternut squash), tarte fine, and beggar’s purses with fig.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their dinners which consisted of Pan Seared Ruby Trout, a delicious roasted Chicken, and Marinated Pork Tenderloin. All served with delicious mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Pigall’s worker/chef-instructor Drew was allowed to enjoy his meal rather than being forced to “chop broccoli” all night…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVe1W_fFzoo

A good time was had by all and another successful Happy Mouth is officially in the books!

Tonight’s HAPPY MOUTH outing was orchestrated by Chuck, and he selected Chez Nora in Covington Kentucky as our destination. Dinner was at a long table in their back room (though a few members had enjoyed a cocktail on the restaurant’s rooftop bar before dinner). I sampled the Smoked Chicken & Goetta Spring Rolls and found them to be pretty darned good. My entree was Pecan-Crusted Walleye, which was delicious.