Maureen "MoJo" J.'s Profile

It pains me to write this review. Sometimes, I like to adhere to what all our mothers have admonished us: "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all," but I think I'll make an exception here.

I don't know what it is about TM. I like the atmosphere, the management & staff, the convenient downtown location, the live music...but the one thing I just can't force myself to like (despite numerous visits) is the food.

I always feel so dissatisfied with the quality, flavor, etc. I always end up regretting what I ordered, no matter how many things I try on the menu. I know my sister feels the same way as well...and she's not even a vegetarian.

I know lots of people/friends really love TM and that's great for them, but I dislike the food so much, that I'd rather go to Chipotle or Q'doba for a meal. At least, I'll leave those places completely happy & satiated.

If I ever do end up at TM again, it'll definitely be for the atmosphere...and not the food.

My only advice to you: get the Churro Caramel Crave (see pic).

This is what it'll cost ya:

1. A 4 minute wait for it to be prepared (they have to heat the churros up in the microwave.)  

2. $4.99.

3. Oh, and lord only knows how many calories, but hey, if you were really concerned about calories you wouldn't have come to a Cold Stone in the first place right?

Right.

You literally have to go down in the basement of  Tangeman University Center (TUC) on Main Campus to find it, but once you do, you'll be glad you took the trouble.

Not many universities and colleges have their own fully stocked bar on campus, so this itself gives Catskeller the one up.

The cozy, dimly lit space sets the mood perfectly for a college dive bar.

Loved the ambience when a friend & I went to check out a Bell's Brewery tasting recently (which was well organized & executed) and apparently they always have tastings, which again is a very rare concept for a college bar.

I can't wait to come back with coworkers for happy hour and fully check out the food & beer options.

A food truck that caters to the meat heads AND the veg heads? Well, send me to the front of the line then!

Even though the Mt. Healthy burger was manufactured with veg heads in mind, admittedly, it's not my fave on the menu. That distinction goes to the grilled cheese. I typically get the Savor brioche with pepper jack cheese and the balsamic onion marmalade, with a side of regular fries. Pretty darn tasty I tell ya.

Also, not bad at all, is the Portabella-Philly ($7:
Portabellas & Creminis, peppers, onions, provolone, lettuce,
tomato and spicy mayo on grilled Servatii French bread). I get mine with pepper jack.

You can also get The Councilwoman ($5: Provolone, Swiss, tomato & grilled ham on brioche bread) without the ham.

Tom the owner is a great guy who really is the pioneer of Cincy food trucks. It would be a great diservice (to yourself) if you didn't try his stuff out.

Owners Gary & his wife Michelle are good people. Nice, clean location with lots of food and beverage options.

The major plus for me is the full-size salad bar, a rare find in downtown eateries. If I (still) worked downtown, I'd be hitting the salad bar, like all the time.

The other plus? They carry those Sabra hummus "Grab & Go Packs" in original and Roasted Red Pepper (my fave!) flavors!

That's reason alone to go...that and they have Coke Zero fountain machine!

The main reason why I have been traveling [almost] every weekend from Florence to the Big Vineyard (as it's often referred to), 30 miles one way, for the past 10 years, is because of the Vineyard's mission & vision:

"Our Mission

To love the people of Cincinnati into relationship with Jesus Christ and to give away to the world what God has given us.
Our Vision

Imagine a ragtag collection of surrendered and transformed people who love God and others. They are mesmerized by the idea that this is not about them, but all about Jesus. They are transfixed by His story and His heart for their city.

They are seedthrowers and firestarters, hope peddlers and grace-givers, risktakers and dreamers, young and old. They link arms with anyone who tells the story of Jesus. They empower the poor, strengthen the weak, embrace the outcast, seek the lost. They serve together, play together, worship together, live life together. Their city will change because God sent them.

They are us.

We believe that small things done with great love will change the world.
We Will Be:

   * A diverse, celebratory church of missional, disciple-making communities in every neighborhood.
   * A relational citywide network strategized on reaching Greater Cincinnati.
   * Reproducers and developers of outward-focused churches worldwide."

I grew up Pentecostal and while the fundamentals will be with me till the end, I never really truly had the opportunity to exercise Christ-like faith like I can at the Vineyard. I was sick and tired of the judgmental attitude of Pentecostals. I wanted a church/leader who would put God first and not himself or his ego.

The concept of showing God's love by adopting an attitude of service is exactly what Jesus did when He was here on earth. Any church that purposefully chooses to replicate that, is exactly where I want to be.

Three words: Bubble Snow Tea!

If you don't know what bubble tea (http://en.wikipedia.or...) is by now...then you've been under a proverbial foodie rock. Get up from under there fool!

Tips:

1. Go for the bubble tea, stay for the food. TnB actually has a decent and inexpensive menu that will definitely satisfy your taste buds. I recommend anything satay. My personal fave is the tofu satay.

2. Let it snow! Sure you can order a regular "bubble tea," but why would you, if you had the option for a frozen version? Think of it as the "Asian Starbucks Frappuccino." I HIGHLY recommend the coffee hazelnut snow bubble tea...yes! Coffee in your tea! Try it, it'll blow your mind!

3. Make sure you ask for a frequent buyer loyalty card. Cuz trust me, you'll definitely be back for more bubble tea, so why not get credit for it, eh?

4. I recommend thinking of bubble tea as a desert. It's definitely a sweet way to end a meal at the TnB. And if you can't finish your bubble tea in house, just ask for a to-go cup and then you can finish it at your house!

So here's the deal: I'm South Indian (Kerala). Amma's serves South Indian food. So when I am sick and tired of all the North Indian offerings typically available at area Indian restaurants, I head to Amma's to get my motherland craving met.

Trust me when I tell you that what you eat at Amma's is pretty much similar to what you'd get back in South India (i.e., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.)

If you're a foodie wimp and don't like to try different dishes, then don't go to Amma's.

Tips:

1. Try the Pongal (http://en.wikipedia.or...). It's a great alternative to the same ole bed of white rice.

2. Order one of their dosas (http://www.ammaskitche...). If you get the buffet, it's free, one order only though. I recommend the Paper Masala Dosa.

3. Check out their vegan buffet on Wednesdays. The main difference from the regular buffet is the omission of dairy. Some items still may contain dairy, so double check.

4. You know a place is really good when the locals and natives eat there. The best time to get a slice of India (demographics wise) is on Sundays. The variety of patrons really remind me of being at a restaurant back home in Kerala.

5. The stars of the buffet have to be, hands down for me, the Bagara Baingan (eggplant) and Gobhi Manchurian (fried cauliflower tossed in homemade special Manchurian sauce. It's part of their Indo Chinese menu.)

Since I work within walking distance to this location, I was über stoked when I saw the "Opening Soon!" sign.

But I was definitely hesitant. Would it be adequate enough to satiate my lunch-time munchies?

Not to keep you in further suspense...yes! Yes it is adequate! And that's exactly what it is...adequate. Not WOW-THIS-PLACE-IS-FRIGGIN-AWESOME, but just adequate. And sometimes, when you're swamped at work and need to get back to your desk, all you want is something to tame the growling stomach monster, so that you won't pass out.

And that's why Zoup is adequate for that job.

Couple of things:

1. You get to have as many soup samples as your heart desires. So take advantage of that.

2. You can turn any salad/sandwich order vegetarian by asking for "no meat." This opens up the salad choices for sure. My fave is the Cobb.

3. Get a side of bread (I love the French)! Slathered with some of their real butter, then used as a utensil to sop up some soup...it's perfection!

4. Any place that has Coke Zero as a fountain soda/drink option is fine by me.

5. Any place that offers a shaker of red crushed pepper is also fine by me.

6. They really need to consider in investing in some outdoor seating. They have the space for it and when the weather is nice out, it would be nice to sit outside and inhale the traffic fumes and hear the ambulances go by.

7. Follow Zoup on Twitter (http://twitter.com/zou...) and let them know your gripes/likes. They seem to be fairly good at responding back. Also, sign up for their Daily Email (http://www.zoup.com/Da...) so you'll get the heads up on coupons/specials/etc.

Of all the Starbucks in the world...

...I'm super happy [and blessed] that the one within walking distance of my house has the friendliest staff.

This location is super small, space wise, but that's what adds to its charm and coziness. I love coming here with the sis and chilling out on rainy days and watch the drive-thru line grow bigger and bigger. That's the only gripe I have...no matter what time of day it is - 10:50a.m. or 10:50p.m., Monday or Saturday - there's always a packed drive-thru! Save yourself some time by skipping the window and ordering inside.

Trust me, you'll get your caffeine fix, sooner.