Deluxe black bean and rice burrito from Skyline (with oyster crackers). But that's tied with a cheeseburger from The Gas Light Cafe up the street from me in Pleasant Ridge, mostly because of the memories I'm making by eating there with my grandson, who moved here from the Pacific NW last year. Bonus -- I can walk there.
We moved away from Cincinnati (Anderson Twp) last year, and El Coyote was our last meal. That said, on every return trip since I've made a point to get a 3-way at Skyline and a pulled pork sandwich at Eli's. And although I'm not from Cleveland, if I could time travel before the end of the world, I might go back a few years and have a corned beef sandwich from Corky & Lenny's.
Bella Luna’s prime rib cannelloni if places gone but not forgotten were included. Currently the breaded pork loin from Sotto would be my go to “last meal.”
There is a dive bar in Columbus (India Oak on Oakland Park) that has the best Italian subs. They're huge and cost $10. Which seems very reasonable for two meals worth of sub!
So I'd sit there with a beer and a sub and let the apocalypse take me.
After learning the news this morning that Joe Tucker died, I'd like to amend my previous entry.
Many years ago, on a trip to Findlay Market with a friend, I parked outside Tucker's Grill on Vine Street so we could have breakfast. She got out of the car, looked around and said, "Oh Barb -- I don't know about this." (This predates the major reinvention of Cincy's Over the Rhine neighborhood over the past couple of decades.)
So -- let me add that I'd do anything to have one of Joe's vegetarian omelets again. It may have looked like a greasy joint, but I've not had a better omelet anywhere. Thank you, Joe and Carla for the many years you served your diverse community.
Cafe Java in Round Rock, TX. Out of this world blueberry pancakes and unbelievable coffee. Funky vibe and always busy with amazing smells as soon as you walk in.
Mama Santa’s is a worthy item, but my first choice would have been a teriyaki burger from Yours Truly. I say “would have been” because they took it off the menu and although they are willing to approximate the dish with what they have pineapple chunks just don’t work as well on a sandwich as pineapple slices do!
My Cleveland answer would have been White Castle, too, but they all closed (sad!) as you know. It would be Winking Lizard or Mama Santa's. Geraci's is great, but as a kid there was a St. Dominic / Gesu thing where they would go there and we'd go to "A Touch of Italy." Like Bloods and Crips.
Jeff is quite a character. He treated me and the Mrs. several years ago at his downtown Cincy restaurant. Probably the best restaurant meal I’ve ever had.
Deluxe black bean and rice burrito from Skyline (with oyster crackers). But that's tied with a cheeseburger from The Gas Light Cafe up the street from me in Pleasant Ridge, mostly because of the memories I'm making by eating there with my grandson, who moved here from the Pacific NW last year. Bonus -- I can walk there.
We moved away from Cincinnati (Anderson Twp) last year, and El Coyote was our last meal. That said, on every return trip since I've made a point to get a 3-way at Skyline and a pulled pork sandwich at Eli's. And although I'm not from Cleveland, if I could time travel before the end of the world, I might go back a few years and have a corned beef sandwich from Corky & Lenny's.
Before the fraud! I introduced Bill Kristol to Corky & Lenny's at the 2016 GOP convention. Shame what happened there.
I have been to El Coyote under the misunderstanding of some in my family party that it was solely a Mexican restaurant. It was great.
Anything from Eli's BBQ on Riverside Dr.
A slab of ribs at Montgomery Inn or a big burger at Arthur’s in Hyde Park
Bella Luna’s prime rib cannelloni if places gone but not forgotten were included. Currently the breaded pork loin from Sotto would be my go to “last meal.”
There is a dive bar in Columbus (India Oak on Oakland Park) that has the best Italian subs. They're huge and cost $10. Which seems very reasonable for two meals worth of sub!
So I'd sit there with a beer and a sub and let the apocalypse take me.
After learning the news this morning that Joe Tucker died, I'd like to amend my previous entry.
Many years ago, on a trip to Findlay Market with a friend, I parked outside Tucker's Grill on Vine Street so we could have breakfast. She got out of the car, looked around and said, "Oh Barb -- I don't know about this." (This predates the major reinvention of Cincy's Over the Rhine neighborhood over the past couple of decades.)
It was the best breakfast in town. My partner and I stopped in maybe once or twice a month while shopping at the market. I never saw a notice that they'd permanently closed, but we learned today that Joe died. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/09/23/joe-tucker-owner-of-tuckers-restaurant-over-the-rhine-dies/75347744007/
So -- let me add that I'd do anything to have one of Joe's vegetarian omelets again. It may have looked like a greasy joint, but I've not had a better omelet anywhere. Thank you, Joe and Carla for the many years you served your diverse community.
Crown Burgers in SLC #1
In Cincy, I'd be getting some enchiladas at Nada
Cafe Java in Round Rock, TX. Out of this world blueberry pancakes and unbelievable coffee. Funky vibe and always busy with amazing smells as soon as you walk in.
The special of the day from Johnny's Bar on Fulton
Mama Santa’s is a worthy item, but my first choice would have been a teriyaki burger from Yours Truly. I say “would have been” because they took it off the menu and although they are willing to approximate the dish with what they have pineapple chunks just don’t work as well on a sandwich as pineapple slices do!
Have you written to them to ask for the recipe?
Here in Cincinnati, I’d get ribs AND steak at Walt’s Hitching Post in Covington!
Solid list, and White Castle is indeed amazing. Here are some additions to consider:
-Ribs from Montgomery Inn
-The Eagle in OTR. Their fried chicken is some of the best + great sides.
-Pepp & Dolores (homemade pasta)
-In addition to the ribeye, try the “Steak Burrow” at Jeff Ruby’s. I know this one will be a challenge the as a Browns fan.
-LuLu’s, which is a hole in the wall Chinese place in Tri County. Best fried rice you’ll find!
I would like to have the Taco Salad at Taco Casa.
It has been close to a year since I had Izzy's and that is something I need to rectify sooner rather than later. Thank you for the reminder!
🫡
Geraci’s in a landslide.
Interesting trivia: Jeff Ruby had a signed lease for the space where the Marble Room is now at E 6th and Euclid.
My Cleveland answer would have been White Castle, too, but they all closed (sad!) as you know. It would be Winking Lizard or Mama Santa's. Geraci's is great, but as a kid there was a St. Dominic / Gesu thing where they would go there and we'd go to "A Touch of Italy." Like Bloods and Crips.
Also, Cleveland missed out! He is a fine restaurateur.
Jeff is quite a character. He treated me and the Mrs. several years ago at his downtown Cincy restaurant. Probably the best restaurant meal I’ve ever had.
Mama Santa’s is a worthy substitute, but we get there so infrequently.