NKY Magazine Spring 2018

NKY’S ONLY LOCAL RADIO STATION NEWPORT’S REINVENTION

RESTAURANT GUIDE

9

New & Old Favorites Make a Splash in the NKY Dining Scene

Lisse Steakhuis, Covington

PLUS: LOCAL DINING LISTINGS

SPRING 2018 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1

COFFEE WITH A CAUSE AT CARABELLO COFFEE

NKY HOME: WISEWAY DESIGN

OUR PASSION. YOUR PLEASURE.

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NKY CONTENTS

Spring 2018

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER FEAST Frida 602, Covington

23

Dig into the NKY dining scene with this guide to some of the region’s best restaurants, plus listings. BY THE EDITORS

NKY RESTAURANT GUIDE 2018 4 SCENE 9 INSIDE NKY

Carabello Coffee mixes philanthropy and coffee for the perfect blend. BY MADISON RODGERS

10 FROM JUDY’S DESK

Things both happy and sad have recently impacted the region. BY JUDY CLABES

11 COMMENT

The ways we discuss politics have changed, and not for the better. BY RICK ROBINSON

12 HISTORY

African Americans made major contributions to our region. BY DAVE E. SCHROEDER

15 A&E CALENDAR 18 NKY HOME

Wiseway Supply offers better way to home décor. BY MIKE BOYER

20 LIVE WELL NKY

A new laser procedure helps post-menopausal women enjoy life again. BY ERIC SPANGLER

36 SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR NEWPORT DEVELOPMENT

City stays the course in developing entertainment and housing projects. BY MIKE BOYER

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

38 A GOOD OL’ RADIO STATION For 25 years, a local radio station has been delivering country classics to country music fans across Northern Kentucky. BY JULI HALE

57 NKY RETIREMENT

Rosedale Green has recently completed a $12 million renovation that gives residents something closer to home. BY CORINNE MINARD

60 LOVE NKY

Cincinnati Club Building, 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45202 PUBLISHER: Eric Harmon MANAGING EDITOR: Corinne Minard BUSINESS EDITOR: Mike Boyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Eric Spangler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Judy Clabes, Marc Emral, Juli Hale, Rick Robinson, Dave E. Schroeder CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Guy Kelly ART DIRECTOR: Katy Rucker DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR: Madison Rodgers ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Laura Federle PRODUCTION MANAGER: Keith Ohmer EVENTS DIRECTOR: Hannah Jones Alexandra Stacey SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER: Anthony Rhoades ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Abbey Cummins ADVERTISING SALES: Ian Altenau,

City of Florence OFFICI A L COMM U NIT Y A ND AC TI V IT Y GU IDE

Community and

PUBLISHED BY magazine Locally, family and veteran-owned Cincy Co. LLC

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR:

SPECIAL INSERT The 2018 official

Here at the magazine, we always look forward to our annual restaurant guide. We’re big food fans here and this guide always provides us something new to try.

And make no mistake, there is plenty to try in Northern Kentucky. From Southern fried chicken to ethnic food of all nationalities, NKY has it all. We’ve profiled just a couple of the region’s many options in this issue.

Give yourself something to look forward to—start making plans to visit NKY’s many restaurants. And make sure to let us know what you think after you visit by tweeting at us with the hashtag #NKYDining.

Brad Hoicowitz, Tiffany Lacock WORK-STUDY STUDENTS:

2018

Mykala Mahone, Cornell White

Activity Guide

For questions: email info@BestofNKY.com or call (513) 421-2533. Go to www.BestofNKY. com to get your complimentary subscription of Cincy and NKY magazines.

has events, entertainment and more.

LOCAL SPECIAL EVENTS & CALENDAR

S UP P L E ME N T T O

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, PARKS & RECREATION KEY CITY CONTACT INFORMATION

p. 1-16, begins after p. 40

w w w. b e s t o f n ky. c o m

HIGHEST-RATED

DOCTORS IN THE REGION BASED ON PATIENT RANKINGS

FIND YOUR ST. E PROVIDER ONLINE AT STEDOCS.COM OR CALL (800) 737-7900.

NKY SCENE METROPOLITAN AWARD DINNER Kay Geiger received the 20th Metropolitan Award at a sold-out dinner event held at The Metropolitan Club on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The event raised a total of $120,000, which will be distributed equally to the event’s charitable partners—Be Concerned and Life Learning Center.

PNC Bank President Kay Geiger, center, with her team

Event emcee Clyde Gray

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The Counseling & Diagnostic Center has been providing quality mental health services in the No. KY/ Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years. The practice is staffed by a variety of independently licensed providers. New Directions is a licensed behavioral health service recently added to the practice to address the substance abuse epidemic

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• Substance Abuse Treatment

• Sexual Addictions

• Post-Traumatic Stress

• Anger Management

• Women’s Issues

• Career Assessment/ Guidance Counseling

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The “Purple People Bridge” connects Pete Rose Way on the Cincinnati side near the entrance to Sawyer Point. In Kentucky, the bridge drops onto Third Street in Newport, just east of Newport on the Levee.

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

NKY SCENE

Miami University President Gregory Crawford, PNC Bank President Kay Geiger, Renate Crawford and Jack Geiger

Nehemiah Manufacturing President Richard Palmer, Kay Geiger and Nehemiah Manufacturing CEO Dan Meyer

The Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones delivered the invocation.

www.BestofNKY.com

5

NKY SCENE

GRAND OPENING OF THRIVEOLOGY The grand opening of Thriveology on Oct. 28, 2017 was the beginning of a new era of fitness in Northern Kentucky. Voted “Best of NKY� as Thrive Fitness in 2017, the newly named Thriveology aims to change the face of fitness. The grand opening event featured class demos, challenges, obstacle course races, workshops and food tasting.

The day was topped off by a ribbon cutting done by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Thriveology is located at 981 Midway Drive, Alexandria.

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

Thriveology refers to its members as part of the Pack.

One minute into the two-minute plank challenge

The official ribbon cutting

NKY SCENE

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY Holy Cross District High School senior Heather Konerman received the Outstanding Youth Award for National Philanthropy Day from The Association of Fundraising Professionals on Nov. 9. Heather was nominated by HCHS Magnified Giving Moderator Gay Trame ‘80. Heather was honored the past three years at HCHS with the Outstanding Christian Leadership Service Award for her volunteer efforts.

Heather with her fellow National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients

Heather Konerman with Roger Grein, Magnified Giving Club founder, and Gay Trame ‘80, HCHS Magnified Giving Club moderator

Heather Konerman was honored as Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.

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7

I NSIDE NKY

Coffee with a Cause

Justin and Emily Carabello mix philanthropy and coffee for the perfect blend

Carabello Coffee sources its beans from fair trade and farm direct relationships.

BY M ADISON RODGERS

A

copy of TIME Magazine and a good cup of coffee was all it took for Justin Carabello to jump into what would become a successful business venture.

“My husband wanted to start a business that allowed sustainable change in underdeveloped coffee-producing nations,” says Emily Carabello, co-owner and co-founder of Carabello Coffee.

Carabello Coffee began in a garage in 2009 with a hot air popcorn popper and a few pounds of coffee beans. At the time, Justin Carabello was a band director and Emily Carabello was (and still is) an art teacher.

“Neither of us knew a lot about coffee,” says Emily. “We did a lot of reading and took a lot of classes to become well versed. We also began visiting coffee farms and seeing coffee on a worldwide chain.”

They became knowledgeable about certain coffee beans thanks to their travel as well as the help of locals in different countries who provided them with coffee. What started as a coffee bean-size idea quickly grew into a full reality.

Carabello Coffee donates money to different organizations in countries in need, including an orphanage in Nicaragua. When you purchase a cup or a bag of coffee, you

know that your money will be going to a good cause.

Carabello Coffee also offers its coffee through fair trade and farm direct relationships. This is a way for coffee roasters to buy directly from the farmers, ensuring that the farmers are paid a price that allows them to keep a successful business.

In addition to their philanthropic ventures, Carabello Coffee continues to work to make the community more knowledgeable about coffee. They hope that people can become as comfortable as their own baristas.

“We offer an Analog Coffee Bar that allows people to try different drinks that our baristas have created on their own,” Emily says. “The Analog Coffee Bar also offers coffee education and a more personal interaction with our baristas.”

During these Analog Coffee Bar sessions, higher quality coffee is used in order to display the best brew of coffee possible.

“We really want people to up their coffee game at home,” Emily says.

Carabello Coffee is a wholesale roaster first. “We want people to move forward at home and not need to go out and get coffee.”

A unique feature of Carabello Coffee is its logo and tagline. A tandem bike hangs from

Justin and Emily Carabello

the ceiling of the coffee shop, and it can also be found on majority of the merchandise.

“When Justin and I started discussing getting engaged, he asked me what kind of ring I would want,” explains Emily. “I told him that I really didn’t want a ring. I wanted a tandem bike.”

So when Justin went to propose to Emily, he had a tandem bike along with a ring.

When they were thinking of logos for their coffee shop, Emily really wanted to include the tandem bike. “Coffee and Compassion in Tandem” was born when the couple decided they didn’t want to make coffee unless it was benefiting a bigger cause.

“We want to connect the people who are drinking our coffee with the people and communities who worked so hard to get that coffee into our hands.” n www.BestofNKY.com

9

FROM JUDY’S DESK

BY JUDY CL ABE S

Finding the Words Things both happy and sad have recently impacted the region

G

ary Beatrice lost his extended battle with pancreatic cancer Jan. 8 surrounded by his family at home. This is a terrific loss to the community, as Gary was everywhere—owner with his family of Business Benefits, he was one of the region’s most respected health care advisers. But his influence was much more pervasive.

He was deeply involved in leadership roles in the Northern Kentucky Chamber, director for many impactful nonprofits—from the Behringer Crawford Museum and Steinford Toy Foundation to Rosedale Manor and the HeathPoint Family Care Foundation.

He was chair of the Northern Kentucky Consensus Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Margie, and four children.

He was only 55.

There are no good words for cancer. It is a big killer in Northern Kentucky, which is why St. Elizabeth Healthcare will build a major cancer center aimed at stopping it in its tracks. It can’t come soon enough.

SKY’S THE LIMIT On a brighter note, how about that airport?

New flights announced on a regular basis, increased passenger traffic (up 20 percent last year) and cargo volumes growing by 110 percent over the last seven years. DHL has expanded and Amazon launched a global air cargo hub.

Meantime, CVG’s amazing leader, Candace McGraw, has been named chair of the board of directors of Airports Council International-North America. Candace has distinguished herself as a leader regionally and now internationally. No surprise that others are recognizing what an asset she is.

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

BRINGING HOME BABY Pamela Brown Wright, the baby born when her famous parents John Y. Brown and Phyllis George Brown occupied Kentucky’s governor’s mansion, is about to become a mom herself.

Pamela has distinguished herself as a hard-working journalist who has become the White House correspondent for CNN. She worked her way up and has never forgotten her roots. She was married in Lexington last June at her family’s former home, Cave Hill, determined to have a Kentucky wedding. Her baby boy is scheduled to arrive in June.

NEW LEADERSHIP More good news: Northern Kentucky University will have a new president July 1, its sixth.

Dr. Ashish Vaidya, currently interim president at St. Cloud State University, was introduced to the community in December.

He was provost of St. Cloud and stepped in as interim president on the death of its president. He is a distinguished scholar and an economist, and speaks eloquently on the value and importance of higher education and the hunger for knowledge.

Most encouraging, in my view, were his views on community engagement and student service. He has an impressive career and experience based on that—exactly what Northern Kentucky needs.

He said he appreciates NKU’s “entrepreneurial spirit” and its focus on “regional needs.”

He and his wife, Nita, also an academic, have two children.

Candace McGraw, Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport

SAD TO SAY GOODBYE

lege of Business. She has been on a health leave—going back home to deal with a cancer diagnosis—and recently announced her resignation.

Becky was a true treasure—a real leader, an innovator and a visionary. Not to mention a really nice person. The College of Business will miss her and so will her friends. But, I’m told, she was a leader who built a good leadership infrastructure at the college, so progress will continue there.

Please send thoughts and prayers Becky’s way. There are no good words for cancer. n

Finally, ending on a sad note, but saluting that NKU “entrepreneurial spirit,” I’m sorry to tell you that Becky Porterfield will not be returning to NKU as dean of the Col-

JUDY CLABES IS EDITOR AND PUBLISHER OF THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY TRIBUNE.

N KY COMMENT

BY RICK ROBINSON

Not-So-Civil Discourse The ways we discuss politics have changed, and not for the better

C

ivil political discourse in America is as dead as disco.

Citizens have as much a chance of entering into meaningful dialogue on the important issues of the day as the Bee Gees have of a remix of “Nights on Broadway” making it back into Billboard’s Top 40.

There was a time in the not-so-distant past where adults watched the evening news, formed opinions and then discussed them across chain-linked fences with neighbors.

Face-to-face interpersonal interaction at city parks, local bars, restaurants and VFW halls were the social media of the day.

Issues were rationally discussed. Varying opinions shared and, every now and then, positions of participants actually shifted.

My dad was a great example of this phenomenon. A Navy veteran who raised his family during the Cold War—and proudly displayed his military service in World War II via an anchor tattoo on his forearm—evolved in his position on Vietnam.

Originally, he believed that the communist horde had to be stopped in Southeast Asia or else it would take over the world. As he started attending funerals of draftees from our hometown, he began rethinking his views on the war.

Eventually, he changed his view, believing Presidents Nixon and Johnson to both be inept wartime leaders with no plan for success. And it was a view he shared with others in polite and thoughtful conversation at the Rock Bar. He may have been challenged in his views, but he was not called a RINO or other moniker used so often today on social media.

And there is the rub. In today’s world, political views are seemingly etched in stone and then people find news sources and social media outlets that support their given pre-determined world view.

Take any breaking news story and watch a channel slanted to the right. Then watch a channel slanted to the left. Both news outlets will likely herald the story as precisely proving their differing viewpoints. Almost immediately, those viewpoints are posted to social media.

Is there anyone else that longs for the day when a neighbor expressing an opinion stood on their porch instead of hiding behind a keyboard?

Recently, I tried an experiment by attempting dialogue with someone who holds a political position opposite mine. It started off well enough. I (without giving away the origins of the ideas) expressed support for a few positions originated by members of his political party. Without giving any ideas of his own on the topic, I was told to go back to the 17th century.

My experiment—while disheartening— proved my original hypothesis of people today being so set in their views they are unwilling to hear what is being said.

Maybe someday soon, we’ll be able to talk with our neighbors on meaningful issues in a respectful tone. Until then, I’ll continue to use social media to post music videos and cat memes.

If we’re not friends on social media, head to the basement, pull out your old record players and dance your heart out: Blamin’ it all on the nights on Broadway, Singin’ them love songs, Singin’ them straight to the heart songs.

Blamin’ it all on the nights on Broadway Singin’ them sweet sounds, To that crazy, crazy town. n

RICK ROBINSON’S L ATE S T NOVEL , THE PROMISE OF CEDAR KE Y, IS AVAIL ABLE ON AM A ZON AND AT BOOKS TORE S IN NOR THERN KENTUCK Y. www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY HI STORY

BY DAVID E . SCHROEDER, E XECUTIVE DIREC TOR OF THE KENTON COUNT Y PUBLIC LIBR ARY

African Americans made major contributions to our region

A

frican Americans made considerable contributions to the Northern Kentucky community. Some have been recognized, many have been forgotten. Finding primary resources can be problematic.

African Americans historically were not well documented in area newspapers. In addition, few repositories actively sought their personal papers or other records. In an effort to address this inequality, the Kenton County Public Library is collecting the history of the African American community in our region. The following are a few examples.

Jacob Price is primarily known for the former public housing complex in the east side neighborhood of Covington. Price was a Baptist minister and leader in Covington’s African American community. Born in April 1839 in Woodford County, Ky., he was married to Mary Singer Price who shared in his work.

Jacob Price moved to Covington in 1859. In the 1860 Census, he is listed as a free man of color. By 1864, he was named pastor of the Black Baptist Church on Bremen Street (eventually, the congregation re-located to East Ninth Street). Price was an early advocate for educational opportunities for Covington’s African American population. On April 17, 1866, a group of concerned citizens, including Price, met in the Covington City Hall to establish a school for African American children. The first classes at the new school were held in his home at 61 Bremen St. Eventually the school was absorbed by the Covington Public School System. In 1886, Price worked diligently to establish a high school for African Americans in Covington. That year, William Grant High School opened its doors. The Prices’ daughter, Ann, was in the

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

first graduating class in 1889. She became a long-time teacher in Covington’s African American public schools.

Jacob Price was a well-known lumber dealer in the region. He established his business in 1881. A decade later, sales had increased to $15,000 per year, and the firm employed two delivery teams. The business was located on Madison Avenue in the heart of the city’s business district. Price operated the business until about 1914. Jacob Price died on March 1, 1923 in Covington. His widow and two children survived him.

Services were conducted at the First Baptist Church (African American) on East Ninth Street. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Ky. His small obituary in the Kentucky Post stated, “He was held in high esteem by both races.” Mary Singer Price, Jacob’s wife, died April 20, 1924.

African Americans also made contributions to health care in our region. Among the earliest was Dr. James E. Randolph who was born on Jan. 17, 1888 in Frankfort, Pike County, Mo. He was the grandson of a slave. He received his medical degree from Meharry College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1917 and began practicing medicine in Shelbyville, Tenn. In 1922, Dr. Randolph and his family moved to Covington. He began his practice at 1039 Greenup St. and in 1950 moved to 1002 Greenup St. He was the first African American physician to be on the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital and the first African American physician to be a member of the Campbell-Kenton Medical Society. A large percentage of the African American babies born in Covington between 1922 and 1958 were delivered by Dr. Randolph. Randolph received numerous honors during his long career. In 1976, LaSalette Academy awarded the doctor with a gold medal for his service to the community in the field of science. The city of Covington also named a park in the east side neighborhood in honor of Dr. Randolph in 1975. In 1997, he was posthumously inducted into

PHOTOS FROM KENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBR ARY

The Not-Forgotten Past

James Simpson

the Northern Kentucky Leadership Hall of Fame. Dr. Randolph was an active member of St. James A.M.E. Church in Covington and served as president of the Kentucky A.M.E. Organization of Lay Members. He died May 23, 1981 at the Baptist Convalescent Center in Newport. He was survived by a sister, three nieces and three greatnieces. Funeral services were conducted at St. James A.M.E. Church with burial at the Mary Smith Cemetery in Elsmere.

African Americans were also active in Covington’s business community and politics. Among the most well known was James

Simpson. Born July 24, 1928 in Somerset, Ky., Simpson was educated in the city’s public schools. He joined the United States Army in 1947. Simpson took advantage of GI Bill funds to finance his education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated with a degree in 1951.

In the following year he began working at the C.E. Jones Funeral Home in Covington, which served the African American community of Northern Kentucky. In May 1961, Anna Jones, the owner of the funeral home retired. At that time, Simpson purchased the business and changed the named to Jones & Simpson Funeral Home. Ten years later, James Simpson ran successfully for Covington City Commission. He was the first African American to win a city commission election in the history of Covington. Simpson served the full two-year term. He later finished an un-expired term on the commission in 1991. Simpson was active in many civic groups. He served on the following boards: Kenton County Airport Board (included a term as chairman), People’s Liberty Bank Board of Directors, Booth Hospital Board of Trustees, St. Elizabeth Hospital Board and the Kenton County TB Sanatorium Board.

Simpson was also one of the founders of the Northern Kentucky Community Center in the east side neighborhood of Covington.

James Simpson Jr. died Feb, 18, 1999. He was survived by his widow, Zona Simpson, and four children: James Simpson III, Ronald Simpson, Adrienne Simpson and Arnold Simpson, a former city manager of Covington and current Kentucky State Representative. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church on Ninth Street in Covington with burial at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.

These three individuals represent only a small portion of the African Americans in our region who contributed generously to the community. Their struggles and successes are beacons to current generations and remind all of us how important each person’s life is to our region. n

DAVE SCHROEDER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE KENTON COUNT Y PUBLIC LIBRARY. HE SERVES ON MANY REGIONAL AND STATE BOARDS INCLUDING FRIENDS OF THE KENTUCKY PUBLIC ARCHIVES AND THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY EDUCATION COUNCIL

Dr. James E. Randolph www.BestofNKY.com

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TONY ARR ASMITH/ARR ASMITH & ASSOCIATES

NKY SPOTLIGHT NKY EV ENTS

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

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NKY EVENTS

February PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS PINOCCHIO Feb. 2 Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park is bringing its touring production of Pinocchio to the Boone County Public Library.

This show presents a new take on the classic tale and is free to attend. 7-8 p.m.

Free. Boone County Public Library, 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington. facebook.com/ events/109131486560156/.

SYRIAN SHRINE CIRCUS Feb. 2-4 The Syrian Shrine Circus returns to BB&T Arena for another year of high-flying fun.

The three-ring circus features aerial acts, clowns and animal attractions. F 7:30 p.m., Sa 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., Su 1 p.m. $10-$30. BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University, 500 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. 859-4422652, thebbtarena.com.

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

RING ROUND THE MOON

Feb. 8 Greensky Bluegrass, a five-piece bluegrass band from Michigan, is bringing its unique brand of bluegrass to the Madison Theater. 8 p.m. $25 in advance, $27 at the door. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. 859-491-2444, madisontheateronline.com.

Feb. 9-17 Twins brothers Hugo and Frederic find themselves in a love triangle in this play that combines farce, romance and comedy. Th-Sa 8 pm., Su 3 p.m. $20.

Village Players of Fort Thomas, 8 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. 859-3920500, villageplayers.biz.

THE ART OF FOOD

THE PILLOWMAN

Feb. 9 Art and food intersect at the Carnegie’s annual The Art of Food event. Local artists will show off their foodinspired art while 20-plus chefs will present their culinary art. Attendees will be able to taste food created by chefs from Coppins Restaurant, Wunderbar, Walt’s Hitching Post and more at this event. 6-10 p.m. Members $35, non-members $50, VIP $75. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington.

859-957-1940, thecarnegie.com.

Through Feb. 10 In The Pillowman, a writer is questioned about several murders that are eerily similar to stories he has written. 8 p.m.

Th adults $17, students $10. F-Sa adults $22, students $15. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. 513-479-6783, falcontheater.net.

ANGELS IN AMERICA Feb. 14-24 The theater and dance students of Northern Kentucky University will present

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NKY EVENTS their version of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America Feb. 14-24. The play explores the AIDS crisis through the stories of eight New Yorkers affected by the disease in the 1980s. W-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. Adults $16, seniors $13, students $10. NKY Corbett Theatre, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. 859572-5464, artscience.nku.edu.

jazz and folk music. 7 p.m. $8-$10. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. 859-431-2201, southgatehouse.com.

MISSY RAINES & THE NEW HIP Feb. 21 Missy Raines, a seven-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, joins with the all-acoustic The New Hip for a night of bluegrass,

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE March 1-17 In this musical, a group of sixth graders are determined to win the 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. While each has their own reasons, they come together for a music- and comedy-filled time during this show.

W-Sa 8 p.m., Su 2 p.m. $22. The Footlighters. 802 York St., Newport. 859-6523849, footlighters.org.

A LITTLE NIGHT MAGIC Feb. 16-17 Sir Pat-Trick and Mike Woodward recreate the magic of the Golden Age of vaudeville and magic in this show. VIP attendees will get to sit in the front row and will receive a special gift. 8 p.m. General $15, children 12 and under $10, VIP general $20 and VIP children $15. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. 513-604-5900, littlenightmagic.com.

March

NOT TO SCALE [COVINGTON]: ANISSA LEWIS AND MARIE CLARE REITZ

SCOTT BIRAM Feb. 23 Known as The Dirty Old One Man Band, Scott Biram brings his rockin’ country blues to the Southgate House. 9 p.m. $15$18. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. 859-431-2201, southgatehouse.com.

March 2-April 29 Artists Anissa Lewis and Marie Clare Reitz used the neighborhood around the Carnegie to inspire their work featured in this exhibition. W-Sa 12-5 p.m. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. 859491-2030, thecarnegie.com.

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

NKY EVENTS

WINE WALK 2018

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

TRAVIS MEADOWS

March 3 Attendees of the Wine Walk 2018 will receive tickets for red and white wine tastings from several vendors as well as an appetizer pairing at each booth. Each attendee will also receive a souvenir glass to take home. 3-6 p.m. $35. Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. newportonthelevee.com.

March 16-31 The Falcon Theatre presents its version of the tragic play by Tennessee Williams.

Th adults $17, students $10. F-Sa adults $22, students $15. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. 513-479-6783, falcontheater.net.

March 24 Country music singer and songwriter Travis Meadows plays songs from his latest album, First Cigarette, at Madison Live. 8 p.m. $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

Madison Live, 734 Madison Ave., Covington.

859-491-2444, madisontheateronline.com.

NIGHTWISH March 26 Symphonic metal band Nightwish, which hails from Finland, makes a stop in Covington for the night. 8 p.m. $46-$86. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington.

859-491-2444, madisontheateronline.com.

PROPAGANDHI March 7 Propagandhi brings its latest album, Victory Lap, to the Southgate House. 8 p.m. $23-$25. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. 859-431-2201, southgatehouse.com.

Don’t see your event?

THAT 1 GUY

MOON TAXI

March 15 Mike Silverman, aka That 1 Guy, brings his one-of-a-kind instrument called The Magic Pipe to this show. 8 p.m. $15. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. 859-431-2201, southgatehouse.com.

March 23-24 Alternative rock band Moon Taxi, known for its hit “Two High,” plays two shows at the Madison Theater. 8 p.m. $25-$40. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington.

859-491-2444, madisontheateronline.com.

Add it for free to our online calendar at bestofnky.com.

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www.BestofNKY.com

17

NKY HOME

The Wiseway Way

Wiseway Supply offers better way to home décor

BY MIKE BOY ER

W

hether you’re remodeling an existing home or building your dream house, the Wiseway Design Showroom at 8301 Dixie Highway, Florence, has the latest in electrical and plumbing supply designs and technology.

Wiseway recently completed a major renovation of the 4,000-square-foot showroom, which offers one of the most complete collections of lighting and plumbing in Greater Cincinnati.

When it comes to lighting one of the brightest trends right now are LED (light emitting diodes) that emit a soft, gently diffused light. They provide brighter, more controllable lighting and increased energy efficiency with less wattage than standard bulbs.

Stacey Seltman-Sams, showroom manager, says LEDs are being used both inside

The Wiseway Design Showroom is one of the area’s most complete collections of lighting and plumbing.

L & M BU SY HA ND S

GIFTS, CRAFTS, ANTIQUES & MORE • Voted Best NKY Gift Shop!

• Workshops and Private Parties • Custom Orders Welcome • 75 + Local Crafters and Artisans • Large selection of hand crafted gifts, home decor and much much more!

2508 Dixie Highway Ft. Mitchell, Ky. 859.279.3426 LandMsBusyHands@gmail.com 18

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

NKY HOME

Wiseway distributes brands such as Kohler.

and outside the home.

“A lot of people are concentrating on their landscape lighting more. There’s a lot of focus on trees and landscape and things like that,” she says. “One member of our staff recently completed a very large project where a lighting rep went with her to do the whole house and making sure the sidewalks were well-lighted and accenting the front of the home including trees in the yard.”

Not only do LEDs put the home’s architectural features in the best light, they also improve home security, she says.

Wiseway has on display a huge variety of indoor lighting including unusual bulb

LADONA KING

KEN MEYERS

shapes, she says, offering contemporary and classic looks.

Unique lighting shapes are another new wrinkle. One unique light, she says is balloon shaped and doesn’t require a shade.

The Design Center renovation came on the heels of family-owned Wiseway being named Kohler’s first new distributor in Greater Cincinnati in more than 30 years because of its excellence in customer service. It was named a Rheem Water Heater distributor for the same reason, Seltman-Sams says.

The showroom includes five complete suites featuring Kohler products.

Kohler actually came in and did the suites, which are designed to show how an array of its products look in actual settings.

“They did the layout and we added the lighting. We change the lighting as new things come out. We also do custom orders.

If someone sees something in a catalogue we can order that for them.”

There’s a lot more versatility in bath lighting today, she says. “There are a lot of new sconces and things like that. It’s more decorative type lighting to make it your own style.’’

CHAD CARPENTER

AUDRA KORDENBROCK

In the plumbing area, Seltman-Sams says cast-iron sinks are very popular now.

“They’re durable and don’t chip like old cast irons and they come in an array of different colors, shapes and sizes.”

In the kitchen taller faucets with pullout sprays are getting a lot of attention, she says. Some kitchen remodels include separate pot-filler faucets for filling big pots and pans.

Motion-activated, or touchless, faucets also are increasingly popular. “You don’t have to touch the faucet if your hands are dirty, you just wave and it turns the faucet on or off. And they come in any décor, if you want a classic or modern look.”

She says, “People are expanding on their kitchens today. It’s no longer just a place to prepare meals but it’s a focal point for dining and entertaining.”

Wiseway offers customers in-home consultations or they can come in to the Design Showroom for a consultation.

“We can lay out the lighting and fixtures you need. It has more impact than just looking at a home design magazine or catalogue.” n

COREY SIDEBOTTOM

LORI BURDINE

JASON CROUCH

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www.BestofNKY.com

19

LIVE WELL NKY

Life-Altering Help A new laser procedure helps post-menopausal women enjoy life again

BY ERIC SPANGLER

I

t’s something that most post-menopausal women are reluctant to talk about. In fact, their own doctors don’t know that something’s not quite right unless they actually ask, says Dr. John Darpel, a physician with the Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers in Edgewood and Florence.

What’s not right for about half of postmenopausal women is vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, he says. So when a procedure used to treat those symptoms has women not only talking about their improved condition but also spreading the message by word of mouth it must be effective.

Darpel says the last patient he used the MonaLisa Touch service on couldn’t stop gushing how effective it was, even after just the first of three treatments. “She said, ‘Oh my gosh! I’m telling all my friends,’” Darpel says.

That procedure, known as the MonaLisa Touch service, uses a probe inserted into the vaginal canal. The probe is equipped with a laser that creates a series of tiny wounds in the vaginal tissue. The injuries then trigger a wound-healing process that causes revascularization and increases in collagen, he says.

“So the blood flow is better and the collagen that gets put down is what is there before women go through menopause,” says Darpel. “And that’s what makes the vagina more elastic and that’s how you get the benefit of the laser.”

The procedure is basically painless.

Dr. Emily Woeste, a physician with the

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NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

Dr. John Darpel

Dr. Emily Woeste

Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers in its Florence-Burlington office, says she was quite surprised when she had her first few patients, who were referred out to other providers for the procedure, come back for a checkup. “They came back and said, ‘I needed no anesthesia, I was awake the entire time, and it really didn’t hurt to have this laser used,’” says Woeste.

Instead of referring patients out to other providers for the procedure, however, several doctors at the Seven Hills Women’s Centers are now able to perform the MonaLisa Touch services at the company’s business center at 2060 Reading Road, Suite 170, in Cincinnati. The location is convenient, close to downtown Cincinnati, has plenty of free parking and has easy access for Northern Kentucky residents, says Kate Browne, marketing manager for Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers.

Darpel says that the procedure is not only virtually painless, but it’s quick. “The nice thing about having it over at Seven Hills

[administrative offices] is that it’s a walk in, walk out,” he says. “It’s a five-minute procedure. You get in you get out.”

Woeste says the procedure must be performed three times with six-week intervals between each treatment. The advantage over the typical treatment of hormone replacement therapy is that no estrogen is used in the MonaLisa Touch service, she says.

So for patients who have contraindications for estrogen the MonaLisa Touch is ideal for them, says Woeste. “Also, there are just some women who really would prefer not to take any type of hormone replacement … and that allows these people to have an alternative.”

And that alternative can be life altering.

Woeste says some patients have told her the MonaLisa Touch procedure changed their ability to have intercourse and it’s now something to which they actually look forward. “And that’s quite impressive,” says Woeste. n

981 midway drive, alexandria, ky, 41001 www.thriveology.us (859) 635-2200

SMOKI N ’ TH IS A ND THAT

BBQ

Are you looking for good country eating? Well look no further than Smokin’ This and That BBQ, where you can get authentic, southern barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and a heck of a lot more!

At Smokin’ This and That BBQ we love a good hunk of meat and a good barbecue. Additionally, we don’t need sauces on our meat because our dry rub is THAT good. Every BBQ item we prepare is tender and falls right off the bone and if you’re not careful, right into your lap! We smoke our meat slow and season it just right so when you try our beef, chicken, or pork you’ll immediately understand why we’re the best BBQ place in the area!

We also offer beers and drinks and whole lot of sides so your barbecue main course won’t get too lonely.

10020 Demia Way • Florence, KY 41042 (859) 817-0492 • smokinthisandthatbbq.com

NKY RESTAURANT GUIDE 2018 By the Editors

As Northern Kentucky enters its own renaissance, new restaurants are opening up and old favorites are being rediscovered. This annual guide gives a taste of the region’s excellent cuisine, from barbecue and sandwiches to steak and pasta. Make tonight a night out and try one of the fabulous dining establishments that call NKY home.

Do you know of a restaurant we should include next year?

Fill out a Letter to the Editor form at bestofnky.com or tweet using #NKYdining to tell us what we missed.

Lisse Steakhuis 530 Main St., Covington 859-360-7008 lisse.restaurant When Hans Philippo bought the building that previously housed Chez Nora, he wasn’t intending on opening his own restaurant. But when he couldn’t find a suitable renter, he, with a partner, decided to do it himself.

Lisse Steakhuis, named after Philippo’s hometown in Holland, provides classic steakhouse options paired with Dutch inspiration. For example, the most popular item (and Philippo’s favorite) is the Dutch Filet. It’s an 8-ounce filet served with hutspot (mashed potatoes, carrots and onion with an herb sauce).

Another popular item is the bitterballen, a traditional Dutch snack.

“It’s basically derived from stewed meat, shredded, then it’s thickened and then once it’s cooled off, it’s formed into balls, breaded and deep fried. Then we serve it with curry ketchup and whole grain mustard,” Chef Nick Amshoff says.

Philippo has spread these Dutch touches to the interior. The restaurant is bright, light and filled with tulip art.

“Lisse is the tulip capital of the world,” he says.

Lisse offers more than food. It has live music Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; a cigar bar that non-members can usually visit for a nightly fee of $10; and a third floor balcony the features views of downtown Cincinnati.

- CORINNE MINARD

www.BestofNKY.com

23

Frida 602 602 Main St., Covington, 859-815-8736 fridaonmain.com Frida 602 brings a dash of Mexican color and heat to Mainstrasse.

“I’d call it a progressive taqueria. Our menu doesn’t deviate too far from a standard taqueria but we try to enhance the products by techniques, and product sourcing,” says Paul Weckman, who with his wife Emily Wolff opened Frida’s down the street from their bistro Otto’s.

“We’re both interested in Mexican culture and wanted to do something Latin themed and to broaden the palate of what’s offered in the neighborhood, “ he

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says. “We didn’t want a fine dining establishment but just to up the ante with a daily place to stop in grab a drink and a couple pieces of good food and enjoy the community.”

They saved the 1850s-era brick building that was days from a wrecking ball and extensively rebuilt it using drawings they made visiting Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s home. Frida’s offers an extensive drink menu, many built around mezcal. The menu is Mexican with a twist: for example the popular brussels sprout tacos.

“The sprouts are flash-fired and then sautéed with garlic, onions and some brown sugar for sweetness with smoked peanut salsa on top,” says Weckman.

– MIKE BOYER

Colonial Cottage 3140 Dixie Highway, Erlanger, 859-341-4498 thecottagenky.com If it is goetta you like, then Colonial Cottage is the place to head to for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Erlanger restaurant is known for its goetta dishes—goetta and eggs; goetta Reuben with chips; goetta burger with chips; goetta nachos; and the goetta wrap are just some of the restaurant’s goetta offerings.

Breakfast is what Colonial Cottage may be known for, and it’s served all day, but it also has a menu loaded with lunch and dinner items, including daily specials.

If you’re not in the mood for goetta, there is the Cottage’s pan-fried half chicken—Colonial Cottage was voted best fried chicken in our Best of NKY competition.

Owner Matt Grimes has said that Colonial Cottage’s catfish is the best in the area, and the menu offers it breaded, grilled or blackened. Another popular item is the liver and onions with gravy.

Other features from the extensive menu include prime rib, meat loaf, salmon croquettes and cottage ham.

The original owner Clara Rich said the cottage was started 85 years ago as a “place to feel at home.”

Colonial Cottage still feels that way.

– MARC EMRAL

Casual Chinese 88 Carothers Road, Newport 859-431-2900, casualchinese.com When you need mouthwateringly excellent food and you need it fast, Casual Chinese in Newport serves quality takeout for any sudden craving.

Nestled in a strip center near Newport Pavilion, the restaurant creates Chinese and Thai meals. Many diners pick up takeout, but you can also dine in the restaurant. The restaurant is known for the quality of its food and its reasonable prices. Its lunch specials (which range from $4.30-$4.95 daily) are definitely a bargain.

Both texture and flavor are kept in mind while making these dishes.

Owner Harry Hsu is known for his secret cooking method, which keeps noodles crispy instead of soggy. A menu favorite is the Pad Thai. It’s spicy without being overwhelmingly so, and the balance among the protein, vegetable and noodles makes every bite special.

- CM

www.BestofNKY.com

25

Sub Station II 1826 Dixie Hwy, Fort Wright, 859-341-9494 794 Donaldson Hwy, Erlanger, 859-817-0233 substationii.net When it comes to sub sandwiches, it’s all about fresh, says Michael Monson, owner of the Sub Station II franchises in Fort Wright and Erlanger.

“We pride ourselves on quality of the food. A lot of places use pre-packed meats and vegetables, but we fresh slice tomatoes, onions and shred lettuce each morning. We use only all-natural turkey and chicken breasts and real cheese.”

Monson estimates his stores produce a couple thousand sandwiches each week. When it comes to bread, Sub Station II relies on outside expertise.

“Baking bread is an art form,” he says. “I think we’re one of the few that goes to the trouble to have our bread sourced from an East Coast bakery to have a true East Coast sandwich.”

Monson started working for the Substation II store in Florence while attending Thomas More University. After graduation he decided to buy the Fort Wright location and followed that up last year by adding the Erlanger store.

“I’m a food person. I love food,” he says. “And I’m a people person. In this business you get to interact with everybody. It’s a great way to make a living.”

– MB

Goodfellas Pizzeria 603 Main St., Covington, 859-916-5209 goodfellaspizzeria.com Goodfellas Pizzeria began offering its pizza experience in Lexington, but the owners quickly felt that their pizza should be shared throughout the southern Midwest.

“We opened the Mainstrasse location in 2012 and the Over-The-Rhine location in 2014. The owners noticed a void in the late-night dining arena and decided to fill it with delicious, authentic New York-style pizza,” says Chris Rudd, regional manager. “Both the style of our cuisine and the heritage of the founders have an Italian background, so our restaurant has always embraced a fun spin on the gangster theme.”

Goodfellas’ pizzas quickly made a mark on the region. “Our titular pie, the ‘Goodfella,’ is a meaty selection of pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef and bacon [and] is one of our most popular menu items,” says Rudd. “We boast one of the most impressive bourbon collections anywhere,” says Rudd.

Although Goodfellas offers a unique selection of adult beverages, Goodfellas is a family-friendly restaurant. “The vibe of the restaurant depends on what time it happens to be,” says Rudd. “Goodfellas is a community driven restaurant with a fast-paced, by-the-slice lunch rush, a comfortable dinner sit-down and a frenetic, fun late-night extravaganza.”

– MADISON RODGERS

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Smokin’ This and That BBQ 10020 Demia Way, Florence, 859-817-0492 smokinthisandthatbbq.com Guy Cummins didn’t start making barbecue with the intention of opening a restaurant. But when people started showing up at his house to try his homesmoked meats, he realized that he had something special happening.

In its current Florence location, Cummins’ Smokin This and That BBQ specializes in making smoked wings, pork and brisket unlike any other barbecue place in town.

“If you can get anything on our plate anywhere else, then why do it?” he says.

Cummins points to his wings as an example: “Ninety-nine percent of the places you go for wings, they always have sauce on them. You can get that anywhere, so I don’t want to do that. So people, they deep fry wings, so I don’t want to do that.

I want to do something different than everybody else. So why not smoke them?”

Cummins carries this unique attitude throughout the restaurant. The tables and chairs are outdoor patio furniture. To keep the family atmosphere, no liquor is served though the restaurant has a wide selection of beer.

Cummins offers special deals for police offers and military personnel. He also donates time and food to several area nonprofits.

- CM www.BestofNKY.com

27

Barleycorn’s 1073 Industrial Road, Cold Spring, 859-442-3400 2642 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, 859-331-6633 8544 US 42, Florence, 859-371-4100 barleycorns.com It’s a cliché to say about a bar that everyone knows your name. But Barleycorn’s restaurants’ customers have that feeling.

“We are a 43-year-old company and have customers who come in five times a week, two times a week,” owner Joe Heil says. “There are some people, when they don’t come in, we get worried about them.”

Another draw is the food—everything on the menu is homemade. Items include

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pot roast French dip sub, roasted apple pork chops and mama’s pot roast. And don’t forget Heil’s favorite menu selection.

“Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and green beans,” he says without hesitating.

“All of it is homemade.”

Barelycorn’s jumbo chicken wings are a hot selling item. They have a special sauce: “Doc Style, that was created by a doctor. It’s a unique cooking style that has not been duplicated anywhere else,” Heil says.

The restaurants are family-friendly, and even though they show the top sporting events on multiple TVs and host college signings, Barleycorn’s has graduated from a sports bar.

“It’s a gathering place for people who want to be comfortable,” he says.

– ME

Drake’s 6805 Houston Road, Florence, 859-869-4840 drakescomeplay.com Drake’s is known for its beer, sushi and burgers.

“We like to call ourselves a bar that loves food and a restaurant that loves beer,” says Leela Foley, marketing manager.

“It might seem a little odd but sushi has been a part of our concept for a long time,” she says. “We have sushi chefs at each restaurant and everything is rolled fresh to order. It’s part of what sets us apart.”

For example, she says, “If a couple goes out they don’t have to chose between

sushi and burgers, with us they can have both.”

Drake’s is part of the Bluegrass Hospitality Group in Lexington. Drake’s features “fresh never frozen” smashed burgers that come in plenty of varieties and it also offers pub staples such as tacos, flat breads and quesadillas.

Drake’s is more than a sports bar. With more than 20 TVs, there’s always a game on, but during the day the restaurant morphs from family-friendly for lunch and dinner, to high-energy at night with a DJ playing tunes on the weekends.

That energy is enhanced by different nightly promotions from trivia on Sundays and Mondays, to “Wings and Whiskey” Wednesdays, to make-your-own bloody marys on weekends.

– MB

www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY DINING

COMFORTABLE CLASSICS AND EXOTIC EATS — NORTHERN KENTUCKY HAS THEM ALL AT THESE LOCAL RESTAURANTS American 27 BAR + KITCHEN 720 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 360-5579 27bar.kitchen Bruschetta, tri-tip and catfish.

BARD’S BURGERS & CHILI 3620 Decoursey Ave., Covington (859) 866-6017 Burgers, Cincinnati-style chiili and deep-fried Oreos.

BARLEYCORN’S 8544 US 42, Florence (859) 371-4100 barleycorns.com Burgers, chicken wings and American classics.

(Multiple locations.)

BEHLE STREET BY SHELI 2220 Grandview Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 341-8888 behlestreetbysheli.com Braised short ribs, steak and pasta.

BISCUITS TO BURGERS 50 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington (859) 292-5034 biscuitstoburgers.com Breakfast seven days a week plus burgers.

BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE 7852 Mall Road, Florence (859) 282-8865 bjsrestaurants.com Deep dish pizza, light menu and the Pizookie. (Multiple locations).

BOUQUET RESTAURANT 519 Main St., Covington (859) 491-7777 bouquetrestaurant.com Locally grown vegetables and meat; fine wine.

BUFFALO BOB’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 9910 Berberich Drive, Florence (859) 371-5244 eatatbobs.com Wings, pork chops, ribs, meatloaf and crusted pecan chicken salads.

COACH’S CORNER 317 E. Sixth St., Newport (859) 261-2800 Burgers and Cajun fries.

FIRE AT RIVERCENTER 50 E. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington (859) 392-2850 fireatrivercenter.com American dishes, extensive bourbon list.

COLONIAL COTTAGE 3140 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859) 341-4498 thecottagenky.com Pasta, steak, chicken and homemade pies.

COPPIN’S AT HOTEL COVINGTON 638 Madison Ave, Covington (859) 905-6800 hotelcovington.com/dining Classic gastropub fare with a nod to both the North and the South.

DIXIE CHILI 733 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 291-5337 dixiechili.com Classic coneys, 3-ways, salads and deli sandwiches.

(Multiple locations.)

DRAKE’S 6805 Houston Road, Florence (859) 869-4840 Drakescomeplay.com Beer, burgers & sushi

FLIPDADDY’S BURGERS & BEERS 165 Pavilion Parkway, Newport (859) 431-2337 flipdaddys.com Serves almost two dozen different burgers.

FORT WRIGHT FAMILY RESTAURANT 1860 Ashwood Circle, Ft Wright (859) 331-8359 Burgers, double deckers and breakfast.

GRANDVIEW TAVERN 2220 Grandview Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 341-8439 grandviewtavern.com Pizza, burgers, steak, chicken.

GREYHOUND TAVERN 2500 Dixie Highway, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-3767 greyhoundtavern.com Fried chicken, pork chops and Southern cuisine. Sunday brunch.

HEBRON GRILLE 1960 N Bend Road, Hebron (859) 586-0473 hebrongrilleky.com Craft beers, burgers and sammies.

HOLLER HOPS AND GRILL 7500 Oakbrook Drive, Florence (859) 918-6532 Pub food, burgers, wraps, tacos and pulled pork.

JOELLA’S HOT CHICKEN 2440 High St., Crescent Springs (859) 341-4444 joellashotchicken.com Nashville-style hot chicken with six spice levels.

KNUK-N-FUTZ 5468 Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill (859) 261-9464 knuknfutz.com Wings have 11 flavors, and 5 temperatures.

LOYAL CAFE 402 Foote Ave., Bellevue (859) 431-5223 Sandwiches and coneys.

530 MAIN ST. COVINGTON, KY 41011 859.360.7008 | INFO@LISSE.RESTAURANT WWW.LISSE.RESTAURANT

We are grateful that the people of NKY recognize what goes into the comfort food in which we specialize. There is nothing more comforting than good fried chicken.

Please join us soon!

3140 Dixie Highway • Erlanger, KY 41018 859-341-4498 • thecottagenky.com 30

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

530 MAIN ST. COVINGTON, KY 41011 859.360.7008 | INFO@LISSE.RESTAURANT WWW.LISSE.RESTAURANT

NKY DINING LYNNA’S GRILL 3728 Winston Ave., Covington (859) 291-4910 Breakfast, lunch and brunch.

MANSION HILL TAVERN 502 Washington Ave., Newport (859) 581-0100 Traditional American fare in a jazz club.

MIDWAY ON MADISON AVENUE 724 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 279-3148 midwayonmadisonavenue.com Sandwiches, salads and entrees.

OLD TOWN CAFE & CATERING 9 W. Pike St., Covington (859) 291-0664 Burgers, sandwiches and salads.

PARADISE DONUTS 2091 N. Bend Road, Hebron (859) 817-9348 paradisedonutsky.com Donuts, fritters and fruit pies. (Multiple locations.)

PEEWEE’S PLACE 2325 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs (859) 341-4977 peewees-place.com Burgers, wings and beer.

PRESIDENT’S INN 5991 N. Jefferson St., Burlington (859) 689-1776 presidentsinnky.com Home-cooked favorites with fine dining attributes in a family-friendly environment.

THE PRETZEL PLACE 411 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue (859) 781-6569 thepretzelplace.wixsite.com/ mysite Pretzels and specialty sandwiches.

RAFFERTY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR 7379 Turfway Road, Florence (859) 371-1140 raffertys.com Cheese fries, spinach salad and wood-fired pork chops.

RIMA D’S 635 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 261-7800 Pies, wraps and fried chicken.

SUB STATION II 1826 Dixie Highway, Ft Wright (859) 341-9494 794 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger (859) 817-0233 substationii.net Subs, soups and chili.

TOUSEY HOUSE TAVERN 5963 N Jefferson St., Burlington (859) 586-9900 touseyhouse.com Family-style fried chicken, cod sandwich, hot brown, club sandwich, hot slaw, steaks , chops and salads.

WASHINGTON SQUARE CAFE & CATERING 5981 Jefferson St., Burlington (859) 586-0120 Ribeye, Hot Browns, salads and sandwiches.

Asian NEW GARDEN 1031 S Ft Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 781-7888 newgardenfortthomas.com Sushi, General Tso’s chicken and fried rice.

WABI SABI 508 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 360-5097 wabisabicovington.com Half-price sushi daily and Asian cuisine.

Barbeuce

Cajun

CITY BBQ 2760 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights (859) 415-4544 citybbq.com Slow-smoked brisket, ribs and chicken. (Multiple locations.)

DEE FELICE CAFÉ 529 Main St., Covington (859) 261-2365 deefelicecafe.com Steak, pasta and homemade bread.

MONTGOMERY INN 400 Buttermilk Pike, Ft Mitchell (859) 344-5333 montgomeryinn.com Famous Montgomery Inn ribs and saratoga chips.

(Multiple locations.)

SMOKE JUSTIS 302 Court St., Covington (859) 814-8858 smokejustis.com Smoked barbecue and wings.

SMOKIN’ THIS AND THAT BBQ 10020 Demia Way, Florence (859) 817-0492 smokinthisandthatbbq.com Barbecue rubbed pork, chicken and beef.

WEBB’S BBQ 115 E. Ninth St., Newport (859) 292-8952 webbs-bbq.com Pulled pork sandwiched, ribs, brisket and smoked turkey sandwich.

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU 6302 Licking Pike, Cold Spring (859) 781-2200 theknottypineonthebayou.com An array of fresh seafood dishes as well as staples from the Louisiana area..

Chinese CASUAL CHINESE 88 Carothers Road, Newport (859) 431-2900 casualchinese.com Top-notch Chinese, known for Pad Thai and egg rolls.

CHINA STAR 154 Barnwood Drive, Edgewood (859) 426-9688 chinastaredgewood.com Lunch and chef’s specials.

GOLDEN WOK 1781 Patrick Drive, Burlington (859) 689-1888 goldenwokburlington.com Pad Thai, teriyaki and moo shu.

IS ON TAP!

WEDDINGS PARTIES CORPORATE EVENTS

PATIOS OPENING SOON! Cold Spring | Florence | Lakeside Park

To book a wedding, party, or event, email jeanna@barleycorns.com or call 859-512-5400

www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY DINING KUNG FOOD CHU’S AMERASIA 521 Madison Ave., Ste. B, Covington (859) 261-6121 Soul food meets Kung food. Asian Fusion, Chinese and Taiwanese.

ORIGINAL WOK 5038 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill (859) 431-3000 originalwok.com Fresh fish and vegetarian options.

RAYMOND’S HONG KONG CAFÉ 11051 Clay Drive, Walton (859) 485-2828 Noodles, chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian.

WOK & ROLL CHINESE RESTAURANT 4213 Richardson Road, Independence (859) 647-1888 Sweet and sour, chop suey and moo shu.

Coffeehouse BEAN HAUS BAKERY & CAFE 640 Main St., Covington (859) 431-2326 Coffees, loose leaf teas smoothies, and treats.

CARABELLO COFFEE 107 E. Ninth St., Newport (859) 415-1587 carabellocoffee.com Philanthropic artisan coffee.

FORT THOMAS COFFEE 118 N Ft Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 814-8282 fortthomascoffee.com Smoothies, blended coffee, breakfast sandwiches, muffins and oatmeal.

NEWBERRY BROS. COFFEE 530 Washington Ave., Newport (859) 261-9463 newberrybroscoffee.com Coffee and small plates; bourbon bar.

PINK IN A BLANKET DOUGHNUTS 7220 Burlington Pike, Florence (859) 869-4973 pinkinablanketdoughnut.com Doughnuts, croissants and pink in a blanket.

VELOCITY BIKE & BEAN 7560 Burlington Pike, Florence (859) 371-8356 velocitybb.com Full-service bike shop and coffee bar.

WYNNERS CUP CAFE 301 Elm St. Ste A, Ludlow (859) 912-5806 Coffee, goetta and egg breakfast sandwiches, pastries and waffles.

Dessert EMERSON’S BAKERY 7606 Dixie Highway, Florence (859) 371-9228 emersonsbakeryky.com Cookies, pies and pastries.

(Multiple locations.)

GIGI’S CUPCAKES 7753 Mall Road, Ste C, Florence (859) 746-9200 gigiscupcakesusa.com Cupcakes, gluten-free options and cheesecake.

German HOFBRAUHAUS 200 E. Third St., Newport (859) 491-7200 hofbrauhausnewport.com Soups, salads, sandwiches, Bavarian specialties.

VILLAGE GASTHAUS 514 W. Sixth St., Covington (859) 261-0516 villagegasthaus.com German pub food like potato pancakes and Spaetzle.

“Lettuce” show you what fresh truly is!

We slice every sandwich to order. Produce is sliced everyday to ensure the best taste and without the addition of chemicals. Our bread is a true east coast Italian sub roll.

1826 Dixie Hwy Ft. Wright KY 41011 794 Donaldson Rd. Erlanger KY 41018

(859) 341-9494 • substationii.net 32

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

WUNDERBAR 1132 Lee St., Covington (859) 815-8027 German-fusion gastropub that specializes in handmade sausages, sandwiches, soups, breads, mustards and more.

Greek GREEK BURRITO 1 Levee Way, Ste. 2119, Newport (859) 614-6306 Fast, fresh and healthy Mediterranean. Greek rice bowls, sandwiches, salads and juice bar.

GREEK TO ME 3415 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859) 727-3000 greektome.net More than a dozen different types of gyros.

PITA PIT 2740 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights (859) 360-5933 pitapitusa.com Pita bread with your choice of meat and vegetables.

Guatemalan TERCER DIA 915 Madison Ave., Covington Pollo dorado, caldo and tamales.

Ice Cream/Yogurt MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT 8544 US 42, Ste 100, Florence (859) 647-7300 menchies.com Nonfat, regular, tart and sorbet flavors.

SILVER GROVE DARI BAR 5178 Mary Ingles Highway, Silver Grove (859) 781-2221 Soft serve ice cream, burgers and coneys.

SWEET FROG PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT 2416 Baxter Road, Crescent Springs (859) 341-1310 sweetfrog.com Offers dozens of flavors and many toppings.

Indian AMOL INDIA 527 York St., Newport (859) 261-2317 amolindiacarryoutnewport.com Fine Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

NKY DINING

Italian

GRILL OF INDIA 112 E. 30th St., Covington (859) 491-1313 grillofindiacincinnati.com Modern interpretation of classic dishes.

GURU INDIA 2303 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs (859) 341-5858 guruindiarestaurant.com Lamb, shrimp and vegetarian specialties.

Intercontinental INSPIRADO 715 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 261-7600 inspiradocov.com Global cuisines, handcrafted cocktails and housemade sodas.

Irish MOLLY MALONE’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 112 E. Fourth St., Covington (859) 491-6659 covington.mollymalonesirishpub. com 28 craft and import beers on tap, a large selection of Irish, Scotch and local whiskey in addition to Irish food.

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE 1 Levee Way, Newport (859) 431-0900 brioitalian.com Tuscan cuisine. Grilled entrees and pasta dishes accompanied by drinks and desserts.

DOMINIC’S RESTAURANT 15 Pete Neiser Drive, Alexandria (859) 635-8600 dominicsky.com Pasta, sandwiches and Southern dishes like pot pie.

POMPILIOS 600 Washington Ave., Newport (859) 581-3065 pompilios.com Pasta, chicken, veal, beef and fish. Homemade sausage, sauces.

Japanese CHAKO BAKERY CAFE 212 W Pike St., Covington (859)609-0166 chakobakerycafe.com Handmade bread and pastry with unique Japanese ingredients.

JO AN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 3940 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger (859) 746-2634 joanjapanese.com Authentic Japanese sushi, noodle dishes and tempura.

LA HIRO SUSHI AND SWEETS 8645 Haines Drive, Florence (859) 657-6600 sushiandsweets.com Tempura, sushi and Japanese-style pasta.

MATSUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 7149 Manderlay Drive, Florence (859) 746-1199 Sushi bar, tatami room, kaiseki course dinners, sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.

MIYAKO SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE 2511 Ritchie St., Crescent Springs (859) 578-0031 miyakorestaurant.com Hibachi and sushi.

MIYOSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 8660 Bankers St., Florence (859) 525-6564 miyoshirestaurant.com Authentic Japanese dishes with seasonal ingredients.

SEA SUSHI & GRILL 7951 US Highway 42, Florence (859) 371-1688 seasushigrill.com Sushi. Hibachi and wok entrees.

Korean RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT 512 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 291-1484 riversidekoreanrestaurant.com Seafood, noodles, rice and soup.

Mediterranean KABOBSKE 7563 Mall Road, Florence (859) 322-0112 kabobske.com Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Greek dishes.

PARADISE RESTAURANT & CAFÉ 4135 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring (859) 781-8000 paradisehookahcafe.com Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.

Mexican ACAPULCO 8101 Connector Drive, Florence (859) 282-0687 acapulcocinci.com Tex-Mex burritos and tacos.

(Multiple locations.)

AGAVES 2010 N. Bend Road, Hebron (859) 689-5489 agaveshebron.com Enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas.

CANCUN MEXICAN BAR & GRILL 1781 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 291-9200 cancunmexicanrestaurantes.com Green corn tamales, enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas.

CHUY’S 6825 Houston Road, Florence (859) 525-2489 chuys.com Burritos and tacos.

(Multiple locations.)

EL JINETE 5062 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill (859) 360-1767 Tacos, quesadillas and fajitas.

(Multiple locations.)

EL TORO BRAVO 625 Chestnut Drive, Walton (859) 493-0222 Margaritas and fajitas.

FRIDA 602 602 Main St., Covington (512) 555-0110 fridaonmain.com Latin street cuisine.

Pediatric office of Dr David Rider and Dr Kelty McLaurin

Dr. David Rider, DMD

1982 University of Louisville Pediatric Dental Residency-Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center 1984

The specialty of Pediatric Dentistry over the years has evolved from providing adult type dentistry for youngsters to creating an environment that not only demonstrates a comfort level for those requiring any type of intervention but invites children and parents alike to come to the office, have some fun, play some games, watch movies and yes, secondarily learn in an awesome environment about anything related to each child’s specific dental issues or needs. Dr. Rider & Dr. McLaurin feel going the extra mile to assure that each child has their best dental experience ever whether it’s for a regular recall exam, a traumatic event or some restorative care has to be the primary goal of the practice. We want the children to want to be here and to be excited for their dental visit.

Dr. Kelty McLaurin, DMD 2015 University Of Mississippi Medical Center Pediatric Dental ResidencyUniversity of Kentucky 2017

1809 Alexandria Pike • Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076 859-781-1500 • teeth4kidz.com www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY DINING GUTIERREZ DELI 1131 Lee St., Covington (859) 431-3354 Tacos and fresh tamales.

LA MEXICANA RESTAURANT & GROCERY 642 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 261-6112 Homemade tortillas, caldos (soups), menudo (beef), pozole (pork) and tamales.

MI TIERRA 3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft Wright (859) 331-1234 mitierrafortwright.com Mole, enchiladas and fajitas.

MONTOYAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2507 Chelsea Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 341-0707 Mole, enchiladas and fajitas.

RIO GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT 34 Carothers Road, Newport (859) 292-8750 eatriogrande.com Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and sizzling fajitas.

TAQUERIA ARANDAS 8050 Holiday Place, Florence (859) 534-0418 Authentic Mexican food, margaritas, happy hour specials.

TAQUERIA CRUZ 518 Pike St., Covington (859) 431-3859 taqueriacruzcincinnati.com Authentic Mexican, including goat tacos.

TAQUERIA RAMIREZ 6910 Burlington Pike, Florence (859) 371-1190 Tacos, tortas, burritos and enchiladas.

Persian/Iranian HOUSE OF GRILL 14 E. Fifth St., Covington (859) 206-6324 kentuckyhouseofgrill.com Persian food including kebabs and Persian stew.

Pizza BOURBON HOUSE PIZZA 7500 Oakbrook Drive, Florence (859) 282-7999 bourbonhousepizza.com Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

BUONA VITA PIZZERIA 2513 Ritchie St. Crescent Springs, (859) 279-3847 buonavitapizzeria.com Fresh, handmade traditional pizza.

CAMPOROSSO 2475 Dixie Highway, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-0155 camporosso.com Wood-fired and classic pizzas.

DEWEY’S PIZZA 2949 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills (859) 341-2555 deweyspizza.com Specialty pizzas.

(Multiple locations.)

GARZELLI’S PUB & PIZZA 3025 Dixie Highway, Edgewood (859) 331-8585 Pizza, salads,and calzones.

GIUSEPPE’S PIZZERIA 2607 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 814-8444 eatattheg.com Pizza, salads, hoagies.

GOODFELLAS PIZZERIA 603 Main St., Covington (859) 916-5209 goodfellaspizzeria.com New York-style pizzeria.

THE GRUFF 129 E .Second St., Covington (859) 581-0040 atthegruff.com Pizza, sandwiches, salads and full bar.

MAC’S PIZZA PUB 604 Main St., Covington (859) 431-6227 macspizzamainstrasse.com Known for custom pizzas like the Flying Pig. MELLOW MUSHROOM 1014 Town Drive, Wilder (859) 441-6600 mellowmushroom.com Salads, calzones and 16 specialty pizzas. (Multiple locations.)

NEWPORT PIZZA CO. 601 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 261-4900 newportpizzacompany.com Homemade pizza with creative specialty pizzas, hoagies, salads and an extensive craft beer list.

NOCE’S PIZZERIA 116 Barnwood Drive, Edgewood (859) 331-6623 nocespizzapub.com NY-style pizza, homemade pasta dishes and an assortment of sandwiches and salads.

PASQUALE’S NEWPORT 630 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 291-1443 pasqualesnewport.com Pizza, stromboli and pasta.

BEER BURGERS SUSHI s! u o t e s n e s s e k a M

SALVADORE’S PIZZERIA 3218 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859) 727-1155 salvadorespizzeria.com Pizza, hoagies and 20 craft beers on tap.

STRONG’S BRICK OVEN 1990-D N. Bend Road, Hebron (859) 586-6836 strongsbrickovenpizza.com Pizza, cheesy bread, bruschetta.

(Multiple locations.).

SUN VALLEY PIZZA 11500 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria (859) 635-0010 Pizza and hoagies.

TOM’S PAPA DINO’S PIZZA 288 Main St., Florence (859) 371-5567 tomspapadinos.com Pizza, wings, hoagies and salads.

Pub Fare 915 PUB & GRILL 915 N. Ft Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 441-1333 1/2 lb specialty burgers. Wings, pizzas, salads and more.

th

AN

NIVERSARY

Best of Cincinnati Italian Restaurant and Bar

6 8 05 Houston Rd Florence K Y, 41042 859 - 8 69 - 4 8 40 drakescomeplay.com drakescomeplay

Open 7 days a week • Available for Caterings and Events 600 Washington Ave. • Newport, KY 41071

(859) 581-3065 • pompilios.com 34

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

NKY DINING BILLIE’S SKYLINE TAVERN AND RESTAURANT 430 Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights (859) 441-6713 Wraps, wings and salads.

LUCKY DUCK PUB 6072 Limaburg Road, Burlington (859) 282-8570 luckyduckpub.com Pizzas, sandwiches and burgers. (Multiple locations.)

BROTHERS BAR & GRILL 1 Levee Way, Newport (859) 291-2767 brothersbar.com Wings, burgers, wraps and entrees.

LUDLOW BROMLEY YACHT CLUB & THE LAGOON SALOON 860 Elm St., Ludlow (859) 291-8132 ludlowbromleyyachtclub.com Wings, kabobs and chops.

MOKKA AND THE SUNSET BAR & GRILL 500 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 643-8326 mokkasunset.com Burgers, sandwiches, salads, breakfast.

PUB AT CRESTVIEW HILLS 2853 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills (859) 426-7827 experiencethepub.com Burgers, sandwiches, paninis and pub fare.

SIS’S ON MONMOUTH 837 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 431-3157 sisonmonmouth.com Fish tacos, meatloaf and chicken livers.

COCK & BULL PUBLIC HOUSE 601 Main St., Covington 859-581-4253cockandbullcincinnati.com Sheperd’s pie and burgers.

THE GREEN LANTERN CAFE 3938 Decoursey Ave., Covington (859) 491-3938 thegreenlanternbar.com Chicken wings, sandwiches and burgers.

LONGNECKS SPORTS GRILL 1009 Town Drive, Wilder (859) 291-5664 longneckssportsgrill.com Burger and wings.

(Multiple locations.)

STRASSE HAUS 630 Main St., Covington (859) 261-1199 Burgers, salads, sandwiches and chicken.

ZAZOU GRILL & PUB 502 W. Sixth St., Covington (859) 261-9111 Pizzas, burgers and cheesy tots.

ZOLA PUB & GRILL 626 Main St., Covington (859) 261-7510 zolapubandgrill.com Appetizers, salads, pizza, burgers, wings and sandwiches.

Seafood BONEFISH GRILL 588 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs (859) 426-8666 bonefishgrill.com Market-fresh fish and other wood-grilled specialties.

CHART HOUSE 405 Riverboat Row, Newport (859) 261-0300 chart-house.com Snapper Hemingway, shrimp fresca and slowroasted prime rib.

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET 1 Levee Way, Ste. 2129, Newport (859) 291-7454 mitchellsfishmarket.com Upscale-casual seafood restaurant.

Steakhouses EIGHTEEN Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront Hotel, 668 W. Fifth St., Covington (859) 491-5300 18dining.com Previously 360. Steakhouse and brunch in the Radisson.

LISSE 530 Main St, Covington (859) 360-7008 lisse.restaurant Dutch-inspired steakhouse.

Thai MAI THAI RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR 7710 US 42, Florence (859) 282-1888 the-maithai.com Thai food, sushi, desserts, appetizers, noodles, curry, fried rice, beers and wines.

NITTHA SIAM KITCHEN 2415 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights (859) 441-0132 nitthasiamkitchen.com Pad Thai, noodle soups and sushi.

SIAM ORCHID THAI RESTAURANT 511 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue (859) 694-7700 siamorchidky.com Siam crispy duck and curries.

SWEET BASIL 2520 Hazelwood Road, Crescent Springs (859) 331-1999 sweetbasilnky.com Sushi, seafood, duck, vegetarian and curry.

Comprehensive online dining listings for NKY at

www.BestofNKY.com.

It’s not just business.

It’s personal.

CALL OUR BUSINESS LENDING EXPERTS TODAY!

859.360.3206

FORCHTBANK.COM I MEMBER FDIC

KRISTIN REED

SVP / Business Development

STEVE BRUNSON

SVP / Business Development

www.BestofNKY.com

35

Sky’s the Limit for Newport Development City stays the course in developing entertainment and housing projects

BY MIKE BOY ER

N

ewport Vice Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. remembers when people were taken aback when he told them he was from Newport.

“They’d kind of back up and say, ‘Oh!’ when I told where I was from,” he says.

Not any more. “When I tell them I’m from Newport today they start to tell you all the things they like about the city.”

The old city at the Licking and Ohio Rivers has taken on new life thanks to a focus on developing entertainment venues and multi-family housing aimed at both young

36

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

professionals and empty nesters that want to be in an urban setting close to the river.

It’s part of an ongoing transformation that started with the construction of the Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee more than a decade ago, says Guidugli.

It’s reflected in recent projects such as the $80 million Aqua on the Levee, which includes 238 luxury apartments adjacent to Newport on the Levee, and two new hotels, the boutique Aloft Hotel, part of Starwoods Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and the Hampton Inn, which replaced the old Travelodge, near the Taylor-Southgate Bridge.

Also in development is the Academy on Fourth, consisting of 200 apartments in the former Fourth Street School.

“That adds residents downtown. More people in the community will draw more support for our Monmouth Street corridor and businesses in that area including the Levee,” says Guidugli.

Over the years, he says the city of Newport

New Riff Distillery’s rickhouse for aging bourbon is slated for completion this year.

has earned a reputation as a place where projects get done without a lot of red tape.

“Newport is simpler than other places and that has value,” he says.

For example, he says, Capital Investment Partners in Cincinnati has developed the Aqua on the Levee and the Aloft Hotel, Southshore condominiums and Vue 180 on the Water Apartments.

“They continue to do projects in Newport and seek them out in Newport, in part because of ease of doing business here,” he says.

Jack Moreland, president of Southbank Partners, a regional development organization, says, “You have to go back to the city fathers in Newport. Back in the late to mid1990s they focused on the entertainment industry and making downtown vibrant.”

Over the years since, he says personalities on the Newport City Commission have changed, “but the vision hasn’t changed.”

This year promises some major new

projects in Newport.

Among them is the completion of the Kentucky Rt. 9 (AA Highway) expansion.

The four-lane roadway, which has been in development for a number of years, will provide new access to downtown Newport from Interstate 275.

The project, with two roundabouts, one at the base of the Veteran’s Bridge and one at the base of the Taylor-Southgate Bridge, will take some of the traffic pressure off the overworked Brent Spence Bridge in Covington, Moreland says.

“This isn’t designed to take the place of the Brent Spence,” he says. “But it will increase activity on the Taylor Southgate Bridge and some folks who want to get to downtown Cincinnati may use it rather than the Brent Spence.”

In addition, he says, completion of the highway will open about 75 acres along its route for future development.

Later this year New Riff Distillery’s rickhouse for aging bourbon and rye is slated for completion just south of the 12th Street Bridge in Newport. It will store up to 18,000 barrels of bourbon and there are plans for a tasting room, event spaces and offices.

New Riff, which opened in 2014, is located on Newport’s east side and is the northern most point on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Also late this year, the 235-foot SkyWheel, which will offer 360-degree panoramic views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from inside 30 climate-controlled gondolas is expected to open at Newport Festival Park.

After several years of effort, St. Louisbased Koch Development, which will build the SkyWheel, hired Woolpert, a national engineering firm, to design the base of the roughly 160-ton SkyWheel, which is being built in the Netherlands.

Moreland, who had one of the first meetings with Koch when they first proposed the project several years ago, says they came to Newport after a failed attempt to develop a SkyWheel in Virginia Beach, Va. “I think what brought them here was the frustration they had in Virginia Beach and what kept them here was the welcoming feeling they got here,” he says.

“They could have done elsewhere but I think they feel there’s real value in this location.”

The SkyWheel will reinforce Newport’s

entertainment focus, Moreland says, that started with Newport on the Levee more than 18 years ago.

“Newport on the Levee has gone through some different iterations since opening,” he says.

Late last year after several months of renovations, the AMC Newport on the Levee 20 opened its doors. The renovated movie theater, which is expected to enhance visitor traffic at the Levee, includes reclining seats, Dolby Cinema, new screens and speakers and an expanded menu.

Moreland acknowledges that the Levee has struggled at times with several restaurants closing. But he adds, “The restaurant business is a tough business. We’ve had a lot of restaurants close on both sides of the river.”

Southbank Partners is coordinating a number of new activities around the Purple People Bridge and it’s leading the development of the 11-mile Riverfront Commons hike and bike trail connecting communities from Fort Thomas to Ludlow.

“That’s exciting and will allow for growth along the trail. We think it all plays together pretty well,” Moreland says. n

Rendering showing the SkyWheel attraction adjacent to Newport on the Levee www.BestofNKY.com

37

A T

Good Ol’

BY JULI HALE

Radio Station

ucked behind a Gold Star and a Snappy Tomato, in a strip mall in the small town of Dry Ridge, sits WNKR-FM (106.7), the only independent and local broadcasting radio station in Northern Kentucky.

From Twitty to Twain, McBride to McGraw, WNKR plays all the classic country hits from 1975 to 2008. Founded in 1992

by Grant County Broadcasters, which still owns the station today, it originally played a contemporary country format but that was changed in 2002 when Jeff Ziesmann bought half of the station and took over the role of general manager. Under his leadership, the station was changed to its current classic country format. The classic country format—like an oldies channel for country fans—lets the station stand out on the crowded FM dial and made way for changes in sales and targeting as well.

“There was no real specific reason to listen to the station before. Going to classic country set it apart from the other channels.

We got very little pushback. The station is substantially larger now than it was as a current country station and the billing is substantial,” says Ziesmann. “And the audience you get is slightly older than the current country format, or any other format for that matter. They are people with buying power at the height of their earning potential.”

The classic content lends itself well to a 34- to 54-year-old demographic, which is prime capital for local advertisers, according to Ziesmann, who was a leading broadcast advertising salesman prior to taking on the GM/CEO role with WNKR. “Northern Kentucky needed its own station and its own coverage, and the ad-

38

For 25 years, a local radio station has been delivering country classics to country music fans across Northern Kentucky.

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

vertisers needed that as well. We offer a Northern Kentucky audience at a Northern Kentucky price to businesses that don’t see many Ohio license plates in their parking lots and that’s been a successful venture,” he says. “Local merchants are the backbone to our audience and they don’t necessarily need businesses in Nevada. We’re not in the music business, we’re in the advertising business. Our goal is to deliver as many sets of ears to our advertisers as possible, not to sell records to Nashville and L.A.” While Ziesmann chose the classic format, it is Program Director Peter Zolnowski who chooses the songs. Known as Peter Z when he’s on air from 2-7 p.m. each weekday, Zolnowski sets out to find the perfect mix of DJ chatter, local news and traffic and fan-favorite songs by the likes of country greats such as Reba McEntire, the Judds, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Alabama and Garth Brooks—songs mainstream country stations stopped playing long ago.

“We are a contemporary station that plays old music. We’re talking about today,” Zolnowski says. “We are proudly local, we reflect Northern Kentucky. It’s talk about what’s going on—the politics and things to do. We have loyal followers who are dedicated. That is a tradition in this type of format. They don’t just like you, they love you. They bond with the station and the personalities.”

Zolnowski’s career, which spans more than 40 years, brought him to Cincinnati in the 1990s to work first at WCKY-AM (1530) and WSAI-AM (1360) and then at WGRR-FM from 1999 to 2005. He happily returned to the Tristate last year to join the WNKR team after spending 11 years work-

Jeff Ziesmann

ing in the Dallas market. And while he is proud of the station’s programming, he sets his ego aside when talking about the fans’ loyalty and their favorite on-air personality.

“It’s the Larry B station. We make no bones about that. He’s the guy that has been waking them up all these years,” he says, referring to long-time DJ and WNKR morning show host Larry B who has been playing country music on the radio for 50 years—the last 19 of those at WNKR. Whether they are gushing about Larry B, or the station in general, WNKR fans can’t say enough good things about the station.

“Finally!!! A station that plays the real country music. I’m not big on the new stuff that’s out—I don’t consider it country at all! Can’t thank you enough for preserving a heartfelt way of life. True country has songs that are filled with meaning and experiences, in songs about love and losses and heartbreak and happiness. Thank you

Program Director Peter Zolnowski

for sharing and preserving true country,” listener Gina Pruent Geiser shared on the stations’ Facebook page, one of hundreds of glowing reviews.

These are the listeners Zolnowski and Ziesmann set out to please. They check online comments, ready to react or respond.

While most comments give a proverbial thumbs up, others offer constructive criticism, typically for song selections and programming options. Zolnowski, himself a big country fan, is open to the suggestions.

“Personal taste is for ordering dinner.

Playing what the listeners like is how you keep loyal listeners. I’m still listening and learning from the listeners.”

But it is fine balance. For every listener who doesn’t want to hear Carrie Underwood (“I don’t listen to hear Carrie Underwood!!!

That’s not classic country!”), there are dozens of others clamoring to hear the American Idol season 4 winner belt out her early hits. Personal preferences aside, the classic format offers a sort of cheat sheet for songs’ popularity.

“The classic format offers the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. You can go back and play records from any given year that has stood the test of time,” says Ziesmann. “This for-

mat let you look over your shoulder to gain clarity that wasn’t there when the music was unfolding.”

What Ziesmann and Zolnowski don’t need hindsight to know is that in addition to country music, their listeners bleed blue—Wildcat blue. For 26 years, the station has broadcast the University of Kentucky football and men’s basketball games live.

This and a three-hour Rick Jackson syndicated music program aired each Saturday evening are the only non-local programming offered on WNKR. A single station airing nearly all homegrown programming is a rarity in today’s age when most stations are part of a commercial broadcast radio network. And while it may appear to be a David vs. Goliath situation when it comes to battling the competition, Ziesmann says that while Grant County Broadcasters doesn’t own as many properties, it is far from being the little guy in the fight.

“The quality of our product is extremely competitive to other stations and, in my opinion, our engagement is better than theirs and our sales items are extremely competitive,” he says.

He’s counting on those assets and the

popularity of classic country to help him repeat the station’s success a little further north.

In July, Grant County Broadcasters made a $5.3 million deal to buy WNKN (105.9) from Northern Kentucky University.

The call letters stayed but not the station’s adult alternative format, a decision Ziesmann says was given much study. The station went back on the air in early October as a classic country channel.

“I have a lot of respect for that format but we felt we wouldn’t be able to pay our bills if we maintained that format,” he says, adding that changing the format to the same classic country programming as WNKR provides a unique synergy and a seamless ride up Interstate-75 from Dry Ridge to Piqua.

“The purchase was a year-long exercise and it’s a year of my life I’ll never get back.

In the 15 years I’ve been here, many, many deals have come across my desk and we took a serious look at some of them, but each of them had a flaw. This one didn’t,” says Ziesmann. “We changed the fate and direction of this station (WNKR) so quickly by putting something on the air that there was a pent-up demand for and there’s the same thing happening here with WNKN.” n www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY RETIREMENT

Rosedale Green’s person-centered approach allows the retirement community to give residents more activities based on their interests.

Just a Change of Address Rosedale Green has recently completed a $12 million renovation that gives residents something closer to home

BY CORINNE MIN ARD

T

he senior living facility of Rosedale Green has been part of the community for more than 50 years. While much has changed during those years—including its name—Rosedale Green recently completed what may be one of its biggest changes: the complete renovation of its facility from four nursing hubs to eight houses of about 20 residents each.

“When we purchased the land in 2008 from the county, we did a market needs assessment of the community to see what other services that we should be providing,” says Londa Knollman, executive director.

“That gave us some information, which re-

ally caused us to look at building a second location but at the same time, we knew we wanted to provide a different type of care for individuals in skilled nursing.”

Studies by many organizations, including Action Pact, which consulted on Rosedale Green’s renovations, say that a homelike atmosphere provides better outcomes for residents, including fewer falls and lower readmission rates to hospitals.

“We didn’t want it to be like anything; we wanted it to be home. We wanted people to feel like they were just making an address change when they had to move here,” says Knollman.

For almost eight years, Rosedale Green took time to carefully plan what changes—from new or renovated buildings to staff culture—would be needed to create a comforting and healthy environment for its seniors.

The result of this planning? A nearly $12 million renovation of its main facility that took 26 months to complete; a new facility on Turkeyfoot Road called Emerald Trace that specializes in short-term rehabilita-

The $12 million renovation created dens and dining rooms for the residents to use.

tion, long-term care and memory care; and a complete culture change that focuses on giving residents freedom and choice.

“We wanted to break that traditional institutional mold and really started training our staff that we wanted them to think of themselves as home health workers,” says Knollman. For example, instead of having a large dining room in which most of the residents were served at the same time, meals are served in each of the eight homes at whatever time the resident would like. www.BestofNKY.com

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Rosedale Green nurses approach care like they’re going into residents’ homes instead of a hospital setting.

“You’re serving breakfast over a variety of times when people were eating before moving in here. People are getting up at 5 a.m. because they worked an early morning shift, you have other people who don’t want to get up until 10 a.m., and so breakfast goes on for five hours,” says Knollman.

“Someone can come in and just be drinking coffee there while the cook is preparing breakfast and they’re reading a newspaper, and then you have somebody else who wants a more formal setting and they’re eating in the formal dining room.” The goal is to let residents keep the routine they had before they moved to Rosedale Green.

In addition to giving residents more choice, Knollman says another goal of the renovation was to provide residents with more usable spaces. “[Each house has a] new kitchen, new living room, which were areas they didn’t have before. Before it was all staff area, large nurses station, doctors offices, staff offices, things like that, so we took all of the staff space and kind of put them in non-residential areas,” she says. While there are still staff areas, more of the spaces are focused on the residents instead of being working space.

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Those large spaces were thus broken into smaller, more intimate spaces—like a den—so that residents could have privacy with family outside their bedrooms.

“If you wanted to entertain your guest or family outside your bedroom, you have an area just like you’d have at your home because most of us, unless you’re close to your sister or whatever, you don’t entertain them in your bedroom all the time. That’s what you do at the hospital,” says Knollman.

“We wanted to create space where people could have different levels of intimacy or privacy.”

Many of the rooms have pocket doors, so they can be opened or closed depending on what the resident desires. Knollman says that because of these new options, some residents’ families are choosing to spend more time at Rosedale Green. For example, children can now bake cookies with their grandparents at the facility, and some families have moved their holiday parties there.

According to Knollman, she has heard nothing but good things about these changes from residents and families.

“I had one resident who has lived here 24 years, so she was in the original building that was even prior to the one that we’re in,

and she comes down almost daily to thank me for the changes and she will wring her hands and tell me… she didn’t think she could afford to live some place like this,” says Knollman.

In addition to changing the facility, Community Relations Director Julie Price says that Rosedale Green has brought this person-centered approach to even the residents’ free time on both campuses.

“I have a success story with a lady that came into our memory care at Emerald Trace,” says Price. “She always played bridge and because of her cognition impairment no one really thought about her playing bridge. We partnered with [the] Northern Kentucky Bridge Club and asked them to come in as volunteers and this lady is now playing a full hour to two hours of bridge once a month with the bridge club at Emerald Trace.”

Price says it’s that attention to detail that Rosedale Green wants to bring to both of its campuses.

“It’s just trying to find out what our residents enjoy, what they’ve enjoyed in the past, and really bringing that so that [they] don’t lose that when they come here,” says Price. n

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