FOOD + BEVERAGE FEASTS FIT FOR ROYALTY
LOVELAND’S NEW CHOCOLATE HAVEN
COMFORT FOOD AT CASTLE PRIME MEATS
Making Memories Course By Course
I don’t think I’m alone here when I say some of my favorite memories involve food. Holidays, vacations, my engagement, and of course, my wedding—all are tied to great meals (or cake).
Some of the best conversations I have ever had have taken place around the table. There’s something so magical about getting lost in a sea of flavors and forgetting about the time. That’s why I love our annual food issue.
This issue, we’ve curated a tasty selection of restaurants and recipes for your taste buds to enjoy. For the sweet tooth, our articles on ScoopAble and The Cocoa Muse are must-reads. If you’re looking for savory, our cover story on Crown Restaurant Group will not disappoint. Or if you’re craving a meal at your own kitchen table, Castle Prime Meats shared three recipes that are perfect for fall.
We invite you to feast your eyes on this issue, be inspired to dine, and of course (with each course), make new memories.
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Stephanie Meinberg
stephanie.meinberg@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Courtney Kraemer | courtney.kraemer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kelsie Ruoff | lovelandlifestyle@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Courtney Kraemer, Kathy Doane, Lisa Fletcher, Stephanie Meinberg, Bill Furbee, Nicole Browning, Carly Tamborski, Madeline Christmas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matthew J. Capps, Stephanie Meinberg, Hailey Bollinger
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
They say home is where the heart is. We couldn’t agree more. That’s why we love what we do. Ensuring that our clients’ vision—whether it’s installing a new deck, adding a patio cover or replacing siding—becomes reality is paramount. It never gets old, gazing at a finished project with a client and hearing them say, “Wow, this looks amazing!”
Contact us today. It’s time to fall in love with your home again.
inside the issue
This is an experience. And we’re not just talking about the
Loveland
Loveland’s
Eclipsed only by their own genius—that signature Butter Cake. Yes, chef.
city scene
1: The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance President, CeeCee Collins, gets the grand tour at @SpeedProCincinnatiEast! 2: It was fun for all at Magnolia Springs Loveland Senior Living’s bingo night. 3: Aloha! Mint Med celebrates the launch of their new med spa and website, luaustyle. 4: Loveland Pediatric Dentistry is dressed and ready for some football. Who Dey! 5: The Loveland Women’s Club held their annual Little Black Dress fundraiser at The 1859. 6: Sunnies selfie! The LMRCA staff and board members sport new shades during their monthly meeting. 7: @FleetFeetCincy’s Loveland shop hosted a tasty taco truck after their free Wednesday 5K event.
MAGNOLIA SPRINGS LOVELAND ERIN HUFF
KAY BOLIN AIMEE ROTHENBERGER
8: Basco Shower Enclosures celebrates their 70th anniversary, snagging a sweet team photo. 9: All the kids were back-to-school ready in Loveland! Mugging for moms at the bus stop. 10: The 2025 Paddlefest raised $127,000 to support Adventure Crew’s programs, which aim to connect city kids with outdoor adventures. 11: The Chatfield Edge team posing outside their new Loveland headquarters. Welcome to the neighborhood! 12: Morning mixer fun at @DVDBrew. Thanks to all of the chambers who organize this event. 13: Author Brittany Morris’s book, Botley and the Kid Crew, was featured at September’s Meade StoryWalk. 14: The @LMRChamberAlliance crew guest bartending at @DVDBrew to raise money for @LovelandLearningGarden.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
FABIENNE DORMAN
JENSINE MACKZUM
EMILY BARLOW
BRITTANY MORRIS
Emily turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Loveland Lifestyle
Published by Emily Loved by Loveland
Market Magic
Fall is the perfect time to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable. At Time Savers Heating & Cooling, we specialize in professional heating system installations designed to keep your family cozy all season long.
Make this fall your coziest yet! Upgrade with Time Savers Heating & Cooling and get up to $1,700 in instant Cool Cash rebates, up to $2000 in tax credits, and 0% APR for 60 months. Don’t miss out — limitedtime savings on select qualifying installs!
Dorothy Lane Market has landed in Mason, and it’s not your average grocery run. Think Neapolitan pizza fresh from the oven, sushi sliced to perfection, French rotisserie chickens spinning golden, and a wine bar worth lingering over. Add in a mosaic of global flavors, artisan breads, a Culinary Center upstairs, and that brownie (IYKYK), and you’ve got a foodie wonderland. “As you look around, you’ll see that we love food,” says President Calvin Mayne. DorothyLane.com
Photography by Tracy Doyle for Dorothy Lane Market
Whether inside or outside, upstairs or down, our design/build approach always produces OUTSTANDING results. We are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration! We have joined forces with Curated Fine Furnishings & Design in downtown Loveland. Two powerhouse home design companies under one roof, offering a one-stop-approach to quality home design, remodeling and furnishings for clients. That future is here, now, in the heart of Loveland. Contact us for a consultation.
fruits and veggies are great for teeth and skin. Our team would know.
Our goal is to help you achieve your health and beauty goals. Whether it’s a white smile, beautiful skin or a restful night of sleep, our team is here to provide products, services and education, so you can smile with confidence. We do it all— from routine cleanings and advanced procedures like implants, veneers and Invisalign to erasing wrinkles and fine lines. Or if snoring is disrupting a good night’s sleep, we offer low-maintenance sleep solutions.
(FDA Approved Oral Appliances)
formerly occupied by Daughter’s Pizza Kitchen. “We’re excited to be expanding our brand into pizzas,” says owner Lori Morgan. So if you’re looking for some more unique flavors from your traditional ’za, look no further than their crab rangoon pizza (already a signature!). And don’t forget pie for dessert—they’ve got that, too. This sweet and savory joint opened in August—what’re you waiting for? Facebook.com/profile. php?id=61567462190360
Photography by Lori’s American Pies
The Award Goes to ...
Don’t Lose Your Jack! The winner of Best Documentary at the Loveland Film Fest comes from the Jack Quehl Foundation—a group dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl. “This was a dream 3 years ago—to make a film that resonated with our audience,” says DoitforJack founder, Stephanie Quehl. Directed by Joseph Porter, the film aims to bring awareness to save lives. The documentary is available on YouTube—check it out. Congrats, all! DoitforJack.org/news
Photography by Mandy Gillmer Want
renee.gorman@mmvagent.com | B Renee.Gorman1109 | 201.819.8417 | www.magicalmomentsvacations.com/agents/renee-gorman
LOCAL experiences 5
1. RJ CINEMA
Craft BBQ, cigars, spirits, 32 taps, 8 movie screens—a one-of-a-kind, locally-owned destination. RJcinema.com
2. THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
Affordable three-course meals in a family-friendly setting, plus Murder Mystery nights and eat-in trolley car. OSF.com
3. EIGHTEEN AT THE RADISSON
Fine dining, a revolving steakhouse, and panoramic skyline views from the 18th floor. RadissonSteakhouse.com
4. BB RIVERBOATS
The city’s premier riverboats pairing scenic Ohio River views with unforgettable dining experiences. BBriverboats.com
5. CINCINNATI DINNER TRAIN
Dine with a side of scenery—this train features restored 1950’s railcars traveling through Cincinnati. CincinnatiDinnerTrain.com
Photo by Brian Sellers Photography
How
ARTICLE BY KATHY DOANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
The Cocoa Muse Offers European-style Chocolates to Sip, Savor and Eat
Sweet It Is
When Jessica Tye, owner of The Cocoa Muse, talks about her new European-style chocolate shop, she practically vibrates with enthusiasm.
“There’s nothing like it in the area,” she proclaims, then lists a few offerings to make her point: “Hand-poured and painted truffle bars in a variety of flavors. Fudges, pecan candies, espresso, specialty teas, coffee, and sipping chocolates.” More about that last gem later.
The fact is, Jessica has had a lifelong love of chocolate, especially fudge.
“I’m the person who, every time we go out of town and come across anyplace that sells fudge, I have to try it,” she says.
Together with her husband, Derek, and five children ranging from 23 to 13 (Montana, Maxwell, Parker, Gabrielle, and Liliana), Jessica considers her family lifelong cheerleaders when it comes to Loveland—taking part, firsthand, in the development and renaissance that has occurred in the past couple of decades.
Given that, Jessica was sad when the town’s only candy store, The Loveland Sweet Shoppe, closed at the end of 2023 after more than half century in business. A loyal patron of the shoppe herself, Jessica couldn’t imagine Loveland without a dedicated candy establishment—so she decided to fill the void herself.
As it turned out, when it came to location, she didn’t have to look beyond a property she and Derek owned on the corner of LovelandMadeira Road and West Loveland Avenue. “When the boutique that had been there left, both my husband and son, Parker, said, ‘This might be your chance to start your candy store.’” They were right. And as it turned out, Parker had even greater ideas about how to move forward.
Parker had been working for a chocolatier, Chris Warman Sr.’s Chocolate Moonshine, headquartered in Pennsylvania. Warman had been making chocolate confections for 30 years. Parker brought home some samples for the family to try.
“It was the best-tasting fudge I’d ever had in my life,” Jessica recalls. It was then that she switched her game plan from recreating an old-fashioned candy shoppe to giving Loveland something entirely new: The Cocoa Muse.
Over the next few months, Jessica visited Warman several times, getting to know his candies, processes and chocolate philosophy. At the heart of his approach were his Old-World methods of cooking in copper kettles and insistence on the purest of ingredients. That translates to chocolate without dyes or fillers, born from real sugar, butter and vanilla. CONTINUED
“I’m actually a nutritionist by profession,” Jessica reveals. “So I appreciate the pureness of all the ingredients he uses. Everybody wants sweet, but you don’t have to have junk sweets with lots of preservatives and fillers.”
Jessica was confident that everyone’s taste buds would love the results as much as she did, deciding to make Warman’s chocolate creations the foundation of The Cocoa Muse’s menu of goodies.
Jessica believes two other offerings are sure to attract a loyal customer base—first, the affogato, a traditional Italian dessert, made with vanilla gelato, a shot of espresso, plus whatever topping you choose. “It’s a big thing people mentioned countless times when I asked what they would like to see us offer.”
The other? European-style sipping chocolate made on-site from raw chocolate imported from Belgium and France. “We’ll add espresso, then it can be flavored with different syrups and served hot, cold or frozen,” Jessica says. “It’s new to many Americans, and not at all like the hot chocolate we think of. I’m excited to introduce it to the area.”
Because the The Cocoa Muse isn’t a traditional coffee shop focused on attracting the java-craving morning crowd, this new shop opens at 10 a.m. but stays open a little later: till 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday (closed Monday).
“I want The Cocoa Muse to be a place where people walk in, immediately relax, and smile when they see all the fun artwork and furnishings,” she says. “A place to drop in after dinner when you still need a little something sweet.”
Jessica also has a few special events in mind. “We’ll feature a community nonprofit every other week,
with a portion of the weekly sales going to them. We’re also going to do a non-alcoholic Social Hour, with five or 6 different mocktails.” Think espresso martini minus the gin or vodka.
Another important draw—54 parking spaces, which can pass for gold on just about any night patrons scramble for a spot further down the street near the bars and restaurants.
Admittedly, The Cocoa Muse is a few blocks off the bustling center of Loveland’s historic downtown and bike trail. “I was nervous about that until we did a couple of soft opening weekends … we could hardly keep up with the crowd,” Jessica says, breaking into a wide smile. Definitely a taste of success that bodes well for the future.
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
A Perfect Pairing
Perennial Professionals and Curated FFD Bring Design and Renovation Together Under One Roof
There’s something new cooking in downtown Loveland … and it’s not on a restaurant menu. Perennial Professional Services, a local design and build remodeling company, is opening a showroom inside Curated Fine Furnishings and Design, the stylish home design store near West Loveland Avenue. It’s everything from cabinets to couches, now all under one stylish roof.
Tim (middle) and Jillian (to his right) pose with their teams
For Tim Gill, owner of Perennial, the move is about making the remodeling process easier and more enjoyable for clients. “We’ve outgrown our current showroom,” he explains. “By expanding into Curated, we’ll have space to display more cabinet and countertop samples, and even feature a bigscreen TV scrolling pictures of our projects. It gives customers a place to spread out, review designs, and really see what’s possible.”
Make no mistake, Tim knows the remodeling business inside and out. After earning degrees in horticulture and landscape architecture from the University of Kentucky, he worked on large commercial projects around Cincinnati before launching Perennial in 1987. What began as a landscape construction company evolved into a full-service remodeling firm by 2005, specializing in everything from outdoor living spaces to lower-level finishes, kitchens, and baths.
Today, Perennial averages about 35 projects per year, and has become known city-wide for detailed design work and accurate estimates. “We use a CAD system to do our own design-build work,” Tim says. “That allows us to give people realistic timelines and costs, while creating personalized designs that truly meet their specific needs.”
But while Perennial excels at construction, customers often asked for help beyond the build … things like furniture placement, color palettes, finishing touches. And that’s where Curated comes in.
“Many of our clients are looking for that extra layer of design expertise,” Tim shares. “We don’t have those kinds of assets on staff, so partnering with Jillian and her team at Curated made perfect sense.”
No surprise, Curated’s owner and interior designer, Jillian Dowd, is also excited for this new partnership. “Perennial is a like-minded business with similar values and standards,” she explains.
“We both believe in family, community, and quality service. Bringing our two businesses together under one roof creates a one-stop shop for the customer ... it just makes sense.”
The space itself flows as seamlessly as the partnership. Customers can browse Curated’s firstfloor showroom filled with furniture, artwork, and accessories before heading upstairs to find Perennial’s cabinetry and countertop displays alongside Curated’s design studio. Tim also added an island workspace where samples can be spread out, making it easy for customers to compare materials and finishes.
CONTINUED >
“We even built a kids’ play area, so parents can experience a consultation with limited interruptions.”
- Tim
“It’s a space that evokes creativity and possibility,” Jillian emphasizes. “Our designers and Tim’s construction team will be working side-by-side, guiding clients from start to finish. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”
The joint showroom also means homeowners can tackle projects with less stress. “Remodeling can be intimidating because it affects your daily life so much,” Tim explains. “Our goal is to relieve that anxiety and give clients the confidence that they have a partnership working toward the same outcome—a completed project they’ll love.”
Jillian sees it as a win-win all around. “Tim already has an amazing staff who does great work,” she says.
“Our perspective as designers will help bring fresh ideas, while his expertise adds a new level of service for our customers. It’s good for both businesses ... but even better for our clients.”
So whether you’re planning a kitchen where Saturday pancakes become a tradition, or a living room where movie nights turn into marathons, you’ll find the tools, talent, and inspiration waiting in historic Loveland. At Curated and Perennial, the recipe for a dream home starts with just one stop.
PerennialProfessionalServices.com | CuratedFFD.com
113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland
Ready For Your Remodel?
1. Visit the Showroom – Explore cabinets, countertops, and design inspiration in-person instead of online.
2. Set an Appointment – Fill out Perennial’s easy online questionnaire or call to schedule a consultation.
3. Get Started – Stop into the showroom to review customized designs and samples, a place to see and feel each product.
4. Relax – Let your personal experiences team handle the details—from demo to décor.
Marigold Spice Room
Cocktail service at Marigold, including their signature Pimm’s Royal Cup
CROWNING achievement
“I knew I loved to bake,” says Haley Nutter-Sitek, a hometown local who graduated from Loveland High School in 2009. So, when the time came to plan courses for her first year of college, she thought, “Maybe I should learn how to, you know, see what cooking is like.”
Today, Haley and her husband, Chef Anthony Sitek, operate the Crown Restaurant Group. Founded in 2018, it oversees six restaurants across downtown Cincinnati, and will soon expand into Columbus.
“Each establishment reflects a commitment to culinary excellence, exceptional hospitality, and a passion for fresh, authentic flavors,” the Group’s website boldly states. “In a Crown establishment, each choice and dish is infused with intention and love … where simplicity is an art, and style is in the execution.” If that alone doesn’t make you want to sink your teeth right in, there’s more.
“Everything we do is made in-house, from breads to ice cream,” Haley adds. “We also do our own butchery ... I think we’re one of the only companies in Ohio that does that, if not the only one that’s completely from scratch, which is pretty cool.” We couldn’t agree more.
CONTINUED >
Loveland Native Making Waves in Cincinnati’s Dining Scene
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAILEY BOLLINGER
Cantina’s new space in Pendleton
Gracie’s Gravy Marinara, launched in December 2024
Haley met her future husband while studying the culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, which she attended on a tennis scholarship. The couple became fast friends, and agreed early on that working under someone else wouldn’t align with their own goals.
“My husband is very talented,” Haley points out. “Born and raised in New Jersey, he worked in New York City, worked under some great chefs ... he had so much vision. He wanted to bring that to Cincinnati.”
To say they’ve established themselves in the Queen City is an understatement.
“It’s funny, because I didn’t really envision this for myself in general,” she laughs. “Running my own company was never part of the plan. But, as you get older, and you work under people, you gain so much knowledge ... some things you like, some things you don’t. And then it kind of makes you wonder, ‘well, how would I run this business or restaurant if it were mine?’”
View from the patio at Rosie’s Italian
Wonder no more: Haley and Chef Anthony employ about 300 staff. The best part, according to Haley, “those employees want to grow with us,” crediting that to “taking care of our team.”
Over the past seven years, Haley has also learned a thing or two about general entrepreneurship. “It means asking for help and leaning on the people around you. Building into your team around you, so that they want to continue to build into you, and what your dream is, as well,” she explains.
“Failing is part of succeeding ... you can’t have success without failure,” she continues. “I think it’s really important to not be so headstrong in your vision, so that you can recognize when you need to make that change, to pivot and kind of roll with the punches.”
Haley can’t imagine building that sort of a foundation anywhere but Cincinnati. Before returning to the area, Haley and her husband spent time considering the innovative culinary scenes in places like Chicago and Miami. Eventually, of course, home came calling. And, after opening that first restaurant, they haven’t looked back.
“There was a reason we wanted to come back here. I mean, I can tell you I didn’t think my Jersey boy husband would have ever thought he’d end up in Midwest Ohio. But coming back here and visiting over the years, the community Cincinnati is, the community it has … it’s kind of hard to put into words,” she smiles.
“Cincinnati feels cozy and inviting and welcoming,” Haley explains. “I don’t think a lot of people can say that about a city most of the time. The people of Cincinnati have been so great to us. We wouldn’t have been able to grow at the rate we did, as fast as we did, if it weren’t for everyone coming out to support us.” CRGcincy.com
Cuisine for Every Occasion
Crown Restaurant Group oversees six acclaimed restaurants downtown. No matter your cravings or plans, they’ve got the perfect spot.
• Crown Republic Gastropub: Homestyle/New American, Central Business District
• Rosie’s Italian: Scratch Italian Kitchen, Central Business District
• Cantina (formerly Crown Cantina): Modern Mexican, Pendleton
• Losanti: Italian Boutique Steakhouse, Washington Park (coming soon to Columbus)
• Five Kitchen & Bar (formerly Five on Vine): Modern American Comfort Food, OTR
• Marigold: British/Indian Public House, Fountain District
Losanti’s renowned Butter Cake
As one of the nation’s leading mental health centers, we understand each person’s journey is deeply personal. Bringing together unparalleled expertise, profound insights, and a people-first approach, we provide life-changing care and support, infusing every interaction with the underlying belief that lasting well-being is possible. We see beyond diagnoses — we see you.
Children • Adolescents • Adults
»
» Sensory
»
» Parents are welcome to stay with their child during the visit.
THECOOL EST TREAT
Looking for a tasty treat with a real big impact? One that’s right in your own backyard? Look no further than ScoopAble, an adorable ice cream shop serving fresh and innovative flavors all while giving back to the community in big ways. This new local shop is on Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, and with their unmistakable logo and vintage ice-cream-parlor-feel, you’re absolutely bound to melt over their storemade ice cream, unique menu items, and charming and attentive staff.
So you want the scoop on ScoopAble? Amy Pennington, owner and founder of this shop, is happy to serve up the lowdown: “Our mission is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to provide memories for the community … and bring everybody together.”
It was an idea inspired by Amy’s own kids—specifically her youngest, who has Down syndrome, and her oldest, who is autistic. Since they were little, she’s been aware that “there’s a need that isn’t being filled,” she shares. “They have skills that aren’t being utilized in the workforce.”
Loveland’s
Frozen Dessert Destination: Where Every Scoop Makes a Difference
ARTICLE BY NICOLE BROWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
Newest
Amy saw untapped potential there, and decided to grab life by the cone and do something about it.
Not only is this creating exposure and opportunities for her employees, it also allows the community the introduction to people they might not typically encounter. “My employees are going to provide customer service and experiences that most people don’t get exposed to very often,” Amy explains. “It also gives people an opportunity to feel good about what they’re putting their money toward.”
Amy primarily employs people 17 or older, and most of the scoopers who are the face of ScoopAble have Down syndrome or autism.
Still not convinced to put your money where your mouth eats and give ScoopAble a try? They also give back to organizations within our community. “We give back to nonprofits, and the nonprofits we support are generally ones that our employees are involved with, or that are involved with disability employment.”
And it’s pretty simple—they do a “roundup” at the register, and every month the beneficiary changes to a different nonprofit. “The benefit for my employees, too, is they don’t have to worry about making change … it makes them more confident and independent,” Amy shares.
More to the point, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill ice cream—this stuff is handmade in-house, the perfect balance of creamy and sweet. “We offer 16 flavors that are displayed and available, but our signature is the banana pudding, which has been a fan favorite since we opened,” Amy smiles.
CONTINUED >
The shop also carries two non-dairy flavors for those who might prefer it. And scoops aren’t all they do in shop. Try a flight of the choices that are most interesting to you, or go for the wild and adventurous ice cream nachos—a scoop of ice cream with waffle cone chips and your-choice toppings to match. You can get your scoop in a cup or a cone, or enjoy an Oreo or Reese’s sundae. There’s no wrong way to enjoy ScoopAble’s assortment of flavors.
Amy worked as a state trooper in Clermont County for 15 years. “It’s been like my home,” she admits when asked “Why Loveland?” She’s a prime example of practicing what you preach. Not only did she open this amazing shop from the ground up, she also led the team that opened up GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. “I really got involved in the disability community there.”
Amy employs 12 employees (10 Scoopers) in total at ScoopAble, all with their own unique interests and preferences. Head to ScoopAble’s website and employee page to read up about each individual who works there, or check out this sneak peek of some of her employees’ faves …
“Our mission is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to provide memories for the community … and bring everybody together.”
Aaron and Elizabeth love cookies and cream. Augie loves peanut butter, and Grace likes chocolate chip. Iver’s favorite is chocolate, and Jacob prefers strawberry. Madilyn loves Reese’s ice cream, and Simon’s favorite is banana. And last but not least is Veronica, who’s favorite flavor is raspberry chip! So when you’re longing for a cool, creamy sugar fix, choose a sweet treat with even sweeter rewards that’s giving back directly to your community. ScoopAble is guaranteed to leave you with a craving for more!
ScoopAble.net | 6405 Branch Hill Guinea Pike, Loveland 513.283.2574
Amy (left) and two members of her team
Hello, Harvest Eating
ORT FOODS TH AT SINGS, “SIT B
I don’t know about you, but fall is my fave. Summer’s heat has faded to easy warmth, holiday craziness is still distant, well-worn hoodies are back in everyday rotation … as well as my favorite autumnal comfort foods (and no, I don’t mean pumpkin spice). I’m talking about fireup-the-oven classics, cool-weather crops, rich and cheesy indulgences.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good grillout, but October begs you to sink your teeth into something a little heartier. Something that warms up your soul as well as your kitchen. And that’s where Castle Prime Meats, once again, saves the day.
“Whether you want to cook or don’t want to cook, we’ve got you covered.”
Zack Lewis, Castle’s manager, sums it up perfectly. Pantry and fridge staples, fresh veg, breads, and of course,
a superior selection of high-quality meats—they’ve got it all (and then some).
But Castle also takes the prep out of the daily dinner dance, with heat-andeat heroes like lobster mac, smoked and roasted main dishes, slaws and pasta salads. Even better? Shop owner John Ness is sharing some of Castle’s best-kept secrets with us—a complete meal, their go-to fall foods.
Of course, everything you’ll need to recreate this repast is available right in-store. And, on any given day, each dish is likely also available to just graband-go. The choice is yours. But Castle makes it so easy (and oh-so good).
Facebook.com/people/Castle-PrimeMeats/100093664571235/ 10486 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland 513.677.2442
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE MEINBERG
Photo by Matthew J. Capps
by
Broccoli Apple Salad
INGREDIENTS
• 1 head broccoli
• 1 Honeycrisp apple
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and diced
DIRECTIONS
Cut broccoli into bite-size chunks, while bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Plunge broccoli pieces into boiling water for 60 seconds, remove and transfer immediately to an ice bath. Drain after 30 seconds; set aside.
Peel and dice the apple. Add lemon juice to 2 cups of water, then add apple pieces to soak. Drain after 5 minutes and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, mayo, onion, and vinegar. Add broccoli and apple, mix well. Add cheese and bacon, mix again. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Provided
Photo
Steph Meinberg
Three-Cheese Potato Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lb of Idaho potatoes
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• ½ lb shredded mozzarella
• 6 oz Brie, rind removed and cut into small pieces
• ½ cup crumbled feta
DIRECTIONS
Peel potatoes, then cut into thick shreds with either a box grater or mandolin. Place potato shreds in a bowl of salted cold water for 10 minutes. Drain potatoes, then pat well with paper towels to dry.
In a large bowl, add potatoes, egg yolks, and cheeses; mix well to combine. Form into flat patties approximately 4–5 inch in diameter, either by hand or using a round container as a mold. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, and arrange potato pancakes onto tray without touching. Chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°. Bake pancakes approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown. Alternately, bake at 375° with meatloaf, increasing cook time to 55 to 60 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Castle Prime Meatloaf
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lb ground chuck
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp. Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. powered garlic
• 2 tsp. powdered mustard
• 4 oz ketchup
• 4 oz A.1. Original Steak Sauce
• 2–4 strips uncooked bacon
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, or mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, thoroughly mix all ingredients (minus the bacon strips.). In a casserole pan, form into a loaf, and layer the top with bacon. Bake for 45 minutes (or until internal temp is 160°); let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Baking the World a Better Place
Having a 10-year-old, I’m well-versed in the convenience of drive-thrus, but did you know there’s a drive-thru where you can get CAKE? And focaccia. And ... I had to visit this spot myself.
It really is amazing—just one reason the name AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe is so fitting. And Ashley Mae, the heart and soul behind the bakery—located right next to Buck’s Tavern—is rolling out new autumn items to fall for.
“We’re expanding our menu, adding tiramisu and cannoli, and savory specialties like focaccia,” says Ashley.
The tiramisu and cannoli are made-from-scratch recipes shared with her by a lovely local nonna.
“This sweet Italian nonna walks the neighborhood every single day, sometimes bringing her granddaughter here to get ice cream,” Ashley smiles. “She told me her recipes are more important to give to others than to keep to herself— she wanted to help my business grow.”
AMAEzing Sweet Shoppe Is a Window of Opportunity (and Indulgence)
And focaccia? Ashley’s baking up both savory and sweet— perfect for a treat, to complement a meal, or a feast on its own.
“I make what my customers ask for, items my family loves, and ones I know no one else is carrying,” Ashley explains. “Not many people have focaccia, let alone cinnamon-roll-flavored focaccia.”
OR a drive-thru!
“It was one of the reasons I chose this location. You can get a piece of pie or cake, croissant or cannoli through our drivethru—flavors like apple, pumpkin spice, or maple. You can even pull away with an apple cider float.”
If your prefer a sit-down experience, mint-colored bistro tables beckon you inside, a joyful place seasoned with the irresistible. Salt or sweet—plus upcoming holiday cravings—I’ll be adding this gem to my regular route (you should, too)!
AmaezingSweetShoppe.com | 3307 Montgomery Rd, Loveland 513.400.4974
Grab your tote bag and your walking shoes—the 3rd annual Cincy Bookstore Crawl features 22 indie shops to explore (on both sides of the river)! From local gems like Bike Trail Books, The Bookmatters, and Book Bus Depot, every stop earns you passport stamps (and prize CincyBookstoreCrawl.my.canva.site
Discover your new favorite market at Cincy Crunchy Fest! This one-day celebration brings together local artisans, holistic pros, and small businesses offering everything from sourdough and organic teas to clean skincare and handmade toys. Add in food trucks and Facebook.com/events/2207569549671866
Pack your picnic blanket and head to Boltz to Nutz Farm for a day of fun and flavor! BoltzStrong empowers kids and adults with disabilities through adaptive cooking and gardening, and this fundraiser brings it all to life—picnic baskets, farm adventures, tasty demos, and
OCTOBER 22ND
Magnolia Springs Loveland Halloween Costume Party
Magnolia Springs Loveland Senior Living | 6:30 PM
Get ready for some spook-tacular fun at Magnolia Springs Loveland’s annual Halloween bash! Families and friends are invited for an evening of costumes, candy, and live music. This free event, benefiting Miami Township First Responders, is the perfect chance to share laughs, make memories, and enjoy a ghoulish good time together. Costumes encouraged—sweet treats guaranteed! SinceriSeniorLiving.com/magnolia-springs-loveland
OCTOBER 25TH
LIFE Food Pantry Empty Bowls
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church | 11:00 AM
Fill your heart (and your bowl!) at Empty Bowls, a community event where a $25 ticket gets you soup, bread, and dessert from local restaurants—plus a handmade pottery bowl crafted by Whistle Stop Clay Works and other artists. With raffles, two seatings, and plenty of neighborly spirit, it’s a delicious way to fight hunger close to home. LifeFoodPantry.org
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Cincinnati’s Premier Contemporary Quilting Studio
The Studio is home to over 5,000 bolts of fabric. We strive to provide a selection of current fabrics, threads, patterns, books, notions and supplies for quilters in the Tri-State area. Hire us to professionally quilt, or train on our machines and quilt it yourself! We hope to become your go-to shop for all your quilting needs! 513.683.3666 | quiltersstudioofloveland.com | V @quiltersstudio | 535 W Loveland Ave
