Xapa to the World

Month: April 2011

  • Review: New Albany, Indiana Part 1

    This review will be a little different than my others.  I had a week’s worth of time off still on my schedule.  Since my hire date was the first Monday of May last year, I had to use it up before that date or I would lose it.  I’m glad I took the whole week off.  It seems like Spring waited until this week to really get itself bloomed and green.

    I enjoy doing things on my own.  Don’t get me wrong, I love having company on my adventures.  But there’s something a bit relaxing going around on your own.  You can decide everything that YOU want to do and not worry about what others want, or if someone’s tired or whatever.  So, I saw a Groupon for a B&B in New Albany, IN, and decided it would be fun to go on my own, during my little vacation.  In this entry, I’m going to go in order of the places I went to, so here we go!

    The Admiral Bicknell Inn

    600 E Main St,
    New Albany, IN 47150
    1.800.981.8003

    Website

    I’ve only been to one other B&B and it was a pretty awesome experience.  The Admiral Bicknell had a high level of expectation to live up to, and it did pretty well.  I stayed over on a weeknight and was the only person there besides the hosts.  Valla Ann was great, but I didn’t see her much except when I first arrived and then in the morning for breakfast.  That was probably due to my taking off as soon as I got settled in and then keeping to my room most of the evening. (The room was fantastic, which will explain my reclusion.)

    I stayed in the Library, which has been converted into a lovely suite. The accommodations were perfect for a single traveler; in fact, I think if someone else had been with me, it would have been cramped.  But there was a queen-sized bed and a bathroom with a clawfoot tub.  The windows face west and north-by-northwest, and it’s actually right along the busy Main St.  If you aren’t used to a good amount of street noises, then it’s probably not an ideal location for you, but I loved it.  Especially the clawfoot tub.

    There is a shallow pool behind the Inn and a lot of green space around the whole lot.  Train tracks run directly behind the property along the Ohio River, but Valla Ann was recently able to get the Main St district labeled a Quiet Zone, one of only 11 such places in the state!  This means, even though the trains run through it, they are not permitted to blow their horns, which is lovely.

    Carnegie Center for Art and History

    201 E Spring St
    New Albany, IN 47150
    812.944.9600

    Website
    Facebook
    YouTube

    This is one of my favorite kinds of places to visit in a new town. I love checking out local art and especially local history.  New Albany has an exceptional history with the Underground Railroad.  They have a permanent exhibit about the places and people who were strategic in rescuing runaway slaves.  They also accurately detail the full scope of the issue in their area.  I knew the Ohio River was one of the places which slaves aimed for when trying to escape, but I lumped all of that to the Cincinnati area.  Thankfully, there were many other locations on the River that were safe-zones and big stations on the Underground Railroad.  There were many in New Albany who were abolitionists because of their spiritual/moral convictions, which was refreshing.  Also, some people in powerful positions in the community were on board as well, such as judges, lawyers and real train conductors. 

    There is also a permanent exhibit of working motorized wooden dioramas – carved by one man, Merle Yenawine.  They cover life in a small town of Indiana from before and after 1900.  It was pretty cool how the tiny figures would move around and lights would flash underneath certain parts to make it look like a fire roaring.  The scenes were pretty comprehensive too. 

    The Dandy Lion Boutique

    310 Bank St
    New Albany, IN 47150
    812.944.9477

    Blog
    Facebook
    Etsy

    This little shop is absolutely adorable!  It’s the only other place that I knew about in New Albany before going down, and it was on my “MUST VISIT” list.  I’m glad I made it in!  It’s run by twin sisters, Ani and Ali, and a lot of their stuff is on consignment from artists who handmake their wares and sell on Etsy.  The items are quirky, cute, hipster, trendy…um, what other adjective could I throw in here…vintage, stylish, chic – basically, amazing stuff.  I bought some earrings for a friend, some hair clips and a journal that was converted from an old “In the Year…” book.  It’s one of those books that tells you all the things that happened in a particular year, but they spiral bound it and dispersed some of the pages among the blank journal pages.  I’m so excited about using it!  They are available on Facebook, as seen above, and the twins have their own Etsy, here!  They do a lot of sewing and creating themselves, so you should really check them out!

    I will continue with Part 2 shortly!  Stay tuned!

    Find more reviews and promos by clicking on the links to the right.  Go ‘head, you know you want to.

  • Review: Taz Mediterranean Restaurant – Cincinnati, OH

    Taz Mediterranean Restaurant

    8950 Governors Way
    Cincinnati, OH 45249
    513 774 7600

    Website
    Facebook

    When I tell people that I like to use Groupons, the reactions run in a few directions.  Many people haven’t even heard of Groupons and think it’s a cool idea.  If the person is a regular Groupon user, the reaction is usually enthusiastic.  For businees owners, though, I think the reaction is becoming very mixed.  The heat comes when the users become just that, Users.  They abuse the system for their own personal gain.  I think the original intent was to provide a way for local and smaller businesses to get the word out about what they have to offer to a large group of people in order to have a new stream of loyal customers.  However, it’s a catch-22.  Many who now use Groupon are the modern-day coupon chasers, missing only the curlers, horn-rimmed glasses and bright red lipstick smashed beyond the lips.  Ok, ok, that’s a harsh image.  But in reality, businesses are re-thinking the use of Groupons to drive in new business.  It becomes a “hit and run” for the customers and then they’re gone, on to the next deal.

    This ugly picture is just to clarify that it is not what I do, nor what I think my friends do.  We don’t sit around and wait for a Groupon to come available from our already-favorite restaurant and then stock up on the deal.  I love to find a new place on Groupon in my area (and sometimes beyond it) so that I can explore and try out a new thing – with the hope that I can add the new place to my favorite places list.

    My friend  recently bought a Groupon for a local Mediterranean restaurant called, Taz.  Ever since I went to Cairo, I’ve been wanting some good Med- cuisine.  So, she invited me to head over to Taz.  It has a pretty good reputation for having wonderful Med- food.  Several friends said that we would not be disappointed and, in regards to the food, we weren’t.  I don’t like writing reviews that may be bad, but there are some things you should know.

    When we walked in, there was a “Now Hiring” sign on the door.  I’m hoping this explains the slow service.  If I’m remembering correctly, there was something blocking our way into the building – like a bucket and mop.  We had to step over it, or go out of our way to step around it.  It was awkward.  The exterior (which I don’t usually judge) gave no indication of “good food” being inside, but I don’t want to hold that against them.

    We were seated pretty quickly, given menus and brought our waters fairly quick.  But that was where the speed stopped.  There were only two other groups of 4 in the restaurant when we sat down.  A couple more came in by the time we received our food.  We didn’t know if we were supposed to wait for her to come back, or if we went up to the counter to order our food.  The waitress (the only waitress) was nowhere to be found, so I asked a guy who was standing in line what we were supposed to do.  He said that she would come to us.  At this point (maybe 15-20 minutes after sitting down with menus), we were talking about how the food would probably be amazing and stay our growing hunger.

    By the time she did get over to us to place our order, she was not very courteous – but, again, I’m hoping it was because they had just lost another employee and she was doing her best.  We waited for a long time again.  We ordered appetizers of yalanjie (stuffed grape leaves) and falafel.  They were delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed them.  It took a long time for them to come to us and they were quickly followed by our main dishes.

    I’m sorry that I can’t remember what my friend ordered, but she loved it.  I ordered a Kofta Kabab Sandwich.  I didn’t realize how much would be pickled though, so on my part, I was able to enjoy as much of my food as I could have (I’m allergic to vinegar).  But, it did taste really good and we were really glad of that.  However, with the wait, and the cost, it wasn’t worth much more than the Groupon, in our opinions.  We will continue our search for a favorite Med- restaurant.  There are a few in the area that we’re excited to try out too (Sultans, Aladdins).

    So, here’s the breakdown:

    The food: Very good.  Not as good as some other Med-cuisine I’ve had, but still, I can see why it has the reputation it has.
    The help: Our waitress was the only one in the restaurant.  I believe I saw someone in the kitchen, but really, there was no other visible life besides the other customers.  The “Now Hiring” sign suggests that they are aware they are understaffed and are working towards fixing that, but still, be prepared to wait.
    The parking: They have their own parking lot.
    The accommodations:  The interior was really lovely.  They had one sections, which we weren’t seated in, with couches and curtained off sections.  I think i read that they also have sheesha pipes available, but I didn’t see any out.
    The price: Kind of pricy.  The Groupon really helped.
    Returnability: Probably not.  If I have a group of friends who really want to go there, then I’ll probably go again, but there are other restaurants that have a little better reputation and image than this one.  I’d give it a 35%.

    Find more reviews and promos by clicking on the links to the right.  Go ‘head, you know you want to.

  • Review: Teak Thai Cuisine – Mt Adams, Cincinnati, OH

    Teak Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar

    1049-51 St. Gregory Street
    Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH 45202
    513.665.9800

    Website
    Facebook

    For my bff’s 26th birthday, a group of us went down for some dinner at Teak Thai in Mt. Adams.  Mt. Adams is like the college/young adult/cool place to go in Cincinnati.  I really like the area whenever I am down there (both day and night).  It’s up on a big hill in Cincinnati, so fairly close to whatever’s going on downtown.  It’s also a mishmash of residential condos/apartments/homes and small businesses with a bunch of restaurants and bars – yes, the bars are what really makes Mt. Adams.  The only one I’ve gone into down there is The Blind Lemon, which I love!  And I only ever get a virgin something or other, usually a piña colada, or when I’m really adventurous – a coffee.  Yep. I know, I know. I’m one wild child.  They also have some fun live music each night.

    But this is not a review on The Blind Lemon, or Mt Adams, no matter how fabulous I think they are!  This review is on Teak -yummy, spicy, lovely Teak.  Despite much discussion and debate, this WAS my first time at Teak.  I enjoy Thai food, although it isn’t my favorite East Asian cuisine.  I believe I only got one picture of my food, but I’ll go right into it.

    Matt and Lanna (birthday girl!) of BeardedLadyPics, got an appetizer of Gyoza, er, Dumplings, which were delicious.  As were the crab puffs (rangoon) that Amy got.  My lovely dish to your right is Yellow Pork Curry, with a spicy level of 4.  The levels here are 3-10 (I know, I was a chicken that night) and I have no idea what happened to 1 and 2. I feel kind of sad for them.

    My food was very good. The rice came with the meal and they even gave me chop sticks to eat with, so I was happy.

    The food: excellent (all around, people said they loved their food)
    The help: Our waitress had an accent, but she was very understandable, if that’s a turn-off for you.  She was very helpful and remembered what we ordered even if we didn’t.
    The parking: They have a parking lot across the street and down the hill a little.  There isn’t a ton of parking that I could see, so we parked on the street as usual.  You may have to drive up and down the hill a couple of times to find a spot if you’re not into parking garages (which there is one nearby).
    The accommodations:  Lots of tables inside.  There are two stories and I think the downstairs is more of a bar area.  There’s also outdoor seating which is open during the warm seasons.
    The price: Average.  I think my meal (and water) came to about $15 with tip.  I can’t eat sushi, so I can’t account for the cost there. Sorry.
    Returnability: Again, Thai’s not my favorite East Asian food, but if I’m basing it just on service, comfort, cost and quality, I would give it an 80% rate.  (It’s also a bit of a drive for me (~ 30 minutes) so that’s a factor as well.)

    Find more reviews and promos by clicking on the links to the right.  Go ‘head, you know you want to.

  • Review: La Comedia Dinner Theatre – Springboro, OH

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    765 W. Central Ave
    Springboro, OH 45066
    1.800.677.9505 or 937.746.4554

    Website
    Facebook

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    My mom’s birthday was at the end of February and we did a few things right around her birthday to celebrate.  But my sisters, mom and I really enjoy doing something “classy” and “girlie” every year, if we can, and this year, we decided to go to La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, OH.  It’s between Cincinnati and Dayton, a little closer to Dayton, and this was my first time going!  Mom had gone several years ago to eat and listen to a monk choir (no, they couldn’t talk…but they did the whole Hallelujah Chorus with signs.  Not sign language, but signs with the words and parts of words written on them. She said it was hilarious.)

    La Comedia is finishing up their production of Seven Bride for Seven Brothers (April 23rd).  It was such a fun show, but I’ll have to start at the beginning.

    La Comedia begins with a buffet dinner.  There are different sizes of tables available which you can keep for your whole party or you can mingle with some other groups.  We chose to mingle with others.  As a result, our seats were right up at the front, literally inches from the stage!  We sat with two couples – one, not so pleasant, and the other, who were no longer strangers by the end of the show. 

    Our server was a lot of fun too.  My mom, sisters and I can be a bit boisterous (all in good fun) and we play along with really anything – our server rose to the challenge.  She was great fun.  We started with our drinks and a salad.  I couldn’t eat all of it, because I’m allergic to vinegar, but I had never had cantaloupe on a salad before.  This one had Papaya Chutney Dressing and everyone (else) ooed and awed and yummed their way through it. 

    When it came time to the main course, three, yes three, large buffets were wheeled out onto the stage.  We were dismissed by table to go dig in – there were very strict rules.  But the food looked and tasted delicious.  Here’s what was on the menu:

    Beef Tenderloin (carved by a chef)
    Smoked Sausage and Apples (most of us decided the sausage was the only edible part of this duo)
    Country Fried Chicken
    Fried Norwegian Cod (a La Comedia staple)
    Homemade Cornbread (my favorite part!)
    Pinto Beans served with Peppers and Onions
    Beef Stew with Buttered Noodles
    Mashed Potatoes
    Chicken Gravy
    Seasoned Corn
    Broccoli with Bread Crumbs
    Sweet Potato Soufflé (yum yum and…yum)

    Gluttony, thy name is Sarah

    I will unashamedly post what my plate looked like after sitting down.

    Despite having a decided formal feel, there were a lot of homey things about it.  For one, when you share a table with strangers, you kind of get the family-type feel with them. (Well, in our case, some of them).  This may just be a side-effect of sitting with my family – we know no strangers anyhow.

    Also, there was a quite a bit of passing of dishes.  We were frequently asked by the staff to pass down a salad to our table-mates and then pass up any dirty dishes to them. 

    When it came time for the show, I had to put my camera away, sadly.  We were so close that I thought for sure one of the Brothers would flip right onto our table.  And if our dirty dishes hadn’t been passed around and sent off to the kitchen, one of the brides could have ended up with leftover sweet potato on her skirts.  But they did a great job!  I have seldom gone to a show that I didn’t enjoy, but it sure is nice when the troupe performing is so skilled and really into their performance.  Those guys would really, really dance!  We all agreed that some more harmony and blending would have been nice in the songs, but they all did an excellent job. 

    So, here it goes:

    The food: excellent, unless buffets aren’t really your thing.  Except, I will say, this was ten times better than any normal buffet style restaurant.
    The help: They were 92% attentive.
    The parking: they have their own parking lot.
    The accommodations:  Several sizes of tables and levels (at various costs).  Our table could fit 10, 5 on each side.  It would have been snug if we had that last couple with us.  I saw several people up front who turned their chairs to face the stage, since there wasn’t much eating during the show.
    The price: Cost for an individual is between $60-$70.  If you have an Entertainment Card, you can get the Buy One, Get One Free deal.  This doesn’t apply to the White Christmas or Christmas Carol shows in December.  There are other deals and discounts you can check out here.
    Returnability: For my first time going, I’d love to go back.  The couple at our table has gone to several shows, and they said there was only one time they were so bored that they left at intermission.  It’s kind of pricey (although, now we do have an Entertainment Card.  For very special occasions, and a favorite show – I would say, most definitely!

    Find more reviews and promos by clicking on the links to the right.  Go ‘head, you know you want to.

  • Catch Up

    Hey everyone!  I recently went to three new and yummy restaurants/venues.  So, at some point soon, I will get my blog caught up with a few reviews for y’all. 

    Also, I will be on “stay-cation” next week and I’m so looking forward to that.  I’m going to check out some places around town (and a little beyond) that I’ve been longing to get to.  So, yeah, stay tuned!