Groupon

Taz Mediterranean Restaurant

8950 Governors Way
Cincinnati, OH 45249
513 774 7600

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.

A month or so ago, I logged into my email and found a Groupon in Cincinnati, OH for Paint by the Glass in West Chester, OH. I had never heard of this place, but I love painting and upon reading more information, I was pretty sure I’d have a good time.

Here are the specs:

Paint by the Glass
8179 Princeton-Glendale Rd.
Suite G.
West Chester, OH 45069
(on 747, it’s across from the Kroger)
513.874.1101
Facebook

The schedule really varies, so I’m not going to put their hours up. Generally, the adult classes are in the evenings and the kids classes in the afternoon (2pm) but you’ll have to go to the website to check out the calendar. The calendar features which painting they are working on which night, so you can choose the class you’d prefer to attend.

My friend, Lanna and I went the Saturday before Valentine’s Day and had a really great time. The painting was called “Love Tree”, for obvious reasons. I was surprised to see so many men there, but it was a predominantly Valentine’s Day theme, so, I’m sure many of the guys were forced into it. I did see one couple in particular, where the guy was just observing his SO painting and didn’t seem to be much preoccupied with anything else. Anyways, since I’m not really a fan of Valentine’s Day, to spend an evening doing something crafty with my best friend was all I could have asked for this year! We also sat at a table with a cool, trendy Christian couple and had a lot of fun talking and joking with them.

Here’s how it went:

At each table there was an easel with an unpainted canvas, an assortment of brushes, and a plate with all the primary/secondary colors and white. Oh, and of course, a cup of water. On the canvas, as shown to the right, the basic picture is sketched in pencil, so it’s like a paint-by-number without the numbers. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about that, but it was really nice.

The artist (I forget her name! boo) was really great at helping us through the process. It’s been ages since I’ve painted on canvas, so getting the pointers was really helpful. Like, wetting your brush before blending colors. When I paint on wood, that’s not helpful, because then it thins out the color which means I have to do multiple coats and if it’s a blended color, I don’t always have a lot of it. But this tip was good for both surfaces: Start from the furthest area “back” and come forward. Basically, start with the background and build on top of it. I usually do this when I paint on wood, but I wasn’t thinking about it for canvas.

So we built and built and painted and painted and blended and blended. At this point, we took a “break” and were able to eat some of the yummy hors d’oeuvres they were serving; chocolate-covered strawberries, meatballs, veggies.

By the way, they serve wine and such in the evenings. If you’re not savvy to that, they also have pop available (not a huge selection, but good enough). They also have a kids class called “Canvas & Cocoa” which is in the afternoons on Saturdays, with age-appropriate paintings with a drink/snack served as well.

I’ve also seen a “Canvas & Causes” class posted on their calendar where certain amount of the class fee goes to a good cause. The painting seems to be related to the cause.

While we were painting, the artist/teacher was painting along with us, at pace, so we could see technique, ask questions about brush selection and blending, etc. What I really enjoyed about the class is that everyone was of a different level of ability. No one was excluded. Also, you could choose whatever colors you wanted, and the style of painting could be whatever you felt most comfortable with, or maybe thought would best fit your home decor. She coached but didn’t dictate or criticize. I felt like I was back in any of my high school art classes where creativity and exploration was encouraged and only technique was taught.

Oh, and if you’re worried about drying time, don’t be. They have blow-dryers handy to help you get your painting nice and dry for the ride home. (Acrylic paint is a quick dry-er anyways) 🙂

I am fully expecting to go back sometime. My only negative is the cost. $35 for one class, and as far as I could tell, that didn’t include the drinks. (I had to pay for my Coca-Cola.) So, here’s the breakdown:

The class: Really fun. Casual. Definitely felt like an art studio. Our class was scheduled to go from 6:30p-8p. I don’t think we left until a little before 10p. But they were gracious hosts and didn’t make us feel rushed or try to shove us out the door.
The food: For hors d’oeuvres, excellent. Just don’t go expecting them to take care of a meal. You’re there to PAINT not dine!
The help: Everyone there was great. The artist/teacher, it was apparently her first night, and she did a wonderful job! Whenever we needed something, extra paint, another plate, more water, a paper-towel, etc, they were quick to get it to us.
The parking: It’s in a strip-mall across from Kroger and there is lots and lots of parking in the lot there.
The accommodations: The room is narrow but it’s easy to get yourself around the table to the food, drinks, restroom. I was sitting pretty close to the artist/teacher, so I didn’t have any problems seeing. I didn’t check from other parts of the room though.
The price: For the adult class, it’s kind of pricey, by my scale. $35 for adult classes. $17.50 for Canvas & Cocoa. There is also the option to schedule a private party, but there are no pricings available on the site for that.
Returnability: It was a lot of fun. And if I see a really wonderful painting on their calendar, I may fork over the moolah, if I have extra in my budget. But really, to go back on a regular basis, it’s more than my budget of a post-college grad paying off student loans. I’m more open to the Canvas & Cocoa though…so long as I can kidnap a kid to take with me. 🙂