Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Cassie the Food Guru

  • Cassie the Food Guru Visits Teak Loveland Sushi and Thai Cuisine

    Cassie the Food Guru Visits Teak Loveland Sushi and Thai Cuisine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Chanaka De Laneroll brought his passion for fine food and exceptionally good service to Historic Downtown, and it gave rise to an inspiring addition to Loveland’s restaurant landscape.

    De Laneroll prides himself on providing nutritious and delicious options, fast and friendly service, and making sure that everyone in the community gets the most out of their dining dollar at Teak Loveland Sushi & Thai Cuisine. I was thrilled to learn just how little Teak relies on outside sources, besides raw ingredients, for what ends up on your plate or in your cocktail glass.

    In my latest Cassie the Food Guru episode, I talk to Chanaka about his extensive menu and his ability to retain staff at Loveland and his two companion restaurants, one in OTR and one in Oakley. During the interview I also asked Chanaka about patrons not familiar with Asian style cuisine and what they might want to sample on their first visit including what level of “spice” first-timers should dare try on their first visit. His answers make giving the Thai cuisine a try, easy.

    My favorite part about Teak is that they have both vegetarian and vegan options which is fantastic for those making these healthy dietary choices. Teak is my go-to Loveland restaurant choice because of their attention to this, and their extensive menu options.

    Watch my all-new Cassie the Food Guru episode featuring owner Chanaka De Laneroll!

    Make a Reservation!

    Order Online

    Phone: (513) 583-8325

    TEAK Loveland Sushi & Thai Cuisine is located at 110 S 2nd St, Loveland, OH 45140 – one block from the Loveland Bike Trail and thirty steps from Graeter’s Ice Cream at Loveland Station.

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.

  • Cassie the Food Guru Welcomes “Better Blend Loveland”

    Cassie the Food Guru Welcomes “Better Blend Loveland”

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – “Better Blend is inspiring a healthier lifestyle — one Blend, Bowl, and community at a time.” Better Blend’s mission statement couldn’t ring more true as the newest food spot to hit Downtown Loveland prides itself on providing nutritious and delicious options, fast and friendly service, and making sure that everyone in the community gets the most out of their day.

    Founded in 2018 by former University of Kentucky rugby player Isaac Hamlin, Better Blend offers a variety of Blends (smoothies) and Bowls (smoothie in a bowl) that are jam packed with clean ingredients. Each Blend starts with a base of clean protein and includes naturally occurring BCAAs and glutamine, organic greens, oat powder, flax seed, and vitamin matrix. The Blends come in 4 different categories Original, Basic, Barista (coffee is added), and Bulk (includes a premium mass-gainer protein. Each Blend offers a variety of “dessert-like” flavors and combinations like Apple Jacks, Banana Caramel Cheesecake, Blueberry Cake Donut, Brownie Batter, Lean N’ Green, Cinnamon Roll, Pineapple Dole Whip, Strawberry Shortcake, Java Chip, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Mocha, Tropical Vibe, Strawberry Lemonade, Green Goddess, Strawberry Banapple, Banana Split, The Funky Monkey, and Banana Nut Muffin.

    The Better Blend Bowls are similar to the Blends but are instead layered into a bowl starting with a “fresh, fruity, and blended up to a sorbet-like” base. You can customize the Bowl with Better Blend’s large selection of nutritious toppings such as strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, coconut chips, honey, cinnamon, pecans, peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seeds, and cacao nibs.

    Hungry yet? Just looking over the online menu made my mouth water so naturally “Cassie the Food Guru” had to go check out the latest vegetarian and vegan friendly food spot! Franchise owner, Brent, and manager of two Better Blend locations, Chris, invited me to take the first look at Better Blend Loveland before opening day. In my all-new interview, you will learn all about the Better Blend story and how the franchise has grown from one shop to six shops with four more on the way! Watch my latest Cassie the Food Guru interview featuring Brent and Chris from Better Blend below!

    Better Blend Loveland is officially open for business every day from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. beginning on Monday, September 18. The official grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, September 30th. During the grand opening, Better Blend will be giving away $2,500 in cash and prizes including two FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United tickets, Apple Airpod Pros, two Bengals vs. Texans tickets, Custom Better Blend Yeti cooler, 15 gift cards from Loveland local businesses, and $1,000 in cash. To enter the grand opening raffle click here!

    Make sure you’re up to date on all the latest Better Blend news, rewards, and specials by downloading the Better Blend App on the App Store or Google Play.

    Better Blend Loveland is located at 201 W Loveland Ave. right along the Loveland Bike Trail.

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.

  • Cassie The Food Guru Visits Loveland Dairy Whip!

    Cassie The Food Guru Visits Loveland Dairy Whip!

    To celebrate Friday’s opening day for the Loveland Dairy Whip we thought we’d re-publish this interview I did with co-owner Rick Morgan in 2021.

    The Loveland Dairy Whip opens daily beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 3 at 2 PM.

    Dairy Whip Opening Day: Where Ice Cream and people have gathered since 1955

    Cassie The Food Guru Visits Loveland Dairy Whip!

    Cassie Mattia

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – I scream, you scream, we all scream for Loveland Dairy Whip Ice Cream!

    Loveland is home to many family-owned businesses and historical buildings due to the fact that Loveland itself was founded in 1876. Businesses have come and gone and a majority of the historical buildings have had to go through some major renovations, but there is one business in particular that has not only called Loveland home from the beginning but has also kept its building as close as possible to the original layout. The Loveland Dairy Whip (LDW) located at 611 West Loveland Ave. has been serving up the community the finest high-quality ice cream since 1955 and has managed to satisfy sweet-tooths all over the city for 66 years! That’s why I couldn’t resist paying LDW a visit for my next round of “Cassie The Food Guru!”

    Teresa (Flint) Morgan and her husband Rick Morgan became official LDW owners in 2001 although the ice cream hot spot had been in the Flint family since 1972. Teresa’s parents Marian and Jim Flint bought LDW in 1972, sold it in 1986, then bought it back in 1993. Up until 2001 when Teresa became the owner of LDW, she had been helping her parents run the shop since age 11 so she was no stranger to the LDW way of life!

    The Morgan’s now run one of the longest-standing businesses and buildings in the City of Loveland. The LDW has not only been able to keep its historical charm intact even after the minor yet much-needed renovations that took place in 2014 it has also managed to stay true to its mantra, which is to continue offering the community the absolute best quality ice cream at a price that any family can afford! From the legendary vanilla, chocolate, or twist dip-top cones to the delicious Chocolate Mountain Cyclone to the yummy Oreo Parfay to the fan-favorite Banana Boats, LDW can sweeten anyone’s day with its magical ice cream creations!

    Without further ado, I bring to you “Cassie the Food Guru” takes on Loveland Dairy Whip! Click below to see my on-camera interview with owner Rick Morgan!

    For more restaurant reviews and interviews stay tuned to Cassie The Food Guru!

  • Cassie the Food Guru Checks out the Newest Spot in Town, The Chili Hut!

    Cassie the Food Guru Checks out the Newest Spot in Town, The Chili Hut!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – “It’s always Chili in Cincinnati,” the owner of The Chili Hut Fadi Khalilieh, said with a huge smile on his face! That’s the motto Khalilieh has lived by since 2013 when he decided to use the chili recipe that had been in his family for 40 years to start the first Chili Hut food truck. Since then Khalilieh’s food truck business has taken off in the city of Cincinnati leading him to open the doors to his first brick and mortar right here in Loveland on January 24th.

    Khalilieh is not a stranger to the restaurant industry as he grew up helping with his family’s restaurant in Madeira. Khalilieh’s family encompassed a slew of homemade family recipes that he never could have imagined would come in handy one day with his own food truck and restaurant! From the spicy yet sweet coleslaw to the Cincinnati-style chili, these family recipes have hit the ground running growing The Chili Hut name astronomically since 2013.

    Today The Chili Hut is well-known for supporting all things Cincinnati, as the Chili Hut food truck is often seen hanging out around the University of Cincinnati and at local Cincinnati sporting events. Khalilieh paid homage to the beautiful city where he got his start by having intricate murals painted across his new restaurant representing the “flying pig,” the Bengals tiger, and the architecture surrounding Downtown Cincinnati to name a few. 

    Now, Khalilieh says that he is excited to see how The Chili Hut does in a city like Loveland as not too long ago he brought his food truck to local spot Hometown Cafe where the community gave his chili cheese fries excellent reviews. When Khalilieh saw that there was a space available for The Chili Hut to grow right in the heart of Loveland, he knew that it was the perfect moment to take a leap of faith and introduce the family recipe to the rest of the community!

    Although The Chili Hut specializes in Cincinnati-style chili, the simplistic menu also offers fan favorites like the Cheese Coney, the Eden Pork, the Walking Taco, the Ham and Cheese Panini, and the Gouda Grilled Cheese. You really can’t go wrong at “The Hut!” 

    I’m sure at this point your mouth is watering and believe me mine is too so without further ado I bring to you Cassie The Food Guru featuring the newest spot in town, The Chili Hut! You won’t want to miss this spicy Loveland Magazine TV interview!

    Are you interested in starting a food truck or have had thoughts about starting a career working on a food truck? Tune in to Fadi Khalilieh as he talks about how you can get involved with the Cincinnati Food Truck Association!

    Be sure to stay up to date on all things The Chili Hut by following them on Instagram and Facebook!

    beslandbaden

    For more local food reviews and interviews stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru! Can’t wait to share with you my next delicious adventure!

  • Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Bike Trail over the past couple of years has welcomed many new local businesses, some offering quality beverages, some offering a unique dine-in experience, and some offering fresh homemade cuisine. One business in particular that sits right off the bike trail tucked right next to Narrow Path Brewing Company has managed to combine quality beverages, a unique dine-in experience, and fresh homemade food all under one roof. Introducing Hometown Cafe, a little slice of paradise in the heart of Historic Downtown Loveland!

    Hometown Cafe made its debut into the Loveland community after Owner Jimmy Hooper bought the business, formerly known as “Fresh Press,” from his brother-in-law. Hooper already had an extensive culinary background as well as a catering business called “Loveland Catering” so he felt that having a brick and mortar would mesh well with his passion for creating aesthetically pleasing healthy food. Hooper, who grew up in Symmes Township, knew after having kids that he wanted to raise his family with his wife in the same city he fell in love with so he thought what better way to serve the community he loves than having fresh nutritious food readily available every day!

    Hometown Cafe offers a simple yet delicious selection of food, beverages, and goods from local vendors across the city. From Deeper Roots coffee, lattes, and hot chocolate, to real fruit, and veggie smoothies, and fresh-pressed juice, to made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and wraps, Hometown Cafe has it all! Did I mention Hometown also has a bakery filled with muffins, croissants, bagels, and danishes, to name a few and a “local market” where small local businesses can sell their homemade delicacies such as honey, granola, jam, and energy bites?

    I have been a part of the Loveland community and Loveland Magazine now for nearly 5 years so I have had the honor of seeing new businesses establish themselves, local events thrive, and the community coming together to give back. This is one of the biggest reasons, other than I LOVE food and food culture, as to why I wanted Hometown Cafe to be my next Cassie the Food Guru adventure! Hometown Cafe has not only impacted the community by providing quality nutritious food and beverages, but by also giving back time and time again. Whether they are getting involved in Loveland’s events or introducing local artists, vendors, and food trucks to the community, Hometown Cafe loves helping the community!

    So without further ado, I bring to you, a Loveland Magazine TV interview production, Cassie the Food Guru Stops by Hometown Cafe!

    Hometown Cafe Fun Facts:

    • Located at 111 Railroad Ave, Loveland, Ohio, 45140
    • Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day
      • Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the week and on the weekends breakfast is served until 3 p.m.
    • Lunch is always in the cooler. The cooler includes homemade soups, salads, wraps, and “kids boxes.”
    • Cold-Pressed Juice is made “in-house with a hydraulic press that exerts 10 tons of pressure on the fresh produce to extract the juice. Since the juice is exposed to minimal heat and air, it retains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes from the whole fruit/vegetable than traditional centrifugal juicing methods.”
    • Local artists’ artwork is on display for sale inside the cafe.
    • You may book Hometown Cafe for your next event!
      • Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings is $250.
      • Monday through Thursday evenings is $200.
        • Rental is available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
        • Seats up to 25 on the 1st floor and 32 on the patio.
      • The upstairs meeting room is $25 per hour.
        • Available for rent 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
        • The rental fee is waived if you spend the same amount in the cafe during your event!
    • Catering is available through Jimmy’s “Loveland Catering.”
      • $500 on the weekends.
      • $400 on the weekdays.
      • If you spend twice the event rental fee in catering and the rental fee is waived!
    • You can rent Hometown Cafe’s kitchen for $35 per hour or if you take advantage of the kitchen membership it is $20 per hour.
    • Hometown Cafe offers merchandise through “My State Threads Apparel.”
      • If you would like to set a page up for your business Hometown will give you a unique URL and $10 from every piece of merchandise sold will go towards your business.
    • Items we recommend you try when you stop by Hometown Cafe:
      • The Cozy Bowl
      • The One With No Meat
      • The Toast
      • The B.E.A.S.T
      • Frogman Smoothie
      • Tropical Majik Smoothie
      • Kale Force Cold-Pressed Juice
      • Charcoal Lemonade Cold-Pressed Juice
      • The Ginger Shot
      • A specialty latte or hot chocolate
      • Sweet Potato Chips
      • Energy Bites
      • An Everything Bagel
      • Any of the local market items made by local small businesses!

    Be sure to stay informed on all the fun and delicious things Hometown Cafe has going on by visiting their website, Facebook, or Instagram!

    For more interviews and stories on local food culture, stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

  • Cassie the Food Guru Visits Dolph’s Dogs!

    Cassie the Food Guru Visits Dolph’s Dogs!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – What do the holidays mean to you? Being from a very Italian family, during the holidays I’m always surrounded by family, friends, and a delicious yet large amount of homemade food! This is why I thought now would be the perfect time to go on my next Food Guru excursion, only this time I decided to hit up Dolph’s Dogs, a traditional yet elevated local Hot Dog Cart.

    Dolph Himmelbauer moved to Downtown Loveland 5 years ago and has become a huge part of the community that he says, “Is the best, most welcoming place he’s ever lived in.” After being in the business world for several years, Himmelbauer made the decision after the Covid-19 pandemic hit to start his own business. Although he was a little unsure at first about what business he wanted to go into he knew he wanted to do something that Loveland had a need for.

    At the beginning of 2021, Dolph’s Dogs came into conception! Himmelbauer came up with the idea after hanging out in Downtown Loveland late one night and realized that there weren’t any readily available food options. Himmelbauer already had a love for hot dogs so he thought why not start a hot dog business only let’s not serve them in a restaurant, but on a mobile cart! Flash forward a few months and Himmelbauer had secured a mobile cart, a few great serving spots in the Downtown Loveland area, and an absolutely delicious product.

    Now, Himmelbauer is not only consistently serving his elevated hot dogs around town and selling out most weekend nights, but he is also being booked for parties and events, one of the events being Loveland’s first-ever Oktoberfest! According to Himmelbauer all the success with Dolph’s Dogs has been an absolute whirlwind and he couldn’t be more grateful for the support from his family, friends, and the community of Loveland!

    Without further ado I Cassie the Food Guru brings to you an exclusive one-on-one Loveland Magazine TV interview with Dolph Himmelbauer, owner of Dolph’s Dogs! There’s no way you won’t want one of these delicious dogs after watching this!

    For more stories and interviews on Loveland’s food culture stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

  • Local Business Creates a Luxury Picnic Experience Like no Other!

    Local Business Creates a Luxury Picnic Experience Like no Other!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – What better way to celebrate an event or milestone than gathering around one another outdoors for a customized elevated picnic experience! This is exactly what new local business Epic Picnics is all about!

    Loveland resident and Owner of Epic Picnics, Amanda Ericson, started the business in 2020 in hopes that she could use her love for art, her passion for the community, and her attachment to the outdoors to craft and create one beautiful experience!

    “Every day should be cherished, celebrated, and lived to the fullest,” Ericson said, “My husband and I believe in living healthy robust lives surrounded by family, friends, and our beloved dog Butters. This is why we are excited to bring an elevated picnic experience to the Cincinnati area! We believe every day is worth celebrating!”

    Ericson, a Studio Art Major, began her journey managing a Coffee and Wine Bar and then eventually moved into sales and customer service. Although she always loved the jobs she took on, Ericson knew that there was something more she was meant to do; that’s when Epic Picnics came into conception!

    Epic Picnics “specializes in creating the personal perfect atmosphere for a romantic picnic for two, a memorable moment for brunch in the park, an outdoor movie experience in your backyard, a surprise engagement, a gender reveal party or a private intimate moment.” The luxury picnic set-up is really anything but ordinary! Ericson not only creates the theme of the picnic based on the location, the type of Epic Picnic selected, and a questionnaire filled out by the customer explaining what special touches they want to be added to the picnic, she also executes the picnic set-up and packs up everything after the picnic!

    Ericson is able to create and customize any picnic for any occasion and of course, if a customer is unsure of what they want Epic Picnics does offer picnic set-up options such as The 1-hour Picnic, The 2-hour Picnic, The Luxury Movie Night, “Just Brunchin,” and Uniquely Yours (typically for large groups like Corporate Events, Weddings, Baby Showers, Proposals, Engagement Parties, and Birthdays). All of the picnic options include a unique set-up depending on the theme and the customized add-on’s selected by the customer.

    After chatting with Ericson on the phone about Epic Picnics I knew we had to get her on-camera talking about the concept and her passion for creating!

    Ericson offered to set up an Epic Picnic for me, my best friend Stacie, and my grandma in the heart of Downtown Loveland at Nisbet Park so that we could experience exactly what an elevated picnic feels like. The experience was above and beyond my expectations and the “Boho Sheek” picnic theme was to die for! The Epic Picnic was the perfect backdrop for an on-camera interview with Ericson so we decided to share with YOU the readers not only what Epic Picnics is all about but also what an Epic Picnic looks like!

    Without further ado, Cassie the Food Guru brings to you Amanda Ericson from Epic Picnics in her first on-camera interview! Believe me, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun and delicious snacks we got into on our elevated picnic!

    Are you looking to celebrate a meaningful occasion or host a unique event with style? Visit Epic Picnics website or give them a call at (513) 525-4812 to start planning your luxury picnic today!

    A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your requested picnic date. The balance due must be paid in full 7 days before the reservation date or the reservation may be subject to cancellation. All picnics include take-out boxes for leftover picnic food, sanitizer, and bug spray. Flowers included in the picnic setup can go home with you!

    For more local food and restaurant reviews stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

    Watch more LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV stories on our YouTube channel!

  • Cassie The Food Guru Visits Loveland Dairy Whip!

    Cassie The Food Guru Visits Loveland Dairy Whip!

    Cassie Mattia

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – I scream, you scream, we all scream for Loveland Dairy Whip Ice Cream!

    Loveland is home to many family-owned businesses and historical buildings due to the fact that Loveland itself was founded in 1876. Businesses have come and gone and a majority of the historical buildings have had to go through some major renovations, but there is one business in particular that has not only called Loveland home from the beginning but has also kept its building as close as possible to the original layout. The Loveland Dairy Whip (LDW) located at 611 West Loveland Ave. has been serving up the community the finest high-quality ice cream since 1955 and has managed to satisfy sweet-tooths all over the city for 66 years! That’s why I couldn’t resist paying LDW a visit for my next round of “Cassie The Food Guru!”

    Teresa (Flint) Morgan and her husband Rick Morgan became official LDW owners in 2001 although the ice cream hot spot had been in the Flint family since 1972. Teresa’s parents Marian and Jim Flint bought LDW in 1972, sold it in 1986, then bought it back in 1993. Up until 2001 when Teresa became the owner of LDW, she had been helping her parents run the shop since age 11 so she was no stranger to the LDW way of life!

    The Morgan’s now run one of the longest-standing businesses and buildings in the City of Loveland. The LDW has not only been able to keep its historical charm intact even after the minor yet much-needed renovations that took place in 2014 it has also managed to stay true to its mantra, which is to continue offering the community the absolute best quality ice cream at a price that any family can afford! From the legendary vanilla, chocolate, or twist dip-top cones to the delicious Chocolate Mountain Cyclone to the yummy Oreo Parfay to the fan-favorite Banana Boats, LDW can sweeten anyone’s day with its magical ice cream creations!

    Without further ado, I bring to you “Cassie the Food Guru” takes on Loveland Dairy Whip! Click below to see my on-camera interview with owner Rick Morgan!

    For more restaurant reviews and interviews stay tuned to Cassie The Food Guru!

  • Cassie the Food Guru Takes on Ramsey’s Trailside!

    Cassie the Food Guru Takes on Ramsey’s Trailside!

    by Cassie Mattia the Loveland Food Guru

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland is quickly becoming a food lover’s dream come true as new restaurants are popping up left and right!

     One of the first restaurants to hit the block after the Downtown Loveland fire in 2017 was Ramsey’s Trailside. The beautifully restored building, located right off the Loveland Bike Trail on West Loveland Ave, has become a large part of the Loveland food culture offering both vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals as well as some of the best views in the city!

    The Ramsey’s Trailside building dates back to the 1800s and was originally referred to as the “Ramsey’s Building,” paying homage to the first two families in the Loveland area; the Paxton’s and the Ramsey’s. After Colonel Paxton and his sons-in-law were awarded a 1,000-acre grant for Paxton’s service in the Revolutionary War in 1848 Colonel William Ramsey purchased 189 acres of that land. Colonel Ramsey’s plan was to join the town of Paxton and the town of Loveland together. In 1863 John Ramsey’s daughter’s husband, James Loveland (the Justice of Peace, General Store Owner, and Postmaster of the town of Paxton and Loveland) officially joined together both towns naming it Loveland. 

    Ramsey’s Trailside did not come into conception until the early 2000s when Paxton’s Grill owners, Ralph Dunnigan and Kevin Eagan were approached with the idea of making the Ramsey’s building into a second restaurant. Eagan and Dunnigan loved the idea of having another quality family-friendly restaurant and in 2018 Ramsey’s Trailside opened its doors! 

    John Zielke, now General Manager and Co-Owner of Ramsey’s Trailside joined the Ramsey’s Trailside team after having worked at Paxton’s Grill. Zielke was used to the traditional Paxton’s Grill cuisine, so when he learned that Ramsey’s goal was to offer vegetarians and vegans great meal options too he was thrilled about getting the opportunity to learn about a type of cuisine he wasn’t used to. It was a challenge that Zielke said he was happy to accept!

    Since 2018, Ramsey’s Trailside has gained quite a reputation with the community becoming an instant fan favorite! From the “treehouse” views to the affordable quality food to the outstanding service this Loveland gem is an absolute must-try!

    I of course had to check in with John Zielke at Ramsey’s Trailside so that I could share with you all of the delicious details about the restaurant! Follow me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take you on a trip to Ramsey’s Trailside!

    For more restaurant reviews and food critiques stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

  • TAHONA Loveland Impresses the Community at Sneak Peek Dinner and Taco Tuesday!

    TAHONA Loveland Impresses the Community at Sneak Peek Dinner and Taco Tuesday!

    by Cassie Mattia the Loveland Food Guru

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Historic Loveland welcomed TAHONA Kitchen + Bar on July 13th just in time for Taco Tuesday! TAHONA Kitchen + Bar specializes in Mexican Street Style Food and “TAHONA” style Tequila.

    TAHONA Kitchen + Bar, which is a part of a local successful chain of restaurants called Looking Glass Hospitality, opened its first location in 2017 in Summit Park in Blue Ash. TAHONA, meaning “the large stone wheel that is used to crush the roasted hearts of agave known as piñas into a fermentable mash,” uses only the freshest produce and slow-roasted meats as well as freshly squeezed juices and homemade ingredients for their cocktails.

    Prior to TAHONA Loveland’s grand opening, Scott Schmidt, Founder of Looking Glass Hospitality, invited Loveland Magazine to take a tour of the newly renovated TAHONA Loveland, located at 117 Karl Brown Way. Schmidt indulged us in an exclusive on-camera interview explaining just why TAHONA is the home of the Walking Taco and what the “time-honored TAHONA technique” entails when producing their Patron Roca Silver Tequila for their infamous TAHONA Margarita.

    From the TAHONA Pineapple Mango Guacamole to the Vegetable Marinated Tofu Corn Taco to the legendary Donut Holes; TAHONA has a little something for everyone! Did I mention they specialize in Tequila inspired cocktails like “The TAHONA” (made with homemade ginger syrup), “The Granada Mojito,” and of course Fruit Margaritas? TAHONA also serves a twist on an Old Fashioned called “Clyborne’s Peach Old-Fashioned,” which is to die for!

    After speaking with Schmidt and hearing all about the mouthwatering menu I knew I had to try out TAHONA immediately so myself, David Miller (LM Editor), and my boyfriend, Adam Ploof, headed down to TAHONA Blue Ash to try out the menu. We were unbelievably pleased with the atmosphere, the food, and the cocktails!

    Shortly after my TAHONA Blue Ash experience, myself and David were cordially invited to a “sneak peek” dinner at TAHONA Loveland, which took place on Saturday, July 10th. We were thrilled to get the opportunity to see the new TAHONA location and of course we were happy to eat more tacos! David and I were able to bring along 3 guests to try out TAHONA Loveland on Saturday night and let me tell you our guests were happy to accept the invitation!

    The TAHONA Loveland experience ended up being incredible! The street-style Mexican restaurant definitely succeeded in proving why it is the perfect addition to the Downtown Loveland food culture. I was so impressed by both TAHONA locations that I decided to create a video capturing both experiences on my YouTube Channel, Beast Mode With Cassie! Click the video below to see my “TAHONA Kitchen + Bar Experience!”

    If you missed out on my one-on-one on-camera interview inside TAHONA Loveland with Looking Glass Hospitality Founder Scott Schmidt, click the Loveland Magazine TV video below!

    To stay up to date on all things TAHONA Loveland follow them on FaceBook. For TAHONA Blue Ash updates follow their FaceBook page.

    For more updates on Loveland’s new restaurant openings and food culture stay tuned to Cassie The Food Guru!