Drilling Down to Me

It is an odd feeling when I am on Hillary Clinton's press relations email list. I'm getting emails now because she is coming to Dayton and Cleveland and it would appear that her campaigns press department has a very good list of bloggers that can be targeted as the candidate swings through the state.

I don't think Ohio will be a big state for the primaries, so I do not expect to see all of the candidates here before our primary.

Smoking Ban Lack of Impact?

It has been six months since since the smoking ban went into affect and yesterday enforcement went into effect. Most establishments have been following the ban since last December. From the Enquirer we hear both sides to the issue, but my experiences agree with this quote from the article:

Habit's Café in Oakley has not experienced any change in business. In fact, more people are coming in for the food at Habit's, said manager Brian Dobbins.

"It's a non-issue for us," he said. "There are always a few complaints but by and large, everybody's been very happy. Every night I get a customer who says it's a much better environment."

I've heard nothing about a mass exodus over the last 6 months. This weekend, the hardcore smokers may be going to Kentucky, but they will be leaving a small number of bars. Those places, like the Pilot Inn, may face a business down turn, but that conventional wisdom is likely to end up being false. With gas at $3 a gallon, how many Norwood smokers are going to drive to Kentucky to drink? They might do it more a few times, but in the end, they will adapt. Maybe after their first DUI they will have no choice but to walk to the neighborhood bar.

I would expect the standard for new bar construction will include a patio or deck.

It's Driehaus vs. Chabot

The Papers have been files so as Howard Wilkinson puts it The Battle of the Steves is on.

Cuz'nJake

Oh, the love, the politics, the stylings of a new duo: Cuz'n Jake.

CSO Keeps Paavo Jarvi

Great news about the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra signing Paavo through 2011. Paavo brings a fresh approach to classical music that is helping keep the artistic reputation of the CSO at the high level it holds.

CiN Stage Lineup Announced

Kari Wethington of CiNWeekly has announced the lineup for the CiN Stage at the Taste of Cincinnati. This lineup is subject to change:

SATURDAY, MAY 26

1-2 The Swarthy Band
3-4 Kristen Key
5-6 Ellery
7-8 Wussy
9-10 Kim Taylor


SUNDAY, MAY 27

1-2 Ill Poetic
3-4 Paper Airplane
5-6 Fairmount Girls
7-8 Bad Veins
9-10 Freakbass

MONDAY, MAY 28

1-2 Buffalo Killers
3-4 Pearlene

The last spot is still open for Sunday night.

UPDATE: I got an update that Freakbass has filed the TBA Sunday night spot at 9.

Chain Resturant Wins Best Damn Dish

Does this mean Carrabba's is that good, or that most of the better non-chain restaurants did not participate? I really enjoy going to Taste of Cincinnati, but for the restaurants it can be a big expense and effort to participate. This makes it something bigger chains can afford better than the independent establishment.