Bar? Bistro? Both? W Bar+Bistro!

Oh my lanta, guys have y’all been to the W Bar + Bistro yet? I know they just opened but like trust me when I tell you that you need to drop everything right now and get reservations there! I am well aware that you would probably like a little more background information, well here is the scoop, it is being opened by the wonderful gentleman who owns the Ivory House, Rick and Frank. Let that just set the expectations for how wonderful this will taste.

 Doesn’t it just feel like we were speaking with Rick and Frank about the upcoming opportunities and then bam, we get another! As it turned out Joe Henke approached the dynamic duo to let them know that he was planning on retiring and let them know he thinks they have done amazing and wanted them to take over. As they were already in the process of opening up two brand new restaurants which would be considered a lot for just about anyone else, but it did not stop them. They were able to make it happened really fast, Frank was even joking that they spent three hours in a meeting with their marketing team to make sure that this went well. It might have been a miracle but they managed to get a plan developed within a week.

 I did have to ask them how long did they consider it before jumping in head first, with a slight chuckle they said they made the decision within twenty-four hours of Joe planting the seed. When you know you know and I am so glad they knew! It wasn’t always going to be a bar and bistro it was almost a café or a sushi bar! The menu is a bit of a comfort food meets decadence, like brie puffs, buffalo mac and cheese and burgers plus tuna poke bibimbap lettuce wraps or a red pepper bisque. It really is all about the comfort decadence. (Also wait until you see all their gluten free sauce options! Oh my Toto Kansas got a serious upgrade!) Also let me tell you they will have a fresh Oyster bar! Yes you read that right Oysters here in Cincinnati in Westwood!

 I did want to know if this is a bar or a bistro? Is this girls night out energy or meet my parents for dinner? Its actually both! Like they have a large bar area (I think it seats forty people large) for a perfect GNO but they have tons of seating and tables for families to grab a casual bite and relax.  It really does have a great neighborhood bar vibe where the food is fantastic, huge portions and the drinks are phenomenal. I will happily vouch for their drinks as someone who tried them you aren’t missing out. The Berry Tom Collins will make you rethink ever ordering a traditional Tom Collins going forward. Plus they will have DORA cups for you to grab a drink after lunch and go hang out at town hall or hit a West Side Market. Speaking of which, I should probably fill you all in on the hours, they will be open from 11am-9pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and from 11am- 10pm Friday and Saturday.

 I was curious what the thought process was when they decided to open W Bar + Bistro, Rick and Frank want to make Town Hall a destination point, where locals come in to hangout and people from all over Cincinnati come to enjoy the food and the company. Are you ready for the best part. They are so dedicated to making Westwood a destination space they have transformed their parking lot into a public parking lot to make sure that there is parking for everyone. The lot behind the W Bar + Bistro is charging two dollars for parking to make sure that Westwood is able to continue to make significant leaps and bounds to becoming the destination venue we all know it can be. Also I want to share with you the best part the people who are helping to manage and run the W Bar + Bistro are a lot of the same people we know and love from the Ivory House.  A lot of people had an opportunity for growth and promotion to make sure to keep employment within the community to continue to build Westwood up.

 Okay is anyone else nervous about trying to get a reservation? If so let me reassure you, you can actually book reservations there as a walk in or online. However if you are booking in person and can’t get a table you will have access to reservations at their other restaurants to make sure to minimize your wait time and maximize your fun!

 Plus would you guys like to know a sneak peek on what’s next? Rick and Frank are looking into opening up an ice cream shop hopefully this spring! Like fresh ice cream to run in and grab before going to  play in Town Park. I an just going to call dibs right now that I will be the first in line to grab a scoop and enjoy the warm sun and town events!

Forte Fitness and Why I Am OBSESSED!

Alright y’all, how many of you struggle with the weather getting colder and the lack of sunshine? I know I do, and I am always looking for something that will help kick me out of that funk. I think this winter is definitely going to be focusing on myself by working out and eating better. Well let me tell you, I recently had the opportunity to meet Barb. She is the powerhouse behind Forte Fitness, and I can go on and on about how much of a confidence boost she was and that just talking with her made me want to grab my gym shoes and get to work.  

Okay I may have gotten a little bit ahead of myself. Have you heard of Forte Fitness before or the powerhouse behind it, Barb? She is a West Sider who grew up on the West Side and choose to live her adult life here. She/Forte Fitness has been around for a while and has taught a little bit of everything from teaching children how to get out and move with #FitKids to doing personal training at the gym to now running her own fitness studio where she is primarily catering to women and helping them find their passion.

Forte Fitness has actually been in West Wood for four years now, she has not been in this location the whole time but moved in here to make the space more her own including knocking out walls! She loved the space because she can have a fitness studio not a gym. This is a safe space for women to work out and come together to form a fitness community, Barb teaches classes, personal training, and even online groups to help women lose weight and gain their confidence back. When I was meeting with her the sentence that kept reoccurring and sticking out in my mind is it’s all about moderation, that you should focus on “okay, you had a bad day. That is not a deal breaker, you continue to keep doing better, be better tomorrow than you were today. I can’t tell you how much of an impact that had especially as someone who has been known to have a cheat day. That is okay, don’t get discouraged, dig deep and do better at your next meal or the next day.

After hearing that Barb had definitely captured my attention and I wanted to know more about her. How did she become this strong, capable, independent woman who was focused on building up other woman? First off, she has always had a passion and interest in fitness and taking care of herself. Barb is a veteran who after her service was a healthcare worker. She ran the back office for nurses. She loved fitness and was working full time feeling unfilled when she decided to go to Cincinnati State and get her certification in personal training. After getting her certification she was working with the nurses at her work and added in personal training, then she started doing more personal training at the gym and adding in fitness classes which snowballed into the career she has now.

Barb actually decided to open Forte Fitness (actually named so because Fitness is her Forte so why not get creative) as a way to make fitness more approachable for women. She wants women to be able to work out, get help with eating better and having a healthy balance. (P.S. Barb has books she wrote, and introductory guides so there really is not prior experience necessary to turn to her and say Barb I am ready to get healthy so where do I start!)  

Now I know it can be intimidating to go to a gym and think okay I know all about Barb but who else will I need to know for this to be less intimidating, the good news here is that Barb primarily teaches all of her classes herself. She does have an instructor who teaches yoga but you can find Barb running everything in Forte Fitness so there is not going to be any scariness when going in. Plus, if you are nervous, you can always do a drop-in class. (Forte Fitness drop-in classes are typically forty five minutes and run about $12 a class to make it accessible to everyone and every budget). Also, as an added bonus if you are having an emergency and find that your kids are with you its okay to bring them. As a mom herself Barb understands that life happens and that you go with the flow. Trust me when I tell you that Barb is 1000% committed to making fitness accessible to everyone.

So, are you sold and ready to sign up but not quite sure where to start? That’s okay, I am too…. So, I asked, Barb. She recommended that personal training is the best way to start so you can meet with her and discuss your goals, your limitations and what you are looking to accomplish. Plus, she is an incredible listener and will be your safe space so you’ll come in for a work out and leave feeling better both physically and mentally. If you are still scared that’s okay, there are also classes for us! When you go to one of her classes, they are not going to be the large overwhelming class you are thinking. Her classes typically have about ten women per class and help you get your feet wet. Again, remember that your nutrition is equally as important to fitness as working out so be sure to ask her for tips and suggestions. She is a great resource and will help you work on your goals both long term and short term.  If you don’t live in the Cincinnati area you can still get to know Barb and work with her. She has online weight loss challenges with about 1,500 women where she is engaging with you to make sure you are working towards your goals and kicking butt.

 Plus are y’all ready for this? Barb not only works out in her classes, but she is a body builder who participates in competitions. She also trains with her own personal trainer; I think this makes her even more relatable to me as it shows that she understands the exhaustion of working all day but still values staying healthy and active. Show of hands who is ready to go to the next class they can at Forte Fitness? I know I am!

HELLO FROND!

Oh my lanta guys! Grab your bestie and get ready to go crazy plant lady on me! On a serious note have y’all heard about the newest and might I add cutest business opening soon in Westwood? Meet Frond!

 Before I get ahead of myself let me introduce you to the mastermind behind Frond. Meet Jackie Frondorf. She is a busy mama of five who loves her plants like they were one of her babies and you can tell from the growth that they feel nurtured and loved! When I was talking to Jackie she actually told me that her love of plants comes from her Grandma, that when she would visit it was like a jungle! She has taken this love and her passion and turned it to an awesome concept. Frond (which is actually the scientific name for plant) is going to have an outdoor space where the community can come in and rent the space for vase decorating or even baby showers! Plus when you are walking around the store you will notice they have a little of everything; cards, candles, making your own concrete pots and let me remind everyone this is in the DORA zone so you can grab a glass of wine, and walk around to find your newest plant baby.  

I was curious and asked Jackie what made Westwood the best place for her business? She was quick to respond that it’s the people and the community that really make Westwood home. That Westwood feels like Stars Hallow where you can walk down the street, grab a coffee from Luke’s, then watch as Ms. Patty leads her dance class. That is exactly when she wants;  to open her store where parents, kids and everyone can all come in one place, where there will be something for everyone! (Plus she is going to have a coloring table for the littles to play with when they come in.)

I wanted a little more background information as many of the buildings in Westwood are older I was curious when was it built and man oh man this did not disappoint. It was built in 1948 and when Jackie and her husband bought the building they had big dreams. They wanted to bring love and excitement into Westwood. Plus her expertise is that not only is she selling plants but she is ready to jump in and save our plants from us. Yes I am looking at myself when I write that knowing that I am not the best with keeping my plants alive.

I did have to ask what is the best plant for newbies. She might’ve giggled when I said that I kill plants and she suggested I try a Fern. They can be overwatered, they will survive with low light and will genuinely forgive you for your plant shortcomings. Plus she reminded me that watering your plants are a balancing act where you’ll learn from your plant how much water they want and not to over do because as we all know its never fun to feel soggy! When I asked how she felt about the ever popular succulents she was not as gun ho as I am, apparently for this busy mama if something is too easy its not for her. She wants to care and nurture her plants, loving on her plants is her happy place. I also learned a new fun fact, did y’all know you need to dust your plants, that when they get dusty they can’t work their magic and get nutrients from the sun? I didn’t but I am sure glad to know this now!  

I did want to know what plant Jackie is the most excited to sell and she let me know that it’s the Fiddle Leaf Fig. She is excited to bust the myth that they are not difficult to maintain and care for.  

So I know you are the most excited to hear about this. They will be opening September 24! Tentatively their hours will be Wednesday through Sunday probably from 11am to 7pm. Plus be ready to see all of her wonderful employees (whoops I meant kids) ready to welcome you in and help you find your newest baby!

Farewell Henke Winery

Hello again and welcome back to the West Side Showcase! This month I want you to read this article of course and then grab your bestie, your significant other, or your family and get in the car and go check out Henke Winery. Like go now, or forever miss your chance. They are closing their doors for good on August 20th. Unfortunately, the business I want to show you is one that is going to be greatly missed but it is so worth going to check out that we are showcasing it!  Okay, let me back it up here. Let’s start with this first   Do you know what an urban winery is? If not that’s okay. They are happy to educate, and I am happy to explain it to you. An urban winery is a winery much like you think but instead of growing their own grapes they are sourced from other vineyards. An urban winery, stomps the grapes, lets them ferment, bottles the wine and then sells it. How wonderful is that? Plus, they do it all from their wonderful restaurant in Westwood. They are actually able to make about 20,000 bottles a year.

Now I did asked Joe what his favorite wine is that they make and let me tell you these wines are his babies. He gave the typical parents answer that he could never choose between them. When pressured he did admit that his preference changes based on his mood. He does recommend their Chardonnay.

The Ivory House

Hi y’all. I’m Monica, the face and the voice behind The Real Elle Woodz. Recently the wonderful women behind the West Side Market asked me to partner up with them and get to know the businesses in Westwood better. As someone who was born and raised on the West Side I was honored and terrified to take this one. How can I do justice to an area that has meant so much to so many people? Plus, with all the growth and development going on in Westwood it’s such a great time to go grab a bite to eat, go to a local market or grab a drink at one of their breweries. So, to really honor Westwood and show off some amazing businesses, we started with a newer business that opened during the pandemic and not only open but is thriving so much that they are opening not one but two new restaurants in Westwood! If you aren’t sure who we are talking about I’d like to introduce you to the Ivory House.

The Ivory House is a steak and seafood restaurant that focuses on a high-end dining experience and offers a fantastic brunch. Their menu is incredible especially their tomahawk steak and if you are looking for side suggestions may I also recommend their mac and cheese.  It’s a huge portion and is mouthwatering. Plus, if you are on a more budget focused path, they offer great specials to help make their menu accessible to all. Recently I got to sit down with Rick and Frank, the masterminds behind the business, and really get to know them to understand how they were able to turn an old bank into one of the best spots to grab reservations for date night.  

Rick and Frank used to both be salesman.   In their free time they took older homes and renovated them to bring a new life forward. They typically took on smaller buildings up to a four-family home and took properties that needed some TLC and poured their hearts and souls into the properties to make it something that families would be excited to buy and have their kids grow up in. They primarily focused on Westwood because that’s their home. It’s where they live and they have always subscribed to the philosophy of making sure to leave it better than they found it. In 2019 they were looking at everything and noticing that they have housing, but they needed amenities to really help Westwood keep moving forward. They decided to investigate doing something commercial while they were still rehabilitating older homes. The commercial adventure they undertook was to buy a building that had been a bank since 1922 and turn it into a restaurant.

While their primary focus is on being the best steak and seafood restaurant around. (Just ask City Beat.  They were the most awarded restaurant in the city.  They were nominated and placed in the most categories.) They also have a hidden charm in their brunch! When you get brunch at the Ivory House you are not just getting bacon and eggs.  You are getting an experience in which you are going to be pampered and really enjoy the environment that you are a part of. Take this from someone who enjoys a good brunch herself.  Their brunch is definitely one I would continue to recommend to both my friends and my followers.

I did have to ask which of them is the better cook.  Rick laughed while Frank answered that he is the better of the two of them at cooking. He is, in fact, the chef at Thanksgiving.  His skills are top notch. Also, if you ever wanted to know what their favorite menu items are, they did give us the insight as well. Frank prefers their Tomahawk Ribeye and Rick loves their Bluefin Tuna appetizer.  He explained to me that it is sushi quality tuna. They both also raved about their new Tomahawk Porkchop. In case you are wondering what makes their pork chop worth skipping the steak is that the quality of the meat is so high that there is only one other restaurant in the area that also is able to carry this quality porkchop.

Let me know when I can see you guys there and I might just grab a chair.