
Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should have some practice with. Why not take your dishes to the next level by learning from the pros? Here are just a few of the many places you can go to learn cooking techniques from some of Ohio's top chefs.
8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking is one of the most renowned culinary institutions in Northeast Ohio. The crown jewel of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, this school offers classes for laypeople as well as up-and-coming professional chefs. Some are even taught by Paganini herself!
The school's curriculum includes a set of intensive four-week classes to teach basic techniques like knife skills, grilling, and sauce-making—perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. There are also a variety of standalone classes available to help you brush up on your execution of specific dishes, including ravioli, ragout, and various surf and turf plates.
4461 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Ever looked up a recipe for a particular dish and immediately regretted it when you saw what the instructions looked like? Stir Studio Kitchen is all about teaching kitchen novices to master specific meals that they might otherwise find intimidating. Each course is 2-3 hours long, and most take place in the evening.
The classes cover dishes from a wide range of cuisines, including everything from chicken pot pie with citrus poppyseed salad to homemade naan with chana masala and palak paneer. Many of their classes include dishes that can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Just let them know in advance so they can make sure they have the right ingredients on hand!
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Mix is Columbus State Community College's official culinary branch. All of this acclaimed Columbus institution's classes are taught by experienced chefs, many of whom have also published well-known cookbooks and food columns.
These hands-on courses run for about 2 hours each. Most of them teach you how to cook a single dish, such as Beef Wellington, Spanish paella, and French crepes. Others cover a few dishes related to a central theme, such as their Mardi Gras Celebration class in late February.
3674 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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Cooking doesn't have to be a high-stakes passion pursuit to be enjoyable. The folks at The Seasoned Farmhouse call their organization a recreational cooking school, a term they use to signpost their more relaxed cooking philosophy. The classes are still taught by professional chefs, but there's no pressure—it's all just for fun.
Classes come in both hands-on and demonstration formats and are available evenings and afternoons. Whether you're interested in making hearty favorites like homemade bagels or fancy dishes like Beef Wellington, you're sure to find a course that will teach you what you need to know.
11 Buttles Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Quinci Emporium began as a gourmet food store when it first opened a few years back. Now, the company offers cooking classes in addition to its retail operations. You can take a 2- to 3-hour course with chef Deborah Quinci or a member of her team on most days of the week.
The dishes covered in these classes range from savory classics like Tortellini with Broth and Lasagna Bolognese to sweet treats like cookies and biscotti. All recipes use the store's own fresh ingredients, including wines, meats, cheeses, pasta, and breads.
1731 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to benefit from cooking instruction. Tablespoon Cooking Co. strives to make cooking classes accessible to people of all skill levels, including those who rarely cook for themselves.
Beginners and advanced home cooks alike can sign up to learn how to make a variety of delicious dishes, from shrimp paella to pasta Bolognese with fresh noodles. The company also holds mixology classes at their in-house bar for anyone who wants to take their home happy hours to the next level. They even carry a selection of ingredients and equipment used in their classes, making it easy for you to pick up exactly what you need to recreate your lessons at home.
1719 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Want to experience a range of flavors you may never have tasted before? Afromeals is the place to learn how to make the earthy, spicy dishes of African and Caribbean cuisine in your own kitchen.
Run by executive chef Gabi Odebode and her team of prep chefs, this culinary school will teach you how to prepare Afro-Caribbean staples like Jollof rice, Chakalaka, and Jerk chicken. You'll learn more about the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles that define this type of cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.
915 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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If you're like many Americans, you might find yourself throwing out almost as much food as you eat. La Soupe is a non-profit organization on a mission to eliminate food waste from Cincinnati households. As part of this mission, they offer cooking classes to illustrate what you can do with the food you would usually throw away.
Most of the recipes taught in their classes are for soups, stews, and other hearty dishes that can be made with almost any ingredients. These classes are a great fit for people trying to cut down on their grocery spending—and these days, who isn't?
It's never too late to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. What new dishes will you learn to whip up this year?

Whether you're a beginner or an expert—or anywhere in between—it's fun to visit one of the many Ohio ice rinks that offer public ice time. Indoor and outdoor rinks are available, and with some, you can also have a snack or cup of hot chocolate to help you warm up and refuel.
Check out the following nine places to lace up your ice skates in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio.
390 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Skate on the same rink as the hockey Buckeyes at The Ohio State University Ice Rink, located east of St. John Arena and north of Ohio Stadium. The facility has a warming room with vending machines, benches, lockers, and a pro shop where you can buy hockey equipment and skating apparel. Its surface area is 200 feet long and 85 feet long, and it hosts open skating most days. Cost for the general public is $12, discounted to $5 on weekday afternoons, and includes free skate rental with the cost of admission.
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215, plus 4 additional locations
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OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks are conveniently located throughout the area, and you don't need a reservation to hit the ice. Prices start at $8 and up, and depending on the date and time you select, skate rentals are either free or cost $4. Noon skates are popular with families who have young children since the ice is less crowded then. Ice skating and ice hockey lessons are also offered, along with camps and clinics for athletes, and you can also schedule birthday parties at Chiller locations.
4265 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Blendon Woods is part of the Columbus Metro Parks system, and if you'd like to skate on an outdoor rink, it's a great place to go. The pond is about .4 acres in size and is about 18 to 24 inches deep. The park has restrooms but doesn't rent skates, so you'll need to bring your own. While you're there, look out for birds and other wildlife since the park is also home to the 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge and 11-acre Thoreau Lake. You can also look for birds from the park's two elevated observation towers equipped with spotting scopes.
38 Fountain Sq Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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UC Health Ice Rink has a unique combination of bumper cars on one side of the rink and skating on the other, with the two sides divided by a barrier. For $15, you can enjoy both sides. If you'd rather attend a skating-only session, you'll pay $10. When you need a break, head to the warming tent, where you'll have a view of the rink. Stop by concessions first and grab a hot or cold drink and snack to enjoy while relaxing in the warming tent.
10765 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
You'll have your choice of multiple ice rinks at Sports Plus Cincinnati, which packs countless activities into its over 250,000 square feet of space. It has several ice rinks and is home to Cincinnati's largest adult hockey league as well as its largest youth hockey association and the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati. Bring the entire family to lace up their skates and come back another day to have fun with other activities like basketball or volleyball.
7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Fifty West has transformed into a winter wonderland destination with its outdoor ice skating rink. It's open daily, and for $10 per person, which includes skate rental, you can skate for an hour. Large, heated tents and small fire pits are available to help you warm up, along with hot chocolate and cider, with the option to add alcohol to either one. You can also head into Fifty West for a burger and brew to refuel after your skating session.
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
Take a spin on the ice at Ice Rink at Summit Park, located underneath the park's glass canopy. Skate sessions cost $7, which includes skate rentals. Theme nights and activities add to the fun with a popular Chuck-A-Duck game and on-ice games. And if you're inexperienced on the ice, the rink provides free skating aids to help. To extend your fun when it's snowed, bring a sled and zoom down the sledding hill behind Observation Tower. And when you're done, grab a hot chocolate or a meal from one of the four on-site restaurants.
8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
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Mentor Ice Arena is Lake County's only indoor ice skating complex, offering open skating year-round. It has two regulation-size ice rinks, and you'll find a wide range of lessons available to suit a broad range of abilities. Learn-to-skate lessons are offered, along with youth and adult hockey and figure skating. Rates are $9 for adults, $7 for youths under age 18 or seniors age 65 and over, with an additional $4 for skate rentals.
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
The Alice Noble Ice Arena offers a 200-feet by 85-feet rink to enjoy, along with bleacher seating or an enclosed warm room when you'd like to take a break. Open skate times—along with accompanying music—are held throughout the week. And if you have a beginning skater in your group, look into the Learn to Skate USA program that they can take part in at the arena. It's the introductory skating program that U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating recommend.
Which Ohio ice rinks are you looking forward to visiting?

Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.
5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League.
You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.
29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124
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The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.
The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.
The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.
If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
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Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+.
Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.
Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m.
If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.
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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.
Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.
Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.
This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees.
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If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.
The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport.
Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?

Out with the old, in with the new. Say farewell to 2022 with December's great assortment of freebies from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts. These monthly offers are a perfect way to introduce you to our region's amazing array of local small businesses.
So what's on the list for December? How about coffee and a pastry in Northeast Ohio, a live plant in Columbus, and a $10 certificate for baked goods in Cincinnati, for starters?
2030 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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Will you sit and enjoy a delicious pastry or pick one up to eat on the go? There's no wrong way to use your $10 certificate from The BonBonerie.
About The BonBonerie
Childhood memories inspired Sharon Butler and Mary Pat Pace to open The BonBonerie. For 40 years, they've been turning out incredible baked goods such as eclairs, macarons, and cupcakes. The BonBonerie also serves salads, sandwiches, quiches, and other savory items that are perfect for a relaxing lunch inside the cafe and tearoom.
Contact and Hours
513.321.3399
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
6425 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
Ordering coffee is a bit more complicated than it was in your grandparents' day. Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable baristas can help you choose the coffee to go with your pastry at Gypsy Beans.
About Gypsy Beans
Drinking coffee at Gypsy Beans will take you on a figurative trip around the world. Their signature Passport Lattes range from The Berlin, made with caramel, chocolate, and pralines, to Antarctica, featuring vanilla and mint. Pair your drink of choice with a breakfast sandwich, gourmet panini, or fresh salad.
Contact and Hours
216.939.9009
Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
137 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Good health never tasted so wonderful. Whether you want to jump-start your day or get a quick afternoon pickup, get a burst of energy with your tea or shake from Wooster Nutrition.
About Wooster Nutrition
What makes the beverages at Wooster Nutrition so good for you? They include added protein, vitamins, and minerals that provide health benefits while still letting the yummy flavors shine through. Ordering is simplified with a card that allows you to check off all your desired options, and the cheerful staff members are always ready to help.
Contact and Hours
330.804.0139
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
101 Crain Ave., Kent, OH 44240
Find out why The Beer Connoisseur ranks Ohio in the top 10 states for craft brews. Unwind with friends over your free pint of beer from North Water Brewing Co.
About North Water Brewing Co.
The names alone make it hard to choose among the creative beers at North Water Brewing Co. There's Electric Owl, made with molten lava chocolate cake coffee beans, and Abolitionist, a coconut brown ale with notes of cacao and vanilla. Burn some calories each Saturday at 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. with Yoga & Brew. The $15 fee includes two beer tastings or a cup of coffee.
Contact and Hours
330.778.4677
Monday: 4 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 4 - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 1 - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 1 - 8 p.m.
78 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
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Plants do more than just look good. Did you know that many houseplants can improve the quality of indoor air? Go green with your free plant from Yelo Aple.
About Yelo Aple
What's in a name? For Yelo Aple, pronounced "yellow apple," it symbolizes their philosophy. Everything began with an apple in the Garden of Eden, and yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, and creativity. No time to shop? Just select your plants on their website, and they'll deliver them to your home.
Contact and Hours
614.929.5280
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
5121 Buehlers Dr., Medina, OH 44256
Akronym Brewing Public House puts a contemporary spin on the traditional taverns of the United Kingdom. Sample their award-winning craft beers with a free flight that will have you coming back for more.
About Akronym Brewing Public House
Even as the founders were opening Akronym Brewing in 2018, they knew they wanted to expand to a spacious and inviting gastropub. September 2022 brought the debut of Akronym Brewing Public House, a 7,000-square-foot facility with a 500-square-foot patio. All food, down to the house BBQ and hot sauces, is made from scratch onsite.
Contact and Hours
330.952.1112
Monday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
58 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308
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Want to decompress after a tough day at work or catch up with good friends? Your free beer flight from Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a great start for either activity.
About Akronym Brewing Taphouse
The name of Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a clever take on marketing acronyms as well as a display of the taproom's dedication to the Akron community. Brunch is served every Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and special events include trivia nights and sports viewing parties.
Contact and Hours
330.805.4081
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. - midnight
Saturday: Noon - midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
1281 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720
Is there anything more iconic in Ohio than buckeyes? Few things are better than the free peanut butter buckeyes you can get from Waggoner Chocolates.
About Waggoner Chocolates
Family-owned Waggoner Chocolates carries on the tradition started by grandparents Harry and Iola Campbell in 1954. Today, the company manufactures more than 100 types of bulk and individually-wrapped candies, including sea salt caramels, turtles, and real fruit gummies.
Contact and Hours
888.591.9842
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Why not put us on your list of New Year's resolutions? Start by contacting your Cutler Real Estate agent to sign up for our monthly offering of free gifts.

Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113
How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107
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At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212
Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.
138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214
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The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.
143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215
The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level. Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?