Now you see them, now you don’t — the stealthy, crafty, yarn bombers of the BombShells aren’t messing around. These savy stitchers have been beautifying the city of Cincinnati, personalizing public landmarks with light-hearted, brightly-colored cozies and cool, decorative knits.

Yarn bombing (also known as yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting) is a growing movement of feminine, artistic-expression through public installations of knitted or crocheted street art. Unlike graffiti, the result of which can be inspiring or destructive — the yarn bomb installations are harmless and non-permanent.  Originating in Texas with knitters who were trying to find a creative use for their unfinished projects, the practice grew into a global movement to reclaim and personalize public space that lacked a warmth of character. Street signs, trees, fences, benches, and statues are a few of the choice substraits selected for adornment.

At HighStreet, we were charmed enough to have been “bombed” some time Saturday morning by these elusive BombShells’ stitchers. It’s obvious that these people are more than mere hobbyists, ‘Fiber Artists” seems more appropriate.  We understand they appear in cognito, donning blonde wigs and wearing sunglasses.  A secret society of what we suspect are pretty accomplished ladies, looking to lift the spirits of the city with their efforts.

Keep an eye out for their handiwork throughout the city, follow their blog and perhaps, friend them on Facebook.  With new friends we don’t know, sporting names the likes of Pinky Shears, Yum Yum, Boo Radley and FrogRoyale, we’re following them for sure!  We find them utterly delightful!  As they say,

“We may be super sexy and secretive, but we BombShells have hearts of gold silk.”

Sarah Pytlik. HighStreet. CIncinnati

So when we read in Cincinnati Magazine that there is an area in the northern suburbs that is called “Little Bombay” we got excited. We conjured up images of an authentic Indian neighborhood with stores and people walking the streets in sarongs. Well reality turned out to be something quite different. We should have known that something that “radical” would not be happening in Sharonville, OH. Quite frankly “Little Bombay” is a the occasional Indian restaurant or grocery interspersed at half mile intervals along the Reading Road corridor. But alas from this hodgepodge of enclaves we found two gems of what we gather is authentic Indian food.

The first restaurant that we absolutely love is just north of the downtown area of Sharonville called Brij Mohan that is actually more of an Indian bakery that also serves a limited Indian vegetarian menu of entrees. Since this is purely a vegetarian place, make sure you get an entree with chick peas in it for your protein fix. There are many excellent dishes here, but we warn you the dishes can get spicy. But the main draw here are the sweet deserts. Our fave is the ras malai, pistachio flavored paneer cheese in sweet milk. We usually get several orders of this for carry out and it lasts for several days. Make nice with the owner who is always behind the cash register and she will steer you with suggestions.

Our newest discovery is on US 42 just north of I-275 in a small strip mall hidden behind a White Castle. Sankalp is a rather new restaurant next to an Indian grovery. Upon entry it is quickly evident that this is a cool place. The decor is modern but still sparse. And more importantly, like Brij Mohan, roughly 80 — 90% of the clientele are Indian families. This tells us that these places are about as authentic as it gets around here. Sankalp boasts an extensive menu. One thing we found interesting is the fact that a merging of Chinese and Indian food is common in India, much like Mexican cuisine is ever present in the US. It makes sense to us, and Sankalp offers a few dishes which it dubs Indo-Chinese featuring rice noodles or fried rice. We have seen several listings for Sankalp that say it is also only a vegetarian restaurant but the last time we were there we had a chicken curry on the buffet bar. There has always been a buffet bar that has been open every time we go there, but we can’t say for certain that the buffet is always there. And every once in awhile we catch glimpses of an Indian chef in full chef uniform come out of the kitchen and this makes us appreciate this place all the more. The next time we are there we are reaching for a salted lime soda, and baigan ka bharta (roasted eggplant with tomatoes and fresh herbs). It doesn’t get any better than that.

And what is all the more promising is that we have spotted two more Indian restaurants in the Sharonville area that we have yet to hit. So if you love curry and exotic spices, perhaps you should check out this area of town and discover your new favorite places. These Indian restaurants and the fabulous dim sum at nearby Uncle Yip’s will make this area a frequent stop for us for a long time.

And by the way, the title of this post means, “I am hungry” in Hindi, ’nuff said.

HighStreet. Cincinnati

Culinary mainstays in the market such as Madison’s and Silverglades, have been joined by some pretty impressive restaurants, bars, take away stands, and bakeries in the past two years to satisfy the most demanding gourmand.

Take for instance newcomer Skirtz & Johnston, a fine pastrie and chocolatier shop that also serves a limited deli menu. An adjacent dining room is available for not only lunch but for private and corporate gatherings. In addition the interior of this spot is also quite pleasant we must say.

Pho Lang Thang is a groovy new Vietnamese restaurant with a young hip staff, cool interiors, and an excellent soundtrack to your meal. Everything on the menu is outstanding and reasonably priced. Bowls of Pho’, the national soup of Vietnam, enough for several people, cost under $8. Vietnamese sandwiches served on baguette bread, left over from French Indochine rule, are flavorful and come stuffed with fresh vegetables and meats of your choice.

A place near and dear to our hearts, being the Anglophiles that we are is on the west end of the market, Churchill’s Tea Room. With walls of dozens of different tea varieties, teapots, and exquisite service sets, you will not be disappointed.

We are so proud of our friend, Jean Francois, a Belgian who is thriving at Findlay with his ever-expanding Taste Of Belgium brand waffles and now assorted cakes, pies, and even authentic French macarons. His waffle irons and flour are imported from Belgium to give his waffles authenticity. If you have not had a fresh Belgian waffle, here is your opportunity.

Several prepared food stalls are within the eastern end of the market, offering gourmet take away fare. World Food Bar and Fresh Table both serve food that is far too complicated for us to make, yet we can buy it at reasonable cost and with no effort on our part.

For vino lovers, there is Market Wines equipped with a full wine bar, shop, extensive beer selection, and light foods. They offer many wine tastings and events throughout the year.

Other stalls include an excellent gelato bar, sushi, gourmet sausages, and spices…the list goes on and on.

With the Brewery District around the market being restored, the planned streetcar line passing nearby, and countless events, Findlay Market is poised for continued growth. With what has happened there in the past two years as an indicator, we can’t wait for the Market’s future. Bon appetit!

HighStreet.Cincinnati

With fruits and veggies they pick up at Findlay Market and other local farmers markets, they create daily tapas-style menus offering dishes that are simple, stunning, and sure to satiate.  It’s the perfect place to bring a few friends and share a few dishes.  Owned and operated by Sierra Laumer and Leah Heisel Grande, it’s friends and family that have fueled it’s emergence.

After losing her sister Jenna, an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate enough to know her, myself included, to Cancer this past January, Sierra hit the ground running with her dream of one day starting her own business.  It was always something that she and Jenna had talked about doing and so with the aid of her long-time friend Leah, and the helping hands of so many others, forkheartknife became a reality.

The catering aspect of forkhearknife keeps them busy for the better half of the week, with the space being available for private parties.  Currently, they are open for dinner Thursday’s and Friday’s and on Sunday’s for brunch.  They list the day’s menu on their facebook page, which makes it simple to check before you go, however you can rest assure that they leave no room for disappointment.

With Sierra’s Culinary Degree from Cincinnati State, she has always been inspired by the infinite potential of food — with it’s powers to heal, to bring people together, and to fascinate the senses.  It’s happiness she is selling, really.  You cannot walk out without feeling the sense of heart that has been so carefully nestled in-between your fork and your knife.

Becky Schneider.HighStreet.Cincinnati

Well now the CAC show is coming to a close. But the shrewd staff of the CAC has another trick up their sleeve to keep the Shepard Fairey interest going.…a Scavenger Hunt Game. Take your iphone or Android phone, download the SVNGR app and start the fun. We will all whip out our HighStreet iphones and play along. Maybe we will see you at a mural. Happy hunting!

HighStreet.Cincinnati

Tucked away within one of Newport, Kentucky’s Historic Districts is the unpretentiously lovely York Street Cafe.  What used to be a Pharmacy has been a staple, coolishly kitschy restaurant in the city-scene for some time.  With prices ranging from $4 for an appetizer to $26 an entree and choices for both meat and non-meat eaters, there is something for everyone.

We were impressed with the menu– the food is very good (the baba ganoush is a must try). The ambiance is nicely lit, always pleasant and the service is friendly. There is also a patio which is a definite plus in a metro-area, seeming at times, lacking in options for dining alfresco.

York Street now has a Tuesday Night Special perfect for a couple of first-timers:  With the purchase of 2 entrees, you get a bottle from their featured wine selection for $1.

York Street Cafe. 738 York St. Newport, KY 41071–1818. Hours: Tues– Sat. 11 am — 10 pm. Sun 4 pm — 10 pm.

Becky Schneider.HighStreet.Cincinnati

Take a step back in time to the 1950’s and think of Wolfman Jack or any other radio dj who was too cool for school. WNKU, 89.7 fm on Saturday nights from 6 ’til 9 pm brings the Cincinnati area the coolest, hippest “Golden Oldies” music with one of the most knowledgeable music men around, Mr. Rhythm Man. The station also streams live on the internet. His bio and his fictional host of characters which include a stable of Mr. Rhythm Man Dancers are a bit campy, but the music cannot be denied. If you are looking for that funky, rare tune that you have only heard once and have never forgotten it, chances are Mr. Rhythm Man has it in his arsenal of albums. Call up the radio station and ask him to play it.

On a recent Saturday night, the songs played included three oldies by Dave Edmunds, “Having It All” by Eighth Wonder featuring Patsy Kensit, “Whip It On Me” by Sonny Raye, “You Showed Me” by The Turtles, and “Industrial Military Complex Hex” by The Steve Miller Band. All of these songs had that groove to get you going and were obscure enough to have you dying to know who sang that song. Of course Mr. Rhythm Man in his dry, know-it-all tone, told you the name of the song and artist but at the same time with dripping sarcasm told you he hoped your horse won the Kentucky Derby that day. After playing the smartest songs on the planet, Mr. Rhythm Man knows you like to be abused some too and that’s pretty cool in it’s own way. Give your Saturday night to WNKU and leave it on in the background. You’ll catch some nuggets of sound that will intrigue you and leave you feeling warm all over.

HighStreet. Cincinnati

Well the food trucks have finally arrived in our city and we are jumping for joy. These trucks have caught on in popularity recently due to the severe recession. Simply put, the food trucks do not have as much overhead as a traditional restaurant and can offer a cheaper product. The food is of a good quality and the only concession the consumer must make is to eat on foot or in the car.

The Cincinnati food trucks have seemingly popped up overnight. Currently there are three trucks operating with another scheduled to begin service in the next few weeks. Habanero restaurant, long a staple in the Clifton area, has a truck that cruises the streets and special events serving burritos.

Senor Roys is another Mexican food truck most often parked during lunch at Main and Central Parkway downtown.  Their website announces their location schedule but it is advisable to follow them on twitter as well for any changes that may come up. The food is decent and there is always a line of customers which bodes well for them.

Our favorite so far is Cafe de Wheels. Usually for lunch they are located at Walnut and Court Streets downtown. At night, they seem to migrate to the Clifton area. The fare for this truck is mainly of the burger variety, however, they also serve a wicked portabello mushroom philly and an incredible Cuban sandwich. The accompanying french fries are served scaldingly hot and come in a few different versions from plain or sweet potato to feta cheese covered. This truck also offers deserts from apple crisp to homemade pudding.  Following these guys on twitter is also advisable for the latest updates.

A new truck on the horizon promises an authentic Mexican menu. Taco Azul food truck is gearing up to serve food well into the early morning hours in town and may well hit it big with this concept. We can’t wait.

With the weather getting warmer there is only one thing to do…hit the streets.  Bon apetit!

Michael Spurrier. HighStreet. Cincinnati

photo courtesy of tuxedotee.wordpress.com/

From February 20th until August 22, 2010 all fans, foes, and unknowing Cincinnati commuters will get a chance to experience phenomenal and political art from one of the world’s most influential graphic,street artists — Shepard Fairey.  In conjunction with his twenty year retrospective, Supply and Demand, which will be displayed at the Contemporary Arts Center, select building facades (with permission) will showcase the now-famous artist’s wheatpaste murals in the Cincinnati area.

Perhaps you are familiar with some of his iconic campaigns, such as Obey Giant, Rock the Vote, and Hope?

Fairey’s work is known to pull together into relevance elements of pop culture, politics and marketing. The patterns and backdrops are familiar and pleasing. The style is that of propaganda art, graphic and current but the iconic imagery and tantalizing text imposed onto the scenes tell his story.  Fairey believes one should “question everything” and this is felt when you experience his work. It poses questions.

On his website obeygiant.com, Fairey states as their mission an ideology based on phenomenology, the purpose of which is to reawaken a sense of wonder about one’s environment. Fairey believes he accomplished this with his OBEY campaign.  Launched in the 1989, while a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, it was a phenomenon and people did respond in near-frenzy to gain for themselves the popular but unexplained sticker.

Starting as primarily a street artist and ascending into the serious art world through the increasing credibility awarded to the outsider and skateboard art scene, Shepard has since gone on to produce works of fine, graphic and commercial art along with high-impact guerilla marketing campaigns. He has additionally produced book covers and album covers for bands from the Black Eyed Peas to Led Zeppelin and film posters for the film Walk the Line with the help of his wife Amanda Fairey, through their design agency, Studio Number One.

Barack Obama “Hope” Poster

His most famous work to date however, is the compelling Obama HOPE poster, which has now been acquired by the US National Portrait Gallery and received a personal letter of thanks from the President that stated:

I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to believe they can change the status-quo. Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. I am privileged to be a part of your artwork and proud to have your support.

— Barack Obama, February 22, 2008

The New Yorker art critic Peter Schjeldahl called the poster “the most efficacious American political illustration since ‘Uncle Sam Wants You.’”

Shepard Fairey is also an accomplished DJ and product designer.  He has worked with the likes of Chuck D (of Public Enemy) and friend Z-Trip, and DJ’s under the name DJ Diabetic and Emcee Insulin (referring to the fact that Fairey is living with Diabetes). His OBEY Giant clothing is sold at Nordstrom department stores.

Needless to say, this is an exciting exhibition to hit Cincinnati. Shepard Fairey stands to be the Warhol of his generation (known affectionately in the media as Generation X). His fortieth birthday was the day after Valentines Day, a very snowy Monday in Cincinnati, and we are pretty jazzed that he spends this time here with us.

It will begin at 8pm, Friday, February 19, following the Artist’s lecture at 7pm.  Fairey will be spinning a DJ set for the event.  It promises to be quite an evening to be in Cincinnati.

Limited-edition CAC poster

To commemorate the opening the CAC will be releasing a hot, exclusive screen print poster edition. Edition limited to 450, Signed and Numbered, and only available at the CAC.

For More information please visit http://contemporaryartscenter.org/ShepardFairey

Supply and Demand: 20 Year Retrospective
February 20, 2010 – August 22, 2010, Cincinnati, Ohio

During a Sunday stroll a couple months ago in Over the Rhine, we happened upon a cute new shop on Main Street. Atomic Number 10 is a bright boutique that’s anything but bland. Inside, we found a hand selected collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and furniture from the 1950’s through the 1990’s. A recent Industrial Design graduate from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Program, owner Katie Garber opened shop in September.

You can see Garber’s Industrial Design skills shine through her innovative, colorful merchandise displays. The accessories wall is composed of a large peg board, but instead of using the standard hooks or pegs, she opted to use laboratory test tubes for hanging merchandise. Mounted onto the peg board are two neon skeletons, male and female. You find pops of neon throughout the interior of the store, a nod to the shop’s name; Neon is number 10 on the Periodic Table of Elements.

We were impressed with the cultivated selection of goods. Some of the items we scored: a piece of carry-all luggage from the 50’s, men’s designer ties from the 60’s, women’s disco boots from the 70’s, and a sleek black clutch from the 80’s. The prices were totally reasonable for the quality and level of style.

Atomic Number 10 is also willing to purchase or trade your vintage threads or housewares that are no longer jiving with your style. It’s a new year. Out with the old, in with the newest vintage trends.

Atomic Number 10 is located at 1306 Main St. They are open from 11–7, closed on Tuesdays, and on Sundays open from 12–5.

HighStreet.Cincinnati