It's So Esoteric!

It's the weekend! My week wasn't too bad, but still, I could use a pick me up just because. Partly cloudy and 81 degrees in Walnut Hills; who could ask for anything more! 

I have been itching to get to this city's first ever minority owned brewery, Esoteric Brewing. This is located inside the former Paramount Building, which is rich in history as Walnut Hills itself, so to make this experience enjoyable, let's talk history.

Located on Peebles Corner on East McMillan, the building was designed by architect Edward J Schulte and it was designed for Mrs. Helen V. B. Wurlitzer, widow of Howard Wurlitzer,  and leased office space once it was completed. This also housed the Paramount Theatre. The sleek, modern commercial building was advantageously located at a streetcar junction in Cincinnati's second busiest business district. The corner building and its sphere-topped cylindrical spire (now gone) shared the name of the nearby theatre, likely to attract the multitude of motorists and streetcar riders passing by each day. In addition, the building housed churches City Temple and New Thought Temple and a menswear shop. Seating 1100 people, The theatre showed films for twenty-nine years before closing on May 2, 1961 due to new quality film shortage and TV competition at the time.

 

Paramount Building    

Guenther's ghost sign, a former haberdashery

Esoteric Brewing's logo, the lotus, is a flower that is considered the most sacred flower in Asian cultures. The Vietnamese and Indian cultures associate it with gods and goddesses. 

Frequently tied to spirituality, it has a unique cycle of life, death, & rebirth, and that's what Esoteric Brewery represents in our community. The moment I stepped in, I felt a sense of zen. What sets this apart from other breweries is that this is known as a brewery lounge, which helps make it appealing to women and people of color. The building itself was constructed in the 1930s, so this gives off an Art Deco vibe. As I looked around, paintings of iconic actors, jazz musicians, and aviators adorn the lounge. Some of the artwork is reminiscent of those from the Works Progress Administration, as you will see Cincinnati's iconic buildings built during that era.

Josephine Baker

Bessie Coleman, first African American woman & first Native American to hold a pilots license

Ray Charles (P.S. & BTW, he did perform nine times in the Greystone Ballroom at Music Hall 

View from the mezzanine level

In addition, Esoteric has back patio seating for patrons, often teaming up with food trucks and holding concerts series on weekends. Yesterday, Taste of Belgium food truck happened to be there

Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Karma brew, which has fruity and citrus notes, which I like.

Apologies for the appearance; forgot this had the lotus logo before I drank it.

Though I'm a rare beer drinker, I really felt the vibe here. I felt so comfortable that I could easily make this my second home. Esoteric Brewing is truly an agent of change, and Cincinnati is much richer for it.

Sources

https://www.flowerglossary.com/lotus-flowers-meaning

Art Deco buildings, Cincinnati (cincydeco.com)

Juneteenth is Here!

 

It has finally happened! Juneteenth is now a FEDERAL HOLIDAY! For anyone who is not familiar, Juneteenth celebrates the fact that the Union soldiers informed the slaves that they have been set free on this day in 1865 in Galveston, Texas.

Of course, I'm not able to travel to Galveston to truly celebrate, but right here in Cincinnati is even better. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this occasion than to head to Findlay Market for the Juneteenth at Findlay Market food tasting event.

Before I get to the food, I just need to put it out there that many of today's featured entrepreneurs and foodtrepreneurs got their start at Findlay Kitchen, Findlay Market's non-profit food business incubator. With 76% of program participants being women-, minority,- and immigrant-owned businesses, this 8,000 square foot community kitchen provides access to commercial grade equipment and storage, resources such as classes, resources for funding and business insurance, and coaching, and help putting together a business plan. The kitchen can also be used for special events. The kitchen was funded by the Ralph V. & Carol Haile Foundation/US Bank, which is the same foundation that has funded Carol Ann's Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park.

Now, I know that you're salivating, so now, let's get to the food!

West African rice w/plantain, Afromeals

    

Cajun Fries w/Remoulade sauce, Dat's Ole School Cookin'

Miracle Mac & Cheese, Herban Vegans

Vegan Citrus Green Tea Mini Cupcake, A "Mother's Touch" Cakes

Cookies n' Cream Red Velvet Cheesecake Stuffed Cookie, Sweet Mae's Cookie Co.

Red Peas & Rice, Flavors of the Isle

Linen bars & candle, Chocolate Potion

Yes, we have a new federal holiday, and yes, it's another day off from work but lest not forget the blood, sweat, and tears that our ancestors shed to get to freedom. They sacrificed for us so that we can celebrate and enjoy the comforts that we have today. Lest not forget; for the seeds that we plant today will be reaped by our children and grandchildren tomorrow.