With the Sigma Tau Delta 2018 International Convention in Cincinnati, OH, only six weeks away, it’s time to start getting excited by planning how you will spend some of your downtime and where you will go to eat with all the great new friends you’re about to meet. During the fall Sigma Tau Delta Board meeting, the Student Representatives had some time to learn a little about some of what Cincy has to offer us. Read on for their reviews of some of the local restaurants and attractions.
Restaurants that Won’t Kill your Budget
Akash India has a wide variety on their menu for the seasoned Indian food lover and the first timer. With a menu that fits many palettes with everything from different flavors of nan, tikka, and biryani to delightful specialty drinks like mango lassi and aam ras. Akash India allows for various levels of spice in the food, from not hot at all to very hot for every type of spice lover. With large, shareable servings, this is a great place to go with a group.
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
Akash India Restaurant is a four-minute walk from the Hilton Netherlands Plaza. Akash’s nan was perfectly made, as was the chana masala. Prices are reasonable; I went with a group and we ordered a large amount of food for the table, splitting the cost, with my contribution coming out to $10.55 and my appetite satisfied. Keep in mind the restaurant closes between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m., but once it reopens at 5:00 it remains open until 9:30 p.m.
—Sarah Hovet, Far Western Region Student Representative
There are many praises to sing of Akash India Restaurant, but I’ll settle on just three: it’s walkable from the hotel, it has lots of vegetarian options, and the tikka masala is fantastic! It’s the perfect place to go with a group of friends (new and old!) from convention. Though it may seem a little pricey, the dishes are huge and can easily be shared. Just be careful when ordering—they rate the hotness of a dish from 1 to 5 and taking a bite of the wrong one can be dangerous for those with sensitive taste buds!
—Samantha Miller, Student Advisor
I went to Maplewood Kitchen and Bar for lunch with Midwest Regent Magdelyn Helwig. We had a great time! The concept is open, polished, and simple. They have great brunch and dinner options, including vegetarian entrees. I would describe the food as California hipster: fresh, trendy, and tasty. The staff knew the menu well and was able to provide recommendations for both food and drink. I had the avocado toast eggs benedict with asparagus and a cup of hot breakfast tea. The eggs were perfectly poached. The flavor was great. There was plenty of food on my plate, but not so much that I couldn’t finish. I definitely recommend Maplewood Kitchen for a casual, sit-down meal.
—Haley Coburn, Midwestern Region Student Representative
Americano Burger Bar had an amazing atmosphere as soon as you walk in. From the shuffleboard set up, to the Beer can American flag on the ceiling, the eatery had character from the start. The food has varied types of casual cuisine. You can find salads, soups, nachos, poutine, and wings on the menu. The burgers are the star here; however, they also sport hot dogs if you are craving a different taste. Their burgers go from basic to unique. Some burgers have just the usual fixings while others have pulled pork, queso, or an egg. There are also chicken sandwiches for those straying away from red meat. Fries come in three flavors, regular, Cajun, or garlic and rosemary. Other sides include slaw, onion rings, and Mac and cheese. They also serve milkshakes! I tried The Early Bird Burger and I loved it!
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
This charming little diner has been in operation since the 1950s and shares a name with Shakespeare’s wife Ann Hathaway. Add in the proximity—just take the hotel elevator all the way down and walk straight in—and you can’t resist coming by at least once during convention with your chapter or new-found panel friends for a quick bite. The menu is a great mix of Southern and diner food, with burgers, soups, salads, chili, and other specialties.
Fill your belly with some Southern biscuits and gravy, eggs over easy, and the fluffiest pancakes this side of the Atlantic for around $10 depending on which platter size you order. Hathaway’s also has a lunch menu with grilled cheese, tuna melts, and burgers, as well as their signature malts, shakes, and yogurt salad. Hathaway’s is only open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2 p.m. on Saturday) so you can definitely grab food early before a heading to panels. Friendly staff and a perfect atmosphere for taking memorable photos!
—Elizabeth Upshur, Southern Region Student Representative
Skyline Chili, located approximately one mile from the hotel, is a well-known Cincinnati chain restaurant. Their Cincinnati chili is a sauce usually served over spaghetti or on hot dogs, containing a unique spice blend that gives it a very distinct taste. The restaurant gives a fast food vibe—but for chili! The price is low (around $5) and they don’t skimp on the food. With all the chili they stack on top of the spaghetti you might need a bib! Unless you’re a pro, like I am. Here’s a tip: angle your fork and cut down into the spaghetti. You don’t want to try to slurp it up because you’ll definitely make a mess.
The waiters are nice and they expect tourists to want to try their famous chili. Wander in, settle down, and they’ll take care of you. It’s a must-have while in Cincinnati!
—Mercedes Lubbers, former High Plains Student Representative
The Rusconi Pizza Pub is walking distance at only a few blocks from the hotel. It has a nice yet lively atmosphere, perfect for watching football games or enjoying their live music, but not necessarily somewhere appropriate to have conversation when hanging out with friends. The food was pretty good overall, with prices ranging from $8 to $14.
I went there during the lunch hour, so there wasn’t any live music playing. I enjoyed myself and would go back there if I wanted pizza or wings.
—Su Lynn Tan, Southwestern Region Student Representative
Located right across the street from the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel, Via Vite is a convenient restaurant for those attending the 2018 Sigma Tau Delta convention this March. A semi-formal Italian restaurant located in Fountain Square in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, this sleek eatery offers the most authentic Italian food in Cincinnati, serving everything from pizza and pasta dishes to salads and modern entrees.
Their famous penne with bolognese sauce is honestly mouthwatering. I enjoyed every single bite! The quality of the food also mimics the outstanding service! If you decide to eat on the outdoor covered terrace, you can enjoy the scenery of the square and surrounding city while you dine. Wherever Cincinnati takes you this convention, be sure to check out Via Vite restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner—you won’t be disappointed!
—Kristen Capano, Eastern Region Student Representative
Sweets and Treats
Great ice cream with a variety of flavors, this is a great dessert stop if you’re craving sweets. There are various sorbet flavors as well. The store is right in Fountain Square and a very short walk from the hotel. Definitely worth the visit after a meal.
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
A great family-owned cupcakery, Abby Girl Sweets is a great place to get a sweet gift for any presenter. Conveniently located on the street level of the convention hotel, the cupcake shop has a lot of flavor options, including a flavor of the week. All of the cupcakes are made from scratch and are packed with flavor. They are definitely a sweet treat you do not want to miss.
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
There are several food trucks around the hotel, but the one that satisfied my sweet tooth was the Dapper Donut. They’ve got donuts in cool flavors like Samoas, s’mores, and more. Grab a trio for just $3 while they’re hot and taste a little like heaven.
—Elizabeth Upshur, Southern Region Student Representative
Sites for Deltans
Visit the family home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, while you’re in Cincinnati for convention! Come to the convention’s Welcome and Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, March 21, for a preview of what to expect at the Stowe house when special guest Christina Hartlieb, Site Manager of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, gives a short presentation on the abolitionist movement in Cincinnati and how Harriet Beecher Stowe’s time there helped her to write her important anti-slavery book.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an attraction where you can see visual representations and walk through history; everyone should visit it while in Cincinnati. There are modern-day renditions of slavery, depicting sex trafficking and kidnapping happening abroad and in our own backyards. There is also an enlightening walk through the history of slavery, the exhibit is called From Slavery to Freedom, and it is very insightful. The experience also has certain exhibits that are seasonal, such as a Rosa Parks experience. If you don’t get a chance to see anything else while in the city, see this museum to understand others who were seeking freedom.
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
Smale Riverfront Park is a cute area to hang out. A carousel, fountains, a flying pig to sit in, and a giant piano ala Big are only a few fun things at this park. There is also an outdoor exercise area with interesting equipment and a water-play area. The park is also right in front of a bridge that you can walk across to take a quick visit to Kentucky! This park is nice to go to if there is a pleasant day and you want to see a bit of the city.
—DeAndra Miller, Student Advisor
CVB Resources
Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau
Restaurant Map
City Transportation
“Over the Rhine District”
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