Innovation, rough luxury, and honoring those who work to bring the products to the table is how the purveyors of this upscale farm to table restaurant want you to remember them. Open less than four years, The Red Feather Kitchen is a hidden gem on a busy Cincinnati street, and worth the stop.
Location: 3200 Madison Road, Cincinnati, [amazon_textlink asin=’1402733828′ text=’Ohio’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bb55ae2a-9a47-11e8-a938-6139c802a96f’] at the corner of Madison and Brazee Street
Menu: The menu honors Cincinnati traditions and its nickname, “Porkopolis”, with several options. The Pork Chop with Mushroom Onion Potato Hash and Red Wine Caramel does this, as do the Scallops with Bourbon Glazed Pork Belly. Being just north of Kentucky on the Ohio River, many southern flavors make their way to the Queen City, inspiring the Shrimp and Grits, and the Chicken Skins with Hot Honey and Ranch Dressing. Sourcing local, fresh ingredients is evident in the fern shoots garnishing the Short Rib and the ramp aioli that accompanies the Coulotte Steak.
Oysters are not native to Ohio, so knowing how to source them is the key to acquiring and preparing them properly in the Midwest. The Red Feather sources at least four types of oysters, from the east and west coasts, so there are always good options on the menu.
A burger and salads are on the menu for a more modest, casual dinner. The coconut curry cauliflower soup easily makes a soup and salad supper special. The entrees section showcases lobster, seafood, steak, lamb, and other options worthy of a special celebration.
There are over 40 wines served by the glass and hundreds of options by the bottle. A large selection of micro-brews and craft cocktails are also featured.
Thoughts: This Oakley neighborhood bistro offers a variety of seating options. Intimate white tablecloth dining is available for special occasions. The bar seating is a perfect place for a casual date or to meet a friend to share a [amazon_textlink asin=’1455581593′ text=’craft cocktail’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’df698f0a-9a48-11e8-b718-43fba3138c33′] and [amazon_textlink asin=’B078P23ZCS’ text=’charcuterie board’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e9b3afd8-9a48-11e8-8780-a13d7c976127′]. My choice was the Chef’s Table, a row of stool seating overlooking the kitchen.
Watching the preparation of each dish was a fashion show for the palate. It was a delightful way to enjoy the interesting variety of menu items without ingesting all the calories. For the visual eater, seeing all the options come out of the kitchen will have you planning your next visit before your plate is clean.
From the hostess to the waitress to the busser, the staff was well trained, attentive and professional.
Dinner is served Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday. Brunch is served Sunday from 11-3. Reservations are recommended. Valet parking is offered. There is some metered street parking.
Price Range: Garde $8-$14, Small Plates $9-$15, Shells & Bones $5-$84 Entrees $15-$35. Don’t let the $84 for the Outlaw Cowboy or the $71 for the Lobster Tail with truffled macaroni and cheese scare you. These are sharable dishes, large enough for at least two people, possibly more if your table orders as a group and shares several items.
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