Lost in Ft. Wright
By J. Kevin Wolfe
Photograph by Bronze Photography
This is going to sound strange, but if you could find the Ft. Wright Family Restaurant, it would be a great place to eat. But you can’t. Sure, it’s right off I-75, but it’s hidden next to the chiropractor in the middle of a strip mall that’s behind the credit union that’s behind one of the gas stations. Even Google Maps gives you a “can’t get there from here” alert. So forget even trying. But here’s what you’re missing: Everything’s from scratch, except the pies. The double decker sandwiches will give you carpal tunnel just picking them up. There’s homemade soup every day. Don’t even ask what it is. It’s just good. And then there’s the heaping plate of fried chips (imagine that waffle fries and Saratoga chips had a baby). Breakfast is served all day, but I don’t see why. The portions are so big you won’t be hungry until tomorrow. Their motto is “a lot for a little” and they live up to that with huge portions and “did she forget to charge me for that?” prices. The servers here still understand that genuine smiles translate into tips. Most of them seem to have a psychology degree since they know everybody’s problems and are always ready with a smile and some pie to make those problems a little more distant. I don’t know how your problems could ever find you at this place though. It’s a wonder that the regular customers know how to get back here. I think they just sleep in their cars in the lot.
Raya’s Lebanese Restaurant, 29 E. Court St., downtown, (513) 471-1378, rayaexpress.com. Prices: $5–$10. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat.
Originally published in the July 2010 issue.