Neighborhood Profile: East Walnut Hills

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Glassware at Hi-Bred

Photographs by Aaron M. Conway/OMS

With salons, galleries, and eateries, this quiet corner is morphing into the latest indie enclave.

Café DeSales
This bright café serves up a menu of espresso drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. There are plenty of seats inside or out on the stone patio next to gorgeous St. Francis de Sales. And if you need a jug of milk or box of granola, stock up next door at DeSales Market—same owner as the café. 2835 Woodburn Ave., (513) 751-2233

Steinkamp Outfitting Co.
Here’s a father-and-son adventure for you: Renovate a rugged storefront for half a decade until the floors are honey-toned and the walls are lined with fly rods, kayaks, and leather goods. That’s what Bernie Steinkamp and his dad, Robert, did before finally opening up last May. Steinkamp Outfitting Co. combines old-school outdoorsy charm with über-modern gear like Japanese MontBell tents, Current Designs kayaks, and Duluth packs. 2813 Woodburn Ave., (513) 961-2267

Manifest Gallery

It’s a brilliant art space, sure, but that’s just the beginning. An artist residency program, drawing center, and indie press have helped Manifest attract artists worldwide. But this 501(c)(3) is about to get even bigger, expanding to take over the entire first floor of the landmark Victoria building. 2727 Woodburn Ave., (513) 861-3638, manifestgallery.org

Hi-Bred
This shop is a Mad-Men-and-highball haven. You’ll find anything from brass bunnies and racetrack tables arranged in artful vignettes to consigned menswear and those wild Star City Clocks from the 1950s—all at super fair prices. And owner Shawna Maria Guip has her eye out for pieces with good Ohio history, like the two-piece women’s suits from Gidding-Jenny, one of Cincinnati’s fine bygone department stores. 2807 Woodburn Ave., (513) 240-4664, facebook.com/HiBredLife

Le Bon Vivant
When you’re craving something à la Champs-Élysées, duck into Le Bon Vivant for a fine dose of France. Owner Catherine Meguire stocks everything from classic kitchen linens to the new Fragonard lily of the valley scent. Stop in on a Saturday morning to score a chocolatey croissant handmade by local chef Amy Agin. And if you have an extra minute, hang alongside Meguire while she bustles around and ask for her latest recipe and party tips. 2801 Woodburn Ave., (513) 221-2921, lebonvivant.us.com

Kitchen 452
With homespun dishes like sharp cheddar and apple butter grilled cheese on Shadeau bread or white bean and sage soup, this little joint is a no-brainer lunch spot. The menu rotates seasonally and there’s always a fine-looking dessert in the glass case. 2714 Woodburn Ave., (513) 559-0452, kitchen452.com

Parlour
When Jessie Hoffman got her hands on this empty space on Woodburn, it morphed into a brick-and-gloss dream. The cuts and colorings are superbly modern, like the new approach to ombre with a subtler color gradation, or the asymmetrical bang and precision cut. Whether you want something fresh or have a standby cut, Parlour is lovely to all. While you’re there, shop their mod collection of art and jewelry from local makers and sip a seasonal, on-the-house cocktail, courtesy of Please. 2600 Woodburn Ave., (513) 961-4247, salonparlour.com

 

Originally published in the January 2014 issue
Photographs by Aaron M. Conway/OMS

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