New culinary concept launching in College Hill, Beeline opens in Mason this weekend, Traveler’s Table hosts Lebanese dinner with Massaya next week, and more.
New Culinary Concept in College Hill
Former Oakley Wines director Katie Reeder and Chef Justin Koontz will launch A Bar Called PUP in the former Kiki space in College Hill soon. Located at 5932 Hamilton Avenue, the venture will create a space “where exceptional food, thoughtful beverages, and genuine hospitality come together.” “We wanted to create a place that feels approachable, but never ordinary,” Reeder said in a press release. “Wine and food have an incredible ability to bring people together. PUP is about creating those moments in a space that feels welcoming, creative, and authentic.” Follow @abarcalledpup on Instagram for updates.
Beeline Opens in Mason
Today, October 16, Four Entertainment Group (4EG) is opening a fourth Beeline location at The District at Deerfield in Mason (5200 District Park Drive, Suite G110). Known for its signature cocktails—like the Night Train (Old Forester Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, tiki bitters, Angostura bitters, and a Luxardo cherry). The cocktail bar has other locations in Easton Town Center in Columbus, at Newport on the Levee, and in Naples, Florida.
High Tea at Mrs. Teapots
Mrs. Teapots Tearoom and Eatery in Bellevue is hosting “A Book You’ll Take to the Grave,” a one‑afternoon‑only high tea experience, this afternoon, October 16. Each attendee will receive a newly released wrapped and signed book from a local bestselling author. One lucky book will include a prize—a gift certificate for a BB Riverboats lunch cruise for two. The event is $80 per person.
Traveler’s Table Dinner with Massaya
Fort Thomas restaurant Traveler’s Table will host a special dinner featuring Lebanese winery Massaya at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21. The event includes five courses of Lebanese dishes paired with traditional arak (a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage from the Levant region of Lebanon) and wines from the Beqaa Valley. The cost is $1145 per person plus tax and gratuity.
“Singers & Spirits” at Juniper’s Gin Bar
Next week, the Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals’ “Singers & Spirits” event gets into the Halloween spirit with “Singers & Spirits: Creative Coven,” which takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Juniper’s Gin Bar, 409 W. Sixth Street in Covington. Have a drink or two and watch artists from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Pones, Inc., Summermusik, and Cincinnati Opera as they bring together Halloween-themed music, theater, and dance. Admission is $35 per person and includes a beverage (non-alcoholic options are available).
Carmelo’s to Open Chophouse
Billy Grise and Mitch Arens of Carmelo’s will open an American chophouse concept in Fort Wright this winter. Located at 20 Kyles Lane, the former Frisch’s Big Boy will housed the unnamed restaurant, which will seat up to 160 diners. “We’re hard at work building something new,” said a post on Carmelo’s Instagram account. “Thank you for your support, because of you this new concept is possible.”
Boone County Distilling Featured in Forbes
Boone County Distilling’s Founder’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was recently featured in the Forbes article “America’s Best Rye Whiskey, According to BevTest.” The magazine describes the alcohol as “structured enough for a Manhattan or Sazerac, but polished enough to reward a neat pour.” The rye, which features aromas of caramelized sugar, stone fruit, toasted rye, and cinnamon, is $54.99 and is currently available at the distillery’s gift shop with local retail options coming soon.
Golden Lamb Holds Special Celebration
Earlier this week, Golden Lamb in Lebanon held a special event celebrating 100 years of ownership by the Portman family. Former and current Golden Lamb employees, Governor Mike DeWine, the Portman family, and Lebanon officials and community members gathered to recognize the achievement. Founded in 1803, Golden Lamb is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business and hotel/restaurant.
Elise Jesse on Today
Elise Jesse, former local sports reporter turned chef, appeared on the Today show yesterday during its segment on game-day dishes. The host of EJ’s Cookin’ brought out Wisconsin beer cheese and brat pretzel poppers and chili stuffed potatoes. Head’s up: Later this month, Elise is launching virtual cooking classes under her brand The Much Kneaded Cooking Club.

