Bootsies 

I have walked past the place more than once but have never eaten there until today. A friends blog winemedinemecincinnati.com suggested it as part of Jeff Ruby’s promotion. Spend just $15 and get a $50 gift certificate to Jeff Ruby’s namesake restaurant. OK, twist my arm.

We parked around the corner and walked down the alley in between Trattoria’s and Nicholson’s on our way to the restaurant with the bright yellow umbrellas beckoning from above. Using space efficiently, there is one restaurant downstairs another upstairs (Bootsie’s) and yet another next door physically attached (Nicholson’s).

We walked up the stairs, not that easy for someone with a sprained ankle, where we were met with bright yet warm colors, prints of musical celebrities and a lighted bar. Off to the right you’ll find the outdoor seating and straight ahead is a seriously cool bar that is lit up and apparently children friendly during daylight hours, with a little boy struggling to sit still on one of the bar chairs. The seating desk is set off to the right behind the bar where we were asked our preference of dining. While we waiting I looked around. Spanish mosaic tiles and painted doors, colored glass globes hanging from all over, lots of reds, rusts and browns, definitely bright without being overwhelming. Typical colors of the more Latin cultures. Latin music. Sounded a bit like the Gypsy Kings. I couldn’t help but dance a little in place.

We chose inside for our first visit. Lots of fun but extremely loud, I think that I would like to try the outdoor seating next time. The first thing that I see as we are walked in to the dining area is a large jar of jelly beans and the different styles of seating. There are two different bar areas that you can be seated at. One is the sushi bar (you can watch the presentation of plating and the sushi being made here) and another one looking over the kitchen area. Booths up away from the hustle and more tables using marble as their surface. Lots of graphic patters like the one above us with it’s colors and patterns. There is a lot going on and I have yet to decide if it works or if it’s too much. I think that I will need another visit!

We sat at a marble table, which actually looked out at the kitchen, clad in red tile, as well as the heating table, kept company by gold mermaids holding the trays that would deliver the food if not served by hand. Here, I had the opportunity to watch all that was going on. If you would prefer something more away from the food preparation, you may like one of the booths. For me, this was really exciting. Something I found particularly interesting is watching the plates of food being inspected for perfection prior to being placed onto the heating area for delivery.

The service is outstanding and you don’t have to wait on just one person for everything. Who ever was available if your server was not (this included the manager) was there to take care of your every need. I wonder if it was the same outside? Our service was an adorable girl named Gina who was very much perfect for the position. She actually had an 8 top table next to us and I noticed when she delivered the checks (they all got separate ones!), she did not even need to ask who’s was who’s. I could never remember all of that. Perhaps, she doesn’t have mommy brain. Or, perhaps she is just that good.

Now, in regards to the food. I ordered the duck tacos and my husband the Bento Box. The Miso soup that came first was seasoned well and was nice and hot. The rest of the food came rather quickly, which is great for a lunch crowd. Presentation was also good. My dish came with three tacos and chips. It didn’t look like that much food until I was almost finished with the third taco and didn’t have any room left over for desert. The flavor and textures were amazing. Not gamy and well seasoned. The lettuce was laid in first with the shredded duck next and then a mix of sweet onion, tomato and fresh cilantro. The slight tang from the lime juice combined the flavors well and the different textures I found pleasing.

The Bento Box is really neat and well, really comes in a box. Separated in to sections, one had steamed rice, one 4 pieces of sushi, pickled ginger, wasabi and your choice of shrimp tempura, terriaki steak or a third choice of some kind of chicken. My husband chose the steak and said it was really good but may be a little heavily flavored. Otherwise, everything in his entree was cooked nicely.

Although supposedly Spanish (?), the menu offered Japanese and Cuban food, soups, salads, sandwiches, meats and pasta. There really is a little bit of everything for each taste without being too much. Between that and the welcoming feel of the place, I will definitely be returning.

Thanks Julie for the post and thanks Gina for the outstanding service!