Once upon a time West 4th Street was Downtown Cincy’s thriving gallery district. Then came the Over-the-Rhine resurgence and the Pendleton Art Center, luring artists uptown. Local 127 moved around the corner to its current Vine Street location, and it’s gotten pretty quiet on West 4th. But you may want you to check out the area again, thanks to twin storefronts operated by Aunt Flora and a new wine store, Everything’s D’ Vine.
Samples of fresh-from-the-oven blackberry and peach cobblers were on offer as Aunt Flora greeted customers. I couldn’t resist buying one of each. The colorful and inviting space at 213 West 4th (that’s the block where the Scientology offices and furniture store Contemporary Galleries used to be) serves up cobblers, tarts, and a case full of sweet deliciousness. Aunt Flora plans to add more Southern treats like sweet potato pie and red velvet cake.
Not open quite yet next door will be another take-out business called What’s in the Skillet, featuring a few soul food specialties on the savory side.
Aunt Flora tells me she plans to offer cooking classes and has an activity room in the back that can be reserved for special events. From the looks of the signage, it appears brunch and tea may be available in that space, too.
About those cobblers. The Cobbleria serves savory versions as well as fruit cobblers, and I picked up a veggie cobbler for my Friday lunch. “Some people might call them potpies, but we’re calling them savory cobblers,” joked the gentleman behind the counter with Aunt Flora. My veggie cobbler was no laughing matter – serious comfort food perfect for a fall day.
I haven’t had a chance yet to check out Everything’s D’ Vine, a new neighborhood wine shop at 320 West 4th (in the next block west from Aunt Flora’s), but they soft-opened last week too and have their Grand Opening scheduled for Friday. Nov. 4. Stay tuned to their facebook page for more info, and check them out.
3 comments:
Yeah, I don't know if I could call a pie filled with vegetables "a cobbler" either. And you don't hear the term "Cobbleria" - well...ever. We just had a restaurant open up near us called a "crepery". You don't hear that term much either, but The Mrs. and I want to go.
Thanks for checking in, Buzz! Glad just stopped by your place too and was glad to read your update on getting through Sandy unscathed.
And I think you and The Mrs. should definitely go that that crepery.
First, Top Chef SEATTLE!!!!! Weeeee.
There's a new place in my town that is like this; savory and sweet pies. The savory were odd, mac/cheese. Huh? I looked over everything and passed. Still, I always enjoy your reviews. :-)
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