Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Cincinnati

You are here: Home / Chaîne Events / 2007 / Dine Around at Slim’s – August 2, 2007

Dine Around at Slim’s – August 2, 2007

One great tradition that bailliages can promote is the “Dine Around” to visit local restaurants that may not be able to accommodate a large group or formal event. In the past year the Cincinnati Confrèrie has gotten into the swing with the admirable organizational efforts of Dame de la Chaîne Paula Weinkoop. We had two nights at fun eateries that can go under the radar along with the adventure of wines brought by members and guests. Surprises are the norm at these occasions with bottlings that have been waiting for that “perfect moment.” What better time to open that special wine and share with appreciative friends, especially when there are many other equally interesting presentations?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Our first venture was at Slim’s, perhaps the quirkiest place in town. Only open three nights a week, this small location with communal tables is almost entirely the creation and work of Patrick McCafferty. He buys fresh ingredients to determine the weekly hand written menu, and cooks the dishes himself at the adjacent open kitchen. Lately the themes have had a Brazilian influence but the season, foods at market, and whims of the chef-owner can bring changes at the next visit. No phone, no credit cards, no liquor license – but terrific food. Bring your own wine with no corkage fee and order early since the best things will be gone by evening’s end.

Later in the year we gathered at York St. Cafe across the river in Kentucky. Situated in a former pharmacy with historic Queen Anne architecture, surprises are found in a live music lounge and art gallery on the upper floors. Middle Eastern inspired tapas and “conversation boards” are featured along with more mainstream salads and entrées, and we had another enjoyable time with everything from cult Chardonnays and Champagne to substantial red blends from Napa, Maipo, and Bordeaux.

If you have a place in your town that seems a little off beat a has a wine friendly policy, a little patronage on an impromptu basis can do wonders to a deserving business and spread good will and fun at the same time. We have several Dine Arounds planned for the coming year at new locations. Vive la Chaîne!

J.T. Mayer, Vice Chargé de Presse

Welcome to the Cincinnati Bailliage of the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs!

Chaîne Cincinnati includes local businessmen and women, doctors, lawyers, chefs, wine distributors and retailers as well as others in the food and wine fields. Our Bailliage unites professional and amateur gastronomes in a private, not-for-profit society committed to promoting the culinary arts and those of enology and hospitality through example, education and camaraderie.

As an example, we foster the development of the culinary arts among our community's promising chefs by contributing to the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank’s culinary education program called Cincinnati Cooks. We raise money for this purpose by asking for voluntary donations from our members annually, holding an annual wine auction and having special fundraising events.

Additionally, the Cincinnati Chaîne is home to an active chapter of Société Mondiale du Vin, an organization dedicated to enjoying and learning about the world of fine wine and spirits. Over the last few years our members have toured internationally renowned wine destinations to further their understanding of those areas and their wines.

The Bailliage de Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Cincinnati is affiliated with the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Bailliage des Etats-Unis (United States Chapter), which is associated with the International Headquarters in Paris.

Salut and Vive la Chaîne!