Century Inn - Over Two Hundred Years

Another one of our regular haunts is hardly new.  The Century Inn at the Woodlawn/Glendale border was established in 1806 and still remains popular with thirsty patrons and locals.  Tracy, Mike, Mickey and I will not officially dive at the Century Inn since we have frequented it often together and with others. 

Last winter Tracy and I stopped in for a happy hour on a weekday evening.  After dropping her son at basketball practice it would have been silly and a waste of gas to drive all the way home.   We were delighted with $1.50 pint drafts and half off appetizers.  They were also promoting $2 margaritas, but it was a worknight.  The beer was cold, wet and promptly served as usual.  Neither one of us cared for the Nachos Supreme which was Texas chili over chips with a cheddar cheese sauce.  The onion rings were typical.  We may like to dive to out of the way locations but Buffalo Wings is still the best place for onion rings! That evening we were focused on conversation and relaxing brew, so we did not leave too disappointed but would make other choices next time.  Previous visits to Century Inn we have greatly enjoyed their pork chops, prime rib and pot roast.  I work close by and often take guests there for lunch.  The lunch time crowd is an interesting mix of retired folk, business people, blue collar workers and golfers from the nearby local links.  They all mingle and look equally at home. The atmosphere and food always delights.

It is difficult to say which season is best to visit the Century Inn.  The dark wood interior, cozy antique bar, low beam ceilings and original fireplace make for a delightful winter evening.  They have recently expanded the patio and added cornhole sets along the extensive backyard.  With strategically placed heaters and the occasional wind curtain, it is practically an all season deck.  There is a stage for live bands and plenty of TVs to follow all the sporting events.

Checkout their new website.  It is complete with menus, calendar of events and specials plus directions on how to find them on the former "Cincinnati - Hamilton Pike" now Springfield Pike.

We like the Century Inn for its cozy warmth in the winter and welcoming deck throughout the year.  The Inn is perfectly located halfway between our homes and the malls.   We will spontanteously drop in soon again as we pass by and will have a pleasant experience as always.

Stuffing It - Followed Up

We have been away from official diving for awhile.  That is not to say we have not had chances to go out but getting our social schedules and kids activities synced has been a challenge.  Last summer we had fun following up with a home version of one of our favorite dive foods - stuffed peppers. It is sad to report that official diving opportunities have been few lately.  We are juggling one basketball team, three volleyball teams, two soccer teams and an overlap of indoor seasons.   With the cool fall temperatures setting in and while we are waiting for the next great dive, it is a perfect opportunity to reminsice about warmer summer times and our attempt at duplicating a dive experience.

Both Mike and Mickey enjoy vegetable gardening.  When banana peppers came into season Tracy and I started talking about the stuffed peppers we had at Hooligans during Mike's dive excursion.  (Tracy is by far the real cook and taste connoisseur of the group). We decided to try to duplicate.  Well duplicate ....and expand and improve the peppers of course. So on one warm July Saturday evening we gathered to stuff peppers, drink a few beers and enjoy great company.

Cast iron skillets on the gas grill did the trick.  It kept all the grease and smell outside. The evening turned into a wrap-it kind of night with the expected banana peppers and monterey jack cheese but then choices of shredded zucchini, pepper jack cheese, sauerkraut, ground beef, sausage, chopped onions. My college aged son Alex joined in the fun of the wrapping. Everything was tasty - well isn't everything deep fried tasty.  We each had our favorite combo and suggestions to add the next time - cream cheese, bacon, spinach, chocolate were just a few.  There was more food than we could all eat.  It was a wonderful evening of being stuffed.

We are anxious to return to our diving but regular and backyard adventures will have to do for now.