Last year, our own jch24 graced us with a four-part guide to Cincinnati and Great American Ballpark, providing a thorough overview of travel/lodging, dining, entertainment and the game experience - primarily for out-of-town visitors. This season, I thought we might could build on his foundational work, drilling down a little to try some critical reviews of items in and around Great American. This would include food and drink served at the park, gift shop purchases and nearby bar specials. If they decide to start serving bulgogi at a concession stand, it might benefit Reporters to know whether it's worth shelling out the $14.99, plus digestive tax. This probably doesn't include "public urination spots on Pete Rose Way" or "An Anti-Chris Carpenter Sign with Two Innuendos I Liked."

If you consume something in the general vicinity of GABP, we might want to hear 250-400 well-chosen words about it. Tell us what it is, where you can find and what you thought about. Pictures are a plus. And every review needs a point scale. I'm proposing using the farm system (Rookie, A, AA, AAA and Major League) - although some weirdness might result from the fact that Major League is equivalent to an "A." But confusing is the new intelligent.

Something like this Serious Eats review of Senate's "Croque Madame" is a decent template - it's descriptive and includes information about complements:

Senate's Croque Madame-an all-beef frank on a brioche roll, wrapped in black forest ham, covered in bechamel and topped with a poached egg-is probably the most intense hot dog I have ever eaten.
Other options range from the kimchi and short rib topped "Koreana" to crazy specials involving bacon relish and deep-fried cheese curds, or go for a classic Chicago style dog. These are "haute dogs" taken to the next level and done right. Even more delicious with a side of truffle fries and local beer.

We're looking for weirder, funnier, more Baseball-centric. In a word, more "redreporter." Tag it "Red Reporter Ballpark Guide," title it "Ballpark Guide:_____" and just like that, it's added to the commonweal. We'll put it on the front page as long as there are no obvious conflicts of interest or threats to my family.

You've made it here, you found a place to eat, and even had a little fun. Now for the reason you came in the first place - to see a ball game, right? Great American Ballpark is a wonderful venue to watch a game. We hope you'll be as happy to see the fireworks at the end of the game as we are!

via cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

Continue reading this post »

You've made it to our fine city and you've filled your belly with our great food, but there's still time to kill before and after the game. What is there to do in Cincinnati, you say? Well, I'm glad you asked. There are plenty of good times to be had by people of all ages and interests, hopefully you'll find something below that will blow your hair back, like this maybe?

Even the Boys In Red love the Diamondback!

Continue reading this post »

Now that you've made it to Cincinnati and have settled into your temporary living arrangements, let's move onto the next human necessity: FOOD. Luckily, this is my specialty. I eat and drink like few people can. I’m Adam Richman minus 75 pounds, stubble, and a degree from Harvard.

Cincinnati food, come get some!

Cincinnati's signature food would have to be its take on chili. Cincinnati-style chili is a lot thinner than regular chili and has a touch of cinnamon and chocolate in it to create a unique flavor. It's served as hot dog sauce in a cheese coney(seen above), over spaghetti(known as a Three, Four, or Five Way, seen above), and even over French Fries and baked potatoes. It is always accompanied by an egregious amount of finely shredded Cheddar cheese and oyster crackers. If you’ve never had it, you have to try it. It tastes a lot better than it sounds, trust me on this.

There are two main chili peddlers in town, Skyline and Gold Star. You'll be able to find one of these no matter where you are. A dark horse candidate would be Camp Washington Chili, one of the originals and still one of the best according to many.

Continue reading this post »

Hi, hello, & welcome from the Queen City. We've been expecting you. The land of weird chili, even weirder sausage type breakfast food, and the oldest professional baseball team has been here all along and you've finally decided to get a taste of it. Congratulations on finally seeing the light, I'll be your tour guide. Trust in me, I'll show you the way.

Wanna get excited about coming to Cincinnati? Here's the skyline at dusk:

Pretty, no?

Continue reading this post »