Market on the Square
Today was a perfect day for lunch on Fountain Square. I had visited the weekly Tuesday Market before but I had not stayed to have my lunch on the Square. I'm so glad that Ron and I decided to do it today. Especially since next week is the last week of Market on the Square for the year!!
Our first stop was Essencha Tea House where Shannon served up delicious Strawberry-Kiwi Iced Tea. Ron tried the bubble tea and was pleasantly surprised with the "soft on the outside and chewy on the inside" tapioca bubbles. I went to Taste of Belgium for a crepe. And, a sample of the waffles, naturally. I decided on a smoked salmon and onion crepe. At $7.50, it's not so cheap and a crepe does not look like much sitting on a plate. But, it was delicious and quite filling. I feel like my belly is bulging out another inch. I even left a few bites abandoned on my plate I was so stuffed! Ron had a good-sized hamburger, yet still agreed to try my crepe. Can you believe he had never tasted one? He was very impressed. I was shocked to then find out he had never tasted the Taste of Belgium waffles!! People, these waffles are a must-try!! They are almost always offered in bite-sized free samples. My only complaint about Taste of Belgium today is that Jean-Francois was not there :(
The weather was gorgeous, the food was excellent, the Square was lively, you could hardly ask for a better lunchtime in Cincinnati.
Speaking of Fountain Square, a co-worker and I had been discussing it earlier. Our conversation was prompted by a third person's comment that she had issues with some of the things they do on the Square. Jennifer and I were racking our brains trying to think of valid complaints with the way things are going on Fountain Square. I'm sure some events could be done differently or improved upon, but nothing specific comes to mind. Not every event there appeals to me, but I'm sure I am not their sole target market. I also hesitate to criticize the functioning of anything when I am certain I could not do a better job. So today, after lunch I was again striving to critique Fountain Square. Here is what I came up with:
1. Trash cans more centrally located. At least during the Tuesday market. We had to nearly walk off the Square to throw away our plates, and then I had to turn and go back to buy some fruit to take home with me.
2. More vendors. Though at the same time, considering the number of vendors that are there, there is a nice variety. Specialty iced teas, yummy greek burgers, crepes, waffles, more burgers, and sandwiches are just some of the lunch options. Then there are a few fruit and veggie stands and baked goods to take home. Also, this is the first year for Market on the Square and now that it has been a success, perhaps more vendors will be clamoring for space next year.
I also noticed a Channel 9 cameraman nonchalantly wandering the Square and occasionally filming. I hope he did not get a shot of me shoving crepe into my mouth...
