Renowned Cincinnati bakery SERVATii serves up mouthwatering baked goods every day at 15 convenient locations (including 6 bakery & deli stores). This family-owned German storefront bakes up delicious goods for every meal and occasion, making it a part of Cincinnati families dinner tables and their traditions, too. Breakfasts are delightful with donuts and pastries, parties are made popular with the addition of a giant Bavarian pretzel sandwich and of course there are those legendary SERVATii cakes.

If you are a Cincinnati native, we don’t need to sell you on SERVATii. It’s kind of a “If you know, you know” situation.

Something you may not know is that SERVATii is debuting four new specialty loaves to celebrate World Baking Day, which falls on Saturday, May 17th this year! The lineup of SERVATii’s new limited-time specialty loaves includes:

• Shepherd’s Multigrain: Crafted with SERVATii’s signature sourdough starter and packed with flaxseeds, millet, sunflower seeds and oatmeal.
• Roasted Garlic and Peppercorn: This sourdough loaf is infused with slow-roasted garlic and cracked black peppercorns for bold, savory flavor. Naturally fermented for 24 hours to develop a tangy crumb and golden crust.
• Blueberry Pecan: This rich, buttery wheat sourdough is loaded with sweet blueberries and rustic pecans, creating the perfect balance of natural sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Asiago Semolina: Crafted with high-protein semolina flour and loaded with bold asiago cheese, this naturally fermented loaf is both buttery as well as nutty and golden brown.

To celebrate the four new specialty loaves and World Baking Day, SERVATii is offering a very special BOGO deal on Saturday, May 17th, while supplies last. Customers can purchase any fresh baked loaf and receive a new specialty loaf for free!

ABOUT SERVATii
For more than 60 years, SERVATii has been a trusted name in the Greater Cincinnati region, offering freshly baked pastries, pretzels, decorated cakes, and an assortment of deli products. As a family-owned business spanning five generations, the Gottenbusch family remains committed to using only honest, fresh ingredients, free from enzymes or additives. We honor the legacy of our original Café SERVATii bakery in Muenster, Germany, by preparing our products using authentic, time-honored recipes. Additionally, SERVATii is proud to give back to the community by donating leftover baked goods to local charities daily.

Browse the SERVATii Bakery menu and learn more by clicking here 

Discover more Cincinnati food news by clicking here

The post SERVATii’s New Specialty Loaves appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

For ONE DAY ONLY the Keebler Elves will be visiting Cincinnati in their infamous Hollow Tree. If you smell the decadent scent of fudge and see elf-sized footprints around Erie Avenue, it may just be Ernie the Elf serving up some NEW E.L Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies to lucky passersby. Don’t miss your chance to sample these tasty new treats for free from this unique and exciting pop-up Hollow Tree experience!

WHAT: Keebler Hollow Tree Pop-Up Cookie Event
WHERE: 2722 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
COST: Free

It’s me, Ernie the Elf, or the Baker in the Tree, as some call me! I’m here to tell everybody that we’ve just finished whisking, stirring, and baking our brand-new Keebler E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies. Are you wondering how the new E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies got so perfectly chocolatey and uncommonly good? The secret is the delicious vanilla-flavored creme on the inside, which makes the chocolatey fudge on the outside taste extra scrumptious. Each cookie celebrates us elves because they’re shaped just like me, Ella, Leonardo, Joy, and Elwood. You’ll also get to know my elf friend Buckets, who is buckets of fun!

Here in the Hollow Tree^®, we Keebler elves are always baking a pinch of magic into every bite. But now, we’re uprooting our home and traveling far and wide so you can enjoy E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookies straight from our elf-sized windows. Starting May 7, look for elf-sized footprints and follow the smell of fudge in the air to mystical lands called New York, Chicago, and Cincinnati. Wowzers, you all certainly live in interesting places!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Scan the E.L. Fudge Choco Vanilla Cookie packaging to enter our Open for Magic^® digital platform–a wonderful place where dreams are powerful, and stories come alive. On the site, you’ll be prompted to scan the cookies to unlock a new story about me and my elfin pals. If luck is smiling down on you, you might even win a magical adventure for the whole family, valued at up to $20,000! Also, each week 15 winners will receive a $25 gift card to their preferred retailer… to buy more Keebler E.L. Fudgecookies, of course. Now through June 22, look for the magic in everyday moments at OpenforMagic.com.

-Ernie the Elf

The Keebler E.L Fudge Elfwich Choco Vanilla Sandwich Cookies are available at Kroger- retail price, $3.69. They are on sale right now for $3.49 and we love a good coupon- add 5 or more participating items and save $1 each. Check it out by clicking here! 

Find even more Things to Do this weekend by CLICKING HERE.

The post Keebler Elves Coming to Cincinnati appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Celebrate spicy, delicious food all month long with Hot Head Burrito. Not just Cinco de Mayo, Hot Head Burrito is celebrating Cinco de Montho!

On Cinco de Mayo only (May 5th), Hot Head Burritos Rewards Members can earn 5x points in-store and online. This will quickly turn one meal into free food!

All month long, every order comes with a scratch-off card for a chance to win free burritos, chips, quest or even $1 off.

The ultimate prize?! A Caribbean vacation for two! WOW!

Find a Hot Head Burrito near you! 

NEWPORT (94 Carothers Road)
FT. WRIGHT (3497 Valley Plaza Parkway)
ERLANGER (3340 Mineola Pike)

BEECHMONT (977 Ohio Pike)
FAIRFIELD (690 Niles Road)
HAMILTON (1384 Main Street)
MIDDLETOWN (3585 South Dixie Highway)
MILFORD (5976 Meijer Drive)

Visit www.hotheadburritos.com to read all about this exciting month of deals and freebies and to browse the super tasty Hot Head Burritos menu, too.

Find more foodie features by clicking here. 

The post Cinco de Montho appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Enhance your taco night experience with these flavorful recipes from Marci Renee’s collection.
Each dish complements the others, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal for you and your guests.

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
If you enjoy the Jalapeno Ranch at Chuy’s, you are going to love Marci’s version! Throw
everything into a food processor or blender, pour it in a mason jar for safe keeping and you
have a quick and tasty dressing or dip recipe! It’s not only perfect with tortilla chips but great on
tex-mex salads as well!
Get the Recipe!

Steak Quesadillas
Indulge in these savory Steak Quesadillas, featuring perfectly seasoned steak, melted cheese,
and sautéed vegetables, all nestled between crispy tortillas. Whether prepared on a Blackstone
griddle or in an air fryer, these quesadillas are both versatile and delicious.
Get the Recipe!

Homemade Guacamole
No taco night is complete without creamy, fresh guacamole. Marci's Homemade Guacamole
recipe combines ripe avocados, zesty lime juice, and a blend of spices to create a dip that's
perfect with tortilla chips or as a topping for your quesadillas.
Get the Recipe!

Mexican Street Corn
Add a burst of flavor with this Mexican Street Corn recipe. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered
with a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese and chili powder, offering a
delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any Mexican-inspired meal.
Incorporate these recipes into your next taco night to create a diverse and flavorful spread that
will delight everyone’s taste buds.
Get the Recipe!

Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is a must-have side dish for taco night. Made with fresh ingredients, it's
super simple to make and adds a zesty, refreshing flavor that complements any taco filling.
Get the Recipe!
I’ve also been making my own Chipotle Bowls at Home! I start by making the Cilantro Lime
Rice. While that’s sitting and doing it’s thing, I’ll make the Mexican Street Corn, a pico de gallo,
bake some diced chicken seasoned with garlic salt and Texas Seasoning. I start building the
bowl by layering the rice, corn, pico, chicken, shredded monterey jack cheese, top with
guacamole and either sour cream or Jalapeno Ranch, depending on whose bowl it is!

Marci Renee is a local momma of 3 who shares family recipes, DIY projects and so much more. Check out her website by clicking here  and be sure to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

The post Taco Night Recipes appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

“(Cincinnati) needs a Shake Shack“
-Tee Higgins on X

Mr. Higgins asked and Mr. Higgins received (see what we did there– he is a Wide Receiver).

The same week Tee Higgins signed his deal with the Cincinnati Bengals is also the first week that Cincinnati’s first Shake Shack restaurant was open. And Tee Higgins himself checked in to grab his favorite order, surprise guests, sign autographs and hand out merch, too!

So why does Tee Higgins love Shake Shack so much?! The ShackBurger.

This quarter-pound burger features 100% Angus beef with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. ShackBurger’s can be ordered as singles, doubles or even triples!

What else is on the Shake Shack menu?

• Limited Time Only: Black Truffle Burger
• Avocado Bacon Burger
• Veggie Shack
• ‘Shroom Burger
• BLT
• Grilled Cheese
• Chicken Shack
• Chicken Bites
• Crinkle Cut Fries
• Black Truffle Parmesan Fries
• Shakes
• Floats
• Frozen Custard
• Hot Dogs and more!

Shake Shack Cincy Now Open!
249 Calhoun Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 788-4418

Store Hours:
SUN 10:30 a.m.-midnight
MON 10:30 a.m.-midnight
TUE 10:30 a.m.-midnight
WED 10:30 a.m.-midnight
THU 10:30 a.m.-midnight
FRI 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
SAT 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m.

Discover the entire Shake Shack menu by clicking here. Discover the entire Shake Shack menu by clicking here. 

Love tasty Cincinnati bites? Click here for more food features. Click here for more food features. 

The post Shake Shack Cincy Now Open appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Recipe;

-4 very ripe plantains

-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

-sea salt to taste

-1 lime, cut into wedges

Method (yields 4 appetizer portions);

-Cut the ends off the plantains, and make a slit down one side of the skin. Peel back the skin and cut the plantains in to 3/4 inch slices, on a bias.

-Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 f.

-place the plantains on a cookie sheet and drizzle them with the vegetable oil and sea salt to taste.

-roast the plantains for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized.

-serve with lime wedges and top with a small pinch of fresh sea salt.

Getting to Know José Salazar, a Q+A

Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): You were born in Colombia and raised in Queens… what was your childhood like compared to that of your son, who was raised here in the Queen City?

Chef José Salazar (CJS): My childhood was amazing. I spent a lot of time outdoors, playing handball, basketball and skateboarding, or just hanging out “on the block”. 

CFM: Did you have a certain comfort food growing up?

CJS: Well, my mom (single mother), was not a great cook and didn’t have a lot of time, so meals were fairly simple. However, when I went to Colombia for the summers, my grandma would make huge, very tasty meals. My favorite comfort food from her was a simple bowl of rice and beans with arepa and avocado.

CFM: Are there any foods that you hated as a kid that you have grown to love as an adult? (We have heard good things about your Brussels sprouts, and we have to admit… we hated Brussels sprouts as a kid and now we can’t get enough!)

CJS: I remember my mom making beef tongue on several occasions and I absolutely hated it. Just the idea of eating it freaked me out. Now I love, love tongue, especially in a taco!

CFM: You left the hustle and bustle of New York and landed a job here in the ‘Nati. Now it seems you’ve set roots here. What makes this city special to you?

CJS: I would have to say the people for sure. I am very appreciative of how kind and supportive Cincinnatians are.

CFM: Let’s hear all about the new Salazar location, Mita’s and Safi Wine Bar! Can you tell us about where the Latin and Moroccan inspiration came from and how you settled on the menus? Is there any one item on the menu that people HAVE to try when they come in?

CJS: The Latin inspiration for Mita’s came from my Colombian heritage as well as the diverse Latin cuisines that I was exposed to in NYC. Safi was born out of an amazing trip I took to Morocco in the summer of 2023. I had always dreamt of going and was not disappointed one bit when I finally had the opportunity to go. I adore Morocco and the hospitality they showed me. Salazar will be re-opening later this summer or early fall. We will focus on local and seasonal products that highlight all the deliciousness the Ohio Valley have to offer.

CFM: We love supporting local. When you don’t feel like cooking, do you have a few favorite Cincinnati restaurants that you frequent?

-I can’t say I frequent any restaurants just because of how busy I am. My most memorable meal recently in Cincinnati was Roji. We are so lucky to have chef Hideki and his team doing spectacular sushi. I only wish I could find time to go every week!

CFM: We have read that you enjoy mentoring young chefs! What can kids gain from contributing to what is being cooked? What tips do you have for kids who like cooking (and their parents)?

CJS: I do enjoy mentoring. Food is a good way to learn about history and culture. Making a meal can feel like a journey to a faraway place and I think kids love that. As for the adults, it may be the opposite, where the food reminds us of a time and place in our past which makes us feel nostalgic and happy.

CFM: Congratulations on your upcoming 7th year of sobriety! It truly seems like you are accomplishing so much right now and it is absolutely inspiring. Do you think having clarity of mind is allowing you to embark on this journey? We would love to hear about how you manage the stress and learn about your coping skills.

CJS: Thank you, It is a real blessing. Absolutely, being sober gives me the drive needed to keep going at the pace I am. I manage my stress by working out and meditating. Ironically, not drinking is a lot less stressful and relaxing. Drinking gave me anxiety and made me very irritable. I’m much better at positively harnessing my energy and focusing on the good thing’s vs the bad. 

CFM: Thank you SO MUCH for your time. We can’t wait to try out your family-friendly recipe with our Cincinnati family and visit Salazar’s new location later this Spring! A night out to enjoy a good meal together is so important for parents (date your spouse, as they say)!!!

CJS: My pleasure! I look forward to hosting you all in our dining rooms!

CFM: Finally, congratulations on all of your accomplishments and successes. We love the hard work you are putting in to make sure Cincy is on the map for flavorful, fabulous food.

CJS: Thank you!!

The post Getting to Know José Salazar appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Spring has sprung! And with it marks the opening of local Mom and Pop soft serve ice cream shops. Serving up cones and smiles, these establishments are the perfect place to celebrate a baseball or soccer win (or soften the blow of a loss), celebrate a birthday or just grab something sweet with the family.There is nostalgia in the sensory experience of waiting in line, smelling sugar in the air, mulling over the menu and hearing kids play with their siblings nearby. Everyone has the opinion that their family’s favorite soft serve shop is the best, and you know what… we think you all are correct. They are all the best. 

We asked and you answered…

“What is your favorite soft serve spot and let us know your order!”

“I am passionate about my love for the Silver Grove Dari Bar! A blueberry-vanilla cone with sprinkles marks the start of spring for me. My husband’s go-to order is a butterscotch sundae and my boys order is as follows: root beer float, zebra cone with a chocolate dip top and a small vanilla cone with a face. My family can’t go to the Dari Bar without a few orders of the munchers, too. Potatoes and cheese, deep fried. What’s not to love?”
-Amanda C. Associate Editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine

“I know everyone goes to Terry’s for crazy shakes, but a cone with sprinkles for $2 is my order!”
-Angie T.

“Legen-Dairy Whip in Bethel. Huge portions for less than $5. They sell the Kings Island blue soft serve, which is my daughter’s go-to. I love anything covered in peanut butter and chocolate.”
-Annie A. 

“Shell at Summit Park! Dole whip for the kiddo and I get a mix of flavors with all sorts of fresh fruit on it. If it’s a sit down, I like Don’s Creamy in Reading or Mt. Washington’s Creamery as they have Dole Whip also.”
-Kari S.

“Whipty Do in Maineville, Oh. My order is their Chocolate Lover: chocolate dip top, Kit Kat, chocolate sprinkles, twist ice cream. It is to die for!!”
-Bev F.

“Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar. I get the upside down banana split with butterscotch instead of chocolate.”
-Shannon M. 

“The Cone. The orange and vanilla twist is sooo good!”
-Holly D. 

“The Dip in Fairfield! I almost always try their soft serve flavor(s) of the month. My favorite is when they have cake mix and either strawberry or blueberry to swirl with it. If I’m not digging the flavor of the month, then I will go for the strawberry cheesecake sundae.”
-Ann G. 

“Don Vanderhaar Creamy Whip in Reading! I am a nutty chocolate kinda gal.They are one of the few places that makes yummy chocolate and nut covered frozen bananas and they will dip my zebra cone in chocolate then nuts as well.”
-Joanie F. 

“Zip Dip is the best on the west side! I love a twist cone with chocolate dip top!”
-Deborah Ann S. 

“Putz’s Creamy Whip- chocolate malt.”
-Amanda R. 

“Chilo Dairy Bar in Chilo, Ohio. I love their peanut butter shakes! They also have yummy wings.”
-Anna T.

“Twist Ice Cream Company is our favorite!!! They have SO MANY OPTIONS now and great rotating flavors! Cute kid creations, live music and more. My kids love the milkshakes, my husband loves a simple cone and I love the arctic blasts.”
-Molly M. 

“Whetsel Whip- Loaded ice cream nachos.”
-Krystal A. 

“The Cone. We love the Oreo wizard, strawberry + vanilla swirl and orange + vanilla swirl soft serve.”
-Amy B. 

“I’ve been going to Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar for almost 40 years. It was, is and will always be THE BEST. Their chili dogs are amazing, so I have to get one of those when I go. As far as ice cream, I always have a hard time deciding between their sherbet of the week and a peanut butter sundae. I’ve never had anything there that I didn’t love.”
-Suzanne D. 

“Dees Dairy Bar in New Richmond. Chocolate/vanilla swirl cone with extra sprinkles.”
-Brandi A. 

“The Twist in West Chester. My daughter likes the Cookie Monster Sundae.”
-Sarah S.

The post Cincinnati Soft Serve Spots appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Skip the meal prep, cooking and cleaning and dine out for a cause on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025.

Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving is back! On this special day, 100% of sales will be donated locally and Jersey Mike’s is proud to have supported 200+ charities nationwide. In the Greater Cincinnati area, CancerFree KIDS is the deserving beneficiary of funds raised.

While the Day of Giving is a BIG day, Jersey Mike’s actually has named March to be the MONTH of giving. Diners are encouraged to “round up” their total all month long, with lots of  little donations making a big impact. Last year, the month-long “round up” campaign, customer donations and the Day of Giving sales added up to a $343,780 donation to CancerFree KIDS. This phenomenal initiative from Jersey Mike’s will help fun childhood cancer research and support other non-profits across the nation.

Click here to find YOUR local Jersey Mike’s location to support CancerFree Kids during the Day of Giving.

Who is CancerFree KIDS?

Keep the goodness going and discover how to encourage volunteering in ‘tweens and teens- click here to read more. 

The post Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving 2025 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Spring and summer are perfect seasons for outdoor activities like hiking and watching your kids games. Having easy-to-carry, delicious snacks can enhance these experiences. Here are some simple recipes from Marci Renee’s collection that are ideal for such occasions:

Muffins & Breads
Muffins are not only quick and easy to make, but they also travel well! Place in a ziploc bag or container to enjoy throughout the day as a quick snack. If the weather is a bit warmer, place any recipes that have chocolate chips on the top of a cooler in a basket to keep them cool and the chocolate from melting!

● Double Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
● Keto Blueberry Muffins
● Quick & Easy Homemade Blueberry Muffins
● Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
● Cream Cheese Lemon Blueberry Bread

Trail Mix
One of my favorite things that I constantly make for my kiddos is my Homemade Trail Mix. You can add in things like M&M’s, peanuts or whatever you want really! Just toss it together in a bowl and store in a mason jar.

Chickpea Salad
On busy weeks when we have practices and plethora of games on the weekend, I will make my Chickpea Salad Recipe. It’s not only great for meal prepping as it will last all week long, but it’s great to throw in a cooler and you have a light and healthy snack!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
This is one of my viral recipes! If you are looking to take something sweet with you my Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are it! They feed a crowd on a budget and keep well in an air tight container or mason jar!

Grape Salad
If you are feeding tiny mouths, be sure to cut the grapes in half to prevent a choking hazard.
Otherwise, my Grape Salad Recipe is easy to throw together. This will need to stay in a cooler
as it contains cream cheese, but it’s so good, easy to make and transports great in a mason jar!

Having a Derby Party or Easter gathering? Check out Marci Renee’s other recipes, HERE!

Marci Renee is a local momma of 3 who shares family recipes, DIY projects and so much more. Check out her website by clicking here  and be sure to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

The post Spring Time Snacks appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Snappy Tomato Pizza, a beloved community favorite known for its fresh ingredients, excellent service, and award-winning pizza, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Batavia, Ohio. Located at 501 West Main Street, this expansion brings Snappy’s signature flavors and commitment to quality to even more pizza lovers.

Hot on the heels of the successful opening of Snappy’s Mariemont location in October 2024, the Batavia restaurant continues the brand’s exciting growth on the east side of Cincinnati. Guests can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a delicious menu featuring both classic and innovative pizzas, and enhanced customer experience. Whether carrying out or ordering delivery, Snappy Tomato Pizza remains dedicated to serving up fresh, high-quality meals that satisfy every craving.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Tim Gayhart, owner of Snappy “Expanding to Batavia allows us to bring our passion for great pizza and exceptional service to even more families and friends in the community.”

For more information about Snappy Tomato Pizza’s newest locations or franchise opportunities, visit www.snappytomato.com.

About Snappy Tomato Pizza
Snappy Tomato Pizza has been serving up fresh, delicious pizza for years, growing from a
local favorite to a trusted name in quality pizza. With a focus on community, customer
satisfaction, and bold flavors, Snappy continues to expand while staying true to its roots.

The post New Snappy Tomato Pizza Location appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.