Gareth Antigua here. Back in October, I spent a couple of days in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here are five eateries that I found notable in Zip Code 45221:

[1] HangOverEasy
This breakfast joint at the corner of West Charlton Street and Glendora Avenue is part of a five restaurant chain in Ohio that spans Cincinnati, Columbus, Athens and Perrysburg. I have only ever been to the Corryville location – but am confident the other four places are equally good. My personal favorite is The Road Not Bacon – which is an Angus Smash Burger topped with cheese and – naturally – bacon. Every time I’ve been to this eatery I have paired my burger with a salad – so I can’t comment on their fries.

[2] China Food
I’ve had lunch a couple of times at this classic Chinese place near West McMillan Street and Ravine Street. I can recommend both the Hong Kong Chicken and Green Bean Chicken with Ginger Sauce. If you hit this place on a Thursday, they serve Crab Rangoon as an appetizer which I found delicious.

[3] Mio’s Pizzeria Pub
I very much recommend the Windy City Classic – a Chicago-style homemade pizza with sausage, onion, green pepper and both mozzarella and cheddar. I’ve also had their meatball hoagie and found it quite tasty as well. Mio’s is located at East Charlton Street and Short Vine Stree – which is just a 15 walk from the College of Engineering and Applied Science building.

[4] Keystone’s Mac Shack
No trip to the University of Cincinnati would be complete in my books without a stop at this delightful mac and cheese bar. My go to lunch is the Guns N’ Roses – which comes with bacon, fries, cheddar, sour cream, and chives. Located right across from Mike’s Music Store on Short Vine Street.

[5] Ninja Grill Japanese & Hibachi
This place is no frills – but certainly fast. My go to is the Scallop Hibachi Bowl. I can also recommend the Jumbo Shrimp Bowl. Located at West McMillan Street and Wheeler Street – it’s just a 3 minute walk to the College of Law Building.

You can follow me on Twitter @GarethAntigua

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Contributing editor Gareth Antigua here. I recently spent a few days in Burlington, Vermont. Here are five eateries I found notable in Zip Code 05405:

[1] Great Harvest Bakery + Café
Located at the corner of Marble Avenue and Pine Street – my go to on the menu is their Grilled Cheese featuring Cabot sharp cheddar cheese on our Sourdough. I also recommend Great Harvest’s Curried Chicken Salad.

[2] El Cortijo Taqueria
Located at the top end of the Church Street Market Place at 189 Bank St – this place is serves the best Mexican in Burlington as far as I’m concerned. I have enjoyed every item I’ve tried on their menu, but if forced to pick, I’d suggest the Rice & Black Bean Bowl with shrimp. One simply can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes, guajillo salsa, shredded cabbage, cheese, cilantro and onion.

[3] Koto Japanese Restaurant
Located on Shelburne Road in South Burlington near the intersection with Swift Street – the Japanese Steak House serves a great Hibachi. My go to is always the steak and scallop combo. I also recommend their Chilean Sea Bass which is served with lemon ginger sauce over vegetables.

[4] Myer’s Wood Fired Bagel Shop
A mainstay of Burlington since 1997, no visit to the University of Vermont is complete without a stop for a Montreal-style with Maine Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese. I also recommend Myer’s Trout Special which features two scrambled eggs and – obviously – smoked trout.

[1] Parkway Diner
During my last visit to UVT, I checked out the Parkway Diner for the first time while on my way back to Burlington International Airport. Evidently this place has been in business since 1952. I was on a tight clock, so I ordered their house burger with a side salad. My lunch arrived fast and both the burger and salad were solid. Will try again.

You can follow me on Twitter @GarethAntigua

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