Jose Salazar and "Tasting Thursday" is on its way to Sicily!

Every afternoon I make a point of passing through the kitchen to greet and exchange pleasantries with my colleagues in the restaurant. Typically there is always something cooking both literally and figuratively as the ingeneuity and creative zeal of Chef Jose Salazer is something that has never failed to impress me. But on one particular afternoon, in 2009, as I scurried on by, the Chef flagged me down with what seemed to be an extra-ordinary flourish as he stood in conference over his kettle with several members of his staff to exclaim, in a boisterous tone of excitement, that he had "an idea."

"An idea?" I responded, with about as much eager anticipation in my voice as he had enthusiasm in his.

"Yes, I was thinking I would take 'Tasting Thursdays' on tour - every 3rd Thursday a new destination. First stop will be Italy, then perhaps Germany, then the South pacific, Japan, and who knows where else from there."

And from there Chef Jose Salazer, Maitre' d John Mclean, and the proud staff of The Palace Restaurant Cincinnatian has maintained their culinary tour de force ever since.  From his first stop in Italy, Chef Salazar then moved on to various cuisines as diverse as Peruvian, German, Polish, Puerto-Rican, Japanese, Indian, Pacific Islands, Cajun, French, Irish, English, Spanish, Korean, Brazilian, and on..and..and on...So many lands and regions have been explored that Chef Jose Salazar may one day run out of stoppin points.  That's why, starting this Tasting Thursday, when The Palace Restasurant becomes Sicily for a day, The Cincinnatian Hotel and Maitre' d John Mclean, are asking you - the fan of Tasting Thursdays - where you want Jose to travel in the Summer!  Any region, any one of the world's cuisines, can and will be bravely tackled by this Chef with extra-ordinary culinary ambition.  State your case and let us know where you would like him to go!
In the meantime, keep watching for the upcoming Sicilian menu which will be posted here, on our website and on our Facebook page.   True to tradition The Cincinnatian Hotel will try to have nation-specific music to accompany the meal whenever possible.  Short of that the Legendary Phillip Paul Jazz Trio will bring their classic live elegance to attend to your every bite.  While savoring the meal, you may also savor excellent Sicilian and Italian Wines hand-picked by Maitre' d and Wine Steward John Mclean.

The purpose and goal of Tasting Thursdays is simple:  The Mission of the Palace Restaurant is to allow our guests and patrons to plant an American flag upon several of the world's most celebrated cuisines without ever having to leave the convenience of their own home.  In so doing you thereby avoid the actual expense of travel and research into which of Rome's, which of Paris' or which of Tokyo's restaurants you will have to seek out for the finest dining experience.  This is truly an estimable culinary endeavor in any foodie's book.  One chef attempting to tackle so many different styles of food - effectually transforming his restaurant for an entire evening into a Sicilian Cafe, a Japanese Sushi Bar or a German Stube - solely for a flight of culinary fancy and all for the enjoyment of the people of Cincinnati.

For just $60.00 per person, you can join the Chef each and every Third Thursday as he takes you on an international journey across all 7 continents to experience his pre-fixe, sensational interpretations of some of the world's most celebrated cuisines. 

Upcoming scheduled tastings include Vietnam and Columbia.  Check back here for details or provide me with your Tasting Thursday suggestsions.   Where else should Jose go?