Our Annual Christmas Dinner on the Town

Foregoing presents for entertainment, Bruce and I have enjoyed the best Christmas this year, beginning in early December with a sixty degree stroll around the Cincinnati Zoo as the Christmas lights were just coming on. Unfortunately, no camera. This seems to be a common lament this year, so now the camera comes with us. Last night we drove downtown for a lovely dinner at the Netherland Hilton in the Carew Tower. Art Deco heaven. Tonight we'll join in on a sing-along Messiah with the Cincinnati Symphony.

We arrived a bit on the early side, and walked around taking in the sights.
No, we didn't arrive in a horse drawn carriage, but we couldn't resist snapping a photo.



The tower was built in 1929 in less than a year, costing $7 million dollars.
This construction during the Great Depresseion eased the financial burden for Cincinnati.
Back then guests did arrive by horse and carriage. Imagine, walking through these gorgeous doors into the lobby.



My little digital camera barely captures the grandeur of the spaces.
These sculptures grace the ascent into the grand lobby.

Remember the old arcade going over to Pogues? The huge gingerbread city is center back.

More art deco showcasing the gingerbread city.

  


Look closely, as you can easily identify Cincinnati landmarks.




Now the Orchids Restaurant at the Palm Court, this used to be the lobby.



I'm sitting in our corner dining banquette, watching the whole dining room scene.
The pianist in the bar behind us is playing 'Night and Day' and Christmas carols. This is all too glamorous.

Here comes our meal! The kloches are removed with a flouirish and simultaneously.
We attempted to stay and watch the table next to us. The routine is to present the entrees with kloche removal, no matter how many staff it takes. We ordered dessert & coffee, but the larger group was still enjoying the the first course.

Intricately engraved and detailed elevators on the lower parking lot.
End of the evening for us, leaving behind a breathtaking building celebrating a unique page in history.

Back to reality. Christmas on Second Street in Clarksville.