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On January 10, 2018, after a holiday break, the TTA, bolstered by Rod Gossett and Bruce Lathrop, expanded their culinary quest ever northward to Morrow, Ohio and visited The Sugar Run Grill, located on Rt. 22 perhaps all of 100 feet from the Trail bridge spanning Todd's Fork. 

As the sole customers upon entering, we were cordially greeted by Tara, who served as bartender and waitress.  Sugar Run Grill has a number of unique features, not the least of which is the warm and inviting rustic wood furniture which we later learned had been hand-crafted by owner Ed Porginski prior to the restaurant's opening in 2015.  (Ed also noted that all meat served in his restaurant, with the sole exception of chicken, is raised on his farm.)  Sugar Run emphasizes quality above all else, and that attitude is clearly reflected on the front page of the menu, which features a large stop sign and the following caution: "STOP -- This is not fast food.  Be prepared to wait for your order.  We cook from scratch."  Taking this as an encouraging indicator of good things to come, the group relaxed with a round of draft beers before ordering.  Rod and John had Sam Adams Winter Lager, while Bruce and George opted for a Deschutes IPA (which can be challenging to find in the Cincinnati area, since it comes from Bend, Oregon.  Kudos to Ed for his good taste— in brews, as well as in decor!)

Analysis of the menu quickly indicated that Sugar Run's intention is to have relatively few offerings, but to concentrate on doing them well.  Daily specials are posted on the chalk board and should be noted.  Sometimes the special is a regular menu item, like it was today, and other times it is an extra offering.  Bar staples such as appetizers, wings, sandwiches and burgers figure prominently.  Accordingly, the group started off with an order of wings, which were moist, meaty and really good!  Bruce got a bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions and fries for $11.99, and claimed to be a happy guy.  John selected a "Sunrise Burger" ($13.99), so named because it came with a fried egg atop it, accompanied by crispy fries with Cajun seasoning.  While it wasn't cooked exactly as he had requested, he still was satisfied.  Rod enjoyed his cheesesteak special ($12.99). George "lowballed" his peers, and popped just $9.99 for a pulled pork sandwich with mac & cheese.  He found the pulled pork (and accompanying sauce) certainly adequate, but unremarkable.  The mac and cheese was unexpectedly disappointing, just some grated cheese atop moist (but creamy) elbow pasta.

Morrow has been trying to get trail users to stop in their town for years.  They have attempted this by placing 4 stop signs on the trail over the quarter mile stretch through town.  They have even issued warnings and citations to trail users who don’t stop.  Morrow City Council should take a lesson from the Sugar Run Grill:  add more quality places like this one with good food and a fun atmosphere.  Sugar Run Grill has given this gang of trail users a reason to stop and we loved it!

The consensus of the group was that Sugar Run's overall food quality, ambiance and excellent proximity to the trail certainly merited 4 "bells" from the TTA.

Sugar Run Grill
100 Front Street, Morrow, OH
Phone: 513/899-2127
Hours:  Open Wed. through Sunday at 11 AM; closing time varies. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Would you like to help improve the deteriorating pavement on the Little Miami Trail? Here is a simple step you can take that will cost you nothing but a few minutes of time.

Having already done all the damage they could in Loveland's restaurants, on December 6 the TTA Duo (again ably assisted by Rod Gossett) acknowledged their standing commitment to visit every eatery which met their criteria along the trail, and accordingly (if admittedly somewhat reluctantly) ventured north on the trail to Chubby's Pizza (and Whippy Dip!) in South Lebanon. Chubby's, a minimalist local establishment, presently is the only place serving lunch between Loveland and Morrow  (since the Monkey Bar in Fosters currently has yet to open its kitchen—but will be reviewed once it does). Thus, Chubby’s  very basic appeal derives far more from its status as an "eating outpost" within half a mile of the trail than from any potential claims to offering memorable cuisine. Located in a freestanding building it shares with The Whippy Dip (which is open only seasonally), Chubby's is basically a burgers & pizza establishment, yet it has a surprisingly broad offering from its only menu located at the counter where customers place their orders. Locals appear to call in and then take out their orders, while transients such as the TTA and other trail users seat themselves inside at one of the five tables in the snug (13’ by 23') eating area looking into the kitchen—where they strive to ignore the sad reality that good housekeeping is not one of Chubby's priorities. A number of outdoor tables are available between the front door and the street, but obviously only appeal during fair weather. Canned soft drinks are available, but no alcohol is served. Service was prompt and efficient; all orders were delivered hot and simultaneously.

Rod led off with a small pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, banana peppers and extra cheese with a soft drink, all of which cost $12.75. He was content with it, but not particularly enthused. John and George each had burgers which had been previously prepared and kept in a steam bath awaiting orders—so getting them cooked as desired was naught but an impossible dream.  John took a double cheeseburger deluxe with onion rings and a soft drink, totaling $9.50. George lowballed at $5.88 for a bacon cheeseburger with a side of chips and soft drink.  Both allowed that while their sandwiches were at least edible, they were of nothing more than "snack bar" quality and taste. Overall, Rod was much more satisfied with his pizza than were John and George with their pre-cooked burgers.

Positives:  Broad menu offering, friendly and efficient service, moderate prices.
Negatives:  Average food, not particularly clean, restrooms well hidden (none of us could find them, though to be fair, we didn't ask, either), proximity to the trail not as close as other places where we have eaten.
Rating: The TTA felt Chubby's rated two bells. This rating by no means suggests that this is a place to avoid. In fact, if you are heading north on the trail through South Lebanon and really need to get something to eat, go for it. It will fulfill your needs. But, if you are heading south on the trail through South Lebanon and are feeling hungry, we’d say, hold off for 8.5 miles until you get to Loveland where you have a wider variety of (better) places to choose from.

Chubby’s Pizza
150 North Main Street, South Lebanon (From the trail's intersection with North Main Street, just cross the nearby bridge over the river and proceed less than half a mile to Chubby's  on your right.)
Phone: 513-494-1900
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
 

December 2017

Salt Run Bridge photo by FLMSP volunteer Mike Egan
Article by Erick Wikum

Winter, which for most people is the season of hibernation, is upon us.  But you’re not most people, and with a bit of planning, you can continue to enjoy the Little Miami Scenic Trail even now.  Remain active and enjoy the out-of-doors on the trail throughout the winter by following these tips:

1. Use sound judgment:  Discretion is the better part of valor.  Stay home when conditions including ice or extreme wind chill make for unsafe usage.  If you don’t like the weather in Ohio, wait a few minutes.  There will be other days to enjoy the trail.  Note that Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which owns and manages the trail, does not clear the trail of snow or ice since doing so would suggest the trail is safe to use.  Evaluate trail conditions for yourself and use the trail at your own risk.
2. Choose an appropriate activity:  Avoid bicycling, roller blading and running and stick to walking or cross-country skiing when snow or moisture make for a slippery trail.
3. Dress properly:  Wear multiple layers including breathable inner layers and a windproof outer layer that can be unzipped to avoid the buildup of moisture.  Also wear a headband or balaclava, mittens or lobster gloves, warm socks and waterproof footwear.  Cover exposed skin in cold and windy conditions to avoid frostbite.
4. Remain in touch:  Communicate your planned route and schedule to a trusted friend in advance and carry your charged cell phone to stay in touch during and after your outing.
5. Stay hydrated and energized:  Bring water or sports drink as well as snacks to maintain hydration and your energy level.

Longer and warmer days will be here soon enough.  In the meantime, with a mind to safety, you can continue to take advantage of our beautiful trail, a true winter wonderland.