I love to explore Cincinnati’s restaurants and try out different places during the week for lunch. If I’ve never been before, I find lunch to be an easy way to introduce myself to a restaurant. The Rookwood in Mt. Adams has always been my spot for Sunday brunch, but this time I decided to try out their new lunch and cocktail menu with gal-pal Ashley Reichard.

We started off our lunch with craft cocktails - a Sazerac and a Singapore Sling.

The salads sounded fresh and delicious, we went with the Heirloom Beets, the Root Down salad (shaved brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, radish, kale & lemon tahini dressing) and a classic Summer refresher, the Moscow Mule.

Don't judge, but I die over a good burger. Rookwood’s  signature, 'The Barnsdale,' never fails. A classic burger with only the essentials, made with intention and it is utterly delicious. Then, indulgence be damned, executive chef Jackson Rouse insisted that we try his grilled cheese. I would have refused, but... I am a sucker for a buttery, toasted to perfection, grilled cheese - which can make me a harsh critic. As a kid, grandma Costa made a mean one. Just thinking about it makes me nostalgic and I never thought it could be topped. Well, Rookwood nailed it. The sandwich was an oozing stack of fried green tomatoes and fontina cheese on sourdough bread. It was basically summer -- dripping, crispy and gooey -- on a plate.

We rounded out our lunch with a quivering slice of Key Lime pie. There is something nostalgic about that dessert, maybe it’s because I grew up in the south, anyway, it was definitely a great end to a summer afternoon date.

ROOKWOOD FASHION

Rookwood has a laid back atmosphere, stylish but chill. We kept our looks comfortable and simple: we both dressed in denim, lightweight summer tops, statement jewelry and fun but comfortable shoes (think vintage kicks). All things that should be staples in your wardrobe!

Necklace by Karen London, Cuff by Aoko Su

Photos for the The Rookwood post by Robin Mckerrell