The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • Page 32

8 Friday, December 9, 1994 The Cincinnati Enquirer RESTAURANTS NIBBLES mi 1H' (CHOMP!) THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Hyatt Regency executive chef Jim Higgins and his staff have baked and built an incredible gingerbread city that features 24 houses, churches and bridges; a 6-foot tall tower; two trains; running water and a replica of the Hyatt Regency. Higjins' elves used 225 pounds of gingerbread, 300 pounds of candy and 22 gallons of royal icing to make the edible metropolis. The display is free and open to the public in the Hyatt Regency lobby (151 W. Fifth downtown) through the' end of December. 579-1234.

Want to learn how to con- --mm i mar- The Cincinnati EnquirerMichael E. Keating Gingerbread replicas on display in the lobby of the Hyatt-Regency, downtown. struct your own gingerbread house? The Party Cake Shop (1785 E. Gal-braith Road) will offer a how-to class 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday.

$25. 821-6161. Christa Currie, author of Ginger Bread Houses: A Complete It comes naturally when you're in enjoy a great meal in a cozy retreat, served by easygoing people who seiise your needs. Nothing overdone. Just nicely done.

Come find out what we mean. Flashing Steak SPECIAL DINNER FOR TWO Now Open 11956 Route 2 (1 Block North of 1-27 J) 563-5063 Steak Shrimp or Steak Chicken ACTMtSlTMt la tM lliln Tu 4 Tl I Nat IncludtJ I 1 OFFFI EXPIRES I 123084 I Not nlii New Ywr1! Eft Guide to Baking, Building and Deco-rafng (Doubleday, answer questions and build a gingerbread house in front of your very eyes p.m., Wednesday at Books Co. in Dayton (350 E. Stroop Road). Free.

298-6540. FRENCH SWEETS: If gingerbread doesn't hit the spot, Beth Ann Osborne of Maribelle Cakery in Norwood will prepare (with 48 hours notice) an authentic chocolatebut-tercream buche de Noel (French yule log cake) for your holiday party. One cake serves 25. $50. 631-8333.

CHOW WITH SANTA: Kids can make last minute additions to their wish list as Wertheim's Gasthaus ZurLinde in Covington's MainStrasse Village holds its annual Lunch with St. Nicholas, 1 1 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 1 8. Hot dogs cost $2.50 261-1233.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL Over-the-Rhine's Findlay Market continues its International Holiday Festival Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month. Free international-flavored recipes (along with coupons for merchants) are available. Festival hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday and Saturday (in December). 352-6391. NEW AND OPEN: The first area China Coast opened in Cincinnati this week at 8600 Beechmont in Anderson Township.

General Mills, the folks that brought us Red Lobster and Olive Garden, owns and operates China Coast restaurants, based in Orlando. The moderately priced chain offers Chinese-style appetizers, stir-fries and entrees (Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Beef and Broccoli, Prawns in Szechuan Garlic Sauce, for example) ranging up to $11.99. China Coast also features a children's menu and large "party pick-up" portions in ready-to-serve containers. 474-6200, 474-6003; fax: 474-5889 (take-out). FREE PIZZA Donatos Pizza celebrates the opening of its first restaurant in Hartwell (8440 Vine The Columbus-based chain will offer the free feed at the new Hartwell location 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 17. 761-5761. Chuck Martin it Enjoy a spectacular show as your own Samurai Chef, with Plashing Knives, Slices Delicate Shrimp and Sizzles Tender Steak Chicken right at your table. Present this ad when you order to enjoy any 2 dinners of Steak Chicken, Steak Shrimp for only Each Dinner includes: Mushroom Appetizer Soup Salad White Rice Japanese Vegetables Green Tea SAMURAI Iimmsc Stcik ft Stafitf 126 East Sixth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 fSISJ 421-1681 Retcrvitioiu Smif sled JL-SiBP Li: 5j Christmas Day Buffet This Christmas Day, Embassy Suites Kivercenter is serving a detectable bullet at a fantastic price.

Enjoy all your Christmas Day favorites including Whole Roast Turkey and Steamship of Beef carved by the Chef, a Salad Bar, Raw Seafood Bar, Assorted Cheeses, Fruits and Fresh Baked Breads, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Desserts Galore and Much, Much, More. Served from 12:00 Noon to 7:00 p.m. Adults $15.95 Children under 12 $6.95 $5.00 OFF Dinner for Two $10.00 OFF Dinner for Four I $1.00 OFF each Luncheon Entree (III So reserve your place now at Embassy Suites RiverCenter. Coupon valid everyday. Exp.

1995 Lunch llam-4pm. Dinner 4pm-Close Make your New Year's Eve EMBASSY For reservations Call 261-8400 CI TITrCt reservations Now! .11 i no, 10 East RiverCenlcr Covlnalon KY 41011 1 261-8400 Of ii Recjal Cincinnati Hotel 5th Elm, Downtown 352 2160.