Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t like Cincinnati’s food? These 8 dishes may change his mind

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Ja’Marr Chase, in a press conference after signing a long-term contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, said that while he loves Cincinnati, he’s not all that impressed with the food here.

“The food’s not the best, we can work on that,” he said. “I’m from New Orleans, I’m not used to the food yet.”

So, Ja’Marr, I’d like to help.

I’m not even going to pretend Cincinnati has anything close to the gumbos, jambalayas and etouffees that New Orleans has to offer. I lived in New Orleans for just five years, and I haven’t found anything comparable here.

But based on a morning’s worth of research into your background and dining habits, I, along with some help from chef and New Orleans native Jeff Harris (whose James Beard-nominated restaurant should be first on your list) have a few recommendations.

Given you’ve dined at Jeff Ruby’s several times, I already know you’re a fan. But here are eight other restaurants and dishes I recommend.

Anything at Nolia Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine

Harris knows where you’re coming from. After relocating from the city’s Ninth Ward to Cincinnati following Hurricane Katrina, he also had a hard time finding foods that met his standards.

He initially served some of the city’s best po’ boys and fried chicken out of a food stall in Oakley, but eventually opened Nolia Kitchen, where he offers elevated takes on dishes that include shrimp and grits, crab claws, oysters and skillet cornbread.

The next two restaurant recommendations on this list are directly from him, though I added specific dishes from each one.

Smothered chicken at Southern Grace in Norwood

Harris and I agreed Southern Grace, a casual Southern-themed cafe in Norwood, is worth a try. Along with smothered baked chicken, the smothered turkey tips, candied yams and pinto beans and rice might also hit the spot.

Creole-Cajun shrimp potato cups at Afro Meals Catering in Findlay Market

Another Harris recommendation is Afro Meals, a catering company run out of Findlay Kitchen that offers a wide variety of African and Caribbean classics, such as Creole-Cajun shrimp potato cups and sweet corn with Ethiopian spiced butter.

Berkshire pork collar at Colette in Over-the-Rhine

Harris and I also agree Colette, Danny Combs’ French bistro in Over-the-Rhine, is worthy of a visit. And since I’ve read you are a big fan of good pork chop, Ja’Marr, I’ll recommend the pork collar, which is served with mushroom, chestnut cream and pork jus. I also recommend the steak frites and Colette’s brisket blend burger, which comes with dijonnaise, American cheese and fries.

Shrimp and grits at Biscuit Love in Over-the-Rhine

I think this Nashville chain really shines with its Charleston-inspired shrimp and grits, which are made using the same storied recipe the Charleston restaurant Crooks Corner made famous. The Southern Benny biscuit sandwich with sausage gravy, country ham and eggs-over easy is also worth a try.

Buffalo chicken eggrolls at Parkside Restaurant in Hyde Park

I read your favorite restaurant in New Orleans is a place called New Orleans Food & Spirits. And that your go-to order there is the crawfish egg rolls.

I wish I could tell you we have those here but, as far as I know, we don’t. So might I suggest the buffalo chicken egg rolls at Parkside restaurant in Hyde Park for now. This crispy house-made roll is stuffed with tender pulled chicken, pepperoni, zucchini and gooey mozzarella. A ramekin of Crystal hot sauce with blue cheese crumbles is served on the side for dipping.

Goetta, egg and cheese sandwich at Eckerlin Meats in Findlay Market

I’m not sure how you feel about goetta, but since I’ve read you’re a big fan of McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich (same), I figured you might be game to try this fiercely local breakfast sandwich from Eckerlin Meats. It features our famous goetta (sausage with steel cut oats), with eggs and melted cheese on a bun (I recommend adding a little hot sauce, too).

Shrimp and crawfish nachos at Shango’s Urban Taqueria in Norwood

I’m a big fan of this spot, which Steven Graham opened last year inside the Factory 52 Food Hall in Norwood. Along with butter-poached crawfish and Creole-spiced shrimp, these nachos are covered in queso, avocado-lime ranch and red scotch bonnet peppers. Also try Shango’s oxtail nachos and its Louisiana redfish tacos.

Hopefully, you change your tune after some visits to these spots.