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feature story

primavistaSome things at The Primavista – the food, the view, the service – will never change.

But pretty much everything else has.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Joan Lenkerd, owners of Primavista Restaurant, are the husband-and-wife creators and business partners who have built an icon in the Greater Cincinnati restaurant industry.

For the long time Primavista fans, the Campbell County couple has recently completed the largest facilities makeover, improvement and re-investment campaign since the restaurant opened in 1989.

To keep their fine dining institution fresh and relevant, the Lenkerds have enthusiastically joined the rejuvenation of the "Incline District" with a rebirth of their own.

"The time is now. We’ve done some smaller improvements over the years, but this is the first top-to-bottom, complete redecoration that Primavista has ever seen," said Mrs. Lenkerd. "When the Queen’s Tower was being converted to condos and the announcement of the redevelopment of the Incline District was made, we wanted to make our intentions loud and clear: Primavista isn’t just here to stay, it’s better than ever."

"The intimate, incredible food experience and unwavering service that Primavista diners have known and loved for years will never change," Frank Lenkerd stated. "What we decided to do was take that Primavista brand, and try to make it more memorable than ever, with an entirely new look."

The Lenkerds have worked closely with their longtime chef, Christopher Prince, since 1992. Prince, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America runs a finely tuned kitchen and, to quote a local food critic, "is turning out food as captivating as the view."

Earlier this month, the partners took the wraps off of their new place, sporting a classy and sophisticated ambience. In true owner/operator fashion, the Lenkerds coordinated the facility’s makeover and improvement campaign without losing a single day of operation. The work began in January and was mostly completed last week in April.

The new look at The Primavista follows the addition of private party room services by a few years. Private party rooms offer the same excellent food and service as the restaurant, for parties between 10-110. And the view?

"That’s one of the reasons why we could never leave. How do you replace that view?" Frank Lenkerd asked. The breath-taking, panoramic view has distinguished Primavista for years as noted by CityBeat’s "Best Restaurant with a View " award in 2008. Cincinnati Magazine crowned it "Best Romantic Restaurant" for 2008, and it earned an "Excellent" rating from Zagat. Primavista has racked up plenty of other awards over the years, including various versions of "Best Italian," "Best View," "Best Date Spot," "Top 25 Restaurants in Cincinnati," etc.

Chef Prince still features Primavista signature items such as Osso Bucco, Lamb Chops, Veal Saltimbocca and Lobster Pasta, as well as the regular menu and daily fresh fish creations. Guests can also look forward to Chef Prince creating seasonal menu additions, such as Copper River and other wild Salmon dishes sometime next month.

The Lenkerd’s are planning to reward their loyal patrons with special discount evenings in the bar and dining room beginning in May: Monday Martinis, Margueritas and Manhattans for $5; half price on select wine bottles on Thursdays with purchase of two entrees. They are also in search of some live music to offer something new and different up on the hill this summer. Call for more information beginning in May, 251-6467.

The Primavista is tucked inside the first floor of the Queen’s Tower on 810 Matson Place, overlooking downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and the entire Ohio River Valley. The restaurant offers free parking and carry-out.

For more information, directions or to peruse the menu and private party options, please call (513) 251-6467 orvisit their soon-to-be-updated website, www.pvista.com.

     
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