Cincinnati’s Most Artistic Hotel Gets New Chef

When you pay a visit to Cincinnati’s 21c Museum Hotel, the art isn’t just on the walls; it’s on your plate too. Metropole, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, announced the arrival of new chef Corey Cova on July 14, 2025. The Culinary Institute of America graduate previously worked in New York City and California, but also spent time in the Midwest, including working with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Symon at his Cleveland restaurant Lolita.

Cova, a Navy veteran and submarine-qualified cook, worked in notable New York restaurants such as Momofuku Ssam Bar, Morimoto and neighborhood standouts like Earl’s Beer & Cheese, ABV and Dough Loco. During his time at the latter, Cova’s creative approach to seasonal dining and doughnuts became a favorite. He later relocated to California to launch his own restaurant, Porkchop Slims.  

“My family and I have felt incredibly embraced by the Cincinnati community, and it means a lot to bring my culinary approach to Metropole in such a welcoming city,” Cova said in a July 14, 2025, press release. “I’ve really enjoyed connecting with local vendors, and this menu is a tribute to them and the region’s rich traditions. At the same time, it blends flavors and techniques I’ve picked up from coast to coast, offering guest dishes that are both familiar and a little unexpected.” 

Chef Corey Cova (left) and the chilled Shrimp Salad dish from his summer menu (right) (photos courtesy of Metropole)

Cora’s first Metropole menu embraces summer, with dishes ranging from Shrimp Salad (pepperoni, green olive, chilled white shrimp and remoulade on grilled pita), Spicy Tomato Tagliatelle and Fried Miller Amish Chicken to Dry Aged Rohan Duck, Crab Tots and Grilled Fischer Farms Beef Shoulder.

Desserts feature a rotating selection of Cova’s fried pate choux Crullers, as well as Bacon Panna Cotta with cinnamon French toast crunch, caramelized maple and sour cherry and the Coffee Break Semifreddo with dulce de leche, whipped milk raspberry and feuilletine.

For more information about Cova’s summer menu, visit metropoleonwalnut.com.

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