5 Veggie-rific Treats to Try
I’ve openly admitted time and time again that I have a love-hate relationship with most kinds of veggies. Some of the them, like the cucumber, can send a shiver down my spine. But others, when expertly prepared, can go from a childhood nightmare to an utterly craveable dish (Brussels sprouts anyone?). So without further ado, here are some local items that despite their vegetable origins can make stomach grumble instantly.
Darista Dips Hummus
Darista has ruined any other hummus for me, in the best way possible. The internationally-inspired hummus flavors pack a punch with spices like za’atar and harissa, and pair perfectly with pita chips or carrots. I can never decide if I like the Piquillo Pepper or the Moroccan Carrot best; try them and help me decide! Find the luscious dips at Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, Oats and Barley, the Worthington Farmers Market, and more.
North Star Burger
https://www.thenorthstarcafe.com/
No veggie list would be complete without mentioning this mouthwatering creation from North Star Cafe. A patty consisting of beets, brown rice, and black beans is topped with a melty slab of white cheddar and a little kale. It doesn’t taste like beef, but it doesn’t need to – this burger is wonderful in its own right. Wash it down with the joint’s divine house-made ginger ale.
Vegetable Tostada
https://www.cosechacocina.com/
Newcomer Cosecha knows how to treat veggies at their Italian Village restaurant. Case in point: this delectable tostada, topped with triple the squash power. The three squashes are roasted butternut squash, pickled and shaved butternut squash, and delicata squash, plus eggplant and tamarind on a crunchy shell. The vegetables here are pretty to admire, and even better once devoured. Catch this on the fall menu soon!
The Brooklyn Bowl
https://www.nativecoldpressed.com/
A filling salad that is also entirely tempting is a tough find. The Brooklyn ( the rightmost item in the picture, with ribboned kale, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, shredded carrots, cilantro, tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds in an herb tahini dressing) is just that. I have dreams about how to concoct this dressing – it’s so creamy. I haven’t mastered it yet, so I’ll just have to keep buying this bowl. The Brooklyn is available from Blackbird Eats only at the Bexley Native Cold Pressed location.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels are one of those green goodies that upon roasting or frying, suddenly become addictive. Hubbard Grille first changed my mind about Brussels, but Rockmill Tavern has created one of my favorite versions in a long time. Think crispy Brussels sprouts coated with a savory-sweet glaze of miso, mustard, and honey. Don’t plan on sharing an order of these nuggets as a side or you’ll leave disappointed.
Click here to view my full write-up on Rockmill Tavern
Are you a veggie hater who has discovered a tasty Columbus meal? Let me know in the comments!
Keep Connected,
Caroline