Caroline, Author at Columbus Culinary Connection

December 6, 2015December 6, 2015 by Caroline

Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year. You know, when it starts to get so close to crunch time for holiday gifts that even online ordering will let you down. This year, save yourself a panic attack and shop local! Steer clear of gas gift cards and ties that no one wants – you can do so much better in the presents department. Here are some of my favorite gifts for the food and drink lover in your life; all are Columbus-centric.

For the Foodie:

Jeni’s Spendid Ice Creams is touting one of the most craveable selections on this list: The Pint Club. Four times a year, receive three unique pints of Jeni’s, delivered right to your doorstep. What’s not to love?

The North Market offers gift cards which can be redeemed at the vendor stalls within the building. There are so many good options to utilize these certificates: Pistacia Vera, Hot Chicken Takeover, or freshly rolled ravioli at Pastaria.

Not interested in making dessert? I’m obsessed with the cutout cookies from Jana Lee’s Bake Shop. Her designs are creative and will have your guests drooling. Or give a box of them to someone with a sweet tooth!

Breakfast with Nick’s cozy breakfast-themed t-shirts are also a great choice for a hard-to-buy friend. Find them here.

For the Drinker:

A starter kit from The Daily Growler is a perfect present for craft beer nerds. You get a growler, 2 pint glasses, and a $10 gift card to the taproom, all for $25.

Giving a gift of an experience is always a good way to spend time with someone. Columbus Brew Adventures tours visit multiple breweries and distilleries, transporting you around the city and providing tastings. Learn more here. Food tours are available too, from Columbus Food Adventures.

Camelot Cellars offers a Handcraft Your Own Wine Package, a tasty twist on gift-giving. This purchase lets you create, bottle, and custom-label your own series of wine.

Books are always crowd-pleasers for the reader that also loves to drink. I recommend Historic Columbus Taverns, for some interesting facts about some of our town’s most beloved watering holes.

For the Home Chef:

There are so many locations in Columbus to take cooking classes, places that offer lessons for novices and expert cooks alike. The Commissary, Shaw’s Restaurant & Inn, and Franklin Park Conservatory all have classes for every cuisine imaginable.

If you have a friend that loves to play host or hostess, there are so many options for kitchen decor. Elm + Iron has a beautiful shop in Clintonville filled with items like fun bar signs, Columbus Barrel Co. bottle openers, and these snarky plates.

Check out Celebrate Local for wine, wooden cutting boards, and other local items like jams and syrups to add to your seasonal table.

Have some ideas for local gifts for culinary-loving friends and family? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Disclosure: In an effort to be completely transparent, the book link through Amazon is an affiliate link. I do get a small advertising commission if you buy it, but you are not charged anything extra.

November 29, 2015August 24, 2016 by Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Columbus Pizzas I Love

Pizza might be the best food there is. Period. It has bread and cheese, plus it’s socially appropriate to dip it in garlic butter, so I’m on board. Fortunately for those of us who reside in Columbus, we have so many great options in the pizza department. This list isn’t all-inclusive, but here are 5 of the most craveable pies in central Ohio, a mix of traditional and unique styles.

Spicy Yuma: Harvest Pizzeria

Heat seekers will love this sublime creation topped with a chipotle-spiked sauce, corn, chorizo, roasted peppers, cheese, and jalapenos. All this deliciousness is placed atop a wood-fired crust that will leave you wanting more!

Pepperoni Pizza: Tommy’s Pizza

Perfect for a post-tailgate meal, campus-area Tommy’s is one of my favorites since childhood. A classic take on pepperoni pie, this offering is anything but boring. With an ultra-thin crust and crispy-edged pepperoni, everyone will enjoy this pizza.

Pimento Cheese Pizza: Diamond Jim’s

Pimento cheese on a pizza? Yes please! The tasty southern spread (with just a little kick to it) is slathered on a cornmeal-dusted crust, along with strips of bacon and a sprinkle of lettuce and banana peppers. Don’t miss this downtown Lancaster treat!

Pepperoni Pizza: Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Served by the slice, Mikey’s pizzas are the ideal food to accompany your adult beverage of choice. Best of all? Each joint has serve your own sauce stations with ranch, spicy ranch, garlic, and the fiery Sauce-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Find the trucks around town, or at one of the many brick-and mortar locations.

Falafel Pitza: Aladdin’s Eatery

For a new twist on pizza, give the falafel-topped pie at this Grandview spot a taste. I am so obsessed with this concoction of tahini yogurt, falafel, sliced banana peppers, diced tomatoes, and parsley, all on a pita base.

These are just few of the pizzas I love. Which ones are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Caroline's Picks / Food / Local Love 0 comments

November 22, 2015August 28, 2018 by Caroline

A Visit to: Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate
One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
http://www.biltmore.com/

As a history nerd and lover of all things Downton Abbey, it is remarkable that I hadn’t visited Biltmore Estate already. But this October, I finally made it! Biltmore is located in Asheville, North Carolina, a funky foodie town in itself. From Columbus, Asheville is only a short 7 hour drive, and depending on the route you take, winds through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Because it was my first trip, I took the basic audio tour of the estate, and was not disappointed. No photography is allowed inside, but I got some great shots of the exterior of the mansion and the grounds. It was a little chilly, but we were so glad that we went in the fall, because the leaves were gorgeous and made for some incredible mountain pictures as well.

The dining and drinking scene at Biltmore is equally impressive. At the Inn at Biltmore, you can indulge in an authentic Afternoon Tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and teas of all kinds. Also located on the property is Antler Village, a mini-town complete with a museum, restaurants, shopping, and the winery. You might think that the food in a tourist-heavy area would be conventional and uninspired; not the case with Bistro, a delicious farm-to-table spot where I ordered the most delicious scallop bucatini pasta. We also popped in Cedric’s Tavern, a casual pub named for George Vanderblit’s dog. Here, you can nosh on dishes like charcuterie plates, Jack and Coke marinated wings, and tavern pretzels. We enjoyed the house brown ale, produced by local brewery Highland.

You may have seen Biltmore wines at your local grocery store, but here you can try more than 20 wines of all varieties, made on the Estate. A free tasting and optional tour of the winery is included with Estate admission. Bottles of wine and wine-related gift items are available to take home after you decide on your favorite (or multiple favorites). You can also purchase all kinds of food items in the winery, such as Cheesy Bacon and Onion Dip Mix; I kept going back for more samples, then broke down and bought a packet of my own.

New life plan: Return to Biltmore at Christmas. The photos of the holiday decorations look absolutely stunning, and there are so many more tours to take, as well as plenty of food to try!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Drink / Food / Travel 0 comments

November 15, 2015May 14, 2016 by Caroline

Door to Door Organics Recipe: Overnight Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding

I am a total morning person, and one of my favorite times of the day is sitting down and eating breakfast. But as the weather turns colder, it gets harder and harder to drag myself out of bed to make a meal before work. So, I love any recipe that you can just pull out of the fridge and enjoy! I was skeptical about chia seed pudding at first, but give this recipe a try. If you’ve never tried chia seeds before, a little goes a long way. The seeds have more uses than just being the basis for the “hair” in those goofy planters we all had in the 90’s! They plump up after sitting in the milk, and become nutrient-packed deliciousness, almost the consistency of tapioca pearls.

This pudding is healthy, it’s tasty, and it’s a hearty breakfast that is ready when you wake up in the morning. There is just something comforting about anything centered around PB + J! Best of all, this recipe is created entirely using Door to Door Organics products, which are delivered right to your home. You can learn more about my Door to Door Organics experience here.

Ingredients

1 cup Milk (I used Hartzler Dairy 2%)
1/3 cup peanut butter
3 Tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 pint raspberries

Place milk, peanut butter, and maple syrup (if desired) into a large container with a lid. I find that a large Mason jar works best for this; that way all the ingredients can be shaken to easily combine them. Stir or shake milk mixture to incorporate.

Next add the chia seeds to the milk mixture. Again vigorously shake the jar to make certain all of the seeds are covered by milk. Take the covered jar and place it in the fridge overnight.

The next morning, you will find that the chia seeds have soaked up all of the milk, becoming a thick pudding. Stir in the raspberries to incorporate. Sprinkle a few more berries and a drizzle of peanut butter on top to garnish, if desired. Gobble this healthy treat for breakfast, or even a light dessert. What’s not to love about a childhood favorite like PB + J?

To make this recipe from Door to Door Organics, all Columbus Culinary Connection readers can get $10 off their first order by following this link – https://ohio.doortodoororganics.com/signup?gift_cert=CBUSCULINARY15O.

See if you are in the delivery area by visiting the site: https://ohio.doortodoororganics.com.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Save Print

Door to Door Organics Recipe: Overnight Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding

Author: Caroline

Recipe type: Breakfast,

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 12 hours

Total time: 12 hours 5 mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 cup Milk
⅓ cup peanut butter
3 Tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ cup chia seeds
1 pint raspberries

Instructions

Scoop peanut butter into a bowl.
Microwave until the peanut butter is smooth and liquefied.
Place milk, melted peanut butter, and maple syrup (if desired) into a large container with a lid.
Stir or shake milk mixture to incorporate.
Add the chia seeds to the milk mixture.
Again vigorously shake the jar to make certain all of the seeds are covered by milk.
Take the covered jar and place it in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, you will find that the chia seeds have soaked up all of the milk, becoming a thick pudding.
Stir in the raspberries to incorporate.
Sprinkle a few more berries and a drizzle of peanut butter on top to garnish, if desired.

Disclosure: I was given a Door to Door Organics trial in order to provide an honest review of the service. Any opinions expressed within this review are my own unbiased views.

in Recipes 0 comments

November 11, 2015November 11, 2015 by Caroline

Katalina’s Cafe

1105 Pennsylvania Ave.
Columbus, OH 43201
614-294-2233
http://www.katalinascafe.com

Top Tastes
1. Pancake Balls
2. Katalina’s Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Bacon
3. Breakfast Tacos
4. Hens-in-a-Basket
5. Shagbark Chips and Guacamole

I’m going to put it out there: Katalina’s Cafe is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Columbus. This crowded Harrison West area spot is truly sublime, with a Tex-Mex lean and some signature dishes in the mix. The beloved neighborhood joint is only open from 8 am – 4 pm, but there is a guaranteed brunch choice for every palette.

Let’s discuss Katalina’s most notorious item: pancake balls. If you have yet to sample these succulent treats, you’ve been missing out. Katalina’s special pancake batter is baked in round molds to create a circle-shaped delight; then the core is stuffed with your choice of fillings. Select from Nutella, dulce de leche caramel, or pumpkin-apple butter. Each gooey center option is equally terrific, and will leave you wanting more. Pair the pancake balls with Katalina’s Original Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Bacon, an excellent marriage of sugar and heat. Fans of sweet + salty breakfast dishes will rejoice in this combo of pancakes and bacon. There are also the Southern Biscuit Balls, fluffy biscuits filled with Beeler’s ham, Cooper’s Mill apple butter, & melted local Amish cheddar, served with your choice of eggs on the side.

For savory entrees, the features are just as delicious. I am crazy about the “Hens-in-a-Basket,” two eggs inside two slices of toasted sourdough, with bacon and Katalina’s Zesty Brussels Sprouts Hash. Taco lovers will revel in the Breakfast Tacos, consisting of 3 white corn Koki’s tortillas filled with housemade chorizo, scrambled eggs, homemade tomatillo sauce, avocado, queso fresco, local Snowville crema & pico de gallo. Many dishes are accompanied by the stellar Elote Cuban Cob Corn, and there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. For more lunchtime leanings, sample the local Shagbark Chips and guacamole. A caddy on the table contains all the hot sauce varieties that any heat aficionado would want, from Frank’s to Cholula, to Sriracha and black pepper ketchup. Wash down all of this spicy goodness with fresh-squeezed juices like tangy Blood Orange Juice. It is the perfect hangover cure.

If you are looking for some tasty morning grub, and don’t mind a short wait, Katalina’s needs to become your new hangout. End of story.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Food 2 comments

November 8, 2015August 28, 2018 by Caroline

A Visit To: Greenville, South Carolina

Looking for a Southern culinary destination? Many Ohioans have journeyed to Savannah, or fallen in love with the charm of Charleston, but have you ever considered stopping by Greenville, South Carolina?

I was looking to explore someplace new, and after recommendations from both my boss and a Columbus Dispatch travel article, I was sold. So on my route home from Hilton Head Island, my husband and I made a quick detour to check out Greenville. Armed with dining recommendations from my boss, some advice from Twitter, and my own internet research, we scouted out some awesome locations where you can partake in some true Southern hospitality.

The first thing that will strike you about Greenville is the beauty of the downtown area. At every turn is a flower bed, a sculpture, or a fountain. Greenville is a former cotton mill mecca, and you can still see the warehouses and crumbling foundations of textile buildings throughout the city. Falls Park on the Reedy is the heart of it all, and the anchor for many of the local restaurants and shops. This waterfall-laden park is breathtaking, filled with picnic areas and pedestrian bridges. The energy here was infectious as well, with roaming Clemson fans and natives who were eager to share some of their favorite local spots.

From funky taco joints to seafood, any cuisine you desire is a short walk from Falls Park. For an upscale dining experience, don’t miss High Cotton or Larkin’s on the River. Looking for authentic lowcountry fare? Look no further than Tupelo Honey Cafe. With flaky biscuits, country ham wontons, and fried chicken, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full stomach. Craving barbecue? Visit Smoke on the Water for pimento cheese, grilled shrimp, and pulled pork. Mast General Store is a fun shopping detour, where you can find clothes, gifts, and locally-made items like grits and spice rubs.

If you’re seeking a spot to imbibe, there are no shortage of locations. Pop into Dark Corner Distillery for a moonshine tasting; it’s a steal at $4 for 7 samples plus the shot glass to take home. Beer aficionados will love Trappe Door, a medieval dungeon-like watering hole complete with tons of Belgian-style brews and snacks. For a sports bar, Carolina Ale House is a good choice to catch a game and a craft pint.

The bottom line? If you want to conquer a new foodie city, give this beautiful town a try. See you soon, Greenville!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Drink / Food / Travel 1 comments

November 4, 2015November 7, 2015 by Caroline

Brothers Drake Meadery

26 E 5th Ave
Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 388-8765
http://www.brothersdrake.com/

Top Tastes:

1. Apple Pie Mead
2. Sour Paw Paw Mead
3. Chocolate Raspberry Mead
4. The Perley Cocktail
5. Wild Ohio Mead

Confession: until not long ago, I thought I didn’t like mead. I had tried a few brands here and there, but was not at all impressed. Then something shifted: I tried Brothers Drake Meadery. I went to the taproom and took a behind-the-scenes tour for the first time recently, and loved every second of it.

In case you didn’t know, mead is a wine-like drink made from honey, which is fermented and turned into a delicious adult beverage. This is one alcohol market that has been slow to grow, but is slowly making its way to the forefront. In fact, Brothers Drake is a major player in the mead industry, and is working to expand production to keep up with demand. The meadery is also home to a small stage, and hosts live music of all genres almost every day.

The original flagship mead is Wild Ohio, a light and refreshing wildflower honey version. This signature mead gets repurposed for a number of other meads, such as Hopped Ohio, which is the Wild Ohio that has hops added, or the Honey Oak, a barrel-aged variety. Fruit lovers will be smitten with the Peach Rush, or my personal favorite, the Apple Pie mead. Apple Pie tastes like fall in a glass, cinnamon-heavy and sweet.

Definitely do yourself a favor and do the meadery tour, even if you have previously sampled many of the brand’s offerings. It costs $10, and trust me, you get your money’s worth in mead tastes. Plus, you often get to try rare varieties of the mead, which are not available to the public. We got to try a bit of the mouthwatering Chocolate Raspberry flavor, and it was perfect – all the savory notes of cocoa without being overly sugary. Other limited releases like the Brioso Coffee-infused Mead and the Sour Paw Paw Mead should be snapped up if you see them too.

You would think that a place with such tasty mead options might slack in the cocktail department, but not so here. One of my favorites, recommended to me by a reader, was The Perley. This concoction is made with Ginger Verve mead and pear juice, and is named for Angela Perley, a favorite local musician. It recently left the seasonal menu, but catch it when you can! The new menu’s Sweet Blueberry Tart (Bergamot Blue mead, Fifth Element Vodka, elderflower liqueur, blueberries + fresh lemon juice) is a good substitute. There are also local spirits and craft beers on tap as well, if you just can’t be convinced that mead is for you.

If you feel burnt out on beer and wine tours, be sure to check out Brothers Drake! I can promise you will have a good time, and that you’ll become a mead convert like me.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Drink 3 comments

November 1, 2015August 24, 2016 by Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Sliders to Try

There’s something about sliders. They are perfectly bite-sized, a platter of them is ideal for sharing, and they are full of flavor. Columbus restaurants and food trucks have some great slider offerings; some of them have very unique fillings! Here is a breakdown of some of my favorite sliders in town:

Quinoa Slider: Strongwater Food and Spirits

Strongwater has a ridiculously awesome vegetarian menu; so good that it almost makes me reconsider my carnivore status. Almost. It sounds crazy, but the quinoa “patty” on this slider is fabulous. Add some microgreens, vegan mayo, and a sweet-and-sour tomato sauce, and you’ve got a winning combo.

OH! Classic Slider: OH! Burgers

Slider purists will cherish these mini burgers. With a juicy beef center and toppings of cheddar, bacon, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion, these sliders pair well with a cold beer. That’s lucky, since you can often find this truck at Land-Grant Brewing!

Mac and Cheese Slider: Cray Eatery and Drinkery

Looking for a calorie splurge? This little bite of heaven has all the elements you’d ever want: a deep-fried macaroni and cheese patty, bacon, ranch, and a pretzel bun. Check out their other slider offerings too! The majority of the menu is fun styles of small sandwiches.

Pork Belly Lotus Slider: Aloha Steatery

Aloha’s concept of steam bun sliders is fresh and satisfying. My favorite of their steam bun sammies? The pork belly, drizzled with sweet BBQ and a sprinkle of cilantro. All these goodies are tucked into a soft, warm pocket of dough. Yes please!

Spicy Saigon Sliders: Mai Chau

The sweet and spicy sliders from this Vietnamese truck was one of the most memorable items I tried at this year’s Food Truck Festival. Flavorful pulled pork saturated in hot sauce is finished with a crunchy slaw to cool it all down, making this slider offering is a must-try.

Have some suggestions for other Cbus slider joints? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Caroline's Picks / Food / Local Love 0 comments

October 28, 2015October 28, 2015 by Caroline

Door to Door Organics Delivery Service

I’ll admit it – I am one of those home chefs that is obsessed with cooking, but absolutely despises grocery shopping. Enter Door to Door Organics! This fresh, organic delivery service is new to the Columbus area, and I was lucky enough to get to do a trial run. Having to make constant trips to the store is one reason that I sometimes slack on eating fruits and veggies. Excuses be gone – these goodies are now delivered straight to your doorstep! GIVEAWAY ALERT: Keep reading for more info.

With Door to Door, you get to select a box size (based on your level of need/# of people in your household) as well as whether you want just fruits, just veggies, or a mix of both. I got a mixed box, because I wanted everything, naturally. The coolest part, in my opinion, is that you can then swap out items that you don’t want or that aren’t your favs (all mention of cucumbers was banished from my deliveries!) for other comparable items that you desire. Find items ranging from ginger to green onions, and kiwi to cantaloupe in the weekly boxes. The prices for these ripe items are very reasonable, especially since you don’t have to leave your couch to get them. All of this deliciousness is packed carefully in dry ice, where it can sit out on your porch until you arrive home from work.

There is also a whole host of pantry items, meats, and even dairy products. I unearthed a great deal on peeled and deveined shrimp, and also discovered a new love of molasses, something I never used regularly before. Some items, like tahini paste, are convenient to get through the service for the sole reason that I never know what aisle to find them in at the grocery! Another thing that is really awesome about Door to Door is that they have some local Ohio products too – I ordered some Bearded Buch Kombucha (Cleveland-made), Hartzler Dairy milk from Wooster, and Pinot Grigio & Artichoke Parmesan Salad Dressing, courtesy of Athens’ Vino de Milo.

I have made some pretty tasty meals from some of my scores, such as PB & J Chia Pudding (recipe to come), Carrot Soup with Sriracha, Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage and Apples, and Buffalo “Wing” Tofu sticks! Having access to some more unusual items really gave me some great meal inspo, and there is a whole online catalog of Door to Door recipes. Check out some photos of my dishes below:

Kindly, the folks at Door to Door Organics also want readers to be able to sample their wares. All Columbus Culinary Connection readers can get $10 off their first order by following this link – https://ohio.doortodoororganics.com/signup?gift_cert=CBUSCULINARY15O.

Even more exciting, I also have three $50 gift certificates for Door to Door Organics to give away! You can register to win the certificates HERE.

See if you are in the delivery area by visiting the site: https://ohio.doortodoororganics.com.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Disclosure: I was given a Door to Door Organics trial in order to provide an honest review of the service. Any opinions expressed within this review are my own unbiased views.

in Local Love 1 comments

October 25, 2015September 7, 2016 by Caroline

Brunchin’ it Up at Third & Hollywood

Third & Hollywood
1433 West Third Ave.
Grandview Heights, OH 43212
614-488-0303
http://www.thirdandhollywood.com

Top Tastes:

1. Iron Skillet of Cheddar Herb Biscuits with Pimiento Cheese
2. Croque Madame
3. Chorizo and Eggs
4. Corn and Black Bean Burger
5. Brown Derby Cocktail

One area I haven’t covered yet in my Grandview Spotlight series is brunch. Problem solved with a visit to Third and Hollywood! This little spot is off the main drag of Grandview Ave., but it is one hidden gem that you won’t want to miss. If you love North Star, you will adore Third & Hollywood, owned by the same folks and featuring local and health-conscious options.