Caroline, Author at Columbus Culinary Connection

July 29, 2015July 29, 2015 by Caroline

Snapshots of Summer

This summer has been filled with culinary delights! I’ve traveled all over central Ohio eating and drinking my way through some awesome menus. I’ve also enjoyed snagging some fresh and local produce, and utilizing these items in my cooking. Below, you will find a glimpse at some of my most memorable shots from my warm weather adventures. I can’t wait to see wait the remaining days of summer bring!

Watermelon from a fabulous 4th of July bash

Beer Garden spread of Por’Ketta food truck goodies at Buckeye Lake Brewery. Visit all the stops on the Columbus Ale Trail!

Peaches from The Peach Truck eventually became cobbler, salad, and great side dishes

Amazing farmers market finds like this berry cinnamon roll from the New Albany Farmers Market were true gems

It may not be winter, but I’ll always welcome sightings of the Fox in the Snow Cafe fox

Limoncello-making with friends was time-consuming but so worth it!

View from the dock at Buckeye Lake Winery

Freshly-picked wild black raspberries from the brambles at my parents’ home

Garden boxes, early in the season. Now they are out of control with cherry tomatoes!

Father’s Day German Feast! Pretzel bites with beer cheese spread and maple mustard

Fountain stop at Easton Town Center

Columbus Brewing Company’s Summer Teeth – a perfect patio beer

Sweet corn on the grill is my everything

Georgia O’Keeffe moment exploring the outdoors

Watershed Distillery Mules at the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival

The Columbus Culinary Connection mascot, Teddy, loves sunny days

Want to see more images from my experiences? Check out my Instagram here. What are your favorite activities to do in our capital city in the summer?

in Local Love 0 comments

July 26, 2015September 7, 2016 by Caroline

Matt the Miller’s Tavern: Grandview Review

1400 Grandview Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 754-1026
http://mtmtavern.com/Locations/Grandview-Ohio

Top Tastes:

1. Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread
2. Bavarian Pretzel Bites and Beer Cheese Soup
3. Warm Banana Bread Pudding
4. Shrimp and Grits
5. Brunch Buffet

If you are strolling through Grandview Heights and are looking for a restaurant that is casual but still delicious, Matt the Miller’s Tavern should be your destination. This pub is a great place for a beer with friends, and still special enough for a date night.

(This is the second in a series of posts highlighting the food and drink scene in Grandview Heights. To learn more, click here)

One of my favorite features of Matt the Miller’s is the great bar area. There is plenty of seating, and a gorgeously designed tap handle feature. Sample beers on special from Columbus’ best breweries such as Land-Grant Brewing, Columbus Brewing, and Elevator Brewery. It is a great place to relax and unwind after work or with a group.

The Bar | Matt the Miller's Tavern Review

The thing I love most of all at this Grandview spot, however, is the Bavarian pretzel bites. They must be mentioned early in the post because they are so tasty! These nuggets fall under the appetizer category, but the size of each is so huge, they are more like rolls. They are served with a creamy garlic sauce and a sweet mustard, but I also like to dip them in the beer cheese soup!

Pretzel Bites and Beer Cheese Soup | Matt the Miller's Tavern Review

The flatbreads are satisfying too. Adventurous folks will adore the Ahi Tuna: creamy miso mousse topped with avocado, Asian slaw, tuna, and wasabi mayo. Combine the salad and entree courses with the Pear and Gorgonzola flatbread, consisting of creamy gorgonzola mousse, pears, smoked provolone, mixed baby greens, raspberry vinaigrette and crispy fried tarragon. If there’s greens on your pizza, you can pretend it’s healthy, right?

Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread

Main dishes are solid as well. I am a sucker for shrimp and grits, and this version is stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Picture plump shrimp on grit cakes with traditional Tasso ham and spicy sauce – you’ll want to spoon it all up. Burgers are a good choice, like the peppercorn burger, topped with brie, bacon, red onion marmalade, baby arugula, and tomato and ale mustard sauce. Caution: save room for dessert! The Banana Bread Pudding is heavenly: cinnamon rolls, croissants and brioche bread with banana custard, served a la mode with whiskey caramel sauce.

Stop in for their brunch buffet too! They have a huge assortment of options so you can pile your plate high. Items range from perfectly poached Eggs Benedict, flatbreads, salads, bacon, omelettes, and waffles. Don’t miss the Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar, where you can pick your mix, then vodka (try pepper or original), and finally plop in favorites like pickles, celery, and even Slim Jims.

Culinary Clue: Stop in on Tuesdays, for the “2 for Tuesdays” special. Choose from the tavern burger or fish and chips paired with a craft beer or glass of wine for $12 and under.

This is the second review post for my Grandview culinary scene series. Sign up here to automatically be informed when new Grandview posts are released! To see my breakdown of the best Grandview spots for dining and shopping, check out the initial roundup post here.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

July 22, 2015August 24, 2016 by Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: Farmers Markets

As someone who loves to cook (and eat!) there is nothing better than spending a few hours outdoors in the summer, shopping for fresh ingredients at a local farmers market. I love to comb through the wares at different stalls, and am always inspired by a new or unusual ingredient that I score during my trip. Due to its close proximity to so many produce growers, Columbus is crawling with amazing farmers market options, each with their own unique vendors and atmospheres. Here are my picks for my 5 favorite farmers markets in Central Ohio:

New Albany Farmers Market:

The New Albany Farmer’s Market is held Thursday evenings, which I appreciate because you can stop by after work, since it’s one of the few markets held on a day other than Saturday. Another reason is that it has plenty of parking nearby, which can be a struggle with more urban areas. Some of my “can’t miss” vendors: Sock Hop Soda Shop (50’s sandwiches and shakes), Beehive Bread (cheese bread and raspberry cinnamon rolls), and Root 23 (grapefruit basil and vanilla ginger syrup).

http://healthynewalbany.org/activities/farmers-market/

Worthington Farmers Market

This market is absolutely huge; there are so many vendors you almost have to make two rounds to ensure you don’t skip anything! They also regularly feature live music during the market. Vendors to try: Blue Jacket Dairy (yay! cheese curds and goat cheese), Dangling Carrot Farm (heirloom tomatoes and kale), Silver Bridge Coffee (fresh coffee and beans).

http://worthingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/p/vendors.html

Granville Farmers Market

I like that this market is a little farther out of town, because the variety of merchants is great and different from other venues closer to the capital city. Stroll around this charming Licking County town and enjoy the sights. Check out: Bailey’s Drive-In Donuts (huge donut holes), Bird’s Haven Farms (fresh produce), Branstool Orchard (peaches and apples).

http://www.granvillefarmersmarket.com/vendors/

Clintonville Farmers Market

Clintonville’s market is actually held on two days during the summer, Wednesday and Saturday. It too is large-scale, with vendors for everyone. Buy goods ranging from fresh flowers to jams and salsa. Stalls to sample: Dan the Baker (amazing breads of all kinds), J-POPS (gourmet ice pops), and Oink Moo Cluck (chorizo and fresh eggs)

http://www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org/

Easton Farmers Market

Easton’s market is great, because you can shop the farm wares and then shop more in the mall! There are children’s activities and chef demos too. Vendors to visit: Celebrate Local (outpost of the awesome local store), Ohio City Pasta (gnocchi and fettuccine), Tiger Mushroom Farms (gourmet ‘shrooms)

http://www.eastonfarmersmarket.org/vendors.aspx

Here are some other local farmer’s markets to try:

Bexley: http://www.bexleyfarmersmarket.com/

Canal Winchester: http://www.thecwfm.com/

Lancaster: http://www.lancasterohfarmersmarket.org/

Grove City: http://gcchamber.org/farmers-market/

North Market: http://www.northmarket.com/activities-events/Farmers-Market-Saturday.aspx

400 W. Rich: http://400westrich.com/the-market-at-400/

Powell: https://www.powellchamber.com/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=2:farmers-market&Itemid=46

What is your favorite outdoor farmer’s market? Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Caroline's Picks / Local Love 4 comments

July 19, 2015July 27, 2015 by Caroline

The Whitney House Review

The Whitney House
666 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 396-7846
http://www.thewhitneyhouserestaurant.com/

Top Tastes:

1. Fried Chicken
2. Crunchy Mix
3. Bourbon Float
4. Kung Pao Shrimp
5. House Salad

Downtown Worthington is a great area to walk, and there are tons of great restaurants on the main drag. But one of the best, by far, is The Whitney House. A newcomer to the food scene, this spot manages to be upscale and approachable at the same time, and produces some mouthwatering dishes to boot.

From appetizers to dessert, I have loved every course I’ve eaten at The Whitney House. I am one of those people that likes to order a bunch of small plates so I can try as many dishes as possible, and the starters here are spectacular. Every day brings a new special dip duo pairing, and also a varying chef’s choice of crostini toppings. The house salad is delicious, with crispy prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. The Kung Pao shrimp is perfectly sweet and spicy, and served with bean sprouts. But my favorite of all was the Crunchy Mix. Described mysteriously on the menu simply as “addictive” and having “house seasoning,” this savory snack consisting of crispy chickpeas, cashews, seeds, and more dusted in cumin and cayenne (maybe?) is truly tasty. You won’t be able to stop eating it.

For entrees, there are daily specials here too. Sundays are for fried chicken, which is served with mac and cheese, expertly pickled veggies, and Sriracha honey for dipping. The Seafood Pot Pie is a beautiful creation, heated in a cast iron crock and topped with puff pastry. Even the burger is great, capped with smoked Ohio cheddar, an egg, and Whitney House aioli.

And let’s talk desserts. The Strawberry Rhubarb bread pudding and seasonal pie selection are excellent choices. More importantly, they have “boozy floats.” I love milkshakes. I love bourbon. So chocolate ice cream + bourbon + cherry soda? Done deal. Other options include Kahlua with cream soda and spiced rum with orange soda. If non-ice cream based cocktails are your preference, try the Laura Jean: gin, wheat ale, pineapple syrup, rosemary, and orange bitters, or order from the balanced wine list.

Culinary Clue: The Whitney House also has an amazing-sounding brunch that I have yet to sample. But in addition to alcoholic milkshakes at dinner, they have “boozy cereals” on the menu at brunch, which are pretty much your favorite childhood cereal with milk and liquors of varying types added, so I’m in! Try it and let me know what you think!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Food 1 comments

July 15, 2015July 14, 2015 by Caroline

The Best Sweet Italian Dressing Recipe

It’s always been a struggle for me to truly enjoy eating salads – I’ll admit it. But growing up, drenching some lettuce in this sweet Italian dressing was a sure-fire way to get me to partake in some veggies. This is the primary salad topper I remember my mom making as a kid and it is still one of my go-to recipes today, because it is quick and delicious. Just throw all the ingredients in the food processor and you’re done!

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Handful fresh parsley (about 1/4 c. unchopped)
Pinch crushed red pepper

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Pulse until well-blended and parsley is no longer in large pieces. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Drizzle the finished dressing on your favorite greens for salad. Toss in some toasted walnuts, bacon, shredded mozzarella, and diced tomatoes for an easy side for any meal.

This dressing is great just on spinach or romaine lettuce, but I have also used it as a marinade for chicken, and it turned out wonderfully juicy and flavorful. Alternatively, try it as a the base for a potato or pasta salad recipe, or toss broccoli or asparagus in it before roasting them in the oven.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Want to learn more? Subscribe to the Columbus Culinary Connection newsletter to get recipes, restaurant reviews, and more delivered to your inbox every month!

Save Print

The Best Sweet Italian Dressing Recipe

Prep time: 10 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 cup vegetable oil
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup sugar
¾ tsp salt
1½ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Handful fresh parsley (about ¼ c. unchopped)
Pinch crushed red pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender.
Pulse until well-blended and parsley is no longer in large pieces.
Drizzle the finished dressing on your favorite greens for salad.
Toss in some toasted walnuts, bacon, shredded mozzarella, and diced tomatoes for an easy side for any meal.

in Recipes 2 comments

July 12, 2015July 12, 2015 by Caroline

Sophie’s Gourmet Pierogi Review

Sophie’s Gourmet Pierogi
900 Columbus Ave,
Marysville, OH 43040
614-715-3210
http://www.sophiesgourmet.com/home.html

I will admit it. My name is Caroline and I have a pierogi problem. I’ve eaten them in Pittsburgh, I’ve made them at home, and I’ve devoured them at Sophie’s. Sophie’s Gourmet Pierogi is without a doubt my favorite. Because when you get great pierogi + your choice of flavored butter, what’s there not to love?

First let’s talk about the pierogi themselves. These potato nuggets wrapped in a dumpling dough are everything you’ve been craving. They pair perfectly with beer too. Sophie’s refers to their offerings as “gastrogi,” because these are not your average Polish treat. Most of the meals begin with the gastrogi, which are griddled until crispy. Sophie’s then tops these guys with your choice of butters, and/or your favorite garnish, making the pierogi anything but ordinary. For butters, get a dollop of lemon basil, smoked paprika garlic, or salami grain mustard to melt and ooze down the pierogi, or keep things simple and add bacon, cheddar, or grilled onions, plus sour cream for dipping purposes. I prefer to add them all!

The limited time specials at Sophie’s are memorable too. I’ve sampled the chocolate pierogi at a Rockmill Brewery event, filled with a prune butter and sprinkled with lemon sea salt. Other items such as the Beer Belly sandwich, containing broccoli rabe, garlic, and pork belly, and the Sausage Sandwich (uncovered at the Grain + Grape), is a delight of pierogi, sausage, mustard-chive butter, caramelized onions, are fabulous. I haven’t yet caught up to Sophie’s during brunch, but the Honey Ham and Eggs special of pierogi, eggs, ham, and hollandaise sounds positively sinful.

Catch up with this cart at your favorite local brewery or event around town – I promise it will be satisfying and delicious! Have you tried them yet? Let me know what you thought!

Culinary Clue: Want to have some pierogi of your own at home? Check out Sophie’s website, where you can order the pierogi in bulk and pick them up for your next family meal or gathering!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Want to learn more about Columbus food trucks? Columbus Culinary Connection has partnered with the Central Ohio Food Truck Association to bring you reviews, updates, and exclusive content about Columbus food trucks. Compensation has been provided, but all opinions are my own. Find out more about COFTA here: http://www.ohiofoodtruck.com/ or download the Street Food Finder app to see where all of your favorite trucks can be located.

in Food Trucks 4 comments

July 8, 2015April 11, 2017 by Caroline

Zauber Brewing Review

Zauber Brewing
909 West Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 456-7074
http://zbeers.com/

Top Tastes:

1. Roggen Rye
2. Berzerker Belgian IPA
3. Zandy Shandy
4. Vertigo Hefeweizen
5. Columbus Cider

When you step into Zauber Brewing, you instantly know this is your next happy hour hangout. The warehouse-like space is both cozy and casual, filled with long picnic tables and industrial decor. Another great thing about Zauber is that it is located in Grandview, which happens to be a suburban craft beer mecca. (This is the first in a series of posts highlighting the food and drink scene in Grandview Heights. To learn more, click here)

As I’ve mentioned before, Zauber’s hefeweizen offering, Vertigo, is one of my favorite beers for summertime sipping. This brew is light but full of banana and clove flavor, making for a drinking experience that is both interesting and approachable. Berzerker, a Belgian IPA, is a perfect combo of yeasty, hoppy, and fruity that anyone can love. My favorite of all is the Roggen, a roggenbier with delicate rye notes and a drinkable 5.5% ABV. When the season calls for it, sample the Märzen or the Oktoberfest styles, which don’t disappoint either. For happy hour, check out their $3.50 specials from 4-7 through the week. Or pop in on Mondays, when a liter (!) of Zauber beer is only $6 – this can be a problem, it’s such a good deal!

Vertigo | Zauber Brewing Review

Surprisingly enough for a brewery, Zauber’s cocktails are equally wonderful. Many are made with their beers, which is my own personal heaven. I loved the Zandy Shandy: Domaine de Canton (ginger liqueur), Ginger Beer, Lemonade, and a splash of Vertigo beer. Or try the Columbus Cider for fall in a glass: OYO Bourbon mixed with Mad Moon Cider, Nutmeg, Lemon Juice, Art in the Age Rhubarb Liqueur, Apple Bitters, and Simple Syrup. Ask for the Red Brigade for a fun take on a negroni, which combines Berzerker IPA, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, St. Germain, and Cherry.

Zandy Shandy | Zauber Brewing Review

No food is served at Zauber, but they have one of the most regular food truck schedules of any brewery, with the same trucks often in the same time slot every week. Or, get carryout from one of the other great local eateries and bring it to the new bier garden to munch while you drink. I’ve done this with Bar 145, AAB Indian, and Third and Hollywood, all of which went wonderfully with Zauber brews.

Culinary Clue: Are you a soccer fan? Zauber is your dream bar to watch matches! They have a large amount of TV’s that are almost always tuned to soccer coverage. There is also swag from different teams decorating the interior. Look on their facebook page for soccer-related events. Or, if you are a Clippers fan, fill up a glass at Huntington Park, which offers their suds too.

This is the inaugural review post for my Grandview culinary scene series. Sign up here to automatically be informed when new Grandview posts are released! To see my breakdown of the best Grandview spots for dining and shopping, check out the initial roundup post here.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Drink / Grandview 2 comments

July 5, 2015July 5, 2015 by Caroline

Harvest Moon Cafe Review

Harvest Moon Cafe
7 N. High Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Phone: 614.834.8100
http://www.hm-cafe.com/hmc-homepage

Top Tastes:

1. Mango Rice Bowl
2. Caramelized Pear and Brie Bison Burger
3. Cafe Salad
4. Cappuccino
5. Watermelon Daiq-hurray

I grew up in Canal Winchester, and Harvest Moon Cafe, found in the heart of this growing Columbus suburb, is high on my list of dining destinations. It is delicious, unpretentious, and sources ingredients locally whenever possible. Harvest Moon’s menu items are always fresh and innovative.

Harvest Moon Cafe does change their menu seasonally, but they always have a great rotating selection of flatbreads, salads, and different toppings for the bison burger. Right now, try the Caramelized Pear and Brie Bison Burger: ground bison, caramelized pear, brie, turkey bacon, field greens, and house-made cilantro lime aioli on a brioche roll. The Butter Bison burger was tempting too, topped with house-made red wine and bone marrow butter, lettuce, and frizzled onions. For non-carnivores, the black bean veggie burger is really mouthwatering too!

The Cafe Salad contains mixed greens with your choice of house-pulled chicken or shrimp, avocado, tomato, Ohio organic hard-boiled egg, turkey bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, and is served with house-made ranch dressing. I approve of bacon and avocado on any dish. Period. Many of the meats, including the bacon and ribeye, come from Blystone Farms, located a few short miles from the cafe. Tip: Check out Blystone’s market too – they have these meats for sale! I absolutely love the Mango Rice Bowl: Cilantro-lime rice piled high with mango chunks, green onions, diced peppers, fresh avocado, house-made mango sauce, fresh cilantro, and crunchy coconut shrimp. Perfection.

Cocktail selections here will surprise and delight too! For a summer sipper, try the Watermelon Daiq-hurray, made of rum, lime, simple syrup, and fruity melon. Another fun choice is What the Kale: Watershed Vodka, fresh lime juice, muddled kale leaves, cucumber, simple syrup, and ginger beer. I have a moral opposition to cucumbers, but kale in a cocktail? That sounds like so much fun! My husband loved it.

This post focuses on the dinner menu, but the early-riser options are equally tasty. For breakfast, pair an entree such as lemon-ricotta hotcakes with lavender-infused syrup or a turkey bacon + egg burrito with some of their scrumptious drink offerings. The cafe makes their own ginger ale in-house, and makes a perfect cappuccino or latte too, from Ohio-roasted coffee beans.

Take an afternoon trip to Canal Winchester, check out the CW Farmer’s Market, and stop by Harvest Moon Cafe for some crave-able coffee, cocktails, and seasonal fare.

Culinary Clue: Attached to the cafe is The Garden Herb Shop. Here, you can find specialty teas, herbs and spices, and also a huge selection of organic wines. There is other great shopping in the downtown Canal Winchester area as well.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Food 0 comments

July 1, 2015July 1, 2015 by Caroline

Mini Crab Cake Bites Recipe

I made this recipe recently for my family’s Preakness Party, mainly because crab cakes were a good choice for “Maryland” cuisine. The crab cakes ended up being a huge hit – we had no leftovers! This appetizer recipe is both easy and elegant for entertaining, so if you enjoy seafood, this is a great choice for your next gathering. I like to bake my crab cakes instead of frying them; I find they are less likely to burn, and they are healthier that way.

Ingredients:

For the crab cake bites:

1 8 oz package of lump crab meat (juice drained)
2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 T. whole grain mustard
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning (find it near the seafood section)
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Dash of salt

For the garlic-mustard aioli dipping sauce:

1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
2 tsp. hot sauce
2 tsp. ketchup
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 T. whole grain mustard
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Chopped chives, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 375º F. Start by picking through the crab meat with your fingers, to make sure that there are no bits of shell (I hate this part – but it’s worth it, no one wants to eat shell pieces). In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine all of the crab cake ingredients until all components are fully incorporated; do not over-mix. Place mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill; this will help make the patties easier to form.

Once the mixture has chilled, spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the crab cakes don’t stick on the bottom. Form the crab mixture into small patties, about the size of a poker chip, and place them on the cookie sheet. Leave at least an inch of space between each crab cake on the sheet. Bake the mini crab cakes for about 15 minutes, or until the crab cakes are set and the bottoms are golden brown.

While the mini crab cakes are in the oven, make the garlic-mustard aioli. Mix together all sauce ingredients except chives, salt, and pepper. Taste for flavor; add salt and pepper as needed. Top aioli with sprinkling of chives. Serve this sauce on the side for guests to dip mini crab cakes in it.

Place the crab cakes on a vintage cake stand or a pretty platter with dipping sauce in the center and enjoy! What are your favorite appetizer recipes?

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Save Print

Mini Crab Cake Bites Recipe

Author: Caroline

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Serves: 6

This appetizer recipe is both easy and elegant for entertaining, so if you enjoy seafood, this is a great choice for your next gathering. I like to bake my crab cakes instead of frying them; I find they are less likely to burn, and they are healthier that way.

Ingredients

1 8 oz package of lump crab meat (juice drained)
⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 T. whole grain mustard
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning (find it near the seafood section)
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Juice of ½ a lemon
Dash of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375º F.
Start by picking through the crab meat with your fingers, to make sure that there are no bits of shell (I hate this part - but it's worth it, no one wants to eat shell pieces).
In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine all of the crab cake ingredients until all components are fully incorporated; do not over-mix.
Place mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill; this will help make the patties easier to form.
Once the mixture has chilled, spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the crab cakes don't stick on the bottom.
Form the crab mixture into small patties, about the size of a poker chip, and place them on the cookie sheet.
Leave an least an inch of space between each crab cake on the sheet.
Bake the mini crab cakes for about 15 minutes, or until the crab cakes are set and the bottoms are golden brown.

in Recipes 0 comments

June 28, 2015September 7, 2016 by Caroline

Neighborhood Spotlight: Grandview Heights

Peabody Papers | Neighborhood Spotlight One of my favorite sections of Columbus is without a doubt Grandview Heights. This quiet neighborhood has beautiful homes to view, drool-worthy restaurants, and stellar shops to meet your every need. It seems as though every day a new spot is opening up here, making Grandview a neighborhood that just keeps evolving. If you are looking for a walkable place to explore, this friendly suburb needs to be on your bucket list! Below is a compilation of a few of my favorite places to visit in Grandview, but the list is by no means exhaustive. In fact, I am doing a whole neighborhood spotlight series on this town! Sign up here and I’ll notify you as new Grandview-centric posts are released.

For Foodies:

Some of Columbus’ most beloved restaurants are located within Grandview Heights proper. Brunch at Third and Hollywood, where the garlicky biscuits and pimento cheese will keep you coming back for more. For casual pub fare, Matt the Miller’s Tavern is your best bet, or drop into DK Diner for delicious down-home meals and donuts. The Pear and Brie wood-fired pizza at Figlio is always a dish I crave, as is the peanut butter-banana sandwich from Krema Nut Company. Score tasty ethnic dishes like the tikka masala at AAB Indian Restaurant or the falafel at Mazah. If an upscale dining experience is what you seek, Spagio has an elegant atmosphere and amazing lobster bisque. For burgers and bourbon, try Bar 145. Don’t miss the festive German vibes at Hofbraühaus Columbus for pretzels and a huge beer garden. Local Cantina and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams both have noteworthy outposts here as well. Put Grandview on your list of dining destinations!

For Shop-a-holics:

Spend an afternoon strolling around Grandview Avenue, browsing some great local stores. Start at the Candle Lab, where you can make a one-of-a-kind candle by picking out your own custom fragrance combinations. Scents range from classic (coconut, lavender) to quirky (bacon, wasabi) and every smell in between. Your candle will be ready for pick-up by the time you’re done The Candle Lab shopping. Head over to Peabody Papers next, where you can choose from a wide range of paper products, including invitations, stationary, and gifts. They offer made-to-order monogrammed thank you cards as well, which I absolutely love. Then, proceed to The Oilerie, where you can sample olive oil and vinegar ’til your heart’s content. Purchase bottles of blueberry balsamic vinegar or cinnamon EVOO to inspire your home cooking. After you’re worn out from all that walking, head over to The Blowout Bar to pamper yourself. Pick up some Stauf’s coffee on the way to help you unwind while you get a relaxing scalp massage and a new ‘do. A blowout here ensures you will have perfect hair for days! During the summer, the last Saturday of the month brings the Grandview Hop, an open-air market on the streets, to snap up some funky art pieces or handmade wares. Fashionistas will adore the selections of dresses and tees at Thread, and the interesting metal jewelry at The Smithery. Cap off the evening with a cooking class at The Commissary!

For Hop-Heads:

The craft beer scene in Columbus is thriving, but Grandview in particular has established itself as a beer mecca. There are so many breweries here that there is a whole alliance dedicated to promoting it! (See more here: http://grandviewcraftbeer.com/) Four String Brewing on 6th Avenue has an amazing happy hour in their taproom. Zauber Brewing, in my opinion, has some of the best beer offerings in town, coupled with a cozy, industrial bar and great cocktails. Smokehouse Brewing hosts some awesome events, such as the Mini Real Ale Fest and the biannual Oysters and Stout pairings. Sideswipe Brewing and Knotty Pine Brewing are great recent Grandview additions to the Columbus craft beer scene as well. For growler fills in the area, and to grab a slice of some tasty Honeykiss Bakery pie, drop in to the Ohio Taproom. Maifest and Digfest are fun area festivals to listen to tunes and try some Grandview beers.

Zauber

Make a day trip to Grandview, and then come back again and again, to catch all of the destinations you missed on the first trip. Or to see many of the city’s food and beer hot spots, book a tour with Columbus Brew Adventures or Columbus Food Adventures; both groups have tours focused entirely on Grandview. To learn more about all of the great places to visit in Grandview, check out http://www.destinationgrandview.org/. Their site will give you even more ideas about what to do and see! This is a introductory post for my series on Grandview. Sign up here and I’ll notify you as new Grandview-centric posts are released.

What are your favorite Grandview locales? Is there another neighborhood you’d like to see featured next? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Grandview Series Guide

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and I’ll notify you when new Grandview-centric posts are added to the series.

in Drink / Food / Grandview / Local Love 9 comments