Caroline’s Picks: 5 Charcuterie Plates to Try

To me, meat and cheese plates are an acceptable lunch, snack, or let’s face it – sometimes my entire dinner. Maybe this is why I need to go to Europe? Charcuterie is a great shareable with friends, and pairs perfectly with beer, wine, and spirits, so what’s not to love? I can’t resist sampling all the different spreads and breads that accompany a good charcuterie plate either, so it really is a dream meal for me. Fortunately, Columbus restaurants are stepping up the game and offering some tempting selections. Here are a few of my favorite local platters:

Rockmill Tavern

http://rockmilltavern.com/
Rockmill Tavern - Charcuterie

In addition to having incredible beer and a craveable burger, the charcuterie at Rockmill Tavern is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The pickled veggies are tangy and delightful, and the portion is generous. Frequently, this dish features dark chocolate, which it turns out, is a wonderful compliment to the savory items on the board.

Click here to read my full post on Rockmill Tavern.

The Table

https://www.thetablecolumbus.com/

Dabs of jam, in-house cured meats, and plenty of treats for all on this cheese board! I love that you can scale the size of this charcuterie plate for one, for two, or family-style (four meats, three cheeses, and plenty of accoutrements). Plus, the offerings on this dish change all the time, so even on a return visit there will be different seasonal ingredients.

Barcelona

http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/

For a Spanish slant on charcuterie, head to Barcelona in German Village. The tapas restaurant lets you build your own ideal appetizer, selecting from a number of unique meats and cheeses in any combination you prefer. Think Serrano ham with grilled flatbread, buttery cheese served alongside sweet quince paste, and pork with pepper relish. Add some Marcona almonds and mixed olives and you’ve got yourself a meal.

The Market

https://www.themarketiv.com/

The Market is guaranteed to impress with its colorful and composed platters; the wonderful components  often change on the chef’s whim. Wednesdays are wine flight and charcuterie night, and you wouldn’t want to miss that would you? Bonus: if you’re hungry for more cheese after the charcuterie course or are a vegetarian, order up the Le Délice De Bourgogne dish too – it’s essentially fancy waffle fries that come come drizzled with honey and a wedge of cheese to spread on them.

Click here to read my full post on The Market.

Fado Pub & Kitchen

https://www.fadopubandkitchen.com/

This new locale at the Bridge Park area in Dublin has a surprise twist on the charcuterie plate: garlic cheesecake. It sounds crazy, but is more of a spreadable, creamy delight perfect for slathering on baguette slices than it is a dessert. The smoked cheddar, sausage slices, and pickled veggies were all tasty too.

I like to take charcuterie platters on the go as well, for picnics or outings to breweries that don’t serve food. Katzinger’s Deli and Black Radish Creamery in the North Market will help you create a great plate for carryout, or pick up North Country Charcuterie and locally made cheese at a farmers market and you’re set.

Have another Cbus spot where you love to enjoy charcuterie plates? Let me know in the comments below!

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Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Afternoon Teas to Try

Listen, I like wearing jeans and drinking a hoppy beer as much as the next girl. But sometimes, I just want to be fancy and pretend I’m Lady Mary from Downton Abbey. Is this too much to ask? My mom also hosted a super snazzy afternoon tea to celebrate the Downton Abbey finale, so I suppose it’s genetic. However, if you aren’t into washing delicate china and making scones from scratch, there are plenty of local spots that will serve up an elegant afternoon tea just for you.

Cambridge Tea House

http://cambridgeteahouse.com/

Some girlfriends took me here for my birthday this year, and we had the best time. This is traditional afternoon tea at its finest: white tablecloth service, three-tiered platters piled precariously with desserts, fluffy scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, and mini sammies, plus the cutest tea cozies. Even the milk and sugar vessels are appealing! Make sure that you call ahead for reservations – the seating area is small and scones sell out fast.

Asterisk Supper Club

https://www.asterisksupperclub.com/

I love visiting uptown Westerville, but even more so that Asterisk is on the scene. The decor is library-themed, and they make some delicious craft cocktails if you want something stronger on the side. The afternoon tea here is served 7 days a week, which is extremely convenient for busy folks who can only make it on the weekends. Asterisk boasts the most delicious ham, brie, green apple, and dijon tea sandwiches, in addition to multiple scones, sweets, and a wide variety of teas.

ZenCha Tea Salon

https://www.zen-cha.com/home

ZenCha has more teas than you’ve ever dreamed of on their menu: Jasmine Pearl, Chocolate Covered Cherry, or African Safari. I haven’t been disappointed yet in their take on a tea latte either! Instead of your typical high tea fare, this space sports a brunch menu with nods to tea, such as Earl Grey or matcha-infused pancakes and chai-spiced shrimp and grits. ZenCha also can create custom tea party events for bridal showers or other occasions.

Koko Tea Salon

https://www.kokoteasalon.com/

Koko’s recently closed its Gahanna locale, and is gearing up for expansion to Easton, but you can still get your tea fix at the downtown outpost while you wait. High tea service here will earn you the typical offerings of sandwiches and scones, but Koko’s churns out a rainbow of dainty macarons, cupcakes, and other treats to enjoy with your hand-blended tea too. Don’t miss the theme teas as well, around topics such as Paris, Alice in Wonderland, or chocolate.

Mozart’s Cafe

https://mozartscafe.wordpress.com/

Mozart’s is known for heavenly desserts, but have you tried their afternoon tea offerings? There is often live piano music during dining hours, and plenty of European flair. Order up scones, a miniature apricot Linzer cookie, and teeny cranberry chicken salad canapes or smoked salmon sammies with a pot of tea. Reservations are required for this special menu.

Do you have a favorite Columbus tea zone? Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 More Chocolate Treats to Try

When I picked 5 of my favorite cocoa confections for a Valentine’s Day post earlier this year, something horrible happened. It was too hard to pick just five local items highlighting chocolate. So, here we go again! Below you’ll find a few more of the sweet treats that I love best.

Chocolate Cheesecake – The Cheesecake Girl

https://www.thecheesecakegirl.com/

My husband is cheesecake-crazy, but I’d never been an aficionado until I sampled The Cheesecake Girl’s cheesecake. Try all kinds of chocolate-packed types such as puppy chow, Oreo, and even brownie. You can also custom order your own cheesecake with all the chocolatey toppings you can imagine; think Reese’s cups, ganache, and cookie dough. Find Sam and her cheesecakes at North Market pop-ups, Local Roots and Smidge and Pinch in Powell, and at all kinds of pairing events.

Chocolate Cremeaux – Tupelo Donuts

https://tupelodoughnuts.com/

While I await the opening of Tupelo’s Worthington shop, I’ve been stalking their trucks all around town to swipe their Chocolate Cremeaux donuts. This pastry is stuffed with a deep, dark chocolate custard, dipped in glaze and then drizzled with more chocolate, all adding up to a sugar-lover’s dream. Check their social media pages to see where to find the truck and order ahead – this donut sells out fast!

Chocolate Bars (various flavors) – Ohiyo Chocolate

https://ohiyochocolate.com/

Crafted “bean to bar” in small batches, Ohiyo’s offerings will delight chocolate purists and adventurers alike. All kinds of chocolate are produced, with additions like salt, coffee, and sage, as well as traditional 75% cacao versions. Ohiyo also recently did a beer collaboration with Pretentious Barrel House, so be on the lookout for this chocolate beer combo too! You can buy the bars online, or I pick mine up at Wholly Craft in Clintonville.

Nutella Pancake Balls – Katalina’s Cafe

http://www.katalinascafe.com/

Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? Every pancake ball offering from Katalina’s is utterly craveable, but if you haven’t tried the Nutella version and then dunked it in bourbon barrel maple syrup, you’re not living your best life. Gooey, warm Nutella oozing out of a bite-sized pancake is something that everyone must experience, especially with a side of spicy bacon.

Chocolate Croissant – Pistachia Vera

http://www.pistaciavera.com

The German Village bakery’s Pain au Chocolat consists of a flaky, buttery dough wrapped around semi-sweet chocolate batons – simple and perfect. Make sure to microwave the croissant for maximum melt factor if you eat it at home! Wash your chocolate down with an iced mocha featuring Hartzler Dairy’s chocolate milk to get a double chocolate hit.

Want to bake a chocolatey treat of your own at home? Check out these recipes from the blog: Top Secret Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Magic Chocolate Stout Cake.

Have another favorite cocoa goodie that needs to be included in Part 3 of this chocolate saga? Send me an email and let me know!

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Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Chocolate Treats to Try

I don’t get all lovey dovey on Valentine’s Day, but I do appreciate the power of cocoa as February 14th rolls around. Fortunately, Columbus has plenty to offer in the chocolate arena, so it was hard to pick 5 of my favorite chocolate treats.

Chocolate Mini Bundt Cake: Flowers & Bread

http://flowersandbread.com/

Chocolate Mini Bundt Cake Flowers & Bread

Instagram-worthy and the ideal size (given that you’ve likely just crammed yourself full of carbs), I must order this cake each time I visit Flowers & Bread. The bundts are coated with a rich chocolate glaze, and the buttermilk keeps the texture delightfully fudgy. The bakery also started offering them in a parfait form as well in the grab-and-go cooler!

Click here to learn more about Flowers & Bread.

Chocolate Morning Bun: Fox in the Snow Cafe

https://www.foxinthesnow.com

Chocolate Morning Bun Fox in the Snow Cafe

That’s right folks. The picture above is indeed croissant dough baked into a muffin shape, rolled in sugar, and filled with glorious mounds of chocolate mousse. Add on the fact that you can find it at one of my favorite coffee shops, Fox in the Snow, and we’ve got a winner here. For breakfast, a coffee break, or dessert, this offering is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Click here to learn more about Fox in the Snow.

Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus: Darista Dips

https://daristadips.com

Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus Darista Dips

It’s rare that a hummus company could make both the veggie-rific list AND this chocolate treats list, but I’m convinced that Darista Dips is taking over the world. Their Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus celebrates girl power by sourcing ingredients from female-led companies. You won’t believe there’s chickpeas inside, but you will want to slather it on everything. Plus the talented local girl boss Natterdoodle drew the label!

Dairy-free Dark Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream: Jeni’s Ice Cream

https://jenis.com

Dairy-free Dark Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream Jeni's Ice Cream

This new variety from Jeni’s is deep, dark, chocolatey goodness that would excite Willy Wonka himself. Concocted with coconut cream instead of milk, this vegan-friendly option will fill the cocoa bill. Lately I’ve loved making it a double-scoop duo with Salty Caramel to hit all the flavor notes, but it’s successful as a stand-alone too.

Seriously Big Chocolate Cake: Cap City Fine Diner

https://capcityfinediner.com

Seriously Big Chocolate Cake Cap City Fine Diner

Cameron Mitchell always proves that simple things executed perfectly are the best things, and Cap City’s chocolate cake is a classic for just this reason. You might be tempted to share the immense slab of this confection with a partner-in-crime, but I’m fairly certain I could polish off a whole piece myself. The cake is tender and packs a chocolate punch, and the icing is just as divine.

It was so difficult to narrow this list, I might have to do a chocolate treats part 2 post. Where do you get your chocolate fix in town? Let me know: caroline@columbusculinaryconnection.com

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Caroline

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

http://www.daristacafe.com/
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

http://rockmilltavern.com/

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

5 More Bacon Bites to Try

I might be a little obsessed with bacon. One of my favorite wedding gifts was a bacon of the month club, in which Michigan’s own Zingerman’s Deli delivered a different variety of bacon to my door every four weeks. I’ve also already written about 5 bacon dishes I can’t get enough of here, but limiting myself to such a small number was HARD. So here we go again – I’m listing 5 more must-try meals where bacon is the belle of the ball.

Breakfast Tacos – Balboa

http://www.balboagrandview.com/#home

Tacos for breakfast are pretty much a dream come true, especially when you pair it with a blueberry basil margarita at Balboa brunch (tongue twister). An order includes three mini tacos, bursting with queso, avocado, scrambled eggs, veggies, and of course, a crispy slab of bacon.

Click here to read my full post on Balboa

Hounddog – Angry Weiner

https://www.theangrywiener.com/

I always thought that people who ate hot dogs with peanut butter deserved the electric chair. But now…I’m a convert. Food truck The Angry Weiner is serving up the component that convinced me: bacon jam. When a toasty bun meets melty peanut butter and savory bacon jam, trust me, it’s amazing!

Click here to read my full post on Angry Weiner

Morning Sliders – 1803 Bacon

http://1803bacon.wixsite.com/1803bacon

Every Saturday from 10-2, Platform Beer Co. is hosting 1803 Bacon for brunch. I’m crazy for the sliders: teeny sammies with poached eggs, 1803’s signature blended curry bacon, and a good old Kraft single. Buy a pack of Maple Espresso or House Bacon for the road too.

Bacon Cheddar Scone – Kittie’s Cakes

https://www.kittiescakes.com/

This item is a more traditional use of bacon, but certainly not less tasty. Salty from the generous chunks of bacon and crammed with plenty of cheddar, these treats will kick your morning off right. Plus, they are available at both the German Village and Bexley locales.

Read more about Kittie’s Cakes here – German Village | Bexley

Fried Green Tomato BLT – Grandview Cafe

http://www.grandviewcafe.com/

Sure, anyone can make a BLT. But only the recently revamped Grandview Cafe can layer it up in Southern style. Country white bread is sandwiched with dill pickle aoili, arugula, crunchy fried green tomatoes, and ample strips of bacon. You’ll be hard pressed to eat a plain Jane BLT again.

Bonus bacon sneak peek: next week’s post will be a burger recipe, featuring bacon-date spread. Check back next week for the scoop!

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Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Sweet Breakfast Treats to Try

Cruffins: Dan the Baker/Toast Bar

http://dan-the-baker.com

This one is simple: croissant meets muffin and has the flakiest baby imaginable. The result is a handheld delight that will satisfy your every breakfast desire. Fillings range from strawberry cream to spicy cardamom. Pick one up at select farmers markets or at Dan’s Grandview restaurant, Toast Bar.

Caramel Mocha Kolache: Kolache Republic

http://kolacherepublic.com
Caramel Mocha Kolache: Kolache Republic

All the kolache flavors are wonderful, but the not-too-sugary filling of the caramel mocha kolache has my heart. If coffee isn’t your speed, these Czech pastries consist of a soft, yeasty dough packed with sweet or savory items like chocolate, bacon, or cheese. Pick up a couple extra for mid-week snacks – you won’t regret it.

Custard Donuts: Fox in the Snow Cafe

http://www.foxinthesnow.com
Custard Donuts Fox in the Snow Cafe

For a place that isn’t a donut shop, Fox in the Snow has created one tasty confection. Basic but not boring, these donuts are bursting with a generous amount of thick vanilla custard, then rolled in sugar. Keep a napkin handy for the superb stickiness that will ensue. I dare you to eat only one.

Red Velvet Croissant: Angry Baker

http://theangrybakerote.comRed Velvet Croissant Angry Baker

Ok so I really like croissants. Mainly because I like butter, and croissants have an indecent amount of butter. But also because the Angry Baker is serving up a red velvet version. With a cream cheese center, chocolate drizzle, and brilliant red hue, you can have your cake croissant and eat it too.

Lemon Blueberry Aebelskabels: Alice’s Aebelskabels

https://www.aebelskabels.comAlice's Aebelskabels

Aebelskivers are stuffed Danish pancake balls, the morning essential you never knew you needed. Alice’s dishes out their take on the treats from a food truck, and can be hard to track down. But the hunt is worth every bite, especially for the lemon blueberry version. Tangy, bright, and with just enough of a dessert edge, you should add this to your wish list.

What do you think is the best sweet breakfast bite in Columbus? Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Pies to Purchase

Flaky crust. Sweet or savory fillings. The perfect comforting bite. Everyone loves pie, and fortunately for us Columbus residents, we’ve got some excellent options to satisfy that craveable treat wrapped in delicious dough. Here’s some local pies that I always adore.

Brown Sugar Pie: The Pearl

https://www.thepearlcolumbus.com/

Affectionately known as “crack” pie (because it’s just that good), The Pearl makes varying pies in house but this one has the rest beat. Oatmeal cookies pulverized into crumbs create the crust, and the filling is buttery and rich with caramelized brown sugar. It’s almost too rich to enjoy by yourself, but I seem to manage every time.

Breakfast Handpie: Lineage Brewing

http://www.lineagebrew.com
Breakfast Handpie: Lineage Brewing

On the savory end of the spectrum, Lineage Brewery churns out a not-so-expected twist: the handpie. The center of scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, and cheesy potatoes is enveloped by hand rolled crust and dished up with cooked apples on the side. It looks like a kind of “breakfast calzone,” and pairs perfectly with Lineage’s beer offerings to kick your brunch off right.

Click here to read my full post on Lineage Brewery

Lemon Lavender Chess Pie: Dough Mama

http://www.dough-mama.com
Lemon Lavender Chess Pie: Dough Mama

All of the baked treats put forth by this Clintonville locale are utterly delightful, but none can melt my heart like the Lemon Lavender Chess Pie. Sparkling with citrus brightness and that unexpected floral lavender touch, the filling is luscious, creamy, and makes your mouth pucker just enough. Be sure you track down this seasonal dessert!

Chocolate Cream Pie: Bake Me Happy

https://www.bakemehappygf.com/menu

Chocolate in a pie is always dark and decadent, but with Bake Me Happy’s version, it’s so indulgent you won’t believe it’s gluten-free. The pies come in numerous sizes so you can get your chocolatey custard fix in the ideal amount. Check out their site to see where to track down their goodies.

Cherry Pie: Sassafras Bakery

http://www.sassafrasbakery.com/menu/
Sassafras Bakery

For a classic, all-American pie, I’m crazy for the cherry pie at Sassafras Bakery. The tangy-tart cherries give just enough pop to balance out the sweetness, and it’s a perennial crowd-pleaser. This traditional spin really takes the cake (or pie). Does fruit pie even exist if it doesn’t have a lattice top and crimped double crust like this one? Make sure you catch it in season.

Where do you get your pie fix? Is sweet or savory more your style? Let me know in the comments below.

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Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Burgers to Try

There’s no reason to suffer from burger boredom in the capital city! Columbus has succulent options from traditional to daring, each dressed with more than just lettuce and tomato. Here are 5 of my absolute favorites!

One Red Door Burger – Flipside Easton

http://flipsideburger.com/locationeaston
Flipside One Red Door Burger

Oh, the pangs of hunger that a mere mention of this burger can inflict. Every time I eat it, I’m amazed that more people aren’t slapping Brie on a burger instead of cheddar. It’s creamy, melts easily, and is the perfect complement to the crispy shallots and bacon-date aioli that round out this masterpiece.

P-B-B & J Burger – The Pint Room

http://www.pintroomdublin.com/home

Hear me out before you start to get concerned. Peanut butter on burgers is seriously trending right now, and The Pint Room’s take is a glorious take on a childhood favorite. Think drippy peanut butter, candied bacon, cheese, strawberry preserves, and strawberry slices, all blending together for a sweet and salty treat atop the patty. Load up on the napkins – this burger is messy and tasty!

The Soul Burger – Soul at The Joseph

http://www.lemeridiencolumbus.com/soul-at-the-joseph
Soul at the Joseph

Consisting of juicy beef, Nueske’s Bacon, manchego, greens, pickled zucchini, and Meyer lemon garlic aioli sandwiched between a brioche bun, this beauty of a burger can’t be missed. I’m definitely not a pickle person, but there’s something extra special about the house-pickled zucchini here, and I’m smitten. And that aioli! I could slather it on just about anything.

Read more about Soul at The Joseph here.

Northstar Burger – Northstar Cafe

http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com/
Northstar Cafe Burger

In addition to having the best ginger ale I’ve ever consumed, Northstar boasts a veggie burger that even a carnivore like me can crave. Made with organic black beans, brown rice, and beets, this faux burger patty is topped with white cheddar, kale, and more veggies. Good to eat and good for you.

Tavern Burger – Rockmill Tavern

http://www.rockmillbrewery.com/tavern/
Rockmill Tavern Burger

To close this list of drool-worthy burgers, newcomer Rockmill’s Tavern burger has all the components you’d desire: locally ground beef from The Butcher & Grocer, bacon jam, bright pickled onion, sharp cheddar, and dijonnaise for some zing. The bun of this sammy is a ciabatta roll, perfect for soaking up those juices without falling apart – the worst of all burger sins.

Read more about Rockmil Tavern here.

Tell me, Columbus – what’s your favorite burger in town? There’s some other really juicy and delicious ones out there. Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: 5 Avocado Dishes to Try

It’s an avocado extravaganza! Everyone’s favorite green food is trendy, tasty, and totally nutritious. I’ve rounded up some of the most crave-able dishes in town that make use of nature’s butter in creative and delicious ways. Avocado is great for more than just guacamole!

Avocado Toast: The Angry Baker

http://theangrybakerote.com/
Avocado Toast: The Angry Baker

It seems you can’t find a spot that doesn’t serve avocado toast for brunch anymore, so I had to include one here. What sets the Angry Baker’s offering apart is its quality and simplicity. With housemade wheat bread as the base, the toast is topped with just lemon, salt, red pepper, and alfalfa sprouts, and that’s all it needs to shine! Plus look at the generous slathering of avocado they serve you – this is one heaping helping of the good stuff.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding: Alchemy Juice

http://alchemyjuicecafe.com/
Chocolate Avocado Pudding: Alchemy Juice

Who knew that avocado could be so scrumptious in sweets? When whipped up into a satisfying chocolate dessert, you’d never know avocado is a main component of this treat. It adds a richness and a creamy, silky texture that is simply divine and relatively guilt-free. Vegans and vegetarians – head there now!

For more info on Alchemy Juice read my post here.

Breakfast Tacos: Katalina’s

http://www.katalinascafe.com/menu
Breakfast Tacos: Katalina's

When paired with scrambled eggs, avocado can be the best part of the morning, as proven by these Breakfast Tacos. To make this dish, supersized slices of avocado are nestled atop tortillas filled with housemade chorizo, scrambled eggs, tomatillo sauce, queso fresco, crema, and pico de gallo. What better way to pry your eyes open?

For more info on Katalina’s read my post here.

High Wire Act Dog: DareDevil Dogs

http://www.daredevilhotdogs.com/

Ok, you’re thinking I’m crazy at this point, right? But please just trust me – this pork brat dolloped with pineapple guacamole and bacon is seriously addictive. The salty bacon and sweet pineapple totally complement the cooling avocado, and it’s the ideal late night snack to pair with beer and tater tots.

Patacon: El Arepazo

http://elarepazolatingrill.com/gahanna/
Patacon: El Arepazo

Avocado comes standard on many of the entrees at this Latin joint, but none is more droolworthy than the patacon. Consisting of El Arepazo’s famous cilantro sauce, a fried plantain, cheese, banana peppers, mojito, lettuce, meat, and naturally, multiple avocado hunks to pull it together, this is one special (and filling) meal.

Where do you love to get your avocado fix in Columbus? Let me know on Facebook here!

Keep Connected.

Caroline