Food - Columbus Culinary Connection

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.

Nada Columbus

220 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215
614.715.8260

Columbus

Top Tastes:

1. Crispy Pork Belly Tacos
2. Salsa Tasting Trio
3. Chicken and Corn Enchiladas
4. Churros
5. Prickly Pear Margarita

Be prepared to nosh on better-than-average Mexican selections at Nada, one of the new Cincy-based transplants to Columbus. You can find the restaurant at a prime location in the Arena District, close to all the action at Nationwide, Huntington Park, and the LC Pavilion. The casual, rustic interior is warm and inviting, making it the ideal place to linger for happy hour drinks. The patio at Nada is also one of my favorites in the city; the view of the old Union Train Station arch at McFerson Commons is perfect.

Introducing: Foodie Fight Friday Trivia

It’s trivia time! Get ready for a “foodie fight,” because starting this Friday, Columbus Culinary Connection will be posting a new food-related quiz question each Friday night. Test your wits about topics related to fun and food, both locally and across the U.S. Here’s how it works:

Follow Columbus Culinary Connection on Twitter and Instagram: @cbusconnect
Look for the trivia question graphic on Friday nights, #foodiefightfri
Post your best guess for the answer (write A, B, C, D) by comment or reply
Correct answers will be posted in the comments on Instagram, and by reply tweet on Twitter after a number of users have answered
Sign up for my monthly newsletter where I will recognize the weekly winners.

To whet your appetite and kick-start your brain for Friday, try your hand at the questions below. Find the answers at the bottom of the post.

1. The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the best Central Ohio festivals, featuring tasty pumpkin treats. What year did this favorite fall festival begin?

A. 1887 B. 1948 C. 1994 D. 1903

2. The Aztecs have been credited with being one of the first to crush peanuts into a chunky paste resembling peanut butter. Which major PB producer created the crunchy version of the spread as we know it today?

A. JIF B. Peter Pan C. Skippy D. Reese’s

3. Do you recognize this local dining hot spot? Where was this snapshot taken?

A. The Crest B. The Whitney House C. The Crafty Pint D. The Pearl

I love trivia, and I think it is apparent that I am obsessed with food, so this will be a match made in heaven! Start looking for the hashtag #foodiefightfri to answer and play along. Thanks for reading!

Keep Connected,

Caroline

Answer Key

D 2. C 3. B

in Drink / Food / Local Love 0 comments

August 16, 2015August 16, 2015 by Caroline

Fox in the Snow Cafe Review

1031 N 4th St.
Columbus, OH 43201
http://www.foxinthesnow.com/

The food scene is buzzing about Fox in the Snow Cafe. Maybe it’s the delectable pastries and coffee, maybe it’s the trendy industrial interior, or it could be that iconic fox painted on the outside of the building. Regardless of the reason, let this be your call to head there immediately.

When you first walk into the renovated space, you can tell instantly that this is a place you can linger for hours. It is clean with plenty of plants and natural light, plus an awesome bar area surrounded by glass where you can watch the bakers roll out dough for floury treats. And did I mention that the fox on the building is my spirit animal? I mean seriously, have you ever heard anyone say, “Foxes are just not that cool” ? The answer, of course, is no. In case you were wondering, the cafe’s name comes from the indie group Belle and Sebastian’s similarly titled hit song.

The beverages are memorable too. Try the affogato, espresso with a scoop of ice cream in it, or the beautifully decorated lattes. The tangy-tart blackberry lemonade tastes like liquid summer, served in a mason jar. Sample other coffee and tea varieties as well.

But let’s get to the important part of this discussion: the food. I have never tried a single item that has not been spectacular. Think enormous cinnamon rolls slathered in icing, custard-filled donuts, and biscuits. The hand pies, an adult-version of Pop Tarts, come in both savory and fruit-laden versions. Both are delicious. Don’t miss the enormous souffled egg sandwiches, so big you have to unhinge your jaw, Guy Fieri-style. I am currently crushing on the egg tarts, flaky croissant-like dough filled with cheese, herbs, and a perfectly runny egg. It’s everything you love about breakfast in one pastry delight. With so many mouthwatering options, there is bound to be an item you will love.

Culinary Clue: The cafe’s Italian Village home has exploded with must-visit spots, all within a short walk of each other, such as Seventh Son Brewing, Cravings Carryout Cafe, and Little Rock Bar. So saunter over to this North Columbus neighborhood and buy every baked good in sight at Fox in the Snow Cafe, then do some exploring nearby.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

in Food 5 comments

August 2, 2015 by Caroline

Moe’s Original Bar B Que Review

128 E. Broadway
Granville, OH 43023
(740) 920-9002
http://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/granville

Top Tastes:

1. Pulled Pork
2. Cornbread
3. Alabama White BBQ sauce
4. Mississippi Mud Pudding
5. Smoked Chicken Wings

Everyone loves barbecue. It’s flavorful, you can slop delicious sauces on it, and it’s perfectly messy to eat. I too have eaten a lot of pulled pork in my lifetime. But there is something special about the barbecue at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Granville.

Nestled in the quiet town of Granville, the historic structure housing Moe’s contains beautiful brick walls and wood floors. But as interesting as the building is, it is the food that will draw you back. Like many BBQ joints, Moe’s offers platters with sides, buns or cornbread, meat, and dessert options. And don’t forget about sweet tea!

Start your platter with meats, and pick your poison of pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, smoked wings, smoked turkey, catfish, fried shrimp, or ribs. I am partial to the pulled pork myself, just because it is a good gauge for a BBQ restaurant’s cuisine. Their pork is tender and full of flavor, without being over-smoked, and you get a very generous portion. The smoked chicken wings are tasty too, as are the fall-off-the-bone ribs.

As part of your platter, choose from sides like mac and cheese, collards, slaw, potato salad, baked beans, banana pudding and more. There are daily rotating side specials too; one of them that I really enjoyed was the Mississippi Mud Pudding, a spin on the chocolate and peanut butter dessert, sprinkled with Oreo crumbs. Meals come with pickles too. The cornbread, which I recommend over the bun selection, is griddled, so it is crispy on the outside and soft inside – perfect.

Different regions of America focus on their own unique style of BBQ, and Moe’s is modeled after the “Alabama” style. Enter Alabama white BBQ sauce. Make sure you order a side of this mayo-based goodness. I want to put it on everything for the rest of eternity. For purists, there are also traditional sauces, like red sweet barbecue and one with an extra-spicy habanero heat.

Make the drive to Moe’s in Licking County, and stop in some of the other shops and restaurants in the downtown Granville strip; it is a great way to pass some time on a summer afternoon.

Culinary Clue: Pulled pork or brisket and a slew of sides are perfect for entertaining. If you have a large crowd headed your way, pick up a “double-wide” pack with meat and all the fixin’s to feed your crew. The leftover meat is great to top a pizza!

Have you been to Moe’s? What are your favorites sides? Let me know in the comments below.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

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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

in Food / Grandview 1 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 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

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

June 14, 2015June 15, 2015 by Caroline

Hudson 29 Review

Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink
260 Market St, New Albany, OH
www.hudson29.com
(614) 859-2900

Top Tastes:
1. Pan Seared Scallops
2. Pineapple Upside Down Cake Donuts
3. Hudson Roll
4. Wine Country Board
5. Bourbon & Honey

It’s no secret that I have a love affair with all things Cameron Mitchell, so I’ve been eager to try one of the restaurant group’s newest offerings, Hudson 29. This brand-new, beautiful brick structure is located in the heart of downtown New Albany, and my inaugural visit was exactly as memorable as I hoped.

When it comes to appetizers, Hudson 29 has no shortage of options. The Wine Country Board is great to share, a platter filled with salty Marcona almonds, cheeses, meats, crostini, and mango chutney. The sushi selections are also an excellent choice for the table. The Hudson Roll with, apple, mango, shrimp, tuna, and avocado, was a group favorite, but the King Kong (warm spicy scallops, crab, avocado, cucumber) and Surf and Turf (filet mignon, tempura shrimp, cream cheese, scallion) rolls are good bets too.

The Pan Seared Scallops entree was mouthwatering. This dish features roasted beets, avocado, hearts of palm, Campari- marinated tomatoes, golden balsamic vinaigrette, fresh greens, and the star: flawlessly seared scallops.Don’t let the long list of ingredients deter you, they all pair together perfectly. Next time, I’ll be in after the Rigatoni Bolognese or the Slow Roasted Prime Rib.

Save room for dessert too! The piping hot Pineapple Upside Down Cake donuts were so good, I wish I’d had an order to myself. The peach parfait, layers of frosting, peaches, and cake was absolutely craveable, and I was envious watching Texas Sheet cake come out of the kitchen too.

Like its Cameron Mitchell brethren, this eatery has a superb cocktail list. My pick was the Bourbon & Honey, Woodford Reserve expertly blended with honey and fresh grapefruit juice; however, I was torn between ordering the draught wine and the blood orange margarita as well. Hudson 29 is exactly what New Albany cuisine has needed – give it a try!

Culinary Clue: As you may be able to tell from the scallops photograph, the salad portions are enormous (not that there’s anything wrong with that)! When ordering the delicious roasted chicken or house salads, split it with a friend or you may need to take some home for tomorrow’s lunch.

Keep Connected,

Caroline

This review focuses on the New Albany location of Hudson 29. Visit the Upper Arlington location as well – it is equally wonderful! Find them at 1600 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington.

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