CMH Gourmand – Eating in Columbus & Ohio

I go to great lengths to avoid corporate eating – but sometimes it happens. When this does occur, one of my favorite spots is Columbus Fish Market – my favorite Cameron Mitchell Restaurant (and I am allergic to fish!).

I dropped into the Crosswoods location (the staff there are consistently great). I like to dine at the bar to avoid the wait and on occasion – to get my belly rubbed. On my last trip I discovered my best cheap food find of 2007. The Fish Market offers small plates of food at the bar – all are under $3. The downside – you can only get this deal after 4 PM (I guess to prevent me from dropping in for a cheap lunch every day). For $2.95, I had three perfectly cooked Buffalo Style Shrimp with a big clump of Blue Cheese Cole Slaw. This is the best appetizer I have had in this decade for the price.

(these were cheaper than my class of wine – a glass of Goats Do Roam)

(Buffalo Shrimp with Slaw – photo taken Batman style – Pow!)

Vegetable Fries with Chipotle Ketchup (strong on the ketchup, weak on the chipotle) were also sampled. The sauce needs some work – but the fries are fine on their own. The pre-fried vegetables are/were green beans, carrots, zucchini, red peppers and maybe a few other long style veggies, all perfectly breaded and cooked. This appetizer was well worth the price but it is a small fry compared to the Buffalo Shrimp.

An intriguing choice among the small plates was a Codwich Slider with Cheddar Cheese – I was almost willing to have an allergic reaction to try that one.  There is also an oyster special on Wednesdays – served as you like them. These small plate bar specials have been around at least 8 months, per Shawn the bartender. Better late than never for me but I feel the need to head back to make up for lost time!

Columbus Fish Market

40 Hutchinson Ave

(Crosswoods)

614.410.FISH (3474)

1245 Olentangy River Road

(Grandview)

614.291.FISH (3474)

Columbus Fish Market Web Site