Archive for the ‘restaurants’ Category

I Like Alana’s A Lot

Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 19, 2007

Alanas

Alana’s (Food and Wine)
2333 North High Street
614 294 6783

When the local media list the best restaurants in Columbus we always see Handke’s, The Refectory, M and the most recent flavor of the week. A name often falling off the radar is a restaurant that has equal pedigree – Alana’s. Since opening in 1999 it has built a great reputation with local gourmets, gourmands, gastronauts, foodies, and others that have a passion for food.

Alana Shock seems to be an artist at heart and this is reflected in the creativity of the cuisine and in the décor of her restaurant. While her background does include art – it also includes experience as a chef for Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans.

Alana’s is housed in an old house just north of the University District. The outdoor patio is busy in the summertime although the view of COTA buses passing by may be less than ideal. The inside is brightly colored and features art from local artists on display for sale. A small, comfortable wine bar is located in the back. The servers are professionals who care about the food and the service they provide. The atmosphere is informal but you can expect the extras you would find in a fine dining establishment. Diners can usually expect to see Alana popping out of the kitchen to check on guests and she will sometimes offer a small taste of what she is working on.

I wish I could list some suggested dishes however the menu changes constantly since the focus is on fresh seasonal ingredients that are locally obtained when possible. These are the things you can expect everytime: a choice of exceptional soups; new and innovative cocktails; an impressive wine list; an array of tempting selections on the cheese plate (from Curds and Whey) and several entrees that will make it hard to choose just one. Desserts are always exceptional and when paired with ice cream – expect it from Jeni’s. There are always plenty of vegetarian and vegan offerings as well as mouth watering meats for carnivores.

For the sake of example here are a couple selections from a recent menu:

Roasted Ruby Beets and Watercress with a Baklava of Feta, Pistachios and Cashew Drizzled with Fig Balsamic

Duck Breast with Kabocha Pumpkin Polenta, Collard Greens and a Bing Cherry Demi Glase

For fun and education – Alana’s offers Degustation Dining . Before you freak out – this is just a fancy term for a sampling menu. Typically, this is presented as several small presentations of favorite dishes paired with specific wines. If this sounds interesting call ahead and see what Alana has in mind.

Alana’s is not cheap, two people can expect to pay about $80 to $100 or more if you pick an expensive wine but it is worth it.

Alana's parking

Posted in restaurant reviews, restaurants, Vegetarian Friendly, wine | Tagged: Alana's | 4 Comments »

Hot Soups for the Cold Days

Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 11, 2007

It is so #@*^%*ing COLD! I am sick of this hemisphere. The Gourmand has been roaming around Columbus eating… I mean researching. Here are some soup suggestions that will keep you warm until the thaw.

Chile Verde Icy window

GREEN CHILE STEW

Chile Verde Cafe
4852 Sawmill Rd

Carriage Place Shopping Center / Sawmill and Bethel
614.442.6630

The Green Chili Stew is one of the best items I have had in the last month. It is a mix of sirloin, round cut carrots, potatoes, green chiles, and jalapenos topped with cheese. The stew has a real kick, I loved it.

WEDDING SOUP

Cafe del Mondo
1885 W. 5 th Ave.
Marble Cliff (about 3/4 mile west of Grandview Ave)
614.488.1885

My Italian heritaged friends complain about the lack of real wedding soup in Columbus. Cafe del Mondo is very serious about supplying authentic Italian ingredients and this focus shines through in their wedding soup. This is the type of soup you would expect someone’s grandma from Youngstown to throw together. It has homemade mini meatballs swimming in a perfect chicken broth. The cafe was picked as one of the best restaurants in the recent issue of Columbus Monthly.

SOUPS OF THE DAY

Whole World Natural Restaurant
3269 N. High St
Clintonville

614.268.5751

Service and specials can be hit or miss here. The dreadlocked, ultra alternative, tortured artist staff can have a very hippy approach to everything here but they always offer 4-6 soups that vary from good to excellent. Soups change daily.

And if you are or have a vegan or vegetarian in your life, you need to know about the Happy Cow website – here is the review of Whole World.

Happy Cow reviews

Posted in restaurants, Vegetarian Friendly | 1 Comment »

DaVinci…Cold – Devine DaVinci Gelato

Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 3, 2007

Caffe DaVinci

3080 Tremont Road

Upper Arlington, OH

614 459 9945

Hours:

10:30 – 9:00 Monday – Thursday; 10:30 – 10:00 Friday and Saturday

I found true gelato in an unexpected place. When my mom mentioned that there was a new restaurant serving gelato, I was skeptical. This is real deal. Caffe DaVinci has a seperate section of the restaurant that is set up as an little gelato shop. They use a real Italian gelato machine and make it fresh in house. And, this is key, they also use a the correct type of refrigerated cooling case for the gelato. The trick to real gelato is to minimize the air that gets into the gelato and to regulate the temperature. Caffe DaVinci has balanced the art and the science needed to offer uncompromising gelato. They serve up eight to 10 authentic Italian flavors such as limone and stracciatella.

I have eaten gelato in Italy as well as two of the best places in the US – (Cafe Gelato in Newark, Delaware and Divino Gelato Cafe in Waukesha, Wisconsin – confirmed by my collegues Shannon Jackson Arnold and Michael McGarry). DaVinci gelato is worth ranking up at the top.

So what the heck is the difference between gelato and ice cream? Gelato has no air added in while it is being made (some cheap commercial ice creams are up to 50% air). Gelato is usually made with more egg yolks and milk but less cream. It usually has less fat (less than 10%) than ice cream (more than 10%) and is very dense. Gelato is also served at a higher temperature than most ice cream. Since temperature effects taste (at least in my opinion) a scoop of gelato often provides a better taste and initial mouth feel. When having an ice cream cone this is a state that I refer as “letting the ice cream sweat”. When I have ice cream, I usally wait to until it just starts to melt a little bit (dripping is like sweat) before I take that first lick which allows the tongue to taste the flavor more and the cold less.

A quick note about Caffe DaVinci itself. The DaVinci name is well known in Columbus and has been associated with several restaurants. They always deliver good food and use authentic recipes. At the caffe – you place your order at the counter and it is brought to you later. However, the caffe has really bad Feng Shui: the layout does not allow for a good flow of customers, the seating is cramped and the dining area is very loud – so not the best dining experience but a good carry out option. Also, I am intrigued by the personal (six inch) chicago style deep dish meatball pizza on the menu – I do plan to head back to try that out – after I have some gelato.

Posted in gelato, ice cream, restaurants | 1 Comment »

Very Sad News …

Posted by CMH Gourmand on January 11, 2007

Jorge Michalowski – Owner of Spain Restaurant passed away this week. This is very sad. I spoke with him several times and I was always impressed with the personal attention he gave each customer.

(Post Posting)

I dropped in at Spain for lunch on 02/09/06. My favorite waiter was there so we had a chance to talk. The restaurant is still plugging on and working hard to sell the dance / nightclub aspect of the bar to the Latino community. All of the regulars ask about Jorge’s family. (See the next comment for that answer)
I really enjoy having lunch here during the week – it is a treat – so I am going to try to go once per month to show my support for the little restaurant that can.

Posted in restaurants | 3 Comments »

Villa Nova – Home of the BIG Beer

Posted by CMH Gourmand on December 28, 2006

Villa Nova

5545 N High St.

Columbus, 43214

(614) 846-5777

Villa Nova is about 1/3 bar and 2/3 restaurant. As you walk through the door – you can turn left for some reasonably priced Italian fare or right for the Bar. If it is Monday to Friday between 4 PM and 7 PM – turn right – and try to find a spot in one of the best value Happy Hours in town.

Villa Nova is Home of the BIG Beer.

One regular refers to these as BABS – BigAssBeerS

I grew up near Villa Nova – but I did not discover or appreciate the bar side until 2001. I was smitten by the good deals. In 2002, I did 15 Friday Happy Hours in a row. Back then, the only downside I could see was the aroma of ashtray that would permeate into my pores after 10 minutes inside – but that was resolved by the smoking ban. (With no effect on the business.) Today – the only downside I see is wanting to eat more free food that I should.

First, let’s start with the big beer – $3 gives you a 1 liter frosted mug of Hoster’s Gold Top, $2.50 serves up a lesser beer – like Killians. We are talking 33 ounces of bliss. But wait – there is MORE. Happy Hour features FREE FOOD – a 3-4 foot sub, wings, popcorn, and pizza. On Fridays – you can expect a cheese tray and usually other miscellaneous goodies that do not appear on the regular menu such as taquitos as well as other fried foods. But wait there’s more – on alternate Fridays – the best bar crew in town is on duty – Kelli, James and (barback) Angel. They ROCK.

The crowd is about 80% regulars with a hardcore group of “more senior” patrons hitting the food hard from 4:00 to about 6:00 PM. The bar has some character and is frequented by some characters as well. However – anyone can fit in here and after a beer or two you will feel at home. It is worth the effort to get there early to stake out some space and a chair – because it gets crowded quickly. Another thing to watch out for – after two Big Beers, something clicks in your head that says a third big beer is a great idea (DON’T DO IT!!!!). The next thing you know multiple Washington Apples and shots of Uzo seem like good ideas too.

As a side note – the restaurant was one of my favorites growing up. Villa Nova has some good specials. On Sunday there is usually an All You Can Eat Perch Special (I am allergic to Fish, but my friends like it a lot) and a Spagetti Special that includes soup, salad, breadsticks, ice cream, and pasta topped with a meatball and Italian sausage for about $7.

And in 2004, this was the starting line of my Clintonville Pub Crawl – 12 hours, 13 bars and a long walk home… but that is another story.

Posted in bar, restaurants | Leave a Comment »

My Christmas Story – China Dynasty

Posted by CMH Gourmand on December 21, 2006

It took several years of pitched leftovers and too much work for too little return to talk my mom into going out for Chinese for X-mas or X-mas Eve (we mix it up). We have been going to China Dynasty for the last three years. This year we went on X-mas day. It is always crowded and has a good number of upscale families dining in their Sunday best – but no need for that – just a reservation is needed – jeans will do. The Buffet is well stocked. (Update: this year the buffet suffered from poor placement of the buffet tables right in the busy aisle that is the byway for servers with food, patrons hitting the buffet, customers picking up take out, and people waiting for a table.) This was my favorite Chinese restaurant growing up and always a safe bet for a large group.

China Dynasty

Posted in restaurants | Leave a Comment »

Wine Bar @ Worthington La Chatelaine

Posted by CMH Gourmand on December 13, 2006

La Chatelaine French Bakery & Cafe
627 High St
Worthington

614.848.6711

La Chatelaine Web site

I drive by La Chatelaine on my way home from work. It was just a place that blurs in with other places on High Street – I know it’s there but it just blends in the background and I forget about it. But one day, I saw a sign –

It stuck in my mind, registered… and I let it kick around for months. At the beginning of December after a nice meal at Old Bag of Nails, I dropped into La Chatelaine at 6:50 PM, to take a peek. I was still there 2 hours later.

It was a slow night. Val Wielezynski, the owner, noticed my friend and I poking around and invited us to take a seat and sample a beer he liked. Then, he asked us to sample a great raspberry beer. Then we ordered a couple beers and spent the next two hours talking with Val about the wine bar, his family’s long route to Columbus via Belgium, France, Africa, Texas, Colorado, Cleveland, etc.; philosophy, American culture, and so many other things. It is a rare thing now to have that “neighborhood/neighbor” connection with a business and that is what Val is aiming for.

I think he hit it.

For 2007, the plan is a monthly wine tasting – focusing on a region of France and the wines that are produced there. Mix in some history, some culture, and some cheese for good measure. Should be a good time. I am going to make a point to drop in.

Posted in bakery, restaurants, wine | Leave a Comment »

Nancy’s Home Cooking – Clintonville Landmark

Posted by CMH Gourmand on December 5, 2006

Nancy’s Home Cooking
3133 N. High Street
Columbus, OH
265-9012

(In February 2020 it was announced that Nancy’s was closing in Clintonville to move to a downtown space).

Nancy's

There is no menu at Nancy’s. If you ask for one, you will be giving yourself away as a rookie. Most of the breakfast menu is painted on the wall. Also – there is no Nancy – she was the owner decades ago. This diner is located in Clintonville, the heart of Columbus. It is painted Scarlet and Gray to support the Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes. The place is often packed with students and OSU athletes. This is a diner of the stars, where the elite and not so elite of Columbus dine. The brick walls are lined with signed photos of OSU sports heroes, Bobby Rahal, and other local notables.

Ask about “the Tribe” (Cleveland Indians) or Pittsburgh Steelers, if you want to get in good with Ed, the master of the breakfast grill. If you want the approval of matron of lunch, owner Cindy King, clean your plate (vegetables optional) and answer to “honey”. She has been ladling out food and commentary for over twenty years. She asks her regulars about their wives and lives. Wear OSU attire and act like a student for the possibility of discounted prices. After you have a few visits under your belt, try pouring your own beverage or sharing the table by the cash register with someone you do not know. Nancy’s is smoke-free, even the grill (mostly) since a remodeling prompted by a fire.

The breakfast fare consists of: pancakes, eggs, omelets, French Toast, bacon, sausage, toast (white, wheat, rye, and raisin), a sausage sandwich, home fries with or without chunky sausage filled gravy which is only available on the weekends (get it on the side,) and more. Something to build up to is the Garbage Omelets. For the “lite”-hearted, beware; all items are prepared on the same small grill with liberal use of grease and plenty of butter.

Lunch/dinner consists of mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and the main course, which is typically: Monday Chicken and Noodles, Tuesday/chicken breast, Wednesday/meatloaf, Thursday/Chicken and Noodles, and Friday/whatever Cindy chooses. For most meals there is second offering as well, such as a hamburger, grilled cheese, or bean soup with corn bread. Dinner is not always offered on Friday. Chicken and Noodles is a local institution and it is not uncommon to run out on Thursday evenings, so get there early. And expect lines drifting outside the door – the place seats about 30 and there are plenty of carry out orders coming in and out at lunch time for nearby offices as well as cops and firefighters.

Chicken and Noodles

Nancy’s is about community. People speak to each other here, even strangers. Homeless people and those on a limited income receive special treatment. There are a few special neighbors that Cindy watches out for with a free meal or a warm word. The 1998 Zagat Survey voted Nancy’s the best value in Ohio. It is always listed as a local favorite in newspapers, magazines, and elsewhere.

This is not fine dining – but food is secondary here – tradition and community are the main course – the food is a side dish.

Posted in Clintonville, CLOSED, Diners, restaurants | 2 Comments »

Spain Restaurant

Posted by CMH Gourmand on November 7, 2006

Spain Restaurant
Spain Restaurant link

(Note. The location in this post closed and a new location opened in 2011)
76 Powell Rd (High St. / SR 23 and Powell Road)
Lewis Center, OH 43035
(740) 548-6900

When I am at Spain, I am afraid it will be my last time. It is rarely busy even on some weekend evenings. The location – inside a Best Western Hotel, within a suburban strip that is tricky to navigate, which is in a part of town, that is no longer “hot”. The restaurant business is usually about location and such is not the case here.

Basically, patrons fall into two categories –loyal regulars who love the place and mildly surprised hotel guests that are shocked to find a restaurant like this next to the reception desk (and once they walk through the door are a bit disoriented when they were expecting a cafeteria style meal or lukewarm hamburger).

The same 3-4 servers are there every time I am. These guys are true professionals – dressed in tuxedos and maintaining playful formality. The restaurant is semi upscale in décor and adornments but the atmosphere is very informal – patrons are often in jean or shorts and you can see hotel patrons flocking to the pool as you look out the interior windows of Spain. Service is top notch – you will see some theatrics when your sangria is served and never expect an empty water glass. The server may practically taunt you into getting dessert. For a touch of Spanish character – there is a mural of a matador on the wall.

The menu features the flavors of Spain – several types of Paellas as well as steaks, seafood, veal and chicken dishes with Spanish flavors and aromas. The paellas are an exceptional value and for most people one dish can easily feed a party of two (which Spain will do for a slight surcharge). The menu also includes authentic Tapas, homemade Sangria and exceptional desserts, including one of the best flans, I have ever had. The extensive wine list features many Spanish wines (which are now coming into style). All meals (lunch and diner) are served with fresh rolls with whipped butter and the soup of the day. Dinners are also served with a side of vegetables and thinly sliced potatoes. For your first visit – order a paella. I also suggest the Salmon Relleno – a filet of salmon stuffed with crab, scallops, and shrimp. Lunch is an incredible deal. The menu is more limited but the prices are great – nothing over $10.95, including the paella.

Paella 101

Paella is a typical Spanish dish. It is named for the paellera – a round flat pan with two handles – that the meal is cooked in. At Spain the dish is 13 inches wide and 5 inches deep.

At Spain the Paella includes a bed of saffron rice cooked with onions, bell peppers, olive oil, garlic, sea salt and a few peas. Added to this are mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops and langostinos (Spanish for prawns). This version is called Paella Marinera. Spain then adds Spanish Chorizo (spicy sausage) and chicken for the combination known as Paella Valenciana.

[paella]

Churrascaria – Brazillian Stye Grill (No Chupacapra here)

If we eat there more often and ask frequently – maybe this will come back!

Churrascaria is a Brazilian style of cooking and serving skewered meat. Spain did this on Friday and Saturday evenings for quite a while but stopped in October 2006 due to low turn out. The meats included – pork sausage, roast pork loin, both breast and boneless leg of chicken, lamb, NY strip and top sirloin. Cost was $21.95. It was fun. I would love to see this come back. Let’s make this happen.

Another Surprise – Spain Night Club?

Spain also has a separate, enclosed bar that offers salsa, bachata and merenge for local latin dance lovers.

Sad postscript – Owner Jorge Michalowski passed away in January 2007.

Posted in Columbus, restaurant reviews, restaurants | 5 Comments »

Starliner Diner – nothing finer…..

Posted by CMH Gourmand on November 2, 2006

Starliner Diner
5240 Cemetery Road
Hilliard, Ohio 43206

614.529.1198

Starliner Diner Link
Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday • Saturday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Sunday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Monday
Closed

I hate driving to Hilliard, I only do so from one reason – Starliner Diner. I never get tired of the menu. For most of us there is no quick or easy way to make a journey there, unless you live in Hilliard or just love to drive. From central Columbus, one must travel over the river and through the strip malls, and still drive a bit more, before arriving. The journey is a taste of suburbia and urban sprawl but the destination is worth the effort.

The genesis of the Starliner Diner began when Jerry Burgos – rocketed away from The Galaxy Cafe (my favorite restaurant of all time – gone for many years now). For years, people debated whether Starliner Diner or The Galaxy was better. The answer is they were both equals – the influences, attitude, and atmosphere were so similar but had enough subtle differences to give each an identity of their own. The food is a fusion of Cuban/Tex-Mex/diner cooking styles. The Starliner features eclectic furnishing, mismatched tableware, a space themed mural on the wall, and assorted flea marketesque everything else. Since this is South of the Border fare, the sounds of Spanish coming from the kitchen gives me a good feeling. The serving staff is a mix of young and middle-aged folks, as are the patrons.

I have enjoyed anything ever served for breakfast here. The Huevos Rancheros and Breakfast Burritos are among the best in the Columbus metropolitan area. Several breakfast specials are offered which vary by the day. These specials are so good; I have been prevented from fully exploring other items on the regular breakfast menu. The Crabcakes are my favorite breakfast special – two crabcakes swimming in black beans, covered by two poached eggs, with red salsa on one cake and green on the other. The sweet potato omelet is a close second.

(above – sweet potato omelet, with homefries and cuban toast)

An array of appetizers helps pass the time while you struggle and ponder on which main course to get. The Quesadillas are a personal favorite and the Sweet Potato Tamales are worth a taste, if just to support this unappreciated tuber.

The dinner selections include pizzas, pastas, and large plates of food in various combinations. The Media Noche – a traditional Cuban sandwich, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard on a grilled bun is a safe introduction to Cuban cuisine. For something more traditional the Cuban Style Roast Chicken, seems to please the meek of palate. The pizza and pasta category choices include – Cheeseless Veggie Pizza , Chicken BBQ pizza and one of my favorites pasta dishes, Vegetable Caliente – Mixed vegetables, smoked chipotle cream sauce tossed with spinach fettuccini. There is something for everyone (from conservative redneck to liberal culinary snob) on the menu. You will also find exceptional plantains as an appetizer or as a side with some dishes.

The Starliner is the type of place, which people could drive by, or even take a quick peek at then decide to head down the road for a more familiar meal. However, once someone makes it through the door, they are hooked.

Posted in breakfast, Diners, restaurant reviews, restaurants, Vegetarian Friendly | Tagged: Starliner Diner | 4 Comments »

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