Watch this, it is worth three minutes of your life. Really, dead on perfect expose of my world. I want to be the Grizzly Bear.
Bloggers Exposed: So True It Hurts
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 30, 2012
Posted in food | Leave a Comment »
Clintonville Pizza Challenge: Sadness on Sinclair; Pizza House, Pizza Mart and the Agony of Defeat
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 27, 2012
The Outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Nerdville nine on that Monday:
The score stood zero vs. zero, with Pizza House and Pizza Mart DOA.
And then when CMH Gourmand died in his heart, and his brain did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the nerds for the Clintonville Pizza Challenge game.
The straggling two found the site in deep despair. The first nerds to arrive, wondered – why is there no pizza to share how do we know which one will be best?
They Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, what is the deal, where is Tom at
We’d put up even money, now, hoping the pizza won’t taste like dead cat.
But Rachel preceded Donna, as Andy fought back the snark,
But the situation was dire and the outcome looked dark
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For now there seemed but little chance of CMH Gourmand not having a heart attack.
But they sat in learned helplessness, unsure of what to do
Where was the Pizza? Why can’t all shops deliver, Boo, hoo, hoo
And the sauce contrarian, the much traumatized, tore the fallacies of false hope all aside;
And when the dust had lifted, and the Nerds saw what had occurred,
Both pizzas, when obtained, were abysmal, and missed the mark of mediocrity by a very long stride.
Then from one somber throat, that held back on an inappropriate remark;
I’m sorry this happened, I’ll pay for it all;
And the Gourmand, as his sat and stewed and try to understand this lark
For this concept should be so simple, no one has to take the fall.
There was confusion in the Gourmand’s manner as he stepped into his place;
There was an annoyance in Gourmand’s bearing and a blankness on his face.
And when, responding to the jeers, he lightly dialed a cell phone,
I don’t know why these both suck, but I’ll get more even if I must dine alone.
Eighteen eyes were on him as he looked at the boxes in dismay;
Nine tongues tried to explain what happened this day
The plan was unclear, they did not think to check
That the guy they thought was picking up the pizzas, knew the sequence of steps
<stopped this poetry redux continuation many stanzas short because I like my readers and don't want them to suffer more).
Oh, somewhere in this favored Ville the sun is shining bright;
The pizza is good somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere nerds are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Clintonville – both pizzas struck out.
Nothing in my life prepared me for the debacle and disappointment of the second installment of the Clintonville Pizza Challenge. In fact, my mind still reels from the event. Having run six Pizza Grand Prix‘s, other events and such, the concept of just having two pizza places compete and both tanking is outside my realm of comprehension.
Prior planning prevents piss poor pizza. And planning failed on this one. Due to a series of missteps, pizzas were ordered from Pizza House and Pizza Mart. But, no one picked them up (because this part of the plan had not been finalized and confirmed)…so they sat. When the miscue was diagnosed and the pizzas were picked up – what appears to be mediocre pizzas on both sides, lost any real hope of competition due to a lack of heat. The whole debacle was no one’s fault but it did show that the approach needed to be retooled.
I arrived late to find a lot of pizza left. None of it looked appealing. Initial reports indicated that both pizzas lost this round. I am one of those people who is perfectly happy to try a pizza pie that is lukewarm or cold, often I find that this helps me taste the individual flavors better. Trying both, I was soundly underwhelmed. Pizza Mart, I had never tried, so I had no baseline. But Pizza House, one of the standards of my youth….was not the pizza of my teenage years or even what I had back in 2011.
The consensus of the group was that both lost and neither could advance to the next bracket. The remaining pizzas, largely untouched were cold veggie pizzas – never my favorite when warm. The Pizza Mart pizza was over cooked….maybe they held it in the oven waiting for it to be picked up. There was not a good sample of Pizza House for me to try.
Looking at the semi-hungry people and wanting some redemption for at least Pizza House, I called in another order for a medium pepperoni and Sausage, a medium pesto and an Open-Faced Meatball sub and picked these up. The second round of Pizza House got a better response but still a resounding…..meh.
I don’t think these pizzas were sampled in their ideal state and the jury is so tainted by both, there is no way for these to get any consideration for the pizza challenge bracket. So at this point – I have to give up on both, call it a mis-fire and write these two off. If readers want to chime in on Pizza House and Pizza Mart please do so.
To sum up. FAIL.
The orange slices won
Some random thoughts on Pizza culture via two questions for the people following this series.
1) Thoughts on pizza delivery? Essential or a luxury?
2) Does pizza always have to be warm to be good? (People freak out when eating pizza that is not fresh out of the oven. In my experience (with the exception of Bono, Harvest Pizzeria and The Rossi) – most pizza is fine 15, 30 minutes or even an hour status post pick up.
Anyway – sorry for the whiff. Next week it is North vs. South: Hounddogs Pizza vs. Villa Nova. Stay tuned for a much better post and report on that war of the noses.
Posted in Clintonville, pizza | Tagged: Cville Pizza Challenge | 5 Comments »
Clintonville Pizza Challenge: The Battle of Graceland – Z Pizza vs. Belleria
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 20, 2012
The first pizza pair off occurred this past Nerd Night Monday at an undisclosed location in Clintonville. The Battle of Graceland pitted Z Pizza vs. Belleria Pizza.
An additional disclaimer for this series. There was a brief attempt at rational and objective judging criteria using the Kansas City BBQ Society judging guidelines as a basis for the taste off. This was a clear failure within ten seconds of suggesting this sane method of evaluation.
As my gal pal Andrea would say “what evs”.
More back story. Belleria has sixteen locations in Northeast Ohio and two franchises in Columbus – thus the prime directive of no chains is compromised. Belleria started in Youngstown in the 1950’s. Why did this place make the cut? They are still unique to Columbus and Clintonville. They deliver to the undisclosed location.
Z Pizza has locations in sixteen states, Washington DC, the Middle East, Mexico and Vietnam. Really. Z pizza is unique in central Ohio with one Clintonville location and one in the Short North. They deliver to the undisclosed location.
I can’t say the battle was hard-fought. We are so used to the value and massive bulk of Adriaticos that getting less pizza for more money was a moral and morale shock. One individual led the discussion with “I hate Z Pizza, it made me sick years ago, so it already lost.” This is the type of thing a food sociologist and enthusiast such as I must deal with. Grrrrrr.
What happened. After some trial and error and a lot of whining about having to wait to watch TV because I was still collecting data, I decided to settle the matter using a McLaughlin Report style aggressive questioning technique of the pros and cons of each pizza with each nerd. After everyone said their peace about the pieces, each person was allowed an opportunity to vote.
Belleria Notes:
“Taste Like Home”
“like the greasy thing going on”
“The best of the cheapest ingredients”
“more fart inducing” (really….this is the caliber of test subjects I am working with here).
“good spicing on the sauce”
“don’t like the spicing on the sauce”
“French Fry Pizza Rocks (also universal)
“like the cakey crust”
“has godfather / Mob qualities”
“hearty, filling – winner by weight for the price”
“reminds me of a Northeast Ohio Mom and Pop Pizza Pie Restaurant”
“spongy lusiciousness”
“tough biscuit quality – chewy, pieogiesque crust”
“the Ohio University of pizza” – under the radar and plucky
Z Pizza Notes:
“hits the flavors that the kids (hipsters) like”
“good crispness, good sear/char and crunch on crust”
“best combination and blend of flavors”
“good Tomato Taste”
“good crust (this was near universal)
“pretentious pizza”
“not memorable”
Having gathered the feedback above with tooth pulling precision I opted to do a vote.
The champion was Belleria with seven votes. Z Pizza received one.
Much like the Henry Fonda character in Twelve Angry Men, I had to respect the observations of the lone dissenter. It is difficult to compare the two pizzas because their styles are very different. Each had strong points and weak points. We thought both were over priced. Other than our resident contrarian who voted against Z Pizza years before, we all found merit in the Z Pizza crust. The French Fry pizza from Belleria is quite superior and deserves a special nod.
Next week: The Battle of Sinclair – Pizza House vs. Pizza Mart
Hoping for a bracket by next week (Hint: Roland).
Posted in Clintonville, culinary knowledge, pizza | Tagged: Nerd Night Clintonville Pizza Challenge | 4 Comments »
The Nerd Night Clintonville Pizza Challenge Begins
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 16, 2012
No score and three years ago a small band of intellectuals who met via Columbus Underground started to gather on Monday evenings to discuss very important things, test out new ideas and concepts and debate critical issues of the day. The other 97% of the evening was spent watching three episodes of Battlestar Galactica and eating Adriaticos pizza. The assortment of characters called the gathering Nerd Night. The main cast has remained the same over the past three years with the number of missed Mondays no more than six. New shows have come along and there is an occasional affair with Creole Kitchen, but for the most part, Adriaticos has been consumed every Monday night for the past three years. Dedication – absolutely.
Due to forces beyond reason, also termed as “hey guys, we are going to have another kid”, the hosts decided to quickly flee Victorian Village for larger digs in Clintonville.
We are all a bit disoriented by this change but dealing with it. We will resume Adriaticos in the future? Or maybe not. In honor of March madness and to welcome my new neighbors to Clintonville I have launched the following project to start on March 19th. Please see my copied e-mail below:
OK – here is the plan.
The NERDS will explore the world of Clintonville Pizza using the methods and style of March Madness.
Here is the line up.
Week 1 The Battle of Graceland – Z Pizza vs. Belleria Pizza
Week 2 The Battle of Sinclair – Pizza House vs. Pizza Mart
Week 3 North vs. South – Villa Nova vs. Hounddogs
Week 4 Rumble on Indianola – Dantes vs. Clintonville Pizza
Week 5 Baja Clintonville Battle – Gattos vs. Romeos
Week 6 Wholesome War – Whole World Bakery vs. Northstar
Menus are being gathered. We will need volunteers for pick up at some locations. We will also need to slightly increase the weekly donation to the pizza fund to adequately evaluate the quality of the pies.
To which I received the following replies:
Jim, you’re my hero!
Jim, you’re on my celebrity ‘bone’ list.
This is amazing. I can’t wait! So many new pizzas to try. I did always look forward to Adriatico’s. The current heavyweight gas-producing champion of the world!
So many delivery guys to terrify!!!
This challenge will get us through the rest of season two of The Walking Dead and the last episodes of Big Bang Theory.
I will report on our progress weekly. Stay tuned for the finale. The best pizza in Clintonville will then go up against Adriaticos – the winner being our choice for pizza consumption for the next three years.
Posted in culinary knowledge, culinary misadventure | 5 Comments »
Explorer’s Club: Sunday Suppers & New Voyages of Discovery
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 12, 2012
(Sorry kids – this was cancelled after about 5 weeks….it did not quite catch on)
To the best of my recollection, Lost Planet Pizza and Pasta passed away in 2000 and was repurposed as Rickys Galaxy until August of 2001. In many ways Lost Planet never fully eclipsed. The eclectic fusion pastas were the kissing cousins of the Galaxy Cafe and Starliner Diner. Starliner never went away and recipes from Lost Planet found their way into the kitchen of Betty’s with a few strands of culinary DNA remaining in a dish or two. Lost Planet had a great pizza and pasta buffet for lunch time which I would enjoy on a day off as often as possible. Several buffet runs preserved the memory of these meals for a lifetime.
When the Explorer’s Club came back into my universe this past October, I had only hoped to see a few of the Galaxy Cafe recipes return, not wanting to be greedy and hope for everything I wanted.
During a radio interview with the dynamic duo of Barnes and Studer they mentioned starting a Sunday Supper series of pizza and pastas. Pitter. Patter. Pitter. YES!
I was in Savannah during opening night. The pipes decided to burst for the second Sunday of the Series. So after waiting twelve years, nothing was going to stop me from the third edition of Sunday Supper at The Explorer’s Club.
Was it everything I hoped for and dreamed of for a dozen years. The pastas, yes and the pizzas no. However, the pizzas are still good, they just seem to be lacking something from days of yore – maybe a bit of crispness or a more madcap array of toppings. It was good. So go, I forgot to take any photos of my meal until the end.
Forgive the artistic laziness but do appreciate the art of the soft sell as I proceed to post the menu for your review.
The Explorer’s Club is holding it’s own in Merion Village and is working to be an anchor in the community. If you have a community group in the area, give them a call, they might be able to provide some meeting space in the party room. A patio is due to debut in a few weeks. A series of beer and wine dinners are in store for the third Thursday of each month.
On March 15th, there will be a Great Lakes Beer tasting with six beers, lots of appetizers and a pint glass for the cost of $15. Expect some more events and special dinners as the summer progresses.
I think the food and commitment to the community are enough to warrant an expedition to the Explorer’s Club but if you need an extra incentive – how about supporting the producers they do by eating local outside of your locality. See some of the vendors The Explorer’s Club supports listed below.
Posted in CLOSED, restaurants | Tagged: Explorers Club | Leave a Comment »
The Deepwood Dagwood for Dine Originals Week
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 8, 2012
Here is the thing. A good number of people like Deepwood. Unfortunately it seems they never show up at the same time. Well… with the exception of my lunch this past Wednesday. I arrived during what may have been a (Columbus) Alive and Crave afternoon pow-wow / retreat. Other than us, Deepwood was Deadwood. Crickets. Tumbleweeds. Spagetti western music was faintly playing in my subconscious.
I would describe Deepwood as subdued. Unlike Cheers, where everyone knows your name when you walk in the door, at Deepwood, you will receive a pleasant, faint smile and nice service. Subdued. I like it. It aids the digestion. It is relaxing.
The is Dine Originals Restaurant Week, a time for many of our local independent restaurants to shine and show off the best they can do to lure in new customers and shake things up for loyal regulars. Looking for a deal of deals, the various $10 menus are what I target. My old standby was the Pistacia Vera sampler but that has been off the rotation for the last two cycles (Anne and Spencer….think about the children, they need more than Shirred eggs).
I have always sought out the value of the Deepwood lunch but unless you work downtown and actually know where Deepwood is (that was the quiz part of the post) this special experience is limited to a few. If you are reading this early Friday morning, you still have some time to call in sick and give this menu a shot. For the rest of you who can never have this experience, allow me to share.
Here is the menu for $10.
Your choice of any of our sodas
The Deepwood-Our version of the Classic & Colossal Dagwood
Meats, Cheeses and Condiments Layered between House-Made Pepper Jack Bread, House-Made Corned Beef, Tasso Ham and Mortadella Schmear, Roasted Turkey. House-Made Mozzarella, Smoked Gouda. Roasted Tomato, Pickled Peppers, Chef’s Garden Leaf Arugula, Mustard Aioli, Red Onion Jam, Fried Olive Skewer. House-Made Potato Chips
or
Tasting of Signature Petite Sandwiches
New England Lobster Roll with Hand Cut-Fries, House-Made Pastrami with Potato Chips, Lentil Patty with Deepwood Tavern Pickled Vegetables
and
Lemon Meringue Pie
At this point regular readers of CMH Gourmand know what happened. Fearing the Sophie’s Choice of having to decide between choices for this rare lunchtime visit, I played it safe and got both.
The Verdict? Reread the menu above. The size of the description matches the quality and satifisfaction of the Deepwood Dagwood. What a good sandwich! It was easily the winner of the two choices. Exceptional cuts of meat, good flavor. The chips were incredibly good with some house made ketchup I reallocated from the French Fries. Hard to see in the photograph but the mini battered and fried olives of the skewer were really well executed. I am sure they elicit a faint, subdued smile in the backroom. If you have to choose go with the Dagwood.
The Petite Sandwiches are worth the price. Chef Brian definitely had a fun time creating both offerings but I was not as emotionally satisfied after the signature sandwiches. I will state a case for the lentil burger patty sample as better than the hallowed Northstar Veggie burger patty. Really. Serious. The fries are pretty close to perfect. Keep frying Deepwood, you do it well.
As for the pie, if by pie, one means a mini biscuit sized puff of homemade goodness on a stick….OK, but let’s call this a pie pop on the next online menu.
If you feel a little cheated after reading this, knowing that you will not have such an experience for this Dine Originals Week, then I give you this task. Go to Deepwood this month and tell the staff you would like them to serve lunch on a Saturday for the next Dine Originals Week.
If you have missed out on Deepwood, give them a shot. The beer selection, house crafted cocktails and entrees are all well executed. Maybe those that are inclined, could give up not going to Deepwood for Lent.
Posted in CLOSED, events, restaurants | Tagged: Deepwood, Dine Originals | Leave a Comment »
Behind The Counter: Feeling The Heat With Pitabilities
Posted by CMH Gourmand on March 6, 2012
As you read in the previous post, Yerba Buena was not able to make their debut at the Clintonville Celebrates Columbus Event last Saturday. Here is some back story. The day before I was sweating bullets because Carolina from Yerba Buena e-mailed me about a permitting issue that may keep them out of the game. The city and a good public servant came through and resolved the situation and saved the day. I found out the good news towards the end of the afternoon after working on several contingency plans. I was relieved.
I have worked on and coordinated several events in my day but this was extra important to me. Clintonville is my home and mobile food is my current crusade. I did not think Yerba Buena received a fair shot from a few in my community last year, so I wanted to do something to ring in the new season of mobile food with a bang. I also wanted to show two things: Clintonville does support mobile food and mobile food contributes to our community. Maple Grove Church was willing to host the trucks to supplement their tribute to Columbus history. Mozart’s in Clintonville generously provided 222 free (and very good) cupcakes. That plus little PR push and it looked like the turnout would be big. The event started at noon.
Pitabilities, Yerba Buena and Tatoheads were to report on station at 11:00. I got a call and text from Yerba Buena about 9:45 am letting me know they could not make it due to a generator issue. Considering the events of the previous day, I could only think one thing. SHIT!
I had enough time to jump on every social media platform in my media empire to get the news out and then a very quick shower before heading out the door to arrive at 10:59 am to find Tatoheads and Pitabilities on site and ready to serve. (Insert fist pump here).
I went inside to check in with the event coordinators, did a little outside set up and trotted out to see how things were ten minutes to showtime. Jim Pashovich from Pitabilities informed me that due to unexplainable and unforeseen events he was without staff at the present but he had his third guy scheduled to show up soon.
At this point lines were starting to queue up at both trucks (we were expecting three trucks to deal with the masses, not two). I could only think one thing. SHIT!
Again the purpose of the event was to knock one out of the mobile food park in Clintonville. At this point the count was looking bad, two strikes and no balls. A wiser person might have considered running but I said “Hey Jim do you want me to take a couple orders until the cavalry comes in (note, I was wearing my cowboy hat)”.
Jim was happy to get any help he could get so we went at it with 1.5 employees in a situation which normally have a full team of three. I was going in cold but with some training – Hot Dog U, Person in Charge food safety from the Health Department, a shift at O’Betty’s, 8 years of Comfest wine boothing and 2 years at Knight’s Ice Cream from 1985 to 1987. I could only think one thing. SHIT!
Luckily there was not much time to think. I think we served 65 to 70 people. Two hours later as the line was starting to die down the cavalry did arrive. We we almost out of change, out of some serving wear and an hour still to go. It took a while to get in my grove. I know I messed up two orders – one of you has my card and I did give most of your money back….I hope. As I was taking orders I had a lot on my mind…..how was the Tatoheads doing, where were our reinforcements, was there a Yerba Buena PR crisis that needed to be dealt with but no one could find the event coordinator with the cowboy hat? I had no idea if Clintonville was embracing mobile food this afternoon because we were getting slammed in the truck. Friends and family that showed up seemed to think I was working at Pitabilities for fun….oh no, but I do enjoy the work and the challenge. I was just hoping the dam would not burst. Working in tight quarters, with a deep line and people to serve requires a different state of Zen that I have not had to pull from for a while….but the fine art of dealing with one thing at a time kicked in and we pushed on.
I really felt for Jim, he was running the grill, prepping orders, calling various phone numbers to check status on our reinforcements and trying to train me all at the same time. For a business person making his Clintonville debut and who prides himself on great service and turning customer orders around in five minutes….this was a nightmare. Things were backed up. Neither of us were meeting our own expectations of what we wanted this opportunity to be. But we survived. I can’t tell you how many times we apologized to the line for the speed but it never felt like enough.
I walked off the line about 2:15 when reinforcements showed up.
Jim took a ten minute break. Then back at it until 3 pm. I’m told the event went well. I hope those that attended had fun. I promise that it will be even better next time. Daniel from Tatoheads and his crew rocked it and Daniel even come over to check on us and offer to help. I love the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation these mobile fooders have. It is a good lesson to others.
I also learned I can deal with the SHIT factor if I have Jim P. on my six (doing all the work). So at this point I can only think one thing. BRING IT!
Posted in Behind the Counter, culinary misadventure | 1 Comment »
Suerte Malo Keeps Yerba Buena from debuting in Clintonville on March 3rd
Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 28, 2012
The Yerba Buena Food Truck had planned to make it’s 2012 debut back in Clintonville on March 3rd. This community favorite from last summer hoped to join Pitabilities and Tatoheads as the Food truck contingent to help Clintonville Celebrate the Bicentennial of Columbus.
PITABILTIES AND TATOHEADS are in Clintonville from Noon to 3 PM.
Due to an unexpected generator issue Yerba Buena had to bail out at the last minute – but owner Carlos Gutierrez will be there to pass out flyers with information on their new location in Clintonville.
The event will be from Noon to 3:00 PM at Maple Grove Church at the corner of North High Street and Henderson Road. Admission is free. There will also be free goodies from Mozart’s Bakery and plenty of activities related to the history of Columbus.
More details – here
In case you missed the drama of last year, Yerba Buena almost went down as the first food truck booted out of Clintonville by a very small but very loud minority of residents. The owners Carlos and Carolina used the incident as an opportunity to open up in another section of Clintonville in need of more food options, however, news of their move did not get communicated in the community so business flagged. This year, Yerba Buena is back and looking forward to being part of the community. Please come out to show the support Clintonville and the rest of Columbus shares for these small, independent businesses that are adding spice and variety to the day to day diets of us all.
Also come see what Clintonville has to offer. For those of your ready to support The Mid Ohio Food Bank’s Operation Feed, Pitabilities is doing a mobile food drive for March. They will be collecting jars of peanut butter at the Clintonville Celebrates Columbus Event.
Gracias!
Posted in CLOSED, events | 5 Comments »
89 Fish, One Stuffed Pork Loin and a side of Disclaimer
Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 26, 2012
There are rules for food writing. There is an unwritten law for most food bloggers in Columbus. Violation of the law leads to a sideways look as well as concern and discussion about breaking the code. I follow the code within the realm of reason. A review can not be bought, bartered, traded or guilted. I say no all the time to free offers, free food and perks. On occasion, I say yes.
I will say yes to write about something I believe in or something I already like or planned to consume. In my online history I have (with a noted disclaimer) written about The Chef’s Garden, Cleveland, Rogue Root Beer and Dine Originals. At the present I have overdue debts to Sandusky and Huron Ohio as well as Pittsburgh.
In the case of 89 Fish I am breaking several of my other rules including.
“Don’t write about a place that has not been open for at least one month, ideally two.”
“Don’t write about restaurants that base their menu in fish (since I am allergic to fish).
I am a food writer (with a blog vs. a blogger that writes) that as a general rule does not write reviews. Reviews are for critics under the auspices of being objective in a field that is subjective on the best of days. My opinion has been that no one needs my help finding a bad place. I write about things I like because it is much more enjoyable and rewarding that ripping something apart.
I get offers like the one below and most often I say no.
We are excited to announce the opening of 89 Fish & Grill, conveniently located in the Arena District at 89 E. Nationwide Blvd.
Because you know what’s new in Columbus and where to find all of the good eats, we would like to cordially invite you to join us for dinner as a part of our debut into Columbus restaurant society.
89 Fish & Grill was created to offer an elegant experience in a casual atmosphere with a seasonal menu defined by the modern way of eating: fresh, local and sustainable. The seafood is flown in fresh daily and prepared with seasonal Ohio ingredients. The natural deep wood and picturesque bar has house-made specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Columbus needed a new way to experience what’s fresh and 89 offers a literal adventure into great food, without driving to the suburbs. The fish may not be local, but we are.
Here are the details:
· Join us for dinner either Tuesday, February 21 or Wednesday, February 22, 2012
· Dinner is served 5-10 p.m.
· Reserve* your table by emailing Cathlin A**** at cathlin@*******.com
· Your meal is on us (up to 2 people and $100.00 and does not include alcohol)
Your review of our restaurant and dining experience would be greatly appreciated as we are eager to celebrate this amazing gathering space and fresh food with others.
We also encourage you to join our online community. Exclusive specials will be run through check-ins on Foursquare, Twitter re-tweets and more. Please visit http://www.89fishandgrill.com.
*Must make reservations or meal will not be complimentary.
So as I said, I typically say no, but I said yes. Here is why.
The request is well written and provides some background. It asks for a review but does not expect one. It provides guidelines and asks for a reservation. It was handled very professionally and I was given a budget but no guidelines.
More importantly, as someone allergic to fish – I never rush out to a fish restaurant so it could have been years before I felt the need to check out 89 Fish. Many of the places I write about involve some type of culinary risk – but in the case of fish, I am not willing to risk my own money. My mission – find something on the menu that I could eat and would enjoy. In my experience most fish based restaurants offer a chicken dish, pasta dish and a burger and leave it at that. Did this place have the gumption to break that mold?
Two other reasons why I said yes. This is a locally owned restaurant taking a risk on downtown. Although others are again opening up shop downtown – the masses have not started to follow yet, so I have to admire a restaurant rolling the dice in this economy.
The front of the house is experienced. General Manager Mary Beth Zakany worked for Max and Erma’s in the early days (with Cameron Mitchell), then the 55 Group (with Cameron Mitchell) and them for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants for fifteen years. Chef John Beck in the back of the house worked for RJ Snappers. Owner Richard Stopper is a veteran of the 55 Group and RJ Snappers. To a large section of pre 1995 Columbus, the most important item to mention at this point is that yes – the restaurant does serve 55 salad dressing.
Other things I liked before I crossed the door. The menu features Ohio raised Chicken and Pork. Cincinnati goat cheese and a house beer crafted in Zanesville. The menu denotes Vegan, Halal, Kosher and Gluten Free selections (however Straightedge Hippy is not noted). The website is simple and music free.
Cutting to the chase. The pork loin. As described: Dried Fruit Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: Ohio pork stuffed with figs, apricots,cranberries, golden raisins and sage, sherry-bacon vinaigrette. It was perfectly cooked – just a hint of pink in the middle, tender and juicy, easy to cut but not soft texture with a combination of melt in your mouth and slight resistance to the bit at the same time. The flavor of the fruit was there when I wanted it but very muted. The potatoes were whipped in the style of my MCL memories. It was a very good dish for the $19.00 and a suitable entrée for a non fish eater. I would go back for that. So would my designated diner.
The place is new and is working out kinks. My server might have been a bit less enthusiastic and could have had a bit more knowledge on the menu. All of these things will right themselves in time. Mary Beth was a pleasure to speak with and very well versed in what the house wants to bring to the table. In the short-term, I would ask that they add more Ohio and local beers to showcase to the three hotels filled with schools of visitors surrounding 89 Fish.
Thanks for the free meal and the opportunity. I don’t mind breaking my rules for this pork loin.
89 Fish & Grill
89 E Nationwide Blvd.
Downtown / Arena District
614.586.4585
Posted in CLOSED, restaurants | Tagged: 89 Fish and Grill | 1 Comment »
Mobile Monday at St. James Tavern
Posted by CMH Gourmand on February 17, 2012
A Mobile Food experiment has been conducted at the St. James Tavern since early January. The premise: pair a $1 Mystery Beer Can special with a different Mobile Food vendor each week to break up the MEH of Monday and offer a respite from downtown rush hour gridlock. These events serve as an introduction to St. James Tavern for some (voted best bar in Columbus by Columbus Underground). It also provides a business opportunity and a new circle of customers for food trucks that have difficulty serving our CBD (Central Business District) due to arcane city of Columbus codes and zoning laws. The series began with Pitabilities and was followed by Tatoheads, Late Night Slice, Freedom A La Cart and then an encore performance of Pitabilities and Tatoheads.
Times are generally 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm or 7 pm to 10 pm. Saint James and the mobile vendors are still looking for the sweet spot for serving times that maximizes the number of people served and still allows the truck to break even or make a small profit for the night. If you live in Italian Village or want to grow mobile food in the lean times of winter, come out for a Mobile Monday to grow food choices for the core of the city.
Here is the line up for the rest of February.
February 20th – Red Hot Food Truck (a trailer, this is their debut appearance for Mobile Monday).
February 27th – Kolache Republic (serving INSIDE the SJT).
For more details and updates – check out the St. James Tavern Facebook page and follow Food Fort Columbus on Twitter – @FoodFortCMH.
It looks like the series will continue to March…..especially if you come out to support it.
Posted in CLOSED, events | Tagged: Mobile Monday | Leave a Comment »
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