CMH Gourmand – Eating in Columbus & Ohio

Wholly Joe’s – a True Taste of Chicago

Posted by CMH Gourmand on January 7, 2007

Wholly Joes
1182 E. Powell Rd.
Lewis Center, OH
(614)-430-9441

What really separates Columbus from the big league cities like Chicago? The void is not in sports teams, accents, sitcom settings, or cool city nicknames. The true difference is food. Ever hear of a Columbus style hot dog, pizza, or anything – neither have I. You can taste the differences between the food from the “big cities” and our homogenized fare. Expand your palette. You don’t have to take a road trip to visit Chicago – just head toward Polaris for a bite at Wholly Joes.

Wholly Joes has the authentic tastes of all the hot spots in the Windy City – hot dogs, Italian Beef sandwiches, Deep Dish Pizza, tamales, etc. Let’s lead off with the Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza. First thing you need to know is that its is only available evenings and weekends. Second, plan on waiting at least 30 minutes when placing your order. Third – it is the best Deep Dish Pizza you can get in Columbus. Wholly Joes uses dough made from scratch, an authentic 1951 oven (made specifically for Deep Dish Pizzas) and ingredients shipped in from Chicago to get everything just right – and – it is.

The hot dogs come from a famous Chicago hot hog maker and are served Chicago style with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, cucumber slices, a sliver of pickle, and sport peppers on a steamed poppy seed bun.

The bread comes from the famous Turano Bakery in Chicago and is showcased in the buns used for the Italian Beef Sandwiches.

Italian beef

If you want to go all out get the Wholly Joe – which is 1 1/2 times the size of the regular sandwich. An Italian beef sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, cooked in natural juices, served in a bun with a choice of extras including extra gravy, cheese, peppers, hot giardinera mix, grilled onions, and if you want, the whole sandwich can be dipped in the beef juice.

There are many other choices at Wholly Joes but one more that I must mention is the chocolate cake – moist, dense, and a customer favorite.

This eatery is located on Polaris Parkway. in the Oak Creek Shopping Center.
one mile East of U.S. Rt. 23. or two miles West of I-71.

Posted in CLOSED | 7 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

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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 »

Random Roadtrip Idea – Jungle Jim’s

Posted by CMH Gourmand on December 9, 2006

Jungle Jim’s International Market is the best food store I have ever been to. It is located in Hamilton, OH, just outside of Cincinnati.

It has entire aisles devoted to specific countries, a small movie theater that continuously shows the Jungle Jim’s story, free samples, the best cheese department anywhere, etc. If a food item exists – Jungle Jim’s probably has it. The Asian section has multiple rows. There are exotic fruits and vegetables you have only read about. So if you have a foodie to buy for or just need to mix it up – then is is a good road trip. Do an add on of a visit to the Montgomery Inn, a Cinncinnati Chili parlor, or some other Cincinnati attraction and you have a great day trip. Very much worth the trip from CMH!

Jungle Jim’s Market

Posted in markets, Ohio | 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 »

Just Pies…. Just Do It, for the Holidays

Posted by CMH Gourmand on November 23, 2006

Just Pies
Just Pies web site

Worthington
5525 N. High Street
614 888 0021
Closed Sunday and Monday

Westerville
736 – 1 Northfield Dr
614 818 9300
Closed Sunday and Monday

Just Pies, just does … pies. But what a great job they do. They have gotten the attention of Oprah and the Food Network due to their baking prowess and now ship pies all over the country. However, it is much easier to just drop in one of the stores to pick up a fresh pie. On most days you can pop in and get a wide selection of pies to select from but from mid November to Christmas plan on ordering in advance.

Pecan Pie

Just Pies makes about 40 varieties of pie with over 20 types available each day – including several very good no sugar added pies. Pies are 6, 8 and 10 inch. Some standouts are Pumpkin, Pecan, Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie and Buckeye.

Posted in bakery, Columbus, pies | Leave a Comment »

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 | 6 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 »

Basi Italia … it really is all that and more.

Posted by CMH Gourmand on October 25, 2006

Basi Italia
811 Highland St (Cross Street: Buttles Avenue)
(Victorian Village / Short North)
(614) 294-7383

Basi Italia web site
Lunch
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Tue. – Fri.

Dinner
5:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Tue. – Thurs.

5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Fri. – Sat.

closed Sunday

Basi has been a favorite of the culinary underground as well as mainstream foodies for several years. You get a feel for the philosophy of the restaurant while scouting out the menu on the web site. The layout and format of the site mirrors the feel of the restaurant – simple – yet subtlety elegant, – efficient but not frenetically paced, lots of depth in a compressed small space with many personalized touches that reflect the personalities and values of the owners.

Basi is tucked away, in an alley like street just off Buttles – but is easy to find due to the large valet parking signs which ask that you respect the parking privileges of the people that actually live in the neighborhood. No worries if you do not want to pay the $3 for valet parking – just park at the shopping center at Neil and Buttles which is a very short 2-3 minute walk away.

The place has the feel of a friend’s house. Some tables are tightly spaced and seating is at a premium – if you need to wait – it will be outside. If you have a coat or any type of extras – you will need to put them on the coat rack – there is no extra room for anything that is not a permanent part of you.

Some outdoor seating in available in warm weather – on a nice looking patio which would be the best way to experience Basi since the restaurant itself seats 26.

The style of the food and the place is simple and unpretentious with some touches of upscale without the annoyances of doing things for appearances. For instance the wine is served in stemless glasses – which may be for the practical reason of saving space as well as minimizing the danger of spilling glasses in tight quarters.

In discussing service – I have to specifically mention Katelin (sorry if I misspelled the name). She is exceptional. Let me count the ways: professional, knowledgeable, intuitive, non invasive, an air of friendliness and detachment with a dash of culinary cool. She showed up at the right times with the right things – in the right way. She let CMH Gourmand and companion sample a single pumpkin ravioli because we did not have room for three entrees. Katelin executed everything perfectly without any forced formality. She is best server I have encountered in years.

Sampled on the initial visit –

primo

grilled endive & roasted pear
gorgonzola dolce & toasted pistachio

roasted beets
arugula, goat cheese, spiced walnuts & pomegranate

secondo

rigatoni salumerie
tomato, sausage, raisins, pine nuts & fennel

centercut porkloin chop
apple sage stuffing & maple-cherry jus

Dessert

Chocolate Trufffles served with a drizzle of chocolate, a sliced strawberry and a sliced fig.

All were good. Just offering beets is a point in my book. Some of the bites of pork were a bit too salty – but it aged well as leftovers and tasted exquisite the next day.

The web site states the restaurant focuses on being “an approachable
relaxed dining experience”. Basi delivered that. It offers a nice mix of traditional and innovative cuisine. There is a special menu before 6:00, daily entree specials, and exceptional desserts, which vary by the day. Basi is worth the effort – make sure you make reservations – these are essential.

Posted in Columbus, restaurants | Leave a Comment »

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