Jenis Icecream

There are agents for peace working in
mysterious ways all over the world.
Take Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams as a
possible cause for the relative calm
experienced in Ireland recently. Could
it be that the Irish Republican Army
turned towards a gentler side after just
one taste of Jeni’s Irish Stout Ice
Cream? Did the cold creamy texture
take the members back to the
simplicity of childhood? Was the hint
of stout enough to remind all involved
of the joy of swilling beers at the pub
with their best mates? If you were
lucky enough to sample this special
edition flavor from Jeni’s, you no doubt
would be unable to argue against this
conclusion. While the opportunity to
try the Irish Stout Ice Cream may have
passed for now, other wildly inventive
flavors with their world changing
potential are available at any of their
five Columbus locations.

www.jenisicecreams.com

Spinelli’s Deli

To make the perfect sandwich, due
attention must be paid to flavor profiles
as well as textural profiles. Ignore one
or the other, and a sandwich is just a
sandwich, no matter how much Miracle
Whip you put on it. Thankfully at
Spinelli’s Deli, they shy away from the
Miracle Whip as well, especially on
their Jalapeño Joe sandwich, choosing
instead to slather their bread with a
Chipotle Mayo as just one part of their
flavor profile. Also included on the
sandwich is turkey, jalapeño bacon,
pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomato
and a cheddar roll. The heat from the
peppers and mayo combined with the
fresh lettuce and tomato’s provides the
perfect flavor compliment to the
textural components of the sandwich.
A firm but chewy bun, crisp lettuce and
crispy bacon ensures a sensual
explosion for your lunchtime meal.

Spinelli’s Deli
767 Neil Ave
Columbus, Oh 43215
www.spinellisdeli.com

Bettys

Hello Betty.

What’s the problem?

I haven’t got a problem, I’ve got
flavors, plural. Wanna hear?

Sure.

I ordered your Betty’s Mac and
Cheese. The house made cheese
sauce is creamy comfort to the Rotini
pasta bathed in it. Complimenting that
comfort is the slightly smoky, spicy
wonder that is the poblano pepper.
The sweetness of the corn and the bite
of the onion finish off the dish
perfectly, allowing me to walk out the
door a very happy man. Buenas
Noches.

Well you know, life can leave you
freaked and stressed, the least we can
do is give you a very good night.

Oh yes Betty, I had a very good night.

Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits
680 N High St
Columbus, Oh 43215
www.bettyscolumbus.com

Marcella’s Italian Kitchen

If honey be the nectar of the gods and
an apple the fruit of original sin, what is
to be made of Marcella’s delectable
appetizer consisting of a crostini
topped with melted Pecorino cheese,
sliced green apples and a drizzle of
truffle honey? Heavenly or devilish? A
sacrament or a sin? Rather than cast
moral aspersions, head to either
Marcella’s Italian Kitchen location to
decide for yourself.

Marcella’s Italian Kitchen
Short North
615 N. High Street
Columbus, Oh 43215

Polaris
1319 Polaris Parkway
Columbus, Oh 43240

www.marcellasristorante.com

Trattoria-Roma

There are certain flavor combinations
so perfect; almost any dish created
would surely glorify their perfect
balance. Smoked salmon, capers and
cheese comes to mind as one of these
flavor locks. Piled upon a morning
bagel, they are a well loved dish, while
Trattoria-Roma’s ravioli interpretation
is a welcome twist. Stuffed in these
pasta pockets is a combination of
smoked salmon and marscapone
cheese, sealed, boiled and tossed in a
tomato-caper cream sauce. It is
familiar in its unfamiliarity, a
combination destined to please, thanks
to its traditional balance.

Trattoria-Roma
1447 Grandview Avenue
Columbus, Oh 43212
www.trattoria-roma.com

Dirty Franks

Ever wondered what a baseball
diamond would have looked like to
Chris Sabo if he had forgotten to trot
out to third minus his trademarked Rec
Specs? Well then Dirty Franks has got
a drink for you. This prime choice from
their “slushes for lushes” section of the
menu is a Cherry slush & orange
vodka concoction. Just one sip and
you’ll understand why this beverage
was not named after the famed bullpen
“Nasty Boys.”

Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace
248 South 4th Street
Columbus, Oh 43215
www.dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

Café Instanbul

On Doner! On Chicken. On Shish and
Adana. To a restaurant where we’ll
eat till we’re full, lets dash away, dash
away all to Café Istanbul. Their pieces
of meat with tastes running deep, the
perfect treat before any coming sleep.
With succulent veggies grilled with
tomato cherry, we knew in an instant
this meal would make us merry. Just
one addition would finish it off, a
delectable carb described as rice
pilaf. We spoke not a word but went
straight to our plate, consuming each
morsel, enjoying all that we ate. Next
we then ran to our modern sleigh, fully
pleased with our meal, vowing soon to
return, others spurred by our zeal.

Café Instanbul
3983 Worth Ave.
Columbus, Oh 43219
www.cafeistanbul.com

Thurman Café

Jaeger Bombs, Jaeger Burgers, either
way you go there is bound to be a little
regret involved. The difference being
a Bomb is usually a bad idea that may
elicit some illicit behavior, the burger
available at Thurman Café in German
Village is always a good idea that will
elicit some incredible flavor. Too
messy to serve as a traditional
sandwich, this open faced patty of beef
is smothered with sautéed mushrooms
and onions topped with a house made
French onion topping. The only regret
being the nap required to sleep off this
humongous meal. Rest assured, no
hangover will be involved with this
Jaeger decision.

Thurman Café
183 Thurman Avenue
Columbus, Oh 43206
www.TheThurmanCafe.com

Oodles

Momma’s little baby loves a dumplin’,
dumplin’, momma’s little baby loves
some dumplin’ bread. There’s just
something about stuffed dough that
cultures all over the world felt
compelled to develop such their own
version of these culinary treasure
chests. For the money though, no
place concocted these pockets quite
like in Asia where their development
reached the sublime. The pouches
were developed in soups, housing
soups, steamed, fried, seared,
containing pork, seafood, chicken,
veggies, the varieties seemingly
endless. At Oodles Noodle &
Dumpling Bar, several of these
variations are featured to mouth
watering success. The only complaint
would be the choices don’t equal the
expectations of a “dumpling bar” and
their pesky use of Styrofoam.
Otherwise, momma’s little baby
enjoyed oodles of flavor.

Oodles Noodle & Dumpling Bar
765 Neil Ave
Columbus, Oh 43215
443 East Main Street
Columbus, Oh 43215
www.gooodles.com

Barrio

There are certain combinations which
are absolutely magical. Fred and
Ginger, Tinker, to Evers to Chance,
salty and sweet; these are the epitome
of perfection on the dance floor, the
baseball diamond and gastronomy.
Regrettably, some things fade with the
memory into history, others,
fortunately, are celebrated on a daily
basis in kitchens and restaurants the
world over. Barrio Tapas Restaurant
chooses to celebrate the salty and
sweet combination with a bacon
wrapped date achieving a heavenly
result as the natural sugars of a date
caramelize into a sphere of gooey pulp
contained by crisp baked bacon. As
the salty bacon and sugary date drip
into a rioja reduction, a sauce forms
necessitating a clean sweep of the
plate as taste buds dance and prayers
rise for a double play.

Barrio Tapas Restaurant
at the corner of Spring & High
Columbus, Oh 43215
www.barriotapas.com

The Burgundy Room

Pop rocks. It is an added pleasure of
textual surprise found on the small
plate treasure of fried calamari at
Burgundy Room. Like the mist burst
from a soda can or an eruption of
childhood candy, the pop from the
calamari emits a wave of flavor as the
natural juices of the squid are freed
from their deep sea home. The flavor
is immediately enhanced, the full
potential activated by a light, buttery
batter that has been fried to
perfection. The dish is complete with a
tasty chili aioli rendered superfluous by
the talented pop star.

The Burgundy Room Short North
641 N. High St. Columbus, Oh 43215
www.burgundyroom.net

Tip Top

Ah, the julep, one of the favored
beverages of the genteel southerner.
Just one sip conjures up images of
linen suits, derby hats, front porches
and rocking chairs. But what is a
sophisticated northerner living in
Columbus in search of these refined
pleasures to do? Cross the cultural
divide for the purpose of downing a
little spirited refreshment? Not while
Tip Top is serving their Bus-town
Julep. It is a whiskey drink sweetened
with Ohio maple syrup along with sweet
and sour and a splash of club soda.
The cherry garnish adds a city cool to
some southern charm.

The Bus-town Julep is served at
Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails
73 E. Gay Street
Columbus, Oh 43215
http://www.tiptopcolumbus.com/

Hound Dog's Pizza

One day I was eatin’ pizza on Smokin’
Joe’s Crust - eh
Just sittin’, diggin’ on the Hound Dog’s
scene over Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh
A chick came walkin’ through the door
That I had never seen before
At least I never saw her eatin’ Smokin’
Joe’s Crust - eh
And I started shakin’ when she
suggested the white pie to me

Her melted cheese was almost touchin’
mine on Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh
Bacon grease was runnin’ down my
chin from Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh
I could smell that garlic crust
She suggested to me, my heart went
boom
Then everybody in the room eatin’
Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh
Said “Man, be careful, that cheese is
molten on Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh”

Waah-aah Smokin’ Joe’s Crust - eh
at
Hound Dog’s Pizza
2657 N. High St
Columbus, Oh

Dirty Franks

Few things say summer like a hot dog.
Unless a drive through rural Ohio
brings you in contact with sweet corn
that bursts in your mouth like a healthy
Pop Rock. Bringing these two
summer treats together in one
concoction are the folks at Dirty
Franks. The Ohioana is a Vienna
topped dog with jalapeno-infused
sweet corn relish sprinkled with a dash
of celery salt that must have wafted by
way of Chicago on a Great Lake
breeze.

Try one at Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog
Palace
248 S. 4th Street
Columbus, Ohio
Dirtyfrankshotdogs.com

Nazareth Deli

A little spicy chicken on rice action has
been known to elicit an anticipatory
sweat and a giggle of excitement. The
first nibble will hurt a little but each
subsequent bite becomes an exercise
in pleasure. Sweet, savory, with a
touch of cinnamon, the aroma is a
siren call to bliss Odysseus himself
would have willingly succumbed. With
little hope of resistance, the best bet is
to come packed with a little protection.
Feta cheese adds another element to
savor while providing a welcome relief
to the pleasure of pain.

Allow this signature dish to become a
new food obsession at the Nazareth
Restaurant and Deli located in the
Columbus Square Plaza at the
intersection of Cleveland and 161.

Nazareth Restaurant and Deli
5663 Emporium Sq
Columbus, oh 43231

Bacon Camp

Looking to the left and right at Wild Goose Creative during an afternoon at Bacon Camp, it was not difficult to find a bunch of happy campers. There's just something about that salt cured pork that brings a smile to faces. Those joyous visages this afternoon certainly enjoyed their bacon, particularly as it was served up with a little creativity to highlight the versatility of this breakfast staple.

In no particular order of service or taste there were bacon scones, bacon pierogies, apple pie with bacon lattice work, bacon ice cream, corn chowder sprinkled with bacon, chocolate dipped strawberries rolled in bacon, bacon Bloody Marys. Serious creativity producing some serious taste adventures. Some obviously more successful than others but nothing disappointing outside of a cardiologist's approval.

Surly Girl

Even Surly Girls need comfort food. Of course, when you are surly you also make things just a little bit uncomfortable for everyone else. So it stands to reason that at Surly Girl Saloon, meatloaf, the ultimate comfort food, dispenses with the pleasantries and puts your taste buds on edge from opening bite to the last extinguishing sip of beer.

The Cajun Meatloaf is a slightly smoky, very spicy slice of loaf accompanied by an equally fiery portion of poblano mashed potatoes and corn bread stuffing, all smothered in gravy. The meal is a nostalgic trip back to a comforting dinner table with loved ones doing their best to make you uncomfortable. You may want the experience to end, but you will crave those moments of pain the instant you exit the front door.

Surly Girl Saloon
1126 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Brezel

Walking through the stands of the Clintonville Farmers' Market reveals the bounty of the Columbus area. Not just what comes directly from the land but also the products of artisan quality that overwhelm the senses during summer Saturday mornings. With countless items to sample, you are bound to find a new revelation each week. What I found this morning, hand-rolled Bavarian pretzels just might become my new favorite salty treat.

Made with love by the girls of Brezel, these pretzels are everything your mass-produced soft pretzels in the mall or movie theater are not. Firm and chewy, moist and golden, the pretzels give off a wonderfully yeasty, fresh-brewed beer aroma as you bring a bite to your mouth. They need no accompaniment other than a sprinkling of salt, though the varied flavors in addition to the original look tantalizingly good.

The full assortment can be found at www.brezelpower.com along with where the girls can be found and ordering instructions.

The Dog Joint

At The Dog Joint, the simple hot dog is being transformed into something more gourmet. Long imagined as the working man’s meal of choice, along with a beer, the perfect accompaniment to a ball game, the dogs at this Westerville shop are a long way from a meager street stand.
Perhaps in an age when heroes of the diamond are increasingly enhanced, these dogs are a natural evolution; an attempt to keep up. Unlike baseball, who views their enhancements as a mark upon the game, the fare at The Dog Joint is a welcome update on an American Classic.

The Aloha

Your choice of a honey wheat or egg bun with a hot dog smothered in bell peppers, crushed pineapple, bacon, brown sugar sauce, cinnamon, almonds….The salty and sweet blended nicely. Peppers and pineapples mimicked a relish while the almonds were a healthier take on a typical peanut accompaniment.

The Nacho Dog

Your choice of a honey wheat or egg bun with a hot dog stuffed with jalapenos then topped in more jalapeno peppers, scallions, diced tomatoes, nacho cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips…a spicy dream. The hot dog held up well under the strong flavors, the taste never getting lost under the neon orange cheese of game day nachos nor the snap muffled by the crunchy crushed tortilla chips.

The price is a little more than you’d expect to pay for a normal Hot Dog, though still well under the price of one at a game; along the lines of a value meal at fast food restaurant. The extensive menu and milkshake assortment beckon return trips to The Dog Joint

Surly Girl

Dinner at Surly Girl last night and beginning to notice a disturbing trend. Though the bar is one of my favorites in Columbus (as are Betty's and Tip Top); the food is wildly inconsistent. Case in point, I've had the Surly Girl meatloaf previously and found it to be wonderfully flavorful...slightly spicy with enough salt to bring out all the flavors of the meat. The texture a perfect density for a loaf of meat. Last night, I went with the sandwich version of the meatloaf and was not impressed. I'll give a pass on the flavor, perhaps the bread and toppings were a distraction from the taste but perfectly acceptable. But the texture...I'd say a step or two above fried mush. One of the tenants of greatness...you've got to be consistent in all you do. I can't say it was an off night either, Elise mentioned it was one of her main complaints of Surly Girl, she never knows if she'll get an enjoyable meal or not. Thankfully, the beer list ensures I'll always have an enjoyable beverage and the company we were with ensured we had a great time.