I've been lazy and slack...for that I apologise. I truly have just been so busy enjoying some incredible food. In the next few days I will be posting frequently. My girlfriend and I have made it a priority of ours to taste the best and share it with you.
Lomonico's, a traditional Italian-American eatery with 2 spots, a Pickerington (suburb) and Downtown location which has just opened last week. I will be a regular. One thing I love is that when a restaurant opens and you see it in it's infancy you develop an appreciation for all those in the food and beverage industry. It's like a baby or dog, you watch it grow, mature, find what works (and doesn't). This will be my first restaurant I think ever in which I can "watch it grow into it's own".
The staff was so incredibly friendly. I'm simple, sit at the bar, talk with the staff, enjoy my food and drink and leave. They made it a priority to converse and engage with me in a way that felt sincere. Always appreciate this. I also loved how passionate they were about their quality. It was a Friday night around 7pm, jam-packed. I must've watched the quality assurance manager send back 3-4 dishes back to the chefs because they weren't to his standard. I love that he cared so deeply for his brand and craft.
I started with asking what their specialties, favorites on the menu and recommendations as I always do. Meatballs, Rice Balls, Salads and Pizza were their instant suggestions. I got everything but the rice balls out of pure stuffed-ness. Meatballs were the way they should be, simple, good meat, a little parmesan and a little marinara. Fantastic way to start with a little something to get things started.
What happened next blew my mind. I've recently got into a salad binge and their House Salad takes the cake. Corn, Hard-Boiled Egg, Shredded Cheddar, Leafy Romaine, Tomatoes and an amazing vinagriette. Something of a sweet tangy Italian that lended itself closer to the sweet side. The flavor combinations were off the charts and the barteneders were laughing in congruence with me as I raved.
The pizza...woodfired, watching the chef toss the dough, spread the sauce and topping and then checking the flame to ensure it was perfect is a sight. I love that it's not a cookie cutter pizza. Cooking is an art form. Pizza shouldn't be a perfect circle, there shouldn't be a fixed amount of cheese, there shouldn't be a set amount of pepperoni for each pizza. You can tell they care, they do it the right way. It was a chewy, soft dough with equal parts cheese, sauce and topping that created a perfect balance. Columbus has a lot of great food and a lot of great pizza. Theirs definitely meets the standard.
I conclude you will not be disappointed one bit if you frequent this hotspot. Very happy with my visit and thrilled Lomonico's is a part of the neighborhood. I so very much look forward to trip #2. Can't beat their Moscow Mule neither!!
Thanks for reading,
Cameron
Monday, November 9, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Skillet
Memphis - Barbecue, St. Louis - Barbecue, Nashville - Hot Chicken. Some cities are known almost exclusively for a dish, restaurant, type of cuisine. I believe Columbus should be known for it's Brunch. Some of the best breakfast's I've had have been in this city. I do recommend getting there early becuase some spots can have a ridiculous wait.
I'll definitely be posting more about brunches in future posts but for now let's start with a staple, Skillet. I've been told that during the summer there are times when you can see the wait line before you even know there is a restaurant. Located in German Village inside one of the more intimate seating arragements I've come across this place has been serving up some truly amazing meals. I got there at 9:00 on a sunday and think everyone must'v been hungover. By the time I got out of there around 9:45 people were forming a line outside in 10 degree Fahrenheit weather. Crazy Folks. There couldn't have been more than 30 seats in the restaurant and it helps make for a great experience.
You get a great sense of how the staff works together to make it work. Seeing the Chef's in the back talk with servers and prepare is awesome. I ordered the Biscuits and Gravy. I don't even like Biscuits and Gravy and I must say this was a great choice. The paired 2 eggs atop 2 biscuits and smothered the whole thing in delcious sausage gravy with sausage from a local farm. I love restaurants that pair with local farms and use the local, fresh ingredients. This aspect is something all the commercialized and chain restaurants have taken from us. It might not be as cheap but this is the true American Way and I believe we should get back to it.
The service and staff were great. Super welcoming and friendly. Somewhere I'll definitely frequent and make sure I'm the early bird.
I'll definitely be posting more about brunches in future posts but for now let's start with a staple, Skillet. I've been told that during the summer there are times when you can see the wait line before you even know there is a restaurant. Located in German Village inside one of the more intimate seating arragements I've come across this place has been serving up some truly amazing meals. I got there at 9:00 on a sunday and think everyone must'v been hungover. By the time I got out of there around 9:45 people were forming a line outside in 10 degree Fahrenheit weather. Crazy Folks. There couldn't have been more than 30 seats in the restaurant and it helps make for a great experience.
You get a great sense of how the staff works together to make it work. Seeing the Chef's in the back talk with servers and prepare is awesome. I ordered the Biscuits and Gravy. I don't even like Biscuits and Gravy and I must say this was a great choice. The paired 2 eggs atop 2 biscuits and smothered the whole thing in delcious sausage gravy with sausage from a local farm. I love restaurants that pair with local farms and use the local, fresh ingredients. This aspect is something all the commercialized and chain restaurants have taken from us. It might not be as cheap but this is the true American Way and I believe we should get back to it.
The service and staff were great. Super welcoming and friendly. Somewhere I'll definitely frequent and make sure I'm the early bird.
Rigsby's Kitchen
I recently moved from the South back to Ohio. I have landed in Columbus for some time and I'm really excited to explore the city and everything it has to offer.
For Valentine's Day my girlfriend and I ended up at Rigsby's Kitchen, one of the premier spots in Columbus with a great reputation for it's food and service. It was really nice to find the valet easily and not have to bear the cold for too long. First impression was poorly designed opening door made it freezing by the entrance with an irritating wind fighting it's way in and making the check in process miserable. I made the reservation a week in advance and they were quick to recognize that and seat us as quickly as possible, THANK GOD. It was jam packed and our table had me sticking out hoping not to get struck by an ongoing passer. Though a simple observation I believe they would be better off getting rid of that table!
The House Gin and Tonic was amazing and our servers were very dligent and quick to tend to any need. Our appetizers, Pork Belly and Mussels came out quick and delicious. The bread served was absolutely perfect for the mussels. I couldn't help but soak it in the au jus that came with the mussels. Simply amazing. For some reason I didn't fully enjoy the pork belly as much. It was served charred and with salsa verde and I prefer pork belly in a softer texture.
Maria ordered a beautiful Scallop dish that came with loads of vegetables. The Chef wasn't afraid to make sure our belly's were full. Her dish looked like an art piece that was carefully put together, almost one of those experiences where you don't want to mess it up because it looks so nice. I ordered the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. I'm a sucker for pasta and a good bolognese sauce. This was absolutely perfect! I was so happy with how it came out and tasted. Really nice balance of meat in the sauce to creaminess of the potato gnocchi. Definitely my favorite dish since I've been in Columbus. I look forward to going back and trying more of the food.
For Valentine's Day my girlfriend and I ended up at Rigsby's Kitchen, one of the premier spots in Columbus with a great reputation for it's food and service. It was really nice to find the valet easily and not have to bear the cold for too long. First impression was poorly designed opening door made it freezing by the entrance with an irritating wind fighting it's way in and making the check in process miserable. I made the reservation a week in advance and they were quick to recognize that and seat us as quickly as possible, THANK GOD. It was jam packed and our table had me sticking out hoping not to get struck by an ongoing passer. Though a simple observation I believe they would be better off getting rid of that table!
The House Gin and Tonic was amazing and our servers were very dligent and quick to tend to any need. Our appetizers, Pork Belly and Mussels came out quick and delicious. The bread served was absolutely perfect for the mussels. I couldn't help but soak it in the au jus that came with the mussels. Simply amazing. For some reason I didn't fully enjoy the pork belly as much. It was served charred and with salsa verde and I prefer pork belly in a softer texture.
Maria ordered a beautiful Scallop dish that came with loads of vegetables. The Chef wasn't afraid to make sure our belly's were full. Her dish looked like an art piece that was carefully put together, almost one of those experiences where you don't want to mess it up because it looks so nice. I ordered the Potato Gnocchi Bolognese. I'm a sucker for pasta and a good bolognese sauce. This was absolutely perfect! I was so happy with how it came out and tasted. Really nice balance of meat in the sauce to creaminess of the potato gnocchi. Definitely my favorite dish since I've been in Columbus. I look forward to going back and trying more of the food.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Cafe Bar Pasta
I mentioned Cafe Bar Pasta in my last post before I realized I hadn't posted my views on the restaurant. Owner Tom Bielecki is an old friend who used to come by our home in Toronto when I was younger and play basketball with us. Toronto was a spur of the moment trip with my girlfriend, Maria, and I thought I'd reach out to the restaurant and see if I could get in the door. When I called to get a reservation I never expected to ask for Tom and then realize I had already been talking to him for a few minutes! Our conversation was great and he was extremely accomodating to us and made sure we were in the door a day later.
I can't say enough about the restaurant. Chef Jay Scaife is doing absolutely amazing things in Toronto and I wouldn't surprised if he became a household name shortly. If you're interested in trying something other than your typical steak/burger/salmon then this is a place you simply must visit. Tom took my girlfriend and I under his wing for the night showing us everything from the Italia Mini (pasta maker from Italy) downstairs where they make their pasta in the mornings to the office/basketball court out back. The Chef's Table back near the kitchen is a must next time I'm in town. The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant is one of the best features. The decor is unique and personal (ask Tom for it's description!), the drinks are buzzing and the food is delicious.
We started with Sweetbreads and Chilled Octopus. The Sweetbreads were awesome. I find them typically to be served fried and these weren't and served warm with lime juice. Maria had never tried Sweetbreads and couldn't believe it was the thymus gland from a calf. The Octopus was unique. Maria and I both thought it was the perfect appetizer for the meal. They were served chilled with some citrus and with Bone Marrow in the actual bone. If you've never tried Bone Marrow or had it to complement a dish you have certainly missed out. It's one of the fine touches that can take a meal over the edge. Also it was really fun using little spoons to scoop it out onto the Octopus.
The Pasta is absolutely ridiculous. I will never call pasta anything or than an artform because my pasta and Chef Scaife's pasta are two completely different things. Maria had the Beef Cheek Ravioli and I had the Cauliflower Gnocchi. I was also tempted by the Green Eggs and Ham Carbonara on the menu. I had heard such great comments that night about it. Trust me GET THE PASTA!
Tom brought out some desserts after Maria and I were nearly ready to burst. A Blue Cheese Cheesecake and a Date Cake are much easier to eat when they are ridiculously delicious! The butterscoth glaze on the date cake was perfect. I had never even tried dates before that night.
My experience was wonderful and I look forward to returning every time I visit Toronto. Simple, elegant and delicious food. A killer combination.
I can't say enough about the restaurant. Chef Jay Scaife is doing absolutely amazing things in Toronto and I wouldn't surprised if he became a household name shortly. If you're interested in trying something other than your typical steak/burger/salmon then this is a place you simply must visit. Tom took my girlfriend and I under his wing for the night showing us everything from the Italia Mini (pasta maker from Italy) downstairs where they make their pasta in the mornings to the office/basketball court out back. The Chef's Table back near the kitchen is a must next time I'm in town. The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant is one of the best features. The decor is unique and personal (ask Tom for it's description!), the drinks are buzzing and the food is delicious.
We started with Sweetbreads and Chilled Octopus. The Sweetbreads were awesome. I find them typically to be served fried and these weren't and served warm with lime juice. Maria had never tried Sweetbreads and couldn't believe it was the thymus gland from a calf. The Octopus was unique. Maria and I both thought it was the perfect appetizer for the meal. They were served chilled with some citrus and with Bone Marrow in the actual bone. If you've never tried Bone Marrow or had it to complement a dish you have certainly missed out. It's one of the fine touches that can take a meal over the edge. Also it was really fun using little spoons to scoop it out onto the Octopus.
The Pasta is absolutely ridiculous. I will never call pasta anything or than an artform because my pasta and Chef Scaife's pasta are two completely different things. Maria had the Beef Cheek Ravioli and I had the Cauliflower Gnocchi. I was also tempted by the Green Eggs and Ham Carbonara on the menu. I had heard such great comments that night about it. Trust me GET THE PASTA!
Tom brought out some desserts after Maria and I were nearly ready to burst. A Blue Cheese Cheesecake and a Date Cake are much easier to eat when they are ridiculously delicious! The butterscoth glaze on the date cake was perfect. I had never even tried dates before that night.
My experience was wonderful and I look forward to returning every time I visit Toronto. Simple, elegant and delicious food. A killer combination.
Friday, January 23, 2015
610 Magnolia
Recently found myself in Louisville and my Dad recommended me to try out Chef Edward Lee's 610 Magnolia. I am so happy I made the trek even through the snowy night and crappy traffic. I am absolutely blessed to have a Dad that can think of a restaurant off the top of his head in nearly every major city that I must try. I compare this restaurant to two of my all time favorites, Kitchen 404 in Nashville and Cafe Bar Pasta in Toronto. The atmosphere is great and the service is second to none. I feel service in a restaurant is a clear way to discern between the contenders and pretenders, it truly is an art form. I find many places to have great food but when the service is poor, it really dampens the mood.
Absolutely loved the menu! The 4 course prix-fixe menu truly makes the whole night an experience and not just another place for dinner. I know some won't like this idea because it is uncommon nowadays but I absolutely love it and wish more places would utilise this form. Also was really happy to hear they change the menu frequently and keep everything seasonal and fresh. Hands down one of my favorite features.
I. I started with a Duck Confit Ravioli with a Foie Gras foam on top. An absolutely beautiful dish that I just didn't want to take a bite of because I didn't want to alter the appearance. At first it caught me a little off guard but the more bites you took it developed into a great starter.
II. Next was the Shrimp Bisque and King Crab with Dehydrated Pepper and Onion with Red Curry. I saw bisque and didn't even have to know what else would come with it. The spice from the red curry and firm, dehydrated texture of the pepper and onion worked perfectly with the bisque and king crab. My waiter Alec, who was excellent, recommended me this to me saying it was his favorite of the dishes and not just second courses.
III. Similar to the bisque it is becoming incresingly difficult for me to turn down a Ribeye. The 610 Magnolia version of the Ribeye is a definite winner. Though I will say I believed my steak to be slightly cooked more than my preffered medium rare it was very, very good. The perfect side was their Petite Fried Broccoli and Potato Risotto. I wish I could have these sides every night with dinners, truly delicious. The Sauce Perigordine and Perigord Truffle were perfect complements to the Steak.
IV. To finish off the meal...Cider Panna Cotta. No words are neccessay other than amazing. The Tarragon provided a minty flavor to work directly with the sweetness of the dessert. Cinnamon Meringue was again a great addition.
I had a great experience at the 610 Magnolia. I hope to try the other Edward Lee restaurant in Louisville. I will hope to be a repeat. Ricardo, the sommelier, and Alec, my server, were terrific hosts and the rest of the staff made a great effort to make my night memorable.
Absolutely loved the menu! The 4 course prix-fixe menu truly makes the whole night an experience and not just another place for dinner. I know some won't like this idea because it is uncommon nowadays but I absolutely love it and wish more places would utilise this form. Also was really happy to hear they change the menu frequently and keep everything seasonal and fresh. Hands down one of my favorite features.
I. I started with a Duck Confit Ravioli with a Foie Gras foam on top. An absolutely beautiful dish that I just didn't want to take a bite of because I didn't want to alter the appearance. At first it caught me a little off guard but the more bites you took it developed into a great starter.
II. Next was the Shrimp Bisque and King Crab with Dehydrated Pepper and Onion with Red Curry. I saw bisque and didn't even have to know what else would come with it. The spice from the red curry and firm, dehydrated texture of the pepper and onion worked perfectly with the bisque and king crab. My waiter Alec, who was excellent, recommended me this to me saying it was his favorite of the dishes and not just second courses.
III. Similar to the bisque it is becoming incresingly difficult for me to turn down a Ribeye. The 610 Magnolia version of the Ribeye is a definite winner. Though I will say I believed my steak to be slightly cooked more than my preffered medium rare it was very, very good. The perfect side was their Petite Fried Broccoli and Potato Risotto. I wish I could have these sides every night with dinners, truly delicious. The Sauce Perigordine and Perigord Truffle were perfect complements to the Steak.
IV. To finish off the meal...Cider Panna Cotta. No words are neccessay other than amazing. The Tarragon provided a minty flavor to work directly with the sweetness of the dessert. Cinnamon Meringue was again a great addition.
I had a great experience at the 610 Magnolia. I hope to try the other Edward Lee restaurant in Louisville. I will hope to be a repeat. Ricardo, the sommelier, and Alec, my server, were terrific hosts and the rest of the staff made a great effort to make my night memorable.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Barista Parlor
Beneath our building, Barista Parlor opened in the space called "Golden Sound". This is Nashville's best coffee hands down and the food is surprisingly on par with the coffee. The biscuits are crazy delicious. Lots of people who don't like biscuits claim them dry and firm but these defy both of those notions. They're the best biscuits I've ever had and well worth the wait. The combination of Bacon, Egg and Cheese has always been a staple and this is my favorite biscuit.
The coffee is coffee as you would think. I really like they don't serve it blistering hot so you have to wait 5 minutes to enjoy. The presentation and plating is all more than enough for me but it does always come out very good. The atmosphere really sets you up well for the rest of your day. The staff is extremely kind and receptive, the food is delicious and the coffee wakes you up nicely!
The coffee is coffee as you would think. I really like they don't serve it blistering hot so you have to wait 5 minutes to enjoy. The presentation and plating is all more than enough for me but it does always come out very good. The atmosphere really sets you up well for the rest of your day. The staff is extremely kind and receptive, the food is delicious and the coffee wakes you up nicely!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
12 South Taproom and Savarino's
Hello!
12 South Taproom and Savarino's are both located in Nashville. Been to both only once but I will be sure to frequent there again.
Savarino's is an Italian Cucina near Vanderbilt's campus with great homeade Italian food. I saw an episode of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-in's and Dives and was intrigued. My next trip to Nashville I made sure to visit.
I was greeted by the same man who hosted Guy and he treated me exactly like he did when the cameras were rolling. A wonderful, friendly atmosphere is encompassed with great food. Pizza is my comfort food. When I grew up in Toronto, getting a slice from Pizza Pizza on the corner of nearly any street still sticks out in my memories. They're pizza was fresh and delicious. The simpleness is what really stuck out to me. Nothing fancy, just plain good pizza. Their pasta was delicious also.
Bonus points for challenging me to a game of Bocce ball afterwards as well. Great food and a great place to hang out on the deck on a sunny spring day!
12 South Taproom posseses one of the best quesadillas I've ever had in my life. Again I've only been once but my brother recommended I try the Ribeye Quesadilla and it was fantastic. The bartender suggested it off the bat as well and that made my decision very easy. A little hot with diced jalapenos but a great dish nonetheless. Hummus and toasted pita chips made a smooth and great start to the meal.
Nashville has long been a hot destination for its great nightlife but the food and restaurants are quickly catching up. There is something about this city. Nashville is synonomous for cowboy hats and boots but the times are changing and there is a place for everyone to enjoy something. I prefer to call it eclectic over country!
12 South Taproom and Savarino's are both located in Nashville. Been to both only once but I will be sure to frequent there again.
Savarino's is an Italian Cucina near Vanderbilt's campus with great homeade Italian food. I saw an episode of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-in's and Dives and was intrigued. My next trip to Nashville I made sure to visit.
I was greeted by the same man who hosted Guy and he treated me exactly like he did when the cameras were rolling. A wonderful, friendly atmosphere is encompassed with great food. Pizza is my comfort food. When I grew up in Toronto, getting a slice from Pizza Pizza on the corner of nearly any street still sticks out in my memories. They're pizza was fresh and delicious. The simpleness is what really stuck out to me. Nothing fancy, just plain good pizza. Their pasta was delicious also.
Bonus points for challenging me to a game of Bocce ball afterwards as well. Great food and a great place to hang out on the deck on a sunny spring day!
12 South Taproom posseses one of the best quesadillas I've ever had in my life. Again I've only been once but my brother recommended I try the Ribeye Quesadilla and it was fantastic. The bartender suggested it off the bat as well and that made my decision very easy. A little hot with diced jalapenos but a great dish nonetheless. Hummus and toasted pita chips made a smooth and great start to the meal.
Nashville has long been a hot destination for its great nightlife but the food and restaurants are quickly catching up. There is something about this city. Nashville is synonomous for cowboy hats and boots but the times are changing and there is a place for everyone to enjoy something. I prefer to call it eclectic over country!
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