I WENT BACK TO OHIO…

–Marcee Rondan, 2013

Courtesy of Rock On The Range 2011

Since it debuted in 2007, MSO has represented ROCK ON THE RANGE, America’s premier destination rock festival.  In that time, we’ve explored Columbus’ evolving restaurant scene and distinct neighborhoods.  Fortunately, 614 (http://614columbus.com/home/) magazine’s annual restaurant issue is timed to our May visits.

Neighborhoods and some favorite places:

Arena district: The Flatiron (http://flatironcolumbus.com/):  We came here on our first Columbus trip and it’s still a favorite.  Recommended dish: the Sweet & Hot Fries (Balsamic Vinegar, Red Pepper Flakes & Vermont White Cheddar).  North Market (http://www.northmarket.com/):  Columbus’ only public market, established in 1876, self-described as “We are butchers, bakers and candy makers. We are fishmongers, greengrocers and restaurateurs.”  A few key must-haves:  Praline Bacon Scone at Omega Artisan Baking (http://www.omegaartisanbaking.com/); Ginger Lemonade from Flavors of India; Pure Imagination Chocolatier’s Lemon, Lavender and Vanilla Truffle; and, of course, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (more about that later).

German Village:  Take a trip to the old country and the quaint cobblestone streets that make up this neighborhood.  Enjoy traditional German fare at Schmidt’s Restaurant and Banquet Haus (http://www.schmidthaus.com/).  Make sure to save room for the jumbo cream puff.  The German Village Coffee Shop (http://www.gvcoffeeshop.com/) is also a good old school establishment.

Short North:  Knead (http://www.kneadonhigh.com/), this modern diner supports local and sustainable agriculture and hands down offers one of the best meals in Columbus.  We came here to sample the “Mother Clucker” chicken sandwich, but we’ll come back every time for the homemade fennel ketchup; Tasi Cafe’s (http://www.tasicafe.com/) Buttermilk Pancakes with Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Pure Maple Syrup makes for a great breakfast.

Olde Towne East:  The Angry Baker’s (http://www.theangrybakerote.com/) French Toast Sandwich (Ham, Swiss, and Maple on Brioche French Toast) or Baked Eggs (Eggs, Spinach, Brioche, and Parmesan baked together) are both terrific.  Pick up one of their amazing pastries for the plane ride home.

Italian in Columbus?:  It only took us six years to find a great Italian restaurant:  Morettis of Arlington (http://morettisofarlington.com/):  Start with the Italian wedge  salad (Iceberg, crispy bacon, cranberries, onions, walnuts, parmesan, roasted garlic buttermilk ranch dressing) and then opt for one of the house made pastas, which can be ordered in a small plate version.

Off-the beaten path chains:

First Watch (http://www.firstwatch.com/):  Eight locations in Columbus.  On our first stop here, couldn’t make a decision between the Banana/Granola Crunch or Bacon and Cheddar Pancakes.  Somehow, despite ordering the bacon pancakes, I ended up with the banana ones and only minutes later the others appeared with an apology from the chef.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (http://www.jenis.com/): splendid really is the only word.  We discovered Jeni’s when the now-shuttered Burgundy Room used the Queen City Cayenne (Velvety, rich, mellow milk chocolate; bright, zippy, back-of-the-throat spice makes for a complex, tingly finish) in one of their desserts. We then found out Jeni’s was a chain (various locations throughout Columbus, but the Dublin location is my fav and two shops in Nashville) and I was quickly convinced the Goat Cheese with Red Cherries is the best flavor.  Unless, of course, you’re in the mood for a modern ice cream sandwich, in which case, the Salty Caramel With Smoked Almonds (Salty Caramel ice cream–Jeni’s flagship flavor–bedazzled with chopped smoked almonds between golden almond macaroons) is the right choice.  Never fear, if you don’t make it to Columbus, you can check locally for stores that stock Jeni’s (http://www.jenis.com/where-to-buy/).  No visit to Columbus is complete without a few visits to Jeni’s…

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