Columbus, Ohio USA
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Restaurant Reviews
by Jan and Ralph Rosenfield
email rosenfield46@gmail.com
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HARVEY & ED'S • 698 N. High St.
July/August 2018 Issue
Taking its inspiration from classic New York delicatessens, Harvey & Ed’s (Cameron Mitchell’s newest concept restaurant) is most definitely an upscale incarnation of those culinary establishments. Just as the traditional deli generally opens with a full case of meats, fish, cheeses, and salads, so does Harvey & Ed’s. The deli cases deserve undivided attention and will be more fully explored later, but the restaurant itself was the object or our recent visits – and we were impressed.
The décor, service, lighting, staff, and the quality and variety of menu selections were top notch. Jan was especially happy to note that the bar and the bar tables were equipped with hooks to hang purses (or hats), keeping them off the floor or the back of a chair. Other notably impressive details included the merciful absence of TVs (except for two non-intrusive ones in the bar area), the environmentally friendly use of cloth napkins, paper straws, and unbleached paper cocktail napkins, and the reasonable level of background noise and music that made it possible to converse with dining companions without shouting! Even the restrooms were impressive – spotlessly clean and equipped with diaper changing stations in both the men’s and women’s rooms. These thoughtful touches do make a difference!
Also impressive were the friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency of the staff – from greeters to servers to bartenders – a testament to the training style that makes Cameron Mitchell restaurants stand out among others. Smiles and cheerful attitudes seemed to be the standard in all customer interactions. We suspect that the kitchen staff is equally attuned to providing a happy dining experience. The general atmosphere was most welcoming and greatly appreciated. We must say that such an atmosphere is not what you would find in most traditional big city deli establishments – as such, Harvey & Ed’s is a welcome departure from the classic deli experience.
As for the food, it is truly inspired – as it should be, considering that the prices seemed a bit higher than traditional deli prices. No doubt the upscale atmosphere, excellent service, and high-quality ingredients add to the value, however we were none the less taken aback at the upscale pricepoints. That said, the extensive menu offered more than we could possibly try in our two visits to date, but the items we tried were excellent, making us eager to explore the menu in full as time goes on.
Our first selection was Bubbe’s Matzo Ball soup, fairly standard, but fully satisfying. The Hot Pastrami sandwich had just the perfect blend of fat and lean on perfectly textured rye bread. We added chopped liver – highly recommended. The potato salad side was creamy and tasty, and the pickles served on the side provided the perfect contrast. We don’t recall Fried Stuffed Olives on typical deli menus, but the ones offered at Harvey & Ed’s, stuffed with lamb and served with cucumber yogurt, were a happy innovation. Zayde’s Brisket Dinner is just plain homestyle goodness, featuring tender, perfectly crusted brisket just like Grandma never made (she always burned hers!), though it was skimpy on the potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Overall, we greatly enjoyed our experiences at Harvey & Ed’s and look forward to more happy visits. We just need to think of it as a fine casual dining destination specializing in deli foods with a twist, as opposed to a classic deli.Harvey & Ed's is located at 698 N. High Street and online at www.harveyandeds.com or call 614-641-4040. Open M-F 11a to late; Sat-Sun 10a to late.
LEMONGRASS FUSION BISTRO • 641 N. High St.
May/June 2018 IssueWay too often we seem to forget our “old standbys” when it comes to dining – and Lemongrass Fusion Bistro is one of those delightful places that had fallen off our radar of late. Maybe it was the myth that you can never find a parking place in the Short North that kept us away for so long, but Jan’s brother and their 94-year-old dad urged us to put Lemongrass back on our list after they had a most satisfying lunch there recently. We took their advice and have not only enjoyed two delightful dinners at this long-standing neighborhood establishment, but we were also pleasantly surprised to have found the parking situation quite satisfactory, with a parking meter just around the corner on our first visit; we used the Pizzuti garage ($5), also just around the corner, on our next visit.
As we recalled from previous visits, the Lemongrass menu continues to offer a very wide range of options, both in the food and the pricing. At $9, our appetizer Spider Roll (soft-shell crab and cucumber) was enough for two to share and it was delicious. I think I counted about 16 other varieties of sushi rolls that were equally as enticing and enough for almost anyone to find something they would enjoy. Flavorful and healthy, these delightful rolls are reasonably priced between $4 and $10. We look forward to trying the eel and asparagus roll on our next visit!
Our dinner selections were equally rewarding. Jan was thrilled with her Pho Rice Noodles with Shrimp Wontons ($10), and her dad’s order of scallops with vegetables and fried rice, though on the expensive side at $28, was perfectly prepared and plentiful enough for two to share if you’re so inclined. We found the Spicy Avocado and Almonds roll to be unique, yummy, filling, and perfect as a light entrée, pairing crunchy and soft textures and intriguing flavors in a most unique blend. We always like to compare Pad Thai preparations, as a benchmark for comparison, at the Asian restaurants we frequent. Lemongrass’ Pad Thai gets high marks from us – a large serving, full of flavor and freshness, with multiple protein options ranging from $15 to $19.
A special surprise was the bottle that our Lucky Buddha Enlightened Pale Lager came in. The subtle relief image of the laughing Buddha on this whimsical green vessel is truly enticing and makes a wonderful vase for the fragrant purple lilacs harvested from our garden this week!
The atmosphere at Lemongrass is warm, welcoming, and not too noisy – all winning qualities in our book! The venue features colorful and impactful printwork and oil paintings by local artist Scott Steelman. The artwork is for sale at very reasonable prices and we understand that it is selling well.
We are happy to report that the service at Lemongrass was attentive and friendly – always a must for any good dining experience. Many thanks to Jan’s brother and dad for reintroducing us to this Short North gem. We look forward to more good experiences at Lemongrass Fusion Bistro.Lemongrass Fusion Bistro is located at 641 N. High St. serving an array of Asian-fusion dishes, including sushi. Visit www.lemongrassfusion.com or call 614-224-1414. Hours Sun - Tues: 11:30a - 10p; Wed - Sat: 11:30a - 11p
DISSATISFACTION INSPIRES DINING 'WISH LIST'
March/April 2018 IssueWe had a bit of a dilemma with our restaurant review this time around. We had some not-so-positive restaurant experiences in the past few weeks in preparation for this review and in the spirit of “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” as opposed to “if you can’t say something nice, come sit next to me,” we’ve decided to take a different approach to our review this time around.
First, we must say that we LOVE that there are so many new restaurants sprouting up in the Short North area. We love the variety, the creativity, the dedicated owners, chefs, and servers, the hardworking kitchen workers, and everyone willing to take the risks involved in entering the competitive and demanding world of feeding the discriminating masses. We truly appreciate all you do. We want ALL of our local restaurants to be successful. So we have a few general observations and suggestions to offer from our admittedly subjective and limited point of view. We hope you take them in the positive spirit with which they are offered, knowing that you put your hearts and hopes into your work and knowing that things don’t always go as planned, everyone can have an off night now and then, and not all sizes fit all.
So, for what it’s worth, here are some things that we appreciate when they happen and miss when they don’t.
1. We like to be greeted as though you’re truly happy we came. If you’re busy, GREAT, just say Happy you came – We’ll be right with you.
2. Yes, we’re of the boomer generation, but we do still enjoy the hip new spots, so it’s sure nice when there is enough ambient light and when the menu has clear text/background contrast, and typeface large enough to read your menu without pulling out a flashlight.
3. Background music is great, but best when it’s truly “background,” not a deterrent to table conversations. It’s no fun to have to struggle to hear what the person sitting across the table is saying.
4. We like to know you got our order right, so it is helpful to have it repeated to us and confirm clarification of anything questionable – like the definition of “medium rare.”
5. When you “screw up” tell us what happened, explain the problem, and let’s move on. It is wise to offer some sort of compensation if the error warrants it. Maybe give us a dessert or a discounted dinner at a future date (which almost guarantees that we’ll return and for a better experience).
6. Show enthusiasm for your offerings. Tell us about what you think is special, new, or different. Tell us what sets you apart as a great place to eat.
7. We love samples! Doesn’t have to be major, but maybe just a taste of something that sets you apart from all the others.We look forward to re-visiting some of the establishments that have such potential but didn’t show us enough positives to write a positive review just yet. Maybe it’s our fault that we weren’t in the right frame of mind when we visited. Yes, we guests need to do our part to appreciate your good work and best intentions and to be supportive and gracious even when things don’t go our way. We’ll get back to you and we’re confident that the best is yet to come!
BASI ITALIA
January/February 2018 IssueSmall casual feel-good restaurant featuring clean simple Italian fare with innovative twists
T’was brillig...OK it was COLD out and we were looking for a place close by for a quiet dinner with good friends. Our friends suggested “Basi” and we jumped on the suggestion! We were surprised to find our friends seated OUTSIDE when we arrived at Basi Italia on Highland Street in Victorian Village on this “brillig” evening! But THIS outside is totally cozy and toasty – maybe warmer than the INSIDE of the restaurant on a night like that.
We wasted no time ordering our favorite starter, which we remembered from a previous visit – the Crispy Oysters. Lightly breaded and perfectly fried, served with saffron-horseradish aioli and fingerling potatoes, these plump, juicy, and savory delicacies were just as good as we remembered them. Our other starter this night, the Roasted Beet Salad with feta cheese, fresh mint, and pistachio/avocado oil, was a perfect complement to the oysters.
Because our friends visit Basi quite frequently, they were happy to re-acquaint with the warm and friendly staff who were genuinely happy to see them again. This restaurant is small enough to allow the staff and customers to really connect with each other, yet large enough to support a wide-ranging selection of menu items, from a top-flight chef, that change seasonally but never fail to excite.
To follow our most satisfying starters we decided to share main courses. The boys shared the Rigatoni Salumeria (sweet sausage, raisins, fennel, and pine nuts) and the girls shared the Eggplant Parmesan. Each entrée was filling enough to make us all happy and leave room for one of the special desserts of the house – and if we could remember which one we ordered we’d tell you about it.
A followup visit a few weeks later found us eating inside, though the outdoor space was still pleasingly toasty, thanks to the plentiful space heaters and the canvas enclosure. Basi’s interior is small but surprisingly quiet – no head-pounding music to distract from the ambiance of the space. Conversation is easy here, even though the tables are rather close together. The open kitchen is bright, clean, efficient, happy, and BUSY! Our big surprise this night was the Clam Chowder - it actually contained CLAMS! – and lots of them. It was amazing. We must have been in a seafood frame of mind, because we also had the Pan Roasted Calamari. We generally like our calamari fried, but this roasted preparation made it both tender and full-bodied while allowing the flavor of the squid to shine. Keeping with the seafood theme, we couldn’t pass up our favorite Crispy Oysters, this time as one of our main courses, along with the special of the evening, a masterful Mahi Mahi. We skipped dessert on this visit, but it wasn’t an easy decision!
It’s best to make a reservation because the place fills up quickly and regularly. And you’ll probably want to take advantage of the valet parking – unless you live close enough to walk – because parking is somewhat limited in the area. However, even the short wait for your car at the end of the evening is enjoyable, thanks to the crackling of the open fire pit in the restaurant’s side yard.
We look forward to future visits to this small but mighty restaurant, especially anticipating the spring and summer when the enclosed outdoor space gives way to a beautiful garden-like setting that you just must experience. Basi Italia is a year-round treat for the palate as well as for the ambiance.Basi Italia is located in Victorian Village at 811 Highland St. Hours are Tuesday - Thursday 5p - Close; Friday - Saturday (bar menu) 3p-5p; (dinner) 5p to close; Closed Sunday and Monday. Call 614-294-7383 or visit www.basi-italia.com for more information.
COSECHA COCINA
November/December 2017 IssueFine Mexican dining serving traditional and modern Mexican food and drinks
Squash Tostada: Delicata and butternut squash, grilled eggplant purée, pepitas, and tamarind We stopped by Cosecha one night recently, and we couldn’t have been happier with what we found there! Located at 987 North 4th Street, one of the many recent additions to Italian Village neighborhood, is a standout. Featuring Mexican specialties, inspired cocktails, and at least one truly spectacular dessert, Cosecha is part of the Grow family of Columbus restaurants, which includes Harvest Pizzaria, Curio, and The Sycamore.
The first thing to notice is the atmosphere. In good weather the roomy, uncongested outdoor patio seats plenty of patrons at long tables where mingling with other diners is encouraged and comfortable. Step into the interior, either through the standard door or the wide open garage door, and you are immediately immersed in the Mexican ambiance of old brick walls, arched windows, eclectic artwork, and once again, comfortable dining tables. The tables are not crowded together, but just perfectly spaced for a comfortable dining experience. The adjacent bar area is warm and inviting, with plenty of seating and – thankfully – only ONE television! And the music is fun and at a decibel level that makes table conversation easy – we didn’t have to yell at each other to make ourselves heard.
Now for the food and beverages. Lots of unique cocktails, a wide range of beers, and a great selection of mescals to choose from. Two of our favorites are the fruity and herbal Sage Margarita, and the pleasantly spicy Los Muertos.
And the tacos! – 9 different combinations ranging from Fried Cod to Chicken Tinga and Plantain! Tamales and enchiladas, tostadas, chips, housemade salsa and guacamole, and a variety of starters, such as housemade pickled cucumbers, and small plates such as Charred Octopus round out the menu with their fresh, locally sources ingredients and tasty flavors that are great to share with your tablemates. There are two tacos per order and we enjoyed mixing and matching all around the table. The service is fast, well-plated, and served with a smile by the attentive wait staff who seem to really enjoy showing off what the kitchen staff is producing. You might find yourself ordering seconds!
Be sure to save room for dessert, though. We’ve been to Cosecha twice but we’ve only sampled one of the desserts because we loved it so much the first time. This churro is the real thing – a freshly fried pull-apart “donut” served with two dipping sauces – spicy chocolate and salty caramel. Yum!
Cosecha Cocina is located in Italian Village at 987 N. Fourth Street. Hours are Friday - Saturday 11-11; Monday - Thursday 11-10; Closed Sunday. Call 614-369-1129 or visit www.cosechacocina.com for more information.
DRUNCH EATERY AND BAR
September/October 2107 IssueA brunch-focused gastropub with emphasis on locally sourced foods.
Chicken and Waffles Is this a breakfast place for dinner, a dinner place for breakfast, or what?
To be honest we had no clue until we finished our meal. We happened upon Drunch while driving up N. Fourth Street in search of something quick and inexpensive for dinner. Intrigued by its modern design amidst a string of new restaurants, breweries, and bars, this one at 995 N. Fourth St. drew us in.
There are a lot of things to like. Open and airy, with a unique menu posted on notebook paper (actually a well-diguised whiteboard), Drunch features a variety of unique offerings. Have you ever had Avocado Fries? They’re on the menu, along with Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake, the Drunch Burger, and three varieties of Drunch Wings – Angry (habanero and sour cherry), Happy (pineapple teriyaki), and Playful (bourbon maple and bacon).
We had the Super Salad, made with quinoa, walnuts, pomegranate, microgreens, onion sprouts, sweet potato, and feta, with a matcha vinaigrette. Priced at $11, it’s worth every penny. We also had the Black Bean Burger ($12), with cilantro lime crema, microgreens, house pickles, and a small house salad. I requested ketchup on the side, as I often do when ordering things I’m not sure of. My request soon prompted one of the owners to come over to our table to ask, “Why the ketchup?” I told her that quite honestly I did so that in the event the “veggie” burger wasn’t very good I could add the ketchup to make it more palatable. I quickly and happily added that she should not worry – I had used none of the ketchup, and her burger was quite good, just as served.
This was our first time here and we look forward to a return trip, as we feel it has many things we need to try. Maybe next time we’ll go for Chicken and Waffles (cheddar cheese waffle with Tabasco, and bourbon maple syrup), or possibly the Drunch Fry Up (2 eggs, choice of meat, homefries, toast, and a cup of fresh fruit). And we’re almost certain to line up for the Challah Back (bruleed challah French toast with smoked caramel) and the Drunch Stack (pancakes with orange ginger syrup and hibiscus butter)!
Oh – and the BEERS! Choose from a great selection of craft beers on tap to go with your French toast or burger (we had the delightfully spicy Land Grant Greenskeeper). And we’re told that outdoor patio dining is in the works. So stop on by and try a Drunch – whether its breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast, we love that this place offers such a creative twist on some classic old standards.Drunch Eatery + Bar, 995 N. Fourth Street, www.druncheatery.com, 614-420-2121, Hours: 7 Days 8a - 8p.
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