Black Creek Bistro

The truth is, we don't eat out much. When we get a chance, we opt to stay home and make something delicious instead of going out.

In the last year that we have been here, I pretty much documented all the eating places that we have gone to right here on this blog. No joke. Well, I did leave out some places that don't belong in the blog subtitled "authentic finds...". And there is one place that I should have written about, but I left the camera at home that night. This blog would not be as much fun without the photos, right?



The other day, my husband and I had a rare opportunity to eat out, at a restaurant, without our children. We didn't want to go to far from home, but wanted something good, and easy.



We chose to go to Black Creek Bistro, one of the first (non-chain) restaurants I heard about when we first moved here. And I did get to go there a couple of times with friends. This would be the first with my husband.



Black Creek Bistro sits in the corner of Parsons and Oak streets, in the sweet neighborhood of Olde Town East. We got there after the lunch crowd rush, so the pace was slow (arguably a bit too slow for lunch time, in our opinion), and we almost had the place to ourselves.



My husband ordered their corn soup which was nice and spicy, and a large Caesar salad with the custom-ordered anchovies on top (he was happy about that!). I went for the vegetarian option of portobello mushroom wrap which was fresh and delicious.

As we enjoyed our lunch, we did wonder what dinner would be like at this bistro (with a nice bistro ambiance and beautiful rotating artwork on their walls)... but at the rate we are going, we might not find out for quite some time!

On the way home, I could not resist stopping at The Angry Baker to get some of our favorite éclaires to bring home to the bakery's little fan club.

Market 65

Market 65, a new institution in downtown Columbus (Capitol Square, to be precise) opened its doors just a week ago, but you might have heard about them from several places since a few weeks back. Why? Because their philosophy behind the food is what the customers are looking for: fast, fresh, locally grown and produced food, made and assembled right before your eyes.

Patrick Katzenmeyer and Anthony Micheli, co-owners and brains behind the restaurant, greeted me when I entered the door today. Their bright green decor was very welcoming, lively, and spring like. It's almost enough to go in there just for that. Pat showed me around a bit, listing off producers and artisans that they are partnering with. Just to name a few, the baked goods are coming from a few local bakeries like Sassafras Bakery, their coffee is from Stauf's, their diary products is (of course) from Snowville Creamery, their eggs and meats are Ohio raised, and pretty soon their greens will be coming from local farms.

The atmosphere at Market 65 is young, alive, and ready to feed customers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Too bad I don't work downtown, but I think I will be going there regardless.

Market 65
65 E. State St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Open at 7:30am M-F

Oodles

Say the name of this restaurant 3 times, and your Monday has just gotten a little happier!

A friend and I checked out this little spot on E. Main St. the other day, knowing nothing about it. But the name is sweet, and the idea of noodles for lunch is always appealing to me.



We each ordered a different kind of noodle dish. I was recommended the Pad Thai and my friend got the Singaporian noodles. The service is quick, and the price is low. I was not prepared for the disposable dishes and silverware, but I guess it makes sense for this pseudo-Asian-fast-food place.



It made a good enough impression on me that I returned one more time to try one of their rice bowls. I was there during a busy lunch hour, and it was clear the place has a following.

They gave me an option of brown rice if I wanted, and the topping of vegetables and chicken was tasty. A little sprinkle of Sriracha sauce made it complete. The portion was big enough to feed two people, so I left with a take-home box.

I have not tried their dumplings (should be good since it's in their name!), so I have something to try next time.

Mumbling their silly name to myself as I exited the door, I was happy to have visited another new establishment in my Columbus food repertoire.

Oodles has two locations:

765 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215-1611
(614) 222-8831

443 E. Main St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-6755

Cafe Ephesus

It's not often that my husband, the man in a white coat who does not get to discover new places much, suggests a dining destination for the family.

Today was one of those rare days. The kids were out of school, and we were heading north (I guess I go north more than I realize) to visit some animals at the zoo for the first time (more on that later!).



My husband suggested that we all meet for lunch (also a very rare event) at a brand new place to me: Cafe Ephesus.



We all enjoy middle Eastern food quite a bit, and have not gone to any place that we could delight in that type of cuisine here in Columbus (I know there are many, but not sure where to go).



The children were delighted to dip pita bread in hummus and fresh yogurt flavored with fresh dill.



We also got a couple of their Kabab lunch items that came with rice pudding to end the meal. Our daughter shamelessly devoured some pomme-frites (I just can't bring myself to writing the English version down here. We were at a Turkish restaurant people!).

I would go back here in a heart-beat...if it was not so far out of our way. But again, maybe I do get up north more than I realize...


Cafe Ephesus
6720 Perimeter Loop Road
Dublin, OH 43017-3202
(614) 798-8091

Edamame

We ate at Easton today.



Before I go on, I feel like I need to give you a bit of an explanation.



If you noticed the name of this blog, you will see that it is about finding 'authentic' things in and around Columbus. Easton may be the antidote to this blog since it is mostly comprised of chain stores, chain restaurants, things that you can find in most places in this country...and around the world (think fast food chains).



But thankfully, as we found out tonight, not everything there fits that bill. You can find some things that are relatively authentic, relatively good, and the perfect stop for dinner with the family on a rainy night (after picking up a member of the family who insists on bike-commuting 15 miles to work).



Edamame is the place. We all love Japanese food in our family. And we have explored a few places in town that are worth writing home about. We have even been here! The plethora and quality of the cuisine here, in central Ohio, is quite impressive. We are happy about that, needless to say.

This restaurant is unique (look at the colors and decor), but serves up perfectly acceptable sushi rolls, miso soup (not the best, but I am picky), green tea, and mochi ice cream.

Service was wonderful, and best of all, if you eat on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you get a good deal on your sushi rolls. Who would say no to that?

Maid-Rite

On our daytrip to western Ohio, Bethia insisted that I have to try a "Maid-Rite" burger in Greenville. You have to, she said. And it won't take more than 10 minutes!

Though I did not grow up eating burgers, beef or otherwise, I have been exposed to them living in the US. I must admit that I don't love burgers, of any kind, enough to order it at a restaurant. Give me a bowl of Pho any day, or a rice bowl with anything on it. I am a loyal rice fan.

So when I found out a little about what I was about to experience at Maid-Rite, I was a tad dubious. Loose beef burger? I was willing to give it a try once!

Now that I am on the other side of it, I can say that, in fact, I did enjoy the loose-beef burger. I enjoyed it quite a bit that I can say I would go back there tomorrow, if I was given the opportunity. Just don't offer me a bowl of Pho.

I was also intrigued by the chewed gum decorating along the outside walls of the Maid-Rite building. Intriguing is all I will say about it for now, because you know, I will probably have more to say after my next trip there for another loose-beef burger!

The Cambridge Tea House

If you want to treat yourself a little, or transport yourself into a European-like place, you should go to The Cambridge Tea House in Marble Cliff neighborhood (just beyond Grandview Heights).

This elegant (yet casual) place is right on W. 5th Ave. They specialize in tea, as the name suggests, yet there is so much more!

For instance, you can have an oatmeal breakfast like I did this morning, with a cup of perfectly brewed Rooibos tea on the side. You could also go for some eggs and bacon, if that is what you are hungry for. Or you can go the traditional English route, and order their homemade scone with butter or cream. Any which way, you can't really go wrong.

Lunch time there is supposed to be quite busy, but probably because it's so good and convenient! Soups, salads, quiches, you name it. You might feel so pampered that you won't want to go back to work...

It's also a great place to just come with a book, sip some warm tea on a cold day, and watch the world go by. There is nothing wrong with that, is there?

Bangkok

Mortars for Thai Papaya salad

A restaurant and a grocery store, Bangkok made me feel like I was transported back to my homeland...even if it's for a brief moment.

I was surprised to find out that the institution has been there for over 20 years, a long time for any restaurant to thrive, especially considering its off the beaten path location.

All kinds of frozen foods

We don't eat cheese in Thailand...but look at this! So they have more than just Thai groceries.

Some Asian vegetables. You can see here the somewhat hard to find Thai eggplants.

Pig parts, anyone?

The grocery store, though not as clean and bright and impeccable like Tensuke market, is well stocked with all one needs for Asian ingredients with some fresh produce, and a variety of frozen seafood, fruits, processed items, you name it! I was tempted to purchase a Durian, but I will wait for another day to put off our neighbors with its pungent smell (but oh, what a delicious fruit it is!). Maybe when they are gone on vacation?

You can also purchase several cookware for Thai dishes here: sticky rice steamer, mortar and pestle for Papaya salad, pots and woks and the like.

Notice, they are closed on Mondays!

The restaurant can use a face lift, no doubt. But we go there for Thai food, right? So if you ignore the decor, and the annoying Thai music video on the wall mounted television, you will get some very authentic Thai food in the middle of Ohio!

Pad See-Ew

Beef Noodle Soup

Because I was with the kids (who have very small tummies), we didn't order too many things. I did study the menu and noticed how extensive it was with all kinds of Thai soups, salads, and curries.

We ordered two kinds of noodles (Thai people like to have noodles for lunch, our version of fast food): Pad See Ew, and Beef Noodle Soup. They were both delicious and freshly prepared. We also ordered Thai iced coffee and iced tea which always go well with a Thai meal.

The pricing? Very affordable. We had a big container of leftovers to bring home, and the bill was less than $20.

We will be going back for sure, hungrier next time. My sticky-rice loving husband will be in heaven.

Bangkok Restaurant and Grocery
3277 Refugee Road
Columbus, OH 43232-4811
(614) 231-6878
Open Tue-Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 10am-8pm

Japanese Goodness

Even though I grew up in Thailand, I think I had more Japanese food growing up than anything else. Well, maybe not quite, but it sure feels like it!

I love Japanese food, and can probably eat it everyday. Since we got to Columbus, we have been told about a few 'good' Japanese / Sushi restaurants. It was pretty unanimous that we needed to check out Akai Hana, and Kihachi.

Since I needed a place to celebrate a birthday dinner, I first called Kihachi to make a reservation for a Monday evening table... Of course, they were going to be closed. So Akai Hana it was.

Being new in town, we relied on our GPS to take us to this new area of town. We had had no reason to go to this area before, but once there, it felt like a whole new-Japanese-world opened up to us!! A restaurant, a market, a bakery? All Japanese. Phenomenal!

Tensuke market was impeccably clean, and stocked with everything you need to enjoy Japanese meals. I even found frozen Amish Chicken tenders there, along with fresh fish, fresh vegetables and all sorts of Japanse goodies.

The restaurant, well, was superb! Our children devoured their meals (edemame, sushi rolls and Una-ju), and my husband and I enjoyed our udon and tendon quite a bit. I was even surprised with fried green ice cream at the end for a birthday treat. No candle on it, though. Do you think it would have melted the treat?

All I can say is that I am certain that all my Japanese cravings will be satisfied now in this new home town of ours.

Akai Hana
1173 Old Henderson Road
Columbus, OH 43220-3607
(614) 451-5411

Tensuke Market
1167 Old Henderson Road
Columbus, OH 43220-3607
(614) 451-6002