M at Miranova

For our anniversary dinner this year, we decided to try a place new to us. M at Mirinova is another great Cameron Mitchell concept. Our table was not quite ready when we got there so we took a seat in the bar area. The ambiance, lighting, and decor was pleasing. Cameron Mitchell is also great about food allergies and has a separate GF menu. The server we had was excellent! It’s been over a month since we ate there (Yes, I am slow to post) and wish I could remember his name to give him some kudos here. If you don’t like something, send it back (as I did with my first drink). They strive to make everything perfect.

We started with the Alaskan King Crab. This dish is poached in a butter sauce. By far, the best preparation for King Crab I have had. I will never go to the restaurant without getting this dish.

For the cocktail, I went with the Black Orchid. Belevedere balack raspberry, St. Gerrmain Elderflower, White Cranberry, and lemon juice. It was presented in the martini glass with some on the side to refresh. The ice cube has a beautiful orchid inside. Very sweet! I loved it, but do not even try if you don’t like sweet drinks.

My main entree was the Caterpillar roll. Tempura Shrimp, Avocado, Cream Cheese, Scallion, and Spicy Tuna. This was very good however, there are far better places in the city for sushi. I was pleasantly surprised none the less.

We shared a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese. Large pieces of lobster, but no flavor. I won’t get again.

My honey got the salmon, and it was gone before I could even ask for a taste. Beautiful presentation and, apparently, worth getting again.

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Food Taste & Quality: 4
Presentation: 5
Recommendation: Great quality. If anything is wrong, they’ll make it right!

Details:
M
2 Miranova Place, Suite 100, Columbus, OH,
Parking: Valet for $5
http://www.matmiranova.com/home.aspx 

M at Miranova

For our anniversary dinner this year, we decided to try a place new to us. M at Mirinova is another great Cameron Mitchell concept. Our table was not quite ready when we got there so we took a seat in the bar area. The ambiance, lighting, and decor was pleasing. Cameron Mitchell is also great about food allergies and has a separate GF menu.

We started with the Alaskan King Crab. This dish is poached in a butter sauce. By far, the best preparation for King Crab I have had. I will never go to the restaurant without getting this dish.

For the cocktail, I went with the Black Orchid. Belevedere balack raspberry, St. Gerrmain Elderflower, White Cranberry, and lemon juice. It was presented in the martini glass with some on the side to refresh. The ice cube has a beautiful orchid inside. Very sweet! I loved it, but do not even try if you don’t like sweet drinks.

My main entree was the Caterpillar roll. Tempura Shrimp, Avocado, Cream Cheese, Scallion, and Spicy Tuna. This was very good however, there are far better places in the city for sushi. I was pleasantly surprised none the less.

We shared a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese. Large pieces of lobster, but no flavor. I won’t get again.

My honey got the salmon, and it was gone before I could even ask for a taste. Beautiful presentation and, apparently, worth getting again.

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Food Taste & Quality: 4
Presentation: 5
Recommendation: Great quality. If anything is wrong, they’ll make it right!

Details:
M
2 Miranova Place, Suite 100, Columbus, OH,
Parking: Valet for $5
http://www.matmiranova.com/home.aspx 

M at Miranova

For our anniversary dinner this year, we decided to try a place new to us. M at Mirinova is another great Cameron Mitchell concept. Our table was not quite ready when we got there so we took a seat in the bar area. The ambiance, lighting, and decor was pleasing. Cameron Mitchell is also great about food allergies and has a separate GF menu.

We started with the Alaskan King Crab. This dish is poached in a butter sauce. By far, the best preparation for King Crab I have had. I will never go to the restaurant without getting this dish.

For the cocktail, I went with the Black Orchid. Belevedere balack raspberry, St. Gerrmain Elderflower, White Cranberry, and lemon juice. It was presented in the martini glass with some on the side to refresh. The ice cube has a beautiful orchid inside. Very sweet! I loved it, but do not even try if you don’t like sweet drinks.

My main entree was the Caterpillar roll. Tempura Shrimp, Avocado, Cream Cheese, Scallion, and Spicy Tuna. This was very good however, there are far better places in the city for sushi. I was pleasantly surprised none the less.

We shared a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese. Large pieces of lobster, but no flavor. I won’t get again.

My honey got the salmon, and it was gone before I could even ask for a taste. Beautiful presentation and, apparently, worth getting again.

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Food Taste & Quality: 4
Presentation: 5
Recommendation: Great quality. If anything is wrong, they’ll make it right!

Details:
M
2 Miranova Place, Suite 100, Columbus, OH,
Parking: Valet for $5
http://www.matmiranova.com/home.aspx 

Cameron Mitchell, Restaurant Innovator of Columbus

I have been a long-time fan of the Cameron Mitchell concept restaurants. Honestly, I have not found more consistency and quality than his fine fleet of dining establishments. I often use his restaurants as a benchmark to rate restaurants I review. So, kudos to you Mr. Cam!

A little background:

“While remaining independent and privately held, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has grown to 20 units and nine different concepts with locations in nine states.  In addition to Cameron’s, the concepts are:  Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink, M, Martini Modern Italian, Marcella’s, Ocean Prime, and Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro and The Pearl, Restaurant, Tavern & Oyster Room.  In addition to these restaurant ventures Cameron Mitchell Premier Events continues to thrive as the premier caterer in Columbus, Ohio. After the sale of two of its most popular concepts – Mitchell’s/Columbus Fish Market and Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse – to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. in early 2008, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is focusing on developing new restaurant concepts as well as expanding concepts currently in the company’s portfolio. The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, a sister company of CMR, currently operates 16 locations in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Florida.”

While I am sad that the Fish Market concept is now under the roof of Ruth Chris, the standards and quality of Cameron Mitchell have not faltered. I started this blog as a review of M at Miranova, but find that I need to create a separate blog later. I still have much I’d like to say about CMR as I have dined often! I do not always review everything I eat because some are just “regulars” to me now. However, I feel that some of theses need some discussion and appreciation at this time. Let’s talk about the CMR restaurants I have tried:

• Cap City: While I do not love everything on the menu, there are things on the menu I could not do without! I can’t imagine a world without their Chocolate cake. I particularly enjoy this to-go, I put in my fridge to chill, and enjoy cold. The recent-to-me pretzel sticks and beer cheese… I am a bit of a soft pretzel connoisseur… Ranks highest above all restaurant sticks out there. The benchmark for me is Bretzel in the North Market, I have found none better. The Balsamic Chicken is my go to dish with the Salmon as a close second. Salad there have never been quite on mark, so please don’t go if you’re on a diet!
• Marcella’s: There is a distinct difference between the Polaris location and Short North. While neither is negative, the Polaris location is more appealing to me. There are some additional menu items, like my favorite Build Your Own Pasta. There is a parking lot… If you frequent the ShoNo, you understand the value of parking. Lastly, for me, there is a lot more seating and I can get in easily. My favorite pizza in the city use to be their 4 Cheese Pizza. While still great, my tastes have migrated away from a white sauce pizza. On a side note, I love the dried soap in the bathrooms. Quite authentic.
• The Ocean Club: I was just mentioning it has been 3-4 years since I’ve been here. My only reason is because I’ve moved from the Eastside. This restaurant is part of the Ocean Prime concept. This has been the best example of “fine dining” in his arsenal. I base this on the serving staff, aesthetics of the restaurant, and presentation. I have never consumed anything here that I did not like. Ocean Clubs gets my highest nod.
• Molly Woos: I went once 6 years ago. The only reason I went was because a CMR employee and I were aquatinted and it was a freebee. I also never went back. I recall not being fond of the food or the ambiance. I am willing to give it another go but really, I prefer to leave my Asian food cravings to those more skilled. I would gladly accept an invitation back to review it.
• Cameron’s: The flagship gem of 1993. I love Cameron’s but rarely get there. If you weren’t looking for it you would miss it nestled in a shopping plaza next to a Wendy’s and Chinese takeout. The goat cheese salad is to die for!
• Martini: I also under-visit this amazing place. I often forget about it quite frankly. It’s in a bit of a good/bad spot. Close to the downtown convention center, the Arena District, the ShoNo, Park Street, and the North Market. While I love these areas of the city, I also avoid them based on what is going on. The Arnold? Forget about it. There’s no way I’d go near Martini. I can not remember the specifics of what I have had. I just remember everything was top quality.
• The Pearl: Not my favorite. This could be because I do not eat oysters – and it’s an oyster bar. I went once last year and now looking over their menu, think they need a second chance. They caught my eye at “Cinnamon Sticky Bun.”
• M at Miranova: Check back for the review! Just dined last night for an anniversary dinner.

If I were to assign a number rating it would follow as such:

1. Ocean Club
2. M at Miranova
3. Cap City
4. Martini
5. Marcella’s
6. Cameron’s
7. The Pearl
8. Molly Woo’s

Thank you Cam for all the wonderful quality and standards you have infused into Columbus! I would be honored to meet you!

Where do you eat in Louisville late on a Saturday? Wick’s!

My companion and I took a long weekend to Louisville. Little did we know, if you take a nap and wake up at 9pm… slim pickings on dinner. Places like to close about 9, 10, or 11. The only reliable option, pizza!

I looked at the trusty Urbanspoon and it sent me to Wick’s. The street was very energetic with people going to bars and live music. Wick’s was pretty grungy looking much like Houndogs that we all know and love. While the pizza was not Houndogs, it was delicious! Here’s what we got:

This is the Stuffed Breadwick. Cheese & Pep in a home-made dough. Do it!

We were so hungry we dug in before the photos. All the topping are under the cheese, and there’s lots of cheese. Man, this was a great dish. Good sauce, not too sweet or tangy. The dough was probably one of the greats out there.

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)

Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2
Food Taste & Quality: 4
Presentation: 2
Recommendation: No frills. Good food. Award winning.

Details:

Wick’s Pizza Original Location
(4 total locations)

975 Baxter Ave, Lousiville, Ky, 40204

Parking: Metered Street

http://www.wickspizza.com

The ‘Fresh’est concept in Lima

My parents live in Lima. I grew up there and the food choices are super slim. There’s a relatively new kid in town, let me tell you about Fresh.

Fresh is located downtown near Dome’s Nut Shop & Joey’s Subs. My mother and father are regulars to the mom and son operation. As I am writing the review, I just found out they have closed it’s doors. Unbelievable. Regardless let me tell you about the little concept that could-have.

While the seating was odd, the food was great! My mom and I were tucked in what looked like a hallway within eyeshot of the kitchen. While I appreciate how they tried to maintain the original display cases, If they would have moved them against the wall it would have opened up the concept. It would have felt more cozy.

This was their appetizer sampler. Stuffed mushrooms, olives, pickles, hummus, and red pepper feta dip. The feta dip was absolutely amazing! Everything else was good, but the feta dip was the star. Fresh guy, if you’re reading this- I want the recipe.

 

 

I got the shrimp tacos. They tasted fresh, par for the course, and the chili aioli was yummy. I would have enjoyed a little more flavor or spice infused in the tacos. The chili gave it some heat but maybe a good grill on the shrimp would have given it that extra umph!

I am very sad to hear about the close. There was lots of potential there but the area is very poor for supporting good eating habits.

Best wishes Fresh crew! Please come to Columbus, we’ll support you!

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)

Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Food Taste & Quality: 3
Presentation: 2
Recommendation: I’d say go, but they’re gone!

Details:

Fresh

140 N. Main St, Lima, OH, 45801

Parking: Free street

https://www.facebook.com/freshdowntownlima/info

DK Diner – Delicious!

If you haven’t been to DK diner for brunch, go! Word on the street is they have fantastic doughnuts too.
Here’s the run down.

 

It’s a seat yourself, get your own drink, very laid-back restaurant. Our server made some great recommendations on food.
Here’s the score:

This was a standard eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast. I don’t recommend ordering your eggs poached/basted. They were still fried. I ate them, but I prefer the healthier styles mentioned.

This little gem is not on the menu. This is the most deliciously addictive blueberry pancake you’ll ever taste. It is a blueberry batter pancake. Looks are deceiving. Trust me on this one!

My accomplice had the breakfast burrito. His remarks stated it was pretty average. The comparison here is Starliner Diner’s Azteca Burrito. In my opinion, it’s a hard one to beat.

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Food Taste & Quality: 3
Presentation: 2
Recommendation: Go!

Details:

The DK Diner

1715 W. Third Ave, Columbus, OH, 43212

Parking: Lot, Street, or The Italian Club parking lot.

http://www.thedkdiner.com

 

New Series: CFC Cooks : Stuffed Ravioli

Food is not only consumption, it’s an art form. Creativity is a power to be nurtured and carried over to all aspects of life. My most recent addition to my creative outlet has been the transformation to world-class chef. Ha! I use that term very loosely!! I am a novice at best, but feel its important when you love something you assume the position of being the best at it. That confidence will embolden creativity and lessen pitfalls or failures.

Cooking is a bit science too. I am learning this… When my experiment with gluten-free dough for hand pies was a crumbly mess it’s a matter of the equation. Had I followed a recipe I would not have learned the lesson of ratios and sometimes it’s ok to scrap it!  Not a failure but a victory in some terms.

Let’s talk ravioli! This was a first-time experiment. For the dough I *think* (I went though a lot of recipes) I used Tyler Florence’s Pasta Dough courtesy of Food Network.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, plus 1 for egg wash
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 Container fresh ricotta
1 Container shredded ramano 

Because I like to have a great deal of a personal signature to my work, I made some slight alterations.
-Combine dry ingredients
-With dough hook attached, start mixer on the lowest setting, adding 2 eggs.
-Drizzle 1 Tablespoon Olive-Oil in the mix.

You may find your ingredients do not mix well with the dough hook. I periodically stopped the mixer or pushed the ingredients into the mix with a thin wooden spoon.

-Separate the dough in half
-Brush each dough ball with olive-oil to prevent dryness and wrap each in plastic wrap
-Let sit for 30mins.

While waiting on the dough to rest, I worked on my filling.
-Combine ricotta & pecorino ramano together in a bowl.
-Season to taste with basil or other herbs
-Return to the fridge

Now the roll out:
-Take one dough ball, uncover, and roll to a thickness of about an 1/8″ thickness or “paper thin.” This can also be achieved through hand roller or mixer attachment. Roll as rectangular as possible. It is assumed that your surface is well floured.
-Place to the side and repeat with the second dough ball.
-Create an egg wash with one egg and cover the face-up side of each rolled dough.
-Place the filling in rows spacing about 1″ apart north/south and 2″ apart east/west. You will be covering the roll with the other half of the dough.
-Pat the dough around the filling to remove air bubbles.
-Using a pastry or pizza cutter to cut into rows vertically and then into squares horizontally.

Cooking:
This is a personal preference. I prefer my ravioli’s toasted. You can easily just boil in a salted water however, I will explain the toasted method.
-Create a buttermilk and dip each ravioli moving in this order: Buttermilk, breadcrumbs, pan.
-In a saute pan add olive oil. Make sure the olive is hot enough for when you drop in the ravioli it should cook immediately. These will cook quickly! Turn promptly to avoid burning.
-Plate and dust with parmesan.

 

Here is a look at the finished product:

nd

 

Enjoy!

Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill -My highest rated dining experience ever!

We had reservations for 3 the Saturday before Easter. We arrived a little early to our reservation and they were happy to seat us early. The staff was very helpful and prompt. I have a read a few bad reviews on service but this wasn’t the case for us. Our server was Jennifer. To the good stuff:

We started out with the Crab Cakes: jumbo lump crabmeat, mustard, pickled onion remoulade. MUST GET! There are two, enough to share.

Around the table my guests had a petite filet, salmon, and I had the Kosar’s Shrimp Scampi: topped with jumbo lump crab served over bucatini pasta. I LOOOOVED THIS DISH! The dish was perfectly seasoned and the bucatini pasta was superb!

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Food Taste & Quality: 5
Presentation: 5
Recommendation: Go! Go! Go!

Details:

Hard Rock Rocksino

10777 Northfield Rd Northfield, OH 44067

Parking: Valet or lot

Perks: After dinner slots

http://www.hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com/restaurants.htm

Bar 145 – After work hangout

My friends and I dined at this small chain last week for a post-work wind down. The venue is appealing with a large bar, patio, stage, and upstairs. Parking, well at prime-time it will take you a minute to find something but not too far from the door. We all need the exercise right? Let’s get down to the nitty gritty!

STARTERS:

House Truffle Fries Rosemary, Parmesan,WHITE TRUFFLE OIL, served with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli

Sweet Potato Wedges GLAZED SWEET POTATO WEDGES, Cinnamon & Sage, served with Cinnamon Butter

Warm Bavarian Pretzel Bites Butter Baked Pretzel Roll Bites, garnished with Chopped Bacon & served with Cheddar Chive Sauce

DINNER:
We each went with our own Build-Your-Own-Burger option. There was a special on $5 BYOB on Wednesday’s

We all agreed the Mac & Cheese was pretty icky. There was a hint of smoke but overall quite bland.
Our sandwiches were very tasty making this experience a notable one giving us reason to return.

 

Critique Scores (Highest Values = 5)

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Food Taste & Quality: 3
Presentation: 3
Recommendation: There are lots of places like this, it’s “good” but not anything great

Details:
3 stores working on a 4th in this Ohio based chain.

955 West Fifth Avenue
Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212
Parking: There’s a lot, but it’s a nightmare.
http://www.bar145columbus.com