YouHaveToGoThere

Hawa Russia

If you're looking for some traditional Russian hospitality & cuisine, check out Hawa Russia (pronounced “Nasha Rossiyah”), in Columbus.  Directions.

update - my favorite dishes

You have to get the "oliver", kind of like a potato salad
"Pirizhok" - meat pastry

And if it's available, try the cornish hen. 

MONDAY THRU THURSDAY:
11 AM to 2 PM LUNCH
5 PM to 10 PM DINNER

FRIDAY:
11 AM to 2 PM LUNCH
8 PM until the last guest leaves
LATE DINNER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

SATURDAY:
8 PM until the last guest leaves
LATE DINNER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY:
12 PM to 6 PM

Indian Oven, Columbus

My introduction to Indian food took place at the Indian Oven in downtown Columbus. The experience was better than expected at this classy, trendy little space.
It begins with your server bringing a plate a pita-looking paper-thin crisps and this amazing chile-pesto looking dip.  great combination, light and flavorful.
I ordered a spiced creamy tomato.  It was perfect.  For the main dish, I ordered Tandoori Chicken Tikka ($12.95) - Chicken cubes marinated in spices, herbs & yogurt then roasted in a clay oven.  You''ll think they brought you strawberries in a bowl, with the pinkish/red coloring.  This is of course served with white rice.  Simple.  Tasty.

A friend at our table ordered the Alu Gobbi ($12.95) - Cauliflower cooked with potatoes & spices in a sauce. Had a chance to sample it and think I need a dish for myself:)

Starliner Diner, Hilliard

Check out Starliner Diner next time you're in Hilliard, Ohio.  Friendly place, eclectic decor, and surprisingly good food/menu.  I had the Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with their house salsa dressing.  Amazing stuff...totally unexpected. 
Nice spot for a casual lunch.   

Dinner in Boston

If you have plans to be in Boston, I have two great dining recommendations.

Stephanie's on Newbury - a fabulous stop for lunch.  Cobb Salad and Sesame Chile Chicken Skewers with chilled sobe noodles...amazing.  There are much better items on the menu so check them out!  And..request the porch, it's worth the wait.

Dolce Vita Ristorante - perfectly authentic Italian.  And equally excellent, is the atmosphere.  A old wrinkly man playing an accordion and singing Italian love songs kept us entertained until dinner arrived, followed with a restaurant wide-chorus, "That's Amore", led by the owner, Franco.  Great times and the best Italian food I've ever had.    

Jeni's Ice Cream

If you're living in Columbus or just visiting,  making a dessert run to Jeni's is a must.  Grab samples and pick your 3 favorites for a trio.  You can't leave with just one!

Find a location

Get flavor at Flavors Eatery

Most of you have probably never heard of this place, but I promise your first visit will be the start of many to come!  Opened in 1997, Flavors Eatery boasts a healthy and incredibly flavorful menu.  With a wide variety of pizzas, burritos, soups, treats, and a tasty twist on chips and salsa, you'll always find something delicious and unique at this California-style cafe restaurant.  If you're in Columbus, check out the Bexley location...one of three locations.  I've been to the original Flavors Eatery, in Centerville, several times and would highly recommend you check it out if you're in the Dayton area!  The place is packed at lunch so I'd suggest picking off-hours.

If you visit, share your favorites here!

Brown Bag Deli - (My) Columbus favorite!

The best soup and sandwiches in town can be found at the corner of Whittier and Mohawk, in German Village.  Lucky for me, The Brown Bag Deli is a short walk from my place...making it easy to get there before they sell out of their famous Creamy Tomato and Spinach soup!  The place is adorable with a super friendly staff, top notch food and nice wine selection.  The best time to go is before noon and after 1:30 - quite crowded at lunch, but worth the wait.   They do serve dinner and offer a nice carry-out dinner - a daily menu special for two, under $10.  You can still order of the regular menu but give the specials a try.  They never fail your taste buds! 

A few MUST-HAVE menu items include the Creamy Tomato & Spinach Soup (act fast, this stuff goes quick), Mohawk Stroller, Smoked Turkey and Hummus Grilled Sandwich - a Special, so snag it next time it's on the board, Vegetable Chowder, and any of their salad specials.  This barely covers the amazing selection, but it's worth grabbing these on your first visit.  I've heard the Village Addiction with cranberry mayo (interesting?) is fabulous.  Also, If you love your fruit, they prepare a crisp/fresh fruit salad daily.  I would definitely recommend signing up for their Daily Specials email.  You'll get a notice of their specials for the day...look for it between 10 and 11 am.   

AND!  Don't leave without stopping by Gingham Bakery for THE BEST cupcakes you've ever had.  This deserves it's own post....so more to come!