Chef-o-Nette $
Now that I have lived in UA for about a year, I have discovered some of the local favorites. When people find out you live here, they often ask "Have you tried Chef-o-Nette"? Yes, I have. Jill and I went one hot morning with her 18 month old son. This is the first place I can talk about friendly staff, as they were very accomodating to her little one and we didn't feel out of place. I got a plate of french toast and a side of bacon (a favorite of mine, it seems) and it was even cheaper than at the GVCS! We were in and out quickly (good when you have a young child), and I have been back several times since. It is an especially thrifty place to eat a filling lunch, and seems to be a favorite among the older man crowd (it is also rumored to be Jim Tressel's favorite!)
*Cambridge Tea House $$
I could write a whole page about this place. A song about it, even. Located in my old 'hood of Grandview, this is the ultimate in "girl time" as far as breakfast goes (prefect for Julie's birthday!) When you walk in, the room is brightly-lit by many windows, the decor is very crisp and pretty, but not at all chintsy or tacky like tea houses can be. The menu stumps me every time, because everything sounds delicious. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I wasn't sure if I should have tea or not, so I ordered the vanilla black tea (decaf), based on the server's recommendation. It did not disappoint. They have a breakfast special every day, and on my first visit, I tried the "breakfast souffle" of egg, grits, sausage and cheese. The portion was generous and words cannot describe how delicious it was. I tried a bit of Julie's currant scone with clotted cream. Interesting. Since it was a birthday breakfast, I decided we needed dessert. The Sticky Toffee Pudding on the board sounded "different". I expected a bowl of toffee flavored pudding. Oh no, my friends, English pudding is a hulking slice of soft, sticky cake that makes you want to fly to England and demand more.
The next time I went with my mom (who tends to run late), it was time for lunch. (GOOD) chicken salad is my favorite lunch, and their "orange chicken salad" had me intrigued. It was filled with fresh fruits, nuts, and celery, just how I like it, on a toast piece of ciabatta (I think) bread. The sandwich alone was filling, and you also get a fruit cup (another area in which I am picky--they put in all the good fruits!) I decided to try the Earl Grey Chocolate Chip Cherry Scone with clotted cream and thought I died and went to food heaven. Since then, I have gone back for the chicken salad and scone combination and left a very happy, full girl. I can't wait to take Baby O. there for some girl time.
Tasi $$
The parking was "A situation" here in Italian Village, but I managed to back the Corolla into a tight spot in front of Tasi. This was definitely our most hip breakfast and a place worth trying. The interior is very European Cafe-ish, which bright red metal chairs, Illy cans stacked everywhere, and giant wooden picnic tables. I appreciated that they serve local and seasonal foods. Again, this was a walk-up and order place with a giant chalkboard menu (Ah!) When I get flustered, I always fall back on french toast. However, this was not just any french toast, but Cinnamon Challah french toast with bananas and pure maple syrup. I'm going to go ahead and say it. As much as I dig pure foods and whole ingredients, I think pure maple syrup turns me off every time. The french toast itself was yummy and different, but drenched in the syrup, it was hard to finish. The $3 OJ I ordered (I know, I obsess over OJ prices) was the best juice I have every had in my life. I have no doubt that it was freshly squeezed into the test-tube sized glass I got, and it was my favorite part of breakfast. The rest of the menu was full of very unique lunch and dinner items, and I imagine it does well with the Italian Village/Short North crowd.
*Katalina $$
This place always made me turn my head when driving through Harrison West. "What is that?" "A gas station?" Nope! It used to be, but now it is one heck of a cafe. Another giant-chalkboard-behind-the-cashier place, but no worries...this was my birthday breakfast and I had done my homework! As soon as I saw the words "Swedish Pancake Balls" on their online menu, I knew what I was having. Otherwise known as ebelskivers, these are possibly my favorite breakfast item in the world. I even have a special pan for them, but enjoyed knowing that someone else could cook them for me! Katalina's were filled with 2 choices: Nutella or strawberry preserves. Being the good friend that she is, Julie realized what a pickle I was in and ordered the strawberry kind so that we could try both:o) They came with a side of "Spicy maple bacon", which I knew i couldn't handle with baby heartburn. Luckily, they serve excellent non-spicy bacon as well. I was overwhelmed by the drink choices in the cooler. Not your run of the mill orange juice and milk carton breakfast options. I went with the homemade, refreshing raspberry iced tea. The Nutella ebelskivers were freaking amazing, and the combo of Nutella with strawberry was something I have to go back for again. I am not sure how busy it gets on a weekend (we went on a Friday morning), but we enjoyed having a table to ourselves and not having anyone looking like they wanted us to get out. Note to self: go back to Katalina, soon!
Sweet Clove Cafe $$
(There is no website yet, because it is newer and is the very first). For some reason, two people I talked to had the idea that this was an Indian restaurant, and so did I! I think because it is so close to a few Indian restaurants and grocers, and has the word 'clove" in it? Anyway, the food was spectacular and the menu is SO expansive. There is something for everyone, and I might liken it to a one-step-up from Bob Evans. If you like French Toast, omelettes, or benedicts, you have found your mecca. There is a whole text box dedicated to the make-your-own omelettes, and I have never seen so many benedict choices. But, you know by now that I am a sucker for French Toast. I have found my favorite.
The price isn't the best (9.99 without any sides), but wow! It is made with Hawaiian bread, served with fresh fruit if you like, and homemade whipped cream from a giant bowl. The syrup might be my favorite because it is so light...perfect for dipping the BACON. Oh my, the bacon. This is Honeybaked Ham's cafe, so you have to expect their pork products to be delish. Check. The prices are a bit high, but the portions are huge. My two brunch buddies Ann and Julie both took home their leftovers. I had none.
Honey Dip Donuts & Diner $
I have driven past this place my entire life, but it was always Jolly Pirate Donuts. Now, Honey Dip has redesigned to accommodate diners for breakfast and lunch. When I met Daisy and Julie there last Fall, we decided to go the whole nine yards and get THE DONUT SANDWICH. That's right, we ate egg, bacon, and cheese with donuts on each end instead of bread. It was delicious, but probably a once in a lifetime thing. They also serve omelettes and other simple diner items. And let's talk about the donuts. It is easy to walk up to the counter and order what you'd like from the (if I had to guess) about 3 dozen varieties. There is a case of "fancy" for 1.10 or "regular" for .90, so with a box of four, you're looking at a cheap breakfast. The consistency of the Devil's Food is perfect, and the jelly and cream-filled pass the man-test here. Stop by for a quick, inexpensive breakfast with your kiddos!
The Best Breakfast and Sandwiches $
When Amber and I took our girls this summer, we raised our eyebrows at the setting. Let's just say it's just a "different" part of town than we are used to. But do NOT let that stop you. Once you meet the friendly servers and taste the food, you realize you don't care where the restaurant is because you will be going back. It is a diner atmosphere, and diner food, so I ordered several a la carte items to sample them all! Larkyn and I split an order of chocolate chip pancakes (huge, with milk chocolate chips), scrambled eggs, and bacon. We both give it a thumbs-up. I honestly don't remember what everyone else got because I was too focused on our food, but we all left very happy. Also to note, they serve "S.O.S", which if you know anyone who served in the military, they will tell you what that means. Horrible name, but favorite man food in my family:)
Der Dutchman $
My favorite part of going here was the drive! It is a pretty drive out to Plain City, especially if you have a good friend for conversation. Der Dutchman is very well-known around here for their doughnuts and pies, which they sell at other grocery stores and markets. The place is massive, catering to buses full of tourists and athletes passing through. It is an excellent place for kids because with all the rooms, they can put them all in one noisy room and no one feels bad about their loud toddler (who, me?). Anyway, there is an extensive menu, but buffets work well with little ones. We took a little bit of everything, including fruit, french toast, bacon, and eggs. And this strange little concoction called Fruit Slush. I think it was just a few kinds of fruit frozen into orange juice. It was actually pretty refreshing. Larkyn was "in a mood" that morning, so we (poor Julie included) didn't really get to enjoy our food as usual.
Next time, I think I will order from the menu though and go take Larkyn to the gift shop. They have Vera Bradley bags, collectibles, decor, and tons of toys.
Warehouse Cafe $
We ended up here after a failed attempt somewhere else (where the line went out the door). I had parked outside of the restaurant many times when I used to practice yoga across the street. It always smelled delicious and looked inviting. You need quarters to park in front of it, and then walk up to the register in the beautifully maintained historic shoe factory. The Albanian owner will show you where the machines used to be and point out the 100+ year old photograph of the converted restaurant with all the factory workers. You know I dig that.
They keep it simple with the offerings, with various omelets, sandwiches, pancakes, french toast, and a large array of coffee drinks. I of course went for the french toast, which is my measuring stick for a restaurant. They serve a generous helping of it for 4.50, and then I added on bacon and an iced mocha. I REALLY liked the french toast. It was more buttery and less sweet, which is perfection when you add syrup (and not mushy!). The mocha was fantastic. Bacon was fine, but not the standout like the french toast. I will go again for sure. Julie enjoyed her turkey omelet and white chocolate mocha. Best part? No crowd, no line, no waiting.
Comments