Black Creek Bistro

51 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 246-9662

This was most certainly not the first time that I had an experience with Black Creek Bistro, and I am quite pleased to announce this blog will be starting off on a positive note.

My first time dining at this gem of Old Towne East was earlier this year during a lunch for my day-job. I remember it as being less than impressive for all the hype I had heard. However I'm glad that my boyfriend Brandon had convinced me to give it another go (after all this blog is meant for second chances.)

Black Creek Bistro is an extension of their original farm, and is focused on sustainability as well as quality seasonal ingredients. With such a solid foundation for the heart of food (the earth) one must have high hopes for the restaurant. In my experiences however, i would bypass the lunch scene and head for a quiet dinner.

Several weeks ago I had received a rather large gift certificate to the Dine Originals Columbus, a local organization that brings together an assortment of independent and local restaurants. As a result Brandon and I made our way through the blistering cold to the next to empty art gallery that is the Black Creek Bistro. A charming building that sits on the edge of Oak and Parsons, Black Creek heralds itself as a bar, bistro, gallery, and wine shop. With large windows across the front, Black Creek is rather small, yet feels open and at times desolate and empty (perhaps due to the tall gallery style ceilings). The art is tasteful, relaxing, and brings warmth to the otherwise barren walls.


Act One: Cocktails

Watershed South-side
Sweet Manhattan

Our drinks, both on point to say the least were charming tasty and delicious. As a gin drinker I much more preferred my Southside. Watershed is a local distillery that started off producing a four peel gin, and delivers crisp citrus notes that help carry the lime, offset with a bit of mint, what isn't to love about it? On the other hand, Brandon's Sweet Manhattan would have been a whiskey lover's best friend. Heavy oak, as to be expected followed by sweet caramel and a manly burn- well made with decent balance between the bitters and vermouth.



Act Two: Appetizers

Pork Delight
Duck Tostadas
Salmon Cakes

Feeling Saucy, as we so often do, we both decided to splurge a little with our appetizer course. So maybe we should have reserved ourselves a bit, and maybe you shouldn't judge us so much... Anyways... Having both the Pork Delight and the Tostadas ended up being a tad redundant, however each stood up on their own merit. The pork had been showcased on the menu for having won the Taste of Bexley distinction, and for good reason. Sweet barbecued pork and a corn medley on a fried tortilla- Yum right?  The Duck Tostada, luke-warm shredded duck atop guacamole, white beans, and a fried tortilla could have used a bit of extra salt, or more of the lovely pickled onions. To me (despite Brandon's aversion) the star of this course was clearly the salmon cakes. A new addition to the menu, the meaty croquets were sweet, fishy and were contrasted nicely with a spicy brown mustard sauce that accompanied them.

Act Three: The Entree (le gasp!)

Confused Mussels
Winter Duck Gnocchi

After a short wait we were next introduced to our entrees. However, before I continue on, I truly need to point out the excellence in the server communication. The two people tending to the entire restaurant were completely on point- always ready for our next need, be it placing new flatware or bringing us the next course. When the course did arrive, the rustic-ness of the place did show in the plating, a little more was to be desired. The mussels and the pasta underneath was cooked perfectly (perhaps the most tender bivalves I've had in the city!) and as delicate as the sauce was, the initial tastes of lemongrass were soon lost and left you longing for more sharp citrus flavors. The Gnocchi on the other hand was rich and full of umami delivering mushrooms, and my only complaint would be that the dumplings were slightly dense- I'm guessing from using too much potato.

Act Four: Dessert

Peppermint Mocha Creme Brulee
Malted White Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Jelly and Chocolate Cake

Finally we had made it to dessert, A course that could be easily split with any offering you chose. The Creme Brulee was smooth, well balanced, and had a thin layer of expertly burnt sugar. Unfortunately it was accompanied by a less than stellar short bread spiral cookie. The cookie mostly tasted of flour and offered nothing to the dessert. In terms of the Mousse, a bit heavy but I wouldn't change a thing. Rich malt balanced with tart raspberries and moist (hate that word!) chocolate cake was a great way to end a meal.

Overall, I'd say that Black Creek Bistro is definitely worth checking out if you haven't been in awhile, however stick with Dinner. Have fun while you're there, the wait staff is great and will make you feel at home. Very professional and with a few minor tweaks could be grabbing more notice in the city.


Keep Eating,
JTFussy