It hasn't even been a week since I first started placing my thoughts on virtual paper, and already I've received some great feedback from a few readers. I began with fears that no one would read, or that people would think I came across as too fussy (really I think it’s too early to tell.) Even though I have no reason to stop, today, I came across a tid-bit that bolstered my reasons to continue.
Yep that’s right, a link to a local review on fast food breakfasts. Yes breakfast is great; and yes, it can be obtained quickly, but should the heart of Ohio really be gorging itself with the “food” of White Castle and McDonalds? Do we not have a book based on our city’s morning fare?
It isn't just this review, or Mrs. Abbott for that matter. There are plenty of knowledgeable food critics in the city, and too many of them never have anything negative to say. Now I don’t mean that we should bad mouth our establishments, but isn't the point of a critic to engage a reader and give an honest point of view? Maybe I’m wrong though, perhaps we no longer wish to hear reviews highlighting the skills and methods of those doing it the right way, the hard way. Could it be that we all just want to be reassured that the, mechanically produced substance we ingest is actually food? Or maybe we want some public figure that says it’s ethereal to remove our guilt?
Whatever Columbus! Wake up, enjoy the food from those who aren't afraid to use their hands! I’m sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings, but we all have too much of that famous midwest hospitality, and we just need to buck-up and take a little criticism. And if that dollar in your pocket really needs to be spent that badly on your drive home, go buy an apple!
Pulling it back in, but staying just frustrated enough, let’s have a look at The Angry Baker:
Address: 891 St. Columbus, OH 43205
Phone:(614) 947-0976
Snow drifted down, ever so gingerly, over Old Towne today as I sat drearily at the recipe covered bar of The Angry Baker. If you are unfamiliar with this little tucked away nugget, you wouldn't be aware of the slight remodeling they they have done. In fact if you’d have only gone a few times you wouldn't notice much.
About the only real things you would notice would be: the change in seating at the front, their large display case has been severely condensed, and the kitchen has opened up. The cute cartoon food still adorns the walls, and healthier vegan/ gluten free options still dominate the menu board.
I had heard rumors about a fabulous sushi melt on the menu. A bit intrigued I decided to check it out. With a very brief blurb set below the title on the chalkboard- wasabi spread, pickled ginger, spinach, ahi tuna- I really did not have enough insight to make up my mind, yet I went for it.
My sandwich and tea arrived close together and was quite fitting for lunch. A bright bowl of oranges, pears, and apples sat at attention next to my sandwich. The melt was flavorful but interesting for lack of better words. Two nice slices of buttery toasted brioche with warmed wasabi cheese spread bound together a healthy mound of spinach with a few slices of pickled ginger and the slices of raw sesame-crusted tuna.
Warm, but by no stretch the definition of hot, the sandwich could have used more ginger and something more for texture- perhaps a few thin slices of cucumber or roasted red peppers. My choice of tea was called "grasshopper" and, although stated to have a bit of peppermint, the glass lost all traces if they had ever existed (but still a wonderful cup of tea.) As I left, I grabbed a vegan blueberry chocolate chip brownie to go. Rich and chocolaty, it may have been one of the best vegan brownies I have had in a long time. The brownie was soft and full-bodied with fruit shining through at just the right amount.
Address: 891 St. Columbus, OH 43205
Phone:(614) 947-0976
Snow drifted down, ever so gingerly, over Old Towne today as I sat drearily at the recipe covered bar of The Angry Baker. If you are unfamiliar with this little tucked away nugget, you wouldn't be aware of the slight remodeling they they have done. In fact if you’d have only gone a few times you wouldn't notice much.
About the only real things you would notice would be: the change in seating at the front, their large display case has been severely condensed, and the kitchen has opened up. The cute cartoon food still adorns the walls, and healthier vegan/ gluten free options still dominate the menu board.
I had heard rumors about a fabulous sushi melt on the menu. A bit intrigued I decided to check it out. With a very brief blurb set below the title on the chalkboard- wasabi spread, pickled ginger, spinach, ahi tuna- I really did not have enough insight to make up my mind, yet I went for it.
My sandwich and tea arrived close together and was quite fitting for lunch. A bright bowl of oranges, pears, and apples sat at attention next to my sandwich. The melt was flavorful but interesting for lack of better words. Two nice slices of buttery toasted brioche with warmed wasabi cheese spread bound together a healthy mound of spinach with a few slices of pickled ginger and the slices of raw sesame-crusted tuna.
Warm, but by no stretch the definition of hot, the sandwich could have used more ginger and something more for texture- perhaps a few thin slices of cucumber or roasted red peppers. My choice of tea was called "grasshopper" and, although stated to have a bit of peppermint, the glass lost all traces if they had ever existed (but still a wonderful cup of tea.) As I left, I grabbed a vegan blueberry chocolate chip brownie to go. Rich and chocolaty, it may have been one of the best vegan brownies I have had in a long time. The brownie was soft and full-bodied with fruit shining through at just the right amount.
I’ve been to The Angry Baker before, but only for breakfast. Something quite tasty is sure to find it’s way to your plate. The smoked salmon or french toast sandwiches are two extremely solid choices to indulge in. Their bread is nice, with the brioche being a highlight for me. Not too many local places seem to offer it, and compared to La Chatelaine, it is nowhere near as dense.
With an open kitchen you would think the staff would be a bit reserved about the preparation of your sandwiches- but fear not for I assure you there is no pomp and circumstance here. The team is definitely ready to have fun, but you can see what some kitchens, who rely on a closed door, take for granted, every little splash of sauce or wiping of crumbs to the floor can be noticed.
Although I may not have had the best meal of my life at The Angry Baker today, I’d still say if you've never been, go for brunch. It is a neat place with decent food, and I guarantee you that if (as mentioned in the linked article) you eat here you will not feel like you are eating a fatsicle! Everything here will provide you with a nice fresh tasting start to your day.
Please Columbus, eat local and make what’s on that plate worth eating.
Keep Eating,
JTFussy
With an open kitchen you would think the staff would be a bit reserved about the preparation of your sandwiches- but fear not for I assure you there is no pomp and circumstance here. The team is definitely ready to have fun, but you can see what some kitchens, who rely on a closed door, take for granted, every little splash of sauce or wiping of crumbs to the floor can be noticed.
Although I may not have had the best meal of my life at The Angry Baker today, I’d still say if you've never been, go for brunch. It is a neat place with decent food, and I guarantee you that if (as mentioned in the linked article) you eat here you will not feel like you are eating a fatsicle! Everything here will provide you with a nice fresh tasting start to your day.
Please Columbus, eat local and make what’s on that plate worth eating.
Keep Eating,
JTFussy
Hi! Great review of The Angry Baker!
ReplyDeleteIf you're unfamiliar with the catalogue fine work of Mrs. Miriam Bowers Abbott on Columbus Underground, she's been writing reviews and critics of many many many local Columbus restaurants and food makers over the past year. Her entire archive of reviews can be found here, which almost exclusively includes local independent and unique establishments:
http://www.columbusunderground.com/tag/restaurant-reviews
In addition to reviews, Miriam does a few other food columns on CU including:
• "Treat to Try" (all about the sweets)
• "Ohio's Own" (for local food products usually found in the grocery store instead of a restaurant)
• "Unusual Eats" (weird, odd, or interesting menu items)
and last but not least:
• "Dish Deathmatch" (pitting two similar items against each other, which often includes local vs chain or chain vs chain)
The White Castle VS McDonald's breakfast sandwich article you linked to is in her "Dish Deathmatch" series, so it's not true restaurant review. These articles are written to be a little more silly and fun most of the time, and some of the previous editions include "Weiner Wars", "Butter Battles" and "Cockfights" (rotisserie chickens!).
http://www.columbusunderground.com/tag/dish-deathmatch
Hopefully you don't honestly think that anyone was encouraging readers to "gorge" themselves on McDonalds or White Castle. The article said nothing of that sort. It was meant to be fun, so take that for what its worth. ;)
Anyway, keep up the great work on the site and keep the reviews coming and I'll keep reading them! ;)