Philco Diner

Adress: 747 N. High St
Phone: 614-299-9933

Diner food is a treat we can all enjoy. Whether you are in the mood for a dinner of eggs, or a brunch of meatloaf you can assuredly get most anything you want at most any time of the day. Philco Diner, takes the idea of your mom and pop diner and brings it to a more upscale, locally inspired level. 

Inside you find a long bar, and a few booths, and a couple high tables. Wood tones and pea green booths with a strong grey coating every remaining inch. On my last visit, the place was so hot, I just felt uncomfortable for the majority of the time (perhaps this is do to the inconsistent weather we've been having).

On this visit, we started with cheese curds. Lightly fried chunks from blue jacket dairy- sweet, buttery and salty. Everything I love in a cheese curd was to be found in the order, my only problem come to the portion size. It wouldn't be a bad size, but they served them on a plate that made me feel cheated. Sure it came with a spicy pickle mayonnaise- but a smaller plate would have made them feel extra special.

After that I had Phillip's Burger. A 6 oz patty of beef, with arugula, a roasted tomato, grilled onions, Ohio cheddar, a little of the pickle mayonnaise all stacked in two soft challah buns.My burger was well cooked, but stacked a bit high, making it hard to eat. With it I ordered a side of fries and some of their bloody marry aioli. The fries were large, cooked well and hot. They weren't super crispy, but they were well seasoned. They aioli on the other hand, had a slight spice to it, but other than that wasn't very inspired- I saw no resemblance to the cocktail.

*For those of you who have seen aioli on the menus of countless restaurants and are still baffled by receiving dull mayonnaise with a drop of flavoring- join the club. By definition an aioli is a heavily garlic flavored mayonnaise (fine it's a fancy way of saying mayonnaise) that can be further flavored with the addition of other seasonings. Emphasis on the garlic, most restaurants in Columbus start with a gallon jug of mayonnaise and just spin some sirracha or herbs in it. Restaurants please start making real aioli if you are going to call it that- pack in the flavor!

That is where the meal ended, tasty and worth going back to. I've been before and can highly recommend the duck wings- they are really worth it, although the portion is a bit weak. If you haven't been to Philco since they reopend last year, I'd suggest you check it out on your next Short North visit. 

Keep Eating,

JTFussy

Skillet

Address: 410 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone:(614) 443-2266

Family owned, responsible ingredients, phenomenal. 

I was once asked, when I started this project, what I would say when I finally got around to reviewing Skillet.  Those words are all I can offer when it comes down to it.

I had been there a few times before I decided to actually give them a write up. The small restaurant sits down in German Village, and holds close to (maybe)20 people. Their logo is Rustic Urban Food- and on that- they deliver. There are restaurants that give you a lot of panache and most often fall short, Skillet isn't one of those restaurants. They give you real food, cooked correctly, with no strings attached. 

I found myself in an odd position, actually being able to get lunch from Skillet. Typically with the work schedule I can't make it down. So with it having been decided that it would be a Skillet day, Brandon and I made our trip down. 

We were immediately sat, something that can be difficult with the small interior. Our waiter was charming and joked with us as he took the order. Brandon had iced tea and mine was hot. The hot tea contained bits of  toasted rice, adding a delightful nutty flavor. The iced tea was brewed fine, but the raspberry flavor seemed artificial, whether or not it was-I think I'll never know. For our first course we indulged in soup. He the chickpea puree, and I a tomato bisque. The puree was pleasantly textured and had a pungent cumin nose to it- very warming on the rainy afternoon. The bisque was beautiful, heavy bodied and fresh- there were small bits of peppered bacon throughout.

After a few minutes we got our main course. I, after choosing it last time, had to get the macaroni and cheese. Perfectly tender noodles wrapped up in a just-thick-enough Laurel Valley Creamery cheese sauce, topped with large chucks of seared Bluescreek ham and arugula. I was in heaven. Each bite was full of flavor, but the occasional encounter of salty pork became fireworks inside of my mouth. 

Luckily Brandon wasn't able to finish his lamb burger. I can honestly say I've never had a lamb burger (perhaps even a beef burger) that even comes close to the symphony that was nestled in between those toasted brioche buns. The perfectly toasted buns with just a nip of char, contained a perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, juicy lamb patty with herb whipped Cloverton Cheese (again Laurel Valley) and pea shoots from Swainway Farms.  Sweet, salty, fresh, and just the perfect amount of lamb flavor.I am speechless to further praise this sandwich- it was that good.

Unfortunately that is where the meal had to end, we were too full to continue. Although I haven't had their dinner offerings, lunch and breakfast are some of the best to be found in the city. Skillet is within the top 3 restaurants I've eaten at in the Columbus., If you haven't gone (ever or recently) GO! 

Keep Eating,
JTFussy

Tommy's Diner

914 West Broad St.

(614) 224-2422

Recently mark and I found it convenient to go to breakfast. We had several options open to us, but what really sounded good, was plain simple diner breakfast. He posed several options. Several REALLY good options too, but for the simplicity we felt the situation needed we chose to travel down to the west side.

Down in Franklinton you will find more and more places popping up. This may be in part due to the emergence of the 400 West Rich Street complex. Regardless, Tommy's Diner has been a staple to landscape of the area for quite some time (At least as long as I've been alive). If you don't believe me, just take a look at all of the newspaper clippings posted on the walls. And if you don't think that's enough, turn around and see the splattering of autographed pictures from countless celebrities hung on the other wall.

Tommy's truly is the all american diner of the past, still running with basic breakfast options and a full menu of classics. Both Mark and I sat down and promptly ordered the standard two eggs, home-fries, pork product and toast. He had the bacon and I the sausage links. The order was out in no time, and the eggs were as expected- cooked perfectly. Everything was hot, and fresh, but it all lacked seasoning of any kind. Everything was bland as could be, but somehow the nostalgia combined with ample salt and pepper shakers made it ok. The sausage was tasty, nice and juicy with just enough char to add flavor.

From what I expected, Tommy's Diner was simple but good. Sometimes the classics are what you need to start the day off on the right foot, and Tommy's Diner may be that place. Yes, there are (without a doubt) better places to eat in Columbus- but Tommy's is certainly a classic.


Keep Eating,
JTFussy

Thurman's Cafe

183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 443-1570

From one end of the burger spectrum to the next...

I covered one of the emerging veggie burger companies recently, and have decided it was time to give you some thoughts on a Columbus staple for meaty indulgences. Thurman's Cafe in German Village, is a burger Meca for those craving a 3/4 pound sandwich.

From what I have heard, the place for a big, juicy, and delicious burger is Thurman's, or at least that is what all the reviews boast. So while in the neighborhood, Brandon and I decided to pop my Thurman's cherry and wait for a table.

The atmosphere is very family friendly. They have loads of bright neon lights and an eclectic decor that shoots out of the wooden walls. The place is much smaller than I imagined; seating is tight, and the place is relatively dark. The menus are wrapped in generic plastic sheathing, but fit in to the atmosphere of signed dollars and engraved seats.

The menu itself, is pretty extensive and covers what the general burger joint offers, while offering choices for those who would prefer a different type of sandwich or (heaven forbid) a salad. From what I saw at other tables all the offerings would come out LARGE! But seeing as this was my first time, we both had to stick with the burger. 

Frankly, I don't understand the point of food being that large. Perhaps I'm a wimp though. I do understand the novelty wrapped up in "Big Food" and can appreciate an eating competition- I just have to question it's necessity. With that being said, the burger tasted great.

I decided to play it simple, and just order a medium-rare bacon ranch burger. The patty came out medium-well, to well done, but was still juicy enough that I didn't have to choke it down. The toppings were expected, but delicious and well executed. The sandwich was served with onion straws that could have been fresher. From what I sampled of Brandon's burger, the fries too could have been fresher, and the sandwich itself wasn't cooked to the specify temperature- though tasty.

If you need a meat fix, and don't mind a bit of a wait, By all means try out Thurman's. I am quite certain that you will find something to suit you. A fun, friendly environment Thuman's Cafe will be sure to send you off with an achingly full stomach and a smile on your face.

Keep Eating,

JTFussy

The Sycamore

Address: 262 E Sycamore St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone:(614) 754-1460

I often dine "in" with my dear friend Mark, he is wise and knows quite a bit about food. He is an older gentleman who has lived in Columbus for longer than I have existed, so he is familiar with most all restaurants in the area. So when he offered to take me out to dinner, I knew I was going to be in for a treat.

Mark and I debated for a week where we should go. Several restaurants were on the table, but the ending result tossed us into the heart of German Village. I remember reading on the Underground, how The Sycamore had recently redone it's layout and was holding itself as a sort of gastropub (without the pretentious atmosphere). 

A small, long, building with very minimal seating. The Sycamore sadly doesn't take reservations, and their hour call ahead hardly seems to be worth it. If you go to the Sycamore, go early and plan to wait at the bar for a little bit, although the bar can offer a bit of a relief. That is unless you look upon the prices, the lower average of a bottle of wine holding a tag of $60. Extending the wine list, there are several by the glass offerings, a separate list with an even higher mark up. The cocktails share the same burden but are decent, and arrive at a timely manner.

When we finally obtained a table, we had to fight a crowd to get there. With tables sat so close together, I must apologize again to the poor dear that I had to crowd just to sit down. Even with adjustments to the table, I felt "in the way". A lovely leather bound menu sat atop dark wooden tables, stunning -if tight. 

The favored item on the menu appeared to be the prawns. Being found on most dishes, they promised to be tasty in every way they read. We chose one of the two special appetizers to start- grilled prawns over a farro risotto with grilled prawns and blistered tomatoes.  This has to be, to date, one of the best items I've eaten out, while in Columbus. The farro was well seasoned and the char from the soft prawns contrasted the tomatoes in a way that brought true cohesion to the dish. Unfortunately when the dish came, I found it very difficult to believe that we were being served true prawns, they just seemed  too small , and without their heads- one will never know.

Next we moved to our entrees, we opted for large plates instead of the seemingly more popular burgers. The Burgers were large and easily could have made a meal, however they lacked the elegance of the larger entrees. I had the trout, two fillets of tender, perfectly cooked trout with roasted potatoes and green beans. The trout was under seasoned but, what it lacked from salt, a preserved lemon and caper sauce was more than enough to compensate for three times the amount on the plate. Mark had the lamb shank, well cooked with an overly tangy molasses sauce. A typical parsnip puree and exceptionally garlicky kale. I believe that I had the better of the two dishes, though nothing was unpleasant.  

I would highly recommend checking out The Sycamore, the next time you end up down in German Village with an extra wad of cash. Respect the wait, as you will probably find it to be worth your while. So far, this may be one of the better restaurants that I've eaten at this year.

Keep Eating,

JTFussy

Deviled Egg Salad

I bet it's happened to a great deal of us: You forget your grocery list at home and you pick up a carton of eggs you didn't really need. If you only eat one egg in the morning, or just on weekends, you probably wouldn't make it through that second pack before they went bad. 

When I find myself with an abundance of eggs, I often end up pickling them, or tossing one on a sandwich at every meal.  One quick way of using quite a few of the little stinkers, is egg salad. Probably not your thing if you aren't a fan of the shelled treasures, but egg salad is one of the southern staples I picked up along my travels. 

8 eggs (uncooked in the shell)

4 teaspoons squeezed prepared horseradish

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon whole grain mustard

1/4 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon sliced chives

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fill a medium bowl with ice and water

Place the eggs in a medium sauce pot

Fill the pan with room temperature water, covering the eggs by an inch

Bring the pan to a boil over high heat

Cook for eight minutes

Poor off the hot water and crack the eggs slightly

Place the cracked eggs into the ice water

After about three minutes the eggs will be cool and ready to peal

Remove all the shells and  four of the egg yolks, save the four extra whites

Dice the whole eggs and egg whites into about quarter inch pieces

Place the diced eggs and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl

Stir together, breaking up the yolks, until the mixture is homogeneous

Serves 2-4  

Slightly spicy but ultra creamy egg salad, may not sound or initially look appealing, but it is a treat when smeared over a soft piece of bread with some crisp lettuce. I'd break out this treat when you have all those extra Easter eggs laying about in a few months, but really- why wait!

Keep Eating,

JTFussy

Melt

Address: 840 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone:(614) 453-1150

I've tried to keep an open mind about Melt, I truly have. With long lines since it has opened, and mixed reviews from those around me, I knew I would have to try it out- even with my initial apprehension. Brandon and I were driving by this week, and we noticed the place was pretty barren inside, so we decided it couldn't hurt to give it one chance (little did we know how wrong we were).

The interior is very Applebee's, and I don't mean that in a good way, based on the surrounding neighborhood. Not trying to be an elitist about it, but Melt seems very out of place against the backdrop of the Short North. I had heard rumors of hour long waits for tables, and another hour wait to get your food. Based on our timing, we managed to not have a wait to be seated. Although, we did have an odd time in the spacious lobby trying to find the unmarked hostess.



When we were seated, we had menus printed on the back of records (yes, it is admittedly a fun idea). We also were given a very over-sized drinks and specials menu that had enough reading material for a few hours. Our server was nice and efficient, even if a bit timid in his approach. Drinks were delivered quick enough, and that's where the positive parts of our evening has to yield to honesty.

Brandon ordered the equivalent of fish and chips, and I ordered the Godfather sandwich. A slice of lasagna between two thick pieces of Texas toast. Sounds good enough (right?), however the two sandwiches took 45 minutes to come out, when they arrived at the table, they were cold. Brandon reported that his sandwich had a cohesive idea, but in application was messy and completely overpowered by the coleslaw. My sandwich was, without exaggeration, completely inedible! Think cold, thick, gummy, overcooked pasta mush with a flavorless sauce between two disgustingly greasy slices of garlic bread. Brandon reasoned that it was probably overcooked to begin with, then microwaved too long in preparation for sending it out. I did something that I hoped would never have to be done, I sent the sandwich back.

Our server was understanding and offered to correct the issue by letting me choose a new sandwich. Thinking it to be a safer choice, I obliged and chose the buffalo chicken sandwich. Brandon finished half of his sandwich, before I had ever got my replacement sandwich. Thankfully, this time it only took 15 minutes to obtain a cold sandwich with little to no cheese (despite this being their main selling point). The fries for all three meals were cold and tasted as if they were cooked in cold, old oil.

Sending back the sandwich was not a decision I regret, however having done so, the quality of service was more catered to the rest of my individual meal. The buffalo chicken was delivered by a new server and he proceeded to explained to me that the Godfather was "just not for everyone" (Who the hell was it for then?) A person, we guessed a manager, checked in our table frequently -despite us having food in our mouths most of the times for her quick getaway. And while all the attention was being poured onto me, Brandon was completely ignored by the staff. As much as I tried to remain jovial to keep the evening fun for us, when you're company is being neglected, it's hard to feel sincerity.

The entire time we were at melt, we felt completely unwelcome. The environment was too spacious to be inviting. The food was hard to eat, too much, not at all note worthy, and in some instances repulsive. After eating, Brandon and I both felt sick to our stomachs, and were unsure if we should keep our leftovers. Melt, quite possibly, was one of the worst meals I have had in my Columbus experiences. Please, do yourself a favor and learn from my misfortune- DO NOT GO TO MELT!

Keep Eating,
JTFussy

Tip Top

Address: 73 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:(614) 221-8300

Liz Lessner is a matriarch in Columbus. If you don't know who she is, I'm going to be slightly surprised. In the event that you are unaware of her and her work, Liz is the owner of such classic establishments as Betty's, Dirty Franks, and Jury Room- a collection of restaurants also known as the Columbus Food League. 

Lessner seems to have a knack for seeking out under-appreciated areas of town and blazing a path of rejuvenation. Situated on Gay Street is Tip Top, a classic all-american restaurant. Nothing too out there, and if you are familiar with Surly Girl, I'm sure you will feel right at ease.

It should be noted at every league establishment, the decor clearly takes center stage. Tip Top has a speakeasy feel, and makes you feel like you are in an old-style gentleman's club (minus the smoke). With low lighting, heavy chandeliers, and thick dusty velvet, you are bound to feel like staying. The food in most of these restaurants on the other hand, share commonalities.

Mediocre is one thing that most all of the food has in common. Under seasoned and typical. Although I am never disappointed, I'm often left with a void of enthusiasm. I most recently went for brunch at Tip Top, and found myself barely satisfied.

My morning bloody mary was, as warned, very spicy. The typical tabasco and tomato juice was fine, but the drink could have used some salt. And when my beer and cheese soup arrived, I was pleased to find it didn't harbor the thick gangling mustard personality of most. Sal's big mess was loaded with toasted biscuits and a healthy portion of both eggs and potatoes. However, the watery gravy did not impressed or satisfy.

Although each visit to any of the Columbus Food League is sure to provide you with a good time. Don't expect to be blown away by the food. Drinks are always a good option, and none can deny that the Macaroni and Cheese is pretty good.


Keep Eating,
JTFussy

Bodega

Address: 1044 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone:(614) 299-9399

Friday nights aren't the easiest of days to get food when you have no firm plans. Without reservations, most places will laugh at your vain attempt for a seat. Not Bodega. They welcome you at the door, and when you can't get a seat, the bar offers a temporary home.

What they don't tell you: even with two tables in front of you, expect a two hour wait. 

While Bodega boasts a large bar, with an even longer list of beers and ciders, it lacks a bit in its restaurant section. As I mentioned, the two hour wait for a table did not impress; when we had to wait an additional thirty minutes to place our order, Brandon and I were ready to eat anything they placed in front of us.

While the food looked delicious, an appetizer order of mac and cheese was the same size as the entree selections. Although each offering wasn't tiny, expect to order at least two items. The macaroni and cheese was simple and slightly adjustable to your liking with options of bacon, tomatoes, or jalapenos. It was tasty enough and had cheese cubes stirred in last minute for an extra occasional surprise.

Next, I had the shrimp and grits as I was told to get this by a regular visitor. The shrimp was cooked well, and with the plate slathered in a sauce rich with bacon, it was not hard to enjoy. However, if you prepare a simple dish like that, each component needs to be spot on. My grits were not very well prepared--thick and almost dry.

If you need a drink, stop by Bodega, as you will find something to whet your whistle. However, don't stick around for food, unless you are hungry and have the time. In the next few weeks, Bodega plans on updating the place. I hope this breaks down the flaws in service and helps crank out their better menu options.

http://www.columbusunderground.com/bodega-to-close-for-a-month-in-february-for-a-facelift-and-relaunch-aw1

Good things seem to be on the way, even at the cost of our grilled cheese Mondays.

Keep Eating,
JTFussy

The Angry Baker

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.

http://www.columbusunderground.com/dish-deathmatch-drive-thru-breakfast-battle-royale-ma1

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.

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

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