Northstar Café | May 14, 2011

951 N. High St

Columbus, OH 43214

http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.5 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 4.5 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.5 Buckeyes

Service | 4.5 Buckeyes

Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash | 10

Applewood smoked turkey, red peppers, sweet onions, and two sunny-side-up eggs

Big Burrito | 8

Eggs, organic black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed peppers & onions, melted white cheddar and Northstar’s salsa

Northstar is a favorite among local Ohioans and visitors to our area. Northstar is notorious for its use of organic foods and it’s “made from scratch” menu items. The food style is casual, serving unique American style foods, while the dining style is urban; Northstar tried to encompass the feel of downtown Columbus in its three café locations.

Stein and I really enjoy trying trendy brunch hot spots, so we knew Northstar would have to next on the review list. A very popular spot for Saturday morning brunch, the café was packed. We waited in line for a little over ten minutes and placed our order. We received a number, which we clipped to one of the few open tables left. One great feature of Northstar is the outdoor seating; it was a beautiful day but unfortunately there weren’t seats on the patio so we didn’t have the luxury of people watching. We waited about fifteen minutes for our food to arrive and sitting close to the kitchen we eagerly watched as many other dishes came out ahead of ours.

Stein ordered the Big Burrito, which is packed full of eggs, organic black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed peppers & onions, melted white cheddar and Northstar’s salsa. Northstar’s salsa is made of fresh ingredients and always adds a nice kick to the dish. Stein, very satisfied with his selection said that the combination of all of the different ingredients makes the dish very unique and unlike every other breakfast burrito on the market.

I went with the Sweet Potato Hash served piping hot with applewood smoked turkey, red peppers, sweet onions, and two sunny-side-up eggs. The applewood smoked turkey is diced up very tiny but the pieced are hearty and thick and it has a deep smoke taste with a hint of sea salt which compliments the fresh and soft baby sweet potato bits very well. The sunny side up eggs were very fun; I poked a hole in the middle of the egg allowing for the yolk to smother ever inch of the dish.

Northstars commitment to sustainability, unique organic ingredients and use of local foods is very respectable and intrigues both of us and forces us to want to support that type of business. Overall, a great experience, excellent food and fun environment. A great way to start the day!