Piada | May 21, 2011

1315 W. Lane Ave., 


Columbus, OH 43221

http://www.mypiada.com

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.4 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.5 Buckeyes

Character | 4.5 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.5 Buckeyes

Service | 3.5 Buckeyes

PIADA
VEGETARIAN w/ PARMESAN ALFREDO | 5.95

Thin crust dough made from natural organic flour, grill item, fresh vegetables & sauce (with or without pasta)

PIADA
VEGETARIAN w/ POMODORO | 5.95

Thin crust dough made from natural organic flour, grill item, fresh vegetables & sauce (with or without pasta)

Piada Italian Street Food is centrally located close to campus on Lane Avenue in Columbus. Piada has been described to us as the Italian version of Chipotle with its made to order buffet line style of dish decorating. When we entered the restaurant it felt exactly like a Chipotle in terms of style; modern, metal and a fun atmosphere. Stein was graciously armed with a gift card for a free Piada from a fellow MBA student who opened another Piada location in Bexely and wanted a Miller-Stein review of the restaurant.

Stein and I entered the line and both selected the Piada option. The chef places a tortilla on a small flat grill, spreads oil overtop of it to crisp it up and lets it get hot enough to develop some bubbles. The chef removes it and you slide on down to the tough part, the food selection.

Stein went with a vegetarian Piada, and decided to add the angle hair pasta to his dish. Stein also added peppers and onions, asparagus and chose an parmesan alfredo for his sauce. The toppings were next in line and Stein chose various toppings. The servers wrapped it up like a burrito and covered it in foil to keep it warm.

I too, went with the Piada option and chose to go meatless. I was intrigued by the pasta in a tortilla and went with that also. I chose just the peppers and onions and a sweet tomato sauce for my Piada and quickly moved on to the toppings. For my toppings I selected tomatoes, spinach, cheese, mushroom, artichoke and romaine. The server then wrapped my Piada and we found our seat.

We both unwrapped our Piadas, Stein smartly just unwrapped half of his so the foil could support the lower half of the giant wrapped piada. Without thinking I unwrapped the whole thing and it immediately started falling apart. The crispiness that the warming of the tortilla causes mixed with the moisture of the sauce is a deadly combination. Upon biting into our Piadas we both really liked what we tasted. The fresh vegetables with the sweetness of the sauces were very tasty. Stein and I both traded bites with each other and were shocked at how different they were from each other. The sauce made a huge difference; Stein’s was heartier while mine was sweeter and lighter. The assortment of fresh vegetables was refreshing, so rarely do restaurants have such a wide variety of great tasting vegetables for the customer.

We were both very excited about the style of the restaurant and the ability to create your own dish and feel like you really had a hand in making the dish great. The ability to decorate your dish with only things you enjoy and avoid things you don’t is fantastic! One thing Stein and I wished we had tried was the unique looking Italian soda station, we vowed that next time we would try it for sure. And also the Piada stick which comes in pepperoni and artichoke

We were both very satisfied and full by the time we were done and even though I had to resort to eating my Piada with a fork toward the end, it was still just as delicious! This could be a Miller-Stein favorite for quick, fun and fresh Italian.

PS Thai Tai | May 17, 2011

1577 King Ave
Columbus,

Columbus, OH 43212

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 2.2 Buckeyes

Quality | 2.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 2.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 1.0 Buckeyes

Service | 2.0 Buckeyes

Pad Thai Vegetarian  | $6.75

Pad Thai Chicken |  $6.75

Located in Grandview off of King Avenue, Thai Tia is a fast food style Thai restaurant. Known for its fast service and good quality food, Stein and I decided to check out Thai Tai one evening after school and work. As we walked in we were surprised that we were one of two couples in the restaurant. We ordered “fast food style” at the counter.

Stein ordered the Chicken Pad Thai and I proceeded to order the vegetable Pad Thai. The cashier proceeded to ask me if I was “a vegetarian,” perplexed as to why he would ask that since the food I was ordering shouldn’t even touch meat, I paused for a moment and said no. Because of the pause the cashier asked why I didn’t answer right away. I didn’t feel like explaining the fact that I was thinking in my head “what are you planning on cooking it with, animal lard?”

We didn’t have any trouble finding a seat and were only sitting for about five minutes when our food came out. Stein’s dish came out sitting in a bed of liquid; almost a soup underneath his noodles and mine came out animal free without the sauce.

Stein seemed to think that the sauce at the bottom of the noodles made the dish somewhat soggy and didn’t allow for the flavor to stay on the noodles. The chicken pieces were very large, and looked a bit unappetizing. Stein explained that this Pad Thai was nowhere close to the caliber of Pad Thai he has had in the past.

My dish looked very similar to Stein’s but had a bit more color with the veggies. The vegetables varied in the dish; some were overcooked and soggy while others were undercooked and tough. I mostly avoided the veggies, not quite sure what I was going to get, and made my way through most of the noodles. Every once in a while we would both bite into some sort of spice that was a heat explosion and we couldn’t put our finger on what type of spice it was or where is was coming from.

Once we were finished we gathered all the dishes together and put them on the counter. The workers just seemed to stare at us as we left. We think they were mad because we didn’t leave a tip. It was just awkward; do you tip in a fast food style restaurant? I think it’s safe to say Stein and I would not order the Pad Thai if we visited Thai Tai again, but we’re not too sure we’d dine at this restaurant in the near future.

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!

Figlio Grandview| May 5, 2011

1369 Grandview Ave

Columbus, OH 43212

http://www.figliopizza.com

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.7 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.5 Buckeyes

Service | 5.0 Buckeyes

Gray Goose Ginger Martini

Asparagus pizza

Spicy Tomato/Blackened Chicken | $13.50

Penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with blackened chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, kalamata olives & feta cheese

Drunken Shrimp | $13.95 

Penne pasta in an Absolut Vodka/tomato cream sauce with spicy shrimp sautéed in black and white pepper, finished with shallots and aslago cheese

Create your own pizza | $8.00

Start with an $8.00 pizza on a regular or “flatbread” crust that has mozzarella with homemade tomato sauce, pesto sauce, or olive oil and garlic

Margarita ‘plus plus’ pizza 

Créme Brulee |  $4.75

A chef in Dayton gave me his créme brulee recipe and we make it with a dollop of raspberry puree at the bottom. Eating this dessert is like going on a “culinary treasure hunt”. Silky Smooth.

 Chocolate Red Velvet Cake

We’re finally back to reviewing Columbus restaurants!

Stein’s parents were in town for a visit and we decided to venture out to an Italian place in Grandview. Figlio is in the heart of Grandview and has been highly recommended to us by family members. Figlio was started in the 90s by two OSU law graduates as a gourmet pizza restaurant and consistently makes the Columbus Dispatch’s top 10 restaurant list for Columbus.

After the typical hunt for a parking spot we found our way to the restaurant. After a pleasant greeting from the hostess, we were lead to our table in the back near the kitchen. We had a great view of the giant oven and the chef’s pizza decorating station; our mouths watered as we watched the chef prepare pizza after pizza.

We quickly ordered drinks, all of us ordering something typical with the exception of Stein’s Mom who was feeling adventurous and ordered a Gray Goose Ginger Martini. She generously shared a sip with everyone and the consensus was that the drink was good, as long as you like a strong ginger flavor. Our drinks arrived quickly and we ordered an asparagus pizza to snack on while we waited for our main meals. The asparagus pizza was fantastic; it was prepared on a flatbread that was crisp and full of flavor. The tiny sprigs of asparagus were scattered around the top of the pizza and we were able to have a bite of asparagus with every slice.

We didn’t waste much time and ordered our dinners shortly into the appetizer. Stein’s parents split the spicy tomato and blackened chicken pasta dish, which they really enjoyed. They explained that the spiciness was a great element to the dish. The artichoke hearts that accompanied the dish were also a favorite.

Stein went with the drunken shrimp pasta dish, highly recommended by or waitress, which came swimming in a vodka tomato cream sauce; it looked and smelled delicious. As Stein dug in, the first words to come out of his mouth were “this is phenomenal” – a new word for the Miller-Stein food blog! Needless to say, Stein enjoyed his dish more and more as he ate. The asiago cheese that sat on top of the dish was like the icing on the cake. I tasted the dish and it was quite delicious – filled with flavor and spice, it melted in our mouths.

Stein’s brother went with the popular ‘design your own pizza’ option. He was able to pick out his most beloved food accessories to create his perfect personal pizza. A few different meats and cheese on a traditional crust was Stein’s brother’s creation. He enjoyed the ‘personalization aspect,’ he knew exactly what he was going to get and that he would love it!

I went with the margarita ‘plus plus’ pizza which came on honey whole-wheat crust. I’m still not sure why it was ‘plus plus?’ The Mozzarella was melted perfectly on top; enough to cover each piece with the perfect amount of cheese. The sauce complimented the cheese well, and was nicely portioned throughout the dish. Admittedly, I was a little nervous to stray from the traditional crust, but boy, was it worth it! The honey whole wheat had a ton of flavor and added a nice sweetness to the dish.

Between the great view of the kitchen, good service, “phenomenal” food, and warm and inviting atmosphere, Figlio was a great dinner destination for our family diner. The restaurant, for five people, could potentially be a bit cost prohibitive for the casual dinner out, but if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just in the mood for some really great Italian, Figlio is the place for you! It’s safe to say we all enjoyed our dinners and will definitely return again.

Eleven City Diner | April 15 & 17, 2011

1112 S. Wabash,

Chicago, Illinois

http://www.elevencitydiner.com/

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.8 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 5.0 Buckeyes

Service | 5.0 Buckeyes

Eleven City French Toast | $11.79

Fresh Baked Challah, Strawberries, Bananas and Toasted Coconut

Name your Omelette | $10.99

Made with three eggs & served with house potatoes and toast.

Serious Bloody Marys & Mimosas

You can’t really call Eleven Diner in Chicago a well-kept secret because it’s booming with hungry Chicagoans and tourists from all over the world every day. With the typical wait around 20 minutes, Eleven Diner is a hip Jewish deli/diner on the south end of Michigan Avenue.

Stein and I became romantically acquainted with Eleven City Diner a year and a half ago when we received a recommendation from the concierge at our hotel. Our favorite meal at Eleven is breakfast/brunch. No matter where we stay in Chicago we make it a point to go at least once. We were a bit luck that it rained this weekend in Chicago, the rain deterred many walking Chicagoans from venturing out to get their Eleven fix.

We were seated within 8 minutes and admired, as we always do, the 1950’s decors splattered around the diner. The restaurant’s staff is definitely the younger crowd, potentially college-age kids that are full of enthusiasm and are happy to be working at Eleven which makes the experience that much more pleasant.

I decided to be a little wild and order a Bloody Mary for Stein and I to share. Eleven’s Bloody Mary is a REAL rendition; it was complete with meat, cheese, olives and a giant stalk of celery. The pepper flakes were visible in the bottom of the glass and spun around the glass with every sip. The tomato taste was a great way to wake you up in the morning, and the vodka wasn’t half bad either.

For our breakfast I went with the famous Eleven French toast. Prepared with Challah bread, fresh strawberries, bananas and tiny bits of coconut, the best part is drizzling the warm maple syrup yourself. I slathered the bread and fruit with the syrup and dug right in. The flavors are amazing, it’s like nothing I have EVER tasted. The sweetness of the each element makes the dish better than any French toast you can imagine.

Stein ordered the omelet with cheese and every veggie under the sun. The omelet came out piping hot and as stein stuck his fork in the cheese and veggies oozed (in a beautiful way) out of the egg. Stein and I both decided from the beginning that we would share our breakfast dishes with each other. Upon trying Stein’s omelet I felt as though my morning could not get any better; the two most incredible breakfast dishes prepared by a diner that uses fresh foods in our favorite city!

Stein and I were absolutely stuffed by the end of breakfast. Extremely satisfied, we thanked our waiter, who didn’t have to work too hard since we knew exactly what we wanted – our eyes were set on the prize! Full and happy Stein and I left and walked around a bit to digest our incredible breakfast. If you’re going to be in Chicago for one day and can only eat one meal, eat at Eleven and we promise you’ll never forget the awesomeness of this well known diner!

Friends Sushi Restaurant | April 16, 2011

710 N. Rush,

Chicago, Illinois

http://www.friendssushi.com/

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.7 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.5 Buckeyes

Service | 5.0 Buckeyes

Edamame | $4.00

Friends | $13.00

king crab, shrimp tempura, cream cheese, sriracha sauce, green apple topped with unagi, avocado, tempura crumb, red tobiko, creamy wasabi sauce, and unagi glaze.

Devil's tuna | $15.00

spicy tuna, avocado, scallion, cream cheese, chili oil wrap with soy paper and topped seared super white tuna, cilantro, hot sauce, ponzu sauce

Chicken Teriyaki |  $12.00

comes with miso soup and rice

Stein and I are coming to you from Chicago for two reviews. Lovingly named boyfriend appreciation weekend, Stein and I headed to Chicago for a weekend getaway. With our curiosity to experiment with sushi restaurants wherever we go, Stein and I “Urban Spooned It” to find this local joint. One stipulation – it had to be within walking distance of our hotel on Magnificent Mile. We came across Friends Sushi and after reading reviews we decided we had to check it out.

The walk took about 10 minutes but we were able to walk by some great shops and admire some of the Chicago fashions. Upon arrival we barely noticed there was a restaurant, it was hidden and up a few stairs. We walked in and were shock at how modern the place was – very trendy. We were quickly escorted to our seats and greeted by our waiter. Stein and I both just ordered diet cokes and took a few moments to review the menu. Unsure about the specialties we looked to our waiter for recommendations. He recommended two rolls the Friends roll and the Devil’s Tuna roll. We decided to share the rolls and also ordered chicken teriyaki to share.

The rolls arrived first and were very intriguing, like nothing we had ever tried before. Excited and nervous, Stein and I didn’t waste time. The flavors were very new and somewhat exotic. The fishiness didn’t overwhelm but complimented the spices in the rolls. The specific to each roll accompanying sauce drizzled overtop each one; and went together splendidly. The spice from the Devil’s Tuna roll resonated in our mouths in a fantastic way.

The chicken teriyaki was excellently prepared; it was well seasoned and was bathing in a sauce of deliciousness. The chicken came with miso soup and rice, which blended the dish well. The chicken was cooked perfectly and melted in our mouths.

We thanked our waiter many times for his great recommendations, he was so helpful. Stein explained that this sushi rivaled with some of the best sushi he has ever had. I, on the other hand, declared that this was hands down the best sushi I have ever had.

A great sushi restaurant in the heart of Chicago, Stein and I thoroughly recommend a visit to Friends Sushi!

North Market | April 10, 2011

59 Spruce Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.26 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.8 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.5 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.0 Buckeyes

Service | 3.0 Buckeyes

Savory Crepe with spicy turkey, jack cheese, and salsa | 6.50

Curry with chickpeas | 6

A local hot spot in downtown Columbus, the North Market is a “must see” and a “must eat” for all Columbus natives and visitors. From bakery items to sushi, the North Market has something for everyone.

A little intimidating when you first walk it, it’s important to make sure to do a lap before you decide on one vendor. As you walk around you have to dodge other patrons but the experience more then makes up for the crowds.

After we made sure to see everything, Stein and I decided on two different vendors. Stein went with the Taste of Belgium, which sells crepes. Stein selected a lunch crepe which was made with spicy turkey, jack cheese and salsa all hand cooked. The guy that was preparing the crepes was off to the side so patrons could watch as he created your lunch masterpiece. The turkey, cheese and salsa all melted together and the flavor exploded.

Stein and I then headed over to the Indian food vendor, the Flavors of India, where we picked up my lunch. The dish I chose had a curry-like sauce with chickpeas. The plate came with rice and nan as well. The main part of the dish was great, the chickpeas and the sauce that they were smothered in were great. The rice, however, was a bit flavorless and didn’t really add much to the dish. Although the rice lacked in flavor, the nan was great! It was hot out of the oven, thick and fluffy.

A most exciting part of the North Market is not always the food, but the thrill of trying something new. If you’re claustrophobic Stein and I would not recommend the North Market on the weekend. You’re bound to feel a bit flustered by the number of people, but if you can muster the strength to fight the crowds you’re bound to try something new and perhaps find a new food genre you enjoy.

The sweetheart that he is, Stein suggested we check out the flower vendor at the North Market before we left. Stein told me to pick out a bouquet for us; I chose one that had both of our favorite colors, blue and purple.

Unique food, beautiful flowers, what a great way to spend a Sunday!