Skin and Sugar
New to Columbus, Skin and Sugar is going to be your go-to skincare spot. I was lucky enough to get invited into have a ‘sweet’ treatment for my face – a facial to be exact. I always get a bit nervous going to a new salon – it feels more vulnerable than I want to be at times, but, as soon as I walked in – I felt comfortable. Sarah was extremely kind and personable.
This is sarah.
She is located in suite 16 in the UA location of Style Suites. When you walk in there is a map. She is directly to the right and straight back. Easy to find! Bonus that they had tons of parking available. Nothing more stressful than trying to find a parking spot!
After talking with Sarah about my skincare history, routine and concerns – she put together the most perfect facial. Using a combination of steam, exfoliation and a few other botanical based products – I left with healthy, glowing skin.
Spa’s always have the most comfortable beds, right? I need one for my house!
On top of many different facials, she offers dermaplaning (a method of exfoliation that removed the top layer of dead skin cells along with your peach fuzz – perfect addition to ith any facial or chemical peel), custom peels, light therapy and sugaring (an ancient middle eastern method of hair removal, using an all natural mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice at room temperature). You can read more about each service here.
It sure was a good day visiting her!
She gave me a mask to take home with me and it was amazing. I haven’t heard of Image products before meeting with her but I am a BIG fan. My skin felt amazing afterwards.
Book HERE
Address: 1700 Zollinger Road, Suite 16, Columbus Ohio 43221
Email: sarah@skinandsugar.co
Phone: 419-250-0815
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
You’ve had Ray Ray’s food truck, right? Wait. I have to admit. I haven’t. However, I did have an incredible appetizer from Paulie Gee’s, where they used his meat. Drool. Very good. Lucky for us, Ray Ray’s has opened a shop just down the street (a few miles) from our house in Westerville. This means we can go anytime and get his delicious food. Amazing, yet, trouble (for our waist line and wallet).
Instantly hungry just looking at the menu!
Carolina Chop Pork topped with vinegar based bbq and cole slaw. $7
Scratch Mac-n-Cheese – $4
Pit Baked beans – sm $2 / med $3 / lg $5
jerk chicken: boneless smoked chicken thighs cooked in jerk sauce and topped with pickled red cabbage and red onion. $7
Since they are a walk-up spot, they don’t have an official dining room. Well, they do, its just not inside. Lots of picnic tables on a big green spot….in the middle of a parking lot pretty much. It sounds weird. It’s not. I love it. Sad that we went on a super windy day. When we attempted to sit down, everything started flying away. Luckily, we live close by and went and had an indoor picnic.
Address: 5755 Maxtown Rd, Westerville Ohio 43082
Phone: 614.329.6654
Hours: Tues- Sun, 11am – 8pm
Walk-Up Window
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Another taco shop has made its way to High Street. The thing is, it’s different than the others. No, really it is. It’s very Tex-Mex, its fast casual (order from the counter and find your seat) and they have a BILLION options. I’m talking tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, margaritas and MORE. You can check out the menu here.
I loved how bright the restaurant was, especially the tables. They have tables for all sized parties, plus, a great patio on the side. I didn’t realize they were a fast-casual spot. I actually didn’t know what to expect. When you walk in, you are met with their menu and friendly staff. You order everything and they give you a buzzer. Find your seat. Wait for it to go off and there ya go. Super easy! I have a feeling this is going to be a HIT for not only all the convention center traffic, but, for a quick downtown lunch spot. Perfect for kids, families, adults, friends, anyone.
CHIPS & QUESO WITH CHORIZO – Basket of fresh tortilla chips seasoned with Fuzzy Dust, and served with Queso with Chorizo.
CHIPS & GUACAMOLE- Basket of fresh tortilla chips seasoned with Fuzzy Dust, and served with house-made Guacamole. The sauce in the back is avocado ranch. I highly suggest getting a side of it!
Frozen margarita – pretty tasty. They also have them on the rocks + an assortment of beers & speciality drinks.
SPICY PORK TACO – Spicy pork served on a soft corn tortilla and topped with garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro, and feta. This was my favorite taco. It was very fresh. Prefect crunch, too. Sometimes I find the crispy tortillas are a bit mushy – not this one!
SHREDDED BRISKET TACO – Shredded brisket served on a soft corn tortilla and topped with garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro, and feta. The meat was juicy and perfect. Only thing I didn’t love was the corn tortilla. Not their fault. Mine. I don’t care for corn tortillas.
Burrito – stuffed with guacamole, shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, garlic sauce, cilantro-rice & black beans. I forget what he got on the inside, but, the choices were chicken ,brisket, ground beef, spicy pork, tempura fish or grilled shrimp! They have so many different choices!
479 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio
They’re located right across the street from the Convention Center, in the old Japanese Steakhouse building.
Email: columbus@fuzzystacoshop.com
Columbus Marathon
Lucky for me, my sister has a pretty cool job which allows her to be involved in the community and participate in fun events like the Columbus Marathon. Why lucky me? Well, because she invites me along! This weekend I was able to volunteer at the Columbus Marathon and not just cheer (which is VERY important and INSPIRING and AMAZING), but, to be a part of Mile 14. Joseph’s mile.
Joseph. What a kid. More energy, spunk, sense of humor and happiness shining out of him than most people I’ve met. To think, Joseph was just one pound, 5 ounces when he was born and underwent several surgeries during his 8 month stay at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – spending 6 months on a ventilator before his lungs were finally strong enough to function with just the assistance of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Beating many odds and getting over huge obstacles, he is now a healthy, happy, silly four year old. Still receiving treatment at Nationwide, including a growth hormone shot 6 days a week, his parents say he never complains.
This family. They are something special. I was inspired the entire morning by them (and will continue to be). I swear, not one person ever lost a smile on their face. I am honored to have met them and be apart of their story for the day.
You can read more about his story here.
I learned all about Transformers! Look at his smile. The cutest.
His smile. You can’t help but smile when you see it.
Looking cool, dude!
Even as he got tired, he still held his hand out to high five the runners!
One of my favorite runners. He stopped and wanted to get a picture of them flexing together. I was brought to tears many times throughout the race due to the runners. Everyone was high-fiving Joseph, thanking him, congratulating him, cheering for him. Joseph was the true hero today. I think we all got a little bit stronger just being around him.
The girl that makes sure everything runs smoothly – my sister. Always doing more than what is asked of her. Always doing it with a smile on her face (and with coffee in hand).
The new queen of the Short North – Baby O. After a few seconds of people watching, she was ready to cheer – hand on hip. cowbell in the other.
Chicken and Waffles – Two Times
Gallerie Bar & Bistro
Gallerie Bar & Bistro, located in the Hilton across from the convention center, is quickly becoming one of my new favorite spots. You may be taken back that it is the Hilton. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be staying there to go. Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking because they have valet. The first 3 hours (during lunch) are free and during dinner, the cost is only $6 for the first three hours. A luxury you don’t normally find in the Short North.
I have heard that they have some of the best chicken and waffles in the city and after trying them, I would have to agree. I would also suggest NOT SHARING. Believe me. You will want them all to yourself. I appreciate that they mostly have a savory profile, with a touch of sweetness in the maple syrup and spiced pecans. Juicy and flavorful. Yum. I am already planning my next trip back.
CHICKEN & WAFFLES – Buttermilk fried chicken, sage waffle, hot sauce aioli, spiced pecans, maple syrup and green onions. $14
401 N. High St Columbus, OH 43215
614.484.5287
*I suggest calling and making a reservation before going.*
Bodega
Chicken and Waffles twice in one week(end)? I’m cool with that. While I may be a self-titled savory-foods-addict, today, I was craving sweets. Why? Well, if you have tasted a churro, you know, why! Bodega’s spin on the classic chicken & waffle dish incorporates southern fried chicken with a churro style waffle. YUM. Adding in maple cayenne butter, a fresh fruit compote and pure Ohio maple syrup – their unique take on the dish blends sweet with savory and spicy into something that is incredibly mouth-watering. Make sure you add on the (loaded) crispy potato cake & maybe even the sea salt & truffle fries for good measure!
Chicken & Waffles – southern fried chicken, churro style waffle, maple cayenne butter, fresh fruit compote, mulligan’s pure ohio make syrup. $13
1044 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
My tip for the week? Be a tourist in your own city! There is always something new to explore and experience.
