Circleville Pumpkin Show
In its 111th year, I have to say, I have NEVER been to the Circleville Pumpkin Show. I have a reason (or two). One, I didn’t really turn basic and fall in love with pumpkin flavors until this year. Two, around ten years ago I was in what could have been a very bad car accident. While it wasn’t good by any means (I have the back of a 75 year old), I was VERY LUCKY. Anyways, the point of me sharing this, it happened in Columbus, while my mom (and aunt and sisters) were on their way down to the Circleville Pumpkin show. I sort of deemed the show cursed in a way. Well, since I have turned basic, I thought I owed it to my pumpkin loving tastebuds to check it out. Happy to announce, we were safe the entire time!
Now don’t be mad, but, I do have to say that I wasn’t as into it as I had hoped I would be. I think I had such high expectations from what everyone has told me about it. I thought it would look like a scene out of Halloweentown or your neighbor who decorates far too much for the holidays and there would literally be pumpkins everywhere.
We went Friday morning, which meant we didn’t get to see any of the main events (parades, crowning of the pumpkin queen – things like that). It felt like a small town fair, which don’t get me wrong, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. My final word would be, we had a blast and our stomachs were VERY HAPPY, I just thought there would be more?
I am always amazed by people who can carve anything.
This was pretty funny!
Pumpkin waffle! Not what I expected, crispy and thin. I liked it.
This was the real MVP of the day – the pumpkin burger. While the name doesn’t make sense, I was in love with it. IT was more like a super flavorful sloppy joe. I have to re-create this!
Ocean perch sandwich from Bennett Family Concessions. They’ve been around since 1932! I don’t eat fish but my husband raved about it.
Is this the dream or what? Fried cheese curds and mini pumpkin donuts. YES!
I of course found a local, columbus based company to support. I love these candles.
I felt like the luckiest girl at the show! He hit all three bullseyes and won a cute little hedgehog for me.
Eleven + Launch of Willow Layne
I have wanted to check out Eleven for longer than I can remember. This week, the girls and I finally did and I was not dissapointed. The reason we stopped is because we were heading to an event at LeVeque tower and we had time for happy hour. Another reason? Who knows how long we will have 78 degree October days and they have quite the patio. Comfortable lounge style seating (feels like you’re at home), heated and covered, great view of high street, upscale yet laid-back + they have incredible bartenders.
Pink Grapefruit
Warm Truffle Chips: buttermilk bleu, candied pecans, fresh sage and balsamic drizzle. $5 during happy hour. I suggest ordering more than one (like we did) because they addicting. Light and crispy, easy to eat.
Located at 591 N. High Street. Next door to Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse at The Cap.
After we finished up at happy hour, we headed over to the LeVeque tower for the launch of Willow Layne. Willow Layne is an online lingerie boutique that aims to empower girls everywhere to feel confident, powerful, and sexy in their own skin. Created “by women, for women,” Abigail’s pieces are meant to be comfortable and visible, not removed.
Yeah, the LeVeque tower is GORgeous. Bonus, so are my friends.
The launch party took place in one of the suites and let me tell you – HOUSE GOALS. Growing up, I always wanted to live in a hotel. Mostly because of the show on disney where the twins lived in a hotel and the movie ‘Duston Checks In.’ Finally got that out of my radar, after living in an apartment that was similar to a hotel and didn’t care for it. Well, after this party, I am back on that. This space WAS GORGEOUS – top of the line everything and views of Columbus like I have NEVER seen before. Anywhere in Columbus you think has the best views, I guarantee these are better. If only this was in our price range. But, seriously.
An ethical alternative to the objectifying, hyper-sexualized lingerie market that exists in the mainstream culture. Willow Layne is an ethically conscious lingerie line that believes that every woman should feel confident, comfortable, and sexy in her own skin. We provide comfortable, gorgeous bralettes and lingerie for women of all shapes and sizes, and are proud to be a business that started locally right here in Columbus.
“I wanted to create something that tells other women that you have the right to feel sexy and confident and pretty.” Most lingerie isn’t created with women’s comfort in mind and that was a problem for her (and most of us). “When you’re comfortable, that’s when you’re most confident. And when you’re confident, I believe that’s when you can really exude what real sexiness is.” – Abigail, Owner
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You can check out the rest of her gorgeous line own her website willowlaynelingerie.com.
Branch
Have you heard of ‘Biscuit and Branch?’ Eeeeek. Did you just have a bad thought run through your mind? I had never been and that was mostly because I never heard very many positive reviews on them. I had their biscuits once at an event and was pretty disappointed. Recently, as in last week, they went under a re-branding. They dropped the ‘biscuit’ and picked up a James Beard nominated Chef. According to my sister – he is the only chef with that nomination in Columbus.
"Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District, Branch is a contemporary, community-centered bar and restaurant serving southern coastal inspired brunch and dinner. The modern architecture and subtle lighting create a pristine yet casual environment, highlighted by one of the city’s finest Bourbon and craft beer selections along with a wide array of exclusive cocktails.The menu concept was created by Chef Philip Shyatt, a James Beard Nominee with a diverse and decorated culinary career.The entire Branch team prides itself in bringing innovative concepts to an already established foundation in the heart of the Short North.Grounded in an attitude of humility and the pursuit of excellence, we are grateful for each and every one of our patrons.Branch is the third concept from Flytown Restaurant Group, which also owns and operates Berliner Pub and Westies Gastropub in Columbus, Ohio’s Brewery District."
They offer a brunch, dinner, happy hour and late night menu.
I didn’t take a picture of the drink menu and I couldn’t find it online, which means i can’t tell you exactly what was in it. Bummer. It was tequila based and had peach & cucumber in it. It was spicy, yet refreshing. Wonderful.
She Crab Soup: lump crab, sweet sherry finish, chives. $5 or $8. Go with the big size. This soup was incredible. Creamy. Crab was minced, but, not too small. Perfect bite each time. This takes me right to vacation and I plan on eating it as much as I can.
Coffee Smoked Wagyu Hanger Steak: mission coffee co. & brown sugar smoked wagyu beef, crispy frites, charred brussels. $32. This was one of the most phenomenal steaks I have ever had. It literally melted in my mouth. I am not sure about the crispy frites – they felt sort of odd on the plate. We left them to the side. Brussel sprouts were perfectly cooked – delicious.
Shrimp & Grits – jumbo shrimp, low country cream, heirloom cherry tomatoes, Carolina stone ground grits, chive. $16.
I don’t think I realize how much I love creme brûlée until I took my first bite. I couldn’t stop eating it.
My sister, Hannah, from ‘The Beard and the Baker’ wrote a full re-cap on our visit. You can find it here.
You can check out their brunch menus here.
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Short North. 685 N High St. Columbus, OH 43215
614.732.0487
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-12am. Friday: 4pm-2am. Saturday: 10am-2am. Sunday: 10am-12am
Two Dollar Radio Headquarters | Coffee Shop
Ever since I saw this sweet little unicorn picture floating around instagram, I knew I needed to get in there. I knew it was a bookstore/coffee concept, but, didn’t know much more. Stephen and I stopped in Friday and I was blown away by what was much more than a coffee shop/bookstore. They are an independent bookstore, bar, coffee shop, vegan cafe, event space, conversation starting, community cultivators and much more.
When I asked what they did before, I learned that they started as a family-run outfit in 2005 with a mission to reaffirm the cultural and artistic spirit of the publishing industry and this is basically their headquarters. Husband and wife (Eric & Eliza) have published over 50 books. AMAZING.
Two Dollar Radio was started in 2005 by Eric Obenauf and Eliza Wood-Obenauf, an idealistic, young husband-and-wife team with a love of books. We were living in San Diego at the time, and after boomeranging back to New York City for a brief stint, we finally settled in Columbus, Ohio, where we are now proudly based, with our two children. In 2013 we added a film production arm, Moving Pictures, and then, after operating out of our living room for 12 years, and with lots of help and planning, we expanded into a retail space on the southside of Columbus, Ohio, in 2017, and named it Two Dollar Radio Headquarters! In the shop we carry the finest in independently published literature (including our own Two Dollar Radio titles), we serve up booze and coffee from a full bar, have a robust events schedule, and also serve house-made, plant-based, unicorn-level food.
Check out the Two Dollar Radio Headquarters website here: twodollarradiohq.com.
The space is insanely dreamy. Brick walls. Bright light. Wooden tables, chairs and bar hand made by the owners. I basically want to live there.
Their bookshop carries a carefully curated list of titles almost exclusively devoted to independently published literature.
Kid friendly. How cute is the space?
Great prices + they have free wi-fi. New work spot. Perfect for solo work, meetings, happy hour, anything and everything.
They have a 100% vegan food menu. I heard the fly wings are amazing.
Pizza and sandwiches. My favorites.
I had no idea they had cocktails or beer. My husband enjoyed a PBR – his favorite. I didn’t get a picture, mostly because I drank it in two seconds on the way out, but, I had the toasted marshmallow iced latte and it was phenomenal.
Bad & Boujee Cocktail, basically its rose and vodka. Paired best with one of their hand-selected books.
Details: Bar | Food | Coffee
Location: 1124 Parsons Ave Columbus, Ohio 43206
*Closed on Mondays*
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Watershed (Twice)
We started our weekend and ended our weekend at one of our favorite spots – Watershed. I think I would call that a successful weekend.
“Cocktails are our way of sharing the story of that passion with you. Our kitchen and bar work hand in hand, and they share that respect for ingredients. We pair seasonal flavors with spirits distilled and aged on site, using locally grown and sourced ingredients. In addition to our family of spirits, the shelves at Watershed Kitchen & Bar are stocked with an extensive collection from distillers we believe in and respect. We craft inventive and approachable cocktails designed to be paired with good food and good conversation.” - Watershed
Obsessed with their bar.
Friday, we celebrated Stephen’s birthday by trying what felt like their entire menu. If you haven’t had a chance to try their food or cocktails, you’re in for a treat. Keep in mind they keep a creative and seasonal menu. This means the menu will change. It is separated into 3 sections. They describe them as small, medium, large plates. Kind of like a snack, appetizer and dinner. We picked a few different things to share. It worked out perfectly.
They have such a creative cocktail menu, from the actual ingredients to the presentation of the menu. This one has to be my favorite. It is set up like a yearbook.
most school spirit: watershed bourbon, black seal rum, oloroso sherry, turbinado and jamaican jerk bitters.
I love that they always have a charity cocktail. This one donates to ‘girls on the run.’
Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad: tomatoes, mustard greens, fresh herbs, green tomato vinegarette, burnt bread crumb, coriander & parmesan. $9
Pork Rinds: malt vinegar, parmesan, fermented hot sauce. $7. They came out crackling.
Braised meatballs: stewed tomatoes, mixed grains and cabbage. $13.
Crispy fingerling potatoes: roasted garlic, herbs, parmesan, rosemary aioli. $8.
buttermilk fried chicken: whipped pig butter, house hate sauce, pickles. $13.
On top of a wonderful dinner, they were sweet enough to bring us out a special birthday dessert – Sweet Tater Custard. Bourbon Marshmallow, Candied Pecan, Hay-Smoked Maple Syrup. Delicious.
Round 2 – Launch Party of their Apple Brandy
Sunday afternoon, we headed back for the launch part of their newest spirit – Apple Brandy. This is exciting for many reasons. One being we get to enjoy another wonderful product, but, two, this is the FIRST time in over 100 years that there has been an apple brandy produced in Central Ohio.
Spoil Alert: It was DELICIOUS!
“Apple Brandy has been a passion project of ours for quite some time and has a long history in the American distilling tradition. Brandy, and specifically Apple Brandy was once among the most prevalent spirits in the United States, but slowly fell out of favor when whiskey production began to dominate the thousands of small distilleries dotted throughout the country.” - Watershed
We had so much fun trying the different cocktails, listening to live music, eating delicious food from Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, bobbing for apples (video in my instagram story) and learning all about the production of Apple Brandy.
My favorite cocktail (pictured on the right) was the ‘Ikea Rose’ – a mixture of apple brandy, lingonberry syrup and lime juice.
We love all things watershed.
Ray Ray’s Hog pit was on site serving up some delicious BBQ.
1145 Chesapeake Ave, Suite D
Columbus, OH 43212
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Hannah and I also went to RE:Work Furnishings for a fun (tasty and educational) event with North Country and Black Radish Creamery! Check out her re-cap here.
The final image of an event that couldn’t have gone better!
Have a GREAT week!
