If you’re looking for a no-pressure, low-key way to have a great time while exploring your local Market District, Flights & Bites is the event for you. I went this past Friday, and let me tell you—it was so much fun. The food was amazing, the drink pairings were spot-on, and with live music filling the air, it was a total vibe. It’s the kind of evening that makes grocery shopping feel like an adventure.
Why I Love Flights & Bites
There’s something about wandering through your local Market District that’s just… comforting, right? It’s not just about grabbing groceries, but taking a moment to browse the aisles, chat with the team, and maybe stumble upon something new. Flights & Bites takes that familiar, comforting feeling and turns it into something interactive and fun. It’s a chance to try some new flavors, ask questions, and even learn about the products that go into the delicious bites you’re trying.
This event happens every third Friday of the month, and it’s the perfect mix of good food, great drinks, and awesome company. This month’s menu was a total hit, with perfectly paired bites and drinks that hit all the right notes:
- Fried Chicken Slider + California Sparkling – The crispy, golden chicken paired perfectly with the sparkling wine’s bright, bubbly finish. A match made in heaven.
- Mom’s Meatballs + Chianti – These savory, tender meatballs were smothered in a rich marinara sauce and lemon ricotta that just begged to be paired with the bold flavors of Chianti. Honestly, I could’ve eaten a whole plate of these!
- Ode to the Polish Boy + Pinot Grigio – This was a fun twist on a classic! The Polish Boy, loaded with sausage, slaw, and BBQ sauce, was balanced by the crisp, refreshing notes of the Pinot Grigio. Perfect for a summer evening.
- Baklava “Cake” + Tawny Port – I was so excited about this one. The baklava “cake” was sweet, nutty with toasted pistachio & walnut crumbs, and flaky, and paired so well with the rich, warming Tawny Port. The sweetness of the dessert was elevated by the wine’s smooth finish.
And a quick note: they had beer pairings too, but you know me—I’m all about that wine!
A Laid-Back Vibe
What I love most about Flights & Bites is how easy it is to just relax and enjoy the night. There’s no pressure, no fancy dress code, just a chill atmosphere that makes it feel like you’re hanging out with friends at someone’s house. Whether you’re there for a girls’ night out or a cozy date night, it’s the perfect vibe for a stress-free evening.
Plus, it’s a great way to get to know the folks working at the store. Chef Julio and the Westerville team are super friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they’re sharing. I always love chatting with Chef Julio about new recipes and the behind-the-scenes happenings at the store. It’s one of those moments that reminds you how much care goes into the food, and it’s nice to feel more connected to your local store and the people who help make it great.
It was Clay’s birthday, so we all sang to him!
Recreate the Fun at Home
One of the best things about Flights & Bites? You get recipe cards for every dish you try! This means you can bring that deliciousness home and recreate it yourself. Just grab the ingredients on your way out and get cooking in your own kitchen. It’s like taking the event home with you, which is perfect for those of us who love to try new recipes (and share them with friends!).
Pro Tip: If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m obsessed with crab rangoon. So, when I saw the limited-edition Market District rangoons—like the loaded potato and buffalo chicken flavors—I had to grab them. They’re a total game-changer, and I’m telling you, they’ll forever change the way you look at a rangoon. I like to cook them in the air-fryer for the perfect crisp! Oh, and don’t forget the ranch on the side!
Make It a Monthly Tradition
If you haven’t been to Flights & Bites yet, I totally recommend getting it on your calendar—whether it’s a casual hangout with friends or a fun night with your partner, it’s a super easy and enjoyable night out. And once you go, I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked, like me! I’ve already marked my calendar for next month, and I’m planning to make this a regular tradition.
The best part? Market District has locations all around town—from Bexley to Sawmill, Westerville to Grandview Yard. So, no matter where you are, there’s always a Market District nearby ready to treat you to an unforgettable evening.
More Than Just Grocery Shopping
Flights & Bites isn’t just a fun night out—it’s also a way to make grocery shopping feel a little more exciting. It’s a chance to try new things, meet new people, and learn a bit about cooking (and drinking) along the way. So if you’re looking for a new tradition that’s easy to plan but still totally unique, Flights & Bites should definitely be on your radar.
Trust me—once you go, you’ll be counting down the days until the next one! Hope to see you there!
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