Favorite Five

Gallerie Bar & Bistro

I was invited to check out the newly renovated Gallerie Bar & Bistro and I am glad that I made time to go – it was phenomenal. Located in the Hilton on High Street, across from the Convention Center, they are home to a beautiful bar with a locally inspired menu. While I didn’t try much of the food, I was thoroughly impressed by what I did try, specifically their cocktails. I believe I have found a new favorite in their New York Sour, an ombre drink of Jameson, Drambuie, House-Made Sour Mix and a float of Merlot.

new york sour – I was surprised how refreshing the cocktail was. The red wine added a really nice depth to the drink I wasn’t expecting. Perfect for fall.

Located in the Hilton Hotel may seem a bit intimidating and confusing. Rest assure, you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy. This spot should be on the top of your list for an after work dinner and drink, a pre-Jackets game drink or really, anytime you want to up your game on Columbus’ newest spots.

MARGHERITA PIZZA

401 N. High St | Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 484.5287
www.galleriebarandbistro.com

MODA

Also located in a hotel, MODA is pretty new – opening just this August. Have you noticed the changes on Olentangy River Rd, just past Riverside Hospital, before the Kroger? Wonderful updates! This is where MODA is located – in the Marriott.

"MODA celebrates Columbus’s two opposite, yet equally prized industries – Fashion and Sports. The term MODA literally means, “fashion.” MODA brings fashion to the plate, with fun presentations, local drafts, signature wines, and specialty cocktails. Our food and bar program has been curated by Director of Food and Beverage, Steve Van Stone, a talented culinarian. Steve resides in Columbus and has served as Executive Sous Chef of Scioto Country Club, and most recently was the Chef de Cuisine of the Blackwell Hotel."

Luckily, my girlfriends (we didn’t get a group picture – epic fail) and I were invited to check out their space & menu. Let me tell you – perfect spot for a girls night. While their seating wasn’t ideal for everyone, I liked the unique round table. We were close enough to chat, yet also had enough space to enjoy the wonderful spread they brought out for us.

CTL | ALT | DELETE – Hendricks Gin, Cucumber, Fresh Squeezed Lime, Simple Syrup, Tonic

One of my favorite menu items was the chef’s perfect sandwich. I can say it is now my perfect sandwich slow-roasted pastrami, oak wood-smoked beef short rib, caramelized onions, Middlefield Amish sharp white cheddar, chipotle aioli – all on a salted pretzel roll. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Mom, do we have any more of that good sandwich meat?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“As a kid, I was constantly asking my mom if we had any more pastrami that she’d purchased from the local deli. I remembered eating it faster than she could keep it in the refrigerator. Looking back, I wanted to create sandwich that would bring back fond memories of raiding the kitchen and take my childhood to the next level. When the tender beef juices are rolling down your hands, you’ll understand why this is my perfect sandwich.”

 - Chef Steven Van Stone

How dreamy does this look!

TAKE A FLIGHT – Speck Italiano + Porchetta + Prosciutto +Burrata + Fig Jam + Roasted Beet Chutney + Toasted Brioche. The roasted beet chutney was my favorite. It will be weird to say (hopefully not offensive), but, it reminded me of a burger with ketchup & mustard from your favorite diner. It had a familiar taste in which I could not help but continue to eat it and eat it and eat it. Paired perfectly with the bread and cheese on the plate. YUM.

THE BRUTUS CAKE – Chocolate Chip Cake + Velvet Peanut butter + Chocolate Pop Rocks + Caramel. Yes, you read that right. There are chocolate pop rocks on the cake. This tasted like an elevated reese cup.

If pictures could talk.

Always so much fun hanging out with Lindsey from A City Explored. Are you following her? You should be. Instagram. Facebook. Blog.

3100 Olentangy River Road | Columbus, OH 43202

(614) 447.9777
www.modacolumbus.com

Good Festival

One of the things I love about Columbus is how creative we all are and how much we care about people. This past weekend, The North Market Development Authority and The Festival for Good partnered together to feature over 25 local social enterprises, entertainment, beverages from Ohio breweries, distilleries and wineries and food from North Market merchants.

"The Festival for Good was created to bring awareness to social enterprises operating in Central Ohio. While most people, especially millennials, prefer to buy from companies that give back, few know what a social enterprise is or that nearly 100 of them exist right here in Columbus and surrounding communities."

One of my favorite *new* businesses I found was Peaceful Fruits. No matter what the product was, I probably would have bought it. There energy was so fun – contagious. Luckily, I do love their product and I think you will, too.

"As seen on Shark Tank, Peaceful Fruits is a social-good snack startup that makes healthy, delicious, fair trade fruit snacks! Founded by a Peace Corps Volunteer, our snacks are made from nothing but fruit - 100% organic, non-GMO, and gluten free. This is a delicious way to help save the rainforest!"

This is my favorite new snack. So easy and so much better than my normal grab and go snack. Perfect for adults. Kiddos. Road-trips. Soccer games. Walking down the street. Pretty much good for everything and everyone! You can check out their Facebook or website or instagram for more details and to order! You can also locate them in the closest store here.

Sohza Sister’s caught my eye with this tank top – “Meet me at the center of change.” Wow. Yes, please. This may have caught my eye, but, what kept me was their vision to create a better world by helping women.

What is soHza sister? It’s you. It’s us \ It’s the thread of caring that connects us, woman to woman, and makes us powerful. \ In the midst of a beautiful world, people are hurting.\ In places both far away and right next door. \ The thread of caring gives each of us the power
to change that world. \ Together, we can mend broken hearts, dreams, and families.\ Together, we are soHza sisters.

After talking with them, I felt so inspired. Their mission. Their goals. Their energy. I stand behind what they do and am excited to watch their journey (and mission) unfold. They are changing lives and it’s incredible.

You can follow along with their story on their Website, as well as shop from one of the 22 different co-ops in over 11 countries who they partner with – offering these women opportunities that change lives. Plus, 15% of every purchase will go ta local women cause you chose helping women here and there.

Anthony Vince Nail Salon

Located at Easton, this is my new favorite nail salon. I lucked out my first visit and got a nail tech named Rebecca. With her attention to detail and fun personality, I doubt my nails have her looked better. This most recent visit, I brought a friend with me and she had a guy named Jimmy. He was fantastic. I am concluding that maybe I didn’t just luck out, maybe their entire staff is wonderful! Working on a full blog post now. Until then, jus know if you’re looking for a nail salon – I highly recommend them.

They’re located right next to Charming Charlies, Fusian, Melt and the new Hot Chicken Takeover.

They have a full bar – nice addition to an already relaxing time.

I am not lying when I say this is probably one of my favorite margaritas in town! I always opt for the strawberry flavor.

When you get a pedicure, opt for the paraffin wax. Your feet will thank you later.

4178 Worth Ave | Columbus, OH 43219

(614) 532-8595
http://www.anthonyvincenailspa.com

Apple Picking at Lynd’s Fruit Farm

An annual tradition since one of my nanny babes was just under a year (he will be six this week), Lynd’s Fruit Farm is always a wonderful time. While I no longer am a nanny, I luckily have a niece I can steal away to keep the tradition going. You can read all about our visit here.