Food Adventures

Of course we always like to try some different food experiences.  In looking for a "Columbus" spot, I found a highly recommended bakery that specialized in macarons.  I don't think either of us had ever had a "real" one before so we decided to check out Pistacia Vera for a Parisian Macaron.  We actually picked a pastry to eat there and a few macarons for later that night.

The bakery was in the Germantown neighborhood and was packed with a continuous flow of traffic.  Camden picked a  pumpkin pecan dacquoise and Kevin and I shared a pear cranberry frangipane.  These were both very good.  Camden could hardly wait for her dad to get a fork (she actually asked me to take this posed picture since she thought it would be funny).

Camden picked a cherry zinfandel macaron and we selected a toasted coconut, brown butter almond, and pistachio lavender.  They were about what I expected and nothing I would have to have again.  Guess it's just not my kind of dessert. 

Of course, though it's not pictured, we can't leave a french bakery without Camden having a croissant for later.  She had it the next day on the trip home and it was a good one. 

We asked some locals at a table next to us for a dinner recommendation and they suggested Marcella's which is an Italian place with a location nearby in the Short North neighborhood.  These area was having a gallery walk so the streets were lively with people.  The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and was very authentic food.  Probably the best olive oil served with bread that we have ever had.  They specialize in small plates, but we both had a dinner.  We did split a melted pecorino cheese appetizer (crustini, apple, truffle honey, melted pecorino) that was amazing!

Kevin had the Ravioli Mezzaluna that had goat cheese ravioli with cabbage, italian bacon and mushroom.  He loved it, I couldn't stand it (very rare experience!).  He also got their famous braised veal meatball on the side.  Not only was it huge (see below), but the best meatball that I have ever had.

I had the Gnocchi Con Bolognese (made with braised lamb).  Gnocchi is my favorite Italian dish and this one was fair.  I usually don't have it in a red sauce so, while it was yummy, it was not my favorite.  Camden had butter spaghetti noodles and a plate of fresh fruit (cantaloupe and grapes).  She thought it (and the bread and oil) was the best she had ever had.

After dinner we walked down the street to Jeni's Ice Cream Shop.  It is a Columbus treasure.  There flavors were very unique.  We sampled everything from  sweet corn spoon bread to lemon buttermilk frozen yogurt to brambleberry crisp.

Camden loved the darkest chocolate and red raspberry sorbet in a cone.  Kevin and I got a dish of bourbon salted pecan, pistachio & honey, and brown butter almond brittle.