Restaurant Widow

Things to do in Columbus::April 30th Edition

I think I'm getting really old.  Who can believe it's almost May?!  WE are getting to that time of year when there are more and more events.  Not to mention, the farmer's markets are gradually starting to open over the next few weeks (click here for my "when do they open" column).  I can almost feel summer!

There are so many events coming up, I am certain to miss something.  However, I have learned how to effectively use the "label" feature in Gmail, so hopefully that means I won't forget as many events as I have in the past.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually answer an email or two.

If you have any events to add, please email me or leave them in the comments.

• First up, this Saturday is Cinco d'Ohio at the North Market!  This event will showcase lots of great Ohio Proud products, features cooking demonstrations, and will include salsa and taco contests created by local chefs and amateurs alike!  Events take place throughout the day, from 8a - 4p.  In addition to Cinco d'Ohio on Saturday, Sunday is the first Artisan Sunday at the Market! The spaces occupied by farmers on Saturdays will be overtaken with crafters on Sundays.
• Tonight is another Columbus Underground Movie Happy Hour at Studio 35 (Clintonville).  The double feature is $5 and there will be draft PBR specials.  The Animation Show is one of the featured movies.  I am a huge animation dork and am really hoping I get tomorrow night off work so that I can see the last showing here in Cbus.
• Tomorrow is Taste of the Independents at the Smith Brother's Building in Italian Village.  It's a chance to taste lots of food from Central Ohio's independent chefs (non chain or small chain restaurants).  I worked one of these events a few years ago and it was very fun.  I can't afford to go, but the other food bloggers are covering it for me, fortunately!
• This Saturday is the Gallery Hop in the Short North.  Gallery Hop is a great chance to get to see the artistic side of Columus and is a must-do if you are new to the city.  Find a place to park, stroll through the galleries, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a nice glass of wine. 
• Beginning this Saturday at Rivet Gallery in the Short North (northern end, Garden district) is the "Down the Bunny Hole" custom toy exhibit.  These works look pretty interesting from the pictures, and I can't wait to go down to their gallery to check them out in person, although it will probably make me bitter because I'm not doing anything artistic . . .
• Waterfire on the Mile begins this Saturday; this weekend's festivities will benefit Susan G. Komen foundation; there will be a celebration of breast cancer survivors and music included.
• This Friday, Michael Feinstein will join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
• This weekend is the Central Ohio Folk Festival.  I am guessing there will be lots of tin flutes and fiddles playing.
• The Ohio Historical Society will host an heirloom plant sale this Saturday and Sunday at their location in Columbus.
• Sunday is the Powell Street Market.  Go early, have brunch at the Sedeo Cafe (then email to let me know how it was, because it's a long drive) and stay for all of the street vendors and the like.
• This week at Sur la Table, you can learn: make dinner in Tuscany (well, make a Tuscan dinner), celebrate Cinco de Mayo, make brunch for Mom, learn quick dinners, and Mediterranean grilling.  Click to their calendar for more information.
• Don't forget the Wednesday "Buckeye Bounty" events at Whole Foods Dublin.  This event will celebrate Ohio made goods (and I believe some produce and the like as well) and takes place every Wednesday afternoon 3p - 7p.  I work on Wednesday nights, so I'll have to leave a market report on that to someone else.
• To put on your calendar for next weekend is the Ohioana Liabrary 2nd Annual Book Festival May 10th.  The event features lots of writers - Harvey Pekar will be there for the love of crumb cake!! - there will be book signings, readins, panel discussions - all sorts of good things for the writer or the reader in you!  Who knows, maybe one day I'll be an Ohioana author.  The State Liabrary of Ohio is located in Italian Village (274 E 1st ave).  I might have to cut my market day short to make it to that one.

Arugula, with Pasta & Beans

I suppose it has something to do with winter, but I realized the other night that I've hardly been posting any recipes this year.  (Yikes!  I had no idea!)  My apologies.  It isn't that I haven't been cooking, it's just that I am not really inspiried during the late winter, and do you really want to know how many times we eat spaghetti with meat sauce?

Husband and I have been trying to eat a little more healthfully as of late, and those recipes seem kind of boring, too.  But then I thought, my boring might be useful to someone else.  So here we are.  A vegetarian dish with pasta and beans (complete protein) and the first of the year's arugula - I love arugula - which comes together in less than 15 minutes, makes a nice lunch, and can be eaten hot, cold, or at room temperature.  It makes a nice thing to take along in one's lunchbox.  In fact, I packed it for Husband today, so I hope he's enjoying it.

This is another recipe to show how a few staple pantry items (pasta, beans, roasted red peppers) can come together with even the earliest crop of local greens.

Arugual with Farfalle & Beans - serves 4

1/2 pound farfalle or other small pasta shape
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, roughly chopped
1 large bag (8 cups or so, 4 hands full) arugula or other nice peppery green, rinsed in several changes of water
1 tbsp good, tasty extra virgin olive oil
freshly cracked pepper
salt
2 tsp lemon juice

Cook the farfalle according to package directions, drain and set aside.  Place a large pot over medium heat and add the beans and roasted red peppers, and arugula.  Drizzle with the olive oil, salt and pepper, and lemon juice.  Turn the heat off and dump the still-hot drained pasta on top and allow to sit for a few minutes, until the arugula has wilted.  Toss everything with tongs and taste to correct seasoning.  This dish can be eaten hot, cold, or at room temperature.  It's very good for you. 

Tempeh with Chinese Broccoli & Mushrooms

At the North Market yesterday, I was talked into buying some homemade tempeh at Toad Hill Farms.  As I mentioned in my Market Report, I had been wanting to buy this tempeh since a few readers mentioned they had tried it last year, and asked if I had any thoughts about what to do with it.

Tempeh is a soybean-based meat replacement which, unlike tofu, is a complete protein due to the fermentation process.  The soybeans are partially cooked and then innoculated with a friendly mold.  After 24 hours or so, voila!  The soybeans have formed themselves, along with the bloomy mold, into a cake which can be sliced, crumbled or grated and cooked in whatever manner strikes your fancy.  Tempeh has a mild, nutty flavor with a slight fermented taste on the finish. 

Tempeh is available in many larger supermarkets, certainly at health food stores, and at Asian groceries.  And of course, you can buy homemade Tempeh on Saturday mornings at Toad Hill Farms at the North Market.

If you are afraid of tempeh, but still want to try it, you might want to replace the black bean paste in this recipe with something more mild and sweet, such as hoisin.  Since black bean paste is also fermented, it enhances the fermented flavor of the tempeh.

This recipe is really good for you, provides complete proteins, is vegetarian - actually, vegan even, now I think of it, although that is by pure accident, I can assure you.  But eating it did inspire me for another vegan recipe, which maybe I'll share if I can work it out.

Tempeh with Chinese Broccoli & Mushrooms - serves 2-4, takes about 20 minutes

1 block (12 ounces) tempeh, cut into 3/4" cubes
salt
2 tbsp black bean paste (or hoisin)
1 tbsp chili paste (sambal)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (unsweetened)
1 tbsp, plus more, light soy sauce
1 tbsp neutrally flavored oil, such as soybean or corn oil
1 red onion, halved and cut into half moons
1 large bunch (about 6-8 ounces) Chinese broccoli (kai lan), washed in several changes of water
8 ounces flavorful mushrooms, such as shitake or crimini, cut into 1/2" cubes
freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Place the tempeh in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, cover with water and set aside (this is an optional step, but  helps to neutralize any acidic flavors in the tempeh) for about 5 minutes, then drain and place it back in a bowl.  Cover with 1 tbsp of soy sauce and leave to mingle. 

Stir together the black bean paste, chili paste, rice vinegar, and soy sauce and set aside.

Cut any thick stems from the Chinese broccoli into 1" pieces.

Heat a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke and remove from heat.  Add about 1 tbsp oil to the wok and swirl.  Wipe the entire wok with paper towels, wiping out any additional oil, and return the wok to medium high heat.  Add the onions and the Chinese broccoli stems.  Stir fry until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and tempeh; add the black bean sauce and toss to cover everything.  Cover until the mushrooms are almost completely cooked and then add the leafy parts of the Chinese broccoli.  Sprinkle with black pepper, and stir with tongs until the greens have wilted and everything is coated with sauce.  Turn the heat off and add the sesame oil, then toss to combine. 

Serve with rice!

Market Report for April 26th

The morning dawned drizzly and warm; actually, my favorite kind of weather, except that my hair will turn into a crazy halo.  It's quite charming.

Lazily, I didn't get to the North Market until around 10, and because I was meeting friends, I got some coffee and sat on the porch of the market until it was apparant that if I didn't buy something soon, there would be nothing left.  A brief shopping trip - I stopped by Comb's farms to buy a few more catnip toys for the kitties, and was pleased to hear they had begun the morning with a ton of product, and were nearly sold out.  It's always good to see people come out to support local farmers, even when it's raining.

I then stopped by Toad Hill Farms, to pick up some arugula and the last bag of watercress (above).  I also bought a dozen eggs, and Mr. Toad Hill suggested I try his homemade tempeh (tempeh is a fermented cake of partially cooked soybeans).  I remembered a few readers buying it last year and asking my opinion on what to do with it, so I thought it would be a good thing to give a try.  I have lots of greens in the fridge and have been itching to stir fry.  Tempeh is made by innoculating soy beans with a friendly mold, so it has a bloomy exterior, similar to an aged soft cheese.  It is incredibly good for you:

and what did you get?

Brown Bag Deli

People have been telling me to go to the Brown Bag Deli every since it changed ownership a few years ago, and I finally made it.

I really have been missing out.

I selected the Brown Bag Sub for Husband, and because he usually eats for the day in one setting, selected the whole size.  Half was sufficient; the whole sub is enormous.  It has pastrami, cappacola, salami, hot pepper cheese, and Italian dressing on a large, good sub roll.  Since I was in transit and it wasn't going to get to Husband for awhile, I chose to have it cold, which was fine, but I think it would be even better toasted.

For myself, I chose the Mohawk Stroller - turkey and roasted red peppers on a cheddar herb roll with sprouts and basil pesto.  This might be one of the best sandwiches I have had in a very long time.  Not only were the ingredients inside the sandwich tasty, balanced, and of high quality, the roll was superb.  I don't know from whence these rolls come, but whatever bakery it is, does a mighty fine job.  Half was good for me, and I saved half for eating at the end of a busy Thursday night - it was still tasty after sitting in the cooler at work for 7 hours!  (I apologize for the poor picture quality)

I chose two kinds of potato salad for sides - a traditional mustard potato salad, and an amazing smoky potato salad, with bacon and smoked cheese.  Things almost came to blows over the smoked potato salad (just kidding); it is that good.  The traditional potato salad was also tasty, but the smoky one was so different it kind of overshadowed.  This might rival Banana Bean's Shrimp Boil potato salad as my favorite in town.  Have I mentioned how much I love potato salad?

At any rate, I suggest you find yourself struggling for a parking space in German Village, at the corner of Mohawk & Whittier.  Brown Bag also offers carryout dinners (today's is marinated flank steak over spinach), which you can pick up on your way home and server when you get there, as well as catering.  And, if you need a cupcake fix after lunch, Bakery Gingham is right next door!

info: Brown Bag Delicatessen 898 Mohawk St in German Village 614.443.4214 

Things to do in Columbus::April 23rd Edition

First of all, I would like to mentiong that on this day in 2005, when Restaurant Widow was just a baby, we had 2 inches of snow, and I made really yummy brownies.  Seriously, you should try them.  They are the best I've ever had.  But this year, the Lisa the Waitress almanac predicted we would not have snow late in the year, and I think I was right.

At any rate, if you can drag yourself out of the sunshine, here are a few things to spend your time this week.  As always, if you have an event to add, please leave it in the comments!  I will be updating the events later on today.

• First up, this Sunday is another Slow Food Dinner - this time it is at Alana's and features the fabulous wines of importers Patrick & Connie Allen.  Pat & Connie import some of the best wines out there, and they are super cool to boot.  The event is $75 for Slow Food members; nonmembers are asked to make an additional $10 contribution to Slow Food.  It looks as though there are ramps on the menu!  More info.
• There is an Earth Day Fair this Saturday at Goodale Park beginning at noon.  There will be food & education aplenty.
• Beginning this weekend at the Ohio Historical Society, you can see an exhibit of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs.  The OHS is open now Thursdays - Sundays.
• Franklin Park will also be celebrating Earth Day this year with a variety of events, including a ceremonial tree planting.  Don't forget Blooms & Butterflies is ongoing throught the summer as well.
• The Columbus Jazz Arts Group presents New Orleans on Parade this weekend at the Southern Theatre.
• This is the last weekend for Tabloid at Shadowbox Caberet - don't miss their other great shows as well.
• This Friday is the Celebrity Chef Showdown at Lifestyles Pavillion.  The event is an Iron Chef-like event which will pit Columbus chefs against each other to compete for the best dishes surrouding a secret ingredient (at the first Showdown, the secret ingredients were sliders from White Castle).  The event benefits the Columbus Museum of Art.

spring.

For the first time in years, we are having an actual Spring.  Which is lasting for more than 2 days.  It is a real spring, with long, warmish days and nights which are cool but not frosty.  My favorite of all of the flowering trees is the weeping cherry - I love weeping trees of all manner - whose pink flowers look like fantastical butterflies. 

Last week at Alana's, I had asparagus with a fried duck egg on top.  Always the first sign of spring.

This week at Rigsby's, I had a sauteed ramp.  Heaven on a plate. 

I can almost feel my happiness and inspiration being rebuilt, brick by brick.  Or maybe leaf by leaf, as the case may be.

Crafty Columbus - the Cbus Sampler Pack!

cbus sampler, originally uploaded by Lisa the Waitress.

A week or so ago, I ordered my Columbus City Sampler for a mere $20. The city sampler is a box of handcrafted items from Columbus stores, galleries, and artisans, and also includes cards and info for lots of other galleries and the like, including some matches from Surly Girl (which would have come in handy last night when Husband & I were grilling out). The packages were expertly curated by Amy from Sweet Stella. I believe there are still a few of these limited samplers left, and I would encourage you to support local artisans by ordering one.

I thought I'd list the things I received and highlight some of the artists featured within the box! If you click on the picture above, you will be redirected to the Flickr picture, which has notes on each item.

Please visit the following people to get your own crafty fix:
Little Red Men
What the Rock?!
YumiYumi
Jennifer Sadler Designs
Couchfire Collective
Jen Adrion
Anne Holman
Kiko Kreations
moogancreations
Crafty Beavers
Crafty Cotillion
Dirty Booty
Chop Chop Gallery
Rivet Gallery
Agora08
Lucky Kat
Cultural Arts Center
The North Market
Sweet Stella Designs
Wholly Craft!
Luster Bunny
Amy D
SpaceDog Sudios
Sharon H Bell

Sunday Supper Updates

I have drawn the names for the first Restaurant Widow Sunday Supper.  So, if you haven't receive an email from me, it means your name wasn't drawn; however, don't fret!  There will be more dinners to come, and hopefully after I have this one under my belt, I'll be able to increase the number of guests at each dinner.  I am tentatively planning the next dinner for Sunday, July 13th.  I'd like to have it earlier in July, but I'm not sure if anyone would come on July 4th weekend, and June 30th might be too soon after the first one.  If you would July 4th weekend, let me know!  The July supper should include lots of cherries and sweet corn.  In fact, there will be such a plethora of delicious veggies available I might make it a vegetarian dinner.  Well, we'll have to see about that.

tiny blog

Okay.  I wasn't going to write about this, mainly because I'm afraid of all of my readers judging me for being the worst cat parent ever, and not getting Mimi fixed, because I am too lazy, and thought I'd be able to keep her inside and not let her get herself into trouble.

BUT.  I was wrong.  Humans are no match for the biological drive of other mammals.

And then, when she did get out, I just couldn't bare the thought of getting her "problem" "solved."

Husband reminded me that all of the tinies have found good homes and are well taken care of, and he chided me for keeping the tiny blog all to myself and my friends.  And besides that, they are pretty amazingly cute.

So.  I won't be writing about the new crop of tinies after this, but I thought I'd link to their blog, tiny blog.

This batch is cute.  Really, really cute.  They are all gray stripedy.  Some have polka-dotted tummies.  So far they seem hungry and healthy, with fat little round bellies.