Restaurant Widow

What's Wrong with Columbus?

This little rice bowl represents, for me, everything I dread about telling people I'm from Columbus (Ohio).

It was November 2005 and I was in San Francisco. I was on the verge of being morosely depressed and the San Francisco I was visiting wasn't the one I remembered - this one was dirty, and full of homeless people huddled in vestibules. Everywhere I went, I felt clawing hands of despair. Everywhere I went, there was excrement on the sidewalks. I had always kind of laughed when visitors to Columbus were commented on how clean it was. It had never really occurred to me until I found myself stepping over the fifth pile of human filth in as many hours. I was on the verge of tears at every moment for no reason...every piece of beauty just seemed to be tainted with impending doom (this is the brain of a creative person).

Even going through the Ferry Market, everything was overpriced and polished within an inch of its life, to sell to greedy tourists like myself, it seemed; the crowds that Saturday morning were suffocating, and adding to my general sense of malaise was the fact that for weeks, I had been walking around feeling as though I were in a slightly altered universe - disconnected, like the girl in the bubble.

The weather was beautiful - while back in Ohio, it was cold and rainy and gray. San Francisco was having amazing weather. It was sunny and 80 degrees, and all around me, the residents were whining about how unbearably hot it was.

I had just made a commitment to begin buying more artwork, there was an artisan fair across the street from the Ferry Market and I happened upon a table where a man was selling hand thrown pots with very interesting glazes. I picked up this little rice bowl and started pondering it. My friend, who had moved to San Francisco from Ohio a full 5 months earlier, struck up a conversation with the artist. Alone in my own world of artistic misery, I was in a daze when I heard her saying how I had just flown in from Ohio. I looked up, to find him giving me that condescending look we all get when visiting "big" "real" cities: the one that says, "Oh, poor little Sally Ann, in the big city for the first time." 

"So, what do you think of San Francisco?" the artist said to me.

"It's..." I tried to shake the fog from my brain and think of a non-offensive, polite, Midwestern way to say it's so filthy. "It's too...."

The artist snorted, rolled his eyes, and spat out "GAY? It's too gay for you, right?" As though, as a girl from Ohio, the worst thing I could ever manage to deal with while traveling would be a city full of gay people.

"Um," I was so taken aback I couldn't even find the words. I wanted to chuck the little bowl I was about to purchase at his nose for being such an ignorant jerk. But, I liked the bowl, and instead I just said "I want to buy this bowl." 

I wanted to say I hadn't encountered enough gay people whilst in San Francisco (where are the gays I was promised?), and maybe if I could please be pointed to their (obviously superior) part of town, I probably wouldn't be so freakin' depressed, because there's no way it would be filled with piss and dirt! 

One thing I've always loved about Columbus is our huge gay community. Everyone knows gays make everything better, right? I was irritated that, as a gay man, he wouldn't know there were other gay cities in the country, and make the assumption that I wouldn't know how to act when I encountered the hoards of gays who greeted me when I touched down at SFO. (shortly afterwards, I remember reading a travel piece written by a gay man from another large city, wherein he was shocked - and thrilled - to visit Columbus and discover it was "so gay," I can't find the piece at the moment.)

Columbus might be one of the best kept secrets in the country. That's great and all, but I want to confront the ignorant stereotypes surrounding our fair city. I don't mind being called a cowtown - it's great that we're a cow town, because it means we have access to amazing food grown right in our back yard

It's not just about the gay population, it's about our food scene, our artists, our charming Midwestern sense of equality and politeness (I know it drives some of you transplants crazy, how much we hate "pretentiousness"), our sense of independence.

This past Saturday all efforts to visit Farmers' markets were thwarted by crowds and traffic; I was coming off an extremely stressful event the day before, and was generally feeling as though my life were in an uproar (I'm a writer, we're melodramatic) and decided to go to Franklin Park and think about the future. It was there, sitting in the shade in the Community Garden (the most beautiful 5 acres in the city limits, for what it's worth), that I decided to resurrect my writing and continue to promote this city that I call home.

Gradually, I think we are seeing more artists and creative people stay in Columbus. I want to see that continue. Every time I meet a really young musician, chef, or artist, I want to take their hands and beg them to stay here and help make it better. I don't want them to leave. I want them to stay here and sell their art, make their music, open their awesome food cart or restaurant or bar. If I can have any part in making that happen, I want to do it.

I might need some help to make it happen, and that post is coming soon. In the meantime, though, encourage those in the creative class to stick around. Support them by buying their artwork and going to their shows and taking them around the city to see the hidden gems. If you have money to spend, put it to good use by supporting those who make the city an interesting place to live. Lots of people in business and government talk about brain drain, and trying to get young business people to stay here - that's great an all, but we all know:it's the creative people who make cities great. Without our creative minds, we wouldn't be such an awesome city.

But they won't stay if they aren't given a reason to stay. 

If you don't have money to support a creative person at the moment, offer something else - garage space to use as a studio, hook them up with people who do have money, offer something on barter, go see their shows. Use social media to get the word out about them, do whatever you have to do. We have some momentum going, let's make it huge. 

Even if you only have words to offer - SAY THEM. Last night I was waiting on a table, and as they were leaving, one of the guests came up to me and said "I really wish you'd start writing more again. I used to so look forward to reading you." It stopped me dead in my tracks. Her words, everyone's words on Twitter, and everyones comments here, emails you've sent - it has completely reignited me to keep going. Words of appreciation can make such a huge impact. It can be hard to say "I love what you do," but that might be all it takes to encourage the spark. 

Vote for Richie!!

Today is the last day to vote for my friend Richie's oyster essay at Bourdain's Medium Raw website. It takes seconds and you can login through facebook.  He is currently 19th out of 1600 something. Vote until 5pm! Mr. Bourdain will personally select the winning entry, but voting is still fun.

Richie is a restaurant friend of mine from way back when; he became my hero for decorating his apartment with framed rejection letters he has received over the years. His devotion to cheap vodka ("i'll have your cheapest vodka on you most expensive rocks" is his drink order) is also endearing, and of course if you read the essay, you can see he's a great writer.

Who Wants to go to Taste of Columbus??

Dear Readers: I picked up a shift for Husband tonight, so I am unable to attend this event. The planners have graciously offered my ticket to any of my readers!

This event seems like it will be amazing - Basi, G Michael's, Latitude 41, Jeni's, and Barcelona? Come on! And it benefits Home Reach Hospice.

Here's the deal: I will offer the ticket to the first person who comments and promises they will be able to attend. The event is tonight, begins at 5:30, and takes place on the pool deck at the Renaissance Hotel downtown; the attire is poolside cocktail/business - it's nice and cool out, so if you've been dying to wear some boots and a scarf, here's your chance! 

I really hope someone gets to go!

Thank You

I am so humbled by all of your supportive comments and emails. Thank You!!! 

Foodie Cart Japanese Crepes::Go Now.

The sudden sprouting of food carts all over Columbus is hands down my favorite trend. It's something we should be proud of, because many of them are exceptionally tasty. 

After reading about Foodie Cart, which is a Japanese style crepe cart (something I never even knew existed until I read about them!), I was convinced it would be brilliant. The hype surrounding it seemed reliable; everyone who visited was smitten.

Like star-crossed lovers, however, Foodie Cart always seemed to be out while I was working, or out of town, or they closed before I could make it, and we could never connect. Until this week.

First of all, let me just start by saying I know nothing about "traditional Japanese crepes. In fact, I've been trying to google (happy birthday google, by the way!) more information about them, but I've haven't been able to find a lot of information. According to Foodie Cart's Facebook page, Japanese crepes are "a thin, crispy, yet soft crepe that is filled with goodness." Oh my, are they ever!

The team behind Foodie Cart is Kenny Kim and Misako Ohba. Misako attended pastry school in Tokyo, and it is a pleasure to watch her work. Her hands raking the crepe batter over the pan are so beautiful and graceful; the way she adds the goodies and folds everything together so perfectly is artistic and lovely, like a dance: it's mesmerizing. 

Here's one thing I absolutely love about Japanese food, as I understand it (I've never been to Japan, and am no expert on Japanese food, but I have made it a mission to consume as much of it as possible): the adherence to traditional Japanese foods is strict - down to the types of dishes used, but then there is this completely wacky side of Japanese food where you have things like mayonnaise milkshakes. I love it.

 

I agonized between the tonkatsu (pork cutlet) with cream cheese, and the bulgogi (a Korean dish of very flavorful marinated bbq beef) cheesesteak, but eventually went with the tonkatsu, which came with mustard, tonkatsu sauce (a kind of sweet bbq sauce), and Kewpee mayo (yummy). I forked over my $5 and was given this delightful reward (sorry for the weird picture; I only had my phone):

 

Oh my - the tonkatsu was hot and savory and crispy, filled with cream cheese, and the sauces mingled together perfectly - sweet, savory, rich, and acidic - I am starting to drool.

 
  I had a friend along, and at first she didn't want anything, but she was as amazed by watching Misako make the crepe as I. We were halfway down the block when she tasted my crepe, and we immediately turned around so that she might procure her own. She chose the bulgogi cheesesteak, which included the meat and mozzarella. It sounds like something a discerning stoner would concoct at 3 in the morning from leftovers, and it was just as delicious. I thought it very slightly edged out the tonkatsu, but seriously, they were both good.

The Japanese crepe seems to be slightly thinner and crisper than a traditional French crepe, and Foodie cart offers a gluten-free crepe as well as a vegan version (their standard crepe features Snowville Creamery milk).
  
  In addition, Foodie Cart was offering natto (fermented soy beans, one of the most challenging Japanese foods for western palates) and squid rolls. I am certain they are the only food cart in the city - perhaps even in the state - where one can get natto! Although Husband loves natto, I couldn't convince him to let me bring one home for him (he had his heart set on a big Mexican burrito from El Arepazo, another great choice). So I didn't get to try that one.

 

I can't wait for my next Japanese crepe; I've been thinking about it all weekend!

Foodie Cart is a smaller, hot dog-sized cart with very little protection from the elements, so they are a little beholden to the weather to cooperate when they are out. You can stay on top of their schedule by tracking their Facebook page. You can catch them this Thursday at the St James Tavern  for the Bells Two-Hearted Cask Party, beginning at 6pm. A delightful duo, indeed!

info::Foodie Cart; various times and locations - they seem to be extremely receptive to suggestions, so don't hesitate to ask them to come to your hood. They seem to be pretty consistent setting up near the Pearl Alley Markets on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What Does the Future Hold?

If you don't want to read the personal back story, please scroll down to the bolded line.

 I am going to make my very best effort to not make this post whiny, but instead practical. I am sharing my thoughts and ideas because I know I do still have a following whose opinion I hold above all others. I am going to criticize myself here, and I am trying to be honest, not begging for compliments.  I welcome and encourage all suggestions and constructive criticism. If you have something negative to say, please do not hesitate: I am occasionally a grown up, and can handle it. I would only ask that if you have a complaint, please offer a suggestion.

First of all, let's face it::this site has pretty much sucked for the past two years. There are a few reasons for this:

1. When the economy took a decline, my household saw a 40% reduction in income (2009 compared to 2008). That caused a ton of stress and depression and obviously meant I could not afford to continue to review restaurants. Writing about food was a constant reminder of how stressful it had become trying to adapt to my new life without disposable income. I am not complaining or whining or asking for pity, I am just stating facts.  And yes (Mom), I realize that some of the stress could've been prevented with better planning, etc. 2010 has seen more of the same, although we are now seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. For the past 18 months I have been enormously grateful that we didn't listen to our mortgage broker, who told us we could afford a house at lease $80K more than what we ended up with. Who knows what might have happened? 

Going to the farm markets became an exercise in anxiety for several reasons, mostly the fact that where I once would go through $90 without a thought, visiting all my favorite markets on a Saturday morning, I sometimes had like $8 to spend.

Yes, I know there are people who are far worse off than I am. I am thankful for the experience I am going through because it has made me realize how important it is to spend money wisely, and locally. Please, if you have money, support local independent businesses and artists. It is the creative class which makes a city worth living in. We might not provide jobs, but we provide do make things interesting. /lecture.

2.  Aside from the economic issues, Husband was spending nearly 40 hours a week (or more) studying for his Master Sommelier exam. He was so stressed, which made me stressed. I didn't realize how anxiety-riddled we were until the exam was over and we returned home. Over the past few weeks, I have been rediscovering the amazing man I married. His sense of humor and lightness returned slowly and we find ourselves laughing more often now. I am so incredibly fortunate to have the luxury of being married to my best friend in the whole world, even when we spend time laughing at others' expense.

3. I spent much of the first part of this year being elated to be asked to write a cookbook, working on it, hoping it would be the thing that sealed my future as a writer (I am bound by a confidentiality agreement, but I will say the book was for someone 99% of the foodies in Columbus know and adore, and the announcement about the book has been made) and then devastated when the whole project fell apart (well, my part of it - obviously it was still written). Fortunately, only a very few people knew about my work on the project, so I haven't had to explain why my name won't be included in the final product. You can imagine for someone who has dreamed all their lives of being a paid writer, to have the dream evaporate from your grasp might make one a little insane. Or a lot insane. In the end, I do believe it is working out for the best, but it was and is still painful to fail (in some eyes) so spectacularly at such a golden opportunity. 

You might be asking why on Earth I am talking about all of this.

In May, I made a decision that I would retire Restaurant Widow at the end of this year. As I said earlier, I know RW has not been living up to its potential for a long time now (a phrase I've heard all my life, by the way - it's kind of my thing).

Until about September 1st, I had been incredibly happy about the decision. My heart wasn't in it, I was disappointed in myself for not working to sell adverts or promote myself, to try to get a book deal, whatever. I am not whining::these things are my fault, and I am learning how to stop being a lazy wanker and start doing things.

After Husband and I returned from Dallas (where he was taking his Master Somm test), we spent a long weekend at home, trying to wrap our brains around our future - it had never occurred to me that he wouldn't pass all three sections on his first try; that might sound stupid, because the odds are so stacked against him, but if you know him, you know he's brilliant and I never had any doubts. Everything in our lives had been on hold for so long that we sat around a lot having a lot of "now what?" conversations.

Over the past month, my desire to write - and to write about food - has been slowly returning with a vengeance. In May, I really thought it was time to hand the reigns over to someone else. Lately I have been getting a serious feeling that my work isn't complete yet. 

So, now what? I am going to spend the month of October retooling the website and trying to find some financing. Not a lot, just enough to begin to review more restaurants without breaking the bank. 

I am going to return to focusing on restaurant reviews; it seems to me that is what most people want (at least those of you who read because you live in, are moving to, or are visiting the city of Columbus). I am going to resurrect my "Things to do" segment, because I get so many complaints about failing to do so!

I am going to force myself to communicate with my readers::I am a total failure when it comes to answering emails, I make no bones about it. I am actually considering hiring a (very) part time assistant to help me keep on top of emails and opportunities.

I will be moving my Bistro Apron series to an alternative site. It will be linked here, but I will make an effort to separate the two.

I am not going to be concerned with posting at least 4 times a week! My altar ego needs time to write, too, and I'm going to let her have as much as she wants.

I have learned a lot over the past year or so. Hopefully now I can start putting it to use. 

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, whatever - please comment! Let's talk! I will use the opportunity to practice my new commitment to communication.

Event Preview::Taste of Grandview

 
 And so it was, on a warm Tuesday night in September, that I found myself waddling up and down Grandview avenue, munching my way through hot dogs and fish n chips and cheddar biscuits and pizza and noodles and bbq and ice cream with a group of photo-hungry fellow food writers (all women, by the by). It took a nightcap of two Manhattans to soothe my overwrought tummy.

Joining me on the tour were representatives from the Grandview Chamber of Commerce, along with Experience Columbus, who gets big ups for working with bloggers!! We love helping promote our community! Also along were....Laura from Yumster, Megan from Columbus a la Mode and Edible Columbus, Bethia from many things, including Columbus Food Adventures, Christina from Yelp! Columbus, and probably someone I have woefully forgotten (I'm sorry, in advance).  

Standouts included the cheddar/ham/pimento biscuits from 3rd & Hollywood, beer batter fish at Grandview Cafe, cinnamon sugar-dusted pretzel buns with cinnamon dipping butter at Stauf's, and the awesome baklava sundae (pictured above) at Mazah (actually, everything there was yummy, and I can't wait to go back).
 
 The actual Taste of Grandview takes place on Sunday, October 3rd at 2pm and includes many more restaurants and tasty treats.

Join me for a revisit, won't you?

reading

it's so refreshing, and I have someone from an un-named local publication to thank....

Now that I've been informed that I'll never be able to sell my "Life in Bistro Aprons" as a book, I can finally re-read Kitchen Confidential for the first time in like a decade. So thanks, dude!!

Freedom is realizing you can cow-tow or be yourself, and still get the same crappy outcome.

update...I'm so glad I picked up Kitchen Confidential again. I had forgotten what an amazing book it is

Taste...well, Everything this Month!

September must be the month to eat. Granted, it is the beginning of the eating season, so maybe it's just the time to get all the fundraising and everything in before the push of the holidays. Whatever the reason, I feel as though I have received so many emails lately asking me to promote "Taste of" events!

Because I am hopeless at organizing my email (dear gmail, will you ever have folders? and NO, labeling does NOT count), I am sure to have missed a few. If that's so, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Taste the Future (Tuesday, September 14th) is one of my favorite food events of the year. Unfortunately I haven't been able to attend for the past few years, because I can't afford it if I'm not working it! This year, though, the hosts will have a bloggers' table so I get to attend! yay! Taste the Future showcases the restaurants who take on apprentices from Columbus State's culinary program. Proceeds from the event go to award scholarships to send promising students through the program. My old friend & former coworker Magellan Moore received one of those scholarships, and now he's one of Columbus Alive's 2010 people to Watch!

The Columbus Food & Wine Affair (Friday, September 24th) is the major fundraiser for the Columbus Restaurant Association. This is another of my favorites because the setting (Franklin Park) is amazing, the weather is typically lovely, and since the renovation of the park, it has been nicely spread out and not so crowded that you can't fight your way for a bite or sip of wine.

A Taste of Columbus (Tuesday, September 28th) benefits Home Reach Hospice and features some of the best restaurants in the City (G Michael's, basi italia, jeni's - now that I look at it, most of the restaurant involved have paid the Widow household's bills at some point over the past decade!). The event will take place on the pool deck at the Renaissance Hotel! If I'm not mistaken, the pool deck is on the roof, right? How glamorous! it will be like being in LA or something! I'm stoked.

And, save the date for A Taste of Grandview, coming your way October 3rd! I am attending a preview of the event in a few weeks, and I will certainly tweet whilst there!

Now get out there and EAT!!

Come Cheer Me On This Sunday!!

 It will be Old Media v. New Media this Sunday at the Best of Fall Home Show Heavy Metal Chef Competition this Sunday! Come watch as I compete against Anne Fisher of All Sides and Becke from Columbus Foodie! It will be a battle for foodie supremacy in this Iron Chef Style showdown. We will be armed with electric skillets and a mystery bag of ingredients.

The Show starts at 4:30, this Sunday, September 12th.  See you there!!