The bounty of Ohio foods at Hills Market

I love March. Spring, my birthday, the weather is improving. And Christmas in March.

OK, this isn't the kind of Christmas that brings a fat guy with a bunch of stuff - March brings the first of the year's Ohio Market Festival at Hills Market. Anyone who's ever experienced competitive sampling at Costco ain't seen nothing like this. And the awesome part is that Hills is now doing it three times a year to give more Ohio producers a chance to show off their yumminess!

We waited a little late in the day to head to Worthington - it was around 1:00 and the event ended at 2:00. See - that's better for our waistlines - there's no WAY to hit every sample station when there's a beer tasting involved. The nice thing was that the crowds had thinned out and I got a chance to say hi to Bethia Woolf. She's the founder of Columbus Food Adventures (rolling my pennies) and one of the best food bloggers in the area. I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-cook kind of gal, but I love reading her reviews and she's convincing enough to make me want to go to Happy Hour again.

On to the Ohio foods at Hills Market. Oh - wait. Let's start with Ohio brews - Rockmill Brewery. I love beer - more importantly, I love craft ales. From a farm near Lancaster come four beautiful Belgian-style ales. Organic grains, hops and malts combined with a natural spring deliver something special. We tasted all four of Rockmill's offerings - poured and described by brewer Matthew - and had a hard time picking a favorite to carry home. The man won and I have a bottle of Saisson awaiting the perfect moment.

Saisson Organic Farmhouse Ale: Ohio-made from Rockmill Brewery

I was excited to see Blue Jacket Dairy, but we were too late for the Gretna Grilling cheese samples. However, these cheese curds? Just the right blend of seasoning. I've used some of the Dill to make a simple pasta side dish and munched on a few of the Firelands - with chipotle! They are perfect alone, it just makes me think I need to cook with them. Any suggestions?

From Blue Jacket Dairy, near Bellefontaine

 

 We tasted this dip with a simple tortilla chip and were more than impressed with Urbana's Taste Weavers. The smokiness of the chipotle is more overstated than the heat. Again, I'm running recipe ideas through my mind. Harry says "It's a dip - it's for dipping things in."

I thought about a drizzle on some Chipotle-inspired (the restaurant) burritos.

 

 I like to hit up Cajohn's at the North Market and loved the chance to try several of their barbecue sauces. We decided this was the perfect sauce for our BBQ Burgers with sauteed onions and horseradish cheddar cheese. We were right.

Not too sweet and no overpowering fake-smoke taste.

 

 I might have to give up my food-geek card after my faux pas with this guy. Massillon's Gold'N Krisp potato chips are one of the few kettle-style chips I've ever tasted that I enjoy. They're not too thick and a little less salty than most potato chips. My goof came when I asked "Peanut oil?" He was very nice when he said it was a blend of lard and shortening. I will NOT feel guilty about loving the taste of these chips.

Gold'N Krisp doesn't have their own web presence but - did you know there was a chip of the month club?

YUMMY! Potato Chips!

 

I know I'll never be able to participate in the 100-mile diet but it's nice to know that there are several resources in Columbus to find local and Ohio foods.

Planning a summer wedding in Columbus?

Get busy! There are so many summer wedding locations in and near Columbus but summer 'tis the season. Have you tried all the popular venues and found out that they are booked?

If you are still looking for the perfect spot and are willing to travel a little outside of I-270 (or even to Clintonville!) you might still be able to have your wedding outside ON the day of your choosing.

Summer Wedding Venues near Columbus

Warm up at a locally owned coffee shop in Columbus!

Yes, if you're a local and you love coffee you already know about these great coffee houses! But, think of it as doing a service for the new arrivals.

Mmmmm....coffee!

Coffee Houses in Columbus

Food Pantries in Columbus

This doesn't really have anything to do with being bored in Columbus. The winter months often take their toll on families - higher heating bills, seasonal workers are laid off and food costs keep going up.

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, there are several food pantries and other organizations throughout Columbus that can help.

Food Pantries in Columbus, Ohio

The Short North - live, laugh, play...

Even though I'm a country girl, I have a certain affection for many of Columbus' neighborhoods. I don't know many people who have spent any time exploring the Short North and what it has to offer and then decide they don't want to go back.

Here's a quick snapshot of one of Columbus' best neighborhoods.

Short North - Neighborhood Profile

Columbus Metro Parks ARE open in the winter...

The hours might be a little more limited in the cold, winter months but Columbus' Metro Parks are open year-round. More importantly, there are several winter hikes and other activities planned.

Columbus, Ohio Metro Parks: Winter Activities

Christmas Charity Donations

The holidays are fast approaching and many of the Columbus-area charities that provide holiday assistance are still in need of your help - donations of items, food, money and time. Giving any of these items can help make Christmas a little brighter for others.

Christmas Charity Donations in Columbus

Hanukah at Ohio State...

And also in Bexley and at Easton Town Center...

Several Activities During Hanukah for Ohio State University Students

The Drexel Theater and Indie Flicks!

Independent movie theaters should be cherished. Even with all of the mega-chain theaters in Columbus, we still have a few gems and the Drexel in Bexley is one of them.

Yes - they do show some mainstream films but the focus for me is the array of indie-flicks. Oh - every month the Drexel has a viewing of "The Room" - second Saturday - don't miss it!

Drexel Theater is Columbus, Ohio's Home for Indie Films

Pumpkins, Laurelville Cider and Corn Mazes OH MY!

My first thought to anyone who asks where to buy pumpkins is to go to the farmers market. You know - that place close to you where all the farmers gather once or twice a week and let you select your choice from their hard work? There are still several farmers markets going strong in Columbus, I'm sure very close to you.

But, some families want pumpkin picking to be an "event" - they want the whole experience of being away from the city streets and want their kids to actually visit a farm. Fact is, there aren't many "farms" with a Columbus zip code and pumpkin farms are a different breed. It takes more than a backyard to grow enough pumpkins to supply the masses.

I've visited each of these pumpkin farms at other times of the year, usually a stop for whatever produce happens to be in season. Pumpkin season is different - my kids are grown, so we don't do the decorating thing. These pumpkin farms - Renick's, Lynd's and Smith's - are within an easy, reasonable drive from anywhere in Franklin County. Each has a little something "extra" to make them attractive. I'll admit - my reason for including Smith's is a combination of primarily selling Ohio-made produce and products (YAY!) and OD on BBQ. So, Smith's is more for those who don't really feel the need to tromp through a field but are just as happy buying a pre-picked pumpkin. That will leave more time for barbecue!

Pumpkin Farms Near Columbus, Ohio

Photo courtesy dbgeorge at sxc.hu

Important Info NOT in the Ohio State New Student Handbook...

You've settled in...the first few weeks of classes are behind you...you've overspent your food allowance for the quarter...and you really want to get out of the dorm.

Relax! Columbus has so much to offer to Ohio State students and a lot of it is very close to campus. You can find some of the best pizza in the city and locally owned coffee shops that really ARE better than Starbucks. That student ID? It does more than get you access to a student ticket for the Ohio State football games.

Although my kids didn't actually go to Ohio State (yet!), they've both spent quite a bit of their adult lives living and embracing the Ohio State campus life. I've put together a few helpful tips every new Ohio State student should be aware of...

New Ohio State University Students: What You Should Know

Halloween Haunted Houses...

Making plans for the weekend? The Columbus haunted house season is in full swing!

Halloween Haunted Houses in Columbus

Perennial favorite Haunted Hoochie is still here and the House of Nightmares has officially changed its name to The Terrorfest. The folks who used to run Terror Park at Cooper Stadium (RIP) have a new gig - The Scare-A-Torium that includes a costume shop. The newest kid on the block is the Trail of Fears in Hilliard.

The Buckeyes and Good Beer...

The vacation season is over!

Personally, I think we've got it pretty good in Columbus. We've got a great NCAA football program (no matter how hard Mark May tries to argue against it!) and Columbus has a lot of options for beer geeks.

You know the ones - we like real beer. We like something that isn't mass produced by the billions of bottles. We want our beer to stand up and kick our ass! We want flavor, we want richness and we want it all the time.

I'm a beer geek and a Buckeye fan and I know I'm not alone. Two local places have the perfect setting for people like me - great beer and lots of TVs to catch all the action on Buckeye football Saturdays: Barley's Smokehouse & Brewpub and The Winking Lizard on Bethel Road. My Lizard preference swings on the patio, because the Crosswoods location is definitely closer to home. Although there's not a lot of street traffic in the Crosswoods area, you can't see the traffic at all at the Bethel Road location.

Here - my humble opinion as to the Best Craft Beer Bars for Buckeyes Fans!

Wikimedia Commons Public Domain: Binksternet

Ohio State Football Fever!!

As I look at my Weatherbug, the temperature is an incredible 53 degrees! That's football weather! My friend Sheri mentioned on Facebook that she had to wear a sweatshirt the other morning while she was taking a walk - yes, it's football weather and that means it's time for Ohio State fans to head to Lane Avenue.

We generally watch the games at home a lot of reasons. Our own incredible food - including the man's should-be-world-famous Wings! No chance of a DUI! Free parking! Comfy seats in front of a TV we can actually hear!

But, even at my age, I do like to head down to Lane Avenue once every season - without a game ticket! - to take in the Skull Session and the memories of a long tradition. The crowds aren't as large as they used to be and the REAL Hineygate is no more, but I still see a lot of people well-over college age drinking not-quite-cold-enough overpriced beer and celebrating a Buckeyes game!

Take a walk back in time...make one trip to Lane Avenue this season to celebrate the Ohio State Buckeyes!

Football Saturdays on Lane Avenue

Skull Session before the 2009 Ohio State-Navy Game. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons and is in the Public Domain.

Dating in Columbus

The first date...time to make an impression.

My favorite first dates were the simple dates. The times we could actually talk and get to know each other rather than being drowned out by a band or a thumping-bass DJ.

I've thought of three perfect first dates that - HEY! - won't break the bank.

Great First Dates in Columbus

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Real Beer, Local Beer

I freely admit to being a beer geek. I'm not "in the know" enough to explain all the fine nuances and determine by taste exactly where the hops were grown. All I know is I like real beer, microbrews.

Columbus has a great brewpub scene. Each of the locally-owned offerings also have great menus. For a summer night out on the town - eat local, drink local.

Columbus, Ohio Microbreweries

Pelotonia Only 11 Days Away

The 2nd Annual Pelotonia will hit the road from Columbus to Athens on August 20, 2010.

I've profiled one of the riders - Joshua Schonauer, a recent Ohio State grad and Centerburg native ready to head to the bright lights of New York City. He has one challenge left before he goes: helping to raise money for cancer research at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Follow the link...I've provided links in the article to Joshua's Pelotonia rider profile and other ways you can help.

Pelotonia Capstone to Law School for Schonauer

Now What?

The Ohio State Fair has ended...the animals are going home or heading to the slaughterhouse. The carnies have packed up the rides and could very well be gone. The lemon-shakeup vendors are counting their money.

Now what do you do?

How about a great summer date night on one of the awesome patios that Columbus restaurants have to offer? Seasonal menu options are the main reason I selected these five restaurants. Go local - not only are you supporting a locally-owned restaurant instead of a huge conglomerate cookie-cutter chain, you are also supporting local suppliers.

My list of the Five Best Summer Restaurants in Columbus.

Eggs for Food Banks!

I just received a press release from the Ohio State Fair.

The Ohio Poultry Association will donate one dozen eggs to local food banks for purchases during the Ohio State Fair...read on for more details!

Ohio State Fair Visitors, Ohio Poultry Association Help Hungry

Big Plans for this Weekend?

So many options, so little time!

This weekend is the 25th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament at Beulah Park - all day Saturday!

Mud Volleyball Tournament Celebrates 25 Years

Taste some wine and support the Franklin Park Conservatory, take a walk with your kids in Whetstone Park, learn how to hula hoop or see a free show from Shadowbox at Schiller Park.

This Weekend in Columbus