Stauf's

Location:  Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH
Various dates starting late summer to early fall of 2010

It has been quite sometime already that I got hooked in watching tv shows that features Jamaica.  So one day, I checked out where in Columbus can I have a taste of Jamaica.  I found out that Stauf's offers Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.  Jamaica is a big coffee producer but it's people are not coffee drinkers.  Though, they were out of stock ($55.00 for a bag), I decided to go there and see what else I can find.

This is what you will see when you come inside Stauf's, a wide variety of premium coffees, espressos, teas, mugs, even coffee makers and pressers.  When you approach those walls of coffees and start to browse, after a few seconds a staff will approach you and offer help.

 

I used to work close to Grandview Ave. and how I wished I've discovered this place while I was still working there.  How could I ignore this place!  They have an ample space, outdoor seating and free wifi for all of us who like to sip a good cup of coffee ($1.95 for 16 oz) while surfing the internet.  The espresso muffin is really good.  The dark roast coffee goes well with it.  The muffin has chunks or chips of espresso they're like dark chocolate. I was lovin' it!

I've been craving for their sausage, gravy and biscuits (one of their weekend breakfast menu) but they were out so I settled for Stauf's omelet ($6) instead.  Actually, they were out of it several items including pancakes.  We got there around 2pm on a Sunday.  I guess that was too late for a brunch already but nevertheless, their omelet is very good.  With ketchup and hot sauce, it's a winner.  The serving is also generous, I had to share it with hubby.  I also like the hashbrowns that goes with it.  Their chai latte is just ok.  I was looking for more spice I guess.  I think I like Starbuck's better.  Hubby ordered french toast with sausage which are also very tasty.  Their sausage is like McDonald's.

This place is truly a haven for coffee lovers.  This is going to be my new hang out place, where I can have a rich-flavored coffee while blogging, reading and just simply relax.   Maybe one thing that I wish they should do is when they give you the cup of coffee from the counter, I wish they put a lid on it.

Just a tip that I got from their website that I didn't know (duh!):  Never refrigerate or freeze your coffee.  Coffee absorbs flavors and aromas of other food products!

Northstar Cafe

Location:  Easton Mall at Columbus, Ohio
Date: Aug. 8, 2010

Recently opened at Easton Mall, Northstar Cafe features American cuisine with healthy, organic ingredients.  And with modern ambiance and relaxed atmosphere, surely, this restaurant will earn fans in downtown Columbus.

At first, I thought this is a vegan restaurant because I remember when we went to their Short North location, I had a vegan burger.  Some of their dishes may just have veggies, but those items with V on them, can be prepared with meat and if you want dairy free as well.    

I ordered Shooting Star ($3.50) which is a blend of orange, organic carrot, lemon and ginger.  It's not sweet at all and it actually tastes healthy.

Oh and btw, when you come in, give your order on the registers before you take your seats.  And after you place your order, they will give you a number that you will put in those things on top of the dining tables.  Those things have instructions in them.  So it's ok even if you don't remember what the lady says in front.  This is how the food is going to reach to your table.

I had a Meatloaf dinner with french fries and they're yummy!  Hubby had BBQ rib pulled pork sandwich.

Their sodas are organic too.  Hubby got the cane cola.

The next time we went there, I had Buddha Bowl with roasted chicken ($9.50). It has lots of long grain organic rice with peanut sauce, a generous serving and I couldn't finish it.  The broccoli and cauliflower are very soft and tender and can almost melt in your mouth literally! I wish I can make my vegetables that way.  I accidentally deleted my picture, but if you're a peanut butter lover, this one's for you.  My hubby had a very crispy BBQ flatbread ($12.50).  I just realized that we both ordered dishes with peanut ingredient on them.  It was a peanut night.