Wining and Dining on High Street

Last weekend Tom and I were in Columbus, Ohio for a wedding (congrats again Ann and Nick!). We flew in Friday night and stayed at The Blackwell, owned by The Ohio State University and located right on campus. We lucked out with a deluxe room on the executive floor – free breakfast, refreshments and afternoon snacks, plus excellent views of the stadium. After settling in, we ventured into the cool, cloudy night to find a place to wine and dine. It started to drizzle moments into our walk and that drizzle soon turned into a downpour as we went by BW3, Dominos Pizza and countless college bars. After turning around to buy umbrellas at CVS, we ventured on with the help of Yelp. We walked away from campus, down High Street and checked out a Mexican place, a sushi place, an Indian place that advertised $1 shots, and finally we came to Alana’s Food and Wine. This restaurant is located in a large old house with a wide front porch and loads of character. Because we walked in off of High Street, we had to wind our way through the restaurant to find the hostess stand, which is situated in the back, by the parking lot and bar area.

We didn’t have a reservation, but they had an open table for two, so we were seated immediately. There was the requisite candle on the table, tablecloth and unique artwork all around. The artwork was very bright and colorful. Not modern, not traditional…more like folk art and it was all for sale.

Our waiter was very friendly and answered all of our questions about the menu, which is seasonal and changes daily. We ordered a bottle of Cotes du Rhone that was delicious and very reasonably priced. The waiter brought out artisanal bread and olive oil infused with herbs. The bread “bowl” was made from denim and I might have to try to make one. What a great way to use an old pair of jeans!

For the appetizer we ordered the $7 Surprise (there was also a $10 version). They wouldn’t tell us a single thing about it and when it came to our table we were pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think it was the highlight of our meal! It was a version of corn beef hash, but the chef used short rib meat, with spaghetti squash, in this sweet sauce with an egg on top. IT WAS AMAZING!!!

For our entrees Tom was going to order the Meat Surprise, but they ran out - a testament to the popularity of their surprise dishes. Instead he ordered the Vegetarian Surprise which turned out to be a version of succotash with lots of beans, greens and tofu. Tom’s entree was good, but I ordered the brussels sprout risotto and it was better. The chef visits the local market daily, so the brussel sprouts were the best of the best. I would definitely order it again!

We skipped dessert and after two hours of wining and dining, Tom and I left dry, happy and full!


If you go:

Alana’s Food & Wine
2333 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43202
614-294-6783
http://alanas.com/

Price Range: $30-$60 per person
Great For: Foodies, Special Occasion, Intimate Dinner

We didn't get a photo from our Friday night out, but
here is one from the next night.  Fun in Ohio!