Columbus, Ohio: Veritas; restaurant review

Veritas  

11 W Gay St., Uptown District/Downtown, (614) 745-3864.  D M-Sat.

interior at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

At Veritas, Chef Joshua Dalton presents the city’s original tasting menu dining experience.  Diners choose from several tasting menus that feature creative contemporary small plates.  Each menu is optionally paired with well-selected wines--a service I suggest you take advantage of.  The dining room is spare, and you can see into the kitchen from most seating, though some especially choice tables are set right next to the window into the kitchen.  My group sat in a comfortable booth, beneath a wall that was covered with an arty take on recycled belts--I could actually smell the leather.  Our sommelier was well informed and gave us informative introductions to each new food and wine item.  I found myself highly enjoying the mix of intriguing food items with the matching wine.  My dining companions and I had a lively conversation concerning the South African Chenin Blanc that I swear had notes of cannabis.

wine bucket at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

The punctuating surprise of new items kept my group of six pleasantly engaged in conversation throughout.  Here is a blow-by-blow of the menu that night:


Course 1.  snacks
NV Pierre Sparr Rose (Alsace, France)

snack course at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

NV Pierre Sparr Rose (Alsace, France) wine at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 2.  beet + chevre + apple
2016 Brooks Dry Riesling (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

beet + chevre + apple at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

2016 Brooks Dry Riesling (Willamette Valley, Oregon) wine
at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 3.  celeriac + frisee + black garlic
2015 Bellingham Chenin Blanc (coastal region, South Africa)

celeriac + frisee + black garlic at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

2015 Bellingham Chenin Blanc (coastal region, South Africa) wine
at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 4.  monkfish + prosciutto + hen of the woods
2016 Terrebrune Bandol Rose (Provence, France); but might have been 2017 DILA-O dry red

monkfish + prosciutto + hen of the woods at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

2016 Terrebrune Bandol Rose (Provence, France) wine;
but it might have been this 2017 DILA-O dry red;
at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 5.  wagyu flank + sunflower + pomegranate
2017 Vecchio Marone “Privata” (Veneto, Italy)

Oh dear, no image of this.  I must have been enjoying this wine way too much!

2017 Vecchio Marone “Privata” (Veneto, Italy) wine
at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 6.  gjetost + lychee + sumac
2015 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Riesling Kabinett (Mosel, Germany); now a wine image is missing!

gjetost + lychee + sumac at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

Course 7.  blueberry + yoghurt + lavendar
2014 Quady “Essencia” Muscat (California); oh dear, yet another missing image!  My, this meal was delicious and the wines stellar!

blueberry + yoghurt + lavendar at Veritas in Columbus, Ohio

An upscale cocktail bar, The Citizens Trust, is located adjacent and upstairs.  It can also be entered through the restaurant.  This stunning bar is situated inside a former bank and features a high, high ceiling and many seating areas.  When you sit in the huge curved booth in the back, it makes you feel like the small version of Alice in Wonderland.  A popular drink is the Patty Hearst made with gin and sparkling rose, but being from Berkeley, California, I opted for the Luchador with Tequila.

happy group lifts their cocktails in a toast
at The Citizens Trust in Columbus, Ohio

More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers; except wine images ©2019 Terry Gardner; group image ©2019 by waiter

Columbus, Ohio: Hilton Columbus Downtown; hotel review

Hilton Columbus Downtown  

Located downtown, near Short North Arts District.  Pool; fitness center. 

check-in desk at Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio

Opened in 2012, the city-built and award-winning Hilton Columbus Downtown hotel is set in the heart of the art-filled Short North Arts District.  The hotel itself displays a stellar collection of original art from more than 150 local Columbus artists living in and around Central Ohio.  More than 250 pieces are displayed in public spaces and meeting rooms, and in guest rooms--which each have a dramatic ceiling mural above the bed.  Don’t miss the piece titled “Unwritten Love Letters” positioned behind the check-in desk.  The central atrium brings in lovely natural light to the Gallerie Bar & Bistro.  An expansion is planned for 1,000 additional rooms to open across the street in 2022, which will make this the largest hotel in Ohio. 

view down to atrium lobby at Hilton Columbus Downtown
in Columbus, Ohio

art in elevator waiting area at Hilton Columbus Downtown
in Columbus, Ohio

art on ceiling above guest room bed at Hilton Columbus Downtown
in Columbus, Ohio

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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Columbus, Ohio: Visit German Village/What to Do in German Village; things to do

Visit German Village in Columbus, Ohio

What to Do in German Village

German Village Tours  

(614) 642-TOUR (8687).  $15, seniors $12.  Available year round.  The best way to see charming 19th-century German Village is with a walking tour led by a longtime resident and historian.  On a German Village Tour, you’ll hear stories about the history of this neighborhood as you view architectural details of the original brick houses built by German immigrants.  Tours last 60 to 90 minutes, and a portion of ticket sales benefits the non-profit German Village Society.

German Village Tours visits Schiller Park in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

The Book Loft  

631 S. Third St., (614) 464-1774.  Daily 10am-11pm.

bargain porch at The Book Loft in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

This charming book shop features 32 rooms jam-packed with new books at discount prices.  Every book is at least 5 per cent off.  One of the nation's largest independent bookstores, it’s still going strong after nearly 40 years in business and is a book lover’s dream come true.  The shop is crammed into pre-Civil War era buildings that once were general stores, a saloon, and a nickelodeon cinema.  You can easily get lost as you wind from room to room, so do ask for a map that orients you to the layout and do also give yourself ample time to explore.  Gift items are also mixed in and include puzzles and even an array of socks, plus plenty of creative greeting cards.  Bargain books are clustered on outside porches.

interior at The Book Loft in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

outdoor bargain table at The Book Loft in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Hausfrau Haven  

769 S. Third St., (614) 443-3680.

exterior of Hausfrau Haven in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

This atmospheric shop was a hangout back when.  The Stones, Eric Clapton, and others were all here.  Now it purveys a fine collection of wine and some gift items.  In fact it is the largest boutique wine store in the city, and is the only retailer to cellar older and rare wines.

interior of Hausfrau Haven at The Book Loft in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Helen Winnemore’s  

150 E Kossuth St., (614) 444-5850.

colorful bottles in the window at Helen Winnemore's
in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Opened in 1938 and established in several other locations around the village before this one, Helen Winnemore’s is said to be the oldest shop of its kind in the country.  Tea or coffee is offered to customers for sipping as they browse through eight rooms of American-made crafts.  Sun streams through colorful glassware, and a wall full of animal clocks wags their tick-tocking tails.  I wound up selecting a lovely little painting of a cow for me and a sweet little cat pewter coin piece for my granddaughter.  This shop is definitely the place to select a gift or special souvenir.

cow painting at Helen Winnemore's in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

my cow painting at Helen Winnemore's in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

embossed coins at Helen Winnemore's in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Schiller Park  

1069 Jaeger St.

path in Schiller Park in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

The second-oldest park in Columbus, this large expanse of green is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon.  Better yet, start with a picnic.  Facilities include picnic areas, a fishing pond, a lighted tennis court, a playground, and beautifully landscaped gardens.  Don’t miss the “Umbrella Girl” standing in the center of a fountain.  She’s especially easy to find in winter, when she wears a red sweater to keep warm.  The park is named for Friedrich von Schiller, who was a German historian, playwright, and composer.  His memorial statue was brought here from Europe.  Shakespeare-in-the-Park runs on weekends May through Labor Day weekend.

"Umbrella Girl" in Schiller Park in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church  

684 S. Third St., (614) 445-9668.  Finished in 1868, this lovely church has a tall steeple, stained glass windows, and ceiling paintings that incorporate German phrases.  Unfortunately, when I visited it was always closed (once for a wedding in progress).

exterior of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Three Buds Flower Market  

1147 Jaeger St., (614) 902-0403.  W-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.  Build-your-own bouquet at the flower bar here.

flowers at Three Buds Flower Market in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

my three-bud bouquet at Three  Buds Flower Market
in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Background and where to stay in German Village.  

Where to eat in German Village.  

More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Columbus, Ohio: Visit German Village/Where to Eat in German Village; restaurant reviews

Visit German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Where to Eat in German Village

Barcelona  

263 E Whittier St., (614) 443-3699.   L M-F, D daily.

exterior of Barcelona restaurant in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Famous for its secluded patio and complimentary housemade tomato vinaigrette dip that comes with the bread, this Spanish restaurant usually roars with happy people.  Sometimes it is so loud that if you are sitting in the back, you can’t hear the live music in front (6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays).  The menu includes tapas and well-reviewed charcuterie, as well several paellas--one is a veggie version.

interior of Barcelona restaurant in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

gazpacho soup at Barcelona restaurant in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

paella at Barcelona restaurant in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

tarta de Santiago at Barcelona restaurant in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Brown Bag Deli  

898 Mohawk St., (614) 443-4214.

interior of Brown Bag Deli in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Known for its huge selection of delicious sandwiches and salads, this tiny restaurant is located between central German Village and Schiller Park.  It is the perfect spot to pick up a picnic to enjoy in the park.  Bread, filling, and dressing choices are vast in the “design-your-own” category, but a simple PB&J and a grilled cheese are available for picky kids.  I settled in at a sidewalk-side table outside and enjoyed a half-sandwich combo with a half-pint of tasty red-skin potato salad and a juicy pickle.  So many sandwich and salad choices, so little space in my tummy.

interior of Brown Bag Deli in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

salad case at Brown Bag Deli in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

red-skin potato salad at Brown Bag Deli in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

sandwich at Brown Bag Deli in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

          A mini Jeni’s Ice Cream (900 Mohawk St., (614) 445-6513) with window service only is conveniently just next door, but unfortunately I had no appetite left.  It operates out of a former barber shop.

Jeni's Ice Cream in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

window at Jeni's Ice Cream in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

G. Michael’s Bistro  

595 S. Third St., (614) 464-0575.  D daily.  Reservations advised.  Valet parking.

bar at G. Michael's Bistro in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

This elegant restaurant has a bar in front, with beautifully set dining tables available there and in two larger back rooms.  Though the wine list is inviting, it seemed to me the atmosphere called for a cocktail, so I nursed a classic Negroni through my meal.  My starter was a delicate green asparagus-spinach-garlic soup.  From the seasonal menu, my entire group of three all ordered a delicious, fresh Lake Erie Walleye with potato cake and cucumber salad.  I’ve heard the restaurant is known for Shrimp and Grits--maybe next time.  Dessert was a no brainer--we split the famous bourbon pecan pie three ways.

dining room at G. Michael's Bistro in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Negroni at G. Michael's Bistro in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

bruchetta at G. Michael's Bistro in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

fresh Lake Erie Walleye at G. Michael's Bistro
in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Katzinger’s Delicatessen  

475 S 3rd St., (614) 228-3354.  L-D daily.  No reservations.

front dining room at Katzinger’s Delicatessen
in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Usually packed with people, this casual spot is as well packed with cheeses and deli cases.  It operates inside an 1827 brick building.  The kitchen prepares almost everything from scratch, however the crusty European-style breads are delivered daily from Mediterra Bakehouse in Pittsburgh.  The sandwich line--which moves quickly--makes and serves every sandwich to order.  Sandwiches come in two sizes but even the small is huge--some dripping with dressing and oozing cheese.  The deli case holds delicious side salads and great knishes.  My choice was half a Reuben matched with a delicious redskin potato salad--all enhanced by a garlic pickle plucked by me from the pick-your-own garlic pickle barrel.  Vegan and vegetarian options are available.  My companion and I also selected some bread, cheese, salami, and more to take home for an informal dinner that evening.

counter line at Katzinger’s Delicatessen in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

salad case at Katzinger’s Delicatessen in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

back dining room at Katzinger’s Delicatessen in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

bread counter at Katzinger’s Delicatessen in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

cheese case at Katzinger’s Delicatessen in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

The Old Mohawk  

821 Mohawk St., (614) 444-7204.  L-D daily.

exterior of The Old Mohawk in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

Though in the past this atmospheric spot served time as a house of ill repute, it now enjoys a great reputation for most especially its real turtle soup.  People do rave about it, but I don’t eat turtles so I’ll never know for sure.  The pub-style food on the extensive menu is consistently good.  The cheese burger seems made to go with a side of tasty fried pickles, but I opted for a half Reuben and half tomato soup and was able to eat most of it.  Additional well-reviewed menu items include an adobe pork wet burrito, a French-dip sandwich, and a variety of quesadillas. The decor includes an old gas pump in the back and a combination of antiques and local artwork that are for sale.  Note that the dining room is small, so prime time sometimes includes a wait.

interior of The Old Mohawk in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

interior of The Old Mohawk in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

soup and sandwich at The Old Mohawk in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Pistacia Vera Pastry Kitchen and Cafe  

541 S. Third St., (614) 220-9070.

counter at Pistacia Vera Pastry Kitchen and Cafe in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

This clean-lined contemporary French bakery and cafe presents delicious and beautiful pastries and desserts.  A visit here presents the opportunity to sit down with your selection and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

pastry case at Pistacia Vera Pastry Kitchen and Cafe in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

seating at Pistacia Vera Pastry Kitchen and Cafe in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters  

627 S. 3rd St., (614) 221-1563.  Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-8pm.

coffee roaster at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Featuring seating in a cozy space in the front room, which also holds a giant coffee roaster, this traditional coffeehouse invites stopping in for a brew.  I very much enjoyed here an iced coffee on a warm day.  All coffee is roasted on site, by hand, every day, and in small batches.  Muffins, cookies, and cakes are also available and made in house.  More seating is available in a back space, as well as on an outdoor patio.

order counter at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

indoor seating at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

outdoor patio at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village
in Columbus, Ohio

Background and where to stay in German Village.  

What to do in German Village.  

More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers