Best $6, $12, $20 meals to be had in C-bus
By Angie Theado |
|
$6 - Street Eats, No Meats
With the growing attention to all things local among the food community, I will not be surprised if every restaurant soon offers a "locavore" option on the menu. Something kind of comparable to a vegan or vegetarian selection, it is not that radical, actually it would be beautiful. Keeping this in mind and working passionately to please the locavores and the veggies, chef and co-owner Magdiale Wolmark of Dragonfly neo-v has opened On The Fly, serving inexpensive vegetarian food that is convenient to eat while walking your dog.
Photo: Eric Pacella
Upon entering On The Fly, I did not expect to see the recycled chairs or the heirloom vegetables growing on the back patio. The small cafe is artfully stripped down to only the most fundamental features, giving it a sense of simplicity. The food is well balanced, modest, and clean, completing this harmonious package. The street food salad ($5.95) is so diverse in texure and flavor, it hardly seems to be vegetarian. The smoky, firm grilled tofu, the salty seaweed, and the soft tones of vinegar complement the greens and noodles very well. Settling this savory symphony with the essence of the ocean and finishing on a gentle tangy note, this dish really delivered. With other offerings such as empanadas, chili, and falafel, I could become a vegetarian myself... maybe.
On The Fly
247 King Ave.
(614) 298-9986
www.dragonflyneov.com
$12 - Venerable Veggies
It seems like just yesterday, everyone I met was frantic about the bird flu, swine flu, E. coli in their spinach, and salmonella on their peanuts. Well, those days are coming to an end here in Columbus, partly because we have Whole World. Utilizing local and wholesome products, this meatless cafe is vigilant about the health of our community and environment.
Photo: Eric Pacella
Walking into the petite cafe, my eyes wander around the unpretentious interior, a very relaxed atmosphere, I must say. A variety of house-made vegetarian and vegan baked goods rest in a display case at the back of the restaurant. I looked around for a table - this little bakery has about six tables inside and two outside. I turned my head toward the kitchen to see the kitchen staff proudly creating flavorful dishes - and proud, they should be. This long-standing vegetarian restaurant has outlived many imitators. Established more than 30 years ago, Whole World continues to feed Columbus responsibly.
The broccoli burger ($6.50) is a healthy and hardy blend of brown rice, broccoli, onions, and spices, giving a meaty texture to the vegetarian patty with melted Colby cheese, all the fixins', served on a house-made bun. The Colby cheese enhanced the boldness of the broccoli, and the bun was sheer artistry. With menu items free of trans fat, preservatives, and using no processed food, I will definitely visit again to try their new-to-the-menu sandwich series, including a seitan gyro, eggplant 'meatball' sub, and the contradictory vegan BLT.
Whole World is one of many restaurants in town supporting this local food progression. It is important for us as a community to support them, so stop by on a Sunday for brunch.
Whole World Natural Bakery and Restaurant
3269 N High St.
(614) 268-5751
www.wholeworldnaturalrestaurant.com
$20 - Superior Sustenance
One of the longest standing dining establishments in the Short North, Rigsby's Kitchen, has always used fresh and seasonal ingredients on their menu. Offering grass-fed Ohio beef, fresh local produce, and fresh baked bread, Chef Kent Rigsby seems to never falter, showing clearly that good food starts with great ingredients.
Photo: Eric Pacella
I began my lunch with warm bread and butter and a cup of coffee, which seemed appropriate at the time because of the rain. The roasted beets with skorthalia salad ($8) followed, tender and sweet, the beets balanced well with the subtle garlic flavor of the Greek dip and the "O" Zinfandel vinaigrette. Spaghetti alla puttanesca ($12) completed my meal. This special of the day was traditional and honest, like a hug that everyone needs from time to time. The dish was full of comforting stewed tomatoes, spices, and just the right amount of olives. I left pleased and contented, wondering when I could make it back for dinner. Hopefully very soon.
Rigsby's Kitchen
698 N High St.
(614) 461-7888
www.rigsbyskitchen.com
Originally Published: August 1, 2009
