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Alana's Food & Wine
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
2333 N High StColumbus, OH 43202
Neighborhood: University District
(614) 294-6783
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
59 reviews for Alana's Food & Wine
Review Highlights
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"I am not a fan of Jeni's ice cream, as I prefer the now..." In 5 reviews -
"They always serve an amuse-bouche to start dinner off." In 7 reviews -
"Menu changes often based on what is in season and available." In 6 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Gwen W.
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was able to pick a restaurant for a birthday dinner, so yeah, I decided to splurge and go for a fine dinning establishment. I perused Yelp's recommendations based on high reviews, and Alana's Food and Wine won. Boy oh boy, did this place solidify my pick for 5 stars!
We had reservations for 6 pm, and it was not crowded at all, when we arrived and got seated. As our night meandered on, tables were filling at a steady pace, and it was nicely full, as we walked out. Thus, I recommend making reservations, just in case.
Anyway, to the food! We had a fantastic waiter - not pushy, not overbearing, informative, but not boring, and a friendly attitude. He gave us plenty of time to look over the menu, before taking our order. For starters, we got the bacon wrapped scallops, the cheese plate, and the salmon cheesecake. The scallops were soooo good - tender, no overly bold fish taste, very free. The bacon was so tender, I was able to cut it with one easy swipe of a butter knife. And the puree was scrumptious, light and fluffy "mashed potatoes"! The salmon cheesecake was very rich, but very good. The sauce drizzled on top paired very well, and smoothed the taste. I'm not one for many cheese varieties, thus that was gobbled up by the other members of the party.
Main entree? Forget the exact, sophisticated names. I had lasagna with sausage, veggies, and sprinkled parmesan cheese on top. It was SUPER hot when brought out, thus I had to wait several minutes for cooling purposes. First bite? Great! Savory flavor. The tomato flavor was not overly bitter at all. The noodles were al dente. The other plates were a mushroom risotto dish, and sea bass (the grilled asparagus was full of flavor)! They were perfectly cook, excellent flavor profiles, and could taste the individual components quite well.
For dessert I got their creme brule dish. I've always known creme brule for it sweet custard substance and caramelized sugar on top. This was different. The custard part had, what I can best describe as, a coffee flavor. It was sugary. Nonetheless, it was an interesting profile for the tung. -
Review from Stacey P.
Columbus, OH
4/29/2012
We went to Alana's last night for my fiancé's mothers birthday. Our reservation was for 7. We didn't get seated until around 8 bc the table b4 us wouldn't leave & the place was packed as usual. That was the start of the evening. So we sat at the bar and had a cocktail. It was annoying yet not the restaurants fault so who can u blame. Anyhow, as the night moves forward... Restaurant staff were amazingly friendly. Especially Alana's husband.
They didn't have a changing station in the restroom so to accommodate me they gave me a table linen and let me use an upstairs office space. Such a nice gesture. We had to make our way through the kitchen in order to get upstairs for my diaper changing excursion. As I walked through the kitchen carrying my 14 month old there was a very grouchy looking Alana standing and glaring at me. Even when I smiled at her kindly she didn't crack a smile. Who knows....bad night. Were all entitled to them.
On to the food portion of the review. Dinner took forever to arrive. My fiancé got the bacon wrapped scallops appetizer which were undercooked and under seasoned. I had the mixed greens salad which was very fresh and fantastic as was the watercress salad that my future sister in law had. My fiancé's mother had some asparagus appetizer in which the asparagus was overcooked and looked unappetizing. Main courses-the seared walleye wasabi infused jasmine rice w a side of asparagus was pretty good-though I was missing some of the flavor notes described on the menu..however the asparagus was cooked perfectly. The seafood pasta puttanesca entree was said to be 'good enough' but nothing exciting-which was ordered by 2 in our party. Idk, we were disappointed by this visit. I personally, have been to Alana's a number of times and haven't ever experienced lack luster food like last night. My expectations were high & as I was the one to suggest Alana's, I felt a little embarrassed of our experience. The drinks and wine were wonderful as always. We will go back again, maybe when it's not so busy though. -
Review from David L.
Keeping rating at 3 stars.
I came by here with a friend for a late dinner around 9:30pm, right before closing.
Tip: their parking lot is directly behind the restaurant. There's only enough space for about 8 cars.
1. Scallops
Delicious. Two huge, juicy scallops, and one of the best scallop dishes I've ever had.
2. 8oz steak
Subpar. Steak was cooked a nice medium rare, but it lacked flavor. Rest of the accompaniments were just okay.
3. Grilled walleye with beets and mashed potatoes http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Okay. Walleye was cooked nicely, and the potatoes were okay, but I didn't really care for the beets.
Service was excellent. Really was hoping to have a better experience than last time, but unfortunately, it was about the same.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/9/2010
Food: 3
Decor: 3
Service: 4
Dine Originals Week (aka Restaurant Week), Restaurant 1
Parking: you can… Read more »
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Review from TradeMark G.
Columbus, OH
3/15/2012
How have I not reviewed Alana's? Awesome food, awesome people, awesome wine selections, with extra helpings of awesome on your plate. I think it was my first visit (some twelve+ years ago) that they tied my green beans in knots. KNOTS! My taste buds have been tangled and teased ever since.
And unlike many places which grudgingly accommodate us vegetarians with some "vegetable delight" afterthought, the veggie dishes Alana comes up with always feel like first picks. When I moved back from San Francisco, one thing I knew we'd miss is the top-shelf cuisine. Alana's is not only up to SF standards, but luckily a lot closer.Listed in: Friends Global, Actin' Local
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Review from Mike T.
2/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This was our first time here. The food is amazingly good. The wine selection is quite extensive and our server was quite knowledgable about food pairings with wines.
We had the smoked salmon cheesecake for an appetizer. If I could eat this exclusively for the rest of my life I'd be fine with that. To say this was amazing is like saying Mt. Everest is a nice little hill. Alana will tell you that Emeril used to make one when she was working with him but her's is better. This is a must if you go here.
We enjoyed a fantastic frisée salad afterwards. I hate nuts and all things that are not-like. The salad came with hazelnuts, which I also hate, but there were too many of them to pick out so I suffered through them. After my first bite with those pesky little hazelnuts I changed my mind about them and have finally found something that I could eat and actually love them in. The salad was incredible and those nuts really put a great flavor and consistency to the salad. I'd eat that salad again in a heartbeat.
I had an incredible fillet with mashed potatoes and peas. My wife had a great penne pasta. Both were very well made and absolutely delightful.
For dessert we had the surprise, which was a mango ice cream along with a carrot cake and a torte of some sort, and the flourless chocolate cake with blood oranges. Again, amazing. From what we experienced there was nothing bad about this place although the parking gets tough to find with a later evening reservation. Everyone should eat here once. -
Review from Jurgen J.
1/20/2012
I've been wanting to try Alana's for the past 3 years and finally had the chance tonight. Unfortunately, the restaurant failed to impress us.
There were 5 of us dining. We ordered a bunch of appetizer and sampled almost all of the main course. First comes the soup. We ordered the trio of soup, all of them were pretty good. The highlight was on the curry pumpkin and truffled mushroom. It was a good start. A few minutes later, the appetizers came. The prawns with curry and rice was not bad. The prawn was cooked perfectly and the curry had tons of flavor. The duck was better, the skin was crispy and the meat as moist. The bone marrow was shitty as there's no bone marrow inside the bone. When we inquire the waiter about the bone marrow, he response "it happens, sometimes you get a lot and sometimes you don't".
Now let's get to the main course. We waited for around an hour the main course. 2 of my friends ordered the surprise. And they were indeed surprise that it was roast chicken with stuffing (fyi: i was being sarcastic). Anyhow.. the chicken was too salty and the sauce was very sour. Maybe it was suppose to balance each other, but the flavors didn't work. The best entree of the night was the tuna. It was served with hollandaise. It was pretty good. I had the indian spiced osso bucco with safron risotto. It was pretty good. The disaster was the pasta. It was a very simple pasta dish with cream and smoked salmon. The pasta was too salty that my friend had to send it back. It came back ok though. After that we felt discouraged to try the dessert. But I have to praise the wine list and the staff's knowledge of it. -
Review from Mark F.
Columbus, OH
12/1/2011
I have been coming to Alana's since 2001, my wife and I eat there 5-7 times a year and here's the thing. Sometimes the service is slow, sometimes the restaurant is uncomfortably hot, sometimes (rarely) the meal will seem to be not worth the price. But...there are moments at Alana's that are so special that they cannot be found at other restaurants. Tomatoes so perfectly cooked that they explode with flavor with the slightest bite, food where each bite reveals layers of flavors. The last time I was there I tasted a pot sticker that I remembered for days afterward. Pot stickers! That is Alana's genius. She can take something as ridiculous as a pot sticker and turn it in to memorable food.
I have eaten in restaurants all over the country and there are very few that can compare to Alana's. She and her restaurant are a Columbus treasure. -
Review from Meredith M.
Columbus, OH
9/30/2011
I loved my food at Alana's. We started with the black bean hummus which was fantastic. Then I opted for the Marlin with an Avocado sauce. The combination of the two was mouth watering and had some spice to it. My side included sweet potatoes and pears, sweet, delicious, and perfect.
Alana's is my favorite restaurant and I will be coming here every chance I get.
Dinner for two - One appetizer, two entrees, no drinks or dessert - $58. -
Review from Raquelle Z.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
2/9/2012
This week I decided to venture out in search some great food in Columbus. I did what I usually do which was find a new place with great ratings on my favorite resource YELP. I was not disappointed! I love the unique options that were presented on their menu. It didn't bother me that the Menu was paper since I understood that it changes often. To me that speaks of creativity in the kitchen which is a culinary skill that I admire. I settled on an entree of Indian 5 spice escabèche of fish on a bed of fennel with saffron couscous. The waiter explained that this term means that in addition to a spice marinade vinegar can be used to bring a new taste dimension to the dish. The flavors in this dish were fabulous and perfectly balanced. I might add that I am not a big fish lover but this was perfect for me since it had lots of flavor but it was not fishy.
As a starter a lovely woman brought me a deliciously warm slice of bread with a beet tamponade. I love that this sample came unexpectedly to my table and it was a great indicator of what turned out to be a perfect meal. Mine included a desert of Mexican Chocolate and Pecan tart that came with a bonus of Jeni's Salted Carmel ice cream.
Perhaps the service was a bit slow however, that was forgivable since this was truly a dining experience with food that was high in creativity and quality. I can't wait to go back to this culinary treat on my next trip to Columbus.
*something else -
Review from Michelle M.
Columbus, OH
Updated - 9/9/2011
I've been a few times and I have seen some improvement to the ambiance. The paper menu's still kill me, you would never guess how good the food is by looking at the menu's. I love that they use local ingredients and although the menu is small it is so creative that you won't even notice.
The problem that I've had recently is the terrible service. I'm okay with it being slow, especially when they are jam packed, but rude comments and dirty looks from the staff is just not acceptable. Yes the food is amazing but when I live in a place like Columbus where really amazing food is on every other corner I will just skip the places with poor service.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2009
The food was excellent and the staff was incredibly friendly. But I definitely saw room for… Read more »
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Review from Liz F.
Columbus, OH
7/7/2011
Came here with my mom as a special treat after a couple of friends mentioned this was one of their favorite places to go around town, and it exceeded my expectations.
For someone on my budget, this is a special occasion, come-bearing-coupon restaurant, but it was well worth the splurge!
I take it from some of the other reviews that service can be hit or miss, but we got nothing but the best the night we were there. Granted, it was a Wednesday, but it was also the day before everyone's Fudha was about to expire, so they were plenty busy. Our water glasses were never even close to empty, our table was always clean, and our server checked in after every course arrived to make sure we were enjoying the food.
If you're not a picky eater, I'd recommend going with the "surprise" dishes whenever you have the chance. We got both the surprise appetizer and the surprise dessert. The appetizer -- small yellow summer squash stuffed with sausage and drizzled with an amazing, creamy, citrus-y sauce -- was our favorite dish of the evening. And, the surprise dessert -- a Mexican chocolate pecan pie with Jeni's honey vanilla ice cream -- hit all the right spots. It was crunchy, gooey, warm, melty deliciousness.
Excellent food, top-notch service, adorable atmosphere! -
Review from Scott C.
Columbus, OH
11/15/2011
I've lived in the downtown Columbus area for almost ten years, and Alana's is the best restaurant in the city. I've eaten just about everywhere that could be considered her competition, and she is hands down the best. The menu changes daily, the wine selection is fantastic (sold at state minimum with only 5 dollar corkage), and the employees are really nice, fun people. Alana is also the coolest woman in Columbus, as long as you aren't a prick.
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Review from Sarah H.
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I started with the oysters with tasso, trinity (onions, pepper, and celery), and grits. The oysters were quite good, but they were overpowered by the spiciness from the tasso, which tasted somewhat similar to chorizo to me. The grits were awesome. I loved the individual components but I'm not sure they came together as well as I'd like... they weren't particularly well-balanced.
For my main course I got the surf and turf, which was a soft shell crab served with a small portion of filet. I ordered medium rare, and I got something more on the medium/medium well side of the spectrum. This seems to be a patter in Columbus. The steak was good, but not mindblowing. The softshell crab was smothered in a sauce that I didn't really care for, kind of sweet-mustard, not really a flavor I could define. It was okay at best. The crab was prepared really well and was obviously fresh. The sides were asparagus and mashed potatoes. The sauce from the beef went well with the potatoes. Overall, pretty good, but again, not mindblowing.
I got a cocktail with vodka, rhubarb bitters, and soda, which was great. I also tried some of the wine that BBJ got and it was one of the best wines I've ever had. And their wine list is INSANE. I would definitely come back here to just order a couple of bottles of wine and hang out.
We all came here with my Fudha and they were really accommodating, even though we were in a group so it was a little weird with most of us having Fudhas. Bonus points to them for not being stodgy about that. The service was mostly fantastic, except when we got scolded for swearing too loudly.
Alana's is an excellent restaurant, but the value isn't great. It's good food, but it's not $30+ entree good. Or at least the entrees I got. Not to say that I won't try it again, because I will. It was really good, just some flavors weren't my thing and weren't balanced well. -
Review from Christina C.
Columbus, OH
11/3/2010
So this is the place everyone talks about...
For my birthday dinner-of-choice, I chose Alana's. From the moment we walked in the door (note: enter through the back door, not the front on High St., to avoid awkwardness) I felt warm-n-fuzzy... and hungry! The smells were amazing!
We sat and checked out the wine, food & special Halloween cocktail menus - cute - but we were sort of surprised they were printed on paper. Granted, if you owned a restaurant that had revolving menu items you'd have simple paper menus too.
There were only a few wines by the glass to try, but scores of bottles, all served at state minimum prices (but include a corkage fee.)
Yes, there was some sticker shock on the prices of the entrees, but the food was totally worth it - the salad though, not so much, although still pretty good.
I got the tuna on a bed of squash while the boy ordered the pork chops. Holy burst in your mouth with flavor!!! I'd go out on a limb and put the food in the "comfort food" category, given the oil and butter, but every single calorie was savored. It was my birthday after all...
I love that it's in an old house, but the art was a little strange. It was romantic, relaxed and high-energy all at the same time and the perfect backdrop for an evening to celebrate my birth.
After stuffing ourselves silly, we still saved room for the pumpkin cheesecake, which was just as mouth-watering as the entrees. I love my pumpkin-flavored anythings!
Our bill was slightly higher than we expected (about $20-$25 higher than other similar restaurants.) Actually, no, I don't believe there are similar restaurants - so I guess you're paying for the uniqueness as well as the food. A great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. -
Review from Yvonne R.
Columbus, OH
7/6/2011
This place is as fresh and local as it gets! Menu changes often based on what is in season and available. I have never been disappointed.
Quaint, cozy atmosphere and a great wine list round it out for me!
If you love "close to nature" food made into amazing recipes, this is the place for you! -
Review from Nick P.
Columbus, OH
8/22/2011
While I have only eaten here once, I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. There is simply nothing else to compare it to in Columbus: an unpretentious, upscale eatery with a focus on spontaneity and local/seasonal ingredients. Will you find more finely executed or inventive food elsewhere? Sure. But that isn't the point of eating at Alana's. The word that keeps coming back to me is 'joy.' There is a joy in the menu and service--even in relaxed atmosphere of the dining space or the patio on High St.
Everything we had was good (and some of it was outstanding): a fresh gazpacho, tempura mushrooms, and Ohio beef were really great. The watermelon-lemonade cocktail and homemade limoncello-esque desert drink were also notable. The service was friendly, even casual--again adding to the experience of 'joy.' The whole experience added up to a relaxed and delicious meal with moments of surprise and delight.
Yes, the prices are higher than the fineness of the food would suggest, but the food is only part of the equation: there are the ingredients, the ever-changing menu, and the sum of the experience. I would rather eat here and be delighted than have a somber dinner at the well-named "Refectory" with perfectly detailed dishes anytime. -
Review from Alyssa B.
Columbus, OH
1/9/2011
I had heard very mixed reviews from friends about Alana's, so the time came for my boyfriend and I to try it for ourselves.
We were seated at a table that appeared to be the front porch of an old house... But it was inside. The building space has been creatively utilized to say the least. The tables and chairs were those 1970's seats you used to see in libraries which also set an interesting tone. It's definitely not an elegant or refined aura. But, I thought, the food will make up for it.
Our menus were two printer pages stapled together, smudged with food. Another unimpressive touch. We settled on a bottle of wine that was better than average, however the wine selection did not offer a wide price range. Basically, you could get a $20 bottle of wine or a $70 bottle. There were hardly any red wine selections in between.
The salads we ordered were amazing. The greens were perfect (the types of lettuce she uses in the salads can sometimes be extremely bitter if not selected at the right time - these were perfect).
The entree was extremely disappointing. We ordered a filet, which was drowned in an overpowering sauce. There was very little art to allowing the flavors of the food set the tone for the dish - it was all about sauces and spices.
For a chef to insist upon no alterations to her dishes, she has not yet proven her expertise, and therefore has not earned the ability to be this presumptuous.
After dinner, we has a seasonal gingerbread cake that was out of this world. No wrong could be done on this desert.
Overall, the entrees are weak. I would recommend to anyone going there to have a tapas style meal of appetizers, salads, etc. Because those menu items are much stronger. And be prepared to pay over $70 a bottle for a red wine. -
Review from Josh E.
Brooklyn, NY
7/26/2008
I was looking for a good place to eat in Columbus and stumbled upon Alana's somehow. Yelp only has 4 reviews to this point, but they are all uniformly spouting its excellence. So, I decided to give it a shot. Now, I can be counted amongst the fans here.
If I had to use one word, and maybe this doesn't sound too hot as a choice, I would say "transparent." Let me explain why I think this idea is important, appropriate, and a reason to run right out and give Alana's a shot.
Every fork-full of food I put into my mouth tasted purposeful and genuine. The ingredients were clear and each and every one tasted like it was chosen because of its quality and special role in each dish. There was no mystery to what I ordered. It was pure and excellent... Transparently so!
First, we tried the cold soup sampler and each one would have been a refreshing, and satisfying, choice on its own but it was a good opening to the chef's style of preparation. The gazpacho was chock full of fresh vegetables that grew in character as they mingled in the bowl, convincing me it had been prepared right before it was placed before us. The vichyssoise was simple with clear indications of its individual ingredients and each one's quality in the mix (this was where "transparent" first crossed my mind.) The corn curry soup was exciting in it's mixture of individual elements and how they each competed with each other. It was almost the opposite of the way the vichyssoise's ingredients worked together, but just as effective on the taste buds.
My salad was a tomato, and mixed greens under a crab/cheese/vegetable/dressing mixture, and I am not doing its combined ingredients justice in that slash combo above, but the flavor interaction was fantastic. There were so many subtle things going on that I became incredibly focused with each bite and was pretty disappointed when it was all gone.
I didn't want to go overboard, so I ordered a pasta and squash in garlic,lemon, and Parmesan sauce as an entree and it was very straightforward and best enjoyed while slowly savoring each bite. If rushed, I probably would have thought it wasn't as good as the rest, but it revealed itself as a worthy part of the meal.
Alana's is an excellent spot for dinner and I am excited about going back when I visit Columbus again. The staff was very friendly and the environment was comfortable and genuine (although I wasn't a fan of the current artist on display). The pace was leisurely and some might get impatient with it, but I found it to be a nice, extended, experience. As has been mentioned, the price can quickly add up, but I felt like every dollar was well worth it.Listed in: If you're in that town...
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Review from michael c.
Columbus, OH
7/26/2007
Alana's.
I love this place.. Eating here is like going to a friends house and having a loud dinner... if your friend is a master chef and has an amazing waitstaff running around to make everything just so.
I've been a fan since she opened and I've personally never had a bad meal.
I'll be honest though. I've seen one menu Item come out a bit... flat. ..once. in over 8 years.. Not bad for a restaurant that changes menus every week.
On the other hand I've had off the menu chef's specials (think "omakase" here) and on the menu meals that have blown me away at every turn.
This is not the most glamorous restaurant in Columbus, nor is it in the nicest location (north campus :-p), but the service is always perfect, the servers knowledgeable and the food delicious and interesting. Couple that with fresh, usually local ingredients and a good reasonable wine list and there it is.
note: per person prices can run from $25-100+ depending on what you get and what you do for appetizers and drinks. If you wanna try out Alana's on a budget, come in early, get a reasonable bottle of wine and split an appetizer and salad. you can generally do this for $20-30 a person if you order wisely and get a taste of fine dining out. The staff here has always been helpful and respectful. Don't be afraid to ask, but tip kindly :-)Listed in: Worth The Trip
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Review from Melanie B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/9/2010
I have heard such good things about Alana's - and after taking a Yelp poll (on Yelp talk), I decided to take my little band of academics, including our academa-famous guest speaker professor from Rutgers (ahemJasbirPuarcough ahemGoMecough) - to dinner here. I do believe this was an excellent choice - so thanks everyone for the advice, we had a Really Nice Time.
Before I launch into how amazing the food was, I will say that the service was slowwww. It is Friday night, but there were several times when we obviously could have been helped and weren't. It wasn't a terrible thing, since we were having good conversations, but it was definitely noticeable, and is the only reason I didn't give Alana's 5 stars.
Okay so the food. WOW. So, we started off with bread baskets, of course, and since Lent is over, I allowed myself to try a piece of artisan bread, since the pieces were small. Served with oil, this was a nice touch, but personally if I'm going to eat bread, I prefer it to blow my mind... (you know that kind? omg). But, ain't no big thing. We also ordered three appetizers for the table - oysters (from MAINE!), scallops (the world's most perfect food) and shrimp. My favourite were definitely the scallops, but everything was excellent (horray for seafood in the Midwest not sucking!). Oh and we definitely had the chef/owner come and give us a sample of some sort of amazing pita with cheese on it. YUM.
For dinner, I ordered the fontina risotto. I do like that Alana's changes their menu all the time, and that is wonderful, but it also means the menu is quite limited. I would have preferred protein in my dinner, but since I didn't want trout (eww) or steak, there wasn't any other choice. However, the risotto, which came with grilled asparagus, was excellent. I also shared the frisee salad with a colleague, which was excellent - I'd consider ordering it as a dinner, with a few apps.
Overall, between the seven of us, I think we ended up ordering every entree on the menu (I think there were only 4), and everyone seemed to really enjoy their meals (it's hard to tell when you're having such good convo). I know my risotto was heavenly - thick, cheesy, heavy... you know, completely decadent. Of course, I should have remembered to have the rest of it boxed up, but the server didn't ask me, so I missed that opportunity, le sigh.
Some of the table got dessert; I was still overwhelmed by the risotto incident, so I didn't try anything, but dessert definitely got the most audible reactions - the cherry pie in particular was a big hit.
Oh and I forgot to mention - my friend works here, and it was really nice to see him (kinda wish he was our server, because HE would have been on top of things); also, when we walked in the maitre'd (do people still use that term?) was SO excited about my Maine tattoo and struck up a really nice conversation with me about Pemaquid (where the oysters were from). It was very genuine, and I really appreciated it, because most people who bring up Maine are completely obnoxious and try to imitate our accent or have only been to Bar Harbor and completely base their idea of Maine on the ultimate tourist trap - but this guy's genuine affection for the time he spent in my home state really set up a really warm, cozy, and intimate tone to the whole experience.
Alana's seems very romantic. I'd like to come back here sometime with the boy or a close friend, and just have a nice, dreamy dinner for two. Or maybe I'll try to impress my momma when she comes to visit in a few weeks. This is defintely one of those casual yet upscale places that is the perfect cross between high cuisine and relaxed yet classy atmosphere. It's one of those places where you pay $22.00 for an entree and it's worth every penny.
I'll definitely be back here. Hopefully ASAP.Listed in: CBUS UBER ALLES!, Local 614, Hug me, Columbus!
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Review from David E.
Columbus, OH
3/8/2011
Great place. Alana is awesome. I've been twice and never had anything to complain about. Wine list is great.
A little quirky when it comes to ordering. The wine lists are just printed out on paper and can be a bit ruffled by time you view them as a guest, making it hard to read.
Food is sourced locally as much as possible. Thats great to me. -
Review from Jordan M.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2011
*** Here is my disclaimer***
I did work in the Kitchen at Alana's for one summer. Therefore you can be fair and call my opinion bias. However I do have a better insight on what goes on behind the scenes then most of these reviews.
First Alana herself; such a talented woman who takes a lot of pride in serving the best possible food, and running an amazing kitchen. She is also a community activist, whether it is donating food to local events, or promoting local farms as a member of Dining Originals in Columbus. I remember walking down to the North Market with her to shop for ingredients for the up and coming weeks menu. The farmers LOVE her, and appreciate the work she does. As well as she appreciates the local farms for producing the best quality tomatoes, watermelon, spices, zucchini and the list goes on.
Backing up Alana in the kitchen is her Sous Chef John M. John who very well may be just as talented as Alana, has a different taste than her. This makes them a great pair in making daily menus. Working as a prep cook and listening to those two debate was entertaining and a learning experience to say the least.
As well as the rest of the staff in the kitchen probably two more, it was run with such a sense of professionalism. It gives such comfort in the sense that you know you are getting the best quality food.
Kevin, the wine man, is such a great guy. He has a great knowledge of wine, and I think acts the way a sommelier should. Also if you have any questions about music, he would be the man with the answer.
As for the food; I will say, summer and fall is defiantly the best time to eat at Alana's. First you sit outside on the patio, and my favorite the tomatoes!! I will not rattle of menu items because her menu is like a box of chocolate "you never know what you are going to get" It is always changing. I will say however, my favorites while I worked there. The names may be different, but Tomato stack salad w/ lump crab, eight ball stuffed zucchini, any scallops, cucumber dill soup, any piece of beef, and the list could go on. The risotto is always good, I love her corn vinaigrette, and things Thai/Asian influenced is good as well. Any my favorite stable...the watermelon lemonade. Mmmmmm, this one consistent thing I made. (at least the mixer). Soooo good, refreshing, and made with lots of Vodka!!
Since I am clearly in love with this place I want to address some of the complaints I have read. The menus being wrinkled; they are paper, printed daily, some people may man handle their menus resulting in a wrinkled appearance. Get over it. As to Alana's being pretentious? Well I'm sure a pretentious place wouldn't allow wrinkled menus, however I feel the staff is very professional. If you want to talk to them, ask for advice, joke around they will. However they are professionals, their job is to serve you your food, keep you drinks full, and clear your table. They are not there for social hour. So I think people may be getting those two mixed up. But people do have bad days, and it happens, where diners may get less than adequate service. Fair enough. And now to the dessert; someone said get rid of the Jeni's ice cream?!?!?! How? Jeni's ice cream is amazing and also just another example of Alana supporting local companies/farms/the community in general. Also I can assure you that the desserts are made fresh in house weekly, by the same woman, who is very very talented.
To end my ramble. I love Alana's the food is great the people are great, the drinks are GREAT. If I still lived in Columbus, I would defiantly try and work their again, or eat their as much as possible. -
Review from Apurva P.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2008
I've been to Alana's about 4 times - in a couple of months. When I moved from Columbus back to Chicago (was in Columbus for a project), the last two nights, I needed to enjoy a couple of good places to eat. Both those times turned out to be Alana's.
Alana (she's amazing, and she'll probably be hanging out around the dining area from time to time when she's in her out-of-kitchen breaks) makes some of the freshest, tastiest food. Two things in food that are prime. Her menu changes everyday with whatever is fresh, and often local. She's the Alice Waters of Columbus with what she does each day.
The ambiance is like a home, or how one should be. A lot of art on the walls, good music playing, but not too loud. Very friendly staff, and Kevin (her husband) is really good and will make excellent wine recommendations. Overall, my favorite place to eat in Columbus, and if I ever go back there, definitely one that I will not miss dinner at.Listed in: Top of my List, Columbus Favorites
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Review from Pink C.
Columbus, OH
9/19/2008
Alana's is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in Columbus. The food is delicious and very innovative. They always serve an amuse-bouche to start dinner off. The flavors are complex and really well-handled. It is also extremely vegetarian-friendly.
One of the highlights is dessert. Alana trained as a pastry chef and she brings her innovative style to dessert as well. Two of the best desserts I've ever had were here: the banana cheesecake with a ginger crust and caramel and the "elvis" dessert, a peanut butter and banana mousse enrobed in chocolate and drizzled with caramel.
My only complaint is that they seem to put coats in the freezer. Don't give them your coat! Don't do it! Hang it on the back of your chair. Seriously. -
Review from Bear B.
Columbus, OH
3/4/2009
One of Columbus' hidden gems, and one of the very best restaurants in the city, especially given the value -- the wine list is not overpriced at all (unlike just about every Cameron Mitchell restaurant) and the entrees occasionally dip into the under-$20 range. The chef's passion for good food and fresh, local ingredients comes through in everything that comes out of the kitchen, and that spirit is contagious. You'll almost certainly be greeted by the chef herself with a complementary amuse bouche, and you'll find that the day's menu has been decided upon based on what's available and fresh and good. The chef's repertoire is vast, and she often experiments with variations on existing recipes.
It's hard to recommend it highly enough. If you love food, you'll love Alana's. -
Review from Peter D.
7/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Maybe its too rich for my blood, i don't know. The bubble jet printed menus didn't really seem well suited for the pretentious items, nor the prices. The pasta dish was plentiful and tasted good but seemed like too much of the same thing if that made sense. It felt like they gave you a meal expecting you to take 2/3 of it home in a box. The proscuitto wrapped figs were awesome however and i think a great example of what top end food can be.
I heard staff here was rude but didn't experience anything but polite, and nice people. Maybe if i had gone for something as different as my main i'd be more inclined to go 4 or 5. I'll give it another shot and do a follow up. -
Review from Tara B.
3/2/2011 ROTD 10/28/2011
I've been hearing about Alana's ever since I moved to Columbus two years ago and we finally got in for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I wish I had given the reviews on Yelp a closer look (but going was a last minute decision so I hadn't thought to look) but it would have saved us the embarrassment of walking in the front door which isn't actually the front door but just a room in the restaurant. Embarrassing. Not quite sure why they don't lock that door. But note - parking lot and "front" door are in the back of the house.
The restaurant itself is surprisingly large and nicely laid out, but I have to admit that I am not a fan of the artwork for this place. On it's own it's fine, but I don't think it fits the vibe of this place and this is going to sound weird but it made me feel rushed. I know, it's weird.
We hadn't been seated long when Alana herself brought out a little bite for us to try, and it reminded me of a miniature quiche. Very good. We were excited. Our waiter came out and helped us pick out a bottle of wine since we both like to drink it but are still pretty novice when it comes to wine. He chose a really great white wine that we both liked that wasn't too sweet or too dry.
For dinner Justin ordered a cup of soup and a chicken dish and I ordered the risotto which included diced pumpkin, scallops, and mussels. I can't remember what the dishes were called because the menu changes every day. Justin's soup was really delicious, as was his chicken dish with beans. My risotto was made very well; I was surprised because often you order risotto and it's dry or crusty or not cooked quite right (this truly is one dish that you can make better at home). I could tell it was made with quality ingredients and the texture of the rice itself was perfect. I wasn't a huge fan of the flavor, but that's probably because mussels just aren't my thing. If you regularly like seafood and risotto this would have been excellent. We couldn't leave without dessert so we ordered a chocolate cake that came with Jeni's ice cream, caramel sauce, and was spicy - I can't remember if it was cayenne or not. I was prepared to not like it but it was amazing. The spice added a depth and heat to the aftertaste that was surprising.
All in all an excellent experience. We'll definitely be coming back sometime.Listed in: You ROTD'ed me!
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Review from Justin R.
San Jose, CA
4/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am not one to be found teary-eyed over a first bite. Nor do I ever depart a restaurant--having devoured a full meal and drinks--feeling lovely and lighter on my feet than when I arrived.
But then, there is Alana's Food & Wine.
It is simple to say that Alana's has incredible food. In my opinion it's easily the best in Columbus, if not the state. It is equally as simple to say that Alana's has an impressive wine list. Indeed it is one of the longest and most comprehensive I have seen--and I do love my wine.
But what is truly profound about Alana's is this: Her menu (which changes almost daily to accommodate the freshest local ingredients--and occasionally her mood) is not designed for you to order, eat, pay and leave--eating to merely fill your stomach or satisfy your palate. It is comprised of courses that are prepared with such conscious passion that they offer you something infinitely greater: a culinary Experience.
I distinctly recall my first visit.
I began with an appetizer of hand-crafted Falafel rolled in Quinoa, accompanied by a delicious Fennel Pollen Yogurt dip. And to drink I quaffed a custom Ginger Liqueur, quickly followed by what has become my go-to favorite: the "Spring Tonic" (a soothing combination of Ciroq Vodka, Rhubarb Bitters, ctirus- and flower-flavored Liqueur "served up with a bubbly float"). And although this was an impressive start, were my Falafel self-aware it would have quivered in awe of my main course.
I had ordered a dish of locally-raised Lamb Sausage wrapped in a Cabbage Roll, cooked in Goulash (a traditional Hungarian stew--Alana is known for her mastery of the international twist). I remember carefully opening that first roll, raising the fork, full of lamb draped delicately with fresh cabbage and dripping with goulash, to my expectant maw. And when that lamb/cabbage/goulash mélange melted into my mouth, I felt a sort of grateful disbelief that nearly brought me to tears. I realized at that moment that I had tasted some incredible food in my life, but I had never truly Experienced it.
This is not dinner, dear reader--it's practically Divinity.
Since that first time, I now find every excuse to return so I can eat--no, Experience--dishes that are unerringly delicious, and that (due in no small part to Alana's appreciation for their fresh ingredients) support the efforts of local farmers--something that I'm eager to vote for with my fork.
Alana calls her culinary creations "Food of Love." Whether you take that as an expression of her passion for what she does, the love that goes from scratch into each handmade dish, or the affair you'll have with your next entrée, in my opinion you've got it.
Forget merely eating food. Instead, take a chance: Go to Alana's, and Experience it.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Big Baby Jesus C.
Columbus, OH
Updated - 3/24/2011
Restaurant week review!
Ah, Alana's, how I freaking love this place....
I ended up here after eating dinner at The Worthington Inn. What? I told ya I left there hungry.
Sat at the bar, had James, the bartender waiting on us. I like him. Made me one wicked strong hurricane du jour to drink.
I had the quinoa falafel with fennel pollen, and olive oil yogurt. The quinoa made for an interesting falafel. Chewy texture not like your usual falafel. Dipping sauce was delicious. Overall, 4/5.
For dinner, I got the bolito misto, and in case you're like me, and have NFC what that is, the Google tells me it's an Italian boiled dinner. Mine had pork belly, pork meatballs, and ham in it. This was all served over some mashed taters, and it was all swimming in a divine gravy. Asked for extra bread for mop up duties. Not the usual, OMG, what is this amazingly delicious thing I am eating experience I have here, but still, 5/5. I think she was not being too adventurous with the restaurant week menu, and she was also taking costs into consideration. Walking out of here with 3 solid courses for $30 is an epic deal.
For dessert, I got 3 cookies and some Jeni's. The macaroon I got was the best one I have ever had. The chocolate one was dry, and disappointing. Overall, 4/5.
As far as negative things to say about Alana's goes, I have been there about 25X, and I have had a hard time finding them. Things that I would improve if I were them are:
--tequila selection is weak. Either you get Patron, or you have to settle for the non-100% agave stuff.
--I wish they had Tito's vodka
--I feel like she sometimes "phones it in" when it comes to desserts. I have had some amazing things for dessert here (the flourless chocolate torte w/ macerated berries comes to mind), but enough with the terrines of Jeni's ice cream. Yeah yeah Jeni's is delicious, but I know you can do bigger and better things woman!
--the red wines by the glass have been going down in quality it seems. Charge more by the glass if you have to, but open up the good stuff. Kevin's amazing taste in wine is one of the things that sets this place above others.
Also noteworthy, Christopher no longer works here, so you don't have to worry about getting stuck with his sorry ass for a server.
One last thing, to all the people bitching about printed out menus, STFU! The menu changes daily, in case you didn't know. Perhaps you'd like some laminated ones a la Waffle House, or fancy leather bound ones that makes them charge an extra $5-10 for every plate served? Idiots...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/25/2010
I love Alana's soooooo much, although I am sort've tempted to tell you all it sucks, just so you… Read more »
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Review from Amy S.
Dayton, OH
Updated - 10/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend brought me here for our first date (this may be why I fell in love with him). So, it wasn't surprising that he made arrangements to bring me back here for my birthday. What was surprising was how helpful Alana and her husband were in helping him arrange the evening.
Apparently, the boy drove by Alana's on the way to pick me up and stopped by. It was before opening hours but Alana's husband, who is the sommelier, let him in and took his time helping Jez pick a champagne (which was deslish), and making sure that we got the same table that night that we had on our first date.
The duck leg confit was so tender it tasted like melting butter and the pumpkin risotto was the perfect way to indulge my love of all things pumpkin. One of these days I'll have room for dessert, but as long as the food is this good, that might be a while!Listed in: Columbus Metro, 5 Star Celebrities
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2010
I absolutely love this place. I've been here several times and have never been disappointed with… Read more »
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Review from Dylan F.
Columbus, OH
4/19/2011
Have been dining at Alana's since it opened (10 or so yrs ago I think) and it has spoiled me for many other restaurants. There's a reason, actually several of them, why Alana's has survived while other restaurants have not. These reasons have already been discussed repeatedly on other reviews. I've been inspired to write because I'd like to address some comments made here by others.
Paper menus/wine lists: Frankly, it doesn't bother me. I prefer attention directed toward fresh, local, creative food; delicious and off-beat cocktails; and bottles of wine sold at state minimum pricing which fortunately is exactly what they do. If I want exquisitely-designed and printed lists, I can go elsewhere and pay double or more for just the mediocre wine. But since I can't eat or drink gorgeous menus, I'd rather not. This may also give a clue as to why the website is frequently not up-to-date....I suspect there's no time for it. This is a husband & wife team whose focus and passion is outstanding food, wine, and daily menu changes.
Decor/art: I've warmed to both over time simply due to my positive experiences there. Alana herself seems quirky in a good way, so why wouldn't this be an extension of her personality? The menu descriptions, the art, all feel campy to me, as if I'm being let in on some inside joke and I enjoy that.
Servers: I've yet to have a server be anything other than friendly, knowledgeable and professional even under what has to be extreme pressure on ultra-busy nights.
No alterations: First, there are alterations........vegetarians, vegans, allergies. I have brought friends & family with these issues and they have accomodated them. As for other alterations whatever they may be, Alana is a master artist/chef. Think Julia Child would have altered something she'd worked to get just so? Eat it the way it is.....you'll love it.
Timing: This isn't a place if you're in a rush.....think 2 hrs or so. I've sat in the wine shop to dine where you can see straight into the kitchen.....not small, not little......tiny. Besides, great food takes time to prepare with devotion to detail. Relax and have another glass of wine. You're having a one-of-a-kind experience not one created by a corporate marketing survey. -
Review from Nick S.
Columbus, OH
9/8/2009
For years, I've heard nothing but good things about Alana's and was excited to finally try it out for Restaurant Week. Unfortunately it didn't live up to its reputation.
The food, by and large, was excellent though I wouldn't say it was particularly better than some of the other nicer restaurants I've been to in Columbus. The Peach Melba dessert (which they served as part of the prix fixe menu) was terribly disappointing: Basically bland peaches with ice cream. Everything else, though, was top-notch.
The service, however, was terrible. Our server, well attentive to the other tables around us was distant and almost rude to us. And the service was unbelievably slow. One table literally had all three courses of their meal before our entrees had been served. All told the meal took us nearly 2 1/2 hours.
With everything I've heard about Alana's I might give it a second-chance some time. But the service was bad enough that I probably won't. -
Review from Jeremy C.
New York, NY
12/29/2009
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus. I went here with my father almost five years ago and we ordered the "degustation". Basically, we had something like 6 small meals prepared by the chef in the kitchen using random available ingredients in her kitchen. She personally delivered it to the table and paired it with a drink for us. This was one of the most amazing dining experiences I've ever had.
Before I came to Alana's, I hated beets. She brought out a dish with beets, and made it taste amazing. I don't know what sort of magic she worked on the plate, but, thanks to her, I now have a new founded respect for the beet. I just ordered some borscht the other day, as a matter of fact! But back to the review.
Since I was so impressed with this restaurant, I brought my brother over here when he visited six months later. I ordered a risotto with sweet breads. It was insanely good, and that was the first time I've ever had the courage to try something like sweet breads. Anyways, if you happen to live in Columbus and you haven't tried Alana's yet, do yourself a favor and book a reservation! If you're in town just for a day, this is a great place for a great dining experience. -
Review from Aaron W.
North Hollywood, CA
5/17/2011
Alana's is a great experience every time. The cheese plate is always fun (if available). The food is always exceptionally prepared. Service and ambiance is five-star.
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Review from Suzanne L.
Columbus, OH
1/28/2011
This is always a special place. It is a renovated old house with creative artwork and warm ambiance. Alana always walks around with a speciality appetizer to share with the patrons of the restaurant. Amazing wine and extremely knowledgable sommelier. The menu is always changing and everything is always unique and delicious. I love that Alana cooks with local, fresh ingredients....always puts such a creative twist on dishes. We always order a couple appetizers to share and then choose one entree to share. Everything always sounds delicious and it is hard to narrow down the menu...but bring friends and share bites.. This restaurant is pricey but definitely worth it. We usually come here for birthdays or anniversaries. Very special.
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Review from Brian B.
Columbus, OH
8/22/2010
A few friends and I tried Alana's earlier this week and we are still talking about the experience, trying to decide what we thought about it. We like their dedication to local, fresh ingredients, but thought the restaurant somehow managed to come across as both laid back and pretentious.
The amuse bouche was a nice touch but, and I know this is petty, it was presented pretty awkwardly, essentially dropped in front of us hurriedly by two people, with a quick explanation of what it was that I couldn't even hear, but before I could ask again for an explanation they were gone. If the person had stopped, introduced themselves (particularly if it was the chef), taken the time to welcome us to Alana's, given the amuse bouche and told us what it was, it would have been a nicer touch.
The timing of a meal seemed to be a bit off. We ordered the cheese plate, which arrived promptly, followed by the appetizers, but then there was a long lag between then and the main courses.
The cheese on the cheese plate was very good. Off to a good start.
I had the appetizer of grilled shrimp with lemony lima beans and enjoyed the dish very much. My entree was the simple spaghetti with roasted heirloom tomatoes and I enjoyed it very much. All of the dishes were prepared very well.
My friends thought as the meal progressed, their food choices, while still good, were progressively worse. (as in, the appetizer was the best dish, the dessert was the least favorite). They weren't impressed with some of the pairings, such as the beans with the beef fillet. The strong taste of the beans overpowered the other sides on the dish.
Perhaps we went into the dinner with too high of expectations. It just didn't blow us away like we were expecting. It was good, but always felt like it wasn't reaching its full potential. The staff was all friendly, and I will try the restaurant again. -
Review from Marit H.
3/19/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the city. Alana is always changing her menu, depending on what great local finds she has in her kitchen. She uses some extravagant ingredients that pair together beautifully. While her menu is always different, she keeps a risotto in the mix (it's made "with love"). Alana is definitely a master of her trade.
Another thing I love about Alana's is that she makes her round offering each table a sample of something she is whipping up in the kitchen, perhaps for the next menu.
I have been there many many times and NEVER leave disappointed. In fact, most visits end with me saying on the car ride home, "I wouldn't care if that was the last meal I ever ate." -
Review from Zack F.
1/20/2009
Alana's is the tops for me in this city. She is a real character and the staff is an interesting mix of characters, who will give you great service.
The food is memorable enough to be worth a weekend getaway trip. Try not to save it only for special occasions though.
The degustation is a great treat. I recommend it highly. You call ahead and inform them of what you like and you pick a price per person. When you arrive you receive a multi-course meal complete with wine pairings. It is brought out to the table by the chef and explained in detail. There is nothing quite like the experience of having a well timed, extended tasting experience, all the while being well informed by the very artist crafting the dishes.
Vegetarian or vegan is no problem. -
Review from Paul F.
3/7/2009
This was my first visit to Alana's and it was well worth the trip. I got there early, because I thought they said they started serving at 5:30 but it turned out to be six p.m.. I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine, which was the low point of the evening. I should have sent it back but....
My first course was their cheese plate of the day. It included slices of Chaumes, Banon, and St. Agur cheeses. All were very good. My second course was a Mortadella and Provolone Crespelle. This was also delicious. My third and final course was Rustichella Noodles with Scallops. It too was delicious.
By this time I was too full to even think about dessert.
My total check with tip was $60 and some pennies. -
Review from Ang R.
Chevy Chase, MD
7/8/2011
I wish I read Carol F's review before going. I had heard several times this was "the best" place in Columbus.
If you are going to have "wine" in the name of your restaurant, do not run out of wine menus. The hostess said she would bring one when she found an "extra. I asked 3 times and they NEVER brought it! The waiter should have at least asked if there was a wine varietal I was looking for. I had a mixed drink with my meal.
I decided to go for the "suprise." Yikes. Blueberry Risotto with Frisee. Just my luck. I don't care for fruit in my food. However, I gave it a chance. It was pretty bad. Consistancy was off and the flavors were not good.
I am giving it a star because the house is cool - although oddly decorated. And because we had a vegan with us and they accommodated her diet.
During my two week stay I had much better (and cheaper) meals. I would go back to Surly Girl or Bono Pizza any time.
