Northstar Cafe

I have a confession to make.

Over Thanksgiving break, which lasted from a Tuesday night to a Monday night, aka less than a week, I ate at Northstar Cafe three times. 

THREE!

I've always been a fan, but this summer, my sister and I got in the habit of going at least once a week, usually twice (once for breakfast, once for lunch), and it's always one of the first restaurants I want to eat at when I get back in town. 

It's not exactly cheap, but it's well worth every penny. 

This is one of the places that makes me proud to be from Columbus.

I'm not sure I can do it justice, so you can read this blurb from their website, take a look at their menu and feast your eyes on the embarrassingly excessive collection of pictures I've taken of the food there. 

"The Northstar Café was established in 2004 and inspired by the eclectic energy of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Our carefully prepared yet casual cuisine and our unique urban ambiance have earned a stream of loyal fans.

The clean lines and fresh colors of Northstar reflect our sincere commitment to pure and natural dining, rooted in our Ohio soil. The Café features an imaginative menu of New American cuisine with a healthful emphasis on organic ingredients. Our display kitchen and in-house bakery are open to the dining room to reveal that fine, prepared from scratch food can be just as enjoyable during a quick breakfast meeting as during a relaxing dinner date. Whether you're in the mood for a warm scone and a mug of the richest organic coffee in town, or you're ready for a frosty micro-brew and an appetizer, we look forward to serving you."

Mushroom Frittata

Promise me you'll get that if you go for breakfast. It has roasted mushrooms, sweet onions and gruyere. Plus their buttermilk biscuits are incredible - and I go to school in the south. They're not too buttery, which I like.

 Fresh Ginger Ale

Seriously refreshing. You'll never look at ginger ale the same.

 

Homemade Granola with Bananas and Blueberries

Usually comes with vanilla yogurt, but this was when my sister was vegan, so they gave us a side of soy milk!

 

Cloud Nine Pancakes

I just got a single but it usually comes with three. These have ricotta in them and are very appropriately named. They're light and fluffy, just like eating clouds.

 Chocolate Truffle Cookies

This picture doesn't do it justice, but I promise you these are life changing. I'm talking melt-in-your-mouth, gooey, chocolatey goodness. Even better shared with someone and dipped in coffee!

 Tomato and Cheese Flatbread with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

This was a special, but I also recommend their Barbeque Chicken Flatbread!

 

 Shooting Star

Orange, Organic Carrot, Lemon and Ginger

 Chopped Salad

  If someone has the recipe for their vinaigrette, I would pay big bucks for it.

Heirloom Tomato Salad
On special this summer. Fresh, simple, delicious!
Also, the almost gone blueberry smoothie in the background: always a good choice.

Korma Bowl
Brown rice, roasted chicken (or tofu), veggies, and a spicy tomato-cashew curry sauce. Mouth. Watering.


Another thing I love about Columbus?

 Ohio State Buckeyes

Especially when they beat Michigan.