My New Latin Lover- Barrio

Working downtown, I frequent Due Amici for lunch. So when I heard Jeff Mathes was opening a “hot new tapas bar” around the corner, I was excited to check it out.

On my first visit to Barrio, the intent was to swing by for a quick drink with a girlfriend. One drink turned into appetizers, which turned into dinner, which ended 3 hours later with a tawny port and a flour-less chocolate cake. YUM. I think it was a combination of rainy weather, good conversation and a great selection of small plates that kept us going.

My second visit was equally good, when a couple of coworkers and I took advantage of a beautiful Friday afternoon and walked down for lunch. The floor to ceiling windows all pull open, giving the entire restaurant the feeling of dining al fresco. I definitely recommend lunching at the bar; you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.

Long story short, Barrio is a great new place… rain or shine.

Their specialty is the Ceviche, a unique combination of either tuna, scallops or shrimp, served with plantain chips, popcorn and chayote squash. If you’re into spicy foods, it’s definitely worth a shot. The Bacon Wrapped Dates are amazing, and I wouldn’t skip on that chocolate cake either, served with a raspberry mole sauce!

How appropriate to feature some outstanding Latin American cuisine – on Cinco de Mayo of course!

La Chatelaine Wine Tasting- Perfect Girl's Night Out

La Chatelaine Bistro in Dublin (an á la mode favorite) is hosting a wine tasting event next week. Wine and French food… heck of a combo! Hors d’oeuvres will be served to complement the wine and Gary Vera from Solara Imports, along with Chris Dillman of Rosendale’s will teach on the foundation of wine tasting.

Sounds to me like a fun little GNO. Be sure to call ahead, reservations necessary!

“The Element of Wine”
Thursday, April 16
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
$25 per person

Feel Beautiful- Mukha

Things I love:

- Getting pampered.
- Being complimented.
- Feeling beautiful.

Duh… who doesn’t?!! Which is why everyone needs to pay a visit to Mukha custom cosmetics and medi spa. Tucked away in the Short North Arts District, Mukha is definitely an experience. While they offer a variety of services, they’ve quickly become known for their make-up application and custom blended cosmetic products – giving Mukha its name, which means, “face” in Tagalog, a Philippine language.

Within ten minutes of meeting Tim Maurer, co-owner and make-up artist to the stars, you will want to be his new best friend. Not only did he personally develop the color and skin-care lines, he actually teaches you what looks best and coaches you through the application process. Not to mention, he REALLY knows how to make a girl look (and feel) great.

My advice: next Friday afternoon hit up Mukha for a make-up application. The foundation is airbrushed on and gives you a fresh looking sheen that lasts all night. Treat yourself to a custom blended lip-gloss, it’s made right in front of you and comes in yummy flavors like mimosa and crème brule. Don’t skip on the fake lashes; Mukha’s make-up artists know how to balance fabulous and authentic (not the easiest task)!

Finally, ask for a glass of bubbly...sit back, relax and feel beautiful. I promise, you’ll look it too.

Priority Mail- New Columbus Magazine

A new Columbus magazine is hitting the stands and from what I see, it’s distinctly different than the other C-bus pubs we know and love. A monthly, lifestyle magazine, CMH will feature stories from local contributors and Columbus trendsetters that change monthly to keep the content new and fresh.

CMH just launched their Web site, which is worth a look. I just love how it describes the mag, “Unique perspectives and insights on the people, places and things that interest urban insiders, sophisticated suburbanites and savvy hipsters in Columbus.” Sound familiar? Check it out!

First Date Roundup

Waiting for his call… choosing the right outfit… and that nervous little feeling you get in your stomach. Ah, the first date.

Listen up gents- dating well is an art form. The choice of location, the mood, the conversation; while it’s a bit overwhelming, there are some things you CAN control. It’s there, my friend, where I come in…

Let’s call this a first date roundup. Three great choices, that won’t let you down: the mid-week meet up, Saturday night apps or my personal favorite – coffee and dessert. The thing to keep in mind is to be time sensitive. It’s a first date, a meeting, an “interview” if you will.

So relax a little, be yourself and leave the venue to me.

The Mid-Week Meet Up
It’s tried, it’s true, it’s drinks after work. One of the most common first dates, meeting for an early evening cocktail is perfect, because it feels low-key and you don’t have to deal with the potentially awkward pick up.

Newly remodeled, Martini is located in “the original short north” at High and Vine and is the perfect spot for that initial date drink. The new lounge is modern, with a racy white bar and special lighting. The atmosphere is lively – but not so loud that you can’t hold a conversation.

Added bonus… EVERYONE’S better after one martini.

Saturday Night Apps
Rigsby’s Kitchen is just about ideal for grabbing a drink and splitting an appetizer. The menu has a great selection of antipasti. Personal recommendation: the Steamed Mussels (and a bottle of the Chianti Classico). The bar is separate from the dining room, so you won’t feel on display.


Saturday night apps is a great date option when one or both of you have already made plans. Meet early in the evening and, hey, if it goes well… invite the new flame to join you later on.


Coffee and Dessert
I must admit, there’s no quicker way to my heart! Basi Italia is on Highland Street (between Hubbard and Buttles) in Victorian Village. This adorable little place is actually in an old house and, in my opinion, one of Columbus’s best-kept secrets.

Nearly impossible to get into, make reservations for late and go in for espresso and dessert. The cannoli are to DIE for! Cross your fingers and you just may get seated on the romantic little terrace out back.

Caffeine, chocolate and wood burning stove? I can pretty much guarantee that’ll heat things up.

Attention Columbus Yogis

I searched…and I searched…and I FINALLY found a Columbus yoga studio that I love!

V Power Yoga is located in the warehouse district of downtown Columbus. Newbies beware - because it’s power yoga, it’s more vigorous and athletic. “Sun salutations (vinyasas), standing lunges and balancing poses are combined to move toxins out of the body.” Layman's terms: you really get your sweat on.

Julie is the instructor and she’s awesome. Totally down to earth and motivating. At V Power Yoga you’re going to find a non-judgy environment combined with people that really want a work out.

Check out a beginner class (every Wednesday 6 p.m. or Saturday at 11 a.m.) and get that body back in gear.

That’s A-One Spicy Meatball!

I like just about every Cameron Mitchell restaurant. Cameron’s in Worthington is by far the most superior, but I may be partial, being that I practically grew up there.

That being said, Mr. Mitchell really outdid himself with this one.

Let me be clear that this post is not about Marcella’s. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic little place, one worthy of a reco. But everyone already knows about Marcella’s. No this post is about something greater than Marcella’s itself…it is about the meatball. Yes, Marcella’s meatball.

Here’s the story. Just last year I was living in Chicago and flying to Columbus practically every other weekend (ah love…what it will make you do). See there’s this Thursday night flight out of Chi-town that leaves just after work and puts you into Columbus by 7:15 – not bad.

Anyway, we got into this little habit of leaving the airport and heading directly to Marcella’s in the Short North. I can’t remember when it was exactly, had to be early on, but one fateful night, we discovered the meatball.

Braised Veal Meatball to be exact, served in simple tomato sauce. I’m telling you, it melts in your mouth. There is something about the sweetness of the sauce and the tenderness of the veal. Oh boy. Sometimes we go and each order the meatball. Seriously though, “One bottle of wine, two meatballs.”

However, there is a perfect combination and it goes like this:

• A liter of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, it’s the house red and it is legit. Only $20 by the way. Yes, you read correctly, $20 and you would never know.
• The cheese service, three will be enough and don’t skip the Teleggio.
• Of course the meatball.
• And finally, the Tiramisu. Because I never pass on Tiramisu.

It may not sound like enough for two, but I promise you won’t leave hungry. And here is the best part – you will spend around $60, hell of a date for only $60.

Go. Go tonight. Go get that meatball.