A delicious response to this post.
Honey Lavender Macarons, Pistacia Vera
It would be silly to just order one macaron, but if you had to, go for Honey Lavender. The pale violet macaron is perfectly airy with an ever-so-delicate crispness on the first bite. Then comes the rich, honey butter cream center to sweeten the deal. Any Francophile will tell you that these macarons give the Parisians a run for their euro. With about a dozen always-changing varieties to choose from, Pistacia Vera will keep you coming back for more.
Honorable mention: Pistachio Macaron
Ryan Kincaid
Hot Bollywood, Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace
Oh Dirty Franks, if only you had more room to sit down in your tiny hot dog palace. As many locals will tell you, the wait is worth it, but the dogs are just as good ordered to go or enjoyed next door at the hip 16-Bit Bar + Arcade. Wherever you settle to eat your dogs, be sure to try the Hot Bollywood. A Chicago-style hot dog with spicy mango chutney to dress it up. A slum dog this is not.
Honorable mention: Puff the Magic Popper
Brown Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
If you know anything about the Columbus food scene, you know Jeni’s. Jeni Britton Bauer has been crafting artisan ice creams with smart and interesting flavor profiles since opening her first shop in 2002. Out-of-towers will know Salty Caramel as the best-selling flavor of this rich, locally sourced ice cream, but locals will tell you to go for the Brown Butter Almond Brittle. With pieces of homemade almond brittle mixed into this sweet + creamy ice cream, you’ll taste why Jeni’s is the coolest in Columbus.
Honorable mention: Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
Ryan Kincaid
Spicy Yuma, Harvest Pizzeria
Harvest is the kind of pizzeria where, whether you show up wearing a suit or sweatshirt, you feel perfectly dressed. That’s because its casual, rustic feel and terrific service make you feel right at home, but the pizza itself is something you’d dress up for. It’s that good. Perfectly crafted every time. The Spicy Yuma is an exceptional combination of Gouda, mozzarella, chorizo, jalapeño, corn, roasted red pepper, and chipotle tomato sauce. You could easily split a pie, but don’t.
Honorable mention: Mushroom Pizza
Ryan Kincaid
