Bonus LFM: Hubbard Grille

I know, I know, another LFM you say?  Yes ANOTHER LFM friends!  Recently some girlfriends and I went to Hubbard Grille in the Short North for happy hour.  I had heard mixed reviews from other foodie friends so I was a little worried but all in all we had a great experience.  I mean good food, great drinks, good girltalk and great friends, tell me how it could get any better?  Well maybe if Luke Bryan walked in, paid for everything and danced on our table, but that's a little far fetched and highly unlikely I suppose.  (Can you tell I just went to his concert last month?  Still obsessing!)

Anyways, we of course, started off with cocktails.  Since happy hour end time was fast approaching somehow our table ended up looking like this:

Actually there's not a mystery to why it turned out like that, I hang with a fabulous crowd that likes a good deal and likes to drink, no wonder we're friends!

ANYWAYS, a couple of us got Juniper Hubcaps, which is a downright delicious gin drink that I want to drink almost every day of my gin loving life.  This lovely concoction is Watershed Four Peel Gin, Avive Natural Almond Sparkling, a splash of cranberry juice served up with a cranberry garnish.

A couple girls got the Buttles Bohemian, Skyy Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and pineapple juice floated with champs served up.  I snagged a sip of this one and it was a little sweet for my tastes but its definitely fun and fruity.  (Sorry no picture!)

Some also tried the Agave Cooler (this started as my second round drink), Watershed Vodka, pure agave, pink grapefruit and lime juices and fresh basil served on the rocks.  Although a very pretty drink it was far too sweet for me so I sent it back for another Juniper Hubcap.

Then it was time for some food to go with our drinks.  In an effort to not be completely annoying (hah when is that ever not in my nature?) I only snapped pictures of my food.  I ordered two small plates to try instead of a full entree.  I got the Short Ribs & Shrimp, minus the shrimp (this girl still hasn't warmed up to that little crustacean) pulled beef short rib over white cheddar grits and tomato jus.  These were super!  The grits were nice and creamy, the short rib very tender, YUM!

I also got the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, flash fried brussel sprouts with a rioja reduction.  These were so yummy!  The flash frying brings out the nuttiness of the sprout and the reduction adds just the right sweet and tart balance.

Our service was good, our waitress was nice and did a great job suggesting cocktails, etc.  She also kept us cognizant of the happy hour timeline so we could order at the discounted prices.  They have quite a bit of dining space and a range of table sizes for varying parties.  It has a fun chic atmosphere and they seem to host some fun events (champagne parties around the holidays, etc.).  It is one of those places you always pass in the Short North but forget to try but I think if you make the stop you'll be happy you did, even if its just for a Juniper Hubcap!

This weekend we're headed to Miami (not Florida, unfortunately) for the opening of the new student center!  I got a sneak peak of it when I was on campus in November but I can't wait to see it complete!  Up next I'm doing another cleanse so you'll see my review of that as well as some new shoes!

Cheers!
Steph  

Local Foodie Moment: Manifesto Tuscan Grato

Ok so I know I promised a sushi night post this week but I've been having far too much fun being a local foodie! So sushi night post is coming, I promise, but for now, Happy Friday with a Local Foodie Moment!

Recently I met up with my friend Asha for happy hour downtown.  We went to Manifesto Tuscan Grato and Scotch Bar, Asha had been there once before, this was my first try!  Although I can't say I'm a scotch drinker (insert, contorted icky face here) I'm always up for a good happy hour menu and catching up with a dear friend.

The atmosphere is very interesting and gives almost a cozy feeling in the heart of downtown.  The walls are painted deep browns and the tables and chairs are rustic leathers.  There are different quotes and artwork everywhere making it eclectic but not tacky.  It's the type of place that you'll notice something different each time you go!    

The service was a little slow to start, we sat waiting for our server for a good 10 minutes before they came over but they quickly remedied the situation by checking in on us frequently and offering us dessert on the house.  Asha gave scotch a try, she is much braver than I, whereas I opted for the Bartenders Choice Cocktail which on that particular day was a light and refreshing spiked raspberry lemonade.  It was definitely a welcome warm weather drink!  Not too sweet or tart with just enough vodka.

Spiked Raspberry Lemonade

We each got flatbreads which are large enough to be a meal but I opted for only eating half and having a salad on the side (who says you can't wedding diet while eating out?!).  I got the Steak and Gorgonzola Flatbread and the Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad.  The flatbreads were different in that the bread is very thin and crispy giving it a great crunchy texture.  The Steak & Gorgonzola had the obvious meat and cheese as well as roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, arugula and horseradish aioli.  Don't worry non horseradish fans the aioli is very mild.  All the flavors combined were very delicious and savory.  There were a couple chunks of gorgonzola that were a little too big for the bite and overpowered everything but not meal ruining by any means.

Steak & Gorgonzola Flatbread

Arugula & Goat Cheese Salad

The Arugula & Goat Cheese salad was very good with roasted red peppers, croutons and a roasted red pepper vinaigrette.  The vinaigrette was very tasty but not too overpowering and there was ample goat cheese, I hate when places only put a few specs of it on a salad!  

The overall experience was good, Asha and I both agreed next time we want to try the patio when they open it or maybe sit somewhere near the windows to see the capital building and the sights around it.  We were seated more in the back of the restaurant and it got rather loud and crowded.  This is the perfect place to grab a bite and a drink before a show or concert at the Ohio or Palace theaters since it sits right next to Ohio Theater downtown.  The happy hour menu is very reasonable, offering dishes and drinks discounted in most cases by half from the regular menu.     

This is my first try linking up to urbanspoon to provide a review via my blog so here's to hoping it works!   

This weekend its back home for a bridal shower and spending time with my parents and friends.  I've got some more Local Foodie Moments and some new recipes coming up next!

Cheers!
Steph