A fun night with my fantastic SIL

I am lucky to have a fantastic SIL (sister in law) and she came for a visit without BIL -- had to work:(. So with a babysitter on the schedule, we hit a few places in and around Columbus on Saturday night. We started out at Z Cucina and then moved onto Spagio Cellars and then had one last drink and a little dessert at my favorite, Alanas.

At Z Cucina, I definitely recommend the lemon drop martini, the beef carpaccio and the shrimp and gnocchi. (I went off the small plates menu.) Spagio Cellars is fun because you can select any bottle of wine from their great selection and for a small corking fee sit in the cafe and enjoy your bottle. Alana's as always was great and my favorite of the night. The flourless chocolate tort was very yummy.

Alana's is the best restaurant in Columbus!

Alana's is a place for people who are serious about food and/or wine. It is one of Columbus's "insider-gems". It also has a little attitude that comes across as self-confidence....which I find attractive.

And, best of all, the wine selections are unique and mark-up is non-existent!

My co-workers view me as the "office foodie" and whenever we have consultants from cosmopolitan cities...NYC, Chicago, I always send them to Alana's.

Alana's
Here's a little menu sample...(The menus change with the season - can't cook what's not fresh!)
Soup
Vegan Jerked Kabocha Pumpkin 6
Lemony Lentil with Parsley and Feta 5

Starters
Florida Stone Crab Cocktail with Sauce Apropos 15
2005 Las Brisas (Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc) Rueda, Spain…7

Herbaceous Fruit of the Moon Shiitake stuffed with St. Agur and Duck Confit lagniapped with Ruby Streak greens and Balsamic Vinaigrette 9
2005 Fratelli Ferrero Nebbiolo Langhe, Italy…9

Lettuces from Elizabeth Telling Farm
Simple Salad of Mesclun Greens & Baby Spouts with Parmesan Tossed In a Dijon Vinaigrette 7

Spinach with Lettuce-like, Sprouts, Shaved Radishes, Duck Egg, Scallions, Bacon and Creamy Blue Cheese Ranch Dressing 8

Entrées
Risotto with Trinity, Lump Crab, Kabocha Pumpkin, Fruit of the moon Shiitake, Bruder Basil and mildly scented Ancho Mushroom Jus 21
2005 Fratelli Ferrero Nebbiolo Langhe, Italy…9

Beef Tenderloin on smashed Yukons, Creamed Brussel Sprouts Demi Glase 33
2006 Owen Roe “Sinister Hand” (Gsm) Columbia Valley…10

Moroccan Tagine of Juicy Chicken Breast with Almond Cous Cous, Quince, Parsnips and Carrots 22
2004 René Muré Gewürztraminer “Traditiuon” Alsace, France…8

Love the attitude below! :)

Need It Vegan or Vegetarian Just Ask
Prices subject To Change Depending On Customer’s Attitude
Cell Phones Interfere With Proper Risotto Preparation
Raw and Undercooked Food Possibly