Something New: Milestone 229

On an afternoon bicycle ride, we paused at the Columbus Commons to check the map to see if there was anywhere these hungry cyclists could eat. (Great use of the Around Me app.)  Several places popped up but we both got excited about Milestone 229 on the Bicentennial Park end of the beautiful Scioto Mile.

At first approach, Milestone 229 seems surrounded by energy.  Kids playing in the water pads and fountains of Bicentennial Park, runners and cyclists all around, cabs and valets stopping... but enter the doors and you immediately feel the casual quietness that the restaurant has to offer.  We sat at the bar (our favorite place) because we wanted to remain casual as we walked in with our bike helmets, but most patrons were dressed in business casual attire, although you could easily find someone in clothes further from the norm in both directions of dressiness.  Folks who wanted to soak in the sun or watch the kiddos play in the park could sit at the outdoor bar and large patio.

We ordered drinks first... mine was a yummy beverage called "Ice Pick."  It was a cocktail of iced tea, mint, raspberry and vodka.  So refreshing.  Then, what to eat?  We chose to split a pizza and good thing we did; it was not individual sized!  With Banana Peppers, Sausage, and Pepperoni, it was an easy classic choice for our meal.

There were a few appetizers we wanted to try but weren't sure if it would be too much food, so we asked it we could try just the deviled eggs because 1) Who serves deviled eggs??? and 2) They were part of an appetizer called "Four Snacks" - with Bacon Wrapped Dates, Pickled Peppers, and Gingered Cashews.  We were unsure if the "Four" could be served as "one."  But the bartender was kind enough to let us try the eggs, which was really nice.  I emphasize us because I am not the one who likes deviled eggs... but I did try them and they were quite good.  
In fact, the whole Milestone 229 was quite good.   I hope we venture out to it again... maybe even for Sunday brunch.

The "Ice Pick" looks larger than the wine thanks to perspective. 

Beautiful little devil. 

Dublin Irish Festival

     For a girl who grew up wearing green and white for every "spirit day" and a boy who loves all things "Irish,"  it was a little unfitting that this couple had not yet been to the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio, until this year.

     The Irish Festival delivered a variety of music, history, artistry, characters and, of course, beverages, that were all quite enjoyable.  We were anxious to see Black 47, a Celtic rock group from NYC, as well as Irish dancers doing the "slow reel" gig.  Plenty of redheads were in attendance as we walked around, but our favorite Irish were our long-time friends Tara and Colleen visiting from DC!

Sand Artists work a large piece.

Julie, Tara, and Colleen among the Irish!

Black 47 plays on the large Celtic Rock stage.

Traditional village fare from Ireland in the 10th century.

Haha!  19th century wake, coffin included.

Pedi-cabs wait to take us back to our car.  Yes, please!

From the Kitchen: Lentil Salad

With the bounty of cherry tomatoes coming from the "volunteer" tomato plant, I needed to create more ways to use them up.  Enter a Mediterranean inspired mix that my mom and I have been enjoying for the past few summers.  I like to use few things from the garden and some extras from the grocery store.

• Package of Lentils (I used TastyBite Barley Medley, but Mom uses a Trader Joe's version)
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Cucumbers, diced
• Feta Cheese
• Lemon Juice
• Greek Dressing (I didn't use this because I forgot to buy it)
• Fresh herbs (I used mint, basil and parsley)

Mix all ingredients together, to taste.  Chill for about an hour, and serve.  I served it over spinach today, and garnished with avocado and mint.  Such a good and filling lunch.   

Lentil Salad with a side of homemade chunky tomato soup.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I have to say that I am quite proud of the items our garden has cultivated this season.  Much of it is not due to my own efforts... I have to admit.

Basil, Cherry Tomatoes, Mint, Parsley

BUT a kind reminder of what the earth can grow sits upon my kitchen window sill.  So each day I can see the basil that grew in a planter that the previous owners of our home had left. I can pick and see the cherry tomatoes that grew from a volunteer near our garage.  The mint that I collect from under the fence (thanks neighbors).  And lastly, the parsley that I grew myself from seed, in a mason jar.  Go green thumb!!