I'm really glad
At the end of June, Joe and I went to one of our favorite restaurants in Columbus, J. Broussard’s. Okay, okay, so it wasn’t just us…it was us and about 18 of our other closest friends that also came with! This wasn’t any ordinary dinner (but, their “ordinary” dinners are pretty out of this world) though. Chef Beth and her staff outdid themselves with a six course seasonal farmers market dinner that was to. die. for.
Summer is the PERFECT time to indulge in fresh, local, and delicious food. J.Broussard’s sources the best produce year round, and showcases the summer season best with an entire farmers market dinner series. Partnering with with a dozen local farmers, they bring the Golden Triangle a true community restaurant, that is steeped in the farm to table movement.
It felt impossible to narrow it down to my favorite course of the night…so Joe gave me a hand, and we decided on our three favorites. PS: I can’t be held accountable for any hunger and/or spontaneous trips to J. Broussard’s this blog post might cause. You’ve been warned.
3. Zucchini and Squash Tamale with Sweet Corn and Black Creek Farms Chile Pepper Sauce
Ummmm. Okay, we’re friends, right? So you won’t think I’m a total crazy lady for saying this…but you guys, I have never had a tamale before. SERIOUSLY! I WAS MISSING OUT. This baby was stuffed with my favorite veggies. But what really sold me on this, was the Black Creek Farms Chile Pepper Sauce. As a hot sauce junkie, this stuff was MY JAM.
True story. We bought some from Scott (they own a farm here in Columbus and have a both at our local farmers market) that weekend. This stuff complimented the tamale perfectly!
2. Harissa Grilled Chicken with Cucumber Salsa on a Pita
Is there anything more summer than THIS?! Cucumber salsa? Sign me up! This was zesty, cooling, and crisp. It reminded me of an appetizer you would serve at summer wedding. My favorite part was how the cucumbers added the bit of crunch to the soft pita.
We also tried it with hot sauce. And of course, that was also delicious too.
1. Spring Roll with Nuoc Cham
Friends. I am drooling. This spring roll reminded Joe and I of a certain roll that we would get at a certain music festival in Milwaukee (Summerfest, duh). We were both instantly transported back to Milwaukee, enjoying our favorite city, with our favorite festival. Truthfully, I think that is what good food is supposed to do. Bring back the best memories with the people you love the most.
Aside from the wonderful memories this beauty conjured up, it was damn delicious. Perfectly flaky and hot, the filling on the inside of the roll was crispy and tangy. The nuoc cham dipping sauce was divine. I may or may not have slurped what I didn’t mop up with my spring roll.
Don’t judge me. This dinner was fantastic, and you would have done the same thing 😉
Joe and I were so lucky to have enjoyed such a fresh, thoughtful, and beautifully prepared meal with our friends. Sitting at that huge table trying all of the different courses, really did make us both feel like we had our own little community. Having that atmosphere is so important to the both of us, and truly makes us feel like we are members of this little city!
If you haven’t been to J. Broussard’s, check ’em out for your next date night! You can find Chef Beth serving tasty creations Tuesday-Saturday in downtown Columbus. 210 5th South Street.
