Posts with tag 'Specialty Foods'

Pumpkin spice is definitely one of the most iconic and popular flavors of fall, and it can be used in everything from beer to doughnuts to pancakes. If you're one of the many Columbus pumpkin-lovers who is looking forward to trying this flavor in a variety of ways as the temperatures cool down, you're in luck.
  
We've compiled a list of nine places around Columbus where you can get your pumpkin fix. Visit some of the following go-to spots to try yummy pumpkin drinks and other goodies.

Hadley's Bar + Kitchen

260 S. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215

Head downtown to Hadley's Bar + Kitchen, where you can sample beer, cocktails, and brunch, lunch, or dinner in a hip, industrial-chic space. In addition to its Ohio drafts, Hadley's serves up signature cocktails and its popular boozy milkshakes. Several boozy shake flavors are available year-round, such as the Strawberry Shortcake, which is made with Smirnoff Strawberry, fresh strawberries, cookie crumbs, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. For a seasonal treat, try the pumpkin variety, which is packed with flavor and comes with pumpkin pie at its base and whipped cream all over.

Short North Piece of Cake Bakery & Cafe

772 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in Italian Village, a popular foodie destination near the Short North Arts District, Piece of Cake has gained a loyal following since its opening in 1998. Its well known for its wedding cakes but also has a variety of delicious goodies available for immediate purchase. They're all made in-house and include tempting treats such as tarts, mini-cakes, and cupcakes. To get yourself in the spirit of the fall season, try a pumpkin cupcake and order several extras to take home with you.

Sunny Street Cafe

6607 East Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213

You won't have to travel far to find a Sunny Street Cafe, since the restaurant has two additional locations in Columbus: one at 8461 Sancus Blvd. and another at 4733 Reed Rd. The family-run restaurants are definitely all-in on the pumpkin flavors and are famous for their Legendary Pumpkin pancakes that are big and fluffy and topped with cinnamon butter and a tres leches drizzle. If you have a bigger appetite, try the Pumpkin Breakfast Combo, which has two pumpkin pancakes along with two eggs, your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage, and your choice of side. Finally, treat yourself to made-from-scratch Pumpkin White Chip Muffins, which are loaded with white chocolate chip muffins.

Schmidt's German Village Restaurant

240 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

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German Village's Schmidt's Restaurant is a family business that's currently operated by its fourth and fifth generations. You can also enjoy their food at the Ohio State Fair, where they've been serving up German food and beverages since 1914. A half-pound jumbo cream puff with a special whipped filling in a lightly baked pastry shell is a perennial customer favorite, and you can try it in flavors like vanilla and peanut butter fudge. A flavor of the month is also featured, and you'll want to try Schmidt's pumpkin version of their cream puff this time of year. It even comes topped off with a cute little candy corn pumpkin!

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

Long Street Studio, 300 E. Long St., Columbus, OH  43215

When you stop in at The Roosevelt Coffeehouse, you'll not only be getting a great cup of coffee but also supporting the local and global fight against unclean water, hunger, and human trafficking. Try an iced or drip coffee or espresso, and pair it with a doughnut, bagel, or gluten-free pastry. And in the fall, check out menu additions like the Hot Chaider (chai plus apple cider) and the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Pattycake Bakery

3870 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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The taste alone is enough to make you want to try Pattycake Bakery's made-from-scratch goodies, but if you're also looking for primarily organic, all-vegan ingredients, you're headed to the right place. In addition to cakes and cupcakes, you'll find muffins, whole-grain granola, and whoopie pies on the menu. To satisfy your pumpkin craving, try a whole-grain pumpkin whoopie pie that's paired with a spiced filling.

Lineage Brewing

2971 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202

Lineage Brewing has a comfortable, casual atmosphere where you can meet with friends and relax inside or outside on the patio. In addition to food, you'll normally find 10-12 styles of beer on tap. If you'd like something other than beer, the brewpub also offers wine, mixed drinks, and locally made soda. Every fall, you can also order a pumpkin ale that's made with roasted pumpkin from a local farm. Its perfect pale orange flavor immediately evokes the thought of pumpkin, and it's deliciously spiced with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Buckeye Doughnuts

1998 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210

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No matter when you get a pumpkin craving, you can score a pumpkin spice doughnut at Buckeye Doughnuts, where, as their saying goes, they're "Open Always, Closed Never." The shop is located across from The Ohio State University's campus, so you'll have an extra-large crowd after football games. If you're in a hurry, you can order your doughnut online so it will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. The doughnuts are fresh and the coffee's hot, but if you're in the mood for something substantial, the shop serves all-day breakfast and entrees such as gyros and Greek salads.  

Sip and Savor the Season

What pumpkin spice menu item do you look forward to ordering each year, and which new treats do you want to try? 

Buckeyes are a popular treat in the state of Ohio. Who wouldn't love these balls of peanut butter coated in chocolate? Whether you're a dedicated buckeyes fan or someone hoping to experience them for the first time, you just have to take a trip along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. This trail takes you to various bakeshops and candy stores, each serving its own version of buckeyes. Here are some of the top stops along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail.

Haute Chocolate

9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242

Haute Chocolate is an incredible candy store in Cincinnati. They've been in business since 1979 and have gained quite a reputation for their buckeyes. As you step into the small, brick building, you'll be greeted by the scent of chocolate and peanut butter — and you'll know something delicious awaits.

The owner is usually in the store at Haute Chocolate, and they can tell you all about their chocolate-making process. In addition to classic chocolate buckeyes, they also make white chocolate buckeyes, which are a must for any white chocolate fan. The chocolate-covered strawberries are also incredible if you're looking for something to accompany your buckeyes. Eating the buckeyes and strawberries side by side is almost like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Tickled Sweet

317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150

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Tickled Sweet is located in the downtown area of Milford. They were named Score Business of the Year in 2017! You can spend an hour or two walking around to nearby shops and restaurants before stopping in for some buckeyes. They're made in-house, and they're served with a smile.

In addition to buckeyes, Tickled Sweet offers an assortment of fudge and macarons. Their macarons come in fun flavors like key lime and birthday cake, and they're sold individually.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe

101 E. Alex Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe was founded in 1984 and has remained a family business ever since. The shop is housed in a small brick building. Inside, shelves of packaged chocolates draw you in with their beauty. There's also a deli-style service counter where you can have chocolate packaged individually to order.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe sells traditional buckeyes with a milk chocolate exterior. The peanut butter centers are especially creamy! They come in packages of 6, 12, or 24, so you can bring a few home to share. If you're looking for something to enjoy alongside your buckeyes, you can't go wrong with the shortbread. Known as "Aunt Laura's shortbread," it's incredibly delicate with a nice brown sugar flavor.

Anthony Thomas

1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228

If you're in or around Columbus, make sure you stop by Anthony Thomas for some buckeyes. This large candy store is family-operated, and they manage to turn out 50,000 pounds of chocolate each year.

The buckeyes here are described as "really peanut buttery" and smooth. They come individually wrapped, so you can try one here and there without worrying about the rest of the package spoiling. Buy a 12-piece or 24-piece box if you plan on sharing. Anthony Thomas also sells Ohio Baskets, which are shaped like the state of Ohio and filled with classic candies like buckeyes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and caramel corn.

Chocolate Cafe

1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

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If you want to eat some lunch or breakfast alongside your buckeyes, this is the place to go. Chocolate Cafe has a menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, wine, cocktails, and even omelets. But the chocolate is definitely the star of the show.

The buckeyes at Chocolate Cafe are hand-rolled, and they sell for $1 apiece. They also offer buckeye pretzels, which is a fun twist on the classic. You might be tempted to order some truffles or mini cupcakes to bring home, too.

Schmidt's Fudge Haus

220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

This shop may be named after fudge, but don't let that fool you. They still have some of the best buckeyes in Columbus. The centers are incredibly smooth and creamy, and they're dipped in real Belgian chocolate. You can buy the buckeyes in boxes of 6 or 15.

Definitely take the opportunity to sample the fudge while you're at Schmidt's, too. The plain chocolate is a classic, but the butter pecan is incredible if you're a nut lover. Schmidt's Fudge Haus is located in the Historic German Village, so feel free to take a walk around as you enjoy your sweets.

Sweetie's Chocolates at Grandpa's Cheesebarn

668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805

Sweetie's Chocolates is an enormous candy store located directly next to Grandpa's Cheesebarn, an enormous cheese store. If you're in Northeast Ohio, you absolutely need to visit both. They offer lots of free samples and have an incredible selection of both cheeses and sweets.

Sweetie's offers buckeyes dipped in both milk and dark chocolate. They even offer miniature buckeyes, which they sell in a big tub suitable for sharing. Other tasty treats include chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and fudge. The licorice candy, which comes in many flavors, is also a favorite.

Honadle's Fine Chocolates

1138 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632

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Honadle's doesn't take shortcuts, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local companies, and they always use the freshest, best-quality items possible. This really shows in the quality of their buckeyes and chocolates. Honadle's is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Trail that you don't want to skip.

The buckeyes here come in milk and dark chocolate versions, and they're sold in a 12-count box. The sea salt caramels are a great treat to order if you're looking for something extra.

Butter Maid Bakery

100 Victoria Rd., Youngstown, OH 44515

Everything at Butter Maid Bakery is made in small batches, using old-fashioned recipes and traditional ingredients. They've been around since 1903, so they've had plenty of time to master their craft! In addition to the buckeyes, customers love their kalochi, and it's definitely worth a try.

Butter Maid Bakery's buckeyes are larger than most. The filling is also a bit softer than you might be used to since they're made with a higher proportion of peanut butter. They're sold in 12-count boxes, so you'll have enough to share. 

Taste Ohio's Best

As you travel along the Ohio Buckeye Trail, your taste buds are sure to be pleased! Which one of these candy stores are you most excited to visit?

Beer Lover's Day is September 7, so what better opportunity to step back and appreciate the art of craft brewing? Beer has played an important role in our country's history — early Virginia colonists often brewed their own ale, and many of our brewing styles were influenced by German settlers in the mid-1850s. However, the process has evolved significantly, and thanks to various hops, grains, and brewing methods, we can enjoy countless styles and flavors of beer today.

One of the best ways to celebrate Beer Lover's Day is to head out to your favorite Ohio craft brewery to learn about their particular brewing style and sample new kinds of beer. Whether you're truly interested in the art of brewing or simply looking for an excuse to have some drinks with friends, here are nine of Ohio's best breweries that should be on your list to try.

Butcher And The Brewer

2043 E. 4th St., Cleveland, OH 44115

This locally owned and operated brewpub and dining house in Cleveland serves some of the best local beers as well as delicious farm-to-table shareable plates. They even have an in-house butcher and Charcuterie. With over 12 different beers on tap and a robust menu of wines and cocktails, Butcher And The Brewer is a great place to hang out and relax with friends. There is spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and you can even order directly from your phone. The bar and restaurant are open Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Akronym Brewing

58 E. Market St, Akron, OH 44308

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With over 22 beers on tap and a taproom menu full of delicious snacks, Akronym Brewing is one of the best breweries in Northeast Ohio and makes for a great date night or weekend hangout location. Beer is brewed on-site, and several of Akronym's beers have actually won local and national competitions. Trivia night is on Wednesdays, and they serve a delicious brunch on Sundays. The bar is open daily, but hours change, so be sure to check their website. Rather drink at home? Order a keg of your favorite beer with a pony tap to go.

Codex Brewing

6307 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

For some delicious locally-brewed craft beer choices, check out Codex Brewing. This small brewery has 13 rotating taps to choose from, including delicious IPAs, wheat beers, and even seltzers. Enjoy your beer inside their cozy, minimalist taproom. Codex Brewing doesn't have a kitchen, but they do frequently have food trucks, and they even allow you to bring your own food. The taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday, and drive-thru beer pickup is also available.

Seventh Son Brewing Co.

1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201

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Seventh Son has been voted best brewery in Columbus on multiple occasions and makes some of the most delicious ales & IPAs in Central Ohio. Located in the historic Italian Village, Seventh Son has a robust draft list, great food truck schedule, and even a small retail shop. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the taproom, which is divided into two floors and has a "Downstairs Draft List" and an "Upstairs Draft List." There is plenty of table space both indoors and outdoors, and the bar is open 7 days a week.

Corner Stone Craft Beer & Wine

61 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

This locally-owned brewery and retail store sits in the Olde Towne East area of Columbus and provides a comfortable atmosphere to learn about and try different craft beers and wine. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and can help you find your new favorite beer. The store has six rotating drafts but also features over 300 different varieties of bottled beer. Growlers are available if you'd like to take your beet to-go. Make sure to check out their website for fun weekend events. The brewery is open Monday through Saturday until 10 pm on weeknights and 11 pm on weekends.

Columbus Brewing Company

2555 Harrison Rd., Columbus, OH 43204

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Best known for its Columbus IPA, Bodhi, and German Lagers, Columbus Brewing Company's massive brewery is where you'll find some of the most popular beers in Central Ohio. The large brewery is attached to a beautiful taproom where you can enjoy 20 popular beers, all brewed on-site. Beer is available to go, and small plates, appetizers, and pizzas are available to order. Stop by Wednesday through Thursday for a beer and a snack.

Rhinegeist Brewery

1910 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

One of the most popular craft beer brands in the Midwest can be found right in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. This 25,000 square foot brewery features a rooftop bar and a beautiful taproom. The draft list includes all the popular Rhinegeist favorites plus rotating season choices. Best of all, you can take a tasting tour of the entire brewing facility on weekends. While they don't actually serve food, they do have a partnership with their next-door neighbor's OTR Chili, so it's to pair your favorite Cincinnati chili with your favorite beer. The brewery is open Tuesday through Sunday.

MadTree Brewing

3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

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This warehouse-turned-brewery in Cincinnati features ample indoor and outdoor seating, great beer, and some delicious pizza. MadTree Brewing has over 26 styles of craft beer and an awesome family-friendly vibe. There are a variety of outdoor activities on the weekends, and the brewery is dog-friendly. They also have a huge outdoor patio, making it a great place to hang out on warm weekend afternoons. Stop by for a pint or order a growler or keg to go. MadTree is open seven days a week.

Listermann Brewing Company

1621 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207

20 draft beers and a dog-friendly taproom make Listermann Brewing Company an awesome place to gather with friends and family.  Listermann's beers have won several local and national awards dating all the way back to 2014. Not only do they have a great taproom, but you'll also find a growler station and a home brewing supply store. The taproom and store are open 7 days a week.

Talk About a Hoppy Hour

Where will you find your new favorite style of beer around Ohio?

One of the best ways to discover new places to eat is to take a food tour. Some of these tours focus on restaurants. Others also visit grocery stores, breweries, specialty shops, and even farms. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun and engaging food tours around Ohio. Here are a few tasty options to try.

Canton Food Tours

555 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702

If you're looking at homes for sale in Northeast Ohio, be sure to make time for a tour with Canton Food Tours. This company offers a few different food tours in and around the city of Canton. Their Afternoon Hall of Fame City Food Tour takes you to four restaurants in the Canton Arts District, and their Evening Hall of Fame City Food Tour features small-plate entrees, desserts, and more.

You can book your tour on Canton Food Tours' website. Prices start at $58 per person, and most tours take about 3 - 4 hours. If you have dietary restrictions, they can be accommodated as long as you let Canton Food Tours know in advance.

Relish City Food Tours

Cleveland, OH

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Relish City Food Tours promises to give you an inside look at Cleveland's vibrant food scene. Their Ohio City Food Tour takes you on a walk through historic neighborhoods. You'll stop at the West Side Market, the Ohio City Farm, and several unique restaurants, sampling seasonal goodies along the way. The guides share local stories and insights into Cleveland's culture.

Tickets range from $50 to $87 per person and can be purchased on Relish City Food Tours' website. There is the option to include drink pairings for an extra fee.

Cleveland Cycle Tours

2061 Gehring Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

If you want to get some exercise and enjoy great food, Cleveland Cycle Tours is a great company to book with. They offer several different tour routes, each winding through a portion of the city with stops at two different pubs for drinks and snacks.

The Tremont Outing Tour is an especially good choice. With a small group, you'll pedal through this artistic neighborhood, stopping to sample some locally brewed beer. The tour guides are really upbeat and engaging.

Columbus Food Adventures

Columbus, OH 43215

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Columbus Food Adventures offers a few different food tours in the city of Columbus. You can choose a van tour for convenience or a walking tour if you'd like a bit more exercise. 

One of the top tours through Columbus Food Adventures is their German Village Tour. At a price of $62 per person, it lasts 4 hours and takes you to 6 different tasting stops. The Old Worthington Tour is another great choice, especially if you're interested in history. It introduces you to Old Worthington, its farmers' market, and its top restaurants. Of course, the All Desserts Tour and the Brewery District Walking Tour have plenty of fans, too.

Columbus Craft Cocktail Tour

Columbus, OH 43215

If you're looking at Columbus homes for sale, this is a tour you can't miss. Cocktails are not exactly food, but they are definitely culinary works of art — and well worth sampling! This tour company charges $75 per person, which includes bartender gratuity. Tours are only open to those ages 21 and up.

The Columbus Craft Cocktail Tour visits three premier cocktail bars. Options include The Citizens Trust, Denmark on High, and Mouton, among others. At each bar, you'll enjoy a signature drink and light appetizers. Participants also get a mixology lesson.

Columbus Ale Trail

Columbus, OH 43215

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Perhaps a self-guided tour is more your speed. If so, you should consider touring the Columbus Ale Trail. The trail consists of more than 50 craft breweries in and around Columbus, Ohio. Visit your first brewery to grab a copy of the map, and then follow the map to visit as many breweries as you wish. At each stop, you can sample a beer and get a stamp on your map. Turn in your map with four stamps for a patch and sticker.

Breweries along the Columbus Ale Trail include 1487 Brewery, Antiques on High, The Brew Brothers, Brewdog, Galena Brewing Co., Land Grant Brewing, and Outerbelt Brewing, among others. 

Cincinnati Food Tours

107 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

If you're shopping for a home around Cincinnati, then taking a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours is a good way to get your culinary bearings. This company offers a few different tours in and around Cincinnati.

One top option is the Beyond the Market tour. For $69 per person, this tour takes you through one of the city's most historic districts. You'll stop at restaurants, breweries, and wineries along the way, sampling appetizers, beer, wine, and desserts. Another good choice is the All-American Food Tour in Pendleton, which takes you through Ziegler Park, an artistic neighborhood. Here, you'll sample biscuits, whiskey, and more.

Riverside Food & Culture Tours

145 Second St. E, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Riverside Food & Culture Tours is another great tour company operating in Cincinnati. Their Cincy Top 10 Sites and Bites City Tour is a popular choice. It lasts three hours, and it takes you through the downtown area with stops to enjoy Belgian waffles, German goetta, Skyline chili dogs, and more.

If you'd rather ride than walk, then you may want to try the Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour instead. It takes a similar route through the Queen City of the West. You'll experience a little of everything, from traditional Indian restaurants to Scottish pubs.

Craft Connection: Cincinnati Brewery Tours

331 E. 13th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

With craft beer is a big part of Cincinnati culture, this brewery tour is the perfect way to experience the area. You'll ride on a bus, visiting three or four breweries with samples at each one. Wine and beer are allowed on the bus, too, so even the driving portion of the tour feels like a party.

The buses used on this tour hold 14 people. You can reserve your spot on the company's website. Typically, tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays and last between 3 and 4 hours. The cost is $50 - $55 per person, depending on the day. This includes transportation and your beer samples.

Eat and Enjoy

Which of these food tours will you embark on? Get ready to embrace the deliciousness. 

Tired of coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other standard Ohio-centric gifts? Treat family and friends to the literal and figurative flavors of Ohio with a unique gift of specialty foods. These tasty and delightful products made in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are great on their own or use them to build your own gift basket.

Fred Hot

30022 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092

Fred Hot is a clever play on the name of the company's founder, who was in search of a spicy sauce that was more natural and flavorful than the brands already found on the market. He began experimenting with reductions of various peppers, coming up with sauces that were slightly different with each batch, but deeply satisfying. Fred even designed the humorous caricature found on all his products. Find Fred Hot sauces, seasonings, and pickled vegetables at Sweet Berry Fresh Market in Wickliffe.

Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce

2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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At the tender age of 15, Ethan Holmes had a vision of creating a business with his grandfather's applesauce recipe. Ethan went to work in the family kitchen, using raw materials he received as holiday gifts, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce was born. Over the past eight years, Ethan has used his passion and business acumen to grow his company with infusions of capital. The 100 percent natural applesauce comes in original, apple pie cinnamon, and strawberry peach flavors. Find Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce at The Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights.

Little Lakewood Pasta Company

15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

Pasta is the perfect canvas for a wide range of sauces, making it a wonderful food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Taste the difference in the fresh, handmade products from Little Lakewood Pasta Company. In addition to at least eight flavors of fettuccine each day, some of which are vegan, you'll find a selection of sauces, ravioli, and Italian meatballs. Owner Megan Manning has created a community kitchen where other entrepreneurs can rent space and sell their products in the retail store. Shop hours are noon - 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.

Al's Delicious Popcorn

1500 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

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Honestly, is there anyone who doesn't love popcorn? The Bairds compare the product at their shop, Al's Delicious Popcorn, to their own family: rooted in tradition, but full of different personalities. More than 65 flavors cover both the sweet and savory ends of the spectrum, including gluten-free and vegan varieties. For a true taste of Ohio, try the Cincinnati-style chili and buckeye flavors. Individual portion bags can be customized for showers, birthdays, and other special occasions. Al's Delicious Popcorn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Stauf's Coffee Roasters

1277 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

Thanks to a seemingly endless variety of types from around the world, coffee is more popular than ever today. In pursuit of crafting a gourmet level cup of coffee, Stauf's Coffee Roasters uses the best green arabica beans available and roasts them by hand on gas-fired drum roasters. For a truly exceptional drinking experience, try their micro-roast batches from Rwanda, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The true caffeine addict on your gift list will love a subscription to Stauf's Coffee of the Month program. Shop hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Ridiculously Good Salsa

508 Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43209

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As famously declared in a Seinfeld episode two decades ago, salsa surpassed ketchup on the list of popular condiments in the U.S. This can likely be attributed to brands like Ridiculously Good Salsa, whose name says it all. But for the company's founders, it goes beyond taste. After their son recovered from critical injuries after an accident, they wanted to create a food that would be shared by friends and family during special moments. Ridiculously Good Salsa is made in small batches using locally sourced vegetables and fresh herbs, with three levels of heat for all tastes. Find Ridiculously Good Salsa at Bexley Natural Market in Columbus. 

Taste of Belgium

1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Ohio meets Continental Europe at Taste of Belgium, where "elegant cuisine is served with a down-to-earth attitude." When founder Jean-François Flechet brought a 120-pound cast iron waffle iron back from his native Belgium, it launched an empire of food establishments. The hand-held Liege-style Belgian waffles, so tasty they don't need any syrup, are still the crown jewel of the company's offerings. Stop by their restaurant in Over-the-Rhine or order online.

Hen of the Woods

4450 Eastgate S. Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245

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At one time, Nick and Kimberly Marckwald dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Nick used his culinary expertise to make red wine vinegar potato chips for use as salad croutons, which they sold to raise funds for their venture. The chips were so wildly successful that the couple pivoted to the new opportunity, calling their new company Hen of the Woods, which was the chosen name for their restaurant. The original red wine vinegar flavor is still available, along with white cheddar jalapeño, sea salt, everything bagel, buttermilk and chive, and Carolina BBQ. Find Hen of the Woods snacks at Jungle Jim's International Market in Cincinnati.

Donna's Gourmet Cookies

10796 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242

Who could resist a cookie that's bold enough to have the words "ooey gooey" included in its name? These delights are an XXL version of the delicacies from Donna's Gourmet Cookies, which come in classic chocolate chip along with other decadent flavors. Additional treats include brownies and Donna's signature pecan pie bars. Can't decide? Go for the Favorite Things box, which includes a generous sampling of all products. Donna's Gourmet Cookies is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Watch the website for online ordering, which is coming soon.

Food, Glorious Food!

You're offered a free lifetime supply of any food you choose. What's #1 on your list?