Banana Bean Cafe in Columbus: for when you want to go out for Floribbean
Published: Sep 6, 2009
German Town's Banana Bean Cafe is a little bit like something you'd see Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda eating at on the set of Sex and the City. The crisp, classic décor and playful atmosphere border on whimsical. It's clean, simple and distinct dining that has no rival in the German Village district-- or, perhaps, in the whole state of Ohio.
This popular Columbus bistro is noted for its unique flare and “Floribbean” cuisine-- an exotic combination of Key West, the Caribbean and Jamaica that provides a true sea of flavors that are nothing short of exceptional. No matter how many times you dine at Banana Bean, your experience will impress and amaze you.
To kick-start your Banana Bean experience, you can't go wrong with a piping hot bowl of their famous sweet corn lobster bisque soup. It's savory, creamy and perfect-- complete with fresh kernels of locally-grown corn and tender poached lobster meat that practically melts in your mouth. In addition to the fabulous bisque, my appetizers of choice at Banana Bean include the buttermilk fried oysters with arugula and green goddess dressing, pub fries with jerk seasoning and sour cream, and the goat cheese and cracked pepper flat bread with red onion slices.
The Banana Bean Cafe specializes in all-time American favorites like burgers and sandwiches and puts a decidedly tropical twist on them. Basically, the folks at Banana Bean are pros at perfecting stuff that you may have thought previously was already perfect. The surf and turf burger, which pairs Angus beef with a tender, crisp crab cake and creole sauce on a toasted brioche bun, is one fabulous example.
Other excellent menu options include Banana Bean's famous fish tacos-- complete with fried cod, a homemade tortilla, shredded cabbage, a sherry-cayenne pepper mayonnaise , scallions and avocado mash; the boogie board BLT with cornmeal fried oysters, bacon, tartar and remoulade on French bread; the Little Havana Cubano sandwich with citrus-marinated pork tenderloin, sweet ham, dill pickles and Swiss cheese on pressed bread and the US1 chicken salad with scallion cream cheese on a flaky, buttery croissant.
A full brunch menu featuring delectable items such as lobster hash with green chile hollandaise, eggs del mar with Cajun crab cakes and roasted corn and blueberry pancakes with mascarpone cheese and warm maple syrup, is also available morning, noon and night.
Reservations are helpful especially on busy weekends or for large parties. Dress is casual.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Columbus Reporter for HelloMetro
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