October 21, 2017

Little Eater Makes Its Home in Clintonville

Guys.

Clintonville is sorta kinda reallyy upping their food game lately.

And I’m diggin’ it.

A quick drive down High Street will take you past a mecca of Columbus original dining options. You can choose anything from burgers to phô to sushi to ice cream, and Clintonville’s got it!

Not only are restaurants popping up around town, but their fitness game is killin’ it too. Look out for the brand new System of Strength studio opening this November! I’m psyched to see what owners Keri and Gretchen have in store.

Alright. Back to the food.

As any true 614’er knows, Hot Chicken Takeover opened their first solo brick and mortar location (the OG still running over on the second floor of the North Market) back in June 2017 and it’s been a hit ever since. Last week, HCT welcomed a new, veg-friendly next door neighbor that they’re pretty familiar with. So familiar, in fact, that this neighbor first started their business at the North Market as well.

Clintonville, say hello to Little Eater!

Cara Mangini, founder of Little Eater and author of the best-selling vegetarian cookbook “The Vegetable Butcher”, was so kind as to host a few of us for their soft opening last Thursday evening. And let me tell you, this woman knows ALL the steps to hosting a successful soft opening.

Greeted at the front door with a glass of crisp bubbly, I stepped into the newly renovated space.

My heart warmed.

The Little Eater team managed to capture the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of their small North Market stand and transform the Clintonville space into just that. Cara herself invited us into the main dining area (one large table surrounded by a good number of tables and booths for 2-4 diners throughout the restaurant) and let us explore.

The Little Eater “buffet” line of salad and vegetable options is of course a staple to their menu, so the line is hosted front and center beside the cash register.

We were able to try some of their staples (duh I had a huge helping of my favorite, the isreali cous cous, seen below), as well as a few new menu items for the restaurant.

Cara expressed her excitement for the opening- a long time coming.

Although the hours are currently 5pm-9pm, she hopes to get the space on its feet so that Little Eater can open for lunch, and eventually breakfast. I took one look at the list of toasts on their menu..and Mission coffee!.. and I was sold. I mean LOOK at this Apple and Chevre (goat cheese) toast with nuts. I couldn’t stop eating these little bite sized pieces.

Not only was the food spectacular (and yes I tried every single thing) but the workers were just as incredible. I got a chance to talk with Grace, pictured above. She has been with Little Eater since day 1, when they were doing pop up shops in The Hills Market. Her enthusiasm and warm presence made it obvious that she had been looking forward to this opening just as long as Cara (and the rest of the 614 community over here!)

Options on the menu allow you to sit and dine, or package up a few scoops of vegetables to take home. A large chalkboard on the wall lists every local business Little Eater works with, and a few products are for sale as well.