Local Foodie Find: Two Brother Bar and Kitchen in Columbus Marriott Northwest Hotel

I just love Columbus.

Sure, that might be a little easier to say after Saturday’s heartwarming football win against “That State Up North”, but I’d still love the ‘bus just the same if the game had ended differently! Although football is one of my favorite traditions surrounding old Columbus town, I’d have to say the food scene here is almost as high on my list.

Granted, when many of us think “Columbus” we may picture the green lawns of the Commons downtown, Short North gallery hops, or even all of the landmarks that the Ohio State campus has to offer. But we can’t forget about all of the beautiful suburbs that surround the city center with love! Each suburb has its own interesting history, and the #cbusfoodbloggers were lucky enough to learn a little more about Dublin just a few weeks ago.

The Columbus Marriott Northwest hotel takes Dublin’s rich history very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that they named their brand new restaurant after Dublin’s family founders- “Two Brothers.” In 1801, brothers Peter and Benjamin Sells came to the region and purchased 400 acres of land on the west bank of the Scioto River; that land became home to their entire family, and ultimately expanded to become what is Dublin, Ohio.

The chef of the new restaurant, Tyler Tremaine, has focused the menu to incorporate the mouthwatering taste of regional flavors with the culture of the local community. Take one look at the bar, and you’ll recognize just about any beer/liquor that’s available to order! With vodka from Watershed Distillery and OYO or beer from local breweries like Rhinegeist and Platform, you know you’re in the heart of Ohio when looking at the menu. Cocktails are creative and refreshing, and my absolute favorite was the “OH Brother”, which combined OYO Pumpernickel Rye whiskey with a Sweet Potato syrup. I couldn’t get enough, and I’m not usually a whiskey girl! And sweet potaot syrup?? It’s now going to be one of my at-home bar staples. Below are a few more that the restaurant was featuring on their opening night:

Marriott Grand Re-Opening

We were fortunate enough to be able to check out the space on the “grand re-opening” of the Marriott Columbus Northwest hotel. After 18 months (yes, EIGHTEEN) of construction, all 300 guest rooms and 10 suites were renovated in addition to the grand meeting space and the new restaurant.

Remember how in the beginning I said I love Columbus, especially the food scene? One of my favorite parts about our city are all of the hidden gems (ahem, restaurants) you can find in the most unlikely places. And Two Brother is certainly a gem!

Their menu is loaded with locally sourced items such as beef from Longdale farms in Cincinnati or all of the pasta, which is made in house. I’m a big fan of appetizers, and their long list of choices between apps and small places is NOT lacking. Fried brussels sprouts with crispy pork belly was my number one favorite. Baby, I’ll be back for more.

The menu favored vegans, gluten free, and vegetarians alike with dishes such as “guacamame” (guacamole + edamame) and the world’s thickesttt steak fries.

Hint to self: balsamic drizzled over crispy potatoes and bleu cheese hits the freakin’ spot. The app game stays strong and my choices were tough- Lamb Lollichops or Charcuterie? Grilled Oysters or Ahi Tuna and Shrimp Chips?

Shrimp Chips?? Although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I wasn’t disappointed! We couldn’t quite figure out whether the chips were meant for dipping into the ahi tuna guac (turned out it wasn’t exactly possible) but the colors were still fun to see on the plate even if they didn’t have much taste. The ahi tuna was out of this WORLD amazing, and super high quality!

There’s also a fab list of flatbreads that include Kimchi and Porkbelly, Prosciutto and Pear, Tomato and Burrata (pictured 1st below) and Housemade Sausage & Aged Gouda (pictured 2nd below).

For those gluten free folk, the kitchen is happy to serve flatbreads on gluten free dough as well as swap any pasta dishes for gluten free pasta. Looking for something a little more organic? The Rice Bowl (white rice, house cured bacon, kimchi, egg, green onion, and cilantro) is easily customizable with choices to add Gerber Farms chicken, Longdale Farms flat iron steak, or shrimp.

Finally, the entrees. Let me educate you on the only two entrees you need to know about from Two Brothers (okay so I’m sure their other entrees are good too, but wait until ya’ll see what I’m about to bless upon your eyes).

I’ll start with the Norweigan Salmon. Although the white beans, fresh corn, and tomato cassoulette weren’t my favorite side passenger of the fish (I’m more of a salmon and grains type of girl) the meat was cooked to perfection and I probably could have eaten three. There’s nothing better than that fresh flake when you dive into a piece of perfectly prepared seafood!

Alright IT IS TIME FOR THE FILET.

PREPARE YOURSELF.

This baby is 8 ounces of Longdale Farms grass fed beef served with a smoked blue cheese blanket (blanket? more like COMFORTER), chipotle whipped potatoes, and the vegetable of the day. I don’t know what I loved more- the steak or the mashed potatoes. I still dream about both on the reg. We ordered our filet medium rare (is there any other way to order your steak??).

I snapped quite a few pics, but honestly there was no bad angle of this baby. One of the best steaks I’ve had in Columbus. And with Cameron Mitchell in town, that’s saying something!

We enjoyed a few more cocktails throughout our meal, such as the Stone Bubbles, which was served with a date!

After our meal, we had the opportunity to check out a few of the renovated rooms in the hotel. I’d recommend staying here to anyone, especially those in larger groups. The second bed to this 2BR folds up quite nicely into a comfy couch to host friends upon. The in-room takeout menu looked divine (many items from Two Brother restaurant!) and mini refrigerators are available in every room for leftovers.

Check them out, friends!