Resturaunt Review: NorthStar Cafe in Columbus, Ohio

It's 2pm on a Thursday afternoon at Easton Mall in Columbus, Ohio. I am sitting down to what I thought would be a completely chill experience at Northstar Cafe. Northstar is a trendy rice bowl locale that, much to my dismay, no longer focuses on the rice bowl. Their menu is now peppered with everything from hamburgers to flatbread pizzas.

While this location features the traditional rack of magazines I have come to love, it feels a lot more corporate and stuffy. The magazines are right there to finger through at your leisure, but something about being at here makes me feel rushed. This location does not offer the comfy velour couches the Short North location boasts. The couches make you want to stay, relax, and read.

I used to visit the original Northstar Cafe in the Short North on a regular basis five years ago. It was quiet, I could break out my computer, and my head didn't spin from the loud music and chattering. I would go there, grab a cookie, meet clients, and strike up a business deal. Now, I can barely hear myself think.

Don't get me wrong Northstar has a lot to offer. I ordered the Buddha Bowl (because for some reason the Karma Bowl isn't available at the Easton location) and a fountain cola made from pure cane sugar.

The Buddha Bowl was a perfect combination of locally grown organic vegetables, such as, broccoli and cauliflower, and an amazing peanut sauce smothering every inch of my brown rice. The tofu was perfectly cooked in ¾ inch squares, though not as plentiful as I would hope, they were delicious.

Northstar offers a trendy open kitchen so that you can watch while your food being prepared. I don't bother doing this, but hey it is good to know the option is there.

Dining is not always just about the food. Northstar would get a B+ for their simple organic cuisines. The problem is I like to dine for the experience, the ambience, and the relaxing feel you get from sitting down to a good meal at your leisure. That shouldn't be too hard to find here in Columbus on a Thursday at 2pm. Sadly, it is. This particular location gets a C- on atmosphere.