Inside: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar

Fresh menu and classy atmosphere make German Village bistro a winner

By Stephanie Laird

Special to Metromix
August 26, 2009

 
Critic's Rating:
4

Inside: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar
Photos:
Get served: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar Get served: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar Get served: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar Get served: G. Michael's Bistro & Bar
G. Michael's Bistro & Bar
Address:
595 South 3rd St., Columbus, OH, 43215
Phone:
614-464-0575
Overall User Rating:
0 (0 ratings)
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Hours:
5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Official Web Site:
http://www.gmichaelsbistro.com/

G. Michael's Bistro and Bar, a fine-dining establishment in historic German Village, serves fresh seasonal dishes spiced with sophistication. The menu changes with the seasons, while the classy atmosphere and friendly service hold steadfast, offering a truly individualized dining experience.

This brick building looks deceptively quaint at first glance. Inside, you're greeted by a full bar with a polished wood top spanning the length of the front room. This casual entrance leads back to a sun-drenched dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the patio and street front. Behind this elegant indoor patio style dining area lies another dining room with a more intimate setting, which is ideal for larger gatherings or a romantic night out.

For 10 years G. Michael's has been dishing up fine food and a fashionable drink selection. The always-evolving menu, classic presentation and lovely layout make this establishment fit for any occasion.

Food:
The executive chef at G. Michael's creates a new menu four times a year to incorporate the freshest ingredients available into seasonally unique dishes. In addition, a vast selection of specials are featured on a nightly basis, often including a soup, appetizer and several entrée selections. Whether you're a regular at G. Michael's or visiting for the first time, you're sure to find a dish that will tickle your tastebuds. 

The spring-summer menu features appetizers ranging from corn-dusted calarmari fritti ($8) to shrimp and grits with tomatoes, scallions, country ham and Andouille sausage ($12). Classic salad starters are available including a house, Caesar and spinach salad, all $7, or patrons can slurp creamy summer tomato bisque ($6 for a cup, $8 for a bowl).

After tantalizing your pallet with a seasonal starter, prepare yourself to enjoy one of G. Michael's exquisite entrées. G. Michael's offers main course dishes ranging from lasagna ($17) to grilled filet of beef with bacon, gorgonzola and Yukon Gold home fries, grilled tomatoes, Sherry-Worcestershire gastrique, and a cognac-green peppercorn butter ($34). Other offerings this time of year include; seared jumbo scallops, grilled pork tenderloin, duck duo and Yellowfin Tuna Nicoise.

It's imperative to save room for dessert. Their spring-summer dessert menu features treats ranging from cheesecake made with goat's milk to a lemon gingersnap tart.

Libations:
G. Michael's has an impressive wine list featuring an array of selections broken down by category so patrons can choose the wine that appropriately pairs with their meal. The overwhelming majority of the wine selections at this establishment are served by the bottle - in a chilled silver wine holder—however a handful are available by the glass. The wine menu is also amended on a regular basis to feature new flavors from around the world.

In addition to a finely furnished wine list, G. Michael's has a specialty drink menu featuring an eclectic variety of cocktails and a captain's list with port and cognac selections. If you're looking for a good, stiff drink, the knowledgeable bartenders at G. Michael's have all the ingredients for mixing things up a bit.

Décor:
G. Michael's exudes a fresh and clean ambiance from the white linen draped tables to the natural light basking the main dining room. The elongated bar area is lined with stools for patrons to kick back, relax and enjoy a cold one and a row of tables run parallel to the classic wood finished bar. In the main dining room, brightly colored paintings adorn the walls and candles illuminate the pristine white tablecloth covered tables. Up a few stairs lies the back dining room - a dimly lit and intimate area filled with larger tables and booth seating areas. The decorations at G. Michael's, like their food, are classic and tasteful. The smooth jazz music playing softly in the background completes the sophisticated and relaxed ambiance that embodies G. Michael's.

Service:
The staff at G. Michael's is as warm and welcoming as a hot toddy on a frigid winter night. The waiters and waitresses are attentive and knowledgeable, friendly and professional. From the time they introduce themselves and that evening's specials until your dining experience comes to a close, the G. Michael's staff are kind and courteous, which makes an evening at this establishment all the more enjoyable.

Crowd:
G. Michael's prides itself on specializing in providing an individualized dining experience which is reflected in the array of patrons that visit this bistro and bar. From middle-aged couples enjoying a quiet evening out to families to groups of young friends, a very eclectic mix of patrons partakes in the G. Michael's experience. Since this is a top notch eatery, G. Michael's is ideal for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries or taking that someone special out for a night on the town.

Specials:
Every Monday G. Michael's offers a three-course Prix Fixe special for $30. Menu selections change each week and include numerous offerings for the first, second and dessert courses.

Insider's tip:
Since G. Michael's is only open for dinner, it's wise to make a reservation, which can be done on the G. Michael's Web site. Also, the daily specials at G. Michael's are called special for just cause—they're typically a selection of the best-of-the-best this establishment has to offer.

Bottom line: G. Michael's offers an elegant dining experience for people of all ages. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the soothing atmosphere sets the mood for an enjoyable evening from start to finish.

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