Brassica, a new concept from the Northstar Cafe team, will be opening in the Short North later this summer. The restaurant will occupy 680 N. High Street, the former Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits location.
The restaurant will be a simple, casual eatery, with an Eastern Mediterranean vibe influenced by owner Kevin Malhame’s Lebanese heritage. Sandwiches and salads will be a main focus, but the menu is still in development.
“The food is familiar, but very flavorful, inspiring stuff,” said Malhame. “Every ingredient is great, and the Middle Eastern influence really shows.”
Construction on Brassica started about a year ago, shortly after Betty’s owner Elizabeth Lessner put the space up for sale. This will be the third concept from Malhame, who, aside from opening Northstar Cafe’s in the Short North, Clintonville, and Easton, launched American bistro Third and Hollywood in Grandview in 2009.
The space will seat 30 – 40, with standing space at the bar. The dining room will be surrounded by custom metalwork and hand-glazed subway tiles. Exposed brick walls will feature paintings from a local Columbus artist, alongside walnut, marble, and brass finishes. A patio space will also provide seating.
Brassica is defined as any plant belonging to the genus Brassica, of the mustard family; cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are just a few of the family. The menu will accordingly be very vegetable heavy, with house-made pickles and roasted vegetables alongside flavorful meat dishes. All food will be prepared from scratch, in an open kitchen that will echo Northstar’s. In terms of libations, Brassica will offer a selection of local beers.
Brassica will be open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., seven days a week. At the time, an opening is slated for August.
