Have you heard? Columbus Underground’s popular event Best Bites: Sweet Treats is returning this year to celebrate all things sugary and sweet. To get you tastebuds watering, we are bringing you a preview of a few delicious treats and their makers before the event on February 23rd!
First up, our reigning 2016 champion: J-POPS will be returning to the event this year with their handcrafted ice pops in the winning flavor: Lemon Basil. The refreshing pop is made with freshly squeezed lemonade blended with locally grown basil from Jorgensen Farms. Founded in 2011 J-POPS continues to grow their list of over 50 flavors. Each pop is made with the fresh ingredients. They are all-natural, gluten free, and have no additives, coloring or preservatives. Amazingly delicious, the average pop has only 4 ingredients.
New to the event, Bailey’s Drive in Donuts will be joining us sampling their homemade donuts. Each donut is freshly made with simple ingredients. Named after Bailey’s Drive-Inn, a diner founded in Bradbury, Ohio in the 50s, they are dedicated to keeping the legacy of of flavor and old fashioned quality. Their products are currently available at farmers markets around the city and through online ordering.
CocoCat Bakery puts a spin on chocolate! They use fresh herbs and fruits in all their products to create unique taste experiences. They will be giving out a wide range of their products at Best Bites: Sweet Treats! Dedicated to ending the homeless cat epidemic, they donate a portion of the profits to various organizations with the same goals. Currently you can find their products sold at the North Market and at various events throughout the city.
Locally produced Velvet Ice Cream will be joining us again at the 2017 edition of the event. They have been serving their high quality ice cream to Central Ohio for over 100 years. They continue to bring new and adventurous flavors to the ice cream scene, such as Elephant Ear and Buckeye Classic. They will be bringing a variety of samples for you to choose from at Best Bite: Sweet Treats.
The third edition of Best Bites: Sweet Treats will be held on Thursday, February 23 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Columbus Athenaeum. This year’s event will feature additional space and activities for new and returning guests to enjoy! Tickets to the event are on sale now! Entrance to the event includes samples of each featured sweet treat, live entertainment and a cash bar featuring Modelo Negra, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream and Meier’s Wine.
All participating treat makers include Three Kids and a Kitchen, MMELO, J-Pops Gourmet Ice Pops, Rime Time Curiously Crafted Pops, Velvet Ice Cream, Early Bird Food Truck, Elena’s Specialty Cakes, Mrs. Turbo’s Cookies, Lopaus Point, Winans Chocolates + Coffees, Bailey’s Drive Inn Donuts, Dough Mama,Short North Piece of Cake, Nellie’s Natural Ice Pops, Two Little Buckeyes, Fantasy Cupcake, Positively Sweet, LLC, Torlitas, Handel’s Ice Cream, The Guild House, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Coco Cat Bakery & Chocolates, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Pouf Cotton Candy and Donna’s Gourmet Cookies.
A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated to the The Columbus Foundation’s Gifts of Kindness Fund, a community-focused fund that helps Central Ohio families with emergency needs. The Columbus Underground Best Bites events have helped to raise over $16,000 for local charities in 2016!