While doing so, Northstar keeps its menu small, just 18 or so items available for lunch or dinner, including soups, salads, bowls, sandwiches, burritos and thin-crust pizzas.
“Because it’s so small, every item is delicious,” said Matt LaGrow, the restaurant’s senior managing partner. “You really can’t go wrong. It helps us narrow our focus when it comes to execution because we are a from-scratch kitchen.”
The restaurant's lunch and dinner menus change with the seasons, but tried-and-true staples remain, such as the Roasted Chicken & Avocado Sandwich, Classic Cheeseburger and Fish Sandwich.
A breakfast menu is filled with everything from poached eggs, an egg sandwich and frittata to housemade granola, ricotta pancakes and the "Big Burrito" filled with eggs, organic black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed peppers and onions and melted white cheddar.
Northstar Café also offers a selection of cocktails, wine, Ohio draft beer and drink specialties like smoothies, iced coffees and organic juices.
Aiming to create a warm, welcoming ambience, all tables and chairs are made from real wood. Open, vaulted architecture allows for copious amounts of direct sunlight and a clear view of staffers in the kitchen.
LaGrow said chefs at a recent trade convention scoffed when they learned Northstar Café locations grind up top-tier Niman Ranch, certified-Angus brisket and chuck each morning to use for that day’s burgers.
“They said ‘Why would you make that into burgers? Those are steak cuts,’” he said. “For us, the flavor’s incredible. Throwing in the brisket there made a world of difference for us. It separates us from a lot of other cheeseburgers.”
For more information, call 513-759-0033.
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