Flavors From Around the World
Chef/Owner Joshua S. Campbell opened World Food Bar earlier this year in the historic Findlay Market, a few blocks North of downtown Cincinnati in Over-the-Rhine. After graduating from the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Campbell spent several years working and studying in the Caribbean and Thailand, soaking in the techniques and flavors of the regions around him. Now back in Cincinnati, he has translated those influences into a bold new restaurant, with a menu unlike any other in the area.
Spice Up Your Brown Bags
The next time you can’t decide what’s for lunch, get nine of your office-mates together (the minimum order is ten) and try one of World Food Bar’s boxed lunches. For $9.50 you get your choice of one sandwich, satay or take-out salad; one side dish or deli salad; one dessert; and either a bottled water, soda or Thai Tea. If that sounds like a lot, it is. And the portions are huge. Each boxed lunch could easily feed two people or leave plenty of leftovers for a midnight snack. And World Food Bar will deliver anywhere in the city for an extra $15.
Ginger Glazed Chicken Sandwich with Napa Cabbage and Spice Peanut Sauce
For my sandwich, I opted for the Ginger Glazed Chicken Sandwich with Napa Cabbage and Spice Peanut Sauce on a warm baguette. I’m a sucker for cabbage so my choice was easy. This sandwich is piled high with lots of ginger and lemon flavor, and it is very messy, so be sure to ask for extra napkins. It reminded me of a classic pulled chicken sandwich with slaw, but with an Asian twist. I should also mention that I’m a big fan of sandwiches, and I believe the best sandwiches start with really good bread. Chef Campbell must agree with me, because this sandwich is built on top of a warm, crusty baguette that could be a lunch all by itself (well, maybe it would need a little company, like a nice pat of butter or good hunk of cheese).
Slow Roasted Lamb on Toasted Flat Bread with Fresh Tomato, Arugula and Lemon Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
If it weren’t for my love of cabbage, I would definately have chosen the Slow Roasted Lamb on Toasted Flat Bread. It combines so many of my favorite things – lamb, flatbread, slow-roastedness. What more can you ask from your lunch. And while I wasn’t lucky enough to sample this fine creation, if looks count for anything, then that is one tasty sandwich.
Brown Rice Salad
For my side dish, I chose the Brown Rice Salad, and it came in a container so big, it could hardly be called a side. Nevertheless, it was nice and simple with roasted corn and scallions and a simple dressing with a bit of a peppery kick. There are many other side dish options, too. So many, in fact, I don’t believe any two of us TastCasters ordered the same ones. Here is just a small sampling of the other things World Food Bar offers:
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Whole Wheat Cous Cous Salad
Moroccan Chickpea Salad
Oh, Let Us Not Forget Dessert
What boxed lunch would be complete without dessert? Certainly not this one. The Ancho Chili Chocolate Brownie was, perhaps, the highlight of the entire meal. Do not let it scare you. This is a moist, perfectly dense brownie with smooth chocolatey frosting and just the tiniest hint of spiciness after it slides down your throat. And best of all, like everything else from World Food Bar, this is one massive brownie.
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Ancho Chili Chocolate Brownie
Ancho Chili Chocolate Brownie
Food For All
World Food Bar uses local and organic ingredients in many of their dishes and has several vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. So, the next time you can’t decide what’s for lunch, and are tired of burgers and coneys, try the big, bold flavors of World Food Bar.
http://www.worldfoodbar.com/index.html
Click here for directions and contact info.
Written By: Victor Imperi, Cincinnati, OH
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You can see more photos from our visit on Flickr here.
Cincinnati TasteCasting Team Members who got a taste were: @ColeImperi, @vimperi, @AudreyKeyes, @JesyHerron, @kristaneher, @cmcadams, @redkatblonde, @cmcadams and @maria_michelle
Want to join Cincinnati’s TasteCasting team? Go here.
Great blog post Victor – your pictures are amazing! My blog can also be viewed here: http://jesyisms.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/new-at-findlay-market-world-food-bar/
Here is another blog from this tasting:
http://livefireonline.com/2009/07/09/tastecasting-world-food-bar/