Upon walking inside, an impeccable display of sweets and treats greets you, complete with smiling sales associates behind it ready to help you pick something out: macarons in classic and unusual flavor combinations, chocolate bombes (large and small!), cakes, tortes, the list goes on. These are all made on premises and the detailed handiwork alone impresses me. As your eye wanders, a wooden block of MORE baked goods awaits. This is my favorite part: croissants (classic, rye, ham and cheese) are the best that I've ever had; brioche buns glistening with marmalade; all kinds of flaky, crusty doughs twisted and shaped by skills hands to form a dazzling variety of breakfast-y items. Pistacia Vera has so many options to choose from, and I've visited before to grab a sublimely perfect croissant before work, but on one recent occasion I took my lovely cousins for breakfast and we tried out three of their hot "brunch" menu items.
Tomato Provencal Baked Eggs ($11)
Perfectly cooked eggs, delightfully runny yolk, just-set whites, tomato fondue adding tang, a classic croissant on the side to dip into the yolk and then into this incredible berry-chambord preserves. This was my breakfast, and I was beyond satisfied.
Croque Monsiuer ($12)
Crispy house-baked brioche with cottage ham, emmentaler cheese, and mornay sauce. Served with a spring greens salad.
Mushroom Quiche ($12)
House-made crust filled with a creamy mix of mushrooms and cheeses. Served with a spring greens salad.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with these hot dishes. They were masterfully prepared and artfully plated. I always love going into Pistacia Vera, and this time was no different. Next time you're around German Village, swing by and tell them Celina from Winans sent you!
Pistacia Vera
541 S. Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
