As someone who works on the outskirts of downtown, I am always looking for a new place to escape and find lunch. Today I just wanted to enjoy what is likely one of the final remnants of sunshine and lukewarm days in Columbus, Ohio until spring returns. I planned to head to Chipotle but discovered some markers I need for a class were sold at Blick in the Short North. Let’s see (I thought)… markers or Chipotle in the opposite direction? Well, I decided on the markers and headed to Blick. On the way back I remembered that the last time I traveled 4th Street, I discovered the whereabouts of a cafe I’d read about on Columbus Underground. They gave it a write up that was just interesting enough that I’d want to check it out (find it here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/first-look-fox-in-the-snow-cafe-in-italian-village). The main thing I remembered about the review was that it was located in Italian Village (where the heck is that?) and that the pic made it look cool. So on the way back to work, I took 2nd Avenue over to 4th and turned right.

So, I found it and entered in what seemed like the back door (where there is off street parking) and made my way to the front. I’ll be honest- that part is awkward as you do something I absolutely hate: walk physically past food that is sitting out to be served. There was an array of pastries- cinnamon rolls, biscuits with jelly, muffins and a host of other options. I thought about all the hair and skin particles floating in the air and tried not to be grossed out enough to turn back. At the counter were friendly staff who helped me decide on a drink (a mocha) and convinced me to try a pastry despite my previously mentioned concerns. I observed that they serve slow drip coffees. While I was being rung up, I asked the cashier if they were “pretty much a coffee and pastry shop?” and he answered affirmative. But suddenly, a member of the kitchen staff comes out with a BEAUTIFUL breakfast sandwich served on a cutting board instead of a plate. I said- WAIT! We promptly changed my order (thanks for understanding bro!). By the time I finished ordering (interpret – holding up the line) my coffee was ready. It turned out my barista is a latte artiste and fashioned a beautiful feather from the frothed milk just for me. Ok- he does it for everyone. Dang it! Anywho- I danced a happy dance all the way to my table admiring my latte and took its picture.

So, let’s talk about the overall place and atmosphere. I was probably the only non-local person in the place. Fox in the Snow is like the Cheers of coffee houses and folks were familiar and chatting. I’d forgotten that it boasted large windows as it was previously a garage. The wood work is beautiful and there are plants EVERY WHERE! I’m a such a sucker for succulents, hanging and other green plants (I found out some were fake, but that didn’t change my enthusiasm)! I chatted it up with a lady who sat next to me about the plants, particularly since she had some in a bag (she recommended my next field trip http://rosebredl.com/). The kitchen is open (like Northstar) with a glass pane through which you can see the cooks working if you desire.

My sandwich came out hot and delicious (I ate it all). The egg was fluffy and light, the bread fresh with a crunch on the outside and the spinach inside was flavorful. I was not disappointed.

Oh! And I did drink my coffee. It was a different experience, minus all the extras from Starbucks. It was pretty and I will need to reflect later on if I really liked it. I like my milk with coffee if you know what I’m saying.

Overall- great experience. The food was good (Far above most of my daily options one of which is Wendys). The plants, sun-inviting windows and warm wood tones are incredibly inviting. I can see myself going there to hide out from my work peers, enjoy a sandwich from the kitchen and maybe, maybe- one of those beautiful pastries.

**One more thing- while traveling up 4th street, the cafe is actually rather nondescript but you’ll know it by the fox on the wall. >>>>