Cafe expands seating, introduces beverage program

Harvest Moon Cafe & Garden Herb Shop has broadened its appeal but maintained its casual vibe, its owners say.

The 2,200-square-foot restaurant at 7 N. High St. in Canal Winchester, just completed a renovation project that expanded seating capacity by 25 percent to 55 diners total, added a small bar area and brightened the exterior.

“It’s got a great feel,” said Nathan Doerfler, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Kelley.

“It’s inviting,” he said. “We make everything fresh in-house with a focus on local craft products.”

The Doerflers also have been approved to build a 35-seat patio, which should be up and running in a month.

The couple bought the restaurant, which had been a coffee shop for a decade, two years ago.

It’s known for its homespun breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, none of which tops $10.

Among the signature dishes are the lemon-ricotta pancakes with locally made Williams Maple Syrup, which is infused with lavender at the restaurant.

And, with a new liquor license, the bar focuses on high-quality hand-crafted cocktails, variety wine and Ohio craft brews – three on tap for now – with a dozen by-the-bottle selections.

On the herb shop side of the business is a health-food store selling a wide variety of herbs and diet supplements.

The place offers breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week and is closed Sunday. For more information, call 614-834-4372.

Samantha DeMint has returned to the Grandview Avenue coffee scene with her own shop.

The one-time manager at Caribou Coffee has opened Grandview Grind along the bustling strip.

Grind, 1423 Grandview Ave., has a full line of coffees supplied by local roasters, as well as teas and coffee drinks, such as latte, espresso, cappuccino and such.

There’s some light fare served in the 25-seat space, which offers free Wi-Fi.

Caribou closed earlier this year. Aladdin’s Eatery, already located in the center, will relocate to the vacant site.

Meanwhile, a totally different concept will replace Aladdin’s.