Barcelona in German Village is one of the best restaurants in Columbus when it comes to ambiance- whether indoors with its palatial colors and draperies or outdoors amidst nature’s beautiful flowers and pond on the patio; I resonate. The team there has even suggested we collaborate on a vegan cooking class in the future; sounds like a plan. This year I celebrated my birthday by dining amidst this delicious Spanish fusion experience; it began with a tasty mushroom gift from the Chef, fresh baked bread and oil/w stewed tomatoes, followed by the Ensalda de Espinacas starter (subbed almonds for cheese), the vegan Paella de Verduras (with caramelized Brussels sprouts, piquillo peppers, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peas, sofrito and calasparra rice, and finished with a complimentary, refreshing pomegranate sorbet.

Vegans can live a life of abundance, with more options than the average non-vegan (there are at least nine plant milk varieties (cashew, almond, hazelnut, coconut, soy, hemp, rice, oat, flax) commonly found on grocery shelves today, and unlike non-vegan options, they are not so greedy. It steals 1) the lives against the will of individuals known as farmed animals, or 2) the biodiversity (losses of which has us presently hemorrhaging into what is known as the 6th extinction) from future generations. Are you part of the solution?

Barcelona is located at 263 East Whittier Street, Columbus, OH 43206 Open for Lunch: Mon-

Fri- 11am-2:30, Dinner: Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Sun- Thur 5pm-10pm

Eriyah’s Favorites: Sopa de Melocoton Fria (chilled spiced peach soup), the vegan Paella de Verduras (with caramelized Brussels sprouts, piquillo peppers, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peas, sofrito and calasparra rice, and fresh fruit with whipped creamy torched (think crème brûlée) coconut (not currently offered on the menu).

Pictured: Paella de Verduras (with caramelized Brussels sprouts, piquillo peppers, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peas, sofrito and calasparra rice.