Latest Delaware restaurant supports locally grown

Vino veritas means “in wine there is truth.” Finding the words to describe the latest restaurant to hit the streets of Delaware has been a challenge. The unique and creative menu at Veritas is spectacular. I sat down with chef Josh Dalton to satisfy my curiosity and get answers to a few questions. Dalton is the executive chef at 1808 American Bistro and, now, Veritas Tavern. Running back and forth to supervise the kitchens could wear anyone down, so Dalton is lucky the two restaurants are only three doors apart on Winter Street.

Veritas is a small restaurant with 38 seats. With unique preparation techniques and the concept of “local,” 38 seats seems about the right number considering the attention the chef and staff provide their patrons. Dalton has risen to the challenge, and as they say, he has “knocked it out of the park.” The restaurant uses methods Dalton likes to call Modern Techniques, to cook and present food in a manner that will surprise and delight your every taste along the way.

Many of the products are purchased locally — in Delaware, Columbus and visits to the Amish produce auctions. The Chef’s Garden in Milan provides herbs, micro greens and some vegetables. Dalton is always looking for more local and unique products to feature in the restaurant. The use of these products will alter the menu on a regular basis. What is available now, will be featured at the restaurant. A dish on the menu tonight may not be around tomorrow, due to availability. The menu features small plates to allow one to taste test their way through, share tastes and experience all they can. The food and drink menu can be viewed on facebook.com/veritastavern or at veritastavern.com. Open from 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Veritas is located at 16 E. Winter St.

The atmosphere at Veritas is laid back and relaxing. They offer dinner at a slow pace … for those looking for a break from the usual “hurry up and eat” feeling most restaurants offer these days. Stemless wine glasses and redesigned Prohibition drinks put a whole new twist on Happy Hour. They make their own syrups, mixers, Bailey’s, Limoncello and other liquors. Josh said it’s what makes these drinks so unique and special. Stop in and have a fizzy Negroni, an Aviation or a Corn N’ Oil and experience a step back in time with new ideas for the future. The wine list is varied with more than 40 craft beers also offered. Local wines and Mead products made in Columbus by Brothers Drake Meadery are currently carried.

The creativity doesn’t stop with the drinks. I had a shrimp cocktail with lemon powder and cocktail sauce served on a slate, and an incredible green bean sauté that was so fresh tasting and inspired. Every dish offers flavors from the season, herbs and spices with several prepared using modern techniques.

My hat is off to Veritas for taking the time to make homemade products, shop local and for making Delaware it’s home.

I can’t wait until fall and winter to see what Dalton will create using squash, pumpkin, potatoes, apples and long-cooked braised meats.

Farm Markets of Delaware County

Plan a visit to the many and varied farm markets in the county. The season is in full swing and a fabulous selection of produce and local products are available at all the markets.

Delaware Main Street: 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays
Delaware Fairgrounds: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays
Sunbury: 9 a.m. to noon in the square Saturdays
Powell: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays
Oakland Nursery: 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays
Delaware Community Market: open daily and carries local produce of the season

Susan Liechty is a Delaware County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.