Indie coffee shops aim for trade's great white whale

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/02/11/story1.html?b=1202706000^1588361

 

Starbucks Corp. finally may have discovered a competitor able to throw a wrench into the ubiquitous company's growth machine - itself.

 

For more info, please click the link

Oodles Noodle restaurants closed, new owners said ready to step in

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/02/11/newscolumn1.html?b=1202706000^1588646

 

Oodles Noodle & Dumpling Bar opened in August 2006, with owner Dae Oh promising quick-serve Asian dishes and a plan to expand rapidly.

 

For more info, please click the link

Two Kroger stores get fresh potato chip test

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/02/11/newscolumn1.html?b=1202706000^1588646

 

Kroger Co. has a new offering in the quest to attract shoppers with the freshest products.

 

For more info, please click the link

Ocean Club waits longer to reel in new restaurant name

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/02/11/newscolumn1.html?b=1202706000^1588646&page=2

 

And then there were three.

 

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC surveyed customers recently on a list of 11 prospective replacement names for Mitchell's Ocean Club as it expands outside Columbus.

 

For more info, please click the link

Adios to asiago bagels for Panera fans in Gahanna

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/othercities/columbus/stories/2008/02/11/newscolumn1.html?b=1202706000^1588646&page=3

 

In a rare move, the steadily growing Panera Bread chain has closed its Gahanna cafe at 64 Granville St., blocks from the Creekside condominium project on Mill Street.

 

For more info, please click the link

Two Kroger stores get fresh potato chip test

 

^I'm not a potato chip glutton, but that sounds so good!

Something hot during the cold winter this Saturday at the North Market in Downtown Columbus...

 

http://www.northmarket.com/featured_event.php

 

Fiery Foods Festival

February 16, 2008

 

Are you feeling hot, hot, HOT?! Probably not as it is winter and all that...but you can, can, CAN raise your temperature at the North Market’s 5th annual Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 16!

 

We’re bringing the heat with every manner of spicy food available from our vendors around the Market.

 

Want to bring a little heat of your own?  Customers can prove their chili cooking acumen in our Customer Chili Cook-off.  The competition will garner the first place winner $100 and the runner up $50 in North Market gift certificates.

 

In its third year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local chefs against one another as contenders for the title “North Market Chili Champ 2008,” a special trophy and $200 in North Market gift certificates.  Participating chefs include representatives of Alana’s Food + Wine, Basi Italia, Barcelona, Burgundy Room, Café Corner, CaJohns Fiery Foods, Handke’s Cuisine, L’Antibes, Trattoria Roma and Urban Chefs.  We are sure to have many more chef entrants by competition time!  Entrants to both cooking contests must include at least three ingredients obtained from the North Market (as verified by receipts).

 

“It’s always a hot time at the North Market, but especially so during our Fiery Foods Festival. The theme is interpreted widely by our merchants who translate it in ways from zippy and authentic ethnic foods to spicy chocolates, cheeses and bakery goods.” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market.

 

Fiery Foods Festival Schedule:

• 8 a.m. North Market opens, Urban Chefs and Sauce Cartel are special vendors today only

• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cooking demonstrations in the Dispatch Kitchen (dubbed CaJohns Kitchen for the day) by John Hard of CaJohns Flavor & Fire

• 9:00 a.m., Fiery Breakfast Foods

• 9:45 Chile a.m., Pepper Primer

• 10:30 a.m., Making your own Hot Sauce

• 11:15 a.m., Cooking with Salsa

• 12:00 p.m., Red & Green Chile Sauce

• 12:45 p.m., A Chilehead's Perspective

• 1:15 p.m., Wings of Fire! A hot wing eating contest.

• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., musical entertainment by the Gadabouts

• 11 a.m. Free maracas, sombreros, balloons and chili-pepper shaped cookies for the kids (while supplies last)

• 11 a.m. Professional Chili Cook-off judging of local chefs

• 12 p.m. Amateur Chili Cook-off

• 1 – 4 p.m., Caribbean music by the Island Breeze Duo.

• Hot and spicy foods featured throughout the North Market all day

• 2-4 p.m., Spicy Cooking for Singles class sponsored by Columbus Alive

 

The North Market Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 16 is a free event.  Festival activities will take place from 10a.m.-3p.m.  Market hours are 8a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

To participate in the Customer Chili Cook-off or the Chef Chili Challenge and for more information, please call (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com. 

 

A tasting fee of $5 enables onlookers to sample all of the chilis by both professional chefs and amateur contestants while supplies last.

 

 

 

 

BoMA puts faith in new leadership

The Other Paper

By Kitty McConnell / February 14, 2008

 

A recent visit to the Bar of Modern Art left Night Moves with the impression that the high-profile nightclub/gallery/restaurant on East Broad Street was going a bit pear-shaped.  The music was lame, and the half-capacity crowd was as energetic as the art was inspiring, which is to say both were entirely second-rate for a nightclub as culturally ambitious as BoMA.

 

Even the best nightclub has a bit of a lull after the initial grand-opening buzz, and countless other disposable Columbus clubs have closed after the crowds (and their wallets) have moved on to newer, fresher places to see and be seen.  But BoMA is another beast entirely: One doesn’t throw in the towel when such a high-concept, multimillion-dollar investment shows signs of slowing.

 

Read more at http://www.theotherpaper.com/top2-14/substory3.htm

El Arepazo Latin Grill moving to High Street and expanding

ColumbusUnderground.com

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 - 8:15 pm   

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12265

 

 

Rumor Mill: VegiTerranean coming to Short North?

This Just In - The Latest in Restaurant Gossip

Restaurant Widow (www.restaurantwidow.com)

Posted by Lisa the Waitress on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 03:48 PM

 

A whirlwind of phone calls led to sources telling me that Chrissie Hynde (of the Pretenders) will open a VegiTerranean restaurant in the Short North.  There is already one location of the moderately-priced Vegan restaurant at the Northside Lofts in Akron, OH (which, by the way, is Ms. Hynde's hometown).  Maybe that's what will take over the old Coffee Table/8 Bar spot?

 

http://www.restaurantwidow.com/2008/02/this-just-in--.html

El Arepazo Latin Grill moving to High Street and expanding

ColumbusUnderground.com

Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 - 8:15 pm   

 

Columbus Monthly reports that Carlos Gutierrez is planning to move El Arepazo to a larger location on High St and plans to be open for weekday breakfast and dinner on Friday and Saturday.  He wants to move in June, and if it falls through he plans to expand the current location.  He is also planning to open a new tapas place with Jeff Mathes, co-owner of Due Amici.  His idea is to open a Spanish tapas place with, get this, free small plates to go with the drinks!  I hope this works out!

 

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 - 1:33 pm   

 

I was in there for lunch today and asked Carlos about the possible relocation (I didn't ask about the new place, one thing at a time I suppose).

 

He said that back in December they looked into moving into a place along High St, still downtown and relatively close to where they are now.  He said that they couldn't make it work with the landlord and the plans to move fell through.

 

So, instead they're going to be doing a lot to improve the current location.  New booths, and other interior improvements as well as improving the outside patio area.

 

So there's that at least.  All of us downtown workers know we'll still be able to get our lunchtime patacon fix.

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12265

 

 

 

Yay!  One of Columbus' most underrated spots!

Ruth's Chris closes deal for Mitchell's Fish Markets

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 6:13 PM EST

Business First of Columbus

 

Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc. has closed its $92 million acquisition of 22 restaurants from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC.  The deal with Heathrow, Florida-based Ruth's Chris, originally announced in November, includes 19 Fish Markets, two Mitchell's Steakhouses and one Cameron's Steakhouse.

 

Two of the 19 Fish Markets are in Columbus.  New locations expected to open this month in Jacksonville, Florida, and Stamford, Connecticut, are in the deal as well.  Two of the three steakhouses are in Columbus while the third is in Birmingham, Michigan.  No changes in management or staffing are expected. 

 

Restaurateur Cameron Mitchell has said his company's focus will turn toward expanding Mitchell's Ocean Club and Marcella's, as well as developing new restaurant brands. 

 

Read more at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/02/18/daily14.html?surround=lfn

Baskin-Robbins to expand

Ice-cream chain planning to open 40 stores over next four years in central Ohio

Friday,  February 22, 2008

By Monique Curet

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The world's largest ice-cream chain is planning a major invasion in central Ohio, an area already well fortified with strong players.  Baskin-Robbins will open 40 stores over the next four years, beginning with one this spring in the Dublin/Hilliard area, said James Franks, national director of franchising.  The chain, which is owned by Dunkin' Brands, has only two stores in central Ohio.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/22/baskin_robbins.ART_ART_02-22-08_C10_299E3OB.html?sid=101

<A href="http://walker.columbusunderground.com/?p=369">RIP - Top 10 Restaurants that closed in 2007</a>

 

2007 was a great year for new restaurants in Columbus, but there were also several eateries that closed up their doors for good. Here are the Top 10 restaurants that closed in 2007. They will all be missed.

 

1. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7110">The Original Wendy's</a> - 2007 was a bad year for Wendy's in general. Sagging sales, a potential corporate sellout, and mediocre advertising campaigns left many fast fooders headed toward other options. The biggest blow came on March 2nd when the original restaurant downtown closed after 38 years. Dave Thomas will still be spinning in his grave well into the new year.

 

2. <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10062">Estrada</a> - After owner Ray Estrada died in March, the future of his restaurant was up in the air. It lasted through the summer but closed up in October.

 

3. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9406">Talita's Mexican-Italian Restaurant</a> - After a 39 year run, Talita's closed up shop in September. They were quickly replaced with another mexican restaurant called <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11275">Fiesta Time</a>.

 

4. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10990">Pesto Creative Italian Bistro</a> - In early December the lights quietly went off at Pesto as young entrepreneur Lee Shadle put his Italian concept to rest.

 

5. <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10112">TeeJay's</a> - One of the few 24 hour greasy spoons still located near downtown closed up as redevelopment near Dublin Road and Grandview Ave gets ready to begin.

 

6. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10144">Brownstone on Main</a> - After a public debacle involving a closed alley and a half-completed patio as well as funding and management problems, the Brownstone on Main announced a "temporary" closing for restructuring which soon turned permanent.

 

7. <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8818">Steak & Shake</a> - One of the few 24/7 sit-down dining options on campus closed up this past summer leaving students with one less place to score a greasy late night "fourth meal".

 

8. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10281">8</a> - This Short North eatery closed up after one year due to an unrenewable lease. 2008 may see 8 relocate nearby.

 

9. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6961">Red Star Tavern</a> - After a very short run, this Arena District restaurant closed up in February and was quickly replaced by "TBD Tavern" (yes, TBD stood for To Be Determined). TBD didn't last long and closed in May, but now a <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11343">Boston's Pizza</a> is scheduled to be opening there soon.

 

10. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7714">Fuddruckers</a> - In April, Fuddruckers pulled the plug on all four of their Columbus locations at once. Fortunately there are still hundreds of places to find good hamburgers in central Ohio.

 

Which of these closed restaurants will you miss the most? What new types of restaurants would you like to see open in 2008?

 

<A href="http://walker.columbusunderground.com/?p=370">Top 20 New Columbus Restaurants of 2007</a>

 

I previously wrote about <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11385">ten restaurants</a> that exited the Columbus dining scene in 2007, but there were loads more that opened up to take their places. Here's my list of the Top 20 new restaurants that opened in the past year:

 

1. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7058">Rosendale's</a> - After winning the title of 2005 USA's Chef of the Year, Richard Rosendale opened up his self-titled Columbus debut in mid-march to much fanfare. Already becoming a favorite of the local restaurant reviewers, this Short North establishment delivers.

 

2. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10957">Tasi</a> - Kent Rigsby (of Rigsby's) and his wife Tasi (now of Tasi) opened up their new eatery at the beginning of November, but it's already been very highly praised. Using mostly local ingredients and making nearly everything in-house typically means higher prices, but Tasi manages to keep your bill casual.

 

3. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9375">Black Creek Bistro</a> - This new restaurant opened quietly on Parsons Avenue at the beginning of the summer, and despite not doing much advertising, the buzz has quickly grown. The owner is also a farmer who provides the local ingredients for daily dishes, and then takes home scraps for composting. If you want upscale fresh foods at a modest price, this is the spot to check out.

 

4. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6663">Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails</a> - After a few months of delay, Elizabeth Lessner opened her third Columbus restaurant in May, this time partnering with her brother Tim Lessner and Chuck Hootman. This new Gay Street establishment has already become a downtown staple for food and drinks. Don't miss the nostalgic Columbus photography on the walls, the Columbus-centric cocktails, and the sweet potato fries. Oh, and the Tip Top is open late to boot, even on weeknights.

 

5. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7959">Marcella's</a> - Cameron Mitchell opened up his latest concept in the Short North back in May with enough success to already have a second location at Polaris before the end of the year and plans to expand into other cities including potential spots in New York, Chicago, and Miami. The style is home-grown Italian, and the accordion-style windows opened during the warmer months brings the restaurant atmosphere out into the sidewalk.

 

6. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9564">Pistachia Vera</a> - Technically Pistachia Vera is just a relocated and renamed version of Pistachio that left its Short North home for a new space in German Village. And technically it's more of a dessert boutique than it is a restaurant. But that doesn't mean it's not worthy of being high up on this list. Dessert aficionados all over town agree that Pistachia Vera offers some of the best treats in Columbus.

 

7. <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5130">Northstar Cafe</a> - Originally scheduled to open in 2006, the second Northstar location suffered from a few delays and opened in March 2007. It was totally worth the wait though, as the new location replicates everything that makes the original Short North location wonderful.

 

8. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9002">Diaspora</a> - This new campus-area restaurant opened over the summer and offers a range of Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes for those craving any combination of the three. The affordable prices are intended to serve the OSU crowd but also give others a reason to check it out.

 

9. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7096">Pita Hut</a> - Not to be confused with that other place, this new Clintonville establishment offers some of the tastiest hummus, falafel, kebabs, and shawarmas around. The small space opened in March and only seats a handful of customers, but their late hours make it a great spot to get some take out at night.

 

10. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10974">Gingham Bakery</a> - Brown Bag Deli expanded next door in November and opened a separate business for selling cupcakes in German Village. These treats have been all the rage in 2007, and Gingham goes above and beyond with their presentation as well as their taste.

 

11. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7095">Ying’s Teahouse & Yum Yum</a> - Another Clintonville addition that opened in March was Ying's Teahouse on High Street. Offering a variety of Chinese teas, smoothies and bubble teas compliment the small plates of Chinese and American food items.

 

12. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7731">Jeni's Ice Creams</a> - Jeni Britton opened up her third Columbus location in the Short North this summer, not far from her original North Market shop. If you've never had Jeni's Ice Cream, be ready to try out multiple taste spoons worth. Her wild flavors include Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet, Lime Cardamom with Lingonberries, and Goat's Cheese and Cognac Fig Sauce... just to name a few.

 

13. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10902">Mezzo Italian Kitchen</a> - Mezzo opened only a month ago at the new Creekside development in Gahanna, but is already getting some very high praise. Their menu includes pizza and pastas but served in an upscale setting.

 

14. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10523">Rise & Dine</a> - The first Rise & Dine opened (as "Peach's Rise & Dine") in December of 2006, but several additional locations were added throughout 2007. And more importantly, the company relocated their headquarters from Florida to Columbus this year. There are plans to open more Columbus locations soon, all serving up breakfast during the morning and afternoon hours.

 

15. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7363">Costelo's</a> - One of the most interesting mixes of cuisine can be found at this new restaurant that opened on Cleveland Avenue last February. Costelo's serves up both Puerto Rican dishes as well as Italian ones. Where else can you find that combination?

 

16. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8407">Buffalo Wild Wings</a> - Shortly after the original BW3's located near campus closed down, a new flagship location was opened in June at the corner of Lane & High. This new spot features two floors, several dozen tvs, and enough beer and wings for everyone.

 

17. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7481">Noodles & Co</a> - This Colorado-based chain opened several Columbus locations during 2007. Noodles & Co serves up your choice of American, Mediterranean, or Asian style noodle dishes.

 

18. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6984">Cam's on Campus</a> - The Wexner Center got a taste of Cameron Mitchell earlier this year when Cam's on Campus opened up. This cafe serves a variety of fresh casual sandwiches, salads, soups, smoothies, and desserts at an affordable price.

 

19. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9004">El Paraiso</a> - One of the newest vendors to open at the North Market is El Paraiso, a mexican eatery which launched in September. They also have a grocery section to their location where items can be purchased to take and make at home.

 

20. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11062">Yosick's Artisian Chocolates</a> - Another sweet specialty shop landed in German Village opened in December that focuses on chocolate treats. One of their specialties is handmade truffles made with a variety of chocolates.

 

I've heard good things about Mezzo and I haven't been to Gahanna since the new Creekside development opened so...

Looks like the restaurant widow was right about Chrissie Hynde's VegiTerranean restaurant coming to Columbus.

 

Rumor Mill: VegiTerranean coming to Short North?

This Just In - The Latest in Restaurant Gossip

Restaurant Widow (www.restaurantwidow.com)

Posted by Lisa the Waitress on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 03:48 PM

 

A whirlwind of phone calls led to sources telling me that Chrissie Hynde (of the Pretenders) will open a VegiTerranean restaurant in the Short North.  There is already one location of the moderately-priced Vegan restaurant at the Northside Lofts in Akron, OH (which, by the way, is Ms. Hynde's hometown).  Maybe that's what will take over the old Coffee Table/8 Bar spot?

 

http://www.restaurantwidow.com/2008/02/this-just-in--.html

 

New wave of dining in store

Singer Chrissie Hynde plans to expand vegan concept here

Tuesday,  February 26, 2008 - 2:57 AM

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Rocker Chrissie Hynde's emerging second career as a restaurateur is about to make its next stop in Columbus.  Hynde and restaurant manager Daniel Duplain are looking for sites in the Downtown area for a second edition of their VegiTerranean Restaurant and Bar.  The original restaurant opened a little more than three months ago in Akron.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/26/rest_0226.ART_ART_02-26-08_C10_VA9FB20.html?sid=101

Pistacia seating

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

By Bill Chronister

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH 

 

Pistacia Vera, the dessert shop that moved six months ago into the former Thurn's Bakery & Deli at 541 S. 3rd St. in German Village, will have cafe seating and new, later business hours starting March 4.  Co-owners Anne Fletcher and Stephen Budros have made way for sit-down dining for 12 to 15 customers to sample their offerings of more than 60 from-scratch pastries and confections.  The former Pistachio's new hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.  The shop will be closed on Mondays.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/26/rest_0226.ART_ART_02-26-08_C10_VA9FB20.html?sid=101 

Pistacia Vera is pricey but good.

Pistacia Vera is pricey but good.

 

I was going to get the wife some roses for V-Day a few weeks ago, but the local GV florist wanted $80 per dozen.

 

So instead I went to Pistachia Vera and picked up 8 of their awesome Macaroons for $8 instead.

 

So yeah. The price is relative there. ;)

Damn you and your urban life! ;)

Even more on Pistacia Vera's expansion from ThisWeek News...

 

Dessert shop expands hours, adds seating

Thursday, February 28, 2008

ThisWeek Community Newspapers

 

Starting early next month, Pistacia Vera, an area dessert boutique, will adjust its business hours and add more seating.  Anne Fletcher, who co-owns the business with her brother Spencer Budros, said early this week her business is responding to customers' demands to stay open later in the evening.  In addition to the new hours, Pistacia Vera will now offering indoor seating for 12 to 15 costumers. During the summer months outside seating will be expanded, Fletcher said.

 

Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/022808/GermanVillage/News/022808-News-502569.html 

Diamonds are for them

Columbus Alive

By G.A. Benton

February 28, 2008

 

AAA only awards about three percent of its vast inspected properties with its vaunted "Four Diamond" honors.  I learned this all last week during an awards luncheon for six local inductees into the Four Diamond club.  Impressively, three local hotels rang all the bells and blew all the whistles to hit that revered four-diamond mark.  They were: The Westin Great Southern, The Hyatt on Capitol Square and the Hilton Columbus at Easton.

 

A thick pamphlet was passed out spelling out all the big and little things which differentiate one-diamond restaurants from those with higher ratings.  Keeping all of these myriad factors in mind, the well-deserving Columbus four-diamond winners were: The Refectory, Handke's Cuisine and M.

 

Read more at http://www.columbusalive.com/?sec=food&story=alive/2008/0228/fo-kitchen.html

 

Baja Sol opening quickly with express shop as it converts Don Pablo's

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/03/newscolumn1.html?b=1204520400^1598565

 

As the new owner of three Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchens works to convert the Central Ohio restaurants to a new operation, an express version of its eatery is on the way to the area as well.

 

For more info, please click the link

Pub chain has no Beef with Columbus

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/03/newscolumn1.html?b=1204520400^1598565

 

A Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant chain wants to hear the tapping of kids' baseball cleats on its floor by next spring.

 

For more info, please click the link

New owner to reopen two Oodles, adding twists

Tuesday,  March 4, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

The two restaurants that were the flagships of Oodles Noodle and Dumpling Co. -- the would-be chain started by Dae Oh in August 2006 -- have been sold to Lucy Lin, a restaurant owner and real-estate agent in Columbus.  "Everything in Oodles will be homemade; we will provide quality and freshness," Lin said last week.  "We will create some new items from the traditional range of food."

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/04/rest_0304.ART_ART_03-04-08_C10_A79HII6.html?sid=101

 

On Restaurants

Tuesday,  March 4, 2008

By Bill Chronister, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Pei Wei reaches Easton

Ohio's third Pei Wei Asian Diner is scheduled to open April 7 at 4155 Morse Crossing near the Easton Town Center complex.  Pei Wei, a Pacific Rim restaurant chain created by P.F. Chang's China Bistro, opened last year at 7571 Sawmill Blvd. in Dublin and 2050 Polaris Parkway.  The flavors try to stay true to Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines.  When this Pei Wei opens, there will be 156 outlets in 18 states.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/04/rest_0304.ART_ART_03-04-08_C10_A79HII6.html?sid=101

 

Pei Wei Asian Diner I had today after an interview in Powell.  Not bad for the price but again, it wasn't something I'd go to vs. any other Chinese place.

I'm coming up to Columbus this weekend. I'm getting a two thousand dollar check tomorrow and can't wait to splurge some of it. What restaurants do you guys recommend ? I think I wanna go somewhere in German Village or Short North. 15-25 dollar entree range.

Here's some suggestions as voted by the folks on CU:

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8760

 

Given your requirements, I'd say Barcelona (GV), Basi Italia (SN) or Rossi (SN) would be good picks.

 

Let us know where you end up!

Wow, I totally forgot about Basi Italia. I was taking pics of Victorian Village and saw it, noticed it was in an interesting location. Do they have Tortellini? Anything with Bolognese sauce? If I go to an Italian place, I want good pasta!

They have their full menu online:

 

http://www.basi-italia.com

 

I'm coming up to Columbus this weekend. I'm getting a two thousand dollar check tomorrow and can't wait to splurge some of it.

 

Hope the Blizzard of '08 isn't interfering with your plans.

It might! The snow usually doesn't stop me though. Besides, my friend Paul at OSU has a lot of my clothes that I need to reclaim. A mild Blizzard shouldn't stop me. To be honest I'm not all that impressed with the menu at Basi Italia. It's very limited.

The newly opened Cameron Mitchell restaurant Marcella's would also be a great Italian choice.  It you can get around in this weather, Marcella's is located just north of the I-670 Cap in the Short North.

 

Here's their website: http://www.marcellasristorante.com

The white death has descended apon us, so I canceled the trip. I'll give a review as soon as I can make it back up there. Thanks for the suggestions; much appreciated.

To be honest I'm not all that impressed with the menu at Basi Italia. It's very limited.

How many menu items were you planning on ordering in one sitting?

 

What they do, they do well.

The white death has descended apon us, so I canceled the trip. I'll give a review as soon as I can make it back up there. Thanks for the suggestions; much appreciated.

 

Well, 20 inches of snow would tend to hamper most plans.  Better luck next time.

High on Lola

Columbus Alive

March 6, 2008

By G.A. Benton

 

Cafe Lola, in the heart of Downtown, has only been open for a couple of weeks now, but it's already a sensation.  By noon, the line in the teeny-tiny breakfast-and-lunch joint frequently reaches to the front door, and every seat is taken.  Considering it's run by Kevin and Lori Ames — who used extraneous z's and smart ingredients to turn Frezno, Dagwoodz and the originally revamped Press Grill into '90s success stories — Lola's popularity shouldn't come as a shock.

 

Cafe Lola

12 E. Broad St., Downtown

 

Read more at http://columbusalive.com/?sec=food&story=alive/2008/0306/fo-bite.html 

 

To be honest I'm not all that impressed with the menu at Basi Italia. It's very limited.

How many menu items were you planning on ordering in one sitting?

 

What they do, they do well.

 

It has all the basics. I forgot it's a small Bistro. I'm used to the menu at Via Vite and Nicola's down here so I'm biased. Marcella's has a great, big menu but skimming through it they don't seem very authentic with the fetuccini and lasagna. The prices are great at Marcella's and Basi though, can't wait to try one out.

Well, keep in mind, these restaurants Walker mentioned are not Via Vite in scale.  They are more like a Italian Andy's.  If you want a "Via Vite" in Columbus, you go to Due Amici ( http://www.due-amici.com/ ) or some other place.

HANG ON, SLOOPY’S

A brash new bar wants to remake North Campus, even if that means stepping on the oldtimers’ toes

THE OTHER PAPER

BY ERIK JOHNS / March 6, 2008

 

Two guys in their 30s who’ve never owned a bar recently took over one of the more notorious nightspots in the North Campus area.  They’ve changed the name, sunk loads of money into renovations, and gone above and beyond to appease area residents.  They’ve also appointed themselves the official cleaner-uppers of the neighborhood. But it remains to be seen whether the other bars in this popular strip are in the mood to be cleaned up.

 

For years, Miani’s, 2619 N. High St., earned the ire of neighborhood residents. It was plagued by fights, drug problems, rowdy behavior, underage drinking and even a kidnapping.  On Dec. 3, two lifelong friends took ownership of the Miani’s liquor license and set about overhauling the bar. After closing for 10 days of repairs around the holidays, it reopened as the Buckeye-themed Sloopy’s.

 

Read more at http://theotherpaper.com/top3-6/coverstory.htm

Miani's?  GONE?  Whoa.

 

Glad they are cleaning it up.

Coffee shop owner aiding in revival of historic King-Lincoln district

Business First of Columbus - by Dan Eaton Business First

 

Charity Martin-Via hopes her new coffee shop becomes not only a destination for a cup of joe, but also a shot for development along a stretch of Long Street on Columbus' Near East Side.  Urban-Spirit Coffee Shop Ltd. opened last month at 893 Long St. in the restored Alpha Building, which once was home to the first black-owned hospital in the city.  Martin-Via, a former city employee, had been working on the shop since the fall.

 

Columbus Compact Corp. and the Economic and Community Development Institute helped her get the space in place with training and financial support. The coffee shop is east of Interstate 71 in the King-Lincoln district.  The 800-square-foot spot includes a gallery where artwork will be rotated.  The shop also will host live jazz performances.

 

Read more at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/10/story8.html?b=1205121600^1601830

Four diamonds for M

 

Cameron Mitchell's marquee Downtown restaurant, M, 2 Miranova Place, is happy to claim a four-diamond rating from AAA. M joins Handke's Cuisine, 520 S. Front St. in the Brewery District, and the Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, 1092 Bethel Rd. on the Northwest Side, as Columbus' only four-diamond restaurants.

 

AAA began giving diamond ratings in 1977, and the restaurant ratings cover presentation, ingredients, preparation, decor and ambience and a slew of service-related areas. But the ratings boil down to four terms: skill, creativity, attention to detail and comfort.

Yay!  The Refectory and Handke's have been wanting company for a while now.

Hopefully some of the new players in town like Latitude 41 and Rosendale's will make this list in time.

Lenny's Sub Shop brings East Coast sandwich dining to Central Ohio

 

Columbus has another name to know for cheesesteaks and sub sandwiches.

 

Lenny's Sub Shop, a 160-unit chain that has tripled in size since 2004, opened its first Ohio shop at 8215 N. High St. north of Worthington last month.

 

For more info, please click the link:

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/17/newscolumn1.html?b=1205726400^1605707&page=2

Bagel joint rebuilding Columbus-area spread

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/17/newscolumn1.html?b=1205726400^1605707&page=2

 

Volatile ownership bounced Bruegger's Bagels from Central Ohio in 2001, but the Burlington, Vt.-based bakery and cafe chain is making a return to the Columbus area.

 

For more info, please click the link

Noodle noshery reopens restaurants with new menu plans

 

Lucy Lin is ready to step out of the food court.

 

Her Columbus-based New Trends Asian Food Ltd. acquired two Oodles Noodle & Dumpling Bar restaurants from Dae Oh in January, adding to a portfolio that includes three counters at the Polaris Fashion Place food court - Cajun Cafe, Little Tokyo and Max Orient.

 

For more info, please click the link:

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/03/17/newscolumn1.html?b=1205726400^1605707&page=3