Author Topic: Columbus: Restaurant News & Info (Read 133113 times)

Columbo · « **Reply #770 on:** May 24, 2010, 03:53:39 AM »

It would seem that this Dave Pallone (one of the brothers who own the Central Ohio Massey's Pizza chain) is not the former umpire Dave Pallone who suspended Pete Rose in that bumping incident back in 1988. According to former umpire Dave Pallone's website, he is currently living in Colorado.

Columbo · « **Reply #771 on:** June 01, 2010, 12:32:04 PM »

From This Week News: Another review of the unique pizzas being created by Clever Crow Pizza in the Circus nightclub at 1227 N. High Street, just north of Fifth Avenue.

Pizza fans in Short North have artisan option at Clever Crow

Columbo · « **Reply #772 on:** June 01, 2010, 12:46:22 PM »

And a profusion of reports on another local pizza option, bonoPIZZA. The first post is about bonoPIZZA moving to its new location in the 5XNW neighborhood back in November 2009. Others are more recent.

bonoPIZZA Reopens in New Location
The much-anticipated reopening of bonoPIZZA is finally upon us. Bill Yerkes is opening the doors to the new restaurant at 1717 Northwest Boulevard (near the corner of Northwest and Chambers). The new pizza shop is located inside of a carryout store on the corner, and only seats around a dozen people at a time. Fans of the old Short North location will appreciate the intimacy, but opening crowds should be prepared for a wait to grab a seat.

bonoPIZZA Facebook page

Columbo · « **Reply #773 on:** June 01, 2010, 12:55:57 PM »

This is a discussion thread at Columbus Underground. It notes the greatness of the authentic woodfired pizzas offered by bonoPIZZA. But it laments its out-of-the-way location on Northwest Boulevard. And its out-of-the-way location within the building (in the back of a liquor store).

Bonotogo Pizza needs your help

There's a menu on this page along with more reviews. And here's a Columbus Alive review.

Columbo · « **Reply #774 on:** June 01, 2010, 01:03:36 PM »

And finally, a report from Columbus Underground about BonoPIZZA returning to the Short North - at least temporarily...

BonoPIZZA Returns to the Short North Next Week

BonoPIZZA will be making a return to the Short North neighborhood next week as they start serving up their popular pizzas from the kitchen at the Short North Tavern, located at 674 N. High Street. Every Monday and Tuesday evening throughout June, Bill Yerkes will be cooking up your favorite pies from 5pm to 11pm both for dine-in and take-out service. If the demand is high enough in the new location, Bill said that he’d extend the service past June and to other days of the week.

The existing bonopizza location at 1717 Northwest Boulevard, near the corner of Northwest and Chambers, will remain open for business as well.

Columbo · « **Reply #775 on:** June 03, 2010, 07:58:43 AM »

Two articles on the renovation and reopening of The Little Palace restaurant on South Fourth Street. First one is from Columbus Underground. Second one is from the Columbus Dispatch:

Little Palace Reopens Downtown on June 1st

After some extensive renovations under new ownership, The Little Palace restaurant is ready to reopen their doors. This historic Downtown eatery is located at 240 S. Fourth Street, next door to Dirty Frank’s. The menu has been overhauled to focus on signature pizzas, burgers and other entrees.

Downtown eatery reopens with vintage vibe retained: Little Palace changes hands, adds bar-friendly menu

The Little Palace, the Downtown mainstay at 240 S. 4th St., was reopened last week after a significant face-lift and with a revamped menu, compliments of new owners Tina and Randy Corbin, Tom Magalaner and Ron Criswell. The four partners also own the the Rossi Bar & Kitchen in the Short North, Club 185 in German Village and Del Mar Restaurant and Lounge in Granville.

They bought the Little Palace in December from John Harachis, who ran the place for about 25 years. The restaurant has been completely refurbished, with reupholstered booths, renovated bathrooms and new lighting.

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #776 on:** June 03, 2010, 01:39:59 PM »

Mouton Opening in the Short North on June 1st
By Walker | May 25, 2010

The papers are off the windows at 954 North High Street, and Mouton will be opening their doors to the public next Tuesday, June 1st. We spoke with proprietor Yusef Riazi back in November when he first unveiled the concept with us, and despite some delays in opening, says that the result will still be the same.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/mouton-opening-in-the-short-north-on-june-1st

ColDayMan · « **Reply #777 on:** June 03, 2010, 02:19:43 PM »

Nice!

Columbo · « **Reply #778 on:** June 16, 2010, 03:58:44 AM »

Lunch in the sun
Restructured permit fees help give alfresco dining a boost
Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 2:53 AM
By Tracy Turner, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Restaurant owners used to have to pay an annual fee of $79 for each chair they put out on the city's sidewalks, said Cleve Ricksecker, executive director of the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. Now they pay a one-time fee of $500 and a $50 flat rate to renew the permit each year, he said.

That has led to more Downtown restaurants' offering outdoor dining, he said. There are now more than 45 outdoor dining options totaling hundreds of seats, compared with a handful of locations in 2002, he said.

"Outdoor dining creates instant vibrancy and reassures people that a neighborhood is safe," Ricksecker said. "Once restaurants put chairs on the sidewalk, other restaurants saw the benefit and began following suit.

Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/05/27/lunch-in-the-sun.html?sid=101

GCrites80s · « **Reply #779 on:** June 17, 2010, 04:44:06 AM »

That $79 per-chair fee had to be brutal once the smoking ban hit and half the seating of a lot of restaurants moved outside.

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #780 on:** June 18, 2010, 04:40:25 PM »

Spinelli’s Deli Adding Second Location Downtown
By Walker | June 18, 2010

This September, Spinelli’s Deli will be adding a second location at 50 North High Street in the old Otero’s spot near the corner of Gay & High Streets. The new location will offer breakfast, lunch, take-home dinner and a new online ordering system.

“It has been my dream to have a Downtown deli since the day we opened our Neil Avenue location more than 10 years ago,” said Joe Spinelli, President of Spinelli’s Deli. “We worked hard in Victorian Village to become known as a community-oriented neighborhood deli and plan to do the same thing Downtown.”

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/spinellis-deli-adding-second-location-downtown

mrnyc · « **Reply #781 on:** June 18, 2010, 04:55:12 PM »

Quote from: GCrites80s on June 17, 2010, 04:44:06 AM

That $79 per-chair fee had to be brutal once the smoking ban hit and half the seating of a lot of restaurants moved outside.

worse than brutal, its just absolutely insane. i never understood why ohio was so anti-outdoor dining. glad to see this loosening up. outdoor options are very noticable around town when i come thru nowadays vs. when i lived there in the early 90's.

Columbo · « **Reply #782 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:38:10 PM »

Blue Danube thrives on tradition, marks 70th year
Cheap eats and loyal clientele, including more than a few Buckeyes, get the credit
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 4:13 AM
By Denise Trowbridge
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

If the Blue Danube were a person, it would have long ago qualified for Social Security, Medicare and a Golden Buckeye Card. The local mainstay at 2439 N. High St. - affectionately referred to as The "Dube" -- just turned 70.

In a tough industry in which about half of restaurants fail in their first three years, the Blue Danube is a rarity. It has survived a world war and 10 recessions. It's never moved, it's never closed down, it's never changed names, and it's had only three owners in 70 years.

Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/06/29/tradition-thrives.html?sid=101

Columbo · « **Reply #783 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:45:53 PM »

Whole World gets fresh look, maintains vegetarian standards
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 1:13 PM
By GARY SEMAN JR., ThisWeek Staff Writer

Dan Otanicar decided to look for a silver lining on an otherwise soot-tarred situation. His Clintonville eatery, Whole World Natural Restaurant & Bakery, welcomed back customers on Tuesday. The vegetarian restaurant closed in October after a fire caused extensive damage throughout the 950-square-foot space. "What's kept us positive over the last eight months is everything's been updated," Otanicar said.

A fresh coat of paint, new carpet, refinished tables and new chairs greeted patrons at the 34-seat restaurant, 3269 N. High Street. What survived: The Middleby Marshall rotating oven, which has been in the space since it was known as the Clintonville Bakery, and the original mural above the counter depicting woodland creatures experiencing the four seasons.

Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/food/stories/2010/06/30/tabletalk.html?sid=104

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #784 on:** July 03, 2010, 05:03:43 PM »

A bit out of date, but worth noting... Bexley Monk closed last weekend after 26 years in business:

Bexley’s Monk is Closing on Saturday June 26th

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #785 on:** July 03, 2010, 05:04:24 PM »

KDB to Replace GameWorks at Easton
By Walker | July 2, 2010

A new entertainment and dining concept called KDB (short for “Kitchen Den and Bar”) will be replacing the recently closed GameWorks space at Easton Town Center. The new 37,000 venue is slated to open on August 5th.

The format will remain virtually the same as GameWorks with a 150-seat dining area, 25,000 square feet of interactive games and prize machines, and a sports bar area that contains pool tables, darts, tvs and more.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/kdb-to-replace-gameworks-at-easton

Columbo · « **Reply #786 on:** July 09, 2010, 04:02:07 AM »

One more story about the reopening of Whole World, the original old-school veggie restaurant in Clintonville.

A post-fire comeback: Whole World again dishing up vegan, vegetarian fare

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #787 on:** July 09, 2010, 03:39:55 PM »

Lynnally’s Serves Up Breakast & Lunch Downtown
By Walker | July 8, 2010

If you’ve taken a stroll down Lynn Alley recently, then you may have noticed the old Deli in the Alley space has been transformed into Lynnally’s, a new restaurant focusing on fast casual breakfast and lunch for the Downtown business crowd.

“Speed is always a big issue Downtown,” said Natasha Moore, General Manager of Lynnally’s. “Our customers only have half-an-hour to an hour for lunch, so we strive to get people served in just three or four minutes.”

The owners of Lynnally’s are not new to the Downtown market, having formerly operated Isabella’s Cafe Italia on State Street, which was sold prior to their opening of Barrel 44 in the Short North in 2008.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lynnallys-serves-up-breakast-lunch-downtown

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #788 on:** July 09, 2010, 03:40:20 PM »

Columbus Food Adventures Gives Local Food Tours
By Walker | July 8, 2010

Bethia Woolf is the food blogger behind Hungry Woolf, Taco Trucks Columbus and the newer Alt Eats Columbus. Her latest project serves as a bit of a departure though, as she’s making the jump from the online world into the real world with a new “food tourism” business.

Columbus Food Adventures is the name of that new business, which will serve as a food tour operation company beginning on July 27th. The tours will be guided, personalized experiences with some of the best restaurant and food vendors throughout Columbus.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-food-adventures-gives-local-food-tours

LAsam · « **Reply #789 on:** July 14, 2010, 02:44:51 AM »

Quote from: WalkerEvans on July 03, 2010, 05:03:43 PM

A bit out of date, but worth noting... Bexley Monk closed last weekend after 26 years in business:

Bexley’s Monk is Closing on Saturday June 26th

Wow, that's another iconic Columbus restaurant closing down! Seems like there is a changing of the guard in Columbus' high-end restaurant market. First Handke's, now Bexley Monk

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #790 on:** July 17, 2010, 03:36:09 PM »

Quote from: LAsam on July 14, 2010, 02:44:51 AM

Wow, that's another iconic Columbus restaurant closing down! Seems like there is a changing of the guard in Columbus' high-end restaurant market. First Handke's, now Bexley Monk

It's actually worth noting that in both of those instances, the folks who originally opened/launched both restaurants had already sold them off to other parties. I'd agree that there may be a sort of "changing of the guard" going on in some areas, but with these two, the guard had already changed.

Columbo · « **Reply #791 on:** July 30, 2010, 04:50:26 AM »

Double scoop of Jeni's
Two more ice-cream shops to open in September as part of careful expansion plan
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
By Denise Trowbridge
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Some ice-cream fans will soon have a much shorter trip to buy a scoop of their favorite flavor of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

The Columbus-based artisan ice cream maker is opening two stores in September, at 8 N. Liberty Street in Powell and 4247 N. High Street in Clintonville. They will join the other five Jeni's, located in the North Market, Bexley, Dublin, the Short North and Grandview Heights.

Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/07/20/double-scoop-of-jenis.html?sid=101

Columbo · « **Reply #792 on:** August 03, 2010, 04:17:41 AM »

From the Fifth By Northwest Area Commission website:

5xNW Pizza Crawl - August 3

A neighborhood that plays together, stays together! We hope you’ll join us for the first ever Fifth by Northwest National Night Out Pizza Crawl! Start at Kroger at Chambers and Northwest at 6PM in the side parking lot with our National Night Out Kickoff, then walk, bike, skate or ride to these participating pizza places (and stop along the way at a few other fun spots)! Here’s a flyer to share with your friends! Or, view the official press release for the National Night Out and Pizza Crawl.

Participating Establishments: Sparano's - Bono - GrandDad's - Panzera - Cowtown - Mama Mimi - MinuteMan.
At all of these locations, you’ll be able to grab a serving of pizza for $1

MORE: http://www.fifthbynorthwest.org/2010/07/can-you-pizza-crawl/

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #793 on:** August 07, 2010, 04:58:24 PM »

North Market Spices Opens in August
By Walker | July 16, 2010

For years, the North Market has served up quality meats and seafood through merchants including Bluescreek Farm, North Market Poultry and Game and The Fish Guys, but customers haven’t had a good place to buy seasonings, spices and rubs for those meats… until now. “North Market Spices” will be opening their their doors on August 1st and will offer over eighty varieties of spices, herbs, blends and rubs from all over the world.

“North Market Spices will fill an important niche for our shoppers,” said North Market Executive Director David Wible.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/north-market-spices-opens-in-august

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #794 on:** August 07, 2010, 04:59:01 PM »

This is more of a bar than a restaurant, but they will have food.

Park Street Saloon Opening in September
By Walker | July 24, 2010 6:00pm

The nightlife venue formerly known as The Sugar Bar closed their doors three weeks ago, but the space won’t be sitting empty for long. In September, The Park Street Saloon will open at 525 North Park Street, which will feature a variety of live entertainment including dueling pianos, comedy acts and more.

Currently, the 8,000 sqft venue is undergoing a remodeling that will transform the space into a “Chicago Burlesque” themed environment. The decor features a lot of dark woods, deep reds and saloon-style doors.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/park-street-saloon-opening-in-september

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #795 on:** August 07, 2010, 05:01:51 PM »

More indepth look at the two new Jeni's locations coming to Powell & Beechwold this fall:

Jeni’s Expanding to Beechwold, Powell and Beyond
By Walker | August 3, 2010

The news broke about two months ago that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams would be heading next to Beechwold. That news was later updated to include an expansion in Powell as well, marking the openings of their sixth and seventh stores in Central Ohio. We recently sat down with founder Jeni Britton Bauer to find out more about these new stores, their growing business, an upcoming recipe cookbook project, and more.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/jenis-expanding-to-beechwold-powell-and-beyond

BONUS... How Jeni's all got started, from a business perspective:

TheMetropreneur.com: Building an Ice Cream Empire, One Scoop at a Time

Columbo · « **Reply #796 on:** August 13, 2010, 04:02:38 AM »

From Columbus Underground:

Caffe Illyria opens on State St - breakfast & lunch
By patient_zero | August 11, 2010

Chef and owner Ziam soft-opened Caffe Illyria three weeks ago to local foot traffic, and is eager for more clientele. No stranger to the breakfast and lunch business, Ziam has been operating Warehouse Cafe for the last eight years. He's created another spot with equal warmth and charm at 214 E. State Street, a location that's housed breakfast and burger spots in the past. During the renovation he pulled down the drywall to reveal nice brick walls and enhanced the space with his own decorations - plants, photos, U.S. and Albanian flags. Completing the space is a small outdoor patio that's tucked away below street level for more private dining.

MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/caffe-illyria-opens-on-state-st-breakfast-038-lunch

Columbo · « **Reply #797 on:** August 18, 2010, 02:55:55 AM »

From Columbus Underground:

J. Gumbo's Expanding Their Patio Down Pearl Alley

J. Gumbo's, located at the corner of Pearl & Gay recently got their permit approved to expand their patio down Pearl Alley. They've got a temporary setup for now and metal railing is being fabricated for a nicer permanent patio setup.

Full article: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/j-gumbos-expanding-their-patio-down-pearl-alley

LAsam · « **Reply #798 on:** August 19, 2010, 02:33:36 AM »

Nice, I really liked Pearl Alley when I was a downtown worker. Has a very unique feel within downtown Columbus... not a lot of pedestrian alleys with retail hidden within. I didn't even know it existed until I was a downtown office worker.

WalkerEvans · « **Reply #799 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:33:33 PM »

Whit’s Frozen Custard Now Serving Upper Arlington
By Walker | August 19, 2010 8:00am

Whit’s Frozen Custard has quickly grown from their original Granville location to include nearly a dozen stores throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio. Their newest store opened three months ago in Upper Arlington next door to Park Creek Kitchen.

We recently caught up with Chad Wells at the Upper Arlington location for a quick Q&A about their dessert shop offerings.

READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/whits-frozen-custard-now-serving-upper-arlington

so it goes · « **Reply #800 on:** August 27, 2010, 06:36:32 AM »

Everyone in Columbus should check out Fresh Box catering. Here's a great article about the start up, their good food and their social mission.

http://blindacre.com/blog/2010/08/27/food-with-a-purpose-freshbox-catering/

David · « **Reply #801 on:** August 28, 2010, 04:48:56 AM »

Quote from: rider on August 18, 2010, 02:55:55 AM

From Columbus Underground:

J. Gumbo's Expanding Their Patio Down Pearl Alley

J. Gumbo's, located at the corner of Pearl & Gay recently got their permit approved to expand their patio down Pearl Alley. They've got a temporary setup for now and metal railing is being fabricated for a nicer permanent patio setup.

Full article: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/j-gumbos-expanding-their-patio-down-pearl-alley

They need to install a public bathroom before anything.

Columbo · « **Reply #802 on:** August 29, 2010, 04:20:30 AM »

An eclectic mix of Columbus area cuisine from alt.eats.columbus, which features recent reviews of the following:

Panaderia Guadalupana -- Mexican bakery at 1977 E Dublin Granville Road (Rt. 161)

Foodie Cart -- Mobile vendor in the downtown featuring Japanese-style crepes.

Fusion Cafe -- A converted, solar-powered, former Wonder Bread truck that features a rotating menu at various locations in downtown and Short North.

Solay Bistro -- Somali/Ethiopian restaurant at 5786 Columbus Square (near intersection of SR 161/East Dublin-Granville Road).

Cafe Kabul -- A newly opened Afghan restaurant at 2831 Olentangy River Road.

Creole Kitchen -- A visit to the great Creole restaurant that's been a King-Lincoln neighborhood secret for years. It's located in the Mount Vernon Plaza Shopping Center at 1052 Mount Vernon Avenue.

Columbo · « **Reply #803 on:** August 31, 2010, 11:00:32 AM »

Gooey gourmet
Couple launches restaurant featuring specialty grilled cheese and other melts
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
By Denise Trowbridge
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Grilled cheese. It's the humble sandwich beloved by vegetarians and toddlers. Thanks to Gooeyz, a new restaurant in the South Campus Gateway, it has gotten a serious gourmet makeover. Dave and Lanne Bennett opened Gooeyz, a restaurant specializing in grilled cheese and melt sandwiches, at 1554 N. High St. on Aug. 10. Their official grand opening is today.

"Dave is an amazing cook, and he'd been playing around with grilled cheese," Lanne Bennett said. "We saw what restaurants were doing with gourmet hamburgers and burritos and thought, 'Why not do that with grilled cheese?'"

Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/08/31/gooey-gourmet.html?sid=101

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #804 on:** August 31, 2010, 04:38:34 PM »

^I wish them luck, but "We saw what restaurants were doing with gourmet hamburgers and burritos and thought, 'Why not do that with grilled cheese?'
...or you heard about the 4 hour lines at Melt in Cleveland and said, that is a cool concept