ThisWeek Community News: Great Food Debate

When Chef Josh Dalton moved Veritas Tavern from Delaware to downtown Columbus, he dropped "tavern" from the name and added a unique spin with the menu: a seven-course price-fixed chef's tasting option. This tasting menu allows customers to have a relaxing dining experience without needing to make any decisions, as well as lets the chefs at Veritas, 11 W. Gay St., to create interesting dishes with higher-end products, Dalton said. But if a tasting menu isn't your thing, Dalton also keeps busy with his other restaurants, Speck Italian Eatery and 1808 American Bistro, both in Delaware. Dalton joined "The Great Food Debate" podcast host Abby Armbruster for an in-depth look at juggling his daily life between the three restaurants. ==== New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

According to House Bill 263, establishments that allow a person to bring a dog to an outdoor dining area must adopt a policy that requires patrons to control their dog, with a leash or otherwise; prohibit the dog in the inside of the establishment; and comply with sanitation standards in the Ohio uniform food-safety code. So where can you take your furry friends around central Ohio? Our guests, Experience Columbus senior visitor services manager Alexis Perrone and ThisWeek photojournalist Lorrie Cecil, share their favorite spots. ==== New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

People often have a romantic view of owning a bakery. Whether customers think of "It's Complicated," "Moonstruck" or another classic cinematic bakery scene, the real work required to make pastries or run a store isn't as glamorous, according to two local business owners. This week's episode of "The Great Food Debate" dives into the work behind making pastries delicious, which treats didn't make their way to the menu and the story behind their unique restaurant names. This week's panelists are: - Michelle Allen, owner of MMELO Boutique Confections - Jeff Excell, owner of Fox in the Snow Other restaurants mentioned in this episode are: - Laughlin's Bakery, (15 E. 2nd Ave., Columbus) - Dan the Baker (1028 Ridge St., Columbus) - Dough Mama (3335 N. High St., Columbus) ==== This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Rooftop bars are having a moment in central Ohio -- from Seventh Son Brewing Co. adding a retractable rooftop to their second-story space last year to the brand-new Lincoln Social Rooftop opening in downtown Columbus. For this week's episode of "The Great Food Debate," host Abby Armbruster discussed the work that goes into opening a rooftop restaurant and bar in a one-on-one interview with Orcun Turkay, the general manager of AC Hotel Columbus Dublin, which has VASO on its top floor. Turkay has been with the hotel since it was under development, and has seen its share of awards, including "most beautifully designed bar" in Ohio by Architectural Digest. Listen to this week's episode to find out what it takes to create a new menu, something that Turkay and his team do at least twice a year, and if they'll bring back the snow globe-esque domes for its patio this winter. Other spots mentioned in this episode: - Lincoln Social Rooftop, 711 N. High St., Columbus - Juniper, 580 N. Fourth St., Columbus ===== New episodes are released every Friday. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews.

Central Ohio doesn't have that many restaurants that are inside of another establishment... right? As the conversation got rolling, our panelists came up with dozens examples of delicious eats that you can find within another store, hotel or even arcade. These restaurants do not need a storefront of their own to have a big impact with our taste buds. Listen to this week's episode to find out why our panelists are urging you to #SayYesYestoNoNo. This episode's panelists are: - Dilara Casey, founder of @FerociousAppetite on Instagram - Scott Hummel, assistant manager of ThisWeek Community News, digital - Nikki Seeley, founder of the SweetlyCBUS blog Our panelists' picks for the best restaurants inside of another establishment are: - Dilara: Costco (three locations in Columbus) - Scott: Cabela's (1650 Gemini Place, Columbus, plus locations nationwide) - Nikki: Saraga International Grocery (1265 Morse Rd, Columbus, plus two more on the way) ===== New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

So many cultures are represented in restaurants in central Ohio -- from Ethiopian (Addis Restaurant) to Somali (Hoyo's Kitchen) to French (the new Le Vieux Lyon Bakery Cafe in Reynoldsburg). Our weekly column by Gary Seman Jr., called "Table Talk," often shares the newest cuisine available for Columbus diners. For this week's episode of "The Great Food Debate," host Abby Armbruster speaks with three central Ohio residents who spend their time enlightening people to different cuisines, including Asian and Indian food. This episode's panelists include: - Bethia Woolf, co-founder of Columbus Food Adventures - Mita Shah, co-owner of Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream - Kevin Wang, sushi chef and owner of Akatsuki Sushi What international cuisine would you like to see in central Ohio? ==== New episodes of “The Great Food Debate” are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

We gathered four vegetarians (and one former vegan) to discuss the best vegetarian restaurants found in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: - Cindy Gordon, founder of the cooking blog, "Vegetarian Mamma" - Jayme Hitchcock, community manager for Yelp! Columbus - Olivia Minnier, reporter for ThisWeek Community News - Taylor Shook, founder of the Instagram account, @CookedShook, and radio host of "Shook the Cook" for WDUB Where can you find the best vegetarian restaurant in central Ohio? Cindy's pick: Northstar Cafe Jayme's pick: Comune Olivia's pick: Angry Baker Taylor's pick: Condado Tacos ===== New episodes of "The Great Food Debate" are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

In 2019, technology can be found in nearly every aspect of the restaurant industry. From food-delivery systems such as Grubhub or Uber Eats to the equipment that can keep tabs of power outages and fridge temperatures, many restaurants now need tech gurus to run smoothly. On this week's episode of "The Great Food Debate," host Abby Armbruster talked to three people who know about the technology needed to improve the dining experience. This episode's panelists are: - Stephan Harman, co-founder of Fusian - Chris Shirer, founder of JoinMyTable - Orlando Sprockel, director of information technology for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants ===== New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Central Ohio has an ever-evolving list of restaurants for residents to try. But which restaurant has packed a punch in less than two years of opening? Our season 2 debut of "The Great Food Debate" dives into that very question. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate" podcast, where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: - Erin Edwards, dining editor at Columbus Monthly magazine - Megumi Robinson, director of public relations at Experience Columbus - Nikki Seeley, founder of the SweetlyCBUS blog - Bethia Woolf, co-owner of Columbus Food Adventures The following restaurants were in this week's episode: - Comune, 677 Parsons Ave., Columbus - Ambrose & Eve, 716 S. High St., Columbus - Antiques on High, 714 S. High St., Columbus - Philco, 747 N. High St., Columbus - Lupo, 2124 Arlington Ave., Columbus - Bulgogi Korean Restaurant, 1265 Morse Road, Columbus - Barroluco, 47 N. Pearl St., Columbus - Alpine Restaurant & Bar, 525 S. Fourth St., Columbus - El Lugar, 525 S. Fourth St, Columbus - Swensons Drive-In, with locations in Dublin and Columbus and more on the way - Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, 89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus - The Lox Bagel Shop, 772 N. High St., Suite 106, Columbus - Dos Sabores Taqueria and Mexican Grill, 6042 Huntley Road, Columbus - Harvey & Ed's, 698 N. High St., Columbus - Alqueria, 247 King Ave., Columbus - Momo Ghar, with two Columbus locations - Fox in the Snow, with locations in New Albany, German Village and Columbus - Brassica, with locations in Bexley, Short North and Upper Arlington - Bake Me Happy, 106 E. Moler St., Columbus - Old Spot, 1099 W. First Ave., Grandview, opening soon - Everest Cuisine, 652 High St., Worthington - Kollektiv, 741 S. Third St., Columbus - Pierogi Mountain, with two Columbus locations - Wunderbar, 739 S. Third St., Columbus - Woodhouse Vegan Pop-Up, currently at 1038 N. High St., Columbus - Portia's Cafe, opening a second restaurant venture at 3269 N. High St., Columbus - Little Eater, with two Columbus locations - Satori Ramen Bar, coming soon to North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus - Preston's: A Burger Joint, with two Columbus locations plus a food truck - Juniper, 580 N. Fourth St., Columbus - Bridge Park, 6634 Riverside Drive, Dublin - Law Bird, coming soon to the Brewery District - Budd Dairy Food Hall, coming this fall to 1086 N. Fourth St., Columbus - Center Street Market, coming this September to 5354 Center St., Hilliard - Hoyo's Kitchen, 5788 Columbus Square, Columbus - Newfangled Kitchen, 2258 E. Main St., Bexley - A Common Table, 3496 N. High St., Columbus - Brekkie Shack, 1060 Yard St., Columbus - The Drunken Donut, a home bakery - Spicy Hop, 878 Bethel Road, Columbus ===== New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

As National Pizza Month comes to a close, we are ending on a high note by talking to three people who create pizza toppings that are out of this world. From a mussel pizza (with mussels still in their shell) to one based on Showtime's "Dexter," we discovered how they come up with these pizzas and how they market the oddball concoctions. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we talk about the best food, drinks and more in central Ohio. Three weeks ago, we made a laundry list of the 'best ofs," from favorite deep dish to best high-end pizza found in central Ohio. Two weeks ago, we interviewed pizza shop owners from Bexley Pizza Plus, Borgata Pizza Cafe and Mama Mimi's Take N' Bake Shop about how to make great pizza and where they go to find a good slice in central Ohio. Last week, we toured the Donatos test kitchen and made three pizzas, including their most popular pepperoni pizza and the Founder's Favorite (the top choice of managing editor Lee Cochran). This episode's panelists are: • Jason Biundo, part owner of Mikey's Late Night Slice (locations in the Arena District, Clintonville, Short North and downtown Columbus) • Heidi Oliver, director of promotions at Mikey's Late Night Slice • Peter Danis, owner of Figlio Wood Fired Pizza (locations in Grandview, Upper Arlington and Dayton) Where do they go to find the best pizza in central Ohio? • Jason's pick: Flying Pizza (Former location: 1812 N. High St., Columbus) and Buckeye Slice (Former location: 5216 Bethel Road, Columbus). • Heidi's pick: Pizza Hut (Editor's note: Heidi mentioned that her pick was somewhat persuaded by her pregnancy. Congratulations!) • Peter's pick: Harvest Pizzeria (Locations in Bexley, Clintonville, Dublin, German Village and Grandview Heights) Other pizza places mentioned in this episode: • Sizzle Pie (locations in Eugene and Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington) • &Pizza (pronounced "And pizza") (locations in seven states; the closest to central Ohio would be Washington, D.C.) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. For the whole month of October, we are celebrating "National Pizza Month" by focusing on a different topic relating to pizza each week. Last week, we made a laundry list of the 'best-ofs," from favorite deep dish to best high-end pizza found in central Ohio. This week, we interviewed three pizza experts who own local shops in central Ohio, some of whom have national and international awards under their belt for their pizza. We asked them what they try when they're trying a new pizza joint, what kind of ovens they use to bake their pizza and whether they get sick of eating it (spoiler alert: they don't!). "Even bad pizza is better than no pizza," said Ed Bisconti, owner of Borgata Pizza Cafe and one of the expert guests on this week's episode. This episode's panelists are: • Jeff Aufdencamp, owner of Mama Mimi's Take N' Bake Pizza • Ed Bisconti, owner of Borgata Pizza Cafe • Brad Rocco, co-owner of Bexley Pizza Plus Where can the best pizza be found in central Ohio? • Jeff's pick: Tommy's Pizza (locations in Columbus and Dublin), Sparano's Pizza (3590 Trabue Road, Columbus), Carsonies Stromboli and Pizza Kitchen (locations in Westerville and Upper Arlington) • Ed's pick: DiCarlo's Pizza (4142 Main St., Hilliard) • Brad's pick: Coaches Gahanna ( 230 Granville St., Gahanna) and Little Sicily's Pizza (2965 Brice Road, Brice) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Woody's Pizza Buffet (1305 Washington Ave., Golden, CO) • Pizza Rock (201 N. Third St., Las Vegas) • John's Pizzeria on Bleecker Street (278 Bleecker St., New York) • Anthony's Coal Fired (locations in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island) • Soodles Bake Shop (14 Dillmont Drive, Columbus) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

How can you crown just one pizza place "the best" when you have so many categories to judge them on? We asked three pizza lovers to name their favorite local pizzerias in many sects: from the place that makes the best deep dish to the best high-end slice. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. And welcome to pizza month! America has known October to be "National Pizza Month" for more than 30 years, and with so many local pizza shops in central Ohio, we wanted to spend an entire month chatting about what makes them so great. Later in the month, we'll talk to some chefs and restaurateurs about why central Ohio has so many pizzerias -- and why they all succeed. This episode's panelists are: • Dilara Casey, founder of the Instagram account @FerociousAppetite • Jim Ellison, co-founder of Columbus Brew Adventures and founder of the Columbus food blog, "CMH Gourmand." • Vince Tornero, host and creator of "In The Record Store," a podcast about the local music scene in central Ohio (ThisWeek also features articles about recent guests on his podcast.) Categories discussed: • Best traditional pizza (including the square/party cut that Columbus is known for) • Best thin crust • Best deep dish • Best pizza-by-the-slice • Best coal-fired pizza • Best gourmet or high-end pizza Restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Iacono's (locations in Columbus, Hilliard and Powell) • Grandma's Pizza (locations in Columbus, Gahanna and Reynoldsburg) • Tommy's Pizza (locations in Columbus, Dublin and Upper Arlington) • Rubino's Pizza (2643 E. Main St., Columbus) • Flying Pizza (Closed; Formerly at 1812 N. High St., Columbus) • Meister's Bar (1168 Chambers Road, Columbus) • Yellow Brick Pizza (two locations in Columbus) • Tristano's Pizzeria (Closed; Formerly at 3306 Columbus St., Grove City) • Leone's Pizza (5413 Sinclair Road, Columbus) • Massey's Pizza (locations in Columbus, Gahanna, Pataskala, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Westerville and Whitehall) • Adriatico's New York Style Pizza (1618 Neil Ave., Columbus) • Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza (5601 N. High St., Worthington) • Figlio (locations in Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington) • Wine Bistro (locations in Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington) • Northstar Cafe (locations in Columbus, Westerville and at Easton Town Center) • Paulie Gee's (1195 N. High St., Short North) • Bono Pizza (Closed; Formerly at 1412 Presidential Drive, Columbus. RIP) • GoreMade Wood Fired Pizza (936 N. Fourth St., Columbus) • Mikey's Late Night Slice (four locations in Columbus) • Lucky's Market (2770 N. High St., Columbus) • Whole Foods Market (locations in Columbus, Upper Arlington and at Easton Town Center) • Harvest Pizzeria (locations in Bexley, Clintonville, Dublin, German Village and Grandview Heights) • Villa Nova Ristorante (5545 N. High St., Columbus) • Sarefino's Pizzeria and Italian Deli (Inside North Market, 59 W. Spruce St., Columbus) • Bexley Pizza Plus (2651 E. Main St., Columbus) • Giuseppe's Ritrovo (2268 E. Main St., Columbus) • Josie's Pizza (two locations in Columbus) • Hounddog's Pizza (2657 N. High St., Columbus) • Little Sicily's Pizza (2965 Brice Road, Brice) • Vick's Gourmet Pizzeria (7345 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg) • The Rossi Bar & Kitchen (895 N. High St., Columbus) • Enrico's Pizza & Restaurant (5788 Frantz Road, Dublin) • Eagles Pizza (2 N. High St., New Albany) • Dewey's Pizza (locations in Dublin, Columbus and Worthington) • Bella Pizza (958 Demorest Road, Columbus) • East Coast Pizzeria (5060 N. High St., Columbus) • Borgata Pizza Cafe (locations in Columbus and Worthington) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically...

In July, we dared to try the "Hot Fusian Takeover" sushi roll that combined the taste of Hot Chicken Takeover with Fusian. In this week's podcast episode, we talked to the co-founder of Fusian about why he wanted to have the convenience of a fast-food restaurant combined with delicious sushi, and what initially drew him to Columbus' food culture. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: • Stephan Harman, co-founder of Fusian, a sushi restaurant with locations in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo (fusian.com) • Nikki Seeley, founder of the restaurant blog "Sweetly Cbus" • Bethia Woolf, co-founder of Columbus Food Adventure • Neil Thompson, ThisWeek editor of content and special sections Where can the best sushi be found in central Ohio? • Stephan's pick: Akai Hana (1173 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) and Mr. Sushi (locations in Dublin and Gahanna) • Nikki's pick: Restaurant Tora (1330 N. Hamilton Road, Columbus) • Bethia's pick: Japan Marketplace (1167 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) and Kihachi (2667 Federated Blvd., Columbus) • Neil's pick: Akai Hana and Sushi.com (7178 Muirfield Drive, Dublin) Other sushi restaurants mentioned in this episode: • True World Foods (3004 East 14th Ave., Columbus) • Sushi Ten (1159 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) • Tensuke Market (1155 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) • Giant Eagle Market District (three locations in Columbus) • Kroger Marketplace (199 Graceland Blvd., Columbus) • M at Miranova (2 Miranova Place, Suite 100, Columbus) • Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus) • The 1126 Restaurant (1126 N. High St., Columbus) • Oshio (974 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus) • Yellow Tail Japanese Seafood Buffet (4054 Medina Road, Akron) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and now Spotify. Do you have any suggestions for future episodes? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

With Ritzy's opening Sept. 6, we wanted to take a walk down Memory Lane and remember some of the great restaurants that used to be in central Ohio that are no longer. At one point in time, Ritzy's had 100 locations nationwide, but the last restaurant in central Ohio closed in 1991 -- until now. What other restaurants do we wish would make a comeback like Ritzy's has? This is "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This week's topic is "lost" restaurants of central Ohio. This is part 2 of a two-part episode. This episode's panelists are: •Dilara Casey, founder of the @FerociousAppetite Instagram account •Jim Ellison, co-owner of Columbus Brew Adventures •Neil Thompson, editor of content and special projects at ThisWeek Community News What restaurants from central Ohio do you miss the most? •Dilara's pick: Dragonfly Neo-V (Former address: 247 King Ave., Columbus), Whole World (Former address: 3269 N. High St., Clintonville), Betty's Fine Food and Spirits (Former address: 680 N. High St., Columbus), Surly Girl Saloon (Former address: 1126 N. High St., Short North), The Chintz Room (Former address: 121 S. High St., Columbus) •Jim's pick: Galaxy Cafe (Former location: Powell), CBC Restaurant (Former address: 525 Short St., Columbus), L. Hoster Brewing Co. (Former taproom address: 550 S. High St., Columbus) •Neil's pick: Dal Forno Pizza (Former address: 4920 Scioto Darby Road, Hilliard) and Graffiti Burger (multiple former locations in central Ohio) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode * denotes restaurants that are still open. •Damon's Grill (the last central Ohio location closed in Newark in 2013) •Max & Erma's (locations still around in central Ohio, although the first restaurant in German Village closed last year.) •Grass Skirt Tiki Room (105 N. Grant Ave., Columbus)* •Lulu's Restaurant (Former address: 1788 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview Heights) •Kahiki Supper Club (Former address: 3583 E. Broad St., Columbus) •Dexter's (Former location: Hilliard) •Sumeno's Italian Restaurant (Former address: 7400 Sawmill Road, Columbus) •The Florentine Restaurant (Former address: 907 W. Broad St., Columbus) •Fuddruckers (mentioned on the Burgers podcast) •Moore's Ice Cream (Former location: Columbus) •Jai Lai Prime Rib (Former address: 1421 Olentangy River Road, Columbus) •The Brown Derby (Former address: 1321 Morse Road, Columbus) •Patrick J's (Former address: 2711 N. High St., Columbus) •Flakey Jake's (Former address: 1748 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus) •Schlotzsky's Deli (Former address: 1836 W Henderson Road, Columbus) •Pei Wei Asian Diner (Former locations at Polaris and Easton) •Zen Sushi + More (Former address: 505 N. High St., Short North) •Bento Go Go (Former address: 1728 N. High St., Columbus) •Da Vinci Ristorante (Former address: 4740 Reed Road, Columbus) •Merlion Noodle and Rice (Former address: 5320 N. High St., Clintonville) •Babushka's Kitchen (Former address: 4675 N. High St., Clintonville) •Tom & Chee (multiple former locations in central Ohio) •Boulevard Grill (Former location: inside the former City Center Mall) •Mike's Ribs and BBQ (Former address: 2749 Bryton Drive, Powell) •Rax* (the closest locations of Rax are in Circleville and Lancaster) •The Wine Cellar (Former address: 1777 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus) •Street Scene subs (Former location: on the Ohio State University's campus) •The Galaxy (Former location: Grandview) •Lost Planet (Former location: Short North) •Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant (former locations include the Westland Mall) •Insomnia Coffee (1728 N. High St., Columbus) •Tapatio (Former address: 491 Park St., downtown Columbus, near North Market) •Phatt Wraps (Former address: 10 E. 12th Ave., Columbus, but the owner is planning a new Phatt location in Westerville) •Handke's Cuisine (Former address: 520 S. Front St., Columbus) •Spinnaker's Restaurant (Former location: inside the...

With Ritzy's opening Sept. 6, we wanted to take a walk down Memory Lane and remember some of the great restaurants that used to be in central Ohio that are no longer. At one point in time, Ritzy's had 100 locations nationwide, but the last restaurant in central Ohio closed in 1991 -- until now. What other restaurants do we wish would make a comeback like Ritzy's has? This is "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This week's topic is "lost" restaurants of central Ohio. This is part 1 of a two-part episode. This episode's panelists are: •Dilara Casey, founder of the @FerociousAppetite Instagram account •Jim Ellison, co-owner of Columbus Brew Adventures •Neil Thompson, editor of content and special projects at ThisWeek Community News What restaurants from central Ohio do you miss the most? •Dilara's pick: Dragonfly Neo-V (Former address: 247 King Ave., Columbus), Whole World (Former address: 3269 N. High St., Clintonville), Betty's Fine Food and Spirits (Former address: 680 N. High St., Columbus), Surly Girl Saloon (Former address: 1126 N. High St., Short North), The Chintz Room (Former address: 121 S. High St., Columbus) •Jim's pick: Galaxy Cafe (Former location: Powell), CBC Restaurant (Former address: 525 Short St., Columbus), L. Hoster Brewing Co. (Former taproom address: 550 S. High St., Columbus) •Neil's pick: Dal Forno's Pizza (Former address: 4920 Scioto Darby Road, Hilliard) and Graffiti Burger (multiple former locations in central Ohio) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode * denotes restaurants that are still open. •Damon's Grill (the last central Ohio location closed in Newark in 2013) •Max & Erma's (locations still around in central Ohio, although the first restaurant in German Village closed last year.) •Grass Skirt Tiki Room (105 N. Grant Ave., Columbus)* •Lulu's Restaurant (Former address: 1788 W. Fifth Ave., Grandview Heights) •Kahiki Supper Club (Former address: 3583 E. Broad St., Columbus) •Dexter's (Former location: Hilliard) •Sumeno's Italian Restaurant (Former address: 7400 Sawmill Road, Columbus) •The Florentine Restaurant (Former address: 907 W. Broad St., Columbus) •Fuddruckers (mentioned on the Burgers podcast) •Moore's Ice Cream (Former location: Columbus) •Jai Lai Prime Rib (Former address: 1421 Olentangy River Road, Columbus) •The Brown Derby (Former address: 1321 Morse Road, Columbus) •Patrick J's (Former address: 2711 N. High St., Columbus) •Flakey Jake's (Former address: 1748 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus) •Schlotzsky's Deli (Former address: 1836 W Henderson Road, Columbus) •Pei Wei Asian Diner (Former locations at Polaris and Easton) •Zen Sushi + More (Former address: 505 N. High St., Short North) •Bento Go Go (Former address: 1728 N. High St., Columbus) •Da Vinci Ristorante (Former address: 4740 Reed Road, Columbus) •Merlion Noodle and Rice (Former address: 5320 N. High St., Clintonville) •Babushka's Kitchen (Former address: 4675 N. High St., Clintonville) •Tom & Chee (multiple former locations in central Ohio) •Boulevard Grill (Former location: inside the former City Center Mall) •Mike's Ribs and BBQ (Former address: 2749 Bryton Drive, Powell) •Rax* (the closest locations of Rax are in Circleville and Lancaster) •The Wine Cellar (Former address: 1777 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus) •Street Scene subs (Former location: on the Ohio State University's campus) •The Galaxy (Former location: Grandview) •Lost Planet (Former location: Short North) •Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant (former locations include the Westland Mall) •Insomnia Coffee (1728 N. High St., Columbus) •Tapatio (Former address: 491 Park St., downtown Columbus, near North Market) •Phatt Wraps (Former address: 10 E. 12th Ave., Columbus, but the owner is planning a new Phatt location in Westerville) •Handke's Cuisine (Former address: 520 S. Front St., Columbus) •Spinnaker's Restaurant (Former location: inside the...

Just before the end of summer, we're talking about where to find the best seafood in central Ohio. On this week's episode, we were joined by Brian Hinshaw, the executive corporate chef for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. He discussed which dish you should order if you aren't familiar with seafood and how the various restaurants under Cameron Mitchell ensure the freshest fish and crustaceans on a daily basis. As fate would have it, we talked to Brian just weeks before the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' 25th-anniversary party, which is in October, to celebrate Cameron's American Bistro opening 25 years ago. The bistro is the first of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' now 55 restaurants in 13 states. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This week's topic: seafood! This episode's panelists are: • Brian Hinshaw, senior vice president of food and beverage and executive corporate chef for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants • Neil Thompson, ThisWeek Community News editor of content and special projects • Scott Hummel, ThisWeek Community News assistant managing editor, digital Where can the best seafood be found in central Ohio? • Brian's pick: Akai Hana (1173 Old Henderson Road, Columbus), Windward Passage (4739 Reed Road, Columbus), Third & Hollywood (1433 W. Third Ave., Grandview Heights), Min-Ga Korean Restaurant (800 Bethel Road, Columbus), Lindey's (169 E. Beck St., Columbus) • Neil's pick: The Pearl (641 N. High St., Columbus), Frank's Fish and Seafood Market (5251 Trabue Road, Columbus), Sushi.com Japanese Restaurant (7178 Muirfield Drive, Dublin) • Scott's pick: Phil's Seafood (2207 Linden Ave., Zanesville), Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips (the closest location remaining are in Cleveland and Cuyahoga Falls) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Mitchell's Ocean Club (4002 Easton Station, Columbus) • Harvey & Ed's (698 N. High St., Columbus) • North Market (59 Spruce St., Columbus) • Hudson 29 (1600 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington) • Tensuke Market (1155 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) • HoneyDip Donuts & Diner (4480 Kenny Road, Columbus) • Penzey's Spices (4455 Kenny Road, Columbus) • Cameron's American Bistro (2185 W. Dublin Granville Road, Worthington) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Looking for a bargain and to eat a lot of food (or both)? One of our panelists has a growing list of nearly 20 buffets that he's been to around central Ohio, so we have plenty of suggestions of where to go We talked buffets on this week's episode of "The Great Food Debate," a podcast about the best food, drinks and specialties in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: • Sam Clark, @ColumbusGrub on Instagram co-founder • Lee Cochran, ThisWeek Community News managing editor • Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital • Lisa Proctor, ThisWeek community editor Where can the best buffet be found in central Ohio? • Sam's pick: Cheshire Market (5094 Cheshire Road, Galena) • Lee's pick: Massey's Pizza (nine locations across central Ohio) and Champps (1827 Olentangy River Road, Columbus) • Scott's pick: Mongolian BBQ/Cheng’s Buffet & Grill (1271 Log Pond Drive, Newark), The Olde Dutch Restaurant (12791 OH-664, Logan) and Oriental Super Buffet (445 Underwood St., Zanesville) • Lisa's pick: Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Restaurant (240 E. Kossuth St., Columbus) Other buffets or restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Der Dutchman Restaurant (445 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City) • Sushi Time (2653 N. High St., Columbus) • Aab India (locations in Columbus and Bexley) • Eat'n Park (the closest location is in Medina) • Shoney's (the closest location is in Dover) • York Steak House (4220 W. Broad St., Columbus) • Ponderosa Steakhouse (3875 S. High St., Columbus, as well as other locations nationwide) • Bonanza Steakhouse (locations in seven other states) • Ryan's (the closest locations are in Kentucky and West Virginia) • Ruby Tuesday (locations in Grove City and Powell) • Max & Erma's (nine locations around central Ohio) • Matt the Miller's (locations in Columbus, Dublin and Polaris) • KFC (locations nationwide) • Rax Restaurant (800 E. Main St., Lancaster) • Wendy's (locations nationwide, but buffet no longer available) • Pizza Inn (the closest location is in Kentucky) • Amul India (5871 Sawmill Road, Dublin) • Gabby's Place Bar and Grill (3120 Olentangy River Road, Delaware) • Texas de Brazil (4040 Easton Station, Suite E 105, Columbus) • Rodizio Grill (125 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus) • New Harvest Cafe and Urban Arts Center (1675 Arlington Ave., Columbus) • HomeTown Buffet (the closest location is in Toledo) • Dragon House (958 Galloway Road, Galloway) • Asian Star China Buffet (locations in Dublin and Reynoldsburg) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Our staffers have loved Hot Chicken Takeover for a long time: Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C. To indulge ourselves, we asked a member of the Hot Chicken Takeover team to tell us about their process of making fried chicken and what sets it apart from other places in central Ohio. But just because we love HCT doesn't mean there aren't others that make fried chicken oh-so-well. This week on "The Great Food Debate," we're talking fried chicken. "The Great Food Debate" is a podcast where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: • Dilara Casey, marketing director for Hot Chicken Takeover • Jim Fischer, assistant editor for Columbus Alive • Neil Thompson, editor of content for ThisWeek Community News Where can the best fried chicken be found in central Ohio -- other than Hot Chicken Takeover? Dilara's pick: Uncle Nick's Greek Fried Chicken (1333 Northwest Blvd., Columbus) Neil's pick: The Eagle (790 N. High St., Short North) Jim's pick: Uncle Nick's, Katalina's (1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus), The Eagle and Royal Fish, Shrimp and Chicken (884 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus) Other restaurants or name drops in this episode: • Schwebel's Bakery (Stores in Hilliard and Reynoldsburg) • Raising Cane's (multiple locations in central Ohio) • The Eagle's spicy honey sauce • Uncle Nick's jojo wedges • Chick-fil-A (multiple locations in central Ohio) • White Castle (locations nationwide) • Wendy's (locations nationwide) • Clamlube hot sauce (can be found at the Worthington Farmers Market on Saturdays) • Drover's Inn and Tavern (1001 Washington Pike, Wellsburg, West Virginia) • Mya's Fried Chicken food truck (Find their current location on their website -- myasfriedchicken.com) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

If you want to skip a night of cooking, but need to please not only yourself but your kiddos, too, this is the episode for you. We talked to four women who gave plenty of suggestions for where to find the best kids menus and where to grab the best meal without worrying about being too loud or disruptive. Welcome to "The Great Food Debate," where we discuss the best food, drinks and specialties found in central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: • Bethia Woolf, co-founder of Columbus Food Adventures • Nikki Seeley, creator of @SweetlyCbus on Instagram • Julie Miller, founder of the kid-focused blog, "What Should We Do Today?" • Julanne Hohbach, editor of Columbus Parent magazine Where can the best kid-friendly restaurants be found in central Ohio? Bethia's pick: Sunflower Chinese Restaurant (7370 Sawmill Road, Columbus) Nikki's pick: Hofbrauhaus Columbus (800 Goodale Blvd., Grandview Heights) Julie's pick: Giant Eagle Market District (three locations in Columbus -- specifically mentioned: the location at 840 W. Third Ave., Columbus) and Whole Foods Market (multiple locations in central Ohio -- specifically mentioned: the location at 1555 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington) Julanne's pick: 101 Beer Kitchen (locations in Dublin, Gahanna and Westerville) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Carsonie's Stromboli & Pizza Kitchen (locations in Upper Arlington and Westerville) • Lindey's (169 E. Beck St., Columbus) • The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro (1092 Bethel Road, Columbus) • Jack & Benny's (three locations in Columbus) • Northstar Cafe (locations at Easton, Short North and Westerville) • Sweet Carrot (locations near Grandview Heights, Westerville and Dublin -- coming soon • Bibibop (10 locations throughout central Ohio) • Bravo Cucina Italiana (two locations in Columbus) • Brio Tuscan Grill (locations at Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place) • The Whitney House (666 High St., Worthington) • Third & Hollywood (1433 W. Third Ave., Grandview Heights) • Ikea (1900 Ikea Way, Columbus) • Menya Ramen (331 W. Bridge St., Dublin) • Dewey's Pizza (locations in Columbus, Dublin and Worthington) • Bake Me Happy (106 E. Moler St., Columbus) • Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (1124 Parsons Ave., Columbus) • Rusty Bucket (10 locations in central Ohio) • Bob Evan's (multiple locations in central Ohio) • Jason's Deli (locations in Columbus, Dublin and Grandview Heights) • The Draft Room (570 W. Schrock Road, Westerville) • Sushi Ten (1159 Old Henderson Road, Columbus) • Fusian (three locations in Columbus) • Piada Italian Street Food (multiple locations in central Ohio) • Chipotle (multiple locations in central Ohio) • Skyline Chili (12 locations in central Ohio) • Raising Cane's (13 locations in central Ohio) • Chick-fil-A (multiple locations in central Ohio) • Actual Brewing (655 N. James Road, Columbus) • Combustion Brewery & Taproom (80 W. Church St., Suite 101, Pickerington) • Lineage Brewery (2971 N. High St., Clintonville) • Ten Pin Alley (5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.

Take advantage of the warm weather while you can by sitting on one of the dozens of patios that restaurants throughout central Ohio have to offer. Four panelists shared where you can find the best restaurant or bar patios in this week's episode of "The Great Food Debate." "The Great Food Debate" is a weekly podcast about where to find the best food, drinks and specialties around central Ohio. This episode's panelists are: • Nikki Seeley, creator of the @SweetlyCbus Instagram account • Julie Miller, founder of the Columbus-based blog, "What Should We Do Today?" • Jayme Hitchcock, community manager for Yelp! Columbus • Megumi Robinson, director of public relations for Experience Columbus Where can the best patio be found in central Ohio? Nikki's pick: Cimi's Bistro at Pinnacle (1500 Pinnacle Club Drive, Grove City) Julie's pick: Northstar Cafe (951 N. High St., Short North) Jayme's pick: Seventh Son Brewing Co. (1101 N. Fourth St., Italian Village) Megumi's pick: Basi Italia (811 Highland St., Columbus) Other restaurants mentioned in this episode: • Tucci's (35 N. High St., Dublin) • The Old Bag of Nails Pub (locations in Bexley, Delaware, Gahanna, Hilliard, Marysville, Newark, Pickerington, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington) • Grandview Cafe (1455 W. Third Ave., Columbus) • Milestone 229 (229 Civic Center Drive, Columbus) • Mitchell's Ocean Club (4002 Easton Station, Easton Town Center, Columbus) • The Crest Gastropub (locations in Clintonville and Columbus, but the Clintonville location was specifically mentioned for its rooftop patio) • Valter's at the Maennerchor (976 S. High St., Columbus) • The Table (21 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus) • Graeter's (specifically the location at 2282 E. Main St., Bexley) • Vaso (6540 Riverside Drive, Dublin) • Juniper (580 N. Fourth St., Columbus) • The Boat House (679 W. Spring St., Columbus) • Brewdog Franklinton (463 W. Town St., Columbus) • Union Cafe (782 N. High St., Short North) • Pins Mechanical Co. (locations in Columbus and Dublin) • Katalina's (1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, as well as a Clintonville location coming soon) • Lindey's (169 E. Beck St., Columbus) • Fox in the Snow (locations in German Village, Italian Village and a New Albany location coming soon) • Barcelona (263 E. Whittier St., Columbus) • Sweet Carrot (locations in Grandview Heights, Polaris and a Dublin location coming soon) • Cosecha Cocina (987 N. Fourth St., Columbus) • Watershed Kitchen and Bar (1145 Chesapeake Ave., Suite D, Columbus) • Distillery • Condado (locations in downtown Columbus, Clintonville, Easton, and the Short North) • Hofbrauhaus Columbus (800 Goodale Blvd., Columbus) • Standard Hall (1100 N. High St., Columbus) • Brazenhead (1027 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus) New episodes are released every Friday. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. Have any suggestions on what we should talk about? Email us at online@thisweeknews.com or tweet us at @ThisWeekNews. After you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded automatically to your phone or tablet so you can listen during your commute while working out or making dinner. This podcast was produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital, and hosted by Abby Armbruster, ThisWeek social-media strategist.