favorite food haunts - columbus

Lists are good.

I'm going on a virtual sentimental journey to some of my favorite spots for fantastic food and libation. Not a comprehensive list, just some faves I've plucked from the murky depths of my memory. There's something for everyone here, I promise, although in no particular order. Today's stop, Columbus, Ohio.

Rigsby's Kitchen

Eclectic Italian on the cutting edge. Back in the day, this lovely see and be seen spot was our first glimmer of hope that Columbus was in fact coming of age. In the oh so trendy Short North, Rigsby's could just as well be in NYC's Tribeca. Fabulous food at a reasonable price.

The Refectory

Classic French fare served in a beautiful converted old brick church. Excellent presentation, service, impressive wine list. Not the least bit stuffy. Class with ease. Take someone you want to impress. Can you say date night??? Bistro menu offers some less expensive but every bit as excellent options.

Lindey's

Another Columbus culinary legend. German Village meets upper east side NYC. Worth the wait, but reservations are the only way to go. Valet park, too, there is NOwhere to put your car in German Village. Weather permitting, sit outside and pretend you are in Florida visiting me!

Bexley's Monk
Formerly known as The Blind Monk. Great bistro/bar/fine dining spot in funky fresh Bexley just east of Columbus. New owners are reporetedly restoring it to its former glory. Go back, and tell 'em I sent ya.

The Olde Mohawk

German Village pub - great hang, but most importantly, the home of the Chicken Salad Quesadilla. Just go. You'll get it. Doral Chenoweth, aka The Grumpy Gourmet once told me a dirty little secret about this place. Still I go back to the Olde Mohawk every time I'm in Columbus. Shout out to The Grump, and all my Columbus friends - cu there.

Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus

THE place for German pub food. This German Village institution cranks out some pretty impressive brats, my friends. My pick, the Bahama Mama - a great big spicy hunk of heaven in a bun. Order it mit Kraut und German Potato Salad. You'll be stuffed to the gills, but take home a cream puff, or you'll wish you had later. OomPa, baby!

The Top Steakhouse
Retro clubby 50's atmosphere, great piano bar. A best kept secret - The Top is reported to have the best steaks in cowtown, hands down. Word to all my buds who used to gather there apre rehearsal for tunes and good times - u know who u r.

The Clarmont

Go for the Steaks, Chops, etc. Unapologetically old-school. Dark, retro, solid. A one of a kind, iconic spot. Don't expect chic urban anything.

Blue Danube
OSU hang, in business since the 1940's, still sporting the original decor, from the looks of it. Great cheap food and drinks. Best place to go when you don't want to run into anyone you know. Dive into one of the comfy big banquettes and hang til all hours.

Max & Ermas
Locations all over town, now a chain, but the original is in German Village. Best ever burgers, award worthy french onion soup.

94th Aero Squadron

Styled after a WW1 era French farmhouse. Out by the airport. Theme chain I guess, since there is a great one in Atlanta too. Sunday Brunch, say no more.

Damon's
Ribs, baby. Sports, trivia. Its a guy thing, but I love it. Won the trivia contest last time we went, still have the prize baseball cap.

Dublin Village Tavern
Cheap eats. Great burger, but try the fried Bologna sandwich. Yum.

Short North Tavern

Cheap eats and drinks, good bands, darts. Good old-fashioned village hang.

Next Stop, Cincinnati.