FEATURE

Growing by Leaps and Bounds

July 27, 2010 – 12:14 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Dine Originals Columbus Accepts 8 New Members

Orchestrating the perfect mix of casual dining with white tablecloths, ethnic diversity with Ohio comfort food, and small cafes with larger operations isn’t anywhere as complicated an effort as someone considering the Dine Originals membership roster might guess it to be. It’s actually an alchemist’s magic potion that requires no formula…just belief. Our fifty one member restaurants operate in a broad range of business models and have distinct kitchen styles; some are open for 3 meals a day, others serve dinner only. Some of our members have wine selections that can hold their own against any establishment this side of Paris, while others don’t have liquor licenses. What is the commonality then, that drew each of them to our organization and persuaded them each to set aside their fiercely independent sensibilities just long enough to join a group?

A like mindedness of community spirit!

They are certain that this always-a-bit-risky approach to making a living is worth the punishing hours and significant physical demands because the return is not just money, but a sense of hospitality, artistry, and connectivity. Their bottom line looks different than any other; the balance sheet includes a tally of romance, style, daring, and friendship. They haven’t had a successful year unless the reservation book held a balance of

regulars and first time diners. Where they were able to make charitable contributions that made a real difference is as important as where they invested their profits.

It’s this true blue devotion to community and quality that we consider when reviewing applications for membership. And so it is with a great deal of happiness and a strong sense of camaraderie that we announce our new members: Skillet, Basil, Moshi Sushi, Black Olive,  The Oak Room at The Granville Inn, Tyfoon, Shoku, and Katalina’s Café Corner. All different. Each unique. So very welcome to the community of independent restaurants we have established and nurtured over the last few years.

What’s the best way to experience a couple of the new members? With a Dine Originals discounted certificate in hand! Let them know that you value bold, exceptional, one-of-a-kind restaurants and appreciate the resources they pour into the effort.

FEATURE

DOC Alfresco Dining

June 17, 2010 – 9:23 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

al•fres•co ( l-fr s k )
adv.
In the fresh air; outdoors: dining alfresco.

Things I have witnessed on the patio at Barcelona: two proposals, laughing that could be heard a block away, dramatic break ups, birthday celebrations, a race car driver and his team, one wardrobe malfunction, and an impromptu sing along.

After a seemingly endless harsh winter, Columbus is poised for all of the joys of summer…Clippers games at Huntington Park, a calendar of festivals and events, and dining on patios around the city.

Dining alfresco is the perfect excuse for relaxing some of the rules, and Dine Originals members I talked with love creating an experience that blends warm fresh air with grills, gardens, and the market’s summer time offerings.  Add frosty glasses with tinkling ice and you have a party, whether it’s for two or your whole kickball team!

Lunch on Katzinger’s sidewalk in German Village is a perfect spot for getting sun (and mustard) on your face; Figlio and Vinovino offer great streetscape al fresco dining in Grandview; G. Michael’soffers an intimate space with just six tables for romantic summertime dinners and Kevin at Alana’s says they have been told that their patio is very European - by Europeans! The patio at the Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus is open throughout the week, with live music on Thursdays with Alex White & Friends from 7:00-10:00pm.

In Bexley, The Top Steak House has an outdoor space for dining, drinking and occasionally some unofficial dancing.  They have a .bar-patio menu which is available Sunday-Thursday all evening and after 9 on Friday and Saturday. The special menu has sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes.

Luce Enoteca offers Sunday Brunch on the Patio and has a July 3rd Independence Day party planned featuring drinks from X-Rated and food specials from Chef Alex Rodriguez. And you thought Powell was a sleepy little village…

Gay Street buzzes from lunch into happy hour, and on into the night with seating in front of Due Amici and The Tip Top; perfect positioning for the See and Be Seen crowd.

And in the Brewery District? Columbus Brewing Company offers pizza and a pint on their covered patio Monday through Thursday for just $12.00!

Barcelona’s patio has won every award except a Grammy, and Cotter’s at the Arena is the perfect spot for dinner before any concert you have tickets for at Nationwide Arena. Basi Italia’s outdoor space transports you to another culture, and Trattoria Roma is sidewalk dining as it was meant to be.  Katalina’s Café Corner has umbrellas out with a neighborhood vibe and amazing sandwiches.  It’s just the place for pouring over the New York Times and a late breakfast while sipping on their homemade watermelon lemonade with mint or one of their five flavored iced teas…any day of the week.

If it is true, as Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, that “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.”  show me where you dine this summer and I will tell you how magic the season has been.