Skillet, Rustic. Urban. Food.

September 28, 2012 – 1:53 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features, Restaurants, Skillet, Rustic. Urban. Food

Kevin Caskey is not just an interesting restaurateur with a madly successful business, he is a fascinating man who has organized a life in perfect alignment with his passions, talents and priorities. While the term “farm to fork” has been overused enough to fall into the cliché bucket, it is, in its most true blue fashion, the foundation of this seasonal operation. I knew we were dealing with the real deal when Kevin texted his apology for missing a Dine Originals Board meeting because he was butchering a red wattle hog! His educational path took him to New Orleans for medical school at Tulane, but he instead found himself trying to get into the back door of every kitchen in the city. Johnson and Wales was a much better fit and Kevin is a proud Alumna of the Providence, Rhode Island campus.

The exceptional concept for Skillet, Rustic .Urban. Food., the very small restaurant on Whittier Street with the very big reputation, came after a career of 20 years in culinary research and development that allowed Kevin to explore the world of possibilities. His neighborhood café has been featured on the Food Network, PBS, and is Zagat-Rated as having “extraordinary food.” Kevin gives the staff and his wife Angela all of the credit for realizing his vision since the 2009 opening. “Angela is vital to the business, and the staff’s hard work and sacrifice are what fuel the operation” he says. The blending of talents has created a space where patrons can be assured of a respite from the pressures and hassles of the day. A place that nurtures and feeds the guest.

The cadre of small producers, farmers, creameries, and artisans who contribute both inspiration and product to Skillet allow Kevin and his staff to maintain a staunchly seasonal menu. The commitment to presenting plates that contain a majority of food sourced within a 200 mile radius is what shapes Kevin’s days. He guesses that he spends as much time gathering as he does operating the business.

After a long hot summer that extended the growing season, Kevin reports that he is enjoying an unusual overlap… they are still able to get late season tomatoes, peppers, and beans that would normally have transitioned out by now, as the menu begins to feature the autumn harvest of brassicas and root vegetables.

As the Treasurer of Dine Originals Columbus, Kevin has a significant role in shaping the organization. He says he has made time for the group because of the camaraderie it provides and the connections he has made with the like-minded members. They, in turn, would tell you that this talented man with his generous heart has inspired Dine Originals to stay true to its highest ideals. They would also encourage you to dine at Skillet. Rustic. Urban. Food. You will taste the essence of Dine Originals Columbus.

Hours
Wednesday – Friday
Lunch 11am to 2:30pm
Dinner 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch 8am to 2pm
Monday & Tuesday Closed

410 East Whittier Street
Convenient to German Village and downtown
www.skilletruf.com »

Rigsby’s Kitchen Fall Harvest Dinner to benefit Pelotonia

September 26, 2012 – 10:43 am Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, Rigsby's Kitchen

At Rigsby’s Kitchen
featuring the wines of our friend Giancarlo Guarnieri, owner of Lanciola in Tuscany, Italy

Wednesday October 10, 2012
6:30p
$75 per person, 100% will be donated to Pelotonia 2012
Reservation: 614.461.7888

Antipasti
Prosciutto di Parma, sopressata, mortadella, marinated olives, pickled vegetables
Prosecco Spritz

First
Burrata with Dangling Carrot Farms pepperonata
Bianco di Lanciola

Pasta
Housemade pappardelle with braised wild boar
Le masse de Greve, Riserva 2006

Entree
Herb stuffed roast pork with sweet and sour Acorn squash
Lanciola, Terricci IGT 2004

Dessert
Butterscotch budino with caramel sauce and sea salt

Buon apettito!

One of a Kind

September 12, 2012 – 2:18 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Experience Columbus Days Oct 5-8

Experience Columbus Days! Our fall calendar is always jam packed (food pun!) with good times and great food. We will once again partner with Experience Columbus on a Columbus Day Weekend promotion. This year we are inviting locals and visitors alike to explore our one of a kind city at one of a kind prices October 5, 6, 7, & 8. See the offerings here .

Great Stuff Coming Up!

Buy Discount Cards

The next discount gift certificate release will take place on October 17 and we have big plans in the works for the November 12 – 18 Dine Originals Week. We are confident that the whole city will be ready to dine out and celebrate…because no matter who wins the election, that will be our first full week of a world without political ads in waaaaay too long!

Edible Columbus

Katharine Moore shares her favorites with Edible Columbus

Meet our Executive Director, Katharine Moore. Edible Columbus interviewed her in search of local suggestions and resources and posted the profile here.