This month marks Kamal Boulos’ 20th anniversary as owner of The Refectory

September 13, 2011 – 10:39 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

September marks Kamal Boulos’ 20th anniversary as owner of the Refectory (Kamal has been with the Refectory for 34 of its 35 years!). Beginning now, the Refectory will be surprising at least one lucky couple each night for the rest of September by taking care of their entire food check. By month’s end, a total of 20 couples will have dined for free on the Refectory.

Additionally, The Refectory will also be doing a drawing for dinner for two and patrons can register online for a chance to win on Refectory.com.

Tis’ the Season

August 12, 2011 – 1:32 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

The Dine Originals restaurants are ripe with the tastes of the season. And though the culinary influences are deeply rooted in the local movement, the styles are varied and vivid. Everybody has a summer craving, and it’s usually steeped in the tastes and aromas of memory. If you find yourself hungry for the honest-to-goodness flavors of the Ohio farm table, use the Dine Originals roster to plan a memorable summer meal.

Seasonal offerings and lively menus are the signatures of kitchens that don’t get their recipes faxed in from a corporate office, or their vegetables delivered in a flash frozen pouch.

Every season has its bounty, but nothing compares with these peak weeks of the summer harvest. Supporting local producers and suppliers gives our members the opportunity to create sophisticated food with uncompromised integrity. Many of our restaurants make daily menu changes as fresh produce becomes available from the fields.

We invite you to savor the alchemy that happens when garden-fresh and skillfulness merge in an accomplished kitchen. The following is truly just a sampling of our region’s best:

Fresh peach cheesecake with peach compote topping at the Wildflower Cafe.

The Sweet Tea Brined Heritage Tamworth Pork Loin Chop chef Caskey serves with Baked Bean Puree, and Summer Succotash at Skillet, Rustic. Urban. Food.

Trattoria Roma’s Fresh peaches, carrots, feta cheese, and honey roasted cashews w/ mixed greens in a peach white balsamic sesame vinaigrette. (The cashews are from Krema Nut Co. and the peaches from Rife’s Market.)

The Grandville Inn has three salads of note: a Shepherd’s Salad with diced cucumber, red onion and tomato tossed with feta cheese and Kalamata olives, the Haricot Verts Salad with French green beans with fried shallots, smoked bacon and Marcona almonds tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, and a chilled Shrimp Salad with tender Bibb lettuce, avocado, hearts of palm and oranges in a pink grapefruit vinaigrette.

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar will bring a serving of Setas a la Parilla con Verduras to your patio table, which in English means you’ll enjoy grilled portabella mushroom; hummus stuffed piquillo peppers; saute of sweet corn, onions and spinach; and spicy herb pesto.

The Vienna Ice Café is preparing Vacherin, a French specialty. Meringue with layers of strawberry and vanilla ice-cream that will transport you to Paris for just a few bites.

Alana’s is doing what they do so masterfully…last night’s offerings included an Ohio Valley tomato stack with lump crab, Amish chicken egg, shaved onions, white cheddar and greens with cabernet buttermilk dressing, and a grilled 8 ounce Ohio Proud beef fillet with heirloom cherry tomatoes, avocado, bleu cheese, and bacon vinaigrette. I noticed the room was full, but hushed…you somehow can’t chatter and savor in the same moment.

Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn in Lancaster is the hub of seasonal fare in Fairfield County. The fried green local tomatoes with edamame succotash salad and corn cream is the talk of the town.

Black Olive in the Short North is featuring a crispy bruschetta topped with a blend of avocado, onion, jalapeño, tomato and mango served with fresh herbs and house vinaigrette.

Don’t you love it when you just stumble into being trendy? The chefs that work in the Dine Original kitchens did not leap onto a random bandwagon that came through town. The buzz phrases of “plant to plate” and “farm to fork ” didn’t send anyone back to culinary school for retraining. But, as luck would have it, the world is catching up with the gospel we’ve been preaching for almost a decade. Locally sourced makes better economic sense, and the flavors are certain to be more intense. Treat yourself to a memorable meal, and if someone interprets that choice as trendy…so be it!

Edible Columbus

June 20, 2011 – 2:40 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

We are highlighting edible Columbus for several reasons. One of our wildly talented chefs is featured in the new edition, we haveanedible Columbus event planned in August that we’d love for you to put on your calendar, and mostly because the work of Dine Originals and edible Columbus appeals to the same like-minded members of the Central Ohio community, I wanted to be certain all of our followers are aware of the magazine and know that it can be picked up for free at dozens of locations around the city. I go through each issue twice before I begin to read the articles: once for the stunning photography and then to read the ads…I have learned about all sorts of amazing resources from cooking schools to raspberry farms from the ads in previous issues.

edible Columbus is an independently-owned, community-based publication devoted to connecting you to your local food community. The magazine focuses on local, sustainable food sources and the people who work the land to bring this bounty to our tables. Publisher Tricia Wheeler says “ From the farmers, to the distributors, to our local artisans, entrepreneurs and leaders, we aim to make all partners in the local food chain empowered and engaged in the building of a true local food system.”

Dine Originals Columbus has been a partner and supporter from the beginning; together we have developed the Edible Supper Club which brings together a small group for a prix fixe dinner at one of the Dine Originals restaurants each quarter. On August 23 the kitchen at Granville’s Short Story Brasserie will flex its significant culinary muscle for an unforgettable summer dinner. The menu and pricing details will be posted in the next couple of weeks.

The new issue of edible Columbus profiles Chef Thomas Smith of the Worthington Inn in this editions “At the Table” feature. Thearticle captures the Zen-like sense of respect Chef Smith has for both the historic property he is operating his kitchen in and for the food he prepares for guests of The Worthington Inn. We’re incredibly proud to call him one of our own!

To learn more about the magazine, including a list of locations distributing the new issue, visit www.edibleColumbus.com

Savor the Arts with Dine Originals!

May 26, 2011 – 9:35 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

The Columbus Arts Festival will celebrate its 50th year of bringing the best in fine art and fine craft to Columbus, June 3, 4 & 5, 2011. To celebrate this momentous occasion, they are creating a BIG festival experience—diverse, inclusive and creative with an emphasis on engaging a broader spectrum of the community.

The 2011 celebration will incorporate more community partners—local artists, local collectors and patrons, local restaurants andsmall businesses. So a first-time partnership with Dine Originals Columbus was a natural!

We are pitching a huge tent at the corner of Long and Washington Streets (close to the main stage and easy parking) and creating Savor the Arts…because who says festival food can’t be fresh and creative? With a different rotation of Dine Originals restaurants each day, the $5 small plate offerings will include treats from Barcelona Restaurant,, Barrio, Black Creek Bistro, Deepwood, Due Amici, The Elevator Brewing &Draught Haus, G. Michaels Bistro, Katzinger’s Delicatessen,  Mozart’s Bakery, The Refectory, Rigsby’s Kitchen, Skillet, Tasi Café, and The Top Steakhouse.

Treat yourself from a list of menu items that include crab cakes, grilled brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, lobster and corn chowder, shrimp with guacamole, Ohio Proud Suckling Pig with House-made Pork Rinds and Greens in Bacon Vinaigrette, New England Lobster Roll with Potato Chips , Shrimp & Grits, specialty deli sandwiches, grilled pork sandwiches, biscotti, brownies, and fruit tartlets. A couple of small plates and a glass of wine, and trust us, you will be savoring the art of living well!

For more festival information: www.columbusartsfestival.org

The Taste of Dine Originals is Almost Here!

May 6, 2011 – 9:33 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

The Taste of Dine Originals, our annual signature fundraiser, will take place May 12 at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center (an urban oasis in the Brewery District) from 6 until 9pm.

This is what happens every single night in heaven for foodies! There are 50 restaurants, international vineyards, local brews, and micro distilleries. Guests graze, at their own pace, from one amazing tasting table to the next. What brands this event as the best of its kind are the chefs, brew masters, sommeliers and owners who are there to engage you. They love talking food and wine and pairings and produce and local sourcing. They look forward to swapping stories with each other, and with our guests.

Tickets are $100.00 per person, with proceeds benefitting both the Buckeye Ranch and Dine Originals Columbus.

Click here to purchase tickets now.

Out on the Town

April 18, 2011 – 8:56 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Out on the Town is for champions of the Arts…visual, performing, and culinary.

At Dine Originals Columbus we fancy ourselves as a component of the vibrant cultural life found in our community. We celebrate all of the opportunities for innovative expression and broad participation. We actively promote Columbus’ unique identity, and we add flavor the economy. In this spirit we are very pleased to announce the creation of a new initiative that will bolster Columbus’s indie restaurant scene and its arts community alike. For the program, dubbed Out on the Town, a card will be issued on an annual basis to members of and subscribers to participating arts and cultural organizations (at certain levels of membership ~ the idea is to offer an incentive for stepping up levels of support by a notch) and will feature 20% off lunch or dinner, Sundays through Thursdays, at participating Dine Originals restaurants. These cards are intended to serve as an ongoing benefit for members and subscribers, rather than just another discount. In turn, the restaurants benefit from exposure and additional business on traditionally less busy days.

Kamal Boulos, president of the Dine Originals board and owner of The Refectory, notes “We’re looking to appeal to people who go ‘out on the town,’ patronizing both Dine Originals restaurants and the city’s arts offerings—and to foster the affinities and connections among the restaurants and the arts groups. Early feedback has been enthusiastic, and we hope to offer this program for years to come.”

Contact one of the arts organizations you are passionate about and learn about their guidelines for becoming a card carrying member of the Out on the Town.

Participating arts organizations are:

· BalletMet Columbus

· Broadway in Columbus

· CAPA

· CATCO-Phoenix

· Chamber Music Columbus

· CityMusic Columbus

· Columbus Children’s Theatre

· Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus

· Columbus Museum of Art

· Columbus Symphony Orchestra

· COSI

· Franklin Park Conservatory

· Jazz Arts Group

· Opera Columbus

· ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

· Thurber House

· Wexner Center for the Arts

Participating restaurants are:

· Alana’s Food & Wine

· Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

· Barrio Tapas

· Black Creek Bistro

· Black Olive

· Chile Verde

· The Clarmont

· DeepWood An American Tavern

· Due Amici

· Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus

· G. Michael’s Bistro

· The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls

· Katzinger’s Delicatessen

· Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Café

· The Oak Room at the Granville Inn

· The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro

· Rigsby’s Kitchen

· Shoku

· Short Story Brasserie

· The Top Steakhouse

· Trattoria Roma

Taste of Dine Originals

April 11, 2011 – 2:38 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Our signature annual event, Taste of Dine Originals, is one of Ohio’s best food and wine events, featuring tastings and samplings from 50regional restaurants, 30 vineyards, 2 craft breweries, and a couple of micro distilleries Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an intrigued beginner, chefs, brew masters, and winery representatives welcome you as they mix useful knowledge with exquisite samples of their art. The silent auction features cooking lessons, private dinners, special events, works of art, and rare bottles of wine.

This year’s event on May 12 will be held at the Grange Audubon Center on the Whittier Peninsula. If you haven’t seen this amazing venue, you are in for an “Oh, wow!” moment. From the heart of the Brewery District turn west on Whittier Street and there you are…in the middle of a nature preserve tucked into downtown Columbus. We can’t wait for you to see the sunset from the terrace. Tickets are $100, with proceeds benefiting The Buckeye ranch and Dine Originals Columbus.

Join us for a glass clinking, swishing, swirling, people watching, mouth watering kind of fun! It wouldn’t be the same without you.

To purchase tickets and for more details click here.

Z Cucina and Gentile’s Wine Sellers Feature a Dinner in Piedmont with the Incredible Produttori del Barbarescos of Aldo Vacca

April 6, 2011 – 9:22 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, Z Cucina Ristorante & Bar

Z Cucina and Gentile’s Wine Sellers Feature a Dinner in Piedmont with the Incredible Produttori del Barbarescos of Aldo Vacca on Tuesday, April 19th 2011, 6:30pm. Reservations required and can only be made by calling the restaurant directly, (614) 486-9200.

First Course

Grilled Lobster & Artichoke Roulade
lemon & saffron emulsion, local mizuna greens

Gavi, Broglia, La Meirana, Piedmont, Italy 2009

Second Course

Braised Rabbit Ravioli
carrot noodles, juniper jus

Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, Italy 2006

Third Course

Crispy Pork Cheeks
porcini polenta, cherry tomato confit

Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, “Rio Sordo” Riserva, Italy 2005

Fourth Course

Spice Crusted Muscovy Duck Breast
sweet potato & fennel rösti, local arugula, molasses & balsamic gastrique

Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, “Asili” Riserva, Italy 2005

Fifth Course

Grilled Rack of Lamb
smoked onion & pepper glaze, tart cherry risotto

Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, “Montestefano” Riserva, Italy 2005

AVAILABLE STARTING: APRIL 5!

April 5, 2011 – 8:19 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Gift Certificates – 30% SAVINGS!

Dine Originals Columbus: Strengthening the Columbus economy one bite at a time!

We invite you to explore new restaurants and visit old favorites at a significant discount. Only once a quarter each of our restaurants offers a limited supply of 30% Discount Certificates.

Clearing out the Pantry and Making Room for a New Release of Discount Gift Certificates!

March 21, 2011 – 12:02 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Our next release of Dine Originals Gift Certificates will happen on April 5 and we need to make room for them. Our entire current inventory has been reduced to 50% off the face value. Click here to make a purchase.

Bienvenida Chile Verde Café!
PepperIt is with a real sense of excitement that Dine Originals announces its newest member Chile Verde Café. As they say on theirwebsite “The actual description of our cuisine is New Mexican…although most refer to it as their obsession.” Located in a shopping center on Bethel and Sawmill, this unassuming location is a destination for diners who know authentic New Mexican food. With peppers and spices flown in weekly from artisan growers in New Mexico, and the tastiest Margarita poured in the county, it’s easy to understand how they collect testimonials like this one:

“Chile Verde is as close to the southwest that you can get without boarding a plane. The food takes us to Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Phoenix every time we visit. The blue corn tortillas and green chile are authentic New Mexico tastes.” -Tim M., Hilliard, Ohio

Chile Verde Café is located at 4852 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, OH 43235. phone: 614.442.6330. Visit them on the web.

Calendar note: only 49 days until Cinco de Mayo!

Dine Originals In The News…

Congratulations to Anand and Doris Saha, owners of Mozart’s Bakery and Piano Cafe. The shop has been named the 2011 Clintonville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Edible Columbus wrote a beautiful feature on Black Creek Bistro in their Spring 2011 Edition. Click here to read the article and view the photos. The article, From the Ground Up. A thriving farm leads to growth all around with Kent Peter’s Black Creek Bistro, begins on Page 40.

Grazing for Grownups at Taste of Dine Originals

Plans are well underway for this year’s Taste of Dine Originals. Our signature event is on the move ~ we will provide an evening of amazing food and top notch wines at the Grange Audubon Center on May 12. Every kid loves to graze at the fair, right? Well this is the grown up version! Fifty one member restaurants from Rigsby’s Kitchen to The Top Steak House offer a showcase of their chef’s talents. And there is the wine. Unbelievable pours from vineyards all over the world. Tickets are $100 and are on sale now. The proceeds of the event benefit both Dine Originals Columbus and The Buckeye Ranch.