Katharine Moore – Dine Originals Columbus

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Author Archives: Katharine Moore

Dine Originals Week – Encore!

March 14, 2011 – 1:27 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

en·core (nkôr, -kr) n. 1. A demand by an audience for an additional performance, usually expressed by applause. An encore.

Dine Originals Week was a smashing success…in all the ways that we measure the event. New faces, reservations weeks in advance, great feedback, and very happy customers. The restaurants taking part in the encore are as follows:

Barcelona
Black Olive
Figlio Wood Fired Pizza
The Refectory & Bistro
Tony’s Italian Ristorante
Z Cucina Ristorante & Bar

Seven Days of Savoring

March 3, 2011 – 9:47 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Dine Originals Week March 2011 is upon us. Our supporters love the tradition because it offers diners the opportunity to enjoy more than 50 participating restaurants — including many of the city’s most notable — at a bargain price. One of the lessons we have taken away from this Groupon-era of discounts is that everyone appreciates a bargain, but over the long term the real appeal is for value, and a price fixe lunch at Barcelona for $10, or a three course dinner at Alana’s for $30 certainly fits the bill.

This week ranks up there like some sort of a national holiday for the community of like minded people who support Dine Originals Columbus. If you have a soft spot for exceptional dining establishments that make things from scratch, on premises, and rely on local products made with that artisan labor of love, welcome to our Seven Days of Savoring. If you are more apt to head to the neighborhood pub with local brews on tap than one with all of the stock national favorites, we have introductions we’d love to make.

From Katzinger’s and Katalina’s Corner Café, to Bel Lago Waterfront Bistro and Mozart’s Bakery and Piana Café, our members approach dining out from 51 different approaches, but there are commonalities; nobody seems to feel the need to pull any tricks; our members just focus on making each serving a dish of high quality with deep flavor. Have a grilled Reuben sandwich at Spinelli’s Deli, Horseradish crusted Arctic Char at L’Antibes, and/or a Parisian Macaron at Pistacia Vera. These are kitchens that are hardwired to put out remarkable food, and Dine Originals Week is a chance for them to strut a bit.

Pour over the attached menus….they are certain to pique your appetite and your interest!

Dine Originals Week is Coming!

February 21, 2011 – 1:43 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

The 51 members of Dine Originals Columbus request the pleasure of your company, your spirited sense of adventure, and your discriminating taste for Dine Originals Week March 7 – 13.

Make a lunch date now to try somewhere new, initiate an email conversation today to select a date and location for dinner with that group of friends you don’t see nearly enough of, and confirm a romantic night on the town with your own true love. Whether it’s arriving with the roar of a lion or the mew of a lamb, March is just 2 weeks away!

Click here for event details and to view Dine Originals Week Menus

Dine Originals invite you to think outside the chocolate box

February 2, 2011 – 11:35 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Somewhere along the way, those looking for a way out of celebrating Valentine’s Day began grumbling that it is just a “A fake Hallmark holiday” and that became the fall back position for the uninspired.

In fact, Chaucer wrote a poem honoring the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia that tied romantic love to the saint’s day for the first time in 1382. A few eons before the Greeting Card Association of America got involved. And I bet the poem was presented at a feast with wonderful food and the finest wines.

At Dine Originals we invite you to think outside the chocolate box. Don’t get duped into stressing out about the whole thing…plan ahead, think about how to frame your affection in an Original manner, and embrace the excuse to eat, drink and laugh over a harsh winter weekend. Each one of our 52 member restaurants have given the holiday some thought, and while we can’t detail all of them, here are some highlights to consider:

Spice Things Up a Bit

At Surly Girl Saloon you can choose from sweet options like That’s Amore Deluxe Veggie Pizza (heart-shaped, naturally) and Sweet Tomato Cream Pasta, or Hot options like the Thai Me Up, Thai Me Down Pizza or Surly Girl’s Pretty Pink Salmon Tacos
Three courses for 2 for $30. Or three courses for 1 for $20.

Or The Columbus Brewing Company can make your taste buds blush with Spicy Cajun Jambalaya. Prepared with Tiger shrimp, salmon, chicken, and seared andouille sausage, roasted red peppers and fresh spinach in a spicy roma tomato sauce.

Get Out of Town

If you want to hit Valentine’s Day out of the park this year, it’s best to plan ahead. Especially if you’re thinking of a surprise road trip. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls, Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn in Lancaster, and the historic Granville Inn are all offering spectacular dinners (the chef is in charge) and pillow talk (that’s on you).

The Inn and Spa at Cedar Fallshas wrapped the package and tied the bow for you…every detail has been considered in their “Hearts Abound” experience, available February 13-15th.

Spend two uninterrupted weekday nights in a cozy cottage with your loved one. Your first evening enjoy a romantic picnic dinner in your cottage with homemade chocolate covered cherry cupcakes for dessert. Sink into our whirlpool tub with fragrant rose soap. Discover elegant stationery to write a “love letter” to each other. Sumptuous breakfast both mornings delivered to your cottage or join other guests in the fragrant filled restaurant. During the day the spa manager will teach you how to do a foot massage on each other. And, a professional photographer will schedule a 1/2 hour photo shoot and create sweet memories for in a CD with six images. Your last evening will be dinner by candlelight in our restaurant. All this lovingly put together for $575.

The Granville Inn is combining passions… chocolate & wine, a series of pairings available in the Gourmet to Go and Boutique Wine Shop. And Shaw’s in Lancaster always has love simmering in the kitchen. For Valentines they are serving Queen of Hearts Salad, Raspberry Champagne Chicken, and chocolate Whoopie Cake.

Table Hopping

Basil, Press Grill, Tasi’s, Deepwood, Rigsby’s Kitchen, Burgundy Room, Surly Girl, Basi-Italia and Bodega each have a distinct vibe to consider…so whatever your heart desires, it’s likely it can be found in the Short North. Kent Rigsby whispered in my ear (Oh fine, let’s be literal. He emailed me.) that he plans a decidedly Italian themed menu, with blood oranges as a central part of the theme. Rigsby’s Kitchen, will offer its complete a la carte menu throughout the weekend as well. It’s hard not to be in love when you sit at table #30…I’m pretty sure someone cast a spell on that very spot.

To Serve in the Privacy of Your Own Home

Pistacia Vera’s Passion Fruit Chambord Truffle (mini $6/ small $24/ large $39) gluten & nut-free layers of chocolate flourless cake, passion fruit curd & black raspberry butter cream topped with premium Valrhona Araguani chocolate mousse and Chambord chocolate glaze includes perfect Valentine’s heart garnish.

Or place an order for a mini (6″) chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake (chocolate shortbread crust, fresh strawberry cheesecake covered in chocolate genache) for $15 at the Wildflower Café.

Chocolate Inebriations

Katzinger’s Delicatessen begins Chocolate Inebriations month with a chocolate and beer tasting on February 10, at 6:30pm. Representatives from Goose Island will explore the slightly edgy union of 8 exotic Vosage chocolates with 6 Goose Island craft brews. You won’t believe the deliciousness this match makes and the rush of discovering a new terrific palate teaser. A little history, production information, and a lot of fun will be had for $18/person.

Then, on Wednesday, February 16, they present their annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Wine Tasting with Ken Harvey from Cutting Edge Selections. For just $21, you’ll discover the excitement of joining the acclaimed sexiest food with the most fetching beverage. They will tempt you with pairings of 7 chocolates with 6 estate bottled wines.

With both tastings, chocolates will be 20% off the night of the tasting for tasters only. You can purchase wine by the case at a 10% discount.

As Diane Warren, the owner of Katzinger’s, says “ This is a helluva way to prepare to ride out the rest of winter!”

Call 614-228-3354 to make your prepaid reservation.

It’s a Date!

January 7, 2011 – 11:20 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Whether we are talking about on line calendars, hand held scheduling devices, organizational systems, or a calendar from your insurance agent hanging on your kitchen wall, the new year is ready to be filled in with important dates, birthday reminders, and plans to back up your resolution to see friends more often.

Dine Originals Columbus has a few dates to add to the mix.

We release discounted gift certificates 4 times a year. This limited offer provides the majority of funding for our organization and rewards our loyal followers with the opportunity to dine locally at 30% off. Since a number of the certificates sell out on the day they are released, scheduling a visit to the website is a smart move. You can note January 11, April 5, July 12, and October 11 for this year’s sales.

Dine Originals Week is when we celebrate the community of local foodies. Our chef’s create special menus and we invite everyone to experience the difference passion makes. This year we have big plans for both March 7 – 13 and November 7 – 13.

And then there is the once a year opportunity to taste a special offering from as many of our 50 members as you can manage. The Taste of Dine Originals is a phenomenal evening of offerings… seafood, appetizers, vegetarian fare, desserts, salads, and wines …oh, how the wines flow that night! Your $100 ticket is a passport to food, wine, music, and commraderie with like minded people. Plan ahead for this May 12 event …give tickets as a birthday or anniversary gift ~ bring a client or colleague who is new to town so they can map out the places they want to get to know better, and tell anyone who asks…”Sorry I’m busy on May 12th …it’s an event I never miss!” We happily share the proceeds of the event with our partners at The Buckeye Ranch and feel very proud to be associated with the community enhancing work they do 365 days a year.

So type, scan, scribble, or post them…but make a note of all these opportunities to support the local economy, to indulge your love of great food, and to recognize the layer of authenticity and creativity Central Ohio enjoys thanks to the flavors of our local restaurant scene.

Our Wish to You for 2011

December 26, 2010 – 12:00 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features, Restaurants

While the mad spin of reality TV, fast food, the Kardashians, and a homogenized world of McCities seems to be gaining ground, Dine Originals celebrates the character and romanticism of scrappy small businesses that are built around connection, community, hospitality, and breaking bread.

Whether you want to salute the outgoing year and give thanks for your 365 day trip around the sun, or are looking forward to telling 2010 farewell and welcoming in a fresh start, be intentional about where you choose to spend the evening. Celebrating at a Dine Originals will feel a bit like a family gathering (if your family includes a really handsome guy at the stove and a bartender who can make you laugh till you cry). Whether you are deep in the Hocking Hills at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls or downtown at the Top Kitchen & Cocktails, our chefs have planned their menus, and our staffs have negotiated their schedules so that the team members who love to work on December 31st will be on hand. From a romantic French dinner at the Refectory to a raucous good time at Barrio, we can meet your appropriately high expectations! Click here to see a listing of Dine Originals Columbus New Year’s Eve options.

In a world where diversity and originality are at risk, Dine Originals Columbus has staked its mission on authenticity. We don’t make widgets and we don’t get our recipes emailed from a corporate office. We make soups, friends, and a difference. May 2011 be a year of true blue friendships, original ideas and adventures, and one-of-a-kind experiences for each of you!

4th Annual Holiday Fundraiser benefiting Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

December 8, 2010 – 5:18 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Wildflower Cafe

The 4th Annual Holiday Fundraiser benefiting Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center is being held this Thursday, December 9th at the Immaculate Conception Church on East North Broadway. Taking part in the benefit are Dine Originals Columbus members: Mozart’s Bakery & Piano and Wildflower Cafe.

Click here for complete details.

Discriminating taste buds savor 12 days of delicacies

November 29, 2010 – 10:19 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Barcelona Restaurant and Bar, L'Antibes, Mozart's Bakery & Piano Cafe, Mozart's North Market, Restaurants

Three Dine Originals members were part of the 12 days of Christmas feature in the Columbus Dispatch. Check out the days each member was mentioned and why!

Discriminating taste buds savor 12 days of delicacies

Thursday, November 25, 2010 02:57 AM
By JON CHRISTENSEN
The Columbus Dispatch

For the 12 days of Christmas, I would give my true love (or, better yet, my true love would give to me):

SECOND DAY Little bargains, Barcelona Restaurant & Bar: A low-priced fixed-price menu of first-class small plates is available Tuesdays through Sundays. (263 E. Whittier St.; 614-443-3699,www.barcelonacolumbus.com)

11TH DAY Wine dinner, L’Antibes: Wow your companion with the wine dinners in the intimate space, where the next event (Dec.13, $125) will feature unusually good wines (a red Sancerre) paired with very suitable foods, such as farm-sourced pheasant cassoulet and Long Island duck confit. (772 N. High St., Suite 106; 614-291-1666, www.lantibes.com)

12TH DAY Dessert, Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Cafe: Indulge in the season with a chocolate chestnut torte finished with a subtle cognac mousse; a walnut spongecake rolled with chocolate mousse, raspberry preserves and a chestnut-amaretto puree; or a traditional yule log, a spongecake rolled in chocolate buttercream and raspberry jam. (2885 N. High St.; 614-268-3687, www.mozartscafe.com)

Honorable mention:
The yule log at Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Cafe from Eric Albretch, Dispatch

Making a list and checking it twice?!

November 29, 2010 – 10:00 am Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features

Thanksgiving was a success, Ohio State triumphed, and you weren’t on the news for breaking line and causing a riot on Black Friday. Keep the lucky streak in place…do your Christmas shopping with Dine Originals Columbus from the comfort of your keyboard.

We offer a gift certificate that can be traded in for:

Dine Originals Columbus. Fifty three locations, on stop shopping. Strengthening the local economy one gift at a time, while keeping your holiday vibe in tact!

Click here to Purchase Dine Originals Gift Certificates