Valentine’s Day Menu at Babushka’s Kitchen

February 3, 2012 – 10:42 am Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants

Join Babushka’s Kitchen for dinner on February 10th – 14th for a special Valentine’s Day Menu. Dinner for two $25.00

Appetizer

Cheese plate featuring Kashkaval cheese and homemade crackers

Main Course

(choose two)

Sirloin Steak with Mashed Potatoes

and Green Beans

Potato Flake Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and Cabbage and Noodles

Crepes topped with Savory Sauce served with Mixed Vegetables and Apple Sauce

Dessert

Assorted Dessert Plate

For Reservations call (614)447-9120

Regular menu also available

Trattoria Roma

January 26, 2012 – 2:28 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features, Restaurants, Trattoria Roma

Shawn Mason’s connection to Trattoria Roma predates his driver’s license! The once teenage busser climbed the ranks at the restaurant’s original Morse Road location to become the General Manager, and was then given the charge of opening a new location in Grandview in 2000. Who better to spot the work ethic and talent of a scrappy apprentice on break from Columbus State’s culinary program? Soon after the Grandview opening, Shawn hired Matt Prokopchak as a prep cook. Shawn became a partner in the business, and over several years and a number of transactions, a majority owner. As he was navigating the business of operating a restaurant, Matt graduated from Culinary school and sharpened his skills at each of the kitchen stations, eventually becoming the Executive Chef, and then a co-owner.

Together the guys have shaped a restaurant that embraces classic Italian cuisine with a contemporary approach. The chef works closely with the finest purveyors and local farmers to ensure that his kitchen produces a lovely progression of dishes that take each patron on a journey from antipasti to primi, then onto secondi and dolci.

The handsome dining room and Sinatra-esque bar provide perfect spaces for intimate dinners, as well as long lunches around a table packed with friends. A monthly schedule of wine dinners allow Chef Matt to pore over his library and match wines with dishes from the selected region of Italy, always with a hint of the gluttony and lust of the early Roman banquets that capture his imagination. On February 28 a winemaker from the Graffigna Winery in Argentina will describe what happened when an Italian family immigrated with their business to South America. The kitchen is jazzed to play with Argentinean fusion cuisine. Or, quite possibly, to invent it.

The energy of young talent and authentic hospitality infuses the experience of dining at Trattoria Roma. Shawn and Matt welcome you with wonderful dishes, interesting and affordable wines, and a vibe that seems more uptown than the address would indicate. Their passion for creating memorable occasions, rather than just perfectly executed dishes, is in perfect alignment with the sensibilities of the tight knit Dine Originals community. Whether collaborating on cooking classes at the North Market, launching the Dine Originals Culinary Scholarship at Columbus State, or serving on the Board of Trustees, they bring a spirit of camaraderie and diligence that explains their remarkable accomplishments over the last decade.

When I said “handsome dining room” did I forget to mention it is a painted a deep rich red? Make a reservation there for the 3 course Valentines Day Dinner value-packed at $45, and you won’t have to do another thing but sit back and let the evening play out. Trattoria Roma is, Matt tells me, not a first date sort of place, but a come-to-close-the-deal destination when you know there is a considerable connection. Artisanal food, sparkling glasses of crisp champagne, a deep red dining room…none of that should be taken lightly. Or too seriously. A balance that has only been mastered by the Italians.

Trattoria Roma
1447 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
614-488-2104
www.trattoria-roma.com »
Lunch: Monday-Friday 11-2 Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 4-9 Friday & Saturday 4-11
**Photos by Melissa Roberts

Z Cucina Welcomes Claudio Lenotti for a Five Course Dinner

January 17, 2012 – 9:55 am Posted by nate

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

Z Cucina Welcomes Claudio Lenotti as Special Guest Host for a
Five Course Dinner Featuring the Wines of Cantine Lenotti.

***Thursday, February 9th, beginning at 6:30 pm
The price is $75 including tax and tip. Reservations Required at 486-9200
Vegetarian Menu is available, please note during your reservation

First Course

Chilled Pescatora
clams, mussels, octopus, calamari, shrimp, scallops with mint chili oil, shaved celery
Lenotti Trebbiano di Lugano “La Folaghe”

Second Course

Bigoli alla Bolognese
roasted duck ragout, rainbow chard, handmade buckwheat noodles & house ricotta salata
Lenotti Rosso Passo

Third Course

Bresaola
rosemary grissini, aged balsamic & preserved asiago
Lenotti Bardolino Superiore “Le Olle”

Fourth Course

Osso Bucco di Agnello
braised lamb shank, espresso demi, venetian polenta& grilled treviso
Lenotti Amarone Classico

Dessert

Chocolate “Ciotollo”
dried fruit and pistachio truffle, winter fruit compote & zaleti cookies
Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella

Z CUCINA RESTAURANT, 1368 GRANDVIEW AVE. 614-486-9200

The Worthington Inn

January 13, 2012 – 2:14 pm Posted by Katharine Moore

Filed under: Features, Restaurants, The Worthington Inn

Chef Thomas Smith experienced wonderful food early in life; his grandmother explored all sorts of cuisines using cookbooks as her guide, so fine food was very much a backdrop to family life. The idea of a career in cooking came much later ~ it wasn’t until Chef Tom took a job during college in the kitchen at Lindey’s that he was exposed to professional chefs and the possibility of a career in the field. With this discovery, his talents and ambition were instantly aligned. Training at Lindey’s and then Rigsby’s Kitchen shaped an approach that is grounded in the simply joy of creating fine dishes and an absolute passion for local sourcing.

Ten years ago Chef Tom was welcomed on board at the Worthington Inn and encouraged to create a chef driven menu. That foundation, coupled with a decade of building relationships with local farmers and suppliers, has resulted in repeated designations as a Top Ten establishment with a following that could easily be described as cult-like. Well… that might have a creepy vibe, so let’s just say that patrons are devoted to the restaurant, eager to explore the always innovative seasonal menus, and they bring all of their celebrations and momentous occasions to the Inn.

For long-time guests or those in search of a notable venue, the Worthington Inn’s elegant ballroom, which can accommodate 100 guests, is the perfect space for a rehearsal dinner, shower, small wedding, and/or anniversary celebration when an exquisite meal is important. This is not your mama’s hotel banquet menu!

Surrounding himself with a staff devoted to the same lofty standards has kept the Chef excited about his kitchen. The team isredefining the practice of local sourcing. A deepening relationship with one farmer has led to the creation of a Worthington Inn-dedicated mini farm. The 30 chickens provide eggs, the greens are grown to order, and the 40-year-old asparagus bed produces an amazing crop. Local chicken, pork, and cheeses are woven into the creations from the kitchen, while the recent availability of local spirits has enhanced the bar offerings.

When asked about the most meaningful compliment ever offered up by a guest, Chef Tom had an easy favorite to share. A master acupuncturist is among the community of healers and practioners who frequent the Inn. After enjoying a lovely meal of gnocchi, he asked the chef if he had made the dish himself. “Yes,” he replied. “I made the noodles, browned the mushrooms, and created the sauce…it’s funny you ask, I was remembering with gratitude the kitchens where I learned the recipes as I was cooking.” The Master explained “I thought so. I could feel the energy.” As the author Laura Esquivel wrote in Like Water for Chocolate “The recipes are more than just formulas, they hold, concealed within them, memories.”

What else does Chef Thomas prepare with that same degree of mindfulness and love? His children’s school lunches…every morning! He is all about the fresh fruit and wonderful bread, but says he is happy to be the Dad who tucks in an occasional Snickers bar too. This father of 4, with a fifth baby arriving this summer, brings the alchemy of abundance, joy, local ingredients, and discipline to the Dine Originals organization. We are very proud to have him in our ranks and to call him a friend and a colleague.

The Worthington Inn has something special to offer…seven days a week:
Sunday Brunch, Monday through Friday Happy Hour, Prime Rib Tuesdays, First Wednesday wine dinners, Thursday wine at retail prices. www.worthingtoninn.com »

649 High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
614-885-2600

**Photos by Melissa Roberts

Murder Mystery Dinner at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 3:00 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, The Oak Room at The Granville Inn

Murder, mystery and magic take center stage on Friday evening February 3 when we host The Murder Mystery Company’s show, Of Sound Mind and Dead Body.

One of the world’s foremost magicians dies during his own act, leaving his fortune up for grabs. Who will receive the money from the late Great Scott and which greedy character is responsible for his death?

Includes 3 course dinner and cash bar.
Tickets: $40 per person.
Seating is limited, purchase your tickets today!

Roll out the Barrel Beer Tasting at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 2:59 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, The Oak Room at The Granville Inn

An assortment of craft beers, beer-friendly food and music by Ray Galla and his Polka Gems. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call 740-587-3333 to reserve.

Bluegrass Monday at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 2:58 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, The Oak Room at The Granville Inn

Psychologists tell us that this year January 23 is the saddest day of the year. Gloomy weather, holiday bills have arrived, and it seems like it’s a long time until spring. They call it “Blue Monday.” We reject that notion, and have renamed the day “Bluegrass Monday” and have invited Flo and the Boys to celebrate.

Craft Beer Thursdays at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 2:51 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants

Thursdays just got better at The Granville Inn!

Due to the popularity of our Wine Wednesdays, the Craft Beer contingent demanded equal time, so we will be hosting Craft Beer Thursdays on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Starting at 5 pm in our Acorn Pub or the Oak Room, for $10, taste four different beers and enjoy the music of “Flo and the Boys”. Chef Chad will include a tasty tidbit and Jordan will be manning the bar.

On alternate Thursdays, for every draft beer you purchase from 5-9 pm in the Oak Room or Acorn Pub, you can keep the specialty glass for just $1.50.

Craft Beer Thursday at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 2:46 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, The Oak Room at The Granville Inn

Thursdays just got better at The Granville Inn!

Due to the popularity of our Wine Wednesdays, the Craft Beer contingent demanded equal time, so we will be hosting Craft Beer Thursdays on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Starting at 5 pm in our Acorn Pub or the Oak Room, for $10, taste four different beers and enjoy the music of “Flo and the Boys”. Chef Chad will include a tasty tidbit and Jordan will be manning the bar.

On alternate Thursdays, for every draft beer you purchase from 5-9 pm in the Oak Room or Acorn Pub, you can keep the specialty glass for just $1.50.

Wine Wednesday at The Granville Inn

January 6, 2012 – 2:43 pm Posted by nate

Filed under: Events, Restaurants, The Oak Room at The Granville Inn

Join us for Wine Wednesdays the first and third Wednesday of each month.

5-7 pm in the Chef’s Table

5-9 pm in the Oak Room and Acorn Pub

Julie and visiting wine experts will present a flight of four themed wines plus a tasty tidbit from Chef Chad.

$10 per person + tax and gratuity.

Plus, for Wine Wednesdays, tasting wines are available by the bottle at state minimum prices with no corkage fee.