Today, we’d like to share a terrific blog post from Bethia Woolf, owner of Columbus Food Adventures, on Columbus Happy Hours for Foodies.
Bethia is intimate with Columbus’ food scene and loves to talk about it. In her post, she uncovers great happy hours that also provide quality dining experiences.
Read all about Columbus Happy Hours for Foodies on Bethia’s blog. And, thanks, Bethia, for sharing your insights.
Refectory owner Kamal Boulos
When you talk about culinary traditions and fine dining in Columbus, there is one place that comes to my mind as the epitome of both. The Refectory is the most award-winning restaurant in Columbus and has received Zagat, DiRoNa and Wine Spectator Awards. As if that weren’t enough, The Refectory has also received the prestigious Four Diamond Award from AAA for 15 years in a row.
The menu developed by Chef Richard Blondin, a native of Lyon, France, offers contemporary American cuisine and classic French cuisine. Its also complemented by arguably the largest wine cellar in Columbus, which includes over 700 selections. My wife and I went for dinner with high expectations and we were not disappointed.
The dining room menu features a good mix of seafood and shellfish, meat and poultry and even several fantastic vegetarian options. For those of you fin lovers, the salmon duet hors d’oeuvre is fantastic mix of cold and hot smoked salmon and it’s plated beautifully. My favorite, though, has to be the alpaca terrine with pistachio, olives and cranberry pumpkin vinaigrette. So good, I almost ordered two of them. (more…)
There are lots of ways to get a great deal while you’re out and about in Columbus. Being a self proclaimed “coupon queen,” I have compiled a list of three Columbus organizations that not only help you save money, but also support local businesses:
Columbus Insiders Club - monthly deals you can use to explore the city and still keep some money in the bank.
The Columbus Insider’s Club, brought to you by the team here at Experience Columbus, highlights Columbus’ finest places to play, dine and shop. Insiders receive a monthly e-newsletter with exclusive discounts and special offers. Click here to register - there is no cost to join and the only information needed is your email and zip code. Past Insiders Club offers have included free tickets to COSI’s newest exhibit Titanic, a Broadway Across America Wicked pre-sale opportunity and discounts to great restaurants like Pistacia Vera and Donatos pizza.
Dine Originals Columbus – quarterly discounted certificates you can use to experience unique dining in Columbus.
Dine Originals Columbus is a community of independently owned and operated restaurants. Comprised of over 40 of Central Ohio’s favorite eateries, this group’s mission is to celebrate and support local restaurants. Each quarter Dine Originals Columbus releases a certain amount of discounted certificates that equal 30% off. The certificates range from $7 for a $10 certificate to $17.50 for a $25 certificate. The catch: When they are gone, they are gone! By signing up for their mailing list, you will receive a reminder email each quarter of when the next batch of certificates will be posted. Click here to sign up. At the time I write this, there are still a few certificates available from last quarter including Cotters, Spinelli’s Deli, The Refectory and more - click here to check them out.
Small Business Beanstalk (SBB) – money saving offers you can use 365 days a year.
The SBB connects local businesses to neighbors in the community. Much like one of those grocery cards you have on your key chain, the SBB has their own version. Using this card will get you fabulous discounts at independent retailers, restaurants and bars all throughout Central Ohio. Participating neighborhoods include the Short North, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Downtown, Clintonville, Dublin and Gahanna. To sign up for your very own free SBB card, click here . Current offers include 20% off to The Candle Lab, 15% off food at The Worthington Inn and 10% off Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties.
Happy saving!
Photo: Basi Italia
Having trouble finding the right gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Does that person live in or travel to Columbus? Does that person enjoy good food?
If you answered yes to the previous questions, then I’ve got an easy solution for you: Dine Originals Columbus gift certificates .
Dine Originals Columbus is a group of locally owned and operated independent restaurants in the Columbus area. Gift certificates are offered at a range of prices and can be redeemed at 38 restaurants - every restaurant of the 38 offers its own unique menu and dining experience. Whenever I’m looking to try a new venue, I go to the Dine Originals website and browse their restaurant list. I know that my selection not only comes from a highly recommended dining directory, but also supports a locally owned business.
I recently tried The Refectory’s Bistro menu, which is offered during select hours and includes three courses at a great value. I was impressed with both the French cuisine and the rustic, yet elegant atmosphere. Previously, I tried Basi Italia and fell in love with the intimate setting and fresh Italian menu options.
I’ve been wowed every time, and I’m sure that the recipient of a Dine Originals Columbus gift certificate will be nothing but satisfied with their gift. Like they say, good taste is never returned.
