Ciao Bar Closes; Critics Rate Bluefish, City Barbeque

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Jon Christensen reviews Bluefish, Seafood on the Cap (570 N. High St.), while Bill Chronister reports the closing of Ciao Bar (2820 Nottingham Rd.) after 15 months of operation. dispatch.com … Alive’s G.A. Benton reviews City Barbeque (various locations, cityqbbq.com). columbusalive.com
Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Fitzgerald’s Sports Tavern Reopens; Rusty Bucket Expands

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Bill Chronister reports the scheduled May 10 reopening of Fitzgerald’s Sports Tavern (2640 Bethel Rd. on the Northwest Side) and the opening of the ninth Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern (at 400 Polaris Parkway). … Jon Christensen reviews The Refectory Restaurant (1092 Bethel Road, www.therefectoryrestaurant.com). dispatch.com … In the May issue, […]

Max & Erma’s Sold; Arby’s Buys Wendy’s in Stock Deal

IN THE NEWS: The Columbus Dispatch’s Amy Saunders reports, “Max & Erma’s Restaurants Inc. has been sold to a Pittsburgh investor group. Max & Erma’s said in September that it was exploring alternatives for its future, including the sale of the company. “The transaction will allow us to focus our resources on the business and […]

Closings Include Don Parmesan’s Kitchen, Manhattan’s

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Bill Chronister reports that New Albany’s Gibby’s New Albany Grill has new ownership and management and has been renamed the New Albany Grille, while Levy’s Custard & Coneys directly across S. High Street has reopened under new ownership. … Other reported closings: Don Parmesan’s Italian Kitchen (6042 E. Main St. […]

Openings Include Zaxby’s, Taboo in Crosswoods Plaza

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Jon Christensen reviews Andhra Spice, while Bill Chronister reports the openings of fast-casual chain Zaxby’s (2112 N. High St., across from Ohio State University) and fine-dining spot Taboo (in the former Azura nightclub location in the Crosswoods Plaza at 7520 High Cross Blvd., just north of I-270 and Rt. 23). […]

Closings Include Mazza’s, Marroni Italian Eateries

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Jon Christensen reviews Cuco’s Taqueria (2162 W. Henderson Road), while Jeffrey Cheban considers Chinese spot Ho Toy (11 W. State St., 614-224-6848) and Bill Chronister details the opening of Deep Wood (511 N. High St.) and the closings of circa-1939 Mazza’s Restaurant & Lounge (214 High St. in Mount Vernon) […]

M, Marcella’s, Thurman Cafe Top ‘Alive’ Readers Poll

IN THE NEWS: Alive’s Best of 2008 poll winners include Thurman Cafe (183 Thurman Ave., German Village, 614-443-1570, thethurmancafe.com) as Best Burger, M (2 Miranova Pl., Downtown, 614-629-0000, cameronmitchell.com) as Best Splurge Restaurant, and Marcella’s Ristorante as Best New Restaurant and Best Italina … Alive’s G.A. Benton reviews Black Creek Bistro (53 Parsons Ave., Olde […]

Openings Include Del Mar in Granville, Don Patron II

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Bill Chronister details the openings of Del Mar Restaurant and Lounge (136 N. Prospect St. in Granville, just off the Denison University campus) and Don Patron II (in what had been the Mazatlan Restaurant at 1282 Rt. 256 in Pickerington). … Jon Christensen reviews Lazeeza Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe (5565 […]

Closings Include Roadhouse Grills, Mama Lena’s

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Bill Chronister reports the closings of Roadhouse Grills (at 3558 S. High St., 2040 Stringtown Rd. in Grove City, and 525 Kolb Drive in Fairfield, Ohio), Mama Lena’s Pizza (1724 Northwest Blvd.) and Spageddies (1192 Noe-Bixby Rd). … Jon Christensen reviews Robin’s Italian Cafe (www.robinsitaliancafe.com). dispatch.com … Business First of […]

Openings Include Oodles Noodle Outposts, Pei Wei

IN THE NEWS: The Dispatch’s Bill Chronister reports that a new owner will reopen two Oodles Noodle and Dumpling Co. locations, at 765 Neil Ave. to reopen within a week, and 443 E. Main St. about two weeks later. … Chronister also reports that Ohio’s third Pei Wei Asian Diner is scheduled to open April […]