ADVERTISEMENT

    2015 Year in Review: The Best & Brightest in Local Dining

    By now, it’s a grand tradition to leave the declarations of “best” eating establishments to the local eating population, en masse. Every news organization and review site has its very own survey for the best from 2015. No one needs a writer’s opinion on that stuff.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    But remarkable moments? 2015 had plenty of those in the dining scene that are well worth mention. It’s time to take a moment to reflect before starting a new year of binges. The rules for the game are as follows: anything consumed in 2015, regardless of date of origin, is fair game for commentary.

    There was, for example, the best thing to happen to vegetables, ever: Brassica. The new Short North eatery isn’t even veggie-centric (chicken, beef and lamb all make the menu), but what it does with vegetables — marinating, roasting or seasoning (especially when it comes to cauliflower) is historic in terms of flavor and texture.

    It’s been a good year for vegetables. Big props to Little Eater and its veggie centric menu in the North Market. The eatery is home to an ever-changing adventure of salads and sandwiches, all of them are meat-free.

    On the subject of plant life, let’s give it up for some Oddly Good Salads. There’s an old meme series about females and their love of salads, and the local green scene has been worthy of all the adoration. Cases in point: Acre’s Taco Salad (Acre opened in late 2014), Lominico’s Grilled Caesar, complete with char marks, and Dough Mama‘s Arugula side salad: with arugula and dressing the sum is somehow more than the parts.

    Photo by Mollie Lyman.
    Acre’s Taco Salad — Photo by Mollie Lyman.

    Best Way to understand how that snake felt, when the centipede ate its way through its guts: That honor goes to Mikey’s Late Night Slice. This year’s version featured at its new Downtown location boasts the addition of Carolina Reaper Peppers. Forget about your mouth, that thing will burn a hole in your stomach.

    The Most Controversial Truth of 2015: That’s the property of the one Alana Shock, who is now famous for unceremoniously declaring “Fine Dining is dead“. Only she could get away with it, as anyone else would be labeled a cretin. The announcement heralded the launch of her new small plate menu, so it’s not like the institution of Alana’s is going anywhere. And the new small offerings have included braised duck leg and “creamed kraut of beet”, so it’s not like she’s going all McDonald’s on us.

    That’s the segue for noting that L’Antibes and Rigsby’s both issued unexpected farewells in 2015. While Rigby’s has flown the coop, L’Antibes has re-entered the Short North eating scene as HomeFare with offerings that range from casual stuff to Steak Frites ($27, with a French name and higher price tag, it seems plenty “fine” around here).

    Photo by Mollie Lyman.
    Tacos from 2015’s Best Bites: Tacos event — Photo by Mollie Lyman.

    Best Way to Eat Your Words: Tacos. Last year’s edition predicted that tacos would launch their stale phase by now. In spite of the prediction (literally, this might have been good-natured spite): CU fanned the flames of the taco trend by hosting a sold-out taco Best Bites event this summer. Then The Walrus hit the scene with worthy veggie tacos that mixed up sweet potato, black beans and fresh corn. And the new Crest on Parsons concocted a little taco trio with a bright palette of flavors featuring pork belly, walleye, and beef. Tacos, the possibilities are endless.

    But they’ll be done after this year, swear.

    Full Restaurant Review Archive for 2015:

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Unusual Eats: Korean Ice Cups Arrive in Columbus

    Through an international lens, there are a lot of...

    French Bistro Slated for Prominent Downtown Corner

    Another new restaurant is coming to the corner of...

    Cheap Eats: 6 Breakfasts on a Budget

    What’s the old saying? Breakfast is the most important...

    Treat to Try: Cake From a Vending Machine?!

    When you’re a kid, vending machines have a certain...
    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
    ADVERTISEMENT