Columbus always has many new restaurants, expansions, menu updates and other changes, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with everything. That’s why our Restaurant Roundup series was designed to keep you informed with the latest and greatest updates. Here’s what’s new in the local dining scene:
Darista Dips
In February, Darista Dips will celebrate women with their new limited-edition Like A Girl, Like A Boss Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus. It’s made using ingredients from “women-owned companies and women leaders empowered in their communities.”
The new hummus confection includes ingredients from three women-led businesses: freshly ground espresso from City Girl Coffee, a Minneapolis-based company run by Alyza Bohbot; sesame tahini from Soom Foods, co-founded by sisters Shelby, Jackie and Amy Zitelman; and cocoa powder from Askinosie Chocolate, operating under Lawren Askinosie as Chief Marketing Officer.
“This hummus is a celebration of all that women are and all that they can be,” says Dara Schwartz, Darista Dips founder.
Like A Girl, Like A Boss Gooey Chocolate Espresso Hummus will be available on Thursday, February 8 at a launch party at Whole Foods Market Easton. During the event, there will be a panel discussion, where Schwartz and other women entrepreneurs will share their personal stories and the new hummus.
Los Potosinos
The Mexican food truck is on the move. Los Potosinos, first launched in 2009, vacated their long-time home at 791 E. Long St. in the King-Lincoln District. Where they’re headed hasn’t been announced, but more information is coming soon.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
Ray Ray’s is adding a new snack to their menu. Papaw Ray’s Pork Rinds, small-batch treats made by the Westminster-based company Rudolph Foods, are now available exclusively at Ray Ray’s Land-Grant location.
“Papaw Ray used to give pork rinds away for trick or treat. Kids used to trade costumes to trick for extra pork rind treats,” Ray Ray’s said in a released statement. “It was a very country, small town thing. There was the guy that gave away quarters and the guy that gave away pork rinds that you had to visit or trick or treat was a bust. 30 years later people still tell us about it.”
While a Halloween costume isn’t necessary to receive the pork rinds, if guests check into Ray Ray’s Land-Grant on Yelp, they’re available for free.
Wine Bar Opens in Delaware
Entrepreneurs Jeff and Gina Kirby have opened The Oak & Brazen at 38 E. Winter St. in Delaware. The winery offers all handcrafted wines “using old-world, small-scale winemaking techniques.”
The Oak & Brazen is the couple’s third venture. They opened the Powell Village Winery in 2011 and the Dove Mountain Brewing Company in Arizona in 2016.
The Oak & Brazen offers a menu of light bites including flatbreads, charcuteries, and other sharable items.
Platform Beer Co.
The Cleveland-based brewing company is celebrating twice this month, first the one-year anniversary of its Downtown Columbus Tasting Room, and also of their new Head Pub Brewer, Phil Blundred. The anniversary party will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, and will include special canned beer releases of a variety of their brews, including Hubris, Quadruple IPA and Never Swim Alone, Barrel Aged Berliner.
Other “one off dosed kegs and infusion tower creations” will also be available, made specifically for the party.
Pub Polaris
The Pub at 1554 Polaris Parkway is now closed, as of Monday, January 8. Operator Tavern Restaurant Group made the announcement Tuesday.
“This was not an easy decision after nearly ten years of operating in Columbus, but closing this location will allow us to focus on our profitable restaurants and is in the best interest of our company as a whole,” said David Bell, Director of Operations for Tavern Restaurant Group, in a press release. “We are very grateful to the Columbus community for their patronage and to our team members for their efforts. The Pub concept overall continues to thrive in other markets, and we look forward to bringing The Pub to select locations in the future.”
For upcoming local food and dining events, CLICK HERE to visit our Events Calendar.
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