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:
Hot Chicken Takeover
Tired of waiting in line for some Hot Chicken Takeover? This month, the restaurant has launched online ordering for all three of its locations.
“Our original customers in Olde Towne East would wait in line for two hours in the hot summer sun. We were writing orders on food boxes with a Sharpie marker. Once we moved to the North Market, we integrated technology to help us process orders faster and more accurately,” said Joe DeLoss, Hot Chicken Takeover Founder. “Online ordering was just the next step to help us keep moving forward—and connecting with our customers in an avenue they requested.”
Online orders for Easton and Clintonville can be placed for a pick-up time as late as 8:30 p.m., to accommodate their 9 p.m. closing time. The North Market accepts orders with a final pick-up time at 2:30 p.m. as they close at 3 p.m. Any large party orders will need to be made 72 hours in advance.
For more information, visit hotchickentakeover.com.
Noodles World Kitchen
Once known as Noodles & Company, the restaurant has rebranded, added new features and menu items, and changed its name to Noodles World Kitchen. The change can only be seen in Columbus as the company tests this new direction.
The aesthetics are a little different. Along with new signage, the Noodles World Kitchen interior and exterior have been updated to reflect their “globally inspired menu.”
To their menu Noodles World Kitchen has added three mac and cheeses, including buffalo chicken, BBQ pork and truffle.
Other menu changes can be seen in their sauces: their tomato sauce now uses San Marzano tomatoes; their cheese sauce utilizes a sharper cheddar; more sauce can be found in their Penne Rosa, Pesto Cavatappi and Steak Stroganoff dishes; and their alfredo sauce just got cheesier.
The restaurant has also incorporated a rapid pick-up option for guests. Any pre-paid order can be picked up from a shelf by the front counter.
For more information, visit noodles.com/about.
Piada
Piada’s fall and winter menu is in full swing. Launched October 10, it focuses on gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Featured items include their Mediterranean Power Bowl, combining red quinoa with roasted vegetables, glazed chickpeas, pickled red onions, harissa and Greek yogurt; a Porchetta Sandwich, seasoned pork on an Italian roll with basil aioli, pickled red onion and fennel; and their Fall Avocado Piada, pancetta with avocado, arugula, spicy balsamic aioli, mozzarella, pepitas and roasted sweet potato. They’ve added a Super Green Salad and a Harvest Grain & Apple Salad as well.
For more information, visit mypiada.com.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit and Land-Grant Brewing
The two recently partnered businesses are appearing on an episode of The Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives this Friday, November 17. They’ll host a watch party from 6 – 10 p.m. that night.
Tickets to get in, which are now sold out, were $5. Their proceeds will benefit Franklinton Farms, a network of public gardens and food production sites throughout the neighborhood. The party starts at 6 p.m., with Ray Ray’s serving a barbecue buffet from 7 – 9 p.m. and the show kicking of at 9 p.m.
For more information, visit landgrantbrewing.com.
MMELO
MMELO Boutique Confections is opening its second location, making their lineup of gourmet marshmallows, chocolates, jellies, butter mints and baked goods available to Easton shoppers. It’ll be taking over the old Lush space neighboring Brio.
Along with the original menu, MMELO has added the Good Medicine Collection, an assortment of liqueur-infused bon bons, as well as new “marshmmelo” flavors like maple with dark chocolate caramel and toasted pecans. Spicy, curry-infused chocolate “love buttons” are new as well. And, for the holiday season, chocolate ornaments, trees and other seasonally-inspired items will be offered.
Owner Michelle Allen moves into the space at the end of November and will open MMELO between December 2 and 4.
For more information, visit mmelo.co.
CaJohn’s Fiery Foods Co. & Enchanted Gourmet
The two sister companies earned a total of eight national first place awards and one national category champion from The Chile Pepper Awards (TCPA), presented by Chile Pepper Magazine. They competed in more than 90 categories against other products and manufacturers across the country.
They earned six first place in the barbecue sauce, condiments, hot sauce and salsa categories. They were category champion in the beverages category for their Enchantment Gourmet Red Chile Michelada & Drink Mix. Their last award was for specialty, where they earned first place for their Enchantment Gourmet Green Chile Sauce.
“The highest honor you can receive in this highly competitive industry is to be recognized by your peers for your hard work,” said John Hard, co-founder and President of CaJohns, in a press release. “Sue [Hard] and I are humbled by the support we have consistently received throughout the years.”
For more information, visit cajohns.com.
For upcoming local food and dining events, CLICK HERE to visit our Events Calendar.
Have any restaurant developments to share with us? Share in the comments below, or shoot us an email at [email protected].