Columbus Foodie

Well, it seems that most of the menus are up on the Columbus Dine Originals site are up, and what that means for me is that I’ve finalized my reservations for next week. I’ve made the earliest reservations possible on most nights, and I’m planning on doing some live twittering along with a write-up at the end of the evening of my eats for the day (so that if it looks good to you, you might also have a chance to go before Restaurant Week ends).

So, without further delay, here’s where I’m going and why (not to say that all of the restaurants aren’t worthy – it’s just that there’s only one of me and only 7 days in a week – otherwise I’d be hitting all 42, LOL). If you haven’t already made your reservations for next week, make sure you do so soon – you really don’t want to miss out!

Click on the restaurant names to see the menus for yourself.

- Dinner on Monday will be at G. Michael’s. They’re offering three courses for $30 (with three choices for each course), and I’ve already got my picks mapped out. For the first course, one of the choices is a seared jumbo scallop with Grand Marnier scented roasted beets and chive cream sauce. I still haven’t decided between the chorizo-stuffed, bacon wrapped short ribs (mmm, bacon…) and the Pan-Roasted Cobia with brie-encriched risotto (mmm, cheese…) for my main. And I love, love, love creme brulee, so I’m sold.

- On Tuesday, it’s off to Rigsby’s. They are offering a 3-course plus wine priced fixed menu for $29.99. Wine and dinner for less than $30? I’m so there. What sold me on this one is the promise of Potato Gnocchi with Elysian Fields Lamb Ragout.

- Wednesday, we’re going to Alana’s, which is probably the menu I’m most looking forward to, because Alana + risotto = brilliance. And guess what? One of the offerings for the main course is risotto. Also looking forward to see what soup she comes up with, and dying to taste the Mexican Chocolate Pecan Tart with Salty Caramel Ice Cream.

- On Thursday, I get to try a new to me restaurant, Due Amici. This is a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try for a while, and the Lobster Gnocchi as a main makes this one a no-brainer for me. They are offering 3 courses for $30.

- Friday brings us to another new (to us) restaurant, L’Antibes. They bucked the $15 or $30 trend a bit by charging $35 for three courses, but I couldn’t resist the call of Duck Breast with Duck Cracklings, Raspberry-Cassis Sauce and Celeriac Gratin.

- On Saturday, it’s off to our favorite steak house in town, The Top, for their 3 course for $30 menu. I don’t need an excuse to eat their delicious French Onion Soup, so it’s a good thing it’s one of the choices for starter. Followed up with Prime Rib and Creme Brulee, and I’m fat and happy.

- To close out the week, on Sunday, we’re going to Barcelona, where Executive Chef Paul Yow has created a multi-course (7 courses) Tapas Tasting Menu for $30 per person, including a glass of Sangria. The items on the menu will change nightly, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with. And this is one of the few that doesn’t require reservations.

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Of course, we’re still hitting a few other places for lunches or snacks during the week, including Surly Girl ($15 per person, gives you your choice of 3 courses, with two choices available per course, no reservations required), and Cafe Corner (any two menu items including all day breakfast offerings with two complimentary desserts for $15), and Katzinger’s (offering the Flight of the Corned Beefs, where two people will receive 3 distinctively different corned beef mini sandwiches, a small side of classic potato salad and a homemade brownie for $15). And maybe in one of the most creative choices, Pistacia Vera is offering A Taste of Pistacia Vera, a sampling of their house favorites for two for $15).

So now I’d like to know – what are your plans for Restaurant Week? Which restaurants are you going to, and why?