Culinarily Sophisticated… Really?! Where?
3:22pm Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 by Rolande
So, I happened across this article the other day discussing Columbus’ restaurant scene and why this area happens to be the birthplace of quite a few popular national restaurant chains like Wendy’s, Max & Erma’s, Damon’s and White Castle. (not that these are at the top of everyone’s favorite list) Now having lived in Chicago for 7 years and previously in Dallas for a couple years, I can recognize and appreciate good food when I eat it. The article states that the Columbus area is “culinarily sophisticated” which is a reason why it is a great test market for new restaurants.
Excuse me but what rock did this person crawl out from underneath? You could have fooled me!
They talk about this place having the highest number of local and chain Pizza joints in the US. I have yet to find one that even comes remotely close to the flavor and taste of Chicago pizza like Lou Malnati’s, Due’s, or Gino’s East. It is all bland, thin crust pizza with forgettable taste. There was one pizza place I had hope in, called Wholly Joe’s. I heard from some people that they served Chicago style pizza and it was good. So we tried it and were not really impressed. Supposedly they have a Giordano’s style pizza not listed on their menu that they can make but after the first disappointment we did not go back. There is one halfway decent barbeque place that is nothing to write home about. I guess I was spoiled in Dallas and after having been to Bodacious Barbeque out in Longview, not to mention the myriad of phenomenal, mouth-watering Mexican restaurants. I still have yet to find a local establishment that makes my mouth water and wanting to go back for more.
We have asked a lot of people we know who grew up here what their favorite local restaurants are or where they recommend visitors to go eat. We have tried quite a few of these places and have not been impressed by a single one yet. I will admit that I did enjoy this Italian place called La Tavola that had very authentic dishes. I had a Tortelloni filled with sausage and bathed in parmesan and olive oil that was really good. Other than that, there is not a single restaurant in this whole area that leaves me wanting to go back for more.
http://www.thedeal.com/dealscape/2008/05/progeny_of_white_castle.php
