The Columbus dining scene continues to grow and expand every year in terms of flavors, cuisines and options. But another noticeable trend is in the development of new experiences that change the way that diners can enjoy their food. Pop-up restaurants, gourmet food trucks, and chef tasting menus are just a few examples of dinner done differently.
Enter, FoodHop. The latest addition to the local food tourism scene, FoodHop offers guided tours for themed foodie events. Tours generally have three stops, and transportation is provided for a group of up to 14 guests.
“Our schedule of FoodHops includes a variety of themes including Sushi, Truffles, Craft Beers, Steak and Tapas, just to name a few,” says Christy McKinney, FoodHop co-founder. “We also offer special private party hops for birthdays, reunions, bachelor or bachelorette parties and corporate retreats.”
Some of the local restaurants and businesses participating in FoodHop events includes Latitude 41, Barcelona, Watershed Distillery, Trattoria Roma, Skillet, Due Amici, G. Michael’s Bistro, Shaws Restaurant and The Top Steakhouse — to name a few.
We spoke recently with FoodHop co-founder Christy McKinney for a quick Q&A about the new business:
Q: First, tell us a bit about your background in the local food and dining community?
A: I am the former GM of Handke’s Cuisine, a Board member of Dine Originals Columbus, a Certified Meeting Professional, a lover of good honest food, a cook who does a little catering and a lover of all things local and independent.
Q: What sparked your interest in starting a food tour business?
A: I love to eat and I love to travel. I found a food tour in San Francisco and thought it was a great way to get treated to some “off the beaten path joints” along with some local favorites without the hassle or worry of driving. Meeting with other like-minded people and establishing new relationships was an added bonus. And it was fun!
Q: What will make FoodHop differ from other local experiential food tour or food event businesses?
A: FoodHop is about food, fun and making friends, with some education along the way. Step out of the burbs into the city, or step outside of the city into the suburbs. There are some great independent restaurants in Powell that people who live for example German Village or Bexley might not experience because of the drive, and vise versa.
Q: What upcoming events would you recommend our readers check out?
A: FoodHop sponsors Women who Wine on Wednesdays, which takes place the second Wednesday of every month at various locations around town. My partner and I are both very active in the community, and we decided early on that we wanted to give back. On December 14th we are “whining” at She She Boutique in Bexley. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the Top Steak House, wine is by Grand Cru Distributors and She She is offering 15% off everything in the Boutique.
Also, we are wrapping up 2011 with a Cigar and Distillery Hop on December 17. This Hop will feature a tour and tasting at MiddleWest Spirits, cocktails by Tessora Limone, and George at Shawnee Hills Cigars has some lovely cigars and “cigar lore” ready for us.
Q: Any big plans laid out for 2012?
A: Look for Pop-Up Restaurants, a Taste of Italy, more of our popular Sushi Hop tour, Craft Beer Hop, Chef Throwdown’s, Dessert and Distillery, Rockmill Brewery and Friends — which will feature a local Chef doing what he or she does best and pairings from Rockmill Brewery, along with a tour of the brewery. Also, we’re planning Food Hops to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron and Canton.
More information can be found online at www.food-hop.com.