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    Restaurant Roundup: Things You Should Know

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    Upcoming Events

    North Market

    The annual Fiery Foods Festival at the North Market takes place on February 15th – 16th on location at 59 Spruce Street. The festival features eating and cooking challenges, live music, entertainment for the kids, and the chance to meet and mingle with Market merchants. Spicy food vendors from as far away as Nebraska will be on hand to offer samples and education about chili-head culture. Amateur contests for chili, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce require pre-registration, but visitors will be able to join in the fun in the eating contests on the day. This year, there’ll also be a Chef Spicy Crockpot Cookoff pitting local chefs against each other for the title of “NM Crock-Pot Boss.” The event is free, and during the week of February 10th-14th, North Market merchants will offer spicy specialties to tempt the taste buds. For a complete look at the schedule of events, or to register for a cooking contest, visit www.northmarket.com.

    Dirty Frank’s Westgate

    After months of anxious waiting, Dirty Frank’s Westgate is set to open at 2836 West Broad Street, at the former site of Jack’s Coneys. Liz Lessner and her crew have been working tirelessly to open this second location, and on Monday, February 3rd, they will. Dirty Frank’s Westgate will feature a smaller menu than at the original, located at 248 South Fourth Street, as well as shorter hours while the gang gets the hang of operations at the Westgate shop. They will only serve dinner from 5pm – 11pm on first launch, but lunch hours should be added soon. To witness the progress of Dirty Frank’s Westgate, follow them at www.facebook.com/dirtyfrankswestgate.

    Phatt Taco

    Originally planned for launch in November, Phatt Taco will open their doors at 50 North High Street Downtown on Monday for lunch service. The core menu will include Pescado Frito Seared Atlantic Cod, Roasted Pork Carnitas and Roasted Barbacoa Beef served on jalapeño or plain tostadas. Owner Jose Becerra promises minimal wait times, Mexican bottled coke, and an affordable average price point of $8 for entrees. The winter menu will also feature a Caldo de Pollo soup while the coming Spring menu will include Ahi Tuna, Ceviches, Shrimp Tostadas and Grab ‘n Go Breakfast Burritos. Follow them at www.facebook.com/PhattTaco.

    The Angry Baker

    The Angry Baker, located at 891 Oak Street, will hold an Introduction to Vegan Cooking Class on Saturday, February 1st. This two-hour course will teach home cooks the basics of vegan food and technique, as well as educate them on what exactly a vegan lifestyle entails. The workshop will provide guides to planning vegan menus and easy recipes anyone who wants to be vegan, or simply refocus his/her diet, can integrate into their every day routine. Reservations are required for this event, which begins at 3pm. Tickets are $45 per person. To register, visit www.facebook.com/theangrybakerote.

    So You Know

    The Refectory

    After almost 22 years of continuous use, the kitchen equipment at The Refectory, one of the premier fine-dining restaurants in the city, has been replaced. This project has been in the works for over 18 months, in what owner, Kamal Boulos, calls “an unseen investment” by guests. This upgrade will allow the kitchen staff to work with a newer, more efficient design plan and more reliable and productive equipment. This translates into finer cuisine, service, and an even more elevated dining experience than before for the guest. To make your reservation to visit The Refectory, go to www.therefectoryrestaurant.com.

    Explorer’s Club

    February will bring Caribbean flavors to the Explorers Club menu. To learn more, visit www.explorersclubmv.com.

    January Summary

    Openings

    • Zauber Taproom opened on the 4th at 909 West Fifth Avenue. Their hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 11am – 11pm, Friday–Saturday, 11am – midnight and Sunday, 11am – 7pm.
    • The Clubhouse Sports Grill & Bar opened on the 10th at 340 Greenlawn Avenue. Their hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 4pm – midnight, Friday, 4pm – 2:30am, Saturday, noon – 2:30am, and Sunday, noon-midnight.
    • Westies Gastropub opened on the 14th at 940 South Front Street. They operate daily from 11am – 2:30am, with kitchen hours till 9pm on Sunday, 11pm Monday-Thursday, and midnight on Saturday.
    • The Torpedo Room opened on the 17th at 1550 North High Street. They operate daily from 5pm – midnight.
    • Bar 145 opened on the 25th at 955 West Fifth Avenue. They operate daily from 11:30am – 2am, with kitchen hours till 9pm on Sunday, 10pm Monday-Thursday, and 11pm Friday-Saturday.
    • Melty Crue Food Truck launched on the 25th at Zauber Brewing.

    Closings

    • Giorgio Italian Restaurant closed on January 11th at 2941 North High Street. They were open in Clintonville for 5 and a half years.
    • Café International closed on January 19th at 2361 North High Street. They were open on North Campus for 10 months.
    • Milo’s Deli & Café will close its café on February 1st. They were open in Franklinton for 15 years.
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    Ayana Wilson
    Ayana Wilsonhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Ayana Wilson is a former staff writer at Columbus Underground who covered local restaurant industry news.
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