Chefs In The City

On this episode of Chefs in the City, The Crew turn their attention to the role of food in travel. Drawing on decades of international experience, Rich and Steve reflect on how cuisine shapes their journeys; from researching restaurants and working with local guides to discovering unexpected meals in markets, small neighborhood spots, and Michelin-recognized kitchens.  The conversation explores ho...

On this episode of Chefs in the City, hosts Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak explore the growing popularity of Mexican brunch through the story of Orale Guey Café, Bar & Grill.  General Manager Fritzi Martinez joins the conversation to share how a family-run concept—built on traditional recipes and regional influences from across Mexico—found its footing in Columbus. From a slow open...

On this episode of Chefs in the City, the crew sits down with Bob Szuter, co-owner of Wolf's Ridge Brewing and Understory, to talk about the highly anticipated revival of the historic Worthington Inn. After a nine-year hiatus, the beloved 1831 landmark is getting a thoughtful refresh — not a reinvention. Bob shares how his team plans to honor the building’s legacy while introducing updated dining...

On this episode of Chefs in the City, the gang sits down with Kamal Boulos, owner of The Refectory Restaurant, as the iconic fine dining institution celebrates its 50th anniversary. What began as the struggling Old Church House Restaurant — $100,000 in debt and nearly closing its doors — became one of the most respected dining destinations in the country. Kamal shares the extraordinary story of su...

This week on Chefs in the City, the team sits down with Lauren Culley, co-founder of Fox in the Snow, to talk about how a former publishing professional who “got paid in bread” built one of Columbus’s most beloved bakery brands. Lauren shares the leap-of-faith story that brought her and her husband Jeff from New York’s coffee scene back to Central Ohio, signing a 20-year lease on a former storage...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the crew sits down with Erin Edwards—former food editor at Columbus Monthly and co-founder of The Columbus Food Letter—for a thoughtful conversation about how people in Central Ohio discover food in a changing media landscape.  Erin shares what inspired the launch of The Food Letter with Bethia Wolf and Andy Dehass, and why there’s still a real need for local...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the Crew has a wide-ranging, no-rush conversation about the year that was in Central Ohio food—and what’s shaping up next. From long-awaited openings and beloved institutions making a comeback to tough closures and lessons learned the hard way, the trio walks through 2025 restaurant news with context only longtime observers can offer. They talk Metsi’s, Chapma...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the gang sits down with Columbus native Tricia Wheeler — chef, teacher, traveler, and the founder of The Seasoned Farmhouse. Tricia shares the unconventional path that led her from a successful first career to graduating at the top of her class from the French Culinary Institute in New York, and back home to Central Ohio with a mission to teach people how to c...

Central Ohio culinary heavyweight Chef Josh Dalton sits down with the crew to talk about everything happening in his world (there's a lot). From closing two restaurants in Delaware to reopening Rosebud’s, and then taking over the iconic Milestone 229 space to transform it into a Mediterranean-inspired concept called Rosalita, Josh opens up about the challenges, the excitement, and the quirks of ru...

Wine importer Patrick Allen returns to Chefs in the City — this time with a glass in hand and some tough truths about the international wine market. The crew dives into how the new 15% tariffs (and the looming return of an older 25% tariff) are reshaping the world of French wine, disrupting small family producers, and putting pressure on importers like Patrick, who champion the authentic, handcraf...

Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with Daniel Phillips, co-owner of Weiland's Market, based in Clintonville since 1961. They dig into the “Weiland's tradition,” from its old-school neighborhood feel to its commitment to Ohio-grown meats, local producers, and next-level prepared foods. Daniel shares what it takes to keep an independent market thriving amid rising costs, national c...

This week on Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with Spencer Budros, the award-winning pastry chef and co-founder of Pistacia Vera in German Village. Spencer shares his creative journey from art student to nationally recognized chef — including how he and his sister built one of Columbus’ most beloved bakeries. Hear stories about mentorship, pastry precision, an...

This week, the gang takes listeners on a culinary tour through three of Columbus’s most exciting dining destinations: Gene’s in Old Dublin, the reborn Metsi’s in the Short North, and the cozy newcomer Isla in Merion Village. From French-inspired flavors to nostalgic Italian classics, this episode explores what makes each restaurant worth visiting and how Columbus’s food scene continually reinvents...

What makes a great burger timeless? Chefs in the City hosts Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with Graydon Webb, founder of Ritzy’s, to talk about his journey from working with Dave Thomas at Wendy’s to reviving a legendary Columbus diner. It’s a story of small-town roots, fresh ice cream, and the love of doing things the right way — the old-fashioned way. 📌 Don’t forget to like...

Chef Rick Lopez, the force behind La Tavola in Grandview and Lupo in Upper Arlington, joins Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak to talk about the power of family, community, and authenticity in the kitchen. From humble beginnings as a busboy to owning two of Columbus’ most beloved restaurants, Rick shares stories from his 25+ years in the business — including his Italian inspirations, his l...

What does it take to create a truly authentic French bistro in the heart of Columbus? In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with Chef Jacques Sorci, Director of Culinary for MakeReady at Chouette, a French bistro celebrating its first year downtown. Chef Sorci shares how Chouette became the only U.S. restaurant certified by the French Association...

While the weather’s still right, nothing beats a meal under the open sky. In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak dig into the best patios, rooftops, and hidden gems for outdoor dining across Central Ohio. From classics like Lindey’s and Barcelona to rooftop views at Astra and Stories on High, the crew shares their favorite spots for every vibe—romantic twi...

Since 1999, City Barbeque has grown from a single converted donut shop in Upper Arlington to 75 restaurants across 10 states. In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with co-founder Jim Budros—one of the original “Barbecue Boys”—to talk brisket, burnt ends, and the story behind City BBQ’s rise. Jim shares how backyard competitions, a love of Texas-...

What started as a wild idea in 2011 has grown into one of the top-ranked food festivals in the U.S. — and it all began with 20 trucks, no budget, and a whole lot of hustle. In this episode, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak. sit down with Chas Kaplan, the founder of the Columbus Food Truck Festival, to hear the story behind the scenes: the chaos, the community, and the creativity that mad...

Chef BJ Lieberman is back on Chefs in the City with a brand new restaurant—and a fresh perspective on hospitality. The James Beard semifinalist and owner of Chapman’s Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit Cocktail Lounge shares the story behind Metzi’s, his new Italian wood-fired concept in Italian Village. We talk about the power of approachable food, creating emotionally intelligent kitchens, the myth of...

In this earthy and delicious episode of Chefs in the City, Anne Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Tarapak sit down with Deb Knappke—aka Ohio’s Garden Sage—to talk gardening, cooking, and the sacred bond between dirt and dinner. From the history of her epic dinner club (running since 1982!) to the science of sourdough and her obsession with tomatoes, Deb shares what makes a homegrown, homemade meal tr...

In this catch-up episode of Chefs in the City, Anne Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Tarapack dive into everything sizzling on the Columbus food scene for 2025. From buzzy new restaurants like Mezzi and ILA to long-awaited reopenings like the iconic Blue Danube and Hunan Lion, the team breaks down what’s exciting locals and food lovers alike. Plus, updates on upcoming rooftop bars, James Beard semif...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the gang sits down with Bob Vitale, food and dining writer for The Columbus Dispatch, to talk about the evolving culinary landscape of Columbus. From sushi spots and smash burgers to legacy Italian joints and the enduring love for Schmidt’s, Bob shares what he’s learned on the local food beat—without the critic’s hat. They discuss: Why “Before the Buzz” is his...

What makes a great Italian restaurant? In this mouthwatering episode of Chefs in the City, the crew dives fork-first into Central Ohio’s incredible Italian food scene—from handmade pastas and house sauces to iconic family-run favorites and new culinary gems. They share their picks for the best bolognese, carbonara, happy hour bites, and stories about legendary chefs and long-standing local traditi...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the crew sits down with Rob Littleton, co-owner of Littleton’s Market in Upper Arlington, to discuss how a pandemic daydream turned into one of Columbus’ most exciting specialty food destinations. They dig into the story behind the market’s all-star team—including a James Beard-nominated pastry chef, the synergy between grocery, café, and culinary education, a...