Chefs In The City

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Donnie Austin, co-owner of Aardvark Wine & Beer, to talk about how he turned a love of wine—and a background in engineering—into one of Central Ohio’s most welcoming neighborhood wine destinations. Donnie shares the story behind Aardvark's unique setup (including the "Dive Bar" built over an old swimming pool), his philosophy on affordable...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Chef Andrew Smith, a longtime fixture in the Columbus culinary scene and the creative force behind the upcoming Marion Village restaurant, Isla. From his time at spots like Rockmill Tavern and The Rossi to the wildly popular private supper clubs he launched at home, Andrew shares why he stepped away from the traditional restaurant grind—and wh...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we’re joined by Bethia Woolf, co-founder of Columbus Food Adventures, a company that has helped shape how locals and visitors experience the Columbus food scene. Bethia shares how her passion for food, culture, and discovery led from blogging and taco truck maps to launching immersive, multi-neighborhood food tours. We talk about the origins of the Alt Eats an...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Tarapacki sit down with Patrick Allen, an independent wine importer specializing in small-production wineries from the South of France. Patrick shares how proposed tariffs could impact his business and the broader wine industry, and he dives into his exciting new partnerships with Columbus State’s Culinary Program. The group...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Joshua Wickham, Senior Director and Chairperson of the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Columbus State Community College. We dive into the impact of Mitchell Hall, the latest updates in the program, and how Columbus State is shaping the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals. From hands-on training to indus...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with James Beard semifinalist Dan Riesenberger, better known as Dan the Baker. From his early days selling loaves out of a basket at farmers' markets to running one of Columbus' most beloved bakeries, Dan shares his journey of mastering the art of breadmaking. We dive into the science behind sourdough, the magic of fermentation, and how each loaf c...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Annie Pierce, co-owner of Lawbird, one of the top 20 semifinalists for the James Beard Award for Best Bar in the Nation. Annie shares the story behind Lawbird’s welcoming atmosphere, their top-tier non-alcoholic program, and the creativity behind their latest art-inspired cocktail menu. We also dive into the evolving Columbus bar scene, the im...

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Avishar Barua, 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist and the culinary visionary behind Agni and Joya’s in Columbus. Avishar shares his journey of creating unique dining experiences that blend his Bengali-American heritage with modern techniques while offering insight into his philosophy of empowering staff and embracing mistakes as part of the c...

Steve Stover isn’t done with 2024 just yet—but this time, he’s using it as a springboard to drag us headfirst into 2025! In this episode, we discuss what’s on the horizon for the Columbus food scene, from fewer new restaurant openings to what’s next for Chefs in the City. With temperatures hovering around 4 degrees, we also take a moment to appreciate some of the coziest dining spots in town. And...

In this episode, Steve Stover breaks down what went down in Central Ohio's food scene in 2024—but not without first setting the stage with a look back at 2023, a year that saw nearly 200 new restaurant openings and just 56 closures. From standout spots to key trends and, of course, the chefs behind it all, this episode dishes out the stories, flavors, and moments that shaped Columbus' culinary lan...

In this debut episode, get to know the voices behind Chefs in the City—Ann Fisher, Rich Terapak Sr., and Steve Stover. We dive into our personal approaches to food, restaurants, and travel, exploring how these passions intersect and why they matter so much to us. Plus, we share our deep love for chefs and their craft, and what makes them the heart and soul of any great dining experience. Tune in t...

Think you know Columbus? Think again! In this episode, we’re breaking down why the foodie world has fallen in love with Ohio’s capital. From its humble meat-and-potatoes beginnings to becoming a celebrated, eclectic hub of diverse restaurants and food shopping, Columbus has transformed into a culinary cornucopia. We talk about the city’s evolution, the rising stars in the food scene, and why we’re...