(614) May 2021

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MAY 2021 (614) MAGAZINE

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Sharing Joy

We’d like to thank our guests for your support in over 10 ColumBEST categories.

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant

Best Place for a Salad Best Brunch

Best Neighborhood Restaurant

BIG PICTURE A fresh tray of Strawberry THC gummies made at Beneleaves Read the story on page 27.

PHOTO BY ALLY SCHNAIDT

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Contents

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C O V E R PA C K A G E COLUMBEST RESULTS

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MAKERS SPACE: SUITE A 24 GALLERY SPACE: CODY HEICHEL

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THE SWEET SPOT

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PUCKER UP

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BENELEAVES

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NOM NOM NOM

ON THE COVER:

Illustration by Paul Barton

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Opening Volley PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lindsay Press

STEPHANIE WEST Editor-In-Chief

A wee bit of weeping this Mother’s Day I find myself crying a lot these days. As Mother’s Day approaches, it only gets worse. A random Hallmark commercial; an email from my daughter’s high school; the dog looks at me funny—STREAMING TEARS, people.

Yeah, I’m emotional as this particular Mother’s Day sneaks up on me—my daughter is 18 and three weeks from this treasured Sunday devoted to all mothers, she will graduate high school and move on with her life.

I have spent 18 years preparing my daughter for this moment.

She understands her taxes and that she has to file them.

She has a checking and a savings account and she uses both. She worked hard in high school and got into a great college that’s going to land her a great job because of it.

She does her chores; she is a kind person. She cares about other people and she loves animals. She is, by anyone’s standard, independent—at 16, she got a job and started paying all of her phone bill as well as a portion of her insurance and half her car payment. She buys her own gas; prepares her own dinners on nights she works late; and sometimes she stops and brings home milk because she knows we need it.

On this Mother’s Day, I think I can look at my kid and feel good that I’ve raised someone who is, by all means, prepared to go out into the world and make a difference— be a contributing member of society. I will look at her on May 9 and think: “Cool. I did it. It’s done. She is prepared.”

The person who is not properly prepared for this moment, is me.

For some reason I thought it would be easy to let her go.

To watch her become her own person and go into the world ready to change it without my help or influence. In fact, I spent 18 years thinking that if I just focused on that aspect, when the day came to say goodbye, I would be all set.

Well, I was apparently lying to myself, Columbus.

I am proud of her, for sure. I feel I did what I should as a parent. And I am grateful to have a kid who is so independent and ready to go get it. But I also have a sense of loss. Grief, even, if you will. Letting her fly means letting her go. It means no more hearing her walk in at night and shuffle around as she makes her dinner and then goes to bed. There will be no more inside jokes created during the day-to-day living of life or the constant mother’s eye that keeps her safe.

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In its place will be both joy and fear at her new independence; excitement and worry at her finding her own way in some other city; and the constant struggle of realizing that, while I will always be her mother, will I also be her friend?

A mother’s journey never ends. To all the mothers out there—May 9 is your day. Celebrate it. Hold your kid tight. Breathe in that kid-smell you have become so fond of. And cherish this moment. For all the mothers who have lost a child and for the children who have lost a mother—my whole heart aches for you. I hope you can find solace on this day.

So, Happy Mother’s Day, Columbus—and to my own mother, who has given so much to me. You are why I was able to give so much to my own daughter.

You are the best. Mothers are truly the best. That’s why it makes sense this holiday would fall in the month of 614’s ColumBEST, when all of YOU vote on the best of everything in our beautiful city. In this month’s issue, you’ll see what half a million votes named the “Best Of” in Central Ohio, from dog groomers and bars, to restaurants and cities. You don’t want to miss it— just follow the flowers to the blue section and see the ColumBEST that YOU picked.

Plus, we have a few stories that highlight some “Best Of” stories happening right now in CBus, from sour beer to a dog bakery and artists making a difference—including a body conscious designer to a painter with a flair for the tiny. It’s an issue that keeps on giving you the best of our fair city.

So call your mother and tell her how awesome she is, then head out into the city to explore the BEST Columbus has to offer.

Happy BEST OF, Columbus! And to all you mothers out there—keep up the good work. It’s absolutely worth it.

VP OF CONTENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie West ASSISTANT / DIGITAL EDITOR Sarah Sole 614 CAMPUS EDITOR Caroline Cunningham CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Leonardo Carrizo, Jen Brown Ally Schnaidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Sole Jack Mclaughlin

Melissa Braithwaite Jaelani Turner-Williams DESIGN TEAM MANAGER Paul Barton SENIOR CREATIVE DESIGNER Justin Remotap CREATIVE DESIGNER Jaime North VIDEO PRODUCER / EDITOR Maddy Van Buren PHOTOGRAPHY LEAD Ally Schnaidt DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jayci Haase ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Nikki Harris ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mindy Wilhite Travis Burson

Published by

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614now.com www.614now.com

Congrats, Kerrigan.

I love you Love, Mom.

ON the WEB

� S TA F F P I C K S

Our staff picks The (614) May issue is all about 2021’s ColumBEST— the poll where YOU vote on the best of everything in Columbus. So we asked our staffers, from food to entertainment, what do you think is the BEST thing about Columbus?

Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should.

Every day we’re posting Columbus’s top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and suscribe to our daily email!

We have to pick just one?

— Stephanie West, Editor-In-Chief

14th largest city in the country with Ohio State in our backyard? Awesome. Also: Tai’s Asian Bistro.

— Travis Burson, Account Executive

I just really love how reasonable the rental prices here are for homes. I’m kidding, of course.

→ The Returning Rainbow There’s a place downtown where a rainbow keeps coming back—but only at certain times of the year. Read more about this magical beauty by scanning the QR code.

— Sarah Sole, Asst./Digital Editor

The best thing about Cbus is that we have it all! Great food, great sports, great activities, and all my friends + family are right here!

— Jaime North, Graphic Designer

I love the food scene and the night life!

— Justynne Pride

Uh, Guy Fieri? Maybe?

— Juston Remotap, Senior Creative Designer

Not this.

— Jaime North

→ A Fall Wedding Downtown Looking to have a lovely fall wedding and reception downtown? This new venue is opening when the leaves change and the weather cools. Read more by scanning the QR code.

“Loved Not This” — Travis Burson

I’ll second Guy Fieri.

— Maddy Van Buren, Video Field Producer/Editor

I love that you're never more than a mile away from an under-construction luxury apartment complex.

— Jayci Haase, Director of Marketing

Is anyone's favorite color orange? I feel like there's a good joke in there about all the construction cones everywhere — Juston Remotap

Ohio's state flower—orange traffic cones.

— Travis Burson

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→ Nina West in the (play)house It’s official—Nina West will have her own kid’s show! See what this delightfully colorful and fun show will be like by scanning the QR code.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@aeplatters

@alphalitcolumbus

@exact_moments_photography

@openheartcreatures

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SO CIA L CO M M ENTARY

61 4 V I D E O Did you know that (614) launched a new YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. We’re expanding our ever-growing content to include video across our web and magazine stories. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel:

Columbus, you are a social-ing bunch, and we couldn’t love it anymore than we already do—unless YOU had a giveaway for US! Still, your quirky, witty, commentary, sometimes full of love... sometimes not so much, gives us much to talk about during the day.

So, have @ it Central Ohio—we’re listening!

now playing...

fa ceb oo k In response to the Tasting Columbus segment Seitan's Realm LISA C: I’m not vegan or vegetarian and was very impressed with the burger, loaded fries and Mac and cheese! Kevin Cecil loved his BBQ too!

In response to New Brewery to open on Delaware farm JORDAN B: fun fact, the place is even more beautiful in person

In response to A Slice of Hope - Aracri Pizza feature

• Tasting Columbus—BEST OF edition Have you checked out our new TV show “Tasting Columbus?” Join food scientist Matt Teegarden as he eats his way through Columbus’ food scene. The BEST OF episode drops the first Monday of the month on May 3. Make sure to tune in at tastingcolumbus.com or scan the QR code here.

ERIC M: Some of the best pizza in town (my number one choice).

Must must must try the mushrooms if you go! And the family is just amazing, and all wonderful folks!

inst a g r am In response to the Tasting Columbus segment— Graeter's Ice Cream

now playing...

@BIRDIE.DU.MONDE: Sold. Someone go get ice cream with

me

In response to the Pizza & Beer Week announcement @ALEXA__EATS: I can eat pizza and donate at the same time?

Done!!

In response to the Spring photo of Goodale Park @CHASEISM: I can feel the pollen from here!

• In honor of Mother’s Day, revisiting Harper’s Corner Two mothers come together to create special areas in libraries for books on diversity. Read about how love for their children inspired their journey by scanning the QR code.

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In response to a photo of (614) Lager @JORDANKMCGILL: One of the best easy drinking beers

MAKER'S SPACE

BODY POSITIVE 24

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↓ Arianna Shaw Owner of Suite: A Boutique

Local designer gives street vibe and comfort to women of all shapes and sizes in swim and loungewear

By Jaelani Turner-Williams Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

S

ince the start of the pandemic, many have adapted to the work-from-home lifestyle by regularly slipping into posh pajamas and wearing cozy sweatpants. The seismic shift in regular work day apparel was a gift for Suite: A Boutique founder and multifaceted Columbusbased designer Ariana Shaw, who shifted her February 2020 plans of attending fashion trade shows to creating upscale loungewear.

“When COVID-19 hit, all my plans were put on a standstill. I was then asked to make face-masks for family and close friends [but] suddenly I was sewing and selling hundreds per week. In the blink of an eye, I had a sewing business,” Shaw said. Soon after came the cozy loungewear.

Shaw defines her creative niche as “storytelling,” piecing garments together as an element of expression. Designing for bodypositive women who want to be comfortable, the aesthetic of Suite: A Boutique is feminine, luxe, and earthy with splashes of color as seasons change. The On Chill Jogger Set is a taupe twopiece dream, complete with a ribbed cutout bralette and joggers fitting for day or night, while the heather grey Paris Terry Set is athletic-chic with high waist shorts and a snug crop hooded jacket.

“I don’t always like the items in the major retailers within malls, and shopping online can be complicated when you are unsure of your size, and how it will fit. So [my] vision was to provide women like myself with exclusive pieces that make them feel confident and comfortable,” she said. “I try to design and choose pieces that can be worn multiple ways allowing for multiple variable wears. Any [Suite: A Boutique] piece with the word ‘essential’ in the title is not only very comfortable, but also a closet staple because it can likely be styled and worn in so many different ways.” → 614NOW.COM

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" I really felt like I was walking within my full purpose when I posted myself in a swimsuit I made on vacation and had tons of other women reaching out before I even announced that this was something I was planning to start a brand behind.”

↓A peek inside Shaw's sketchbook

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The business isn’t too far-fetched from Shaw's childhood ambition of becoming a fashion mogul. Taught to sew by her late-grandmother when she was 8-years-old, the technique came in handy when traction for Suite: A Boutique kicked into high gear. Selling face masks that were branded with the boutique’s logo, word spread about the line and introduced Shaw to a loyal, chic following.

A fashion design graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Shaw actively traveled outside of Ohio after graduation to find inspiration through diverse color palettes and local street art. Following her short-lived face mask line, in early-2020, Shaw released a prismatic swim collection, and her upcoming 2021 swimwear line is an homage to the vibrance of South Florida.

“I really felt like I was walking within my full purpose when I posted myself in a swimsuit I made on vacation and had tons of other women reaching out before I even announced that this was something I was planning to start a brand behind,” she said. “My upcoming swim collection is based on my experience at 2019 Art Basel in Miami, the Wynwood Walls are so colorful and really give off a retro feel.” →

↓ Arianna Shaw Working on her new designs

↑ Shaw was taught to sew by her late-grandmother

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As Shaw continues to promote her clothing line through social media and local pop-ups, she remains a firm believer of focusing on her vision to eschew comparisons to other brands.

Designing with poise and comfortability in mind, Suite: A Boutique has not only redefined Shaw’s career in fashion, but her terms of womanhood.

“I really design for myself, so that pushed me to be honest with myself about all of my insecurities. Because I am currently the face of my brand, every blemish and flaw is on display,” she said. “I think it's important for women to feel confident so if I’m going to encourage other women to feel that way, I understand that I must first actually feel confident within myself.” ♦

To learn more, visit suiteaboutique.com

↓ Shaw finds inspiration from diverse color palettes & street art

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← Swimwear Sketches

" I really design for myself, so that pushed me to be honest with myself about all of my insecurities.

Because I am currently the face of my brand, every blemish and flaw is on display,” I think it's important for women to feel confident so if I’m going to encourage other women to feel that way, I understand that I must first actually feel confident within myself.”

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Jennings Java

Moretti s

www.jenningsjava.com (614) 935-8348 1193 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43206

www.morettisofarlington.com (614) 486-2333 2124 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221

On the hilly campus of Muskingum University, Jennings Java was born from a college dorm room in the Spring of 2016. Jennings Java highlights coffee’s unique flavors by sourcing quality beans from various regions around the world. Wholesale or home brew, Jennings Java roasts to order, promising the freshest flavor and an authentic experience with each sip. This is how we remain “True to the Origin” in every cup that you enjoy. Jennings Java provides amazing coffee and a smile to everyone that comes through our doors.

Moretti’s has been preparing handmade Italian cuisine for Columbus diners for more than two decades. Join us in the heart of Upper Arlington for drinks, dinner, and a selection of fine wines.

Parsons North

Telhio Credit

www.parsonsnorth.com (614) 824-4208 685 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

www.telhio.org

Brewing Co.

A meal at Moretti’s of Arlington is all about the celebration of great food and the people who enjoy it.

We cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation as guests leisurely taste and sip through a meal. Expect for everything to be made by hand with quality ingredients. Delight in our fresh pasta, ravioli, sausages, and bread as you experience a fusion of flavors that excite the palate. You’ll be treated like family with impeccable service as you dine on food made with love, integrity, and fresh ingredients. Visit us, order carryout, or let us cater your next event - no matter what you’re here for, you’ll be more than satisfied.

Union

Patio season is upon us and we’ve got a big one. Enjoy this Spring in a spaced-out, safe environment here at Parsons North. With a wide selection of styles to choose from and a rotating schedule of Food Trucks, there’s plenty of opportunities to find your perfect combination.

If they don’t have it, then tell them to get it (wink wink).

Cheers and welcome back!

At Telhio Credit Union, small business is our business. From business checking and savings accounts to credit cards, employee banking solutions, and lending and treasury management options, we have everything you need to make sure your business is set for financial success. This is why over 3,000 businesses bank with Telhio Credit Union and benefit from important features like low credit card rates, incredible lending, leasing, and real estate options, and solutions to help manage cash flow. You could say that we take your business banking personally.

Family Practice

Get your 614 T-

www.familypracticewestcarellc.com (614) 878-7285 3421 Farm Bank Way, Grove City, OH 43123

614now.com/shop

WestCare

Hey Columbus, we made it through winter. Spring is here and COVID-19 vaccines are more readily available for all adults. During the past year, we put off important appointments and may have even neglected our own health; whether it’s your annual wellness exam, yearly cancer screenings or the vital PAP exam. Maybe you haven’t had even found a primary care provider.

As a female-owned and independent practice Family Practice WestCare is ready to serve all your healthcare needs. In fact, most new patients can be scheduled within a few days. This past year was tough, and we are ready to work in collaboration with you to get you feeling happy, healthy and ready for a bright future.

Shirts Now!

Back by popular demand. Be prepared to tell people where you snagged this comfy tee.

Even better? Shipping is free!

Available in Charcoal, Royal, Red, and White.

Printed right here in Columbus, Ohio!

↓ Cody Heichel Creates a large percentage of paintings from the trunk of his car

Cody Heichel’s small-scale collection reimagines Columbus from the driver’s seat

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Ally Schnaidt 614NOW.COM

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F

rom an empty Victorian Village street corner to a raw, textured depiction of Neil Avenue in the rain, you’re probably left wondering about the perspective from which Columbus-based painter Cody Heichel views his landscapes.

The answer? A large percentage of these paintings were completed—believe it or not—inside of Heichel’s car.

“Just as a person, I can feel uncomfortable when I’m out in the open. Some people thrive off the social side of painting on location, but I notice that my work seems to suffer when I’m not giving it my full attention,” Heichel said. “Once I started painting from the car, I noticed I felt very comfortable, and concentrated; it’s how a vast majority of these paintings were made, or at least started.”

Now on display at Brandt-Roberts Galleries in the Short North, this set of over 30 small-scale (some a mere 8.5 by 8.5 inches) landscape paintings makes up Heichel’s newest solo show, entitled Amid the Greens. Most depict local Columbus scenes in his signature raw, minimalist style.

And while you might think a painter rolling around in his Subaru Ascent sketching together scenes of the Columbus cityscape might not have much to say about art at all, that’s where you're wrong.

Because if anything, in Amid the Greens, Heichel’s work is about how we see the world around us—whether that’s the houses on our daily walk, or the city of Columbus through the windshield of a car.

As with so many, the pandemic also contributed to a change of perspective for Heichel.

Last year when COVID-19 hit, Heichel found himself spending more and more time with his young son who was forced to remain home from school. And while at this time many parents found themselves in the role of teacher, it was Heichel who became the student.

“As we were spending time at a park outside or something, he would start to take notice of a few seeds on the ground. Or in our backyard, we’re sitting in the same space for a long time and he would ask why our neighbor’s fence had a door in it, who would use that?” he said. “I couldn’t help then but to have my thoughts about all these things we overlook everyday.”

These instincts come to life immediately in his new paintings, which are sparse and quiet in the plainness of their subjects.

“I started to find potential in smaller and smaller things, and there was almost infinite potential in my backyard, and that’s wonderful,” Heichel said.

Aside from depicting quotidian street scenes from around Columbus, other paintings like Three Trees Midday show exactly what they claim: a trio of leafless trees standing together in the afternoon sun. Likewise, Dining Room Table depicts a simple scene Heichel likey sees every day: his own dining room in his Columbus home, with a corner lamp and polished wood table. →

↑ Heichel's work is about how we see the world around us

→ Heichel's paint palette

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" I started to find potential in smaller and smaller things, and there was almost infinite potential in my backyard, and thats wonderful."

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↓ Various works of art Heichel has painted

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↑ Cody Heichel sitting next to his work at Brandt-Roberts Galleries in the Short North

Because so little is present in these, we’re forced to ruminate on what is there: interesting form and shape, along with the artist’s distinctly painterly presentation that shows the thick swathes of oil paint and even the marks from each brushstroke if you look close enough.

And while the work from Amid the Greens isn’t going to reinvent the wheel—and Heichel himself doesn’t claim it will either—what it can do is remind us of what we really have around us, and how it’s probably worth paying a little more attention to.

“I want this to bring back light in things that are right in front of people, and remind them that there’s interest everywhere you look,” Heichel said. “Even if it’s something you see everyday.”

You can learn more at codyheichel.com

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→ Lauren D’Souza Owner and Creator of Ujjo

THE SWEET SPOT New hot sauce made for coffee goes with your desserts, too.

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo 614NOW.COM

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↓ Lauren D’Souza pouring Ujjo into her coffee

→ Lauren D’Souza Owner and Creator of Ujjo

"Made for coffee, great on everything – that's the informal slogan we've kind of adopted."

T

he bottle of Frank’s RedHot Sauce sat on Lauren D’Souza’s kitchen table like a loaded gun.

It wasn’t a question of if D’Souza—a pioneer of spicy food and adventurous eating— was going to use it in her coffee, but when.

“I was just goofing off with a friend and he said, you know, you like coffee, you like spice, you should try them together. I did, and it was terrible,” D’Souza said with a laugh.

But like penicillin or LSD, this weird one-off incident actually uncovered something much larger and more important.

“After I tried it, I realized it was the salt and the garlic powder and the vinegar that made it so bad,” D’Souza said. “The heat it added to my coffee was actually really enjoyable.”

On the surface, it’s not difficult to imagine spicy coffee or its appeal, with similar products like chili tinctures on the rise. Where things got complicated for D’Souza, though, was exactly how to make coffee spicy in an appealing way.

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While salt, vinegar, and oil each could preserve the product’s heat and flavor, they did so in a way that was less than appetizing. So after meticulous experimentation and product-testing, D’Souza settled on a sweet sauce.

And when you take your first sip of Ujjo-infused coffee, it’s this sweetness you’re likely to notice right away. Warm baking spices help to round out its flavor, and earthy Pasilla chilies (a less common variety that meshes better with the profile of most coffee beans) imparts the distinctive kick of Ujjo.

“The idea is you've got something that’s very balanced in its heat,” D’Souza said. “It’s not going to build up over time; you’re just going to get a little prick of sensation as you’re drinking.”

The new sauce is a great way to add a fiery kick to more than just your morning Java. It works well in other beverages like tea, hot chocolate, and even cocktails, in addition to foods such as pumpkin pie, waffles, vanilla ice cream, and much more.

“Made for coffee, great on everything—

(614) MAGAZINE MAY 2021 614NOW.COM

that’s the informal slogan we’ve kind of adopted,” D’Souza said.

As the formal launch of Ujjo unfurls, it might be easy to lose perspective. But for D’Souza, something that keeps her grounded is also one of the reasons she launched the product in the first place: her father.

“Growing up—whether he was couch-surfing through Portugal on his own, or ordering the weirdest thing on the menu at the restaurant—he was always finding ways to just do something a little bit different,” she said of her father, noting he uses Ujjo in black tea every morning. “Really, he’s the person who introduced me to spice, not just in terms of food, but living your life in a spicy way. That’s what we’re trying to do, and we hope others will too.” ♦ To learn more and sign up to be the first to try Ujjo, head to their website at ujjo.com

CBest-2021.pdf

Ujjo Infused Cold Foam Recipe

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Thank you, Columbus for voting us

Best Tacos Best To-Go Cocktails

Things you’ll need: • 2oz of oat or skim milk (best for foaming) • 15grams Ujjo coffee hot sauce • French press plunger • A glass that will fit the plunger in it • 8-10oz of Iced coffee

and

Pour 2oz of full fat Oat milk (Oatly is my favorite for foaming) into glass. Add 15grams of Ujjo coffee hot sauce to the glass and mix until the milk is slightly darkens in color.

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Next, grab your French press plunger and push it into the glass making sure the top of the plunger fits snugly over the glass to avoid spilling. Pull the plunger up the volume of the milk and push down to form micro bubbles. Do this quickly and consistently for 1 minute, try to avoid pulling the plunger entirely out of the milk while doing this.

When your 1 minute is up, remove the plunger from the glass. Swirl around the infused milk in the glass and observe the silky texture and microbubbles. To achieve a smoother texture gently swirl the milk around until it shines like wet paint. Pour infused cold foam over iced coffee.

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Join us for

happy hour Monday-Friday // 3-6pm condadotacos.com/happyhour

KEEP THE PARTY GOING $5 House Margs available for EExxppre ressssPPicickk--U Upp+ Delivery

We proudly make all Specialty + Signature Margs with

Enjoy!

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→ Joshua Martinez Owner of Pretentious Barrel House

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Welcome to the sour beer powerhouse of Columbus

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

“So wait, you only make sour beer?”

After launching the award-winning Pretentious Barrel House in 2017, this is a question owner Joshua Martinez has heard more times than he can count.

Because if you mean brewing, sourcing wine and spirit barrels, aging beer in them (often for years), blending different brews and vintages together from your 250-barrel collection, adding a litany of different adjuncts to these—from cherries to lime to vanilla and coffee—then yeah, Pretentious Barrel House only makes sour beer.

“Go talk to any brewery that makes sour beer,” Martinez said. “They’ll all tell you about the amount of work that goes into it, and it’s a lot.”

And while you're talking to that brewer about sour beer, go ahead and ask about Pretentious Barrel House. There’s a good chance they’ll know the name.

Already widely regarded among many as the premier sour beer producers in Columbus, the 2020 Ohio Craft Beer Cup confirmed Pretentious Barrel House’s position at the top of the pack. Sybarite with Cherries, an American Sour Ale, took silver in the Sour/Wild category, and Delectation, a dark sour aged in Middle West Spirits sherry barrels with vanilla beans and tangelo zest, took home another silver medal in the Experimental beer category.

Thankfully, you can find Pretentious Barrel House offerings with relative ease throughout central Ohio (and now in parts of Pennsylvania), but if you’re after the full sour experience, their east side facility (located at 745 Taylor Ave.) is a must.

With nearly 250 antiquated oak barrels stacked floor to ceiling and the smell of exotic libations heavy in the air, the tucked-away taproom and brew house feels a bit like a hobbit hole plucked from the pages of Lord of the Rings. → 614NOW.COM

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↓ The Pretentious Barrel House specializes in sour beer

Thank You

for voting us

#1!

P E T S U P P LY S T O R E From making sure that pet parents can count on us for healthy food and treat options, to supporting local pet rescues and animal charities, everything we do is about helping pets thrive. Thank you for making it all possible!

PetPeople now has 12 Central Ohio locations.

12

Bexley* Clintonville* Dublin Gahanna

Grandview Heights

Powell*

Lewis Center*

Westerville*

New Albany* Pickerington

Upper Arlington Worthington*

* Locations with SPAW Dog Wash

TRY OUR SAME DAY DELIVERY, CURBSIDE PICKUP AND AUTO-ORDER.

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→ A beer flight of sour beer

Which makes sense in more ways than one, because it’s where Martinez and company make magic happen.

Heralded for their complexity of flavor, sour beers are crafted in a process that is notoriously intricate and labor-intensive. While these brews get their mouth-puckering tang from the addition of special bacteria and yeast such as Brettanomyces or Lactobacillus, it’s a different part of the process that Martinez takes the most pride in: blending.

Most traditional sour beers are aged from months to years in a variety of different oak barrels, giving brewers the ability to mix different beers (or combine the same base beer of different ages) together. And while this process can create beers with unmatched complexity and balance, it does also take a while.

“Some days I’ll have 50 different beers on a table in front of me, and I’ll have to try all of them,” Martinez said. “A lot of times it takes a full hour just to get all the samples into glasses.”

Blending is a technique most commonly seen in the world of wine, so it makes sense that patrons often compare Pretentious Barrel House beers to it.

And ultimately, this is one of the indispensable things sour beer and Pretentious Barrel House are providing: it’s something you just can’t get anywhere else in the world of beer, craft or otherwise.

So whether it’s beers like Presumptuous (a sour IPA with pineapple and loads of Southern Hemisphere hops) or Malediction (a dark sour aged in wine and bourbon barrels for 14 months) or their recent award-winning duo, at Pretentious Barrel House you’ll find things that are one part wild and one part delicious, all blended together together to perfection—even if it takes a while.

“We get a lot of converts, a lot of people who get dragged here who like wine, not beer, but end up drinking something they really enjoy,” Martinez said. ♦

← Pretentious Barrel House's award winning sour beers Sybarite and Delectation.

To learn more, visit pretentiousbarrelhouse.com

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↓ Blue Raspberry THC Gummies

DAVID VS. GOLIATH How one family-owned marijuana processor is going toe-to-toe with big business in weed edibles

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Ally Schnaidt

↓ the BeneLeaves team working on the Capsule Assembly Line

"We get the chance to interact with patients who share their stories. We just hear amazing ones, and hope to hear a lot more."

T

he legal marijuana industry—as you might expect—is run mostly by a legion of sleek, hyperorganized entities. Referred to as multi-state operators, these large companies generally have business holdings in multiple greenfriendly states and are able to box out smaller businesses with relative ease.

But, in likely the strangest and most interesting underdog story you’ll read in a long time, there’s one family-owned marijuana processor based on the east side of Columbus still fighting tooth and nail against the big guys.

They’re BeneLeaves, and they’re holding their own with aplomb.

“It’s David versus Goliath for us in the industry,” said BeneLeaves president Bill Williams, Jr. “And we’re out there with a slingshot.” →

� Within their massive facility sits a plethora of space-age technology singularly suited to extract marijuna and create a full array of medicinal vape cartridges, capsules, lotions, and of course—considering the company’s foodscience knowhow—a host of THCrich baked goods.

↑ Roto Evaporator

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↑ Short Path Wiped Film Distillation

BeneLeaves serves as one of only 23 marijuana processors in Ohio. Different from growers and dispensaries, processors extract THC and other compounds from Ohio-grown marijuana, selling their wares—everything from vape pens to capsules to THC-rich sweets—to dispensaries for retail purchase.

The company was one of only 104 Ohio businesses to receive the requisite licensure to do business in marijuana once it was ruled medically legal in 2016.

Their secret: canned food.

Williams and BeneLeaves COO Jeff Hollenback worked together at Columbus-based Glory Foods Inc., a canned food company founded by Williams’ father, and one that Hoolenbeck oversaw research and development for.

“One thing we’ve seen is that there [are] a lot of people with extraction experience, with cannabis experience, but they don’t understand the food side of being a processor,” said Williams.

But things didn’t simply fall into place after BeneLeaves landed their coveted licensure from the state of Ohio several years ago. → 614NOW.COM

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↑ the BeneLeaves team working on the Capsule Assembly Line

↑ Turtle Brownie Bites

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“This is the 64th building we looked at,” said Hollenbeck. “You’d be talking to people, and they’d price their building at $50 per square foot, but then when they found out what we do it went up to $100.”

While a roof was vital to operations, where BeneLeaves really starts is with the plant itself, which is referred to as biomass in the industry.

On the day of my visit, Williams leads me into the BeneLeaves “raw vault,” where unprocessed marijuana is received from growers before being extracted and made into products.

“This right here,” he said, hoisting up one of many vacuum-sealed bags holding pounds of Ohio-grown marijuana, “This is 29.7 percent THC. That’s the quality we get.”

Within their massive facility sits a plethora of space-age technology singularly suited to extract marijuna and create a full array of medicinal vape cartridges, capsules, lotions, and of course—considering the company’s foodscience knowhow—a host of THCrich baked goods like flavored gummies, cookies, and chews that absorb in part through the sublingual arteries.

“We make our cookies from scratch on site, we make our gummies from scratch on site. We really value the culinary side of our business,” Williams said.

↑ Infused Creams & Lotions

"We make our cookies from scratch on site, we make our gummies from scratch on site. We really value the culinary side of our business."

Next up on the menu for BeneLeaves is a collab with a local gluten-free bakery to make medicated gluten-free chocolate chip cookies in flavors like honey pistachio, chocolate chili coconut, and more.

And their cutting-edge scientific prowess isn’t limited to the culinary world, either. Another fascinating product is their CBD lotion that through the use of a complex base provides site-specific pain relief.

“I remember one time I was working [a pop-up stand at a dispensary], and this huge biker came up to me. He was here for our lotion. After he dropped his bike a few months ago, it was the only thing that gave him any pain relief,” Williams said.

Because at the end of the day, beyond the flashy science and delicious food, BeneLeaves is a company that’s geared toward helping others with a product they rely on medically.

“Before I got into this I had no idea how many people can’t sleep, and had serious chronic pain,” Williams said. “We get the chance to interact with patients who share their stories. We just hear amazing ones, and hope to hear a lot more.” ♦

To learn more, visit beneleaves.com

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Thank you, 614 readers!

YOU’VE GOT GREAT TASTE,

COLUMBUS

2021 BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT | 2021 BEST DINING PATIO 2021 BEST GERMAN VILLAGE RESTAURANT | 2021 BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

O

ES

00 , 000 V 5 OT R E V

We are finally unveiling all the best this city has to offer. This year, you, the readers and voters, highlighted all the popular spots we’ve all grown to love; familiar faces who have consistently achieved excellence; and of course, a few new places that have changed the way we go about our lives in Central Ohio. We’ve had our hands full tallying the totals, crossing our t's and dotting our i’s. But, without further ado, this is your definitive list of the champions of Columbus. This is ColumBEST. →

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Food + Restaurants

↑ N orthstar Cafe

by Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST BRUNCH

NORTHSTAR CAFE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • northstarcafe.com

 First Watch  Katalina’s

→ NORTHSTAR ALSO WON BEST PLACE FOR A SALAD

 Cap City Fine Diner  Rusty Bucket BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN RESTAURANT

 Brassica  Portia’s Cafe BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (CAMPUS/CLINTONVILLE/LINDEN)

 Pat & Gracie’s  Harvest Bar & Kitchen

BEST BREAKFAST

FIRST WATCH

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • firstwatch.com

 Fox in the Snow  Katalina’s Cafe

BEST COFFEE SHOP

STAUF’S

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • staufs.com

 Fox in the Snow  Crimson Cup

BEST DELICATESSEN

KATZINGER’S

1ST PLACE

475 S Third St • katzingers.com

 Brown Bag Deli  Blocks Bagels

BEST DOGS AND BRATS

DIRTY FRANK’S

1ST PLACE

248 S Fourth St • dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

 Schmidt’s  The Thurman Cafe 614NOW.COM

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↑ T he Thurman Cafe

by Collins Laatsch

BEST GOURMET BURGER

THURMAN CAFE

1ST PLACE

183 Thurman Ave • thethurmancafe.com

 Northstar Cafe  Pat & Gracie’s → THURMAN CAFE ALSO WON BEST TRADITIONAL BURGER

 Five Guys  Swensons

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BEST WINGS

ROOSTERS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • roosterswings.com

 Hot Chicken Takeover  Buffalo Wild Wings → ROOSTERS ALSO WON BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (GROVE CITY)

 Planks on Broadway  3 Brothers Bar BEST WAIT STAFF

 Lindey’s  Cap City Fine Diner

BEST FRIES

FIVE GUYS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • fiveguys.com

 Brassica  Rusty Bucket

BEST GOURMET PIZZA

HARVEST PIZZERIA

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • harvestpizzeria.com

 Yellow Brick Pizza  Dewey’s Pizza

BEST TRADITIONAL PIZZA

MASSEY’S PIZZA

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • masseyspizza.com

 Mikey’s Late Night Slice  Tommy’s Pizza 614NOW.COM

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↑ W izard of Za

by Alex Lefebvre

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

WIZARD OF ZA

BEST FOOD TRUCK

RAY RAY’S HOG PIT

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

HAPPY GREEK

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

4214 N High St. • thewizardofza.com

Multiple locations • rayrayshogpit.com

660 N High St • happygreek.com

 The Royce  Barrio

 Mikey’s Late Night Slice  Schmidt’s Sausage

 Yanni’s Greek Grill  Greek Express

→ RAY RAY' S ALSO WON

→ HAPPY GREEK ALSO WON

BEST BARBECUE

BEST GYRO

 City Barbeque  Smoked on High

 Greek Express  Yanni’s Greek Grill

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST CAJUN

J. GUMBO’S

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • jgumbos.com

 Gallo’s Kitchen & Bar  Creole Kitchen

TAI’S ASIAN BISTRO

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EL VAQUERO

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1285 W. Lane Ave. • taisbistroohio.com

1285 W. Lane Ave. • vaquerorestaurants.com

 PF Chang’s  Molly Woo’s

 Condado Taco  Los Guachos

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

MARCELLA’S

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • marcellasrestaurant.com

 Carfagna’s Kitchen  Spaghetti Warehouse

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

MITCHELL’S OCEAN CLUB

1ST PLACE

4002 Easton Station • ocean-prime.com

 Columbus Fish Market  The Pearl

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

AAB INDIA

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • aabindiarestaurants.com

 Taj Palace  Amul India

BEST MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT

ALADDIN’S EATERY

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • aladdins.com

 Brassica  Lavash Cafe

BEST SUSHI

AKAI HANA

1ST PLACE

1173 Old Henderson Rd • akaihanaohio.com

 Fusian  Mr. Sushi

BEST QUICK LUNCH

NORTH MARKET

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • northmarket.com

 Hot Chicken Takeover  BIBIBOP 614NOW.COM

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BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

LINDEY’S

1ST PLACE

169 E Beck St • lindeys.com

 The Top Steakhouse  Kitchen Social → LINDEY' S ALSO WON BEST DINING PATIO

 Milestone 229  Barcelona BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (GERMAN VILLAGE/OLDE TOWNE EAST/ MERION VILLAGE/BREWERY DISTRICT)

 Schmidt’s Sausage Haus  Thurman Cafe

↑ L indey's

by Collins Laatsch

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (NEW ALBANY)

THE BARN AT ROCKY FORK CREEK

BEST DINER

CAP CITY FINE DINER

1ST PLACE

1299 Olentangy River Rd • capcityfinediner.com

1ST PLACE

1370 E. Johnstown Rd.• thebarncolumbus.com

 Hudson 29  Mellow Mushroom

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (WESTERVILLE/POLARIS)

KITCHEN SOCIAL

1ST PLACE

 Starliner Diner  Tommy’s Diner → CAP CITY ALSO WON

8954 Lyra Dr. • ourkitchensocial.com

 Carfagna’s Kitchen  Asterisk Supper Club

BEST PLACE FOR COMFORT FOOD BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (WORTHINGTON)

NATALIE’S COAL FIRED PIZZA

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations• nataliesgrandview.com

 The Whitney House  Villa Nova

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 Hot Chicken Takeover  Melt Bar & Grill

BEST PRICE IS NO OBJECT RESTAURANT

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT

1ST PLACE

(UPPER ARLINGTON/GRANDVIEW)

 Third & Hollywood  High Bank Distillery

THE REFECTORY

1092 Bethel Rd. • refectory.com

 Lindey’s  Jeff Ruby

BEST STEAKHOUSE

THE TOP STEAK HOUSE

1ST PLACE

2891 E Main St. • thetopsteakhouse.com

 Hyde Park  Jeff Ruby

→ THE TOP ALSO WON HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANT

 Katalina’s Cafe  Basi Italia NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (BEXLEY)

 Harvest Pizzeria  Giuseppe’s Ritrovo

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (GAHANNA/EASTON)

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANTS

1ST PLACE

4230 The Strand • chwinery.com

 Mitchell’s Ocean Club  Cap City Fine Diner

BEST GASTROPUB

101 BEER KITCHEN

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • 101beerkitchen.com

 High Bank Distillery  Matt the Miller’s Tavern

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (SHORT NORTH/ITALIAN VILLAGE VICTORIAN VILLAGE)

THE PEARL

1ST PLACE

641 N. High St. • thepearlcolumbus.com

 Forno Kitchen + Bar  Marcella’s

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BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (DUBLIN/POWELL)

URBAN MEYER’S PINT HOUSE

1ST PLACE

6632 Longshore St. • urbanspinthouse.com

 Cap City  Local Roots

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (HILLIARD)

STARLINER DINER

1ST PLACE

4121 Main St. • starlinerdiner.com

 Beer Barrel Pizza  Roosters

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (REYNOLDSBURG)

HICKORY HOUSE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • thehickoryhouse.com

 Block’s Hot Bagels & Deli  Scali

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (FRANKLINTON/HILLTOP)

TOMMY’S DINER

1ST PLACE

914 W Broad St. • tommysdiner.com

 BrewDog  Yellow Brick Pizza

BEST TACOS

CONDADO TACOS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • condadotacos.com

 Local Cantina  Los Guachos

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BEST DONUTS

BUCKEYE DONUTS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • buckeyedonuts.net

 Resch’s Bakery  Duck Donuts

BEST BAKERY

RESCH’S BAKERY

1ST PLACE

4061 E Livingston Ave. • reschbakery.com

 Der Dutchman  Pistacia Vera ↓ Starliner Diner

by Brian Kaiser

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BEST DESSERTS

THE CHEESECAKE GIRL

BEST ICE CREAM

GRAETER’S ICE CREAM

BEST COOKIES

FOX IN THE SNOW

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

5354 Center St. • thecheesecakegirl.com

Multiple locations • graeters.com

Multiple locations • foxinthesnow.com

 Pistachia Vera  Chocolate Cafe

 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream  Whit’s Frozen Custard

 Insomnia  Bake me Happy

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↓ The Cheesecake Girl

by Julian Foglietti

BEST FAST FOOD

CHICK-FIL-A

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • chick-fil-a.com

 Raising Cane’s  Wendy’s

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Booze & Bars

↑ U nion Cafe

by Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST LGBTQ+ BAR

UNION CAFE

BEST BEER SELECTION

101 BEER KITCHEN

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

782 N High St. • columbusnightlife.com

Multiple locations • 101beerkitchen.com

 Axis  District West

 The Daily Growler  Pint House

BEST BLOODY MARY

BEST BAR/ARCADE

THE PEARL

PINS MECHANICAL CO.

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • thepearlcolumbus.com

Multiple locations • pinsbar.com

 Hangover Easy  Matt the Miller’s Tavern

 16 Bit  Old North Arcade

BEST DIVE BAR

BEST IRISH PUB

BOB’S BAR

BYRNE’S PUB

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

4961 N. High St.

1248 W. 3rd Ave. • byrnespub.com

 Char Bar  Byrne’s Pub

 Fado  Dublin Village Tavern

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↑ Lincoln Social

by Brian Kaiser

BEST ROOFTOP BAR

LINCOLN SOCIAL

SEVENTH SON

BEST BAR - CLINTONVILLE/CAMPUS/LINDEN

OUT-R-INN

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

711 N. High St. • lincolnsocialrooftop.com

1101 N 4th St. • seventhsonbrewing.com

20 Frambes Ave.

 RH Rooftop Columbus  VASO

 Short North Tavern  Union

 The Varsity Club  Bob’s Bar

→ LINCOLN SOCIAL ALSO WON

BEST BAR - BEXLEY

BEST BAR - HILLIARD

BEST NEW BAR

 RH Rooftop Columbus  Crooked Can

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BEST BAR - DOWNTOWN

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THE TOP

CROOKED CAN

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

2891 E Main St. • thetopsteakhouse.com

5354 Center St.• crookedcanohio.com

 Harvest Pizzeria  Rusty Bucket

 Lucky’s Grille  The Goat

BEST BAR - WESTERVILLE/POLARIS

KITCHEN SOCIAL

1ST PLACE

8954 Lyra Dr. • ourkitchensocial.com

 101 Beer Kitchen  Uptown Deli and Brew

BEST BAR - GAHANNA/EASTON

GATSBY’S

1ST PLACE

151 N. Hamilton Rd. • gatsbys1977.com

 101 Beer Kitchen  Forbidden Root 614NOW.COM

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↑ Antiques on High

by Brian Kaiser

BEST BAR - GROVE CITY

GROVE CITY BREWING CO.

1ST PLACE BEST BAR - GERMAN VILLAGE/ OLD TOWN EAST/MERION VILLAGE

ANTIQUES ON HIGH 1ST PLACE

3946 Broadway • grovecitybrewery.com

 Hop Yard 62  Forbidden Root

BEST BAR - REYNOLDSBURG

O’TOOLE’S IRISH PUB

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • otoolesgrill.com

 Prost  Sexton’s

714 S. High St. • antiquesonhigh.com

 Thurman Cafe  Planks

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BEST BAR - FRANKLINTON/HILLTOP

LAND-GRANT

BEST WINE SELECTION

COOPER’S HAWK

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

424 W. Town St. • landgrantbrewing.com

4230 The Strand • chwinery.com

 Yellow Brick  Rehab Tavern

 The Wine Bistro  The Refectory

BEST BAR - DUBLIN/POWELL

VASO

1ST PLACE

6540 Riverside Dr. • vasodublin.com

 Nocterra  Bogey Inn

BEST SPORTS BAR

ROOSTERS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • roosterswings.com

 Urban Meyer’s Pint House  Pint House 614NOW.COM

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BEST DRINKING PATIO

BREWDOG

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • brewdog.com

 Land-Grant  PiNS Mechanical Co. → BREWDOG ALSO WON BEST OVERALL BAR

 PiNS Mechanical Co.  Seventh Son BEST LOCAL BREWERY

 Seventh Son  Land-Grant

BEST CREATIVE COCKTAILS

HIGH BANK DISTILLERY

1ST PLACE

1051 Goodale Blvd. • highbankco.com

 Antiques on High  Watershed Kitchen & Bar → HIGH BANK ALSO WON BEST BAR - UPPER ARLINGTON/ GRANDVIEW

 Grandview Cafe  Byrne’s Pub

BEST TO-GO COCKTAIL

CONDADO TACOS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • condadotacos.com

 High Bank Distillery  Local Cantina

BEST HAPPY HOUR

FORNO KITCHEN + BAR

1ST PLACE

721 N High St. • fornoshortnorth.com

 Condado Tacos  Marcella’s

BEST BAR - NEW ALBANY

THE GOAT

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • lcgoat.com

 Rusty Bucket  Pastimes Pub

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↑ The Goat

by Zane Osler

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People + Places

BEST HOTEL

LE MÉRIDIEN COLUMBUS, THE JOSEPH

1ST PLACE

620 N High St • lemeridiencolumbus.com

 LeVeque  Hilton Easton

BEST LOCAL CHARITY

MID-OHIO FOODBANK

1ST PLACE

3960 Brookham Dr. • midohiofoodbank.org

 Columbus Humane Society  Ronald McDonald House

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

PLANET FITNESS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • planetfitness.com

 OrangeTheory  YMCA

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX*

GRANDVIEW YARD

1ST PLACE

800 Baldwin Dr. • grandviewyardapartments.com

 Lifestyle Communities  Bridge Park

↑ Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

by Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST BED AND BREAKFAST

GERMAN VILLAGE GUEST HOUSE

1ST PLACE

748 Jaeger St. • gvguesthouse.com

 Victorian Village Guest House  Timbrook Guesthouse

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

CLINTONVILLE

1ST PLACE

clintonvilleareacommission.org

 German Village  Grandview

*The focus of this category is meant to be on individual Apartment Complexes. We still celebrate all of the wins but will refocus all nominees on the individual complexes in 2022!

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↑ M ojo Flo

by Kris Misevski

BEST LOCAL BAND

MOJOFLO

1ST PLACE

mojoflomusic.com

 CAAMP  The Floorwalkers BEST COVER BAND

THE REAGANOMICS

1ST PLACE

reaganomics.com

 Hoo Doo Soul Band  Shucking Bubba

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BEST LOCAL SOLO MUSICIAN

MOLLY WINTERS

1ST PLACE

reverbnation.com/missmollywinters

 AJ Angelo  John Schwab

BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION

CD92.9

1ST PLACE cd1025.com

 97.9 WNCI  92.3 WCOL

BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

YOLANDA HARRIS, 10TV 1ST PLACE 10tv.com

 Monica Day, NBC4  Dom Tiberi, 10TV

BEST OVERALL COLUMBUS CELEBRITY

DR. AMY ACTON

1ST PLACE 10tv.com

 Jack Hanna  Nina West

BEST BARTENDER

WESLEY HENSON FROM BOSCOE’S

1ST PLACE

BOSCOESBAR.COM

 Sean Taylor from Echo Spirits  Annie Williams-Pierce from Law Bird 614NOW.COM

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BEST MOVIE THEATER

AMC EASTON

1ST PLACE

275 Easton Town Center • amctheatres.com

 Marcus Crosswoods  Gateway Film Center

BEST COLUMBUS EMPLOYER <500 EMPLOYEES

BEST LOCAL PLACE TO GET MARRIED

HOT CHICKEN TAKEOVER

FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • hotchickentakeover.com

1777 E Broad St.• fpconservatory.org

 BrewDog  Moo Moo Car Wash

 Jorgensen Farms  Whetstone Park of Roses → FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

BEST EMPLOYER: >500 EMPLOYEES

ALSO WON

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

BEST PLACE TO HOLD YOUR

1ST PLACE • osu.edu

 Nationwide Children’s Hospital  Ohio Health

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RECEPTION / EVENT SPACE

 Columbus Museum of Art  The Bluestone

↓ Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

by Collins Laatsch

FAMILY ATTRACTION TO SPOIL YOUR KIDS

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM 1ST PLACE

4850 W. Powell Rd. • columbuszoo.org

 COSI  Zoombezi Bay → COLUMBUS ZOO ALSO WON BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS

 Short North  North Market

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↑ Ten Pin Alley

by Brian Kaiser

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

TEN PIN ALLEY

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BEST PLACE FOR PARTIES

PINS MECHANICAL CO.

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

5499 Ten Pin Alley • tenpinalley.com

Multiple locations • pinsbar.com

 PINS Mechanical  Star Lanes

 Topgolf  Ten Pin Alley

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • magicmountainfuncenter.com

 The Chiller  Lazer Kraze

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↓ Metro Parks

by Rebecca Tien

BEST FREE FAMILY ATTRACTION

METRO PARKS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations• metroparks.net

 Franklin Park Conservatory (First Sundays)  Columbus Museum of Art (Sundays)

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BEST PARK

HIGHBANKS METRO PARK

1ST PLACE

9466 Columbus Pike • metroparks.net

 Columbus Park of Roses  Goodale Park

BEST ART GALLERY

WEXNER CENTER

1ST PLACE

1871 N High St. • wexarts.org

 Studios on High  934 Gallery

BEST COMEDY VENUE

FUNNY BONE

1ST PLACE

145 Easton Town Center • columbus.funnybone.com

 Shadowbox Live  Woodland’s Tavern

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Shopping + Services

↓ Homage

by Collins Laatsch

BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE

HOMAGE

BEST FURNITURE STORE

IKEA

BEST THRIFT STORE

GOODWILL

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • homage.com

1900 Ikea Way • ikea.com

Multiple locations • goodwill.org

 Vernacular  Thread

 Elm & Iron  Value City Furniture

 Ohio Thrift  Rag-O-Rama

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

EASTON TOWN CENTER

1ST PLACE

160 Easton Town Center • eastontowncenter.com

 Polaris Fashion Place  Tanger Outlets

BEST TATTOO PARLOR

EVOLVED BODY ART

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • evolvedbodyart.com

 Red Tree  High Street Tattoo

BEST HOSPITAL

RIVERSIDE METHODIST HOSPITAL

1ST PLACE

3535 Olentangy River Rd. • ohiohealth.com/riverside

 Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University  Nationwide Children’s Hospital

BEST VET/ANIMAL HOSPITAL

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1ST PLACE

601 Vernon L Tharp St. • vet.osu.edu

 MedVet  Upper Arlington Vet Hospital

BEST BICYCLE STORE

ROLL

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • roll-online.com

 Trek Bicycles  Paradise Garage

BEST DRY CLEANERS

SWAN CLEANERS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • swancleaners.com

 Dublin Cleaners  Westerville Cleaners 614NOW.COM

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BEST PLANT/GARDEN SHOP/NURSERY

OAKLAND NURSERY

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • oaklandnursery.com

 Strader's Garden Centers  Groovy Plant Ranch

BEST FLORIST

CONNELLS MAPLE LEE FLOWERS & GIFTS

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • cmlflowers.com

 Flowerama  5th Ave Floral Co.

BEST PET GROOMER

DOGGIE DAY SPA

BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE

DOGTOPIA

BEST ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

UBER

1ST PLACE uber.com

 Yellow Cab  Central Ohio German Village Taxi & Shuttle

BEST PET STORE

PETPEOPLE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1627 West First Ave. • doggiedayspacolumbus.com

Multiple locations • dogtopia.com

Multiple locations • petpeoplestores.com

 Mutts & Co.  Petsmart

 Camp Bow Wow  All Paws Retreat

 PetSmart  Mutts & Co.

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↑ Oakland Nursery

by Collins Laatsch

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

GERMAIN

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • germaincars.com

 Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet  Byers Auto Group

BEST HARDWARE STORE

ZETTLER HARDWARE

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • zettlerhardware.com

 Menards  Roush Hardware

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↑ The Book Loft

by Megan Leigh Barnard

BEST BOOKSTORE

THE BOOK LOFT

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BEST PLACE TO BANK

HUNTINGTON BANK

BEST JEWELRY STORE

DIAMOND CELLAR

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

1ST PLACE

631 Third St. • bookloft.com

Multiple locations • huntington.com

Multiple locations • diamondcellar.com

 Half Price Books  Barnes & Noble

 Chase  PNC

 Worthington Jewelers  Red Giraffe

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BEST SPA/SALON

PENZONE SALON + SPA

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • penzonesalons.com

 Kenneth's Hair Salon  Woodhouse Day Spa

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

MASSAGE ENVY

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • massageenvy.com

 Woodhouse Day Spa  PENZONE Salon + Spa

BEST LARGE GROCERY STORE

KROGER

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • kroger.com

 Trader Joe's  Giant Eagle

BEST LOCAL GROCERY STORE

NORTH MARKET

1ST PLACE

Multiple locations • northmarket.com

 Carfagna’s  Weiland’s

BEST MEAT MARKET/BUTCHER

CARFAGNA’S

1ST PLACE

1405 E. Dublin Granville Rd. • carfagnasmarket.com

 The Butcher & Grocer  Weiland’s

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Let's face it, when you need a professional, whether it's a doctor, a Real Estate agent, or some other service-related field, you want to know what services they offer, but you also want to know who they are and what they're about. (614) is going to help you with that!

Every quarter, we will feature some of Columbus' top professionals in this special advertising section that helps you learn not just what they do, but how they do it and what their story is. From social enterprises that work to better their communities to highly skilled medical professionals who can better your health, we've got the story behind the storefront—and we're excited for you to meet them. Columbus, meet The Professionals. →

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The Revolution Mortgage difference Rob Livingston is on-call 24-7—and so is RM technology

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re you shopping for a lender in this challenging market? Are you the kind of person that likes to track everything on your smartphone? Do you want someone who can explain the ins and outs of lending and to close on a home in this competitive market?

Then Rob Livingston, Revolution Mortgage Grandview Heights Branch Manager, is your guy.

Livingston works hard, leveraging the technology you use daily to replace the fears of homebuying with a pleasant, customer experience.

“We are having fun at Revolution Mortgage in Grandview Heights,” he said. “We are not your traditional bankers, we don't work 9-5! We are here when you need us! We understand buying

a home is stressful and you may need to talk to someone so you can sleep at night. We try to understand every person's unique situation and we want you to have the best experience you can.”

So, what is the Revolution Mortgage difference? “We really love our technology,” he said. Everything related to your Revolution Mortgage loan is conveniently hosted in an app.

Clients get total access to loan and application details and the ability to contact your loan officer 24/7 while signing the necessary documents from your device.

“I think the biggest thing that people like about our branch is the constant communication and speedy-fast deliveries,” said Livingston. “This being

↓ Rob Livingston, Chanel Ellison, Elizabeth England, Kimi Koslovsky (L to R)

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By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by Jen Brown

the biggest investment of your entire life, you want to make sure you have the best team and process when you are going through it so you know you are getting the best loan options for your personal situation.”

Livingston said he and his team are missiondriven to bring clients the best possible customer service. His loan officers prepare and go over all options and help you find the best product. A lending coordinator explains everything and holds your hand until closing. “There’s always someone to help walk you through, every step of the way,” said Livingston.

Revolution Mortgage can help you save you money, even when navigating this challenging home-buying market.

↑ Kimi Koslovsky, Elizabeth England, Rob Livingston, Chanel Ellison (L to R)

Aggressive customers can get the home of their dreams, even with limited housing stock, he said. “But have to offer in many cases over asking (price). They might bring additional money to the table to cover an appraisal gap. ” he said.

“We will take a look at each personal individual situation and tailor a program that can help become competitive in this tough market.,” he said. “This may take a little time and effort and we are so happy to do it.” ♦

"What people love about us is that we are tech-savvy Millennials— we are no different from you, and we just want you to have the best experience you can."

Our Services → Mortgage Lending

480 Olde Worthington Rd. Westerville, OH 43082

Revolution Westerville – Let’s Make Moves.

→ Refinancing Revolution Mortgage (Company NMLS# 1686046) Westerville Branch (Branch NMLS# 1686046) Branch Manager (NMLS# 460623) Rob Livingston

614-918-0055 rlivingston@revolutionmortgage.com www.revolutionmortgage.com/westerville

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'Bad-ass Realtors®' Two forces of nature give you a unique and honest home-buying experience

By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by Jen Brown

T

↑ Jennifer Kessel-White & Lauren Lucas (L to R)

" We are a fun, Millennial-driven business and we work with a lot of first-time homebuyers. They value complete honesty and get that from us. "

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he LKW Home Team consists of business and life partners Lauren Lucas and Jennifer Kessel-White, who have joined forces to bring a fresh real estate experience to the Columbus market.

The self-described “bad-ass Realtors®,” know their clients, and they do things differently to exceed their expectations. “We are a fun, Millennialdriven business and we work with a lot of first-time homebuyers,” said Kessel-White. “We have our ideal client. They aren’t going to mind if we curse a little bit. They value complete honesty and get that from us.”

In this hot-as-hell real estate market, it’s important that you have a driven professional Realtor® on your side to help you navigate the potential pitfalls, ensure you get what you want, and beat others to the punch.

Lucas says that it is very important to them that the house they help you purchase will build equity and make you proud. Additionally, there is an important education component that the ladies said is well worth the time they invest helping others learn the basics of homebuying.

“Many people don’t understand the process,” said Kessel-White. “We want everyone to know that even in the seventh-hottest real estate market in the nation, you can feel confident that when you make an offer of $30k over asking price and there is a $10k appraisal gap, that you will know what that means.”

The LKW Home Team recently started offering free virtual first-time homebuyer seminars to educate the public about the ins and outs of buying a home in Columbus right now. “Truthfully, it is a trust-building exercise for us. We also want all of our clients to feel in control and extremely educated on the process before making an offer on a house,” said Lucas.

Not only do their buyers receive top-notch education, but the LKW Home Team brings their

↑ Lauren Lucas & Jennifer Kessel-White (L to R)

A-Game when it comes to selling.

“You really need to prove your value when selling a home, so we have elite open houses,” said Kessel-White. “We doorknock and flyer the area and use social ads. We put a lot of money into marketing to make sure we have as many eyes in that home as possible to get the seller top dollar. We use drone photography, when there are a lot of agents out there taking iPhone pics,” she said. “Anyone can put a sign in a yard, but we do our due diligence to

be sure that everyone and their mom sees this listing.

It drives the price up and brings you the most profit.”

It’s part of their brand to bring something different to the table, the women say. “We have mimosas and cold brew coffee, artists, djs, acoustic singer-songwriters to make our open houses more exciting and interesting,” Kessel-White said.

But having fun open houses doesn’t mean the Realtors® aren’t serious when it comes to ensuring their clients get their attention fast and when they

need it. “When houses come up right now, you have to go see them that day before they're gone. We are dedicated to making sure our clients get in that day.”

For those who wonder if now is the right time to purchase their first home in Central Ohio, KesselWhite said that you may be overpaying right now, but the market will catch up. “Money is so cheap to borrow right now, it’s actually a great time for firsttime buyers.” ♦

Our Services → Home Buyers → Home Sellers

1510 W Lane Ave. Upper Arlington, OH 43221

LKW Home Team – Welcome Home 614!

→ Investors → Commercial Properties

Lauren Lucas and Jennifer Kessel-White LKW Home Team

614-321-9262 www.lkwhometeam.com

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Buyers Set for Success Revolution Mortgage keeps it local and fast for homebuyers

By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by Jen Brown

H

ome-buying can be a stressful undertaking anytime, but in this market, houses are getting swooped up as soon as they are listed.

Many buyers want to know how they can have an advantage over other buyers in this ultracompetitive market. One important way to get ahead of the competition is to keep it local, said Branch Manager Todd Pennington of Revolution Mortgage in Westerville.

“We are locally owned. Our entire process happens locally. Our underwriting is local and our closing is local, so we can easily monitor and control the loan process,” he said. Keeping the process local gives buyers more control and flexibility when it comes to meeting their needs. “We can close as fast as two weeks,” Pennington said. “If we need to hit a contract date on a purchase, we can make sure we do.”

The biggest challenge right now for buyers in the Columbus market is very low inventory, but Revolution Mortgage can set buyers up for success from the very beginning.

“It makes it challenging and rewarding on our end when we can get our clients out in front of other buyers,” said Pennington. “Once they have that pre-approval upfront, they have a better chance of winning a bid. With Revolution, we also give them the opportunity to close as fast as 30 days, which can sometimes separate their bid from other buyers with a prequalification.”

While Revolution Mortgage can set you up as a stand-out among buyers with pre-approval and quick closing times, buyer education is something that Revolution Mortgage prides itself on.

“We make sure that we present buyers with the best programs that best fit their goals-

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↑ Todd Pennington

↑ Todd Pennington

"We make sure that we present buyers with the best programs that best fit their goals –not ours."

-not ours,” says Pennington. “We make sure that all of our clients have a good understanding of the process and that they get the most out of their mortgage program.”

How do they do it? Pennington and his team at Revolution Mortgage have seen just about everything when it comes to mortgages. “I’ve been in business since 1995 and I have worked in all capacities of the mortgage industry,” said Pennington. “I have a very experienced team behind me with a long list of clients that has been primarily built on referral relationships. We are a very experienced group that is ready to serve people’s needs.”

Pennington is very proud that he has built his business on referrals. “The best thing is getting referrals from past clients because it tells me I did a good job for them and they were willing to pass my name along to friends and family. That is just the most rewarding thing that could happen!”

Speaking of rewarding, he said he wouldn’t change his work with Revolution Mortgage for anything. “As a company that is just a couple years old, we are rapidly growing. We take that as a sign that we are doing things the right ways and taking care of our clients,” Pennington said. “It’s good to be part of a company whose No. 1 goal is client satisfaction.” ♦

Our Services → Mortgage Lending

480 Olde Worthington Rd. Westerville, OH 43082

Revolution Westerville – Let’s Make Moves.

→ Refinancing Revolution Mortgage (Company NMLS# 1686046) Westerville Branch (Branch NMLS# 1686046) Branch Manager (NMLS# 728818) Todd Pennington

614-390-9520 tpennington@revolutionmortgage.com www.revolutionmortgage.com/westerville

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Hungry with Heart Marci Press goes the distance for home buyers and sellers in ‘fierce’ real estate market

By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by Jen Brown

A

lthough the job of a Realtor is often complex, Realtor Marci Press of Home Central Realty said that there are two things that allow her to excel in this very competitive real estate market—her ability to really listen and her absolute hunger to go above and beyond for her clients.

If you are looking for a Realtor who puts a lockbox on your door and a sign in your yard and waits for the buyers to come, Press is not for you.

In this fierce real estate market, whether buying or selling, it is more important than ever to work with an experienced Realtor who knows what they are doing, she said.

Her real estate smarts paired with her passion for people has helped her accomplish her own dreams, as she recently was ranked in the top 1 percent of all Realtors in Central Ohio. “There are over 8,000 Realtors in Central Ohio, so this is a real honor,” Press said. “It goes without saying that my team and I consistently go above and beyond, really and truly.”

With a thorough understanding of her customers’ wants and needs coupled with an experience-driven approach to the current market, Press manages the selling or buying process with you every step of the way.

“Selling is an emotional process,” she said. “I’m here for a hug if you need it. I will walk you through the entire process.”

Thanks to her extensive real estate experience, Press has successfully navigated many situations that arise in her chosen profession, and loves the opportunity to meet new people that her career brings her way.

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"It’s not rocket science or brain surgery, but it is amazing to make connections with people of all walks of life."

↑ Marci Press

↑ Marci Press

“It’s not rocket science or brain surgery, but it is amazing to make connections with people of all walks of life. All the different people I have met over the past 17 years, I likely wouldn’t have met any of them if I was not a real estate professional,” she said.

“I’m really interested in people’s stories. Real estate allows me to be exposed to lots of different people from various walks of life with different goals.”

The variety keeps it fun, she said. “There are so many reasons to be buying or selling a home. It never gets old or boring and it’s definitely not the same thing every day. It's fresh, exciting and challenging,” she said. “Some situations are really emotional. I’ve sold houses for people who are dying, or who have lost

someone, or a couple getting divorced or married or having a baby. Home-buying and -selling can be joyous and sad, but the consistent thread is helping people accomplish something they want or need to do. How cool is that?”

When you hire a professional like Press, whose goal is to always exceed your expectations, both buyer and seller leave the transaction satisfied.

“I know it may sound cliche, but I love helping my clients,” she said. “They put their trust in me and I get to literally help them accomplish their dreams. I’m the luckiest girl in the entire world!” ♦

"They put their trust in me and I get to literally help them accomplish their dreams. I’m the luckiest girl in the entire world!"

Service Areas → Gahanna → Westerville → Blacklick → Galena → New Albany → Dublin → Worthington

→ Powell → Downtown → Grandview Heights → Upper Arlington → Sunbury → Bexley → Pickerington

→ Hilliard → Reynoldsburg → Canal Winchester → Grove City → Groveport → Columbus

897 Eastwind Dr. Westerville, Ohio 43081 614-216-0426 MPress@HomeCentralRealty.com www.homecentralrealty.com 614NOW.COM

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Canal Winchester doggie bakery gives more than just treats to the community →

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Ally Schnaid Illustrations by Justin Remotap

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← Frosted Ohio Cookie

← Johnna (Owner), Barb, and Madi

J Treat Cone →

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ohnna Kredel and her older sister Barb had a plan. They would never get married, and instead live with each other for the duration of their lives. Barb would raise dogs, and Johnna would have a doggie bakery.

Barb broke her end of the pact when she got married; but Johnna made good on her promise, opening Nom Nom Nom Dog Treats in 2018 at 3 W. Waterloo St. in Canal Winchester.

This summer, she’s opening a second location at 6500 Hayden Run Rd. Kredel’s mission to offer a plethora of treats for every pooch in the community started with her own extremely picky Black Lab named Herbie.

“If I bought a store-bought treat for him, nine times out of 10, it made him sick,” Kredel said.

Right around 2009, Kredel and her then 10-year-old daughter, Madison, began making their own dog treats for Herbie. Whenever Herbie got a treat, Madison would say “thank you for the nom nom noms.”

“She was always the voice of Herbie,” Kredel said.

When a scare about commercial dog treats saw them pulled off shelves, Kredel’s friends and family began asking her to make dog treats for them as well.

By 2013, Kredel took the necessary steps to begin selling dog treats from her home. She tested her products with the Consumer Protection

Laboratory within the Ohio Department of Agriculture and obtained her commercial feed license.

When she took her treats that she and Madison baked to the Canal Winchester farmers market, they sold out immediately.

The second week she brought more, with the same result.

“The rest is history,” she said.

Kredel took her treats to farmers markets, festivals, and fairs across nine different states.

Getting her goods into the retail market proved to be a bit more challenging.

Commercially sold treats generally require a two-year shelf life, since they typically sit in a warehouse for a year before they’re distributed, Kredel said. Her treats, lacking additives and preservatives, couldn’t meet that requirement.

“We wanted to grow, but we couldn’t grow that way,” she said. →

← Pup Tart

← Treat Canoli

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← Frosted Cookie

↓ Johnna in shop browsing the products available at Nom Nom Nom

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← Pupfait Treat

With cookies and cakes on the menu by that time, opening a bakery just made sense.

Since the bakery opened in September of 2018, Kredel has been dedicated to buying locally as much as she can—while bananas and coconut oil can’t be found within our state, she makes sure to buy things like eggs, honey, and peanut butter from local farmers and businesses. That peanut butter, in fact, comes straight from Krema Nut Co. “The whole vision behind our business is we like to support other small businesses as we operate,” Kredel said. “Everything is local; and it’s not because we’re snooty or anything like that, it’s because we just like supporting local businesses.”

While Kredel purchases from local vendors, she also displays their wares in her store. Visitors will find dog collars, leashes, bandanas, tumblers, mugs, and pens. Between the local ingredient sourcing and the inclusion of local artisans, Nom Nom Nom is a powerhouse for Ohio-made goods.

“Every single month, we support 19 small businesses with our one small business,” Kredel said.

Nom Nom Nom also donates treats to local shelters and rescues and makes treats a few times a year to raise money to benefit the BrockStrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization created in memory of Brock Johnson, a child in Kredel’s community who died after dealing with an autoimmune disease.

“We’re huge, huge believers that you have to give back,” she said.

While Kredel is dedicated to helping the humans in her community, she’s also very much focused on their dogs—specifically on creating decadent delights for them.

There’s cakes, cookies, barkuterie boards, and Doggie Donut Saturdays. There’s cannolis, blueberry scones, doggie pizzas, and doggie waffles.

The newest treat is handmade doggie ice cream cones, in which cupcake mix is baked inside a handmade ice cream cone and topped with icing and sprinkles. Kredel said it’s a bestseller.

And there’s even the opportunity to make private appointments for doggies that just want to shop by themselves.

“We want to make sure that we’re very inclusive of all pups,” Kredel said. ♦

To learn more, visit nomnomnomfordogs.com

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