Columbus Monthly - June 2025

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Grayson, testicular cancer survivor

Congratulations Class of 2025

112 Graduates Ready to Thrive at 70 Colleges and Universities

As they matriculate to the following prestigious institutions, we’re proud to have empowered them to ignite their curiosity,

University of Alabama

Allegheny College

American University

Barnard College

Bates College

Boston College

Boston University *

Brown University

Bucknell University

University at Buffalo

University of California, San Diego

Capital University

Carleton College

Case Western Reserve University

Charleston Southern University

University of Cincinnati *

Clemson University

Colgate University

College for Creative Studies

Colorado College

Colorado School of Mines

Columbia University *

Columbus State Community College

Denison University *

DePauw University *

Duke University

Emory University *

Emory University, Oxford College

Gardner-Webb University

Georgetown University

University of Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia State University

Grinnell College

Harvard University

Hope College

curiosity, learn voraciously and live intentionally. We can’t wait to watch as they take the world head on.

Indiana University *

John Carroll University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Kentucky

Lehigh University

Long Island University

University of Maryland

Miami University *

University of Miami *

University of Michigan

Morehouse College *

Northwestern University

University of Notre Dame

Ohio University

Ohio State University *

Otterbein University

University of Pittsburgh *

Purdue University

University of Richmond

Roanoke College

University of Rochester

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of South Florida

Spelman College

The University of Texas at Austin

Thomas More University

Tufts University

Tulane University

Vassar College

University of Vermont

Washington University in St. Louis *

Western Michigan University

University of Wisconsin

Yale University

*Indicates more than one attending

Photo by Dr. Andy Morris ’85

KENTUCKY MUSIC HALL OF FAME, MT. VERNON

Andrea Myers

Chouaib Esskalli, owner of Maison Skalli, with the café’s baked goods; pastry and tea service pictured below.

Torso,

Revisiting a

Maison Skalli’s Frenchinspired Moroccan fare

A look at Columbus Monthly’s food and drink coverage from its debut issue

Our monthly directory of where to dine

Photo of BalletMet by Jennifer Zmuda. Photo of Mr. Fahrenheit by David Heasley. Design: Formation Studio

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Kevin Elliott

The Columbus freelance writer brings us the story of the city’s bar trivia scene and its Jeopardy elite—Page 12.

CONTRIBUTORS

Peter Tonguette

The longtime local arts scene writer created a thorough roundup of all the ways to have fun in Columbus this summer—Page 35.

Laura Newpoff

Columbus Monthly’s regular home feature writer takes us on a tour of a fabulous German Village renovation— Page 60.

Happy Birthday, Columbus Monthly Prelude

FROM THE EDITOR CONTACT US

This issue marks the 600th of Columbus Monthly—the magazine’s 50th birthday. As its sixth editor, I had the distinct pleasure of turning the tables (something I’ve always enjoyed heartily) on a number of razor-sharp journalists who helped found and run this magazine. I got the assignment to write about the beginnings of Columbus Monthly

Katy Smith katy@columbusmonthly.com

The story of CM Media Inc. is a great business tale. Three founders who knew nothing about the business of journalism created a city magazine that knocked it out of the park, almost overnight. With the leadership

of its smart and competitive CEO, Max Brown, the company grew into a thriving enterprise with 250 employees, dozens of titles, a printing plant and a reputation for being spicy, but fair.

I worked for Max Brown from 2003-07, the year he sold the company. I recall my days as a reporter and editor for his chain of weekly suburban newspapers as some of the best of my career. You can hear the story of Max and his cofounders, including his wife, Lenore, and Herb Cook Jr., starting on Page 26.

Journalists Remember One of Our Own

Former Columbus Monthly editor Eric Lyttle died April 18. A well-respected and loved journalist, he was the leader of two other local publications, Mid-Ohio Golfer and The Other Paper, and served a short time as a reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Here is how colleagues remember Eric.

One of the most important things I learned from Eric Lyttle was what I think of as the “lunch lady lesson.” In 2018, Eric wrote a classic story on the disappearance of Johnny Marzetti from Columbus kitchens. As both a Westerville native and a gifted writer, Eric had the perspective and chops to put together with relative ease a thoughtful appreciation of this once beloved casserole. But he wanted to take a bigger bite—and he did so by tracking down two school lunch ladies who elevated his piece with fun and fascinating quotes. With this story—and countless others he wrote during his 15 years at Monthly—Eric offered an example for me and my

fellow magazine staffers to follow. If we wanted to make our stories great, he showed us, we needed to be curious, strive for originality, put in the extra work, talk to the lunch lady. Dave Ghose, former editor, Columbus Monthly

Eric was a master interviewer largely because he was true to himself: the friendly banter, the repeated questions if the answer was vague or elusive, the laughter, the surprise, the c’mon-don’t-pull-thatstuff-on-me retort—but never coming across as antagonistic. He had this way about him that made people feel comfortable

Send letters to: Editor, Columbus Monthly, 605 S. Front St., Ste. 300, Columbus, OH 43215. Or email: letters@columbus monthly.com. A letter must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number. Letters will be edited for length and clarity. All letters sent to Columbus Monthly are considered for publication, either in print or online.

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enough to reveal a lot more than they ever intended to.

Ray Paprocki, former writer, editor and publisher, Columbus Monthly

As a writer, Eric had the ability to pierce through the B.S., to create powerful imagery in a few brief, often funny, words. As an editor, he stood up for his reporters when they got on the wrong side of powerful people, including Ohio’s governor, business leaders—even his own bosses. And at the same time, Eric was this gentle soul with a shaggy-dog haircut and facial hair that betrayed his longstanding passion for classic rock. He could (and did) talk for hours about music, thrifting and his love for his family.

Jennifer Wray, former Columbus CEO associate editor

Eric and I were hired by Columbus Monthly on the same day, sometime in 1995. Over the years, I would wander over to his cubicle and we would banter about baseball or politics and always about Eric’s

hair. Eric always had the look of bass player for a 1970s rock band, and the older he got, the more he leaned into that look. I’d tell him he needed a haircut, and he’d tell me I was just jealous because I couldn’t grow much hair. Instead of remembering him, I wish I could see him again.

Dan Williamson, former editor, The Other Paper

Eric cared about people, which made him an excellent reporter and editor. He’d write—and expected his staff to deliver—articles with details only thoughtful reporters could elicit. He cared, people sensed that in him, and they talked with him. He was a joyful man of integrity who treated people with a common dignity and fairness. He remains, always, one of our city’s best writers. Columbus is lucky Eric Lyttle’s stories are part of her permanent record. Thank you to his wife, daughters and family for sharing him with us all.

Kitty McConnell French, former CM Media writer and editor

Eric Lyttle

How artificial intelligence and surgical expertise are changing pancreatic cancer care at Ohio State

Innovative tech and techniques are helping Ohio State doctors improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, while allowing others to avoid surgery or even prevent the condition altogether.

Pancreatic cancer can present many treatment challenges, in large part because it’s difficult to diagnose at early stages.

“One of the key issues with pancreatic cancer is that it doesn’t produce early symptoms,” says Somashekar Krishna, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “That’s why nearly 75% to 80% of patients get diagnosed late in the disease.”

So, Ohio State experts are thinking outside the box to increase the odds of early intervention, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify pancreatic cysts that could become cancer. And, for those who do develop pancreatic cancer, advances in surgery are helping patients survive and thrive years after their diagnoses.

Preventing pancreatic cancer with AI assistance

There are no universal screening tools for pancreatic cancers, which are often diagnosed at late stages.

“Approximately 20% to 25% of pancreatic cancers may originate from precancerous cysts, highlighting the potential for some cystic lesions to progress to invasive cancer,” Krishna says. These cysts can be removed by surgeons, but those procedures can carry risks for older patients and those with other medical conditions.

“Among surgically removed precancerous cysts, about 60% probably didn’t need to be because they likely wouldn’t have progressed to cancer,” Krishna says.

OSUCCC – James experts use advanced endoscopy to detect precancerous pancreatic cysts by inserting an ultrasound-equipped scope and guiding a high-resolution probe into the cysts. This endomicroscopy technique captures hundreds of images that can be difficult for non-specialists to interpret.

“Somebody with a trained eye who’s been doing this for many years can diagnose this right away,” Krishna says. “But you want this to be widely applicable, so we needed to help.”

That help comes in the form of a new artificial intelligence program that analyzes endomicroscopy videos and identifies signs that pancreatic cysts might become cancerous.

The AI assistance reduces initial cyst analysis from hours to seconds. When concerns are identified, pancreatic cancer experts like Krishna verify the AI results and can quickly move forward with treatment.

“The AI’s accuracy is about 85% to 90%, which only gets better with more cases,” Krishna says. “It can not only save lives but also cuts down on unnecessarily invasive surgeries and the risk of side effects from organ removal.”

Accurate identification and characterization of precancerous pancreatic cysts is a critical step in cancer prevention. Recently, endoscopy-guided ablation — a minimally invasive, organ-preserving technique — is being explored as a treatment to eliminate cysts before they progress to cancer.

“It’s a promising alternative to traditional surgery, particularly for patients at high surgical risk, by minimizing complications and side effects associated with organ removal,” Krishna says. “Many patients can now be treated with these targeted, organsparing approaches to eliminating cysts.”

Scan the QR code to learn more about pancreatic cancer care at the OSUCCC – James.

Surgery gives new hope to pancreatic cancer patient

Even as one of the relatively few pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed at an early stage, Bob Berry was told by his northern Ohio doctors that his chances of surviving a year or more were low.

That prognosis didn’t improve after initial chemotherapy treatments, when a surgeon told him that his tumor appeared to be inoperable.

In search of a second opinion, Berry reached out to the pancreatic cancer team at the OSUCCC – James, where he received welcome news — that he would, in fact, be able to undergo surgery to remove the tumor.

“We knew that the surgery was mission critical,” Berry says.

At the OSUCCC – James, surgical oncologist Timothy Pawlik, MD, PhD, determined that Berry’s tumor was particularly challenging not because of its size, but its location — the central area of the pancreas near critical blood vessel structures, such as arteries, that can’t be removed or damaged during surgery.

“The other surgeon thought one of the critical vessels was completely involved with the cancer,” Pawlik says. “I suspected that it was more disease-related to the lymph nodes surrounding the artery and that I could remove it all.”

Pawlik’s belief proved correct — Berry recently passed the five-year survival mark.

“I was fortunate that I had a surgeon who was really technically superior at doing this operation,” he says.

Stories like Berry’s are indicative of the strides made in pancreatic cancer care that are helping many patients live longer and have better quality of life.

“I help patients understand that they’re not statistics,” Pawlik says. “We’re here to treat you, and we’re going to proceed under the assumption that you’re going to be alive five years from now and doing well.”

Scan the QR code for the full story of Bob Berry’s pancreatic cancer treatment at the OSUCCC – James.

front & center

Popping the Questions

BY TIM JOHNSON

PHOTO

Parker “Fern” Fernandez hosts regular trivia nights at Endeavor Brewing. Did you know the Columbus trivia scene has spawned Jeopardy contestants? Page 12

Trivial Pursuit

Ryan and Lauren Manton, cheerleaders for Columbus’ world of pub trivia, are on a journey through Jeopardy.

By Kevin J. Elliott | Photos by Tim Johnson

Ryan Manton is a Jeopardy champion four times over. You may have seen him on the show last September and your ears perked up when you heard announcer Johnny Gilbert introduce the “system administrator from Columbus, Ohio.” That run landed him a coveted invite to the Tournament of Champions, where he ended his streak as a semi-finalist. Not too shabby.

Columbus has seen its share of trivia diehards appear on the now six-decadeold game show. One of them is Ryan’s partner, Lauren, whom he met amid the hyper-competitive Columbus pub trivia scene. She competed on the Alex Trebek stage in 2021, under much different circumstances. With no studio audience due to COVID-19 protocols, she came in third with a respectable $19,199. Ryan, cheering her on by phone from the airport, had proposed the day before she left for Studio City, California.

According to the Mantons, there’s no real formula for becoming a contestant on Jeopardy.

‘‘ It’s a hobby where you are constantly learning new things while also getting to exhibit what you know.”

—LAUREN MANTON

“It’s really just all about luck,” Ryan says. “I was in the pool for I think two years before I got the call. Also, I thought sports would be my strongest category, and I was on five games in a row and never had a sports category.”

“When you get the call, you typically have about a month before you film,” Lauren adds. “I tried to read a lot of children’s encyclopedias and did Sporcle quizzes for my weaker categories that

have rote things to memorize, such as world capitals. I also watched standing up and Ryan tracked how many questions I would attempt to answer, as well as how many I got correct.”

Behind the curtain though, Jeopardy isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Contestants are responsible for flights and arranging time off work. A lesser-known fact: an entire week of shows is filmed in a single day. Endurance, just like luck and preparation, plays a major role in success.

“I don’t think it was so much anxiety for me,” Ryan says. “But I think by the fifth game of the day, I was just exhausted and my brain was melting.”

If individual appearances weren’t enough, the Mantons convinced their trivia teammate Eric Swallie to form a trio and try out for the new Pop Culture Jeopardy, which premiered this year. They called themselves the Buggsy Mogues and made it all the way to the finals before narrowly losing.

Lauren and Ryan Manton consider questions during a Sporcle Pub Quiz at Endeavor Brewing and Spirits.

But national television is just the most visible layer of their trivia lives. Ryan, Lauren and Eric’s roots—and real love of general knowledge—are firmly planted in Columbus. The city’s thriving pub trivia ecosystem not only brought them together, it continues to fuel their competitive spirit. They play often, winning everything from bar tabs on weeknights to big statewide tournaments.

“I’ve probably played every game and every format in town at least once,” says Jason Stafford, who started writing questions and running his own nights as Mixed Ologies in 2019. “On the evenings that I’m not hosting, you’re just as likely to find me playing.”

This hybrid role of host and competitor is not uncommon in Columbus, where trivia isn’t just consumed—it’s crafted. The Mantons, who have had a hand in creating their own Nerd Luck trivia nights, aren’t the only ones who bring serious strategy and enthusiasm to their games. Local creators like Stafford design custom rounds, build engaging theme nights (think Taylor Swift or Star Wars focused questions) and tailor formats to keep players coming back.

“My game is 100 percent geared towards teams,” Stafford says. “The more diverse your team’s knowledge base, the better you’ll do. That’s intentional.”

It’s a philosophy that mirrors how the Mantons approach trivia: as a collaborative exercise, where being good at one category isn’t enough. You have to know who to rely on when a music or geography question comes up.

“What sets Mixed Ologies apart is

the content,” Stafford says. “My biggest strength is as a question writer. I find it a fun challenge to craft a question that functions as a trail of breadcrumbs to lead people to the correct answer or to provide teams fodder for discussion. My favorite trivia questions are the ones that make a team think and discuss their answers, and my favorite moments as a host are when I can see the light bulbs going off as people figure things out.”

And as much as we may take for granted the daily service of Jeopardy my household sets our clock to its 7 p.m. start time—or the blunt sting of the inferior Wheel of Fortune as subsequent programming, the game is something we must protect. In a post-truth reality, Jeopardy and challenging trivia nights are some of the few vestiges left for popular culture and intellectualism to coexist.

“Trivia brings people together—it brought us together,” Lauren says, when asked about trivia nights being dismissed as celebrating knowledge of useless factoids. “It is a community that has allowed us to make a ton of new friends and maybe some friendly rivals. Every week you get to spend two hours with your friends drinking beer and having fun yelling at each other when you said the right answer but no one listened to you.

“It’s a hobby where you are constantly learning new things while also getting to exhibit what you know. And you have a chance to win free beer or prize money. If you think trivia is useless, you live a boring and uncurious life.” ◆

RYAN AND LAUREN MANTON’S CURATED LIST OF COLUMBUS TRIVIA NIGHTS:

• Sporcle Pub Quiz – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Endeavor Brewing and Spirits; 7 p.m. Mondays at The Daily Growler

• Mixed Ologies Trivia – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Parsons North Brewing Co.; 5 p.m. Sundays at The Daily Bar

• Trivia614 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Ten Pin Alley

• Make the Grade Trivia – 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Combustion Brewery and Taproom

• Jeopardy Bar League – 7 p.m. Sundays at Gemüt Biergarten

Fish in the Tower trivia team members, from left: Jordan Luther, Jasmine Johnson, Eric Rutkowski, Spencer Reece and Evan Beard

Eric Swallie, left, with Lauren and Ryan Manton

Bright Lights, Arch City

By Peter Tonguette

ProMusica Columbus is partnering its top tier chamber orchestra with A-list talent, establishing long-lasting relationships that benefit the city’s music makers and lovers alike.

Downtown Columbus never will be mistaken for Broadway, but on a chilly Friday evening in early April, the Southern Theatre played host to a star who regularly lights up the nation’s theater capital.

On April 11, Sutton Foster—whose Broadway credits include Tony Award-winning turns in revivals of “Anything Goes” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”—worked her way through the Great American Songbook and left the packed house captivated and charmed.

The 50-year-old paid this visit to the Buckeye State at the invitation of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, which provided ample orchestral support to the singer all evening long. The unique collaboration was part of ProMusica’s annual soiree concert, which functions as a fundraiser for the group.

“It was a big success, in all of the ways that one would hope,” says ProMusica CEO Janet Chen. “Over 50 percent of the hall were die-hard Sutton Foster fans.

BY TIM

Sutton Foster at the Southern Theatre

PHOTO

JOHNSON

We had audience members that actually drove in from Indiana, from Illinois.”

Foster may radiate star power, but for ProMusica, her appearance is just its latest brush with A-list talent. In recent years, the orchestra has increasingly turned to major stars for its soiree concerts, including “Hamilton” actor-singer Leslie Odom Jr. and singer-musician-composer Jon Batiste, whose resume includes a run as the bandleader on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” and work on- and off-screen in the 2024 movie “Saturday Night.” Like Foster, such artists generally have greater name recognition than the talented and diverse classical soloists who normally share the stage with ProMusica. “It’s ProMusica’s opportunity, at least once a year, to bring in a guest that perhaps you would not see on a regular subscription,” Chen says.

ProMusica’s pursuit of such artists began in 2018, when Odom Jr. first performed with the orchestra. “At the time, Hamilton was a huge thing,” Chen says. “It was a huge risk for us financially and even programmatically.” She notes the high fees commanded by such performers and the relatively small size of the 925-seat Southern Theatre. “Selling tickets for a 2,000-seat hall versus a 900-seat hall, that’s a big difference when you have [an artist’s] big fee,” she says.

But the concerts have paid off for ProMusica—and, amazingly, have led to longstanding relationships with many of the A-listers who relished their experience with the orchestra. “I think we have a little something unique to offer,” Chen says. Both Odom and Batiste later performed in non-soiree concerts with ProMusica, and Chen’s relationships with their managers and agents have led to booking other stars, including “Hamilton” stars Renée Elise Goldsberry and Joshua Henry. “They know ProMusica; they know me by name,” Chen says of the artists’ booking managers.

That doesn’t mean such engagements are easy. For starters, timing can be tricky. “We originally had planned to have Sutton at an earlier time, and we were ready to rock and roll, and then she got called to do something,” Chen says.

But the concert came together—to the delight of the Broadway fans and orchestra supporters in attendance. “There was such great energy in the room,” Chen says. “People wanted more from Sutton; the orchestra had a really great time performing with her.” ◆

ColumbusMonthly.com

Saving Our Stories

Ohio Humanities strives to tell and preserve the stories of our culture, but federal funding cuts put that work in jeopardy.

By Rebecca Brown Asmo

Arts and culture: They are, many would argue, the soul of a community—of a people, even.

Yet they may be disappearing before our eyes. Federal funding for culture, at least, has been swiftly decimated. (Important to note: Arts leaders fear their money is next on the chopping block. But since culture is clearly under attack, we’ll focus on that.)

What, exactly, is culture? Culture is the humanities—the often overlooked and historically underfunded counterpart to the arts. It’s a restored WWII airplane where children can learn about veterans from the Greatest Generation in a more tangible way. A documentary film that explores the meaning of family—and leads a filmmaker to his birth father in the process. A stop on Ohio’s Underground Railroad that has been restored into a community gathering space that connects people to a proud past, a meaningful present and a hopeful future.

The arts express the human experience; the humanities ask why that experience matters. The humanities explore how we live, think and connect across time and culture. And when we fail to support them, our civic fabric unravels.

Today, the humanities face an existential crisis.

In April, the Department of Government Efficiency abruptly and illegally canceled most National Endowment for the Humanities grants, including those that fund every state humanities council.

For more than 50 years, state humanities councils have ensured tax dollars reach real people in real communities—not just elite institutions. At Ohio Humanities, we support museums, documentary filmmakers, local historical societies and independent journalists, among others. Now, our grant program is indefinitely paused, leaving projects and organizations unfunded and sto-

ries at risk of being lost to history. One example: We planned to fund a project collecting accounts of Ohioans who survived the Holocaust while the survivors are still alive to share their experiences.

In partnership with other state humanities councils, we’re battling back in court, in Congress and in the media, while racing to raise private funds to stay afloat. The Mellon Foundation just announced an incredible $15 million emergency funding commitment to the Federation of State Humanities Councils in response to the cuts. That includes $200,000 to Ohio Humanities that will allow us to respond to this crisis while maintaining financial health—and if we can raise $50,000 by year’s end, The Mellon Foundation will give us another $50,000. This gift is a bridge, but not the finish line. We have much more work to do to ensure that Ohio’s stories are saved.

Meanwhile, the NEH has signaled its intention to redirect funds toward the National Garden of Heroes, a sculpture park of 250 American figures, from George Washington to Kobe Bryant. In other words, they’re eliminating the ability for communities to tell their own stories and decide for themselves what makes a hero.

“Democracy demands wisdom.” Those are the words the NEH was founded with. Wisdom requires memory, stories and the ability to interrogate the past so that future generations can learn from our experiences. Let’s not allow our collective wisdom to be snuffed out with an email from DOGE that landed in spam folders.

Ohio Humanities is the caretaker of Ohio’s stories. And we know those stories, and our culture, are worth fighting for. ◆

Rebecca Brown Asmo is executive director of Ohio Humanities.

BY TIM

PHOTO

JOHNSON

Ohio Humanities executive director Rebecca Brown Asmo

Front & Center | Lost Columbus

Not Only Peruna: Hartman Stock Farm

A 19th century entrepreneur left his mark on Downtown, but his former 5,000-acre farm south of the city is all but gone.

By Jeff Darbee

Samuel B. Hartman was one of our city’s best-known entrepreneurs who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, made a fabulous fortune from the sale of his high-alcohol elixir, Peruna. Hartman’s physical mark on Downtown Columbus was substantial: the Peruna factory complex on and around (appropriately enough) Rich Street; the Hartman Building and Hartman Theater at the southwest corner of State and Third streets; and the Hartman Hotel (today the Hartman condominiums) on the northwest corner of Main and South Fourth streets.

Of these, only the former hotel remains, but there was another part of Hartman’s legacy utterly unlike his

center city ambitions: the Hartman Stock Farm.

Around 1903, far from Downtown on South High Street at Rathmell Road, Hartman established a farm on 5,000 acres of fertile, level land with Scioto River frontage. Here he concentrated on raising prize-winning cattle and other livestock in a massive complex of large barns and other farm buildings, along with housing for managers and employees. There even was a schoolhouse for the farm’s children.

By 1974, when the farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, several original buildings still stood: the dairy complex that had been a major supplier of such products for Colum-

bus; stock barns and outbuildings west of South High Street; 10 wood frame houses for employees; the brick schoolhouse; and several brick houses that had been managers’ homes.

Unfortunately, once the farm ceased operating, new uses for the buildings were not forthcoming, and over succeeding decades, most of them disappeared. Today, the land west of South High is a gravel pit; east of South High there still are green fields and two brick managers’ houses that are occupied. The schoolhouse still sits on a rise at the Rathmell Road intersection. Because so much had been lost, the former farm was “delisted” from the National Register in 2022. ◆

The Hartman Stock Farm on South High Street at Rathmell Road

Not Just Surviving: Overcoming

The founder and executive director of Overcomers on the

Move is empowering people to change their lives.

By Sophia Veneziano

Growing up, Kim Flynn was told she was just like her mother—something that was not meant as a compliment.

“I grew up hearing all kinds of horrible things about myself. I was just like my mother. I looked just like her, I acted just like her, and they were all in a negative way,” Flynn says.

She says she believed untruths about her worth and identity from an early age, which led her into years of struggling with addiction and mental health issues, spiraling until she became a victim of human trafficking.

It was a time when resources were limited and when Flynn says she didn’t have the mental health support she needed. This was true even after she participated in a 12-step program and became sober.

“There was no trauma counseling, no mental health help, back then, you know, so there wasn’t any kind of intervention,” she says.

It was when she started becoming immersed in education, through both training and YouTube videos, that the puzzle pieces of her past started to connect.

Now, Flynn is the founder and executive director of Overcomers on the Move, a nonprofit that specializes in recovery housing and peer support to empower individuals trying to heal from mental health challenges, substance use disorder and human trafficking.

She notes that the name Overcomers on the Move has profound meaning for her, as she believes in using more empowering language for victims of abuse and human trafficking. This led her to emphasize the mentality of actively overcoming rather than simply surviving.

Founded in 2017 as a faith-based recovery community organization, Overcomers on the Move gained its nonprofit

status in May of 2020. Its first event was held a month later, as the group passed out water, hot dogs and clothing to people in the Hilltop neighborhood. It was June 15, the birthday of Flynn’s late mother, Victoria Flynn. Today, Flynn’s mom is her hero for the strength, spunk and spirit of overcoming she represents.

From there, Flynn started a housing program and a certified peer recovery supporter internship program. Her interest in certification was sparked by Maria Busch, the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s former anti-trafficking coordinator and the manager of the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force. (The task force was launched by former Ohio Gov. John Kasich in 2012 and expanded by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2021.)

Flynn served as a survivor advocate to the task force through the department’s Survivor Advisory Council, where she led trainings on identifying and serving

survivors of human trafficking. Busch and Flynn became friends and colleagues in outreach work to women in Ohio prisons, with Busch’s office in a “cheerleading” role alongside Flynn’s journey to launching Overcomers, Busch says.

“There are certain things that only Kim can do, and I see that when I go to outreach events. I see the way that people light up when they talk to her. I see the way that their walls kind of just come down,” Busch says.

“It’s really powerful.” ◆

This article was made possible by support from the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation, which has partnered with Columbus Monthly to profile those making our community a better place. Help us inspire kindness by suggesting people, initiatives, or organizations for Reporter Sophia Veneziano to profile. She can be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com. Learn more at Dispatch.com/Kindness.

Kim Flynn

In Real Estate, Relationships Remain the Key

The personal touch is as important as ever for Realtors, even in a social media world.

By Tim Feran

The No. 1 rule in real estate long has been location, location, location. And panelists at a Top Realtors presentation recently made a persuasive case that there’s another top rule: Relationships, relationships, relationships.

Columbus Monthly and The Brokerage House presented the panel discussion, “Showing Your Worth in a Changing Market,” on April 9 at Vitria on the Square near the Ohio State University campus.

“We're always talking about ever-changing markets,” moderator Stefphanie Harper-Galloway of Coldwell Banker Metro Office remarked to panelists. With shifting industry practices and a roller coaster economy, “what are the most important skills Realtors need to have?”

“Storytelling is huge,” said Jake Bluvstein of RE/MAX Connection. “When you buy a house, there's emotion involved. You’re not just buying four walls. You’re buying a home that you can make memories in.”

For Jeff Mahler of The Brokerage

House, when it comes to buyer clients, the financial picture is critical. Sometimes, he counsels them to sit on the sidelines and grow their savings with investments in anticipation of needing more cash to close a deal. “The first thing I do is get a clear picture of what their financials are before we even start the conversation,” he said.

Mandy Mancini of Keller Williams Consultants Realty echoed the value of a financial adviser in real estate transactions. “If you don't have a financial adviser, get one. From now on it's going to get interesting,” she said. To fellow real estate agents, she stressed the need to stay on top of national economic news and be able to explain it to clients. “Know how to make people understand why now is the time to buy or just sideline and be smart,” she said. The agent’s value will become apparent, “because you didn't just sit them on the bench. You gave them a plan.”

Other relationships—there's that word again—can be just as important.

Panelist Jeff Laumann, who partners

with his wife, Margot, as a Realtor with Street Sotheby's International, offered a revealing anecdote about the importance of relationships.

During a recent deluge of rain, Laumann got a call from a client who was getting moisture in the basement. Laumann knew what to do. “I've got a great gutter guy,” Laumann said. He was able to have his client call the gutter pro directly instead of calling the company’s office line, because they were booked solid for several weeks. “That doesn't happen unless you have those relationships.”

For the Laumanns, maintaining a personal connection means hosting an annual backyard circus party, complete with bounce houses and farm animals, for friends, clients and neighbors.

For Harper-Galloway, maintaining a personal connection with clients can take the form of bringing them coffee from a trip to Cuba. “We love our social media and our reels,” she said. “But that personal touch is just as important today as years ago.” ◆

BY

PHOTO

TIM JOHNSON

Panelists from left: Margot and Jeff Laumann, Jeff Mahler, Jake Bluvstein and Mandy Mancini with moderator

Stefphanie Harper-Galloway at the Top Realtors event.

Front & Center | People

Top Realtors

About 75 real estate agents attended the April 9 event, “Showing Your Worth in a Changing Market,” hosted by Columbus Monthly and The Brokerage House, and co-sponsored by Guaranteed Rate, Title House and Safe Pro Home Warranty. The event was supported by partners Queen Bee Jackie and Vitria on the Square.

1 Paula Koontz Gilmour, Kurt Stuckenbrock and Elisabeth Pipes 2 Emily Yoko, Lauren Kinnear, Kim Klopfer, Cameron Smith, Regan Lowe and Jamie Spryn 3 Clayton Lewis and Dianna Silver 4 Arielle Will and Cece Miller 5 Stefphanie Harper-Galloway and Katy Smith 6 Jeff Binnix and Megan Brooks 7 Nikki Sturgis and Courtney Davis 8 John Houk, Drew Basil and Brad Winter 9 Britt Gerena and Kim Klopfer 10 Brittany Pillifant, Meghan Martin, Regan Lowe and Ashley Todaro 11 Kyle Edwards, Jeff Mahler, Jamie Spryn and Ben Goodman

Nutcracker Ball

BalletMet’s Nutcracker Ball was held Dec. 14. For the first time, it was hosted at BalletMet, welcoming guests to the newly completed Susan Gerlach Douglass Connector and the Nancy Strause Dance Studios. Presenting sponsors Doug and Monica Kridler and more than 325 supporters honored longtime BalletMet supporter Nancy Strause, with proceeds from the event supporting BalletMet’s productions, dance academy scholarships and community education programs.

1 Lisa and Jeff Edwards with Trish and John Cadwallader 2 George Knight and Herb Bresler 3 Doug and Monica Kridler, Nancy Strause, Remi Wörtmeyer and Sue Porter 4 Beth and David Fisher 5 Victoria Powers and David Horn 6 Randy, Avery and Tiffany Cobb 7 Sarah and Miguel Anaya 8 Doug and Karen Jennings 9 Larry and Marion Fisher 10 George Barrett, Debbie Phillips Bower and George Richards

COLUMBUS

1156 Oakland Park Ave. (just east of I-71) (614) 268-3511

DUBLIN

4261 W. DublinGranville Rd. (614) 874-2400

Oakland HOME

DELAWARE COUNTY

Rts. 521 & 36 (east side of Delaware) (740) 369-5454

NEW ALBANY

5211 Johnstown Rd. (corner of Johnstown & Thompson Rd.) (614) 917-1020

Oakland

&

WOMEN INSPIRING &

Cathy Lyttle • Maggie Smith • Lourdes Barroso de Padilla • Michelle Brandt • Jessica Krauser • Ukeme Awakessien Jeter • Nadine Muzerall • Jeni Britton • Dr. Amy Acton • Angela Pace • Sophia Fifner • Lindy Noel • Teckie Shackelford • Letha Pugh and Sangeeta Lakhani • Angela Plummer • Karen Morrison • Amy Klaben •Lisa Hinson • Barb Smoot • Debbie Penzone • Lisa Berger and Ilaria Rawlins

Join us on June 18 at Vitria on the Square from 5-7:30 p.m. for an evening filled with inspiration and connection.

Our second annual Inspiring Women event will celebrate the 23 women profiled in the May issues of Columbus Monthly and Columbus CEO. These change agents and difference-makers include community leaders, entrepreneurs and more. The evening will bring together these remarkable women for a community celebration with networking, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling.

General admission tickets are $65. Group admission tickets are available for $600. 20 25

Presenting Sponsor

Breaking Barriers, Building Trust: Women-Led Injury Law

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Telling Our Own Story

Columbus Monthly was founded 50 YEARS AGO this month.

Here’s how it all began.

By Katy Smith

Max Brown was out of a job. It was 1974, and Ohio Gov. Jack Gilligan had very narrowly lost re-election to Republican Jim Rhodes, the governor who’d served two terms before him. It was a surprising result considering Gilligan was a Democratic governor and it was just a few months after the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Brown, who had been Gilligan’s communications director, thought the outcome of the election was preposterous.

“Nobody could ever dream that Jack Gilligan, as smooth and as intellectual as he was, could lose to Jim Rhodes,” Brown says. “So all of us were sad—it was sad, period. All of us were out of work, but we also had lost something we had a lot of passion for. All had to go find jobs.”

But Brown really didn’t feel like doing that. He and his wife, Lenore, were big fans of New York Magazine and other magazines like it—titles that covered city life, culture, politics and style with abundant attitude. Instead of working for someone else, they decided to start a city magazine of their own—in Columbus.

According to Brown, the founders raised $120,000 in commitments from six initial investors, who were mostly in Central Ohio—people from prominent families such as the Lazarus retail magnates. The Browns and Herb Cook Jr., who also had worked in Gilligan’s administration and came into the deal as a cofounder, put in some money of their own, too.

The founders of what would become known as Columbus Monthly convinced people to sign checks, but it wasn’t easy. There was a good deal of skepticism.

“Many people, well-known people, said, ‘What’s this magazine going to be about?’” Brown says. “I said—Columbus, one way or another. [One potential investor replied], ‘Well, then it’ll be a pretty boring magazine.’ He could not envision a business that would survive. And frankly, it was hard to imagine that.

The town was so tightly built around the power brokers. And of course, we weren’t that at all.”

“Neither of us had any money of our own to speak of,” recalls Cook.

What they did have was gumption. Chutzpa. Spice.

“Smart, articulate, liberal—Columbus was just dying for something like that,” Brown says. “Columbus Monthly sort of fulfilled that [need].” And by that, he meant a need for something other than The Columbus Dispatch, the daily newspaper owned by the powerful Wolfe family, which leaned conservative in those days.

“I certainly sensed a vacuum. There was room for whatever that voice was that we had—smart alecky, irreverent and liberal.”

‘You Could Feel the Momentum’

The magazine founders offered investors the ability to contribute an initial amount, with later draws contingent

upon need. Calls for the final payments never materialized. “It just took off like crazy,” Brown says. “Of course, you could feel it. I mean, this was a startup, but you could feel the momentum: Hey, this is gonna work.”

The mailman would stop by Columbus Monthly’s small offices on East Livingston Avenue in German Village every day “and bring a bag of mail—of subscriptions—like Santa, we used to laugh,” Brown says.

At the time, Cook had gone to work for a think tank affiliated with Ohio State University and Battelle. He joined the magazine full-time after a year. The Browns had attended Kent State University, where Max played golf and was the editor of the Daily Kent Stater, graduating in 1969. That was the year before the Ohio National Guard open-fired on a crowd of unarmed student demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine on May 4, 1970. (Rhodes, who was governor at the time, the day before the massacre

The founding Columbus Monthly staff including Max Brown, sitting on the wall at right, wife Lenore to his left, and Herb Cook Jr., second from right in the front row.

had described the students protesting as “worse than the Brownshirts, and the Communist element. … They’re the worst type of people that we harbor in America,” according to an account published by the Kent State University Press.)

In the year leading up to that, student unrest and protests were growing as American military involvement in the Vietnam War intensified. “Talk about a heady experience running the student newspaper,” Brown, now 81, recalls.

After college, he and Lennie, as his wife was called, went to New York City, where Max worked at Golf Magazine. Brown left that gig to take an offer to manage professional golfers and basketball players. “That was fun, but it was a troubled company,” he says. He ended up moving back to Ohio to work in politics, running a congressional campaign and an Akron mayoral campaign before joining Gilligan’s administration.

When the magazine launched, “Max

was the obvious choice to run it, partly because he was the one who had no job,” Cook, now 83, says. “We agreed that he would probably be the better editor and publisher, which indeed for the next 30some years, he was.”

Columbus Monthly was profitable by its second year, and never lost money under the original ownership, says Cook, who served as chairman of the board in addition to being an editor. “We were pretty proud of that record, and it was attributable in very large part to Max’s skill as a publisher. Neither of us knew anything about publishing to speak of when we started, but Max was an amazingly quick study and hired the right people on the business side over the years to sell advertising and manage the books. It was a pretty remarkable small business success story.”

As the company grew, it added a business magazine, Columbus CEO, a golf publication, a cheeky alt-weekly called The Other Paper and a group of free

weekly newspapers that grew to 22 titles: Suburban News Publications. (Editor’s note—I worked there for four years.) CM Media, as it was later known, also went into the Cincinnati market and bought Cincinnati Magazine, which it owned for 15 years.

Brown built offices and a printing plant on Sinclair Road in northeast Columbus, and the company grew to 250 employees and $25 million in annual revenue at its height.

There was enough success to go around. Many of the company’s first investors “stayed with us until they died,” Cook says. Others sold their shares back to the founders at various points along the way.

“Most of the initial group of investors were gone by 2005, and the few of us who remained agreed that we would sell our stock back to the company at what we all thought was a fair price, and was indeed a very fair price,” Cook says.

One of the investors who had been

Rheta Gallagher, Michelle Brown and her father Max Brown look over annual staff photos taken at Columbus Monthly

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

skeptical about the magazine’s chances of making it put up $5,000 in 1975. He collected $550,000 in the final stock buyback in 2005, Brown says.

A Magazine People Want to Read

The key to success, the founders say emphatically, was to publish an editorial product that people would want to read. Editorial came first.

Monthly’s irreverent personality was evident from the start. On the cover of the second issue, July 1975, Columbus Recreation and Parks chief Mel Dodge was pictured swinging on a swingset—in a suit and smiling as if he found the cover amusing, too. The headline read: “The Most Powerful Man at City Hall.”

“He ran the zoo pretty much,” Brown says. “He’s the one responsible for hiring [Columbus Zoo legend] Jack Hanna.”

Known for bringing animals to meetings, Dodge once brought a camel to Columbus Monthly’s German Village offices—“really,” Brown says. “And the camel peed all over our lobby.”

Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka, a law firm partner who held office from

1992-2000, recalls Columbus Monthly as an alter-ego in the Columbus media landscape. “The magazine took a harder look at some stories they thought were meritorious, and they were known for promoting the future of Columbus with a little bit of humor,” he says. The Browns and Cook were “characters in their own right, and that was reflected in a thought-provoking magazine.”

Lashutka appeared on the magazine’s cover multiple times, including when he attempted to recruit the World Cup to play in Columbus and lost the bid to Michigan. Major League Soccer debuted in the city during his tenure when the Columbus Crew was founded in 1995.

While there were times he took exception to the magazine’s portrayal of him—there was a cartoonist he says who did not like him—overall, Lashutka says the magazine was fair. “You know, if you don’t have some thick skin in the political arena, you shouldn’t be in it,” he says. “You can’t always write the article you’d like, if you’re the subject of it. That’s not the role and responsibility that journalists have.”

Michael Coleman describes Columbus Monthly as a publication that put out “more in-depth, investigative articles on the hot issues of the day. It was largely accurate, and it was great journalism,” he says. As the longest-serving Columbus mayor with four terms 2000-16, Coleman was on the magazine’s cover several times (we suspect, to his delight). The March 2012 issue shows Coleman pointing at the camera with the headline: “The Mayor Wants You to Get Some Swagger. But Can This Modest Town Learn to Strut?”

The story that went with the image made a groundbreaking point for the city—that we should strive for more. That Columbus had it in us to be great. “I was trying to accomplish this attitudinal change in the community, that we’re no longer a cow town, so stop acting like one,” he says. “I wanted us to have a little swagger about us to believe that we can compete for anything we set our hearts and minds to.”

The message landed. Coleman says when it came out, he received many comments about the story in political circles and the community at large.

Not all of Monthly’s stories were so well-received by people in power. Brown says he finds it remarkable that investors didn’t pressure the editorial staff about what to write and what not to write.

“I had a great group,” he says. “Never once did I ever have a single investor say anything, complain or anything,” even though, “we took some pretty rough stances.”

One investor did resign from the board, however. Babette and Howard Sirak were two prominent members of the Lazarus family who donated their $80 million art collection (its value in the 1990s) to the Columbus Museum of Art. It’s still there today—it includes works by Monet, Matisse and Degas. (The Siraks died in 2004 and 2015, respectively.) In the early 1990s, they decided to have the collection appraised, sparking family disputes in probate court. The magazine ran a story in August 1992 detailing the legal battles: “It’s a mesmerizing story filled with big money, obsessions, attack-dog lawyers, family secrets and family tragedies. There’s even a kinky sex angle,” the story read.

Babette resigned from the board, but her husband didn’t, Brown says. “We

Max Brown

carved out a pretty unmistakable image that we can’t be bought.”

Still, the frequent stories that irritated the Columbus power set were unnerving to some inside CM Media.

Rheta Gallagher, who served as advertising director for the magazines for decades until she retired in 2020, was a lightning rod for advertisers’ ire. When a client would call to cancel, “I panicked,” she says. “But Max would be like, let him go. The story was more important.”

Sitting in Brown’s New Albany kitchen in February 2025, Gallagher reminisced. “You were reasonable, but you took a stand,” she told him. “You stood by your stories.”

Brown says the stories, which were painstakingly vetted for accuracy, forced the Columbus powers that be to respect Columbus Monthly.

“I thought there was value in pushing people to the brink,” he says. “Those were sensitive stories, but I would argue good stories, because those were people that were influencing the direction the city was going to go.”

Connecting the Dots

Family trees became a theme for the magazine, a feature that gave readers a who’s who of various prominent families, including the Wolfes (The Dispatch, WBNS-10TV and diverse investments), the Wexners (The Limited and related companies, New Albany, Easton) and the Schottensteins (American Signature, Value City, M/I Homes).

Staff writer Ray Paprocki successfully employed the format in multiple features, starting with his April 1986 cover story, “Inside the Wolfe Empire.”

“Ray was our expert on Les Wexner. He wrote two or three really great Wexner stories over the years. And Ray was, and is, scrupulously fair,” Cook says. In addition to the stories on prominent families, the magazine frequently did surveys to rate public office holders, legislators, judges and public schools.

“I remember the first time I saw Columbus Monthly. I was reading through it, and I had two immediate reactions. One was, who do these people think they are?” Paprocki says. “The other was: I want to be a part of it, because it was so sassy and smart-ass. It had all these indepth stories and just great writing.”

He started there in the fall of 1985 and succeeded cofounder Lenore Brown as editor of the magazine in 2005. He later served as publisher and general manager of the magazines group from 2015 to 2022, when it was under different ownership.

“The perfect Columbus Monthly story involved prominent people, something already in the news so people are familiar with it, but there’s so much more to tell,” Paprocki says. “We were putting the spotlight on stuff that needed to be addressed, and telling people, here’s how things really work.”

He and others credit the fine editing of Lennie Brown, who died in 2020, for their growth as writers. He calls Brown a “generous, kind, thoughtful person. She was a tremendous line editor. I had had a good editor before, but Lennie was a whole other level.”

Paprocki says he would frequently take a walk after reading Brown’s edits to his stories, which were always made in pencil. “You know, you pour your heart and soul into these things, and you get it back, and you see all the comments. I would take a

deep breath … and go, damn it. She’s right. She’s absolutely right.”

While Max liked to stir things up with his publications, he and his wife were private and re served. “Max and Lennie kept to themselves,” Paprocki says.

“He wasn’t a publisher in the sense that he was out in the community—he wasn’t in volved in anything. I remem ber Herb [Cook Jr.] telling me multiple times that advertisers called to complain, and Max would say ‘Fine, don’t advertise with us.’ “ Brown was involved in one thing in the community, though—golf. The publisher bought Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club in Sunbury for $2.7 million in January 2004. It’s a place he still visits in nice weather, he says.

End of an Era

The Browns sold CM Media Inc. in May 2007, less than a year before the severe economic downturn known as the Great Recession. Their timing was excellent. News reports from the time that were confirmed by Cook, who was not

The staff in the early 2000s

paid by Dallas-based American Community Newspapers LLC at $44 million.

Cook retired to Washington state, while the Browns remained in New Albany. Their daughter, Michelle Brown, who served as design director for Columbus Monthly from 1998 until its sale, remains in Clintonville.

Amid struggles for its new private-equity backed owner, the company again was sold in 2011—to the Dispatch Printing Co. The terms were undisclosed. The new owners shut down The Other Paper

Publications, which were redundant with their existing publications. They revamped Columbus Monthly to give it a more celebratory tone around the city’s achievements.

The magazine had been known for its profiles of community members and its investigative work, says Katie Wolfe Lloyd, a member of the family who owned The Dispatch. In 2011, she became publisher of Dispatch Magazines, a role she relished. “I think the city magazine should celebrate the incredible assets of

the community, and we freshened it up with a physical redesign,” she says. “I really enjoyed working with all the talented, creative people at the magazines to capture the Midwestern vibe of a city I love, the city where I was born and raised, where my parents and grandparents were from.”

But the role was not to last. Facing serious challenges dogging the print media industry as a whole, the Wolfe family sold its publications—including The Dispatch, the magazine group and its weekly suburban newspapers, which operated under the ThisWeek banner—in 2015. The sale, which included an office building at 62 E. Broad St. on Capitol Square, a West Side printing plant and offices in the northern suburbs, was priced at $47 million, Katie Wolfe confirmed. (The family in 2019 sold its remaining media portfolio, including WBNS-TV and WBNS AM and FM, to TEGNA Inc., of Tysons, Virginia.)

The buyer of the print operations was New York-based GateHouse Media, which had 550 publications in 32 states at the time. The company in 2019 acquired the larger Gannett, parent of the USA Today Network, and adopted its name.

That is who owns The Columbus Dis, Columbus Monthly and sister magazines Columbus CEO and Columbus Weddings today. While there has been tremendous turnover, several staff members who worked for those earlier companies remain at the publications. Long-timers can confirm the staff as a whole, including the many talented journalists who have joined our ranks in the past several years, remains committed to our mission to inform, educate, inspire and entertain our audiences.

For Columbus Monthly, that means we strive to punctuate our conscientious storytelling with a little bit of sass. ◆

OBTAINABLE, CUSTOMIZABLE LUXURY AWAITS AT KENNETH’S POLARIS SPA

When Kenneth’s Polaris Day Spa reopened its doors on May 5 after a full renovation, it wasn’t just a facelift—it was a full-on energy shift.

After nearly three decades of operating as a traditional private suite spa, the new space now buzzes with a fresh vibe designed to meet today’s shifting wellness culture. Think less hush-hush retreat, more curated experience that blends the restorative with the social.

“Our research has found that the younger demographic wants shared experiences,” says Kenneth’s President Jody Achatz. “We’re transitioning into a concept that honors the loyalty of longtime guests who love the privacy of a suite while also opening the door to a more communal, connected spa environment.”

Meet the Facial Bar

At the heart of the newly remodeled spa is a stunning, centrally located treatment bar—an open-concept beauty hub where guests can sink into ultra-comfy massage loungers and choose from

five curated express facials or two elevated options.

From reducing fine lines to tackling blemishes or simply getting that enviable glow, each facial is designed with intention and powered by innovation. Kenneth’s licensed skincare professionals are trained in the latest technologies and use top-tier products to personalize every service.

Curated Facial Menu

• Clear: Targets acne and inflammation using high-frequency technology.

• Brighten: A no-downtime “lunchtime peel” using Circadia lactic acid for instantly smoother skin.

• Hydrate: Designed for sensitive or red-prone skin, with a cold globe massage and moisture-rich serums.

• Sculpt: Microcurrent tools and peptide masks give the face a visible lift.

• Gent’s: A tailored treatment for men that hydrates, exfoliates and soothes.

Elevated Options

• Glow & Go: Dermaplaning meets a gentle peel for max radiance.

• Hydrafacial: Deep-cleanse, extract and hydrate for a clearer, plumper look.

Fast, Flexible and Luxurious

Today’s spa-goers want results, but they also want flexibility. Kenneth’s curated facials are just 45 minutes— ideal for busy schedules. And at $69 to start, they redefine luxury as something that’s both high-quality and accessible.

“Creating approachable and affordable spa services is important in this industry,” says Achatz. “We’re seeing a shift—spa services used to be an occasional indulgence. Now, they’re part of regular wellness routines.”

This shift is why the spa’s new design includes thoughtful touches like a nail and pedicure bar and a sleek wall of glass that visually connects the spa to Kenneth’s salon. It’s one unified destination for hair, nails, brows, lashes, waxing and facials—crafted for personalization.

“Guests want to choose how much time they spend with us,” Achatz explains. “This remodel empowers them to design their ideal experience— whether that’s one quick service or several luxuries in one day.”

Still Love Privacy? You’ve Got Options

Not everyone wants to socialize midmask, and Kenneth’s gets that. That’s why private suite facials are still part of the menu—offering extended 60-plus minute services in serene, softly lit rooms complete with heated beds and spa music by Myndstream, a platform designed using neuroscience to enhance relaxation and emotional wellness.

“It’s about giving our guests what they need, when they need it,” says Spa Director Amy McLain. “Some days, that’s connection. Other days, it’s total escape.”

Experience the YUME Head Spa

One of the most anticipated new offerings? The hour-long Japanese-style YUME Head Spa. This deeply relaxing treatment blends aromatherapy, scalp cleansing, hydration and pressure point massage to soothe not just your scalp, but your whole nervous system.

A custom YUME shampoo unit and specialized mist equipment elevate the experience, offering total-body benefits through focused scalp therapy.

“It’s technically a scalp massage,” McLain explains, “but the relaxation goes so much deeper. It’s truly a fullbody reset.”

Sip, Socialize and Celebrate Wellness

The space has also embraced a cultural trend that Kenneth’s research revealed: a growing preference for wellness over wine. That’s why you’ll find a zero-proof beverage bar stocked with collagen, adaptogen and probiotic drinks—because glow-ups work best from the inside out.

Kenneth’s new spa concept is also ideal for small groups and social gatherings. The locker rooms are gone, and in their place is a more inclusive and flexible space that welcomes everyone—including more male guests—into the wellness fold.

“Being surrounded by people who are prioritizing their well-being is powerful,” says Achatz. “There’s energy in seeing others doing something good for themselves. That energy becomes contagious.”

Where Tradition Meets Transformation

The Polaris renovation is a testament to Kenneth’s ability to evolve without losing what made them a trusted name in Central Ohio since 1977. It’s a new generation of self-care—more fun, more frequent, and completely your own.

So whether you’re looking for a quick glow, a head-to-toe indulgence, or a shared experience with your best friend, Kenneth’s new spa design delivers.

Book your visit at kenneths.com and experience the difference for yourself.

Friday, May 2 – 6-7:30 p.m.

Eggsperiment Community Drop

Municipal Park near Hilliard Family Aquatic Center

Touch-a-Truck

Thursday, May 15, 10 a.m.-noon

Wayne and Center streets parking lot

Friday, May 16 – 6-9 p.m.

Summer Spray Down

Tuesday, June 10 (Heritage Middle School)

Opening Day at the Ball Park

Municipal Park – Ballfields 1-4

Bring the Zoo to You

Sunday, June 1 – 4-6 p.m. Columbus Zoo presentation 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Britton Farms Park

Sprouts Night Out Sports

Extravaganza

Sunday, June 8 4-6 p.m.

Hilliard’s Station Park

Tuesday, July 8 (Alton Darby Elementary)

Sprouts Live - Blue Pup

Saturday, June 21 10-11:30 a.m.

Hilliard’s Station Park

Tuesday, Aug. 5 (Tharp 6th Grade School)

Time: 1-1:45 p.m.

Celebration at the Station

Thursdays, June 5-Aug. 14 – 6:30-9 p.m.

June 5 – Devin Henry

Chalk The Park

Tuesday, June 24 – 5-7 p.m.

Tinapple Park

Independence Day Parade (Hosted by Franklin County Fair Board)

June 12 – RockHouse

June 19 – The Flex Crew

June 26 – Dr. Awkward

July 10 – Lt. Dan’s New Legs (LDNL)

July 17 – Trailer Park Ninjas

July 24 – Fabulous Johnson Brothers

July 31 – 23 Southbound

Aug. 7 – Conspiracy

Aug. 14 – Fleetwood Gold

Lunch Time Live!

Fridays, June 13, July 11 (Kids Live), and Aug. 1

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Weaver Park

Friday, July 4 – 9 a.m.

Senior Day at the Fair

Tuesday, July 15 – 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Franklin County Fairgrounds

Sprouts Live - Capes and Crowns

Saturday, July 19 – 10-11:30 a.m.

Hilliard’s Station Park

Magic in the Park

Sunday, July 27 – 5-7 p.m.

Weaver Park

Summer Entertainment Guide

By Peter Tonguette

With the summer months upon us, Central Ohioans know the drill: Dress for warmer weather, load up on sunscreen and, above all, keep calendars wide open for the multitude of arts and entertainment events soon to be seen on stages, in theaters and in parks.

During the months of May through September, Columbus turns into a mecca for all things artistic. From the CAPA Summer Movie Series in the Ohio Theatre to operas in the Southern Theatre, to outdoor classical music concerts at Columbus Commons to countless ways to celebrate America’s independence on the Fourth of July, the city and surrounding areas have no shortage of offerings to keep a family’s itinerary full.

In the following listings, Columbus Monthly has picked a mix of muchloved traditions and new happenings scheduled to take place this summer. Ticket prices are varied and subject to change and additional fees and taxes. Check with the ticket provider for current rates.

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra performing at Hinson Amphitheater

COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL

Summer Entertainment Guide 2025 may

Actors’ Theatre of Columbus

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) is the prime mover behind the Columbus Arts Festival, but organizers will admit that for the festival to be successful, they require the help of a certain entity with some say so over the weather.

“We had a fabulous 2024—a lot of that was thanks to Mother Nature,” says Jami Goldstein, the chief creative officer of the GCAC. “Last year was the most perfect weather, and I don’t know if we can get that lucky two years in a row.”

Whether Mother Nature cooperates or not, though, the festival will again showcase the handiwork of hundreds of gifted and diverse artists when it takes place June 6-8 on the Scioto Mile. The festival, which is free to attend, will feature about 250 exhibiting artists whose work can be purchased and taken home on the spot. To prepare for the art offerings, Goldstein encourages attendees to scroll the festival’s online gallery at columbusartsfestival.org. “It’s a great way for people to pre-shop,” she says. “They can browse by medium, and if they’re really into jewelry or glass, see who’s going to be at the festival this year.”

The artists—who are chosen by a jury out of over a thousand applicants— include a mix of returning favorites and newcomers who, between them, hail from 31 states and Canada. “Artists know that this is a great city for art buyers,” Goldstein says. Twenty Central Ohio artists participate in an emerging festival artists program, which allows up-and-comers to better prepare for the festival experience. “We do two boot camps with them to help them understand set-up, things they need to be prepared for, like inclement weather, supplies they can bring with them, how to sell,” Goldstein says. Mixed-media artist Kate Morgan, now a festival staple, was once a participant in the program.

Although anchored in visual arts, the festival also makes use of four stages for performing artists of various stripes. “There’s dance, there’s theater, there’s music,” Goldstein says. Groups and artists performing this year include Momentum, Cultivate Dance Project, Straw and the Scarecrow, the Cordial Sins and more. For the third year, there’s also a fashion show on Friday night on the Bicentennial Park stage. “There will be four new designers and 32 looks total,” Goldstein says. “That has become a really huge hit.” Some 40 food trucks will fortify spectators as they take in all the art on offer, and abundant parking is available in the form of single spaces and garages, including the Columbus Commons garage.

And even if Mother Nature is having a bad day, the festival will go on. “We go rain or shine,” Goldstein says. “The only time we shut down is in severe weather, and we monitor that very closely.”

May 22-Aug. 31

Lovers of the great outdoors and devotees of live theater will again converge on German Village’s Schiller Park, where the theater company will perform an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” (May 22-June 15), Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (June 19-July 13), a stage version of the Western novel “Shane” (July 17-Aug. 10) and Qui Nguyen’s “She Kills Monsters” (Aug. 14-31). Free, theactorstheatre.org

‘Wine Down Wednesdays’

May 21-Sept. 17

The organizers of this annual event know that few combinations make for a better pairing than good wine and some jazzy music. This returning concert series, which takes place one Wednesday each month on the Lincoln Theatre’s rooftop patio, will feature pianist Bobby Floyd (May 21), Rika Fanning (June 25), the Dave Shelton Trio (July 16), the Largemouth Brass Band (Aug. 20) and Cedric Easton (Sept. 17). $39.72, lincolntheatrecolumbus.com

Columbus Symphony Orchestra: ‘War Requiem’

May 23-24

In the orchestra’s season finale, music director Rossen Milanov will summon sounds stirring and solemn when the group performs British composer Benjamin Britten’s pacifist-themed “War Requiem.” $37.91 to $110.09, columbussymphony.com

Breakaway Music Festival

May 30-31

Head over to the Historic Crew Stadium to hear Dom Dolla, Sofi Tukker, Marshmello and other featured artists at this year’s festival $79 and up, breakawayfestival.com

Columbus Dance Theatre

May 31

Dance lovers who thrilled to the company’s 2017 production of “The Three Musketeers” will again be treated to a mix of athleticism, elegance and swordplay in a freshly imagined riff

Guests shopping at the Columbus Arts Festival

DrippDaDon at the 2024 Columbus Arts Festival

June 13

In and Out 1997 PG-13

June 14 & 15

The Sound of Music 1965

June 18 & 19

The French Connection 1971 R

June 20

The Blues Brothers 1980 R SERIES PREMIERE 45 TH ANNIVERSARY

June 21

Cartoon Capers

June 21 & 22

Hitchcock’s Spellbound 1945 80 TH ANNIVERSARY

June 25

Ordinary People 1980 R

June 26

Sorry, Wrong Number 1948

June 27

Cool Hand Luke 1967

June 28

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969 PG

July 25, 26, & 27

Gone With the Wind 1939

July 30 & 31

Hitchcock’s Marnie 1964 SERIES PREMIERE

August 1

The Shawshank Redemption 1994 R

August 2 & 3

The Princess Bride 1987 PG

August 6

Top Hat 1935

90 TH ANNIVERSARY

August 7

The Spiral Staircase 1946

FRIGHT NITE FRIDAY WITH FRITZ!

August 8

Alien 1979 R

SERIES PREMIERE

August 9 & 10

Arsenic and Old Lace 1944

Starting

August 13

Dune 1984 PG-13

SERIES PREMIERE

August 14 & 15

Safety Last! 1923 SILENT FILM plus a classic Laurel & Hardy short

August 16

Cartoon Capers

August 16 & 17

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 1999 PG SERIES PREMIERE

August 20

After the Thin Man 1936

August 21

Moonstruck 1987 PG

SERIES PREMIERE

COMEDY DOUBLE FEATURE

August 22

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break 1941

Horse Feathers 1932

SERIES PREMIERE

August 23 & 24

Guys and Dolls 1955 70 TH ANNIVERSARY

Summer Entertainment Guide 2025

STAR TREK

on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, set to be performed in the Lincoln Theatre. $27.62 to $39.72, columbusdancetheatre.com

june

BalletMet

June 6-14

‘Kimberly Akimbo’

June 3-8

Composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist David Linsday-Abaire’s 2021 musical takes as its subject a girl whose medical condition leads to a rapid speeding-up of her aging. It may sound like a heavy theme, but critics, audiences and Tony voters have judged the show to be both tuneful and hopeful. This touring production will make a stop at the Ohio Theatre. $62.10 and up, capa.com

Josh Gates

June 6

If you tune in with any regularity to Travel Channel’s Expedition Unknown and Expedition X, you won’t want to miss the series’ host in a live show at the Mershon Auditorium. Whether he brings along his Indiana Jones-like fedora or not, Gates promises to entrance audiences with his tales of globe-trotting missions aimed at shining light on assorted myths and mysteries. $42.50 to $102.50, schottensteincenter.com

The classical ballet company will bring its season to a close with a program highlighting and honoring the inspiration and innovation of Black choreographers. In the mixed bill “Black Voices,” works by Jennifer Archibald, Ulysses Dove and Dwight Rhoden will be performed by the talented troupe in the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre. $34.50 to $102.65, balletmet.org

‘Summer of Musicals’

June 6, 8 and 13, 15

Opera lovers need not wait for next autumn to indulge in their beloved art form. Opera Project Columbus will present a pair of ear-pleasing productions in the Lincoln Theatre: W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” (June 6, 8) and Rida Johnson Young and Victor Herbert’s “Naughty Marietta” (June 13, 15), $22 to $70.97, $12 for children aged 12 or under. operaprojectcolumbus.com

‘Films for Families’

June 7-28

Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts will be a destination for families looking for cinematic fare outside of the multiplexes. The lineup includes films both expected and unlikely, including a 3D presentation of “Hugo”

Josh Gates of the Travel Channel’s Expedition Unknown

(June 7), “Big Hero 6” (June 14), “Christopher Robin” (June 22) and “Good Morning,” a family-friendly classic by Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu (June 28). $3, wexarts.org

CAPA Summer Movie Series

June 13-Aug. 24

The Ohio Theatre will again turn into Central Ohio’s most deluxe movie theater for its annual presentation of cinema classics from the near and distant past. This year, the movie series’ premieres will include Alfred Hitchcock’s “Marnie,” the Oscar-winning drama “Ordinary People” and the comedy “The Blues Brothers,” but one of the most beloved aspects of the show is not changing: Organist Clark Wilson will again play the Mighty Morton organ. $6, or $5 for senior citizens; $40 for 10-pack tickets, capa.com

Stonewall Columbus Pride March and Festival

June 13-14

The LGBTQ+ community will be front and center in the annual Pride March, which is set to step-off at 10:30 a.m. on June 14 at Broad and High streets. For more information on the march, festival and other Pride events, see our Pride Guide, Page 45.

Picnic With the Pops

June 14-July 26

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz is known for his enthusiasm on the podium, and with this year’s eclectic and electric lineup, it’s easy to see why: On the stage of the Columbus Commons, they will provide orchestral amplification during a tribute to boy bands (June 14), Rick Ross (June 21), a tribute to Journey (July 19), an annual team-up with the Ohio State University marching band (July 25-26) and more. $43.35 for general admission lawn tickets, $10.50 for children aged 12 and younger, free for ages 2 and younger, columbussymphony.com

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival

June 13-15

Gahanna continues to position itself as a hotspot for blues and jazz music with the latest edition of this ever-popular festival. Ample food and drink options will be on tap as attendees listen to artists across three stages, including the Tony

Avid bibliophiles and casual readers alike regularly beat a path to the Main Library on South Grant Avenue, but once a year, their ranks swell: Last year, more than 40,000 people attended the Columbus Book Festival, which takes place at the Main Library and Topiary Park.

“We’ve knocked it out of the park,” says Elisa Stone Leahy, events specialist and festival author liaison at Columbus Metropolitan Library. “And [it’s] not just our community which has shown up, but folks from all over. We had people coming from other states from far away traveling here with their book clubs.”

COLUMBUS BOOK FESTIVAL

This year’s festival—which, like its predecessors, is free to attend—is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13.

In-person author appearances are at the heart of the festival. “We have over 120 featured authors on panels in the Main Library and also on author stages in Topiary Park,” says Leahy, adding that an additional 80 authors will occupy the Indie Author Alley, a tent in Topiary Park.

The headlining guest authors this year represent a panoply of literary styles and modes: On hand to talk about their latest novels in the auditorium of the Main Library will be romance novelist Anna Todd (“The Last Sunrise”), thriller novelist Gregg Hurwitz (“Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel”), fantasy novelist Amal El-Mohtar (“The River Has Roots”) and historical novelist Victoria Christopher Murray (“Harlem Rhapsody”). “We try to find a good variety in our headliners,” Leahy says.

Beyond the chance to hear from various visiting authors, festivalgoers will have ample opportunities to expand their own libraries. “We have a giant official festival bookstore, where you can purchase all of the featured titles for this year’s book festival as well as back titles from our featured authors,” Leahy says.

And visitors shouldn’t forget opportunities to personalize a purchase: Signings are always a big feature of the fest. “After the authors speak on their panels, they will each come to the signing area, near the festival bookstore, and anyone purchasing a book can wait in line to get a signature from the author,” Leahy says. Signings for headlining authors will take place upon the completion of their talks.

Also offered for sale will be secondhand titles from the library’s own collection. “We’re giving them a second chance at a well-read life with our Big Book Sale,” Leahy says. “The revenue that we earn from that goes to support library programs and services.” Exhibitors include independent bookstores and presses, as well as shops selling literary or book-related merchandise, such as journals, jewelry, bookmarks and other collectibles.

To keep readers of all ages entertained, bands and poets will perform on a pair of stages, and children can attend craft sessions with picture book authors. “Folks can bring in their kiddos and do a craft related to their book with the author themselves present,” Leahy says. Food trucks will again be on site, but new for this year, beer and other cold beverages will be sold. “You should be able to find plenty to feed both your body and your brain,” Leahy says.

Columbus Book Festival

Summer Entertainment Guide 2025

Monaco Trio, Piper and the Hard Times, North of Memphis, Nikki D and The Browns and Vanessa Collier. One-day pass, $15; three-day pass, $30, creeksidebluesandjazz.com

Buckeye Country Superfest

June 21

Each year, the Buckeyes temporarily relinquish Ohio Stadium for a coterie of country-western music all-stars—and their devoted fans. This year, the superfest will bring in featured artists Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney and the Treaty Oak Revival, among others. The Official Tailgate Fan Fest will also take place starting at 10 a.m. before the main festival. $59.99 and up, buckeyecountrysuperfest.com

Juneteenth Ohio Festival

June 21-22

Juneteenth—memorializing the day in 1865 when Black people in Texas gained knowledge of their freedom—will be marked by this annual festival in Genoa Park. Performances by the Sydney Arterbridge Band, the Copacetic Band and the Mac Flava Show Band, among others, will be supplemented by a college and career fair, wellness pavilion, a classic car show and soul food available all day. $3 to $15 advance admission, free until 3 p.m. daily, juneteenthohio.com

ComFest

June 27-29

Music acts, workshops and arts and crafts vendors are among the attractions at this annual festival in Goodale Park, but its most distinctive feature is its wholly homegrown character: Befitting its emphasis on community, the event is organized and overseen entirely by a team of volunteers. Free, comfest.com

july

Red,

White and Boom

July 3

The skies over Columbus will take on a patriotic hue of red, white and blue at 10 p.m. when a majestic fireworks display will be launched in fervent celebration of the nation’s independence. The 400,000 attendees said to attend annually will have plenty to occupy themselves with prior to the fireworks, including a parade, street festival and live music. Free, or $35 to $135 for VIP tickets, redwhiteandboom.org

Doo-Dah Parade

July 4

Independence Day need not be solemn, and if you are in a mood for some satire, sarcasm and all-around anarchy on the Fourth of July, the annual Doo-Dah

Jelly Roll

Red, White and Boom

ComFest 2024

Parade may be just the ticket (though none is required). The parade will get underway at 1 p.m. on Park Street, but visitors are welcome to participate in a block party with live music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Goodale Park. Free, doodahparade.com

‘Red, White and Blues’

July 5

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will make notes soulful and swinging to mark Independence Day in a concert at New Albany’s Hinson Amphitheater. “Red, White and Blues” will be conducted by guest bandleader Zach Compston. The group will also perform separate programs at the Hinson on June 7 and Aug. 23. $47.50 and up, jazzartsgroup.org.

‘Hamilton’

July 8-20

Perhaps you saw Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, in a movie theater or during an earlier stop in Columbus, but “Hamilton” super-fans (and newbies) will have a fresh chance to catch up with the iconic show when this touring production lands at the Ohio Theatre. $69 and up, capa.com

‘Waitress’

July 10-Aug. 10

The Short North Stage will perform its own production of the Broadway hit, a Sara Bareilles-composed musical revolving around the travails of a pregnant member of the wait staff at Joe’s Diner. The show will be performed at the Garden Theater. $43.35 to $92.75, capa.com

Summer Jam West

July 19

From noon to 7 p.m. in Westgate Park, attendees of this annual community arts festival—being held for the 10th and final time—can partake of artist vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities and areas while listening to live music and other performances. Free, hilltoparts.org

Ohio State Fair

July 23-Aug. 3

The state fair’s star power goes beyond that famous life-size butter cow. Among the first-rank musical artists to take to

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) the organization that oversees the Ohio, Southern, Lincoln and other Downtown theaters—was never in the business of outdoor festivals. Yet, about a decade-and-a-half ago, CAPA made its first venture into festival management— and did so for a good cause.

In 2009, Festival Latino—a weekend-long annual event that brings together Latin-American music, art, food and more—had reached a fork in the road when the city of Columbus, which had shepherded the festival into existence in 1996, was no longer in a fi nancial position to keep the festival go ing solo. Enter CAPA.

FESTIVAL LATINO

“It’s been 16 years now that we’ve really run the festival, gone out into the community and raised the money, not only to maintain it but to grow it over time,” says Chad Whittington, CAPA’s CEO. “As the Latino population in Columbus continued to grow, we felt like we were in the best position to make sure the festival grew along with it.”

Indeed, Festival Latino—which, this year, is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 9-10 in Genoa Park—has emerged as the region’s largest Latino festival, Whittington says. Some 150,000 attendees gather yearly to take in all the sights, sounds and eats. “We know that we’re drawing not just from central Ohio but all over the region—as far as Toledo, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis,” Whittington says.

To enhance its attractiveness to community members and visitors alike, CAPA does not charge for admission. “Accessibility is important,” Whittington says. “If we’re going to serve the role that we’re supposed to have in the community, we’ve got to make sure we’re accessible to lots of different folks.”

Those who turn out for Festival Latino this year will find no shortage of entertainment and education. The amphitheater will host both local bands and musical artists from around the country and the globe, while vendors will present Latin-American-influenced art. All of the senses are engaged—including taste. The festival also offers children’s activities and health and wellness areas. “My favorite part of the festival is walking around food vendors,” Whittington says “There’s the full range of Latino representation—Venezuelan, Colombian, Mexican. Whatever you’re into in terms of Latino food, you can find it.”

Festival Latino

The midway at the Ohio State Fair

Summer Entertainment Guide 2025

the stage at the Ohio Expo Center this year are Foreigner (July 24), Leanne Morgan (July 29), Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler (July 31), and AJR (Aug. 1). Don’t forget about the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir (July 27) and the Sale of Champions livestock auction (Aug. 3). On-site gate admission $10 to $12, free for children 5 and younger, ohiostatefair.com

Vince Gill

July 25

From “I Still Believe In You” to “One More Last Chance,” the singer has long ago proven his bona fides as a country music icon. Hear him in person when he swings by the Palace Theatre. $76.30 to $196.74, capa.com

musical headliners. Packed with Irish entertainment and activities, including toe-tapping performances by Irish dance academies, the festival will also offer numerous vendors selling Irish-themed wares, a genealogy tent, a “wee folk” area for young visitors and, of course, plenty of eats. Ticket options include a weekend pass, $50, or or one-day tickets, $20 to $25 (online), $20 to 30 (on-site), dublinirishfestival.org

ProMusica

Chamber Orchestra

Aug. 5, 7-8

For its “Summer Music Series,” the always bright and brilliant sounds of the orchestra led by music director David Danzmayr will be equaled by the resplendent sights of the Alum Creek Park Amphitheater in Westerville (Aug. 5) and the Franklin Park Conservatory and

ty Fairgrounds in Hilliard for good eats

Vince Gill

courtesy of a plethora of food trucks, but they will likely stay long past the point of their hunger being satisfied for both non-food vendors and the music lineup, which includes Cloudflower, A Band Called Dreamland, Angela Perley, the Andy Shaw Band, The Liner Notes, Lawler and more. $10 on-site, $5 in advance, columbusfoodtruckfest.com

Nate Bargatze

Aug. 23-24

We all know the line about nice guys finishing last, but in the case of Nate Bargatze, nice comedians definitely induce laughs. The comedian, whose routines are known for being decidedly uncontroversial yet profoundly funny, will perform at the Schottenstein Center. $39.75 and up, schottensteincenter.com

VIVO Music Festival

Aug. 27-31

Created by violinist Siwoo Kim and violist John Stulz, both former Central Ohioans who have embarked on international performance careers, this annual chamber music festival will unfold in venues ranging from Strongwater Food and Spirits to the Southern Theatre. In addition to the main concerts, the festival will include a roster of talented musicians performing at Ohio Living Westminster Thurber and at area schools. Tickets vary, most concerts cost $25, vivofestival.org.

Nate Bargatze cave Tours Petting Zoo Gem mining fire truck slide

playground walking trail Treasure Maze mini golf

Virginia West, Patron of Pride

The local drag icon—and matriarch of the West family— will lead the Stonewall Columbus Pride March this year, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community with every step.

By Lucy Clark

Stonewall Columbus is hosting its 44th annual Pride March June 14, celebrating the legacy of the city’s LGBTQ+ community and allies advocating and fighting for each other’s rights. Leading the charge as this year’s Patron of Pride is drag icon Virginia West, the seminal drag queen created by Chris Equizi.

West was born 28 years ago while Equizi was bartending at Union Café, where employees would occasionally all dress up in drag to serve. As someone with a theater background, Equizi quickly fell in love with the performance element drag provided. The West family formed when Virginia took on Nina West (Andrew Robert Levitt) as her first drag daughter. Under the tutelage of their matriarch, the West family now garners name recognition in Columbus’ drag community and far beyond.

When Equizi first started performing as Virginia West, drag was not nearly as popular or accepted as it’s grown to be. “When I started, drag was very underground. It was more of a statement,” Equizi says. Inspirations included local drag legends and “a lot of trans women, which is why I have such a strong connection with the trans community.”

Most of the West family, like Equizi, have a theatrical background that is reflected in their drag personas and performances. Another common thread is their familial commitment to community—one of the original tenets of drag. “Drag started as this riot, as this stance against the patriarchy, to talk about gay liberation and women’s rights and trans rights. It’s all encompassed ... I think my heart has always been fighting for [and helping] those whose voices aren’t being

heard. For me, it’s just my everyday life,” Equizi says.

A return to the LGBTQ+ community’s roots—advocating for justice, equality and communal well-being— has been a focus of many larger conversations recently in the face of increased stigma, the revocation of rights and numerous other threats to the lives and livelihoods of the queer community. That’s true no more so than at the national stage that is Pride, with Columbus having one of the largest celebrations in the nation (over 700,000 people attended in 2023).

“Pride to me is so much more than the actual gay pride event,” says Equizi. “I consider gay pride something that needs to be done 365 days a year, and especially right now in the [Trump] administration, with trans people, women and people of

color always under fire. Right now, Pride is all of these battles to me. And for me to have a microphone, I would be completely remiss to not discuss these things that are happening in our community.”

While Pride Month is a wonderful time to rejoice and celebrate the vast advancement of queer rights, Equizi reminds people—straight allies in particular—that “it’s not just a party.” And, importantly, that Pride is more than just one month—it’s a yearlong commitment.

For Equizi, Virginia West’s role as the Patron of Pride is more than an honor, “it’s a duty.” ◆

For more information on how to get involved in Pride Month celebrations, including the Stonewall Columbus Pride March, drag shows, local fundraising events and more, read Page 45 for our Pride Guide event listings.

Virginia West

This Pride Month, take advantage of the wide breadth of celebrations, resources and community engagement opportunities offered in Columbus. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can show your pride and support by attending drag shows, bar crawls, pageants, parades, festivals, fundraising events and more. Events may sell out in advance, so buying tickets early is recommended. Check with local LGBTQ+ establishments and organizations for more events and performances as they arise.

Columbus Monthly P r i d e G u i d e

MAY 24-26, MAY 30-JUNE 1 | Nina West’s ‘Sugar in the Tank’

Kick off pride celebrations with Nina West—local and national drag icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 Miss Congeniality winner—at Natalie’s Grandview. VIP ticket holders can meet West in an exclusive pre-show photo and meet-and-greet in addition to receiving a swag bag. nataliesgrandview.com

MAY 30 & JUNE 20 | Celebrate Pride: A Mixology Experience with Oh My! Mixers

Join The Mix at Columbus State Community College for two evenings of creative, pride-themed cocktail crafting. Learn how to make a Rainbow Shot and several Pride inspired drinks, including the Stonewall and the Transjito. Plus, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, trivia and friendly competition. mix.cscc.edu

JUNE 1 | Stonewall Columbus Pride Brunch

Stonewall’s annual Pride Brunch will be held at the Convention Center. Tickets include food and entertainment; a ceremony recognizing the 2025 Champion of Pride and Community Honorees and announcing the 2025 Leader(s) of Pride— as well as a live auction of a Brew Pack from BrewDog’s DogHouse Hotel—are also planned. stonewallcolumbus.org/ pride/brunch

JUNE 2 | City Hall Pride Illumination and Shellabarger Illuminator Award Ceremony

City Hall will light up in rainbow lights to usher in Pride celebrations. On the same night, the 2025 Shellabarger Illuminator Award, which honors the legacy of Steve Shellabarger—who started the local Human Rights Campaign chapter and was

Stonewall Columbus Pride March

Riley Poppyseed adjusts

Genergy’s tiara

an integral community activist—will be presented. stonewallcolumbus.org

JUNE 6-7 | ZipZone Night Flight Series

Adrenaline seekers can celebrate Pride at ZipZone. The nighttime ziplining series starts with a Pride-themed tour of the skies. For those wanting daytime views, the celebration will include morning tours as well. zipzonetours.com/ zipzone-special-events

JUNE 11-15 | District West Celebrations

Head over to District West for a week of Pride festivities and shows. Kicking off on Wednesday is the locals pride night. Visit Thursday for the Ohio Legends of Pride show. Friday, the West family presents Pride Fest, featuring the breadth of the West family’s talent. Visit Saturday for District West Pride Fest—featured entertainers include Latrice Royale and Axel Andrews. Sunday, District West will host a Pride brunch and tea dance in the first half of the day, and host queens Jackie Cox and Jan Sport in the evening. districtwest614.com

JUNE 12 | Twink of the Year Pageant

Among Axis Nightclub’s pride festivities, drag shows and Pride pageantry includes their Twink of the Year Pageant. Hosted by Blonde Vanity, contestants will participate in three categories: clubwear, talent and swimwear. Enter for the chance to win the title and cash prize, or attend and cheer on the talent. axisonhigh.com

JUNE 13-14 | Stonewall Columbus

Pride Festival and Resource Fair

Celebrate Columbus’ LGBTQ+ community at the annual Pride Festival in Goodale Park. Entertainment includes two stages with performances throughout each day, over 200 food, drink and merchandise vendors, and wellness resources. stonewallcolumbus.org

JUNE 14 | Stonewall Columbus Pride March

Join thousands of attendees at Stonewall Columbus’ annual Pride March to cel ebrate Pride while also advocating for the continued protection and defense of LGBTQ+ rights. The parade will kick off at Broad and High streets at 10:30 a.m. and conclude at Goodale Park, where celebrations will continue. columbus.org

JUNE 15 | Bat-N-Rouge

Softball

Join drag queen Anisa Love and the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association for an afternoon of softball at Dodge Park during the 38th edition of Bat-N-Rouge. All proceeds go to local charities. Cheer on your favorite drag queens and kings while enjoying refreshing drinks and endless entertainment. clgsa.org

JUNE 20 | Queer Yoga at Stonewall

Engage your body and mind at Stonewall Columbus in the Short North. The class is beginner-friendly and accommodating for varying levels of experience. The class will be followed by a mindfulness discus

sion and opportunities for community engagement. stonewallcolumbus.org

JUNE 21 | Columbus Pride Bar Crawl

Grab some friends and tag along for the official Columbus Pride Bar Crawl, which kicks off at 4 p.m. at Half Baked Brew. Visit more than four local bars and venues, sip craft cocktails and sample food, and enjoy a free after-party. pubcrawls.com/city/columbus-oh

JUNE 22 | Pride Storytime

Participate in Pride with the whole family at Stonewall Columbus’ Pride Storytime, presented by the Family Pride Network. stonewallcolumbus.org

JUNE 27-29 | Comfest

Continue the celebrations and engage with the community—LGBTQ+ and beyond—at Comfest. See more details in the Summer Entertainment Guide, starting Page 35.

JUNE 28 | Human Rights Campaign Columbus Dinner

The Columbus chapter of the Human Rights Campaign will be celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The funds raised will support the HRC’s LGBTQ+ equality efforts. In

Nina West

Deairius Houston with the Central Outreach Wellness Center

addition to dinner, tickets include a silent auction and one year of HRC membership. columbus.hrc.org

JUNE 28-29 | Columbus Gay Men’s

Chorus: ‘35-n-Thrivin’ ’

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Fittingly, their final show of the season bookends Pride month at the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre. All songs performed will be from queer artists that were written when they were younger than 35, including Tracy Chapman, Elton John, Chappell Roan and more. cgmc.com

ALL MONTH | ‘Queer/Modern’

Visit the Columbus Museum of Art throughout the month of June (and after) for a gallery exploring what the words queer and modern mean, separately and together, in art and society. All art on display is the work of artists who engaged in queer culture in the early 20th century. columbusmuseum.org

ALL MONTH | Suburban Pride Celebrations

Engage in suburban Pride celebrations and find local community resources and opportunities throughout the month of June:

• June 1 | Worthington; experienceworthington.com

• June 7 | Delaware; delawareohiopride.org

• June 7 | Hilliard; facebook.com/ groups/hilliardpride

• June 7 | Westerville; westervillequeercollective.org

• June 8 | Upper Arlington; rainbowua.org

• June 28 | Granville; granvillepride.org

• June 28 | Reynoldsburg; reynoldsburg.gov

Arehart performs with Flaggots Ohio

GET OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER WITH A GLAMMED-UP OLD FRIEND

How do you unwind after work? Celebrate milestones? What’s in your hand at the golf course, ballpark, or around the campfire?

If you’re like many craft beer fans, you’ve probably made Elvis Juice part of those moments—a bold, citrus-forward IPA brewed to elevate everyday experiences.

What began as a U.K.-born standout quickly became a U.S. fan favorite, known for its bitter bite, juicy aroma and zero compromise. But in a world where first impressions matter, even icons evolve.

This summer, BrewDog USA is turning up the volume on flavor and fun. Headquartered in Columbus, BrewDog USA is making waves with a bold refresh of one of its most iconic beers— Elvis Juice. The 2025 update features vibrant, head-turning packaging that’s just as punchy and citrus-packed as the beer inside. More than a visual update, it signals a new era for this locally brewed classic—one brewed for sum-

By Aaron Wetli

mer moments, wherever they happen.

To celebrate the refreshed Elvis Juice, BrewDog USA is launching a season-long campaign of giveaways, experiences and patio-ready vibes. Fans can head to DogTap Columbus— BrewDog’s immersive campus in Canal Winchester complete with a brewery, restaurant, hotel, dog park and bar—and soak in the full summer experience. Throughout the season, BrewDog will be giving away epic prizes, including Ooni Pizza Ovens, because nothing pairs better with a cold citrus IPA than a fresh, fire-roasted pizza. One lucky fan will also walk away with a one-of-a-kind pair of Elvis Juice-branded Jordan Brick x Brick Nike sneakers.

According to BrewDog USA Head of Brand and Marketing Brittany Foster, “This rebrand is a bold signal of where BrewDog is headed—evolving with intention, without losing the rebellious spirit that built the brand. This is just one of the many exciting things you’ll

Brittany Foster

see from BrewDog this year. Our fans have a taste for great beer—and we’re here to deliver.”

Odds are by the time you are reading this, you already will have tried the refreshed, citrus-forward and repackaged Elvis Juice, as the official release was May 1. Foster reports, “One of the more thoughtful aspects of the rebrand is how, through meticulous planning, the Elvis Juice brew’s color matches exactly with the deep orange hue of the packaging, all of which smoothly aligns with the elegant scripted new font and can design.”

Simultaneously getting better while staying true to your roots takes a lot of work, and the specifics of what goes into that work are points of pride for Foster and the rest of the crew at BrewDog USA. Their commitment to research and ongoing feedback across all brands is not only heard—it’s actively reviewed and thoughtfully applied to shape decisions.

Again, Foster chimes in: “Everything that we [BrewDog USA] do is purposeful and intentional with the ultimate goal of making and keeping our consumers happy and engaged with our brands.”

This research and feedback empowers BrewDog USA team members like brewmaster Cooper Asay, Head of Quality and Innovation, to craft a more citrus-forward Elvis Juice—one he’s

confident will resonate with and excite longtime fans.

Asay, who got into the brewery game as a self-described “fermentation nerd,” also is proud of BrewDog USA’s Alcohol Free (AF) line, which has taken a lot of hard work to perfect. The result of extensive innovation and dedication, the Non-Alcoholic Variety Pack now leads the NA category across the state of Ohio.

“We try and get the AF flavors to match the beer flavors as much as possible,” Asay says. “We want our AF drink-

ers to feel like they are drinking a beer and not a separate product. Think about it like trying to bake without gluten. You can get there, but it takes a lot of work.” Some AF products are available only online, such as Cold AF Lime. BrewDog releases seasonal alcohol free beers through its ecommerce website.

Rooted in the strength of Central Ohio’s craft beer community, BrewDog USA continues to push boundaries. Team members like Foster, Asay and the many passionate minds behind the brand are using their talent and customer insights to make beer more flavorful, relatable and accessible than ever before.

No matter what your summer looks like, BrewDog wants to be part of the moment. Fans can follow BrewDog USA on social media to stay connected to exclusive content, summer-long promotions and chances to win oneof-a-kind experiences. And of course, the newly refreshed Elvis Juice is now available at grocery and convenience stores—just in time to elevate your warm-weather moments with this bold, citrus-forward favorite.

BrewDog USA distributes in select states nationwide and operates flagship locations in its home state of Ohio and also in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Denver. Visit usa.brewdog.com for more information.

Cooper Asay

2025 TOP DENTISTS

This list is excerpted from the 2025 edition of topDentists, a database which includes listings for nearly 260 dentists and specialists practicing in the greater Columbus metropolitan area. The Columbus list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write PO BOX 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com.

Dental Anesthesiology

Jean F. O’Banion

Blink Inc., 6670 Perimeter Drive, Ste. 250, Dublin, 630-816-3900

Endodontics

F. Charles Arens

Central Ohio Endodontics, 6827 N. High St., Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, centralohioendodontics.com

Matthew B. Balasco

Balasco Endodontics, 1525 Election House Road Northwest, Lancaster, 740-687-5900, balascoendo.com

David E. Claffey IV Grove City Endodontics, 4203 Gantz Road, Grove City, 614-277-9455, drclaffey.com

Elizabeth M. Claffey

Grove City Endodontics, 4203 Gantz Road, Grove City, 614-277-9455, drclaffey.com

Melissa M. Drum

Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, 614-247-2533, dentistry.osu.edu

Kinnison J. Edmunds

Columbus Endodontic Specialists, 145 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Ste. 100, Blacklick, 614-577-1100, cbusendo.com

Christopher A. Ettrich Wedgewood Endodontics, 9773 Fairway Drive, Powell, 614-789-3636, wedgeendo.com

METHODOLOGY

topDentists, LLC has over 80 years of experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. Using this experience along with the input of dentists across the United States, we have created a methodology that has been refined and improved over previous superlative guides. topDentists lists dentists and specialists who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s dental professionals confidentially evaluate their professional peers. No payment is required to be selected nor is payment accepted in exchange for selection. The nomination pool for topDentists

Sara M. Fowler

Ohio State University School of Dentistry, 305 West 12th Avenue, 3059 A Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-2104, fowlerfamily dental.com

Joel G. Jose

Endodontic Associates, 1375 Cherry Way Drive, Ste. 200, Gahanna, 614-428-7320, eajose.com

Bradley P. Karkut

980 W. Central Ave., Ste. C, Delaware, 740363-1844, karkut-endodontics.business.site

Sloan G. Lanctot

Central Ohio, 6827 North High Street, Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, central ohioendodontics.com

Shelly Lee

Lee and Murrin Endodontics, 1570 Fishinger Road, Columbus, 614-459-2000, uaendo.com

Daniel P. Magness

Columbus Endodontic Specialists, 145 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Ste. 100, Blacklick, 614-577-1100, cbusendo.com

Eric R. Menke

Central Ohio Endodontics, 6827 N. High St., Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, centralohioendodontics.com

Matthew S. Niemiec

Microsurgical Endodontics, 825 High St., Ste. C, Worthington, 614-436-2277, ohio endo.com

John M. Nusstein

Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, 614-292-9412, dentistry.osu.edu

Mark A. O’Banion

Capital Endodontics, 6670 Perimeter Drive, Ste. 250, Dublin, 614-659-7491, capendo columbus.com

Mark L. Oleson

Dublin Endodontics, 6325 Emerald Parkway, Ste. 2C, Dublin, 614-967-9225, dublin endo.com

David Oser

Upper Arlington Endodontics, 1570 Fishinger Road, Columbus, 614-459-2000, uaendo.com

Ryan J. Pasiewicz

Central Ohio Endodontics, 6827 N. High St., Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, centralohioendodontics.com

Lisa Poweski

Elite Endodontics, 450 Alkyre Run Drive, Ste. 290, Westerville, 614-891-7550, elite endodonticsohio.com

Gregory S. Simpson

Buckeye Endodontics, 1301 Dublin Road, Ste. 101, Columbus, 614-488-3333, buckeye endo.com

Steven M. Smith

Central Ohio Endodontics, 6827 N. High St., Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, centralohioendodontics.com

consists of dentists and specialists that are current members of the American Dental Association and other dental societies. General dentists were asked to vote on nominees that are listed as specialists. Specialists are asked to vote only on nominees that are listed as General Dentists. Voting practitioners are also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees and to provide additional nominations.

Voting professionals are provided the following criterion for determining if a nominee should be listed: Years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients and physical results. All votes and comments are solicited

with a guarantee of confidentiality.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in Ohio. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists.

Daniel Stentz

Columbus Endodontic Specialists, 145 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Ste. 100, Blacklick, 614-577-1100, cbusendo.com

Kumar Subramanian

Central Ohio Root Canals, 161 Clint Drive, Ste. 300, Pickerington, 614-866-3636, centralohiorootcanals.com

Louis W. Susi

Columbus Endodontic Specialists, 145 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Ste. 100, Blacklick, 614-577-1100, cbusendo.com

Emily Wang

843 N. 21st St., Newark, 740-344-6349

Stephen W. Webster Jr.

New Albany Endodontics, 5040 Forest Drive, Ste. 210, New Albany, 614-245-4332, new albanyendo.com

Michael E. Whitcomb Jr.

Central Ohio Endodontics, 6827 N. High St., Ste. 115, Worthington, 614-885-1191, centralohioendodontics.com

Jennifer W. Willett

Mill Run Endodontics, 3827 Trueman Court, Hilliard, 614-850-9636, millrunendo.com

General Dentistry

Shirin Amini

Clintonville Family Dentistry, 4425 N. High St., Ste. 200, Columbus, 614-261-8700, clintonvillefamilydentistry.com

Taghreed As-Sanie

Dental Reflections Dublin, 4998 Rings Road, Dublin, 614-799-5576, dentalreflections dublin.com

Melissa Baker

The Gentle Dentist, 69 E. Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, 614-431-3311, coulman dental.com

Pooja Banga

Oral Health Center, 660 Cooper Road, Ste. 200, Westerville, 614-888-6811

Richard B. Barry

Lifetime Dental Health, 1960 Bethel Road, Ste. 240, Columbus, 614-451-2234, life timedentalcolumbus.com

Eric Batterton

460 W. Central Ave., Ste. F, Delaware, 740363-9741, ericbattertondds.com

Theodore T. Bauer

Schumacher & Bauer, DDS, 3600 Olentangy River Road, Ste. 500-B, Columbus, 614-8776202, columbusdentists.net

Canise Y. Bean

Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, 614-688-5567, dentistry.osu.edu

Carolyn D. Bednar

Good Sleep Dental, 1600 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, 614-866-5966, cdbednardds.com

Portia J. Bell

2710 Crossroads Plaza Drive, Columbus, 614-471-1161, drportiabell.com

Erin M. Biehle

Stonecreek Dental Care, 11295 Stonecreek Drive NW, Pickerington, 614-864-3196, help mysmile.com

James E. Blank

Blank Dental Group, 9733 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, 614-764-1013, blankdental.com

Kyle D. Bogan

North Orange Family Dentistry, 7325 Gooding Blvd., Delaware, 740-548-1800, north orangefamilydentistry.com

Lisa Briceland-Kolp

Postle Dental Group, 3734 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, 614-850-4446, postledental.com

Chad N. Cacchio

1700 W. Lane Ave., Ste. 100, Columbus, 614488-1313, chadcacchiodds.com

Constance Camman

7219 Sawmill Road, Ste. 205, Dublin, 614791-0900, thedublindentist.com

Scott A. Campbell

Delaware Ohio Dental Office, 12 Lexington Blvd., Delaware, 740-369-5309, delaware ohiodentist.com

Aaron S. Carroll

Carroll Family Dental, 2699 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-237-5000, carrollfamilydental.com

Philippe Chahine

Just Smiles, 1921 Hilliard Rome Road, Hilliard, 614-777-8668, just-smiles.com

DISCLAIMER

Vishal K. Chitkara

Pure Dental, 5175 Morse Road, Gahanna, 614-475-7580, gahannadentist.com

Chris M. Clark

Clark Family Dental, 5133 Hampsted Village Center Way, New Albany, 614-855-5200, clarkfamilydentist.com

Michael V. Cook

Creative Smiles, 3791 N. High St., Columbus, 614-262-4150, creativesmilescolumbus.com

Jason T. Culley

Watermark Dental, 1225 Dublin Road, Ste. 040, Columbus, 614-488-9050, watermarkdental.com

Ryan Davis

Polaris Dental Care, 420 Metro Place, Ste. B, Dublin, 614-505-7027, polarisdentalcare.com

David A. Dixon

Columbus Family Dental Care, 1645 Holt Road, Columbus, 614-878-1397, columbus familydentalcare.com

Lisa D. Dubos

1200 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, 740-4741900, elydubosstewart.com

Justin W. Dugas

Dugas Dental, 27 Neverland Drive, Lewis Center, 740-548-0575, dugasdental.com

Fadi. S. El-Tamimi Dental Works, 3727 Easton Market, Columbus, 614-934-3204, eastondentalworks.com

Doug B. Ferguson

Greentree Dental Group, 2027 Henderson Road, Columbus, 614-459-5511, greentree dentalgroup.com

Natalie K. Fisher

Bethel Grove Dental, 1914 Bethel Road, Ste. 304, Columbus, 614-457-6649, bethel grovedds.com

Michael P. Fleitz

426 Beecher Road, Gahanna, 614-939-4800, drfleitz.com

Augusto S. Fojas

387 County Line Road W, Ste. 125, Westerville, 614-882-0275, fojasdentist.com

This list is excerpted from the 2025 topDentists database, which includes listings for almost 260 dentists and specialists in the Columbus metropolitan area. For more information call 706-364-0853 or write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or visit www.usatopdentists.com. TopDentists, LLC has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2011-2025 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

John S. Folk

Riverglen Dental Group, 7720 Rivers Drive, Ste. 100E, Columbus, 614-885-0227, riverglendentalgroup.com

James B. Ford

118 N. High St., Columbus, 614-228-1113, drjamesbford.com

Robin C. Ford

Ford Family Dental, 6890 Perimeter Drive, Ste. A, Dublin, 614-761-1974, fordfamily dental.com

Michael J. Freeman

North Court Family Dentistry, 1412 N. Court St., Circleville, 740-474-3861, northcourt familydentistry.com

Robert W. Gardner

4490 Indianaola Ave., Columbus, 614-262-8180

Amy M. Gavin

7100 Graphics Way, Ste. 3800, Lewis Center, 740-200-5100, olentangymoderndental.com

Bradley Gilmer

The Dental Center at Easton Town Center, 4030 Easton Station, Ste. 250, Columbus, 614-414-0111, eastondentists.com

Amy Glasgow

Linworth Family Dental, 6481 Nicholas Drive, Columbus, 614-799-9500, linworthfamily dental.com

David J. Grammel

Canal Family Dentistry, 31 E. Waterloo St., Canal Winchester, 614-837-4113, canal familydentistry.com

Robert E. Green

Green Dental Delaware, 133 W. Hull Drive, Delaware, 740-363-3871, greendental delaware.com

Bobby Haddad

Fixari Family Dental, 10700 Blacklick Eastern Road, Pickerington, 614-259-7817, fixari dental.com

Tara L. Haid

Haid Dental, 89 W. Wilson Bridge Road, Ste. 165, Worthington, 614-885-2610, haiddental associates.com

Jeffrey A. Hanin

Hanin Dental, 3370 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614-237-2529, hanindentistry.com

Nicole Helfrich

Helfrich Family Dental, 1975 Guilford Road, Upper Arlington, 614-488-1252, drhelfrich.com

Kyle R. Hickman

Havens Family Dental, 1582 N. Waggoner Road, Ste. B, Blacklick, 614-762-2737, havensfamilydental.com

Abraham Hoellrich

Grandview Dental Care, 1220 Grandview Ave., Columbus, 614-486-8654, grandview dentalcare.com

Cheryl Hoffman

Hoffman Dental, 1600 Fishinger Road, Columbus, 614-763-6414, hoffmandental office.com

Naimisha S. Hoffman

Legacy Family Dental, 6655 Post Road, Ste. A, Dublin, 614-336-7643, legacyfamily dentaldublin.com

Tom Hoffman

Hoffman Dental, 1600 Fishinger Road, Columbus, 614-451-4400, hoffmandental office.com

Marc J. Hollander

118 N. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, 614-4757228, marcjhollanderdds.com

Jeffrey J. Holowicki

Smiley Dental Group, 5156 Blazer Parkway, Ste. 200, Dublin, 614-907-8234, smiley dentalgroup.com

John G. Imm III

5 Points Advanced Dentistry, 3440 Riverside Drive, Columbus, 614-451-5434, ua5points dentistry.com

TJ Imm

Five Points Advanced Dentistry, 3440 Riverside Drive, , Upper Arlington, 614-451-5435, ua5pointsdentistry.com

Laura Jaroncyk

Then Dental Center at Easton Town Center, 4030 Easton Station, Ste. 250, Columbus, 614-414-0111, eastondentists.com

John W. Johnson

Midwest Holistic Dentistry, 5121 Forest Drive, Ste. A, New Albany, 614-775-9300, midwestholisticdentistry.com

Benjamin Jump

Moundbuilders General Dentistry, 1634 W. Church St., Newark, 740-344-1810, mbg dental.com

Jason A. Kahan

Eastpoint Dental, 7334 E. Broad St., Ste. A, Blacklick, 614-856-1413, eastpointdental.com

Jody Kear

Greentree Dental Group, 2027 Henderson Road, Columbus, 614-459-5511, greentree dentalgroup.com

G. Paul King II

Camelot Dental Group, 5005 Horizons Drive, Ste. 110, Columbus, 614-451-5115, camelot dentalgroup.com

John D. Koutras

Koutras and Schooley, 1275 Olentangy River Road, Ste. 200, Columbus, 614-294-4007, koutrasandschooleydental.com

Christina M. Kulesa

N.star Family Dental, 538 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, 614-682-6213, northstarfamily dental.com

Benjamin R. Lamielle

Hilliard Modern Dental, 4083 Trueman Blvd., Hilliard, 614-529-9644, hilliardmodern dental.com

Cheryl J. Lampe

367 S. Main St., PO Box 780, Pataskala, 740927-4876, cheryllampedds.com

Jennifer L. Lape

Gentle Dental Care, 208 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, 740-653-8671, gdc-lancaster.com

Stephanie Lauer

Merion Village Dental, 1250 S. High St., Columbus, 614-443-4400, merionvillage dental.com

Paul M. Loper

6321 Livingston Avenue, Ste. A, Reynoldsburg, 614-864-7731, paulloperdds.com

Anthony G. Lordo

7811 Flint Road, Ste. A, Columbus, 614-8854754, drlordo.com

Elizabeth Love

Lifetime Dental Health, 1960 Bethel Road, Ste. 240, , Columbus, 614-451-2234, life timedentalcolumbus.com

James R. Male

55 Granville St., Gahanna, 614-471-3020

Elizabeth A. Malys-Clark

Clark Family Dental, 5133 Hampsted Village Center Way, New Albany, 614-428-0347, clarkfamilydentist.com

Timothy O. March

March Dentistry, 1580 Fishinger Road, Ste. L, Columbus, 614-457-6161, marchdentistry.com

Melissa D. Mariani

Legacy Family Dental, 6655 Post Road, Ste. A, , Dublin, 614-336-7643, legacyfamilydental dublin.com

John M. Marque

Marque Dental Associates, 1582 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740-654-3980

Brittany S. McCarthy

McCarthy Dental Group, 17 N. Harding Road, Columbus, 614-239-0051, mc carthydental.com

Kristen J. Medors 1580 Fishinger Road, Upper Arlington, 614457-3740, kristenmedorsdds.com

Julie D. Messerly 127 W. 6th Avenue, Lancaster, 740-6874484, messerlydental.com

Mark A. Miely 1840 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, 614682-7384, markamielydds.com

Timothy E. Moats

6877 High St., Ste. 105, Worthington, 614885-6698, timmoatsdds.com

Julie Montgomery

Dublin Dental Associates, 200 W. Bridge St., Ste. C, Dublin, 614-889-9661, dublindental associates.com

Hamid Namazi

Graceful Dentistry, 3525 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, 614-764-1178, graceful dentistry.com

Michael E. Nemcik

Nemcik & Beers, 6251 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, 614-766-0002, dentistrydublin.com

Donna C. Noll

Violet Family Dental, 151 Clint Drive, Ste. 300, Pickerington, 614-575-1155, violet familydental.com

Rachel E. O’Dell

Bexley Family Dentistry, 3140 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614-231-6825

Robert S. Owen

1919 Newark Granville Road, Granville, 740587-4488, robertowendds.com

Andrew C. Palmer

Tootle, Palmer, & Ankrom Dentistry, 120 Walnut Creek Pike, Circleville, 740-251-0072, tootleandpalmerdentistry.com

Sharon K. Parsons

Dental Associates Records and Parsons, 2862 E. Main St., Columbus, 614-235-3444, dentalassociatesbexley.com

Neal S. Patel

Infinite Smiles, 7500 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, 740-881-2600, infinitesmiles.com

James Pawlecki

Green Dental Delaware, 133 W. Hull Drive, Delaware, 740-363-3871, greendental delaware.com

Ashley P. Place

Legacy Family Dental, 6655 Post Road, Ste. A, Dublin, 614-336-7643, legacyfamily dentaldublin.com

H. Herb Postle III

Postle Dental Group, 3734 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, 614-850-0446, postledental.com

Jonathan Michael Price

Worthington Pediatric Dentistry, 8121 N. High St., Columbus, 614-888-3212, worthingtonpediatric.com

Katherine M. Qualmann

McCarthy Dental Group, 17 N. Harding Road, Columbus, 614-235-8612, mccarthydental. com

Mark D. Raisch

Advanced Dental Wellness, 4501 N. High St., Columbus, 614-267-5413, advanceddental wellness.com

Thomas S. Rankin

Thomas S. Rankin, D.D.S., 5515 Scioto Darby Road, Ste. 201, Hilliard, 614-876-4224, rankinfamilydentistry.com

Nicholas Raptou

Raptou Family Dental, 136 Northwoods Blvd., Ste. A-1, Columbus, 614-433-7272, raptou.com

Daniel Reed

Worthington Dental Group, 89 W. Wilson Bridge Road, Ste. 165, Worthington, 614885-2022, worthingtondental.com

Michael J. Repasky

Dublin Dental Associates, 200 W. Bridge St., Ste. C, Dublin, 614-889-9661, dublindental associates.com

Aparna Sadineni

Dublin Metro Dental, 572 Metro Place N., Dublin, 614-766-5600, dublinmetrodental.com

Avneet Sandhu

Worthington Pediatric Dentists, 8121 N. High St., Columbus, 614-888-3212, worthingtonpediatric.com

Jeffrey P. Santilli

420 Beecher Road, Columbus, 614-9395200, drsantilli.com

Jeffrey R. Schoning

4713 N. High St., Columbus, 614-261-0280, schoningdental.com

Michael Schumacher Schumacher & Bauer, 3600 Olentangy River Road, Ste. 500-B, Columbus, 614-877-6073, columbusdentists.net

Shayer Shah

Newark Smiles, 1619 W. Main St., Newark, 740-522-1133, newarksmiles.com

Nisha Shah Grosel

Grandview Dental Care, 1220 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, 614-486-7378, grand viewdentalcare.com

Michael D. Shrallow

Pataskala Family Dental, 722 Corylus Drive, Pataskala, 740-964-5138, pataskalafamily dental.com

Shelley D. Shults

Powell Dental Group, 39 Clairedan Drive, Powell, 614-436-4433, powelldentalgroup.com

Tod W. Siefert

Siefert Family Dentistry, 2880 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614-279-0674, siefertfamily dentistry.com

Andrew E. Skasko

Elite Dental, 5101 Forest Drive, Ste. A, New Albany, 614-939-0400, newalbanyelite dental.com

Samuel E. Smiley

Smiley Dental Group, 5156 Blazer Parkway, Ste. 200, Dublin, 614-889-0726, smiley dentalgroup.com

Michael J. Smith

Reynoldsburg Family Dental, 7589 E. Main St., Ste. B, Reynoldsburg, 614-866-5518, reynoldsburgfamilydental.com

Yuchan K. Son

Westerville Dental Associates, 627 Office Parkway, Westerville, 614-882-1135, westervilledental.com

Howard M. Spector

6649 N. High St., Ste. 201, Worthington, 614436-8336, spectordental.com

Heidi A. Stauffer

Stauffer Family Dental, 124 County Line Road W., Ste. A, Westerville, 614-882-2249, staufferfamilydental.com

Nicholas J. Terse

825 High St., Ste. B, Worthington, 614-8881896, drterse.com

Jeremy M. Thiel

Signature Dental, 825 High St., Worthington, 614-846-7828, signaturedentaltoday.com

Barth M. Toothman

Toothman Dental Group, 1920 Bethel Road, Columbus, 614-457-4585, toothmandental group.com

Dena E. Towning

807 Kinnear Road, Ste. 160, Columbus, 614487-0965, towningdental.com

George M. Tzagournis

Tzagournis Dental Group, 385 W. County Line Road, Ste. 100, Westerville, 614-8824032, tzagournis.com

Prashanthi Vadhi

Vadhi Ohio Family Dental, 6023 E. Main St., Columbus, 614-864-6000, drvadhi.com

Maria Van Huffel

960 N. Hamilton Road, Ste. 107, Gahanna, 614-476-8999, mvanhuffel.com

David H. Verzella

Prairie Dental Excellence, 4998 W. Broad St., Ste. 201, Columbus, 614-878-6417, prairie-dental-excellence.com

Steve C. Walton

5025 Arlington Centre Blvd., Ste. 220, Upper Arlington, 614-457-1481, tzagournis.com

Daniel H. Ward

1080 Polaris Parkway, Ste. 130, Columbus, 614-430-8990, drward.com

Paul E. Webb

2094 Tremont Center, Ste. 3, Columbus, 614-486-2630

Erin L. Whittaker

Whittaker Dental Group, 11 W. Cooke Road, Columbus, 614-267-4243, flossyourteeth. com

George P. Wick

1234 Old Henderson Road, Ste. A, Columbus, 614-268-9443, georgewickdds.com

Michael Willmann

Postle Dental Group, 3734 Ridge Mill Drive, Hillard, 614-850-0446, postle dental.com

James D. Worley

300 S. State St., Westerville, 614-882-1816

Eric Zidel

Zidel Dental Group, 4575 Winchester Pike, Columbus, 614-837-2080, zideldentalgroup.com

Paula A. Zimmerman

Grove City Family Dentistry, 3031 Columbus St., Grove City, 614-875-2153, gcfamdent.com

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Michael B. Border

Rekos & Border Oral Surgery, 5155 Bradenton Avenue, Ste. 100, Dublin, 614-764-9455, omfso.com

James P. Ellis

Ellis Oral Surgery, 420 Beecher Road, Ste. A, Gahanna, 614-775-0222, ellisoralsurgery.com

Hany A. Emam

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 2182-2 Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-9855, dentistry.osu.edu

Erik W. Evans

Ellis & Evans Oral and Facial Surgery, 420 Beecher Road, Ste. A, Gahanna, 614-7750222, ellisandevansoralsurgery.com

Timothy J. Frey

Oral & Facial Surgery for Adults & Children, 1161 Bethel Road, Ste. 303, Columbus, 614457-9337, ofsac.com

Haitham Hadeed

Central Ohio Oral Surgery, 13293 Summerfield Way, Pickerington, 614-522-0555

Byron T. Henry

Northwest Oral & Facial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, 6641 N. High St., Ste. 105, Columbus, 614-885-3339, nwofs.com

Sean Lindsey

Steiner, Rotenberg & Lindsey Oral Surgery & Periodontics, 5350 E. Main St., Columbus, 614-863-9500, omsandperio.com

Monte E. Masonbrink

Oral & Facial Surgery for Adults & Children, 10236 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, 614-4579337, ofsac.com

Gregory C. Michaels

Michaels Oral Surgery, 823 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, 740-654-6628, michaelsoral surgery.com

Andrew Mullendore

East Columbus Oral Surgery Specialists, 6555 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614-427-0400, eastcolumbusoralsurgery.com

Gregory M. Ness

Oral & Facial Surgery, 1161 Bethel Road, Ste. 303, Columbus, 614-457-9337, ofsac.com

Chintan I. Patel

463 Waterbury Court, Ste. A, Gahanna, 614471-6600, NorthEastOMS.com

Gregory A. Rekos

Oral & Facial Surgeons of Ohio, 5155 Bradenton Avenue, Ste. 100, Dublin, 614-7649455, omfso.com

David A. Smeltzer

Oral & Facial Surgery for Adults & Children, 1161 Bethel Road, Ste. 303, Columbus, 614457-9337, ofsac.com

Joshua T. Smith

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centers, 3824 Hoover Road, Grove City, 614-875-1611, ohiooralsurg.com

Claire Towning

East Ohio Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 1272 W. Main St., Building 6, Newark, 740-5220674, eastohiojawsurgery.com

Larry D. Towning

East Ohio Oral & Maxillofaical Surgery, 1272 W. Main St., Building 6, Newark, 740-5220674, eastohiojawsurgery.com

Timothy S. Troiano

1830 Bethel Road, Ste. A, Columbus, 614457-1224, drtroiano.com

Douglas A. Von Kaenel

East Columbus Oral Surgery Specialists, 6555 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614-427-0400, eastcolumbusoralsurgery.com

Brian C. Weaver

Riverstone Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, 121 Commerce Park Drive, Westerville, 614568-0230, riverstoneoralsurgery.com

Jonathan T. Williams

Williams Oral Surgery, 3545 Olentangy River Road, Ste. 125, Columbus, 614-267-0385, williamsoralsurgery.com

Oral Pathology

John R. Kalmar

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 2200 Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-6577, dentistry.osu.edu

Susan R. Mallery

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 2191-B Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-1472, dentistry.osu.edu

Kristin McNamara

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 2173 Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-6577, dentistry.osu.edu

Orthodontics

Gregory W. Anderson

Associated Orthodontics, 6620 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, 614-889-9000, buckeyebraces. com

Ewa T. Byczek

Dublin Orthodontics, 6890 Perimenter Drive, Ste. B, Dublin, 614-718-2222, dublinortho dontics.com

Jesse Carmen

Carmen Orthodontics, 5225 E. Main St., Columbus, 614-864-5555, carmenortho dontics.com

Brandon D. Cook

Hutta & Cook Orthodontics, 6641 N. High St., Ste. 104, Worthington, 614-885-2000, huttasmiles.com

Frank E. Cordray, Jr.

Cordray Orthodontics, 96 Northwoods Blvd., Columbus, 614-436-7761, cordrayortho dontics.com

Bethany A. Crawford Scioto Orthodontics, 6358 Scioto Darby Road, Hilliard, 614-363-2525, scioto braces.com

Brian E. Crock Crock Orthodontics, 175 McMillen Drive, Newark, 740-344-3372, crockortho.com

Lisa M. Davison Davison Orthodontics, 517 Liberty Road N., , Powell, 614-389-8346, davisonorthodontics. com

Cheryl B. Golden Golden Orthodontics, 3015 E. Main St., , Columbus, 614-235-4800, Orthodontics, goldenorthodontics.com

R. Brian Hardy Hardy Orthodontics, 4199 Gantz Road, , Grove City, 614-871-8200, hardyortho.com

Lynnsay R. Hickman Hickman Orthodontics, 6899 E. Main St., , Reynoldsburg, 614-501-0042, eastcolumbus braces.com

Erik W. Hrabowy Hrabowy Orthodontics, 3140 E. Broad St., Ste. 200, , Columbus, 614-235-2351, hrabowybraces.com

J. Larry Hutta

Hutta & Cook Orthodontics, 6641 N. High St., Ste. 104, Worthington, 614-885-2000, huttasmiles.com

James T. Hutta

470 Silver Lane, Ste. A, Gahanna, 614-8558800, lovethatsmile.net

Elizabeth K. Johnson Scioto Orthodontics, 6358 Scioto Darby Road, Hilliard, 614-363-2525, sciotobraces. com

Dean J. Kiourtsis

Kiourtsis Orthodontics, 4166 Hoover Road, Grove City, 614-875-6169, Kiourtsisortho.com

Kaitrin K. Kramer

Nationwid Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, 614-722-5602, nationwide childrens.org

Jenny R. Maple

Maple Orthodontics, 260 Market St., Ste. E, New Albany, 614-775-1000, straightsmile. com

Amin Mason

Polaris Orthodontic Center, 1079 Polaris Parkways, Ste. 130, , Columbus, 614-7816990, Orthodontics, polarisorthodontic center.com

Ana M. Mercado

Nationwide Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Ste. T5D, Columbus, 614-722-5602, nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/ profiles/ana-m-mercado

Joseph M. Mess

Cook & Mess Orthodontics, 4775 Knightsbridge Blvd., Columbus, 614-457-6567, cookmessortho.com

Mark T. Musgrave

Musgrave Orthodontics, 98 W. William St., Delaware, 740-362-6952, musgrave orthodontics.com

Mark D. Pierce

3854 N. High St., Columbus, 614-262-3047, markpiercedds.com

Jeffrey A. Price

470 Silver Lane, Ste. A, Gahanna, 614-8558800, lovethatsmile.net

Aaron K. Rose

Rose Orthodontics, 980 W. Central Avenue, Ste. D, Delaware, 740-272-4455, rosebraces. com

Rashelle D. Salaita

Salaita Orthodontics, 937 Polaris Woods Blvd., Westerville, 614-888-4577, westerville braces.com

Jeffrey M. Shirck

Shirck Orthodontics, 196 E. Broad St., Ste. B, Pataskala, 740-331-4592, shirckortho dontics.com

Grant Slania

Hickman Orthodontics, 6899 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, 614-501-0042, eastcolumbus braces.com

Kent M. Underwood

Smile Doctors, 10220 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, 614-761-9777, smiledoctors.com/ orthodontists/oh/powell/19005

Andrew B. Wade

Wade Orthodontics, 5249 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614-878-7887, wadeorthodontics. com

Jared C. Zwick

Smile Doctors, 7420 State Route 161 E., Plain City, 614-889-7613

Pediatric Dentistry

Homa Amini

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, 614-722-5651, nationwidechildrens.org/homa-amini

Ashley Anderson

Tiny Teeth of Dublin, 5699 Innovation Drive, Dublin, 614-215-9488, tinyteethofdublin.com

Carolyn A. Barber

395 N. W. St., Ste. A, Westerville, 614-8989994, scottniemandds.com

Emmy Burns

Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, 3535 Fishinger Blvd., Ste. 270, Hilliard, 614-8764277, peddentistry.com

Daniel B. Claman

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 4126-B Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-0371, dentistry.osu.edu/ faculty/daniel-b-claman-dds

David O. Danesh

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-688-3763, dentistry.osu.edu

Lucia C. Gerstmann

Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry, 2000 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, 614-575-2225, buckeyepediatricdentistryohio.com

Ann L. Griffen

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 4th Floor, Columbus, 614-292-1472, nationwidechildrens.org/ ann-l-griffen

Erin L. Gross

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 4126 Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-292-1788, dentistry.osu.edu

Kimberly Hammersmith

Nationwide Childrens, 700 Childrens Drive, Columbus, 614-722-5651, nationwide childrens.org/kimberly-j-hammersmith

Mitzi L. Hines

Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 5770 N. Hamilton Road, Ste. A, Columbus, 614423-6857, hineslittlesmiles.com

Joshua M. Leavitt

Pediatric Dentistry of Central Ohio, 605 Diley Road, Pickerington, 614-863-8500, pediatric dentistryofcentralohio.com

Yoon-Mi “Sophie” Matracia

Dublin Kids Dental, 6235 Perimeter Drive, Ste. A, , Dublin, 614-588-8350, dublinkids dental.com

Scott W. Nieman

395 N. W. St., Ste. A, , W.erville, 614-8989994, scottniemandds.com

Sachin S. Parulkar

Delaware Pediatric Dentistry, 6284 Pullman Drive, Lewis Center, 740-657-1562, delaware kidsdentist.com

Mindy A. Price

Worthington Pediatric Dentistry, 8121 N. High St., Columbus, 614-888-3212, worthingtonpediatric.com

Sidney D. Price

Worthington Pediatric Dentistry, 8121 N. High St., Columbus, 614-888-3212, worthingtonpediatric.com

Joel Richards

Westerville Pediatric Dental, 110 Polaris Parkway Ste. 120, Westerville, 614-3925911, Westervillepediatricdental.com

Diego A. Solis

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, 2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, 614-3425795, nisonger.osu.edu

Janice A. Townsend

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, 614-722-2000, nationwidechildrens.org

Kevin T. Weitzel

Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, 3535 Fishinger Blvd., Ste. 270, Hilliard, 614-8764277, peddentistry.com

Periodontics

Fred Alger

221 N. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, 614-4787757, drfredalger.com

David A. Cacchillo

Cacchillo & Daniel Periodontics & Dental Implants, 7535 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, 614-861-8077, cdperio.com

Ross Gordon 627 Office Parkway, Ste. B, Westerville, 614665-7500, rgperio.com

Thomas J. Miller II

Worthington Periodontal Specialists, 55 Caren Avenue, Ste. 380, Worthington, 614450-1137, tjmperio.com

Shaun Rotenberg

Steiner, Rotenberg & Lindsey Oral Surgery & Periodontics, 5350 E. Main St., Ste. 204, Columbus, 614-863-9500, omsandperio.com

Fred O. Sakamoto

Central Ohio Periodontics, 7334 E. Broad St., Ste. B, Columbus, 614-575-0070, central ohioperiodontics.com

H. William Stehle

Periodontology, Inc., 3600 Olentangy River Road, Ste. 500-A, Columbus, 614-451-5201, periodontologyinc.com

Jason C. Stoner

Stoner Periodontic Specialists, 5152 Blazer Parkway, Ste. 100, Dublin, 614-889-8222, stonerperiospecialists.com

Dimitris Tatakis

OSU School of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, 614-292-0371, dent. ohio-state.edu/perio

Prosthodontics

Mohamed Abdelhamed

Spectrum Dental, 55 Caren Ave, Ste. 270, Worthington, 614-885-7721, spectrum -dental.com

To David W. Pryor, inducted into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), an honor reserved for the nation’s most experienced and trusted mediators and arbitrators.

Andrew B. Gilbert

Gilbert & Goff Prosthodontists

3360 Tremont Road, Ste. 120, Columbus, 614-451-1300, gilbertandgoff.com

Douglas W. Goff

Gilbert & Goff Prosthodontists, 3360 Tremont Road, Ste. 120, Columbus, 614-4511300, gilbertandgoff.com

Robert L. Heller

Oral Implants & Reconstructive Dentistry, 145 Green Meadows Drive S., Lewis Center, 614-665-6433, oirdental.com

Edwin McGlumphy, Jr.

David Pryor started his own law practice and a separate mediation practice following 34 years as a civil litigator and practitioner. His practice still includes litigation, insurance claims, personal injury, real estate, business and agricultural law. David served as an adjunct professor at Capital University from 1987 to 2006. He also served as the chairman of the agricultural law committees for the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association and Columbus Bar Association. David was a co-managing partner at the firm of Gallagher Gams Pryor Tallan and Littrell from 1996-2018. In January 2019 David left his group of 35 years to focus on his mediation practice. Pryor Mediation Services LLC purchased and renovated a beautiful building in the historical area of downtown to accommodate the mediation practice. For the last five years David has averaged almost 200 mediations annually and has maintained a 96.5% success rate. David Pryor has recently been named “A Top Lawyer for Alternative Dispute Resolution 2024 by Columbus CEO and inducted into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN) in 2025.

David W. Pryor, Esq. 538 East

Clear Choice, 6500 Emerald Parkway, Ste. 125, Dublin, 614-203-5031, clearchoice.com/ locations/dental-implants-columbus/

Ryan M. Mizumoto

Spectrum Dental and Prosthodontics, 55 Caren Avenue, Ste. 270, Worthington, 614885-7721, spectrum-dental.com

Alejandro M. Peregrina

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Avenue, 3001-V Postle Hall, Columbus, 614-247-8389, dentistry.osu.edu/ faculty/alejandro-m-peregrina-dds-ms

Bradley A. Purcell

Spectrum Dental and Prosthodontics, 55 Caren Avenue, Ste. 270, Worthington, 614885-7721, spectrum-dental.com

Robert B. Stevenson III

3600 Olentangy River Road, Ste. C4, Columbus, 614-451-2767, robertbstevenson ddsms.com

Sign up and read to earn prizes and ra e entries for more prizes!

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Stop in any Columbus Metropolitan Library location to learn more, or visit columbuslibrary.org/summerreading.

home & style

Clothing With a Message

Torso in the Short North offers a mix of beach wear, club clothes and statement T-shirts, like this “Silence = Death” shirt, from which all proceeds benefit the Human Rights Campaign. Read more, Page 64.

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Inside A Meticulous Five-Year Restoration Project In German Village

Pocket doors leading to the dining room

Story by Laura Newpoff

Photos by Tim Johnson

When Todd and Martha Monk decided to move to Columbus from South Bend, Indiana, in 2019, they looked at homes in Bexley, Clintonville and German Village. It was an old home in the latter neighborhood that really caught their attention.

“The feel of the community and the heart of it spoke to us,” Martha says. “When I first came to this house and clicked that old gate [to enter the property] and then opened that original door and saw those old living room pocket doors, I just knew I wanted to own a piece of history like this.”

The couple purchased the home, located at 544 S. 6th St., in February 2020, and moved in with their rescue animals—dogs Duke and Gonzo, and their cat Ru. Todd has had a long career in the construction industry. He relocated to Columbus to work for Amazon Web Services as a manager of construction in December 2019. Martha works in human resources for a consulting firm.

Within months of moving in, they began a whole-home restoration project. “It was important for us to embrace the history and make it period correct,” Martha says.

According to information the Monks sourced from the German Village Society, the history of the home dates back to 1880 when Henry and Catherine Orthoefer, a painter and homemaker, respectively, purchased the property— originally Lot No. 10 in Brayden’s Addition. The home was built in 1892. Henry later sold the home to his three daughters for $1 for “love and affection.” His daughter Frances Orthoefer was a beloved music teacher who hosted piano lessons and recitals in the home where the family lived for more than 80 years.

Todd restored the home himself, which included over five years of handson work. This involved meticulously preserving the Italianate-style home’s original millwork, doors and windows, reconditioning hardware and iron work, and restoring the plaster walls. Any trim, millwork and doors not original to the home were removed. He had custom molding knives made to mill trim and doors to match the original profiles.

The project also involved removing original windows, restoring and reinstalling them with reconditioned weights, pulleys and ropes to make them functional. If a window needed new glass, Todd procured Restover

glass from Germany to replicate the look of the original material.

The home has two-and-a-half baths that were gutted and rebuilt. An upstairs bathroom had a claw-foot tub that wasn’t functional and was replaced with a glass shower. Todd says the only place the home strays from the period correct feel is in the owner’s bathroom, where he created a spa feel with a heated floor, steam shower and light, modern colors.

The kitchen was redesigned to blend modern day amenities with the historic elements. Custom cabinetry and custom forged bronze cabinet hardware were installed. Light switches were sourced from London, England. Hand-polished nickel faucet fixtures adorn both a hammered nickel sink and a porcelain sink.

Kitchen featuring an island with rare, dark green soapstone

Todd and Martha Monk

The Monks spent three years searching for extremely dark green—almost black—soapstone with prominent white veining for the kitchen island and countertops. They had visited Stone Mart without success but decided to check one last time. “By chance, they had just received seven new soapstone slabs that day—none of which were even on display yet,” Todd says. “Incredibly, three of the slabs were exactly what we’d been looking for. It was a premium lot, and timing was everything: The remaining four slabs sold within days. Stone of this quality and color is exceptionally rare.”

The property’s outdoor spaces also were improved with retaining walls, grading, brick paver walkways and bluestone patios. All flora, expect for trees over 60 years old, were replaced. New trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers were planted to attract and nourish native wildlife. Within two months, dozens of new species began visiting daily.

The restoration, the Monks believe, has returned the home to its original glory. Everything that could be salvaged was restored, and replacements were custom-made to match the period. The home will be a part of this year’s annual German Village Haus und Garten Tour on June 29.

“If we didn’t restore the home, we thought it was possible that future buyers would strip away its original materials and replace them with whatever was in vogue at the time,” Todd says. “If that were to happen, the home would never be able to truly regain its original character. This home deserved to be restored. We knew when we first walked in that front door that we were the ones to do it.”

He says this level of preserved heritage in German Village is rare anywhere in the country. Too often historic homes simply are remodeled, turning them into nondescript dwellings that are trendy at the time.

“This is a historic treasure we felt passionate about saving so it can be preserved for another 100-plus years,” he says. That includes its future owners. The Monks plan to list the property for sale this summer as they look to move closer to mountains for skiing and rivers for kayaking. ◆

Photos clockwise from top left: dragonfly decoration in the kitchen; upstairs hallway; freestanding tub; ornate door handle; foyer and staircase

Pride in Every Season

Torso offers vibrant, fluid fashions for every month of the year, from Pride Month merchandise to year-round vacation staples.

By Lucy Clark

Whether you’re on the hunt for trendy resort wear, something eye-catching for Pride celebrations or clothing that both boasts and supports a cause, Torso is the place to go.

Scott Rousku opened Torso in 1998 around the corner from its current Short North location. The shop is celebrating its 27th anniversary this summer, honoring its community presence and involvement.

Before Torso, Rousku’s job saw him traveling throughout the country. Back in Columbus, he realized most of his clothes came from the cities he visited and weren’t easily accessible back home. He quit his job the next day to start Torso. Rousku describes the reception as “exciting and explosive,” and says he made his rent opening weekend.

Torso goes beyond just outfitting Columbus’ LGBTQ+ community. Rousku is a long-term partner with local organizations including Equitas and Stonewall Columbus, and supports additional LGBTQ+ organizations, including queer sports teams.

The colorful window displays draw customers in—assistant manager Tyler Houchin says some of his favorite customers are patrons leaving drag brunches at the next-door Union Café who are intrigued by the store’s display. The interior is just as groovy, with pop hits playing, brightly colored merchandise galore, glittering disco balls and chandeliers. “We have a philosophy that we merchandise the product and make the store fun to look at and create a really positive vibe when people walk in,” says Houchin. Spontaneous dance parties are a frequent occurrence for both staff and customers, he adds.

A signature of Torso is its T-shirt collection, ranging from fun and trendy designs to graphics with a message—many of which are thought up by Rousku and the Torso team, exclusively printed and

sold there. Greeting customers right now is a display of “Silence = Death” shirts, featuring the pink triangle that branded gay men during the Holocaust and has been reclaimed in fights for LGBTQ+ rights. All proceeds go to the Human Rights Campaign.

SHORTHAND

Torso

772 N. High St., Ste. 100 Short North 614-421-7663

torsocolumbus.com

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12-5 p.m. Sunday

If you go: Torso’s 27th anniversary party will be held at the Short North store from 6-9 p.m. on May 30, featuring exclusive discounts, complimentary cocktails and live painting by Gabriel Gatton, also known as Art by Geez.

Torso sells a variety of brands exclusively or near-exclusively, including high-end underwear from brands like Andrew Christian and ST33LE. There are swimsuits as far as the eye can see, club-ready outfits, dresses and more. “If you like something, try it. Clothing has no sex,” says Rousku. Another staple of Torso’s stock is color: the brighter, the bolder, the better, whatever is in this season (currently aqua blue and orange, according to Rousku and Houchin).

Torso’s second Merion Village location boasts an entirely different stock, inspired by Rousku’s experience in the fetish and club community—Rousku realized that Columbus had a lack of safe sex awareness and traveled throughout Ohio for nine months, hosting a “basic training” party series, raising over $25,000 for the Columbus AIDS Task Force, which then launched a safe sex poster campaign. Torso Leather and Fetish opened a few years after the first store. Similar to the flagship location, the Merion Village store offers a variety of exclusive designer brands. “Fetishes are fun, whether you want to admit it or not,” Rousku says with a laugh. ◆

BY TIM

PHOTO

JOHNSON

Scott Rousku

Top 25 Home Sales

April 1-30, 2025

PRICE ADDRESS BUYER/SELLER

$3,900,000 15 Highgrove, New Albany

Anthony Stephan and Kelly Nicole Kantor, trustees, from Miranda E. Morgan, trustee

$3,600,333 2538 Onandaga Dr., Upper Arlington D1D2G Group LLC from HQWILSON33 LLC

$3,000,000 4131 Reynoldsburg New Albany Rd., New Albany

$2,367,000 271 N. Columbia Ave., Bexley

$2,153,500 4220 Gunston Hall, New Albany

$2,100,000 326 N. Columbia Ave., Bexley

$1,950,000 4772 E. Shire Ridge Rd., Hilliard

$1,750,000 1980 Upper Chelsea Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,675,000 371 Potters Ln., Granville

$1,630,000 500 W. Orange Rd., Delaware

$1,600,000 2530 Sherwin Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,575,000 1761 Roxbury Rd., Upper Arlington

Andrew M. and Allison W. Meslow from Michael Daniel and Carmela Abuton Meade, trustees

Miranda E. Morgan, trustee, from Kyle D. and April Zimmerman Katz

Michael and Carmela Meade from Phillip E. and Carol A. Bronsdon

Amy E. Melvin and Giovanni N. Tosti from Richard R. and Marlee A. Snowdon, trustees

Rashmi V. Nemade, trustee, from David L. and Christine D. Johns

Douglas P. and Gabrielle D. Curphey from Katherine Krauss Ryan, trustee

Nicholas Abinanti from Kathryn J. and Douglas A. Oilar

Kenneth M. and Joanna I. Cook from Jeffrey A. and Rebecca A. Hartings

Keegan Billick and Jon Leuer from William L. Smead

Michael B. and Maraga Flynn Martens from Anna Liza D. Villena and Frederick L. Aldama

$1,495,000 22 Preston Rd., Columbus 22 Preston LLC from BHOUSE LLC

$1,351,000 6637 Lakeside Cr., Worthington

$1,300,000 634 Greenwich St., Worthington

$1,257,000 2670 Wexford Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,275,000 898 Briar Dr., Delaware

$1,200,000 620 Laurel Ridge Ct., Gahanna

$1,200,000 4065 W. Chelsea Green, New Albany

$1,159,000 7552 Alpath Rd., New Albany

$1,143,515 1851 Collingswood Rd., Upper Arlington

$1,133,000 1991 Forestview Ln., Delaware

$1,131,000 2551 Sherwood Rd., Bexley

$1,100,000 112 Gray Stone Ct., Granville

$1,100,000 5881 Miller-Paul Rd., Westerville

Brenen and Kelsie Palma from Karen A Cook, trustee

Michael Sheehan and Rachel Roberts from Jonathan P. and Whitney M. Poma

James & Sarah Moan from Ronald D. Brown Jr. and Natasha C. Mehta

Richard Gandee and Sara Keller from Wendell P. and Janelle B. Tucker

Daniel M. Schneider and Mollie E. Wincott from 620 Laurel Ridge Ct. LLC

Christina and Matthew Jauchius from Erick S. and Nicole A. Carter

Patrick G. and Allyson Gallagher from Keri Lee Carmen and Yonatan Raz-Fridman

Allison Moran and Charles Scott Hargrove from James J. Peppe

Nirvana Saraswat and Allison Kunz from Nguyen T. Truong

Ann W. Lippman from Elizabeth and Nathaniel Hagey

Stephan and Anne Schenk from Steven S. and Kerryl L. Frandsen

Mary Theresa Campbell from Andrew M. and Merry M. Sroufe

food & drink

Sipping Summer Basi Italia’s patio is a star this season, and a good spot to sample its Blueberry Lavender Margarita. Review, Page 68.

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Well Beyond ‘Basic’

After two decades of service, Basi Italia’s accessible cuisine and premier patio still stand out.

By Amy Bodiker Baskes

by Tim Johnson

As a kid, I thought adulthood involved lots of dinner parties. In my fantasies, these were sprawling affairs with an eclectic assortment of people lingering over multiple courses of delicious, uncomplicated food in a comfortable, bohemian setting.

Predictably, my real life hasn’t been quite so festive. But every time I walk through the door at Basi Italia, a spark of those imagined gatherings comes alive.

Nestled in a hidden alleyway among the stately homes in Victorian Village, Basi has the feel of a friendly neighborhood supper club. In fact, before they’d ever acquired a space, husband and wife owners Trish Gentile and chef John Dornback envisioned their future restaurant as an extension of the Sunday suppers they’d hosted in their homes as newlyweds.

The cozy interior of Basi—about 1,000 square feet indoors including the restaurant’s open kitchen—seems like a friend’s house, so long as it’s the kind of friend who’s a terrific chef and charming host with all their cookbooks stashed in the bathroom.

But it’s Basi’s patio out back where the magic happens. Long before the pandemic made outdoor dining a necessity, Basi had created its own garden oasis. The space is replete with a proper bar set against the back exterior wall of the kitchen, which offers craft cocktails, mostly local brews and a wine list that—not surprisingly—skews Italian. The full patio expands Basi’s footprint three-fold. Much of that area is enclosed by a semi-permanent awning which, together with some industrial space heaters, allows Basi to use it in all but the coldest months.

As is befitting a small shop, Basi’s menu is succinct, with a limited number of Italian-inspired starters, entrées, and

desserts. It’s worth keeping an eye on Basi’s social media for posts about its regular entrée specials, which can be a little more whimsical with star ingredients offering a nod to the seasons—pork shanks in January, cod cheeks in March.

Basi is the owners’ version of the Italian word for basic, the philosophy behind the elevated comfort food they serve. But don’t confuse basic for plain— the dishes show an appreciation of the simple combinations and sophisticated cooking techniques that let great ingredients shine.

Take Basi’s Zucchini Pronto appetizer ($13) as an example. This trendy gastropub dish from the early 2000s has been a hit at Basi since it opened, and for good

SHORTHAND

Basi Italia

811 Highland St. Victorian Village 614-294-7383

basi-italia.com

Hours: Open for dinner Tuesday–Saturday

If you go: An affordable way to catch off-menu pasta classics like spaghetti and meatballs or linguine and clams is the prix fixe menu, served before 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with three courses for $45.

Photos

Roast chicken

reason. The combination of its three primary ingredients—lightly cooked zucchini sticks and toasted almonds draped in sheets of pecorino cheese—is classic.

Another enduring favorite Basi primo (starter) is the pistachio flatbread ($17), a small white pizza that is rich with fresh and melted fontina cheese and bright with the flavors of lemon zest and spicy arugula. A generous sprinkle of light green pistachios and drizzle of truffle honey tie the dish together, though with my eyes closed I could hardly taste the nut it’s named for.

Basi’s grilled artichoke carpaccio appetizer ($13) features a stack of two small artichokes topped with a mess of goat cheese crumbles and herbed breadcrumbs. They are flattened before they are grilled, transforming their shape into something more like a daisy than a tulip. Though sliced thicker than a traditional carpaccio—and a total mess to eat—the flavors were delicious and I found myself devouring it.

Over several visits, I enjoyed entrées from both the classico selections (mostly evergreen pasta dishes) and the carne e pesce (meat and fish) list. I found Basi’s classic roast chicken ($37) moist and flavorful—a happy relief, as less watchful cooks too often overcook and under-season this staple. Braised red grapes and a red wine pan sauce brought a sweet touch to the savory roast and its accompanying mashed potatoes and wilted greens.

Eggplant parmesan ($34) is another dish that’s always available at Basi. This version is a curious combination of all the things: textures, flavors, colors and traditions. The anchor, of course, is eggplant: sliced, heavily battered and fried to a crisp, topped with a rustic tomato sauce. A portion of green pesto linguine is served on the side and a syrup of balsamic glaze covers everything. While I wondered if a simpler approach might be better, every bite was enjoyable individually—and they came together nicely on the plate.

For the dolce (sweet) course, Basi offers a brief list of what I consider to be “cook’s desserts”—easy-to-execute, reliable dishes that don’t require fussy elaboration or a dedicated station. Ranging in price from $10-$14, Basi’s desserts include favorites like creme brulee, cannoli and an assortment of gelatos. I tried the cannoli ($11), two small pastry shells filled with a sweet ricotta cream. I enjoyed their

crunchy exterior, but found the filling too sweet and almost cloying. Mostly, I enjoyed knowing that my purchase of this dish benefited Buckeye Ranch as part of Basi Gives Back, the restaurant’s community support program.

For over 20 years, Basi has been putting out solidly elevated Italian fare in a warm, engaging location, with arguably the best al fresco spot in town. Like an old friend, Basi is well-aged by its laugh lines, the signs of a life well-lived. ◆

Cannoli

Eggplant parmesan

Rigatoni Salumeria

Zucchini Pronto

Sweets to Savor

Find an impressive array of brunch items and from-scratch baked goods at Maison Skalli.

By Joy Cho

In an airy corner shop of a Dublin-area strip mall, Maison Skalli offers plenty to savor—whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch with friends or a solo afternoon treat. Opened in April 2024, the family-run business—Esskalli is their last name—weaves the owners’ Moroccan heritage into a French-leaning café menu, with a robust selection of breakfast and brunch items, hot and cold beverages, and from-scratch pastries offered in a counter-service setting.

On a Thursday afternoon, the café was pleasantly lively, with a steady stream of dine-in customers as well as those grabbing treats to-go. Although the savory menu features familiar brunch dishes like quiche and avocado toast, more interesting is the handful of decidedly Moroccan options, like the Maison Skalli Breakfast ($17.50). Served with fresh orange juice and a piping-hot kettle of mint tea, the individual egg tagine cooked with khlii (a flavorful beef confit) is accompanied by an earthy, housemade whole wheat bread: a winning pairing.

Don’t sleep on the seemingly simple khubz o thon (tuna sandwich; $11.99): The punchy harissa cuts through the tuna’s richness wonderfully, and a lightly toasted ciabatta roll is all the unadorned sandwich needs.

Maison Skalli’s impressive breadth of sweets includes a dozen-plus cakes, an array of flavored croissants and Moroccan cookies that are sold by the box. The Mango Opera ($9) is stacked in appealing layers—with mango mousse and caramel cream sandwiched between chocolate-almond sponge cake.

A modern take on the Italian classic, the bombe-shaped tiramisu ($7.50) consists of cocoa-dusted mascarpone cream enrobing a center of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It’s visually striking and a fresh interpretation of iconic flavors, but the slight graininess of the cream may not be

Food & Drink | Short Order

everyone’s cup of tea.

One can’t-miss item, however, is the best-selling knafeh croissant ($10). The exquisite white chocolate and pistachio filling is folded with shredded phyllo dough, resulting in an irresistible, candy bar-like crunch in every bite, with a dark chocolate glaze and smattering of pistachios.

Service is friendly and helpful, with employees kindly answering any questions. The relaxed ambiance, comfortable seating and wide assortment of menu items (plus Wi-Fi) make the morning-to-night café a place you want to linger. A second Maison Skalli location is in the works; in the meantime, the original is a great place to visit for brunch, coffee and pastries. ◆

SHORTHAND

Maison Skalli

2746 Festival Ln.

Northwest Columbus 917-302-6562

@maisonskalli on Instagram

Open daily 9 a.m. to midnight

If you go: Visit this open-late café for French-inspired Moroccan pastries, strong coffee and hearty brunch offerings. The knafeh croissant is well worth trying.

The Maison Skalli Breakfast with a knafeh croissant

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Let’s Eat: 1975

We look at Columbus Monthly’s wine and restaurant recommendations from 50 years ago and consider what they tell us about today.

By Linda Lee Baird

They say: “You are what you eat.” If that’s true, then it also must be true in the plural and past tense form: “We were what we ate.” In honor of Columbus Monthly’s 50th birthday, I decided to look at our food and drink coverage from the magazine’s first issue. It illustrates a few things about what Columbus ate then—who we were—and suggests a few things about who we are today.

The Food and Drink section starts on page 63—apparently it’s always been in the back of the magazine. It begins with an article by Jon Christensen called “How to Buy Wine in Ohio.” Christensen is identified as “a communications officer in the Ohio Department of Health [who] has been drinking wine for 25 of his 34 years.” (We’ll pause to consider the implications of that math and also note that this did not stop Christensen from apparent success as a writer.)

Christensen gets right to the point in his opening sentence: “Ohio is not a winebibber’s paradise.” The article bemoans price markups he attributes to Ohio Liquor Commission rules, which he says are “de-

signed to eliminate price competition and keep small retailers happy.”

Citing pending legislation to fix the problem, he notes Ohio residents’ predicament in the meantime, suggesting some people may be evading the costs through “wine-buying expeditions to a free state.” (Substitute “marijuana” for “wine” and this sounds downright timely today.) I also appreciated one of Christensen’s purchasing tips: “Gran Premio Red wine is an outstanding buy at $2.25.”

If only.

Then, as now, the Monthly issue included restaurant listings—recommendations for where to eat. The introduction to the first Restaurant Guide, which

has since become our Let’s Eat listings, explains, “Good restaurants abound in Columbus—from German to Japanese, Mexican to American, steakhouse to vegetarian, cheap to costly.”

Most of the places that were mentioned in the first issue since have closed, but many had an indelible impact on the city’s burgeoning dining scene. Here are some highlights, and what’s there today:

The Christopher Inn was a 16-story round hotel located at 300 E. Broad St. Columbus Monthly described it as “Featuring an international menu with specialties like beef stroganoff and Chinese pepper steak. Good wine list.” (One wonders if Christensen was consulted about this.) Dinner prices were $4.50-$11.50, often accompanied by live music. The space today is a parking lot.

Part of the early dinner crowd at Max and Erma’s restaurant in German Village in 1995

The Clock restaurant in a 1983 photo.

The fire pole in use and the main dining room at Engine House No. 5 in 1979.

The Clock was located at 161 N. High St. “Showpiece is an original 65 foot bar of hand-carved Philippine mahogany with mother-of-pearl inlay—a prize winner at the 1913 Chicago World’s Fair,” the magazine raved. That bar can still be visited at Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus, which has occupied the space since 2000. Elevator disputes the magazine on the bar’s age, however: The brewery’s website says it was constructed for the 1893 World’s fair. What is not in dispute is that we’re fortunate to have preserved it.

Engine House No. 5 was a landmark at 121 Thurman Ave. “Originally an old firehouse, built in the 1880s; has been redone in firehouse style, with hanging hoses, fire buckets, brass bar and trims, a firepole in the main dining room.” The restaurant specialized in seafood, and in a horrifyingly ironic twist, its owners were lost at sea in 1993 after hitting rough waters near the Bermuda Triangle. Their heirs sold the restaurant less than a decade later, and today the building is used as office space.

Jai Lai stood at 1421 Olentangy River Road. Columbus Monthly noted its “Spanish decor, with a menu including steaks, seafood and prime rib. An extensive wine list.” Our listing does not mention the restaurant was over 9,000 square feet with seating for over 1,000 people, although perhaps that is to be inferred in the listing’s final sentence: “Reservations not required.” The site today is a Marriott Spring Hill Suites.

Japanese Steak House was located at 270 E. Town St. The decor “includes four small tatami rooms where diners go shoeless and sit on the floor to eat; other tables have huge grills in the centers where food is prepared while you watch. Cuisine is strictly Japanese.” The

building is now a doctor’s office.

La Scala served patrons at 4199 W. Dublin-Granville Road. “Dining room features a large balcony in the center … an enormous lounge with a fireplace and a piano bar.” The family-owned Italian restaurant closed in October of 2020 after COVID-19 restrictions shuttered the business’ event capacity, and following the death of founding chef and owner William Lalli from the virus. The space today remains unoccupied.

Max and Erma’s Café was located at 379 S. Third St. Columbus Monthly said the restaurant had a “nightclub like atmosphere, with antiques and a collector’s decor.” The magazine also mentioned its “continuous stereo music.” The closest Max and Erma’s is now in Lancaster, and the space on South Third Street is now home to Chapman’s Eat Market.

Though the restaurant landscape looks quite different today, two of the restaurants highlighted in the 1975 listings are still around: Plank’s Bier Gar-

ten, at 888 S. High St., which to this day features a “barnwood interior and a budget-priced German-American menu,” although the price, listed then as $1.50-$3.50, has gone up a bit. And Talita’s Mexican Food, first opened in 1968 at 2660 N. High St., has since moved to 1335 Dublin Road and dropped “Mexican Food” from its name. Today, you’ll find coneys on the menu in addition to the “homestyle Mexican cooking” noted in 1975.

In their first note to readers, Columbus Monthly Publishing Corp. President Max Brown and Chairman and Treasurer Herb Cook Jr. spoke of the trepidation in the community about launching the magazine: “This isn’t Cleveland, you know; it isn’t even Cincinnati. A magazine won’t work in this town,” they said they were told. Their response: “Yes, we know Columbus isn’t Cleveland or Cincinnati. So much the better.”

You could say the same about the city’s food scene today: So much the better, and winebibbers welcome. ◆

Inside the Jai Lai

La Scala restaurant in 2020

let’s eat

WHERE TO DINE THIS MONTH

Editor’s Note: Please call restaurants to check hours and menu availability.

$$$$ Very expensive, $30 and higher

$$$ Spendy, $21–$29

$$ Moderate, $13–$20

$ Affordable, $12 and under

NEW Restaurant has opened within the last few months.

Outdoor Seating

B Breakfast BR Brunch L Lunch D Dinner

2025 Best New Restaurants

Let’s Eat is Columbus Monthly’s guide to area restaurants. The list is updated monthly with picks from our editors. Send updates and suggestions to letters@columbusmonthly.com.

AFRICAN

Chez Rama Restaurant

You’ll find traditional Senegalese cooking at this friendly East Side spot. Menu items include dibi lamb, thieboudienne (a fish and rice dish), saka-saka, grilled tilapia and other West African dishes. 3669 E. Livingston Ave., East Side, 614-237-9315. LD $$

NEW Foodateria Kitchen

Stop in to this North Side eatery for signature Kenyan and Nigerian dishes such as grilled goat, jollof, samosas and more. Several stews warm the menu, including Yetty’s Egusi, a stew made with vegetables, meats and ground melon seeds. 2492 Home Acre Dr., Northland, 614-772-3461. LD $$

Intercontinental Nigerian Restaurant

This Northland establishment has been serving traditional Nigerian and West African cuisine since 2011. Go for authentic fare such as fufu, egusi stew, jollof rice, moi moi, fried plantains and more. 5777 Cleveland Ave., North Side, 614-259-3951. LD $$

The Point Restaurant

Traditional West African cuisine is served at The Point, including Ghanaian favorites like waakye, banku and jollof rice. 885 S. Hamilton Rd., Whitehall, 614-826-2797. LD $

Riziki Swahili Grill

The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar

Visit columbus monthly.com to read about the latest restaurant openings.

There’s a lot to love about Riziki Yussuf’s charming spot, serving authentic Tanzanian fare. Don’t miss the excellent chapati platter with chicken curry, the tender mishkaki (beef kebabs) or the turmeric-scented urojo soup (served only on Sundays). 212 Kelton Ave., Franklin Park; 1872 Tamarack Cir. S., North Side, 614-547-7440. LD $$

AMERICAN

Abner’s Casual Dining

Home-cooked comfort food served in a relaxed setting. Menu includes a variety of burgers, sandwiches, country-fried steak and breakfast items like omelets and pancakes. 4051 Main St., Hilliard, 614-876-2649. BLD $$

Biscuit Boss

Looking for on-the-go comfort food? Biscuit Boss offers made-from-scratch biscuits with a wide variety of toppings and Ohio-grown meats. Go for French toast bites and the Boss, a biscuit with cayenne fried chicken and jalapeño honey. Food Truck, Citywide, 937-631-7614. BL $

Club 185

You’ll find cozy booths and stiff drinks at this dimly lit German Village hangout serving better-than-average bar fare like cheeseburgers, Anchor Bar wings and pizza. 185 E. Livingston Ave., German Village, 614228-3904. LD $

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

A hip hot dog joint with retro decor and oneof-a-kind wieners that can be topped with condiments such as sauerkraut, baked beans and Fritos. 248 S. Fourth St., Downtown, 614-824-4673. LD $

Granville Inn

American bistro fare is served in the dining room of this historic English manor inn, located in the heart of downtown Granville. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and steaks. 314 E. Broadway, Granville, 740-587-3333. BBRLD $$$$

Hellas Carryout

A popular spot for breakfasts in large portions, Hellas specializes in omelets, egg pita wraps, burgers and gyros. 9346 Dublin Rd., Powell, 614-792-5494. BL $

The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar

This hotel restaurant is a convenient option for pre-theater dinner and drinks, offering LeVeque Tower luxury without being overly fussy. Menu items range from fresh oysters and pierogies to burgers and Arctic char. The adjacent bar is darkly lit with an emphasis on craft cocktails. 50 W. Broad St., Mezzanine Level, LeVeque Tower, Downtown, 614-2249500. BBRLD $$$$

Kitchen Social

A stylish, independently owned restaurant serving classic American grill fare alongside plates inspired by global cuisines. Start with the fan-favorite cheddar and scallion biscuits to go with any of the signature cocktails or a glass from the extensive wine list. The menu includes entrée salads, pizzas, tacos, seafood, steaks and more. 6791 Longshore St., Ste. 110, Dublin, 614-763-1770; 8954 Lyra Dr., Polaris, 614-505-8492. BRLD $$

Lindey’s

A Columbus institution, this upscale German Village restaurant with Upper East Side New York flair is a diner favorite, no doubt due to its classic and consistently good fine-dining fare and lush patio. 169 E. Beck St., German Village, 614-228-4343. BRLD $$$$

Local Roots

A downtown Powell restaurant with an eclectic menu that utilizes locally sourced ingredients and focuses on farm-to-fork dining. The menu offers salads, scallops, pizzas, calzones, steaks and a solid selection of Ohio beers. 15 E. Olentangy St., Powell, 614-602-8060. LD $$$

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Old Mohawk Restaurant

This German Village favorite housed in a historic building is rumored to have ties to Prohibition. On the menu is standard American bar fare, including the famed turtle soup. 819 Mohawk St., German Village, 614444-7204. LD $

Over the Counter

Boasting a hip, retro vibe and seriously solid bar food, Over the Counter has become a Worthington staple since opening in 2017. Don’t miss the Where’s Waldo bologna sandwich and Sweet & Spicy BLT. 5596 N. High St., Worthington, 614-846-1107. BRLD $$

The Rossi Kitchen & Bar

This Short North hot spot offers a menu of gourmet pizzas, lamb lollipops and pastas in a new-meets-old atmosphere straight out of Manhattan. 895 N. High St., Short North, 614-525-0624. D $$$

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

This family-friendly spot does comfort food well, with pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads, while entrees like the soy glazed salmon and baja tacos expand the menu beyond the expected offerings. 2158 E. Main St. Bexley, 614- 236-2426; 4109 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-261-0305; 6726 Perimeter Loop Rd., Dublin, 614-889-2594; 4062 Gramercy St., Easton, 614-342-2063; 73 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, 614-475-4435; 180 Market St, New Albany, 614-939-5300; 1635 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614485-2303; 400 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, 614-890-3663; 7800 Olentangy River Rd., Worthington, 614-436-2626. LD $$$

Third & Hollywood

The Northstar family’s ambitious, upscale lounge serves contemporary American cuisine, with the Hollywood Burger, Mexicali Steak Salad, slow-roasted chicken and updated classic cocktails. 1433 W. Third Ave., Grandview, 614-488-0303. BRLD $$$

The Wine Bistro

Thick block tables, dark wood and autumn colors create a California-wine-country atmosphere at this local establishment. The menu includes small plates, fondue, bruschetta and antipasti. 1750 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614-485-1750. LD $$$

BURGERS

Flip Side

This burger and shake joint with a heavy emphasis on local ingredients (burgers are made with Ohio-raised, grass-fed beef) serves great cocktails and boozy milkshakes, plus craft beers. 3945 Easton Station, Easton, 614-472-3547. LD $$

Pat and Gracie’s

This friendly tavern serves up solid smashcooked burgers, hand-cut fries and craft beer. Also keep an eye out for specials like Yankee Pot Roast. 138 Graceland Blvd., Clintonville,

614-987-5147; 121 S. High St., Downtown, 614-347-3952. BRLD $$$

Preston’s: A Burger Joint

Chef Matthew Heaggans of Muse Hospitality is serving some of the best burgers (and pudding) in the city at this dine-in Clintonville spot. Don’t overlook the mala chicken sandwiches, biscuits and banana pudding. 2973 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-400-1675. BRLD $

Ringside Café

Dating back to 1897, this venerable Downtown spot has an old-school-tavern feel and specializes in burgers like the Jack Dempsey, the Ali and the Oscar De La Hoya. 19 N. Pearl St., Downtown, 614-228-7464. LD $$

Thurman Café

A Columbus landmark restaurant with the wait times to prove it. Diners flock here for overthe-top pub grub and the biggest burgers (like the towering, double 12-ounce patty burger, The Thurmanator) in town. 183 Thurman Ave., German Village, 614-443-1570. LD $$ CAFÉ

Brekkie Shack

Staying true to its name, this cheerful Grandview Yard spot focuses on breakfast, with scratchbaked goods, savory breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and espresso drinks. Lunch includes wagyu burgers and veggie bowls. 1060 Yard St., Grandview, 614-208-7766. BBRL $

Heirloom Café

The fresh and seasonal café located inside the Wexner Center for the Arts always seems to have whatever we’re craving—homemade soup, sandwiches, salads, pastries and coffee drinks. 1871 N. High St., Campus, 614-2922233. BL $

Katalina’s

Expect an eclectic menu of Latin-leaning items at this café known for its pancake balls, breakfast tacos, egg sandwiches and killer patio in the warmer months. 2741 E. Main St, Bexley, (614) 318-1333; 3481 N.

High St., Clintonville, 614-689-8896; 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Harrison West, 614-2942233. BLD $$

Littleton’s Market Café

UA’s new neighborhood market boasts an in-house café that’s open daily. Shakshuka, avo toast and bagel towers star in the mornings; lunch and dinner offerings include salads, shrimp cocktail, chilled seafood towers and burgers. 2140 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, 614-826-1432. BBRLD $$$

Pine Coast Café

This Dearborn, Michigan-founded café features fresh sandwiches, salads and innovative sides like kimchi steak fries. A kids’ menu and variety of ice creams make Pine Coast a good stop for all ages. 3229 HilliardRome Rd., Hilliard, 614-219-1161. LD $

South of Lane

A quaint neighborhood café serving simple but tasty breakfast fare like Greek omelets, seasonal salads and Belgian waffles. 1987 Guilford Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-586-2233. BBRL $

CHINESE

ChiliSpot

This casual restaurant in Kenny Centre is one of the city’s best options for authentic Sichuan cuisine. Think: mapo tofu, Chongqing popcorn chicken, cumin lamb, dry pot dishes and more. 1178 Kenny Rd., Northwest Side, 614-929-5565. LD $$

Chuan Jiang Hao Zi

From the owners of bygone dim sum destination Fortune Chinese comes this University City restaurant featuring both American Chinese and authentic Chinese menus. House specialties include fish fillet in Sichuan green pepper broth, mapo lobster and tofu, spicy dry pot beef and fried spicy intestine. A dim sum menu is also available. 496 Ackerman Rd., Northwest Side, 614372-5520 LD $$

Katalina’s

CoCo Cuisine

CoCo Hot Pot expanded in 2024, adding authentic Cantonese dim sum to its extensive hot pot menu. Six colorful varieties of soup dumplings stand out among the offerings. 751 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-5020036. LD $$

Ding Ho Restaurant

This West Side establishment has been serving classic Cantonese dishes since the 1950s, with wor sue gai, pepper steak, lo mein and sesame chicken. 120 Phillipi Rd., West Side, 614-276-4395. LD $$

Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen

This new addition to the Bethel Road corridor specializes in Chinese dry pot cuisine—think hot pot without the broth, but with the open flame. The extensive menu includes over 100 dishes with a full bar coming soon. 1450 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-670-5775 LD $$

Joy’s Village

Joy’s serves a mixture of traditional American-Chinese dishes and more authentic Asian fare, on a large menu that includes a teriyaki and kids’ section. 574 W Central Ave, Delaware, 740-363-6755. LD $

Kung Fu Noodle

This unassuming restaurant is serving up some of the best noodle soups in the area, thanks to its hand-pulled noodles. It offers authentic and affordable dining inspired by the cuisine of Lanzhou, China, from which Kung Fu’s founder hails. 5225 Godown Rd., Northwest Side, 614-564-9825. LD $$

Ming Flower Chinese Restaurant

This enduring Chinese restaurant features generous plates of traditional fare, plus daily lunch specials. 475 Lazelle Rd., Westerville, 614-885-8836. LD $$

Moy’s

Owners Pak and Berlina Moy, who hail from Hong Kong, have served the Campus area for more than 25 years. Moy’s is at its best when focusing on simple Cantonese dishes like

chicken braised in soy sauce or barbecued pork. 1994 N. High St., Campus, 614-2977722. LD $$

Wing’s Restaurant

This longtime family-owned Chinese eatery boasts one of the best Scotch selections in the city, with spicy noodles, Mongolian beef and wor sue gai. 2801 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-236-8261. LD $$

COFFEE SHOP

Brioso Coffee

“Mean coffee, nice people” is the tagline at this pioneering Downtown coffee shop and roastery which offers baked goods to pair with excellent coffee and espresso drinks. 53 N. High St., Downtown, 614-670-8490; 329 E. Long St., Downtown, 614-754-9511. BL $

Florin Coffee

The husband-and-wife duo behind this local coffee roasting outfit run this laid-back café offering Florin coffee, espresso drinks and breakfast pastries. 874 Oakland Park Ave., North Linden. BL $

Fox in the Snow Café

A bakery and coffee shop offering pastries made in-house daily and coffee from Tandem Coffee Roasters. Be sure not to miss the famous egg sandwich. 38 W. Bridge Street, Dublin; 210 Thurman Ave., German Village; 1031 N. Fourth St., Italian Village; 160 W. Main St., New Albany. BL $

Parable Coffee

No tipping is customary at this progressive coffee shop across from Columbus Commons. The greenery filled space is ideal for sipping a sesame miso caramel latte (or a high-quality pour over). 149 S. High St., Downtown, 614636-0341. BL $

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

Qamaria is Columbus’ original spot for Yemenistyle coffees and teas. Try the chai-like Adeni tea or go for a Yemeni pastry such as sabayah or honeycomb sweet bread. 3221 Hilliard-Rome Rd., Hilliard, 614-742-7110. BLD $

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

A local coffee shop and roaster with a dogood mission, this nonprofit uses proceeds to fight injustices like human trafficking, hunger and unclean water. Roasts include blends from nationally renowned Stumptown and local One Line Coffee. 300 E. Long St., Downtown, 614-670-5228; 462 W. Broad St., Franklinton, 614-892-9633; 303 Green Meadows Dr. S., Lewis Center, 740-8031561. BL $

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

Columbus’ oldest roaster continues to grow. Go for the excellent coffee selection and espresso drinks in a low-key coffeehouse atmosphere. Grandview’s popular café offers a full breakfast menu. 627 S. Third St., German Village, 614-221-1563; 1277 Grandview Ave., Grandview, 614-486-4861; 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-456-7685; 1334 Neil Ave., Victorian Village, 614-9283993. BLD $

Upper Cup Coffee

This coffee shop started out in historic Olde Towne East and now offers a second location in Gahanna. A small menu of sandwiches complement its single-origin coffees that are roasted in-house. 121 Mill St., Gahanna, 614-383-7496; 79 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East, 614-220-0206. BLD $

Winans Chocolates + Coffees

A spot offering homemade sweets such as sea salt caramels and chocolate-covered pretzels. The Piqua-based chocolatier has also been roasting its own carefully sourced coffee for more than 20 years. The Grandview location offers wine by the bottle or by the glass. 611 N. High St., Short North, 614-745-0040; 52 S. High St., Dublin, 614-766-7061; 897 S. Third St., German Village, 614-445-6464; 1125 Yard St., Grandview, 614-429-3561. BLD $$

CONTEMPORARY

Alqueria

This rustic yet refined neighborhood restaurant is the work of two veteran chefs. Expect fine cheeses and charcuterie to start, plus entrées like buttermilk fried chicken and pan-roasted walleye with risotto. The bar offers several cocktails and takes care in selecting its craft beers and wines. 247 King Ave., Campus, 614-824-5579. LD $$$$

Comune

Joe Galati’s restaurant and bar fills a void in Columbus with a plant-based approach to upscale dining. The seasonal menu includes shareable dishes like tahdig, house-made pita with dipping sauces, tempura cauliflower and semolina cavatelli. 677 Parsons Ave., Schumacher Place, 614-947-1012 D $$$

Flour Modern Pasta Bar

The prix fixe menu at Flour is one of the best deals in town. For $30, you’ll get bread and salad with an innovative pasta dish that may draw from different cultures,

NEW

Kung Fu Noodle

such as Butter Chicken Alla Vodka or Ramen Carbonara. Cocktails and dessert here are well worth the additional cost. 1540 Polaris Parkway, Polaris, 614-396-9100. BRD $$$

Gene’s

This newcomer to Old Dublin’s High Street is a cozy space in an old house and a sister restaurant to the Coast Wine House down the block. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal ingredients, while the accessible wine and creative cocktail lists invite guests to linger into the evening. 91 S. High St., Dublin, 614-553-7050. D $$$

Joya’s Café

This casual Bengali-American café from chef Avishar Barua (Top Chef season 18) was one of the most exciting openings of 2022. Highlights include the excellent chai, Thai iced tea, fried rice and Cheesy Double Crunch (Barua’s take on Taco Bell’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch). 657 High St., Worthington, 614468-1232 BLD $$

Watershed Kitchen & Bar

Watershed complements its distillery with a handsome, proudly Midwestern restaurant and bar known for its chef-driven menu and locally sourced fare. The bar is a destination on its own, with classically inspired cocktails served by an industry-recognized bar staff. 1145 Chesapeake Ave., Fifth by Northwest, 614-357-1936 D $$$

DESSERTS

Chocolate Café

Grandview-area café specializing in all things chocolate, from chocolate fondue to chocolate cake to hot chocolate. Also offers soups, salads and sandwiches. 730 S. High St., German Village, 614-947-0032; 1855 Northwest Blvd., Fifth by Northwest, 614-485-2233. BLD $

CRMD

CRMD offers a unique twist on the traditional ice cream cone. The creamery provides customers with quality ice cream in a large array of vibrant colors, all wrapped up in its signature egg waffle: the “puffle” cone. 5915 Evans Farm Dr., Lewis Center, 740 815-5126; 1190 N. High St., Short North, 833-438-2763. D $

Diamonds Ice Cream

This ice cream shop serves a dizzying array of Mexican desserts, juices and snacks. Go for the excellent paletas. 5461 Bethel Sawmill Ctr., Northwest Side, 614-718-2980. LD $

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s creative and seasonal ice cream flavors are renowned across the nation. Think Salty Caramel ice cream, ice cream sundaes and ice cream sandwiches. 4247 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-447-0500; 160 S. High St., Downtown, 614-867-5512; 1 W. Bridge St., Dublin, 614-792-5364; 3998 Gramercy St., Easton, 614-476-5364; 900 Mohawk St., German Village, 614-445-6513; 1281 Grandview Ave., Grandview, 614-488-2680;

59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-228-9960; 714 N. High St., Short North, 614-294-5364. LD $

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

A classic ice cream shop that’s been serving scoops of more than 50 flavors, including seasonal favorites such as peach and pink peppermint, since 1950. If you’re hungry, the Bexley location serves a full lunch menu, with soups, salads and sandwiches. 20 S. High St., Canal Winchester, 614-992-1200; 1325 Grandview Ave., Grandview, 614-7218542; 869 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-566-4089; 2728 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-231-0014; 55 W. Bridge St., Dublin, 614328-5827; 160 W. Main St., New Albany, 614-924-7744; 50 S. Liberty St., Powell, 614231-5450; 4290 Home Rd., Powell, 614-3359918; 192 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington. LD $

Little Ladies Soft Serve

Named for the owners’ daughters, the Little Ladies shop and food truck offer soft serve sundaes that come with a variety of fun toppings like homemade puppy chow, Fruity Pebbles cereal, sprinkles and more. Food Truck, Citywide; 673 Worthington Rd., Westerville, 614-420-6305. LD $

Rime Time Curiously Crafted Pops

Cody Miller’s ice pop cart offers fresh, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind ice popsicles. 5354 Center St., Hilliard, 614-887-7463. LD $

GERMAN

Gemüt Biergarten

Housed in a renovated 1890s firehouse building, this locally owned brewery, beer garden and restaurant is a great neighborhood spot to enjoy German-style beers and food. 734 Oak St., Olde Towne East, 614-725-1725. BRLD $$$

Hofbräuhaus Columbus

A splinter off the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, this large brewpub serves Germanstyle comfort food from sausage to schnitzel, along with huge steins of house-brewed beer. 800 Goodale Blvd., Grandview, 614-2942437. BRLD $$

Schmidt’s Restaurant & Sausage Haus Hoist a stein of beer and treat your stomach to some hearty German food and culture at this longstanding restaurant popular with out-of-towners and locals alike. Bring a friend to help you enjoy huge portions of sausage, Wiener schnitzel, Bavarian cabbage rolls and cream puffs. 240 E. Kossuth St., German Village, 614-4446808 LD $$

Valter’s at the Maennerchor

The Columbus Maennerchor singing society (founded in 1848) enlisted the help of Valter Veliu to run this kitchen out of the German Heritage House. Expect well-made German fare, such as stout bratwurst, schweinshaxe and an excellent German potato salad. 976 S. High St., Brewery District, 614-444-3531. BRLD $$

MEDITERRANEAN

Aladdin’s

Aladdin’s strives to provide its customers with authentic Lebanese dishes. The menu is loaded with fresh and healthy dishes at this colorful eatery, with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 2931 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-262-2414; 1425 Grandview Ave., Fifth by Northwest, 614-488-5565; 9711 Sawmill Pkwy., Powell, 614-389-5438; 6284 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville, 614656-7060; 7227 N. High St., Worthington, 614-430-1730. LD $$

Café Istanbul

Mediterranean fusion cuisine is served here in a sleek, wood-lined space or on an attractive outdoor patio, with kebabs, lamb chops, moussaka and vegetarian dishes. 6125 Riverside Dr., Dublin, 614-792-9190, 3983 Worth Ave., Easton, 614-473-9144. LD $$

Café Illyria

This family-owned restaurant has been a staple of Downtown Columbus since 2009. Here, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere to go along with staples like French toast, omelets, gyros and panini. 214 E. State St., Downtown, 614-227-3330. BL $

Del Mar

Cameron Mitchell expands into Mediterranean fare with the first Ohio location of Del Mar, which evokes the seaside theme of its Naples, Florida, predecessor with a view of Easton’s fountain plaza. Seafood and lamb are the stars here, but don’t sleep on the sharables, including an excellent baba ghanoush. 4089 The Strand E., Easton, 614918-9298. BRLD $$$$

Del Mar

Lavash Café

This quick-service Middle Eastern eatery serves a mix of Mediterranean food, coffee and desserts. 2985 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-263-7777. LD $$

Mezze

A quick-serve spot where you can create your own pita, bowl or salad with your choice of savory ingredients like falafel, gyro meat and tilapia. 5326 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, 614939-0000. LD $

Panini Opa

A mix of Greek and Italian fare makes up the menu at this spot on Bethel and Sawmill. This order-at-the-counter concept offers spanakopita, panini, gyros, grilled lamb chops and more. 4799 Sawmill Rd., Northwest Side, 614-336-8830. LD $$

Zaki Grill

Zaki specializes in Lebanese fare with chicken shawarma and gyros, plus homemade baba ganoush and hummus. Food Truck, Citywide, 614-377-1274. LD $$

MIDDLE EASTERN

Ginevra Café

Ginevra, which began as a coffee shop and later expanded to serve lunch and dinner, offers a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Somali dishes. Try the rice and lamb shank. 2285 Morse Rd., North Side, 614-4754880. LD $$

Habibi Grill

Chef Tarek Albast (former owner of Mr. Hummus) presents this hip Italian Village eatery specializing in Lebanese fare such as baba ghanoush, fattoush, kafta kebab and chicken shawarma. Tacos, burgers and pizza round out the extensive menu. 1131 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-999-9909. LD $$$

Salam Market & Bakery

Freshly baked Middle Eastern breads are the highlight at this hidden gem. Try the khubz, an Arabic flatbread similar to pita, or the outstanding meat pies. 5676 Emporium Sq., North Side, 614-899-0952. BLD $

Silav Café & Grill

Specializing in Kurdish cuisine, Silav offers breakfast sandwiches and bowls in the morning and gyros, falafel, shawarma and kababs—including in sandwich and salad form—throughout the day. Round out your meal with a drink from the café and a signature dessert. 330 S. High St., Downtown, 614-456-7459. BLD $$

Yemeni Restaurant

Offering a cuisine rarely found in Columbus, this eatery serves authentic Yemeni specialties like fahsa and foul stews, lamb mandi and Adeni milk tea. 5426 Cleveland Ave., North Side, 614-426-4000. LD $$

Adriatico’s

Located next to the Ohio State campus, this longtime spot offers authentic New Yorkstyle pizza, with subs, salads, wings and calzones. 1618 Neil Ave., Campus, 614-4212300. LD $$

Amato’s Wood-Fired Pizza

A snug hangout with exposed brick walls serving fire-roasted specialty pizzas, pastas, subs, desserts and unique craft beers. 6 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, 740369-8797. LD $$

Aracri Pizzeria

This family-friendly pizzeria is the creation of an Italian whose father owned a small café in Italy. Expect New York-style pies, garlic knots, pastas and more. 51 E. Gay St., Downtown, 614-224-3013. LD $$

Classic Pizza

Open since 1989, this pizzeria also offers subs, wings and salads. 740 N. State St., Westerville, 614-865-1000; 906 S. Sunbury Rd., Westerville, 614-882-2999. LD $

Eagles Pizza

A longtime New Albany favorite founded in 1971, with pizza, subs, pasta, salads and desserts. 2 N. High St., New Albany, 614855-7600. LD $

Fibonacci’s Pizzeria

Studio 35’s in-house pizzeria turns out Neapolitan-style, char-crusted pizzas that pair well with the theater’s outstanding cast of beers. 3055 Indianola Ave., Clintonville, 614-262-7505. D $$

Gallo’s Pizza & Bar

You’ll find much more than pizza on the menu at the Gallo family’s newest location including handhelds and chicken wings. The pizzas—available by the slice at lunchtime— spice up traditional offerings with Nashville

hot chicken and steak with gorgonzola among the options. 5851 Frantz Rd., Dublin, 614-389-1412. LD $$

GoreMade Pizza

It’s all about the pizza here at Nick Gore’s modest spot. Thin-crust pies are wood-fired in an oven imported from Italy, and seasonal toppings are locally sourced. Enjoy solid cocktails and salads while you wait. 936 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-725-2115. D $$

Hounddog’s Pizza

An Ohio State staple, Hounddog’s serves its famous Smokin’ Joes and breakfast pizzas until 1 a.m. on weekends. Order Howlin’ Hot sauce if you dare. 2657 N. High St., Old North, 614-261-4686. LD $

Joseppi’s Pizza

Home of The Topper (a pizza topped with oldfashioned pepperoni, provolone and grated cheeses), this local pizza chain also offers oven-baked subs, spaghetti and meatballs, wings and more. 4062 Hoover Rd., Grove City, 614-875-3800; 3179 Sullivant Ave., West Side, 614-272-2724; 4764 W. Broad St., West Side, 614-878-7291. LD $$

Paulie Gee’s Short North

A Brooklyn-based pizzeria with Neapolitanand Detroit-style pies and craft beer. Offers traditional and eclectic pizzas with names like the Hellboy, the Greenpointer and the Ricotta Be Kiddin’ Me. 1195 N. High St., Short North, 614-808-0112. D $$

Plank’s Bier Garten

This mainstay neighborhood watering hole and beer garden is still going strong, with a menu of pizza, burgers, Wiener schnitzel and cold beer. 888 S. High St., German Village, 614-443-4570. LD $

Sarefino’s Pizzeria & Italian Deli

This stall in the North Market serves New Yorkstyle pizza by the slice, take-and-bake pies,

PIZZA

Paulie Gee’s Short North

calzones, strombolis and subs. 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-228-2850. LD $

Terita’s

This family-owned, carryout-only pizza shop has been serving up Columbus-style pies for over 60 years on Cleveland Avenue. The housemade sausage is excellent on a pie or on one of Terita’s subs. 3905 Cleveland Ave., North Linden, 614-475-2100. LD $

Tommy’s Pizza

A Central Ohio tradition since 1952, serving pizza, subs, salads and pasta. 4279 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin, 614-764-3999; 1350 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, 614486-2969. LD $

Yellow Brick Pizza

This funky pizzeria puts a unique spin on the classic ’za, with hand-tossed pies like the Boise Surprise and Elliott Smith as well as Tristano’s Chicago-Style Stuffed Pizzas. 212 Kelton Ave., Franklin Park, 614-725-5482; 415 W. Rich St., Franklinton, 614-372-5983. LD $$

SEAFOOD

Cajun Boiling Seafood and Bar

This restaurant takes its inspiration from Louisiana cuisine, offering classics like po’boy sandwiches, as well as a la carte seafood options to boil and create your own meal. 1748 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Northeast, 614423-8767; 2760 Brice Rd., Reynoldsburg, 614-863-8667. LD $$

COLO Market & Oyster Bar

In addition to fresh seafood for cooking at home, this North Market fishmonger offers lobster rolls, chowder, shrimp po’ boys and oysters on the half shell. 6750 Longshore St., Dublin, 614-683-8782; 59 Spruce St., Short North, 614-929-5701. LD $$$

Columbus Fish Market

This high-end seafood restaurant offers daily fresh catch options and an eclectic, everchanging menu with favorites like Maine lobster, Shanghai Sea Bass, Mitchell’s Rib-Eye and Alaskan king crab legs. 1245 Olentangy River Rd., Grandview, 614-291-3474. LD $$$$

Kai’s Crab Boil

Kai’s brings a coastal tradition to Columbus that’s interactive, fun and messy. Choose from one of Kai’s Combos or pick your own seafood combination—from shrimp to snow crab legs to lobster—boiled in special spices. 839 Bethel Rd., Northwest Side, 614-8690652. LD $$$

Marino’s Seafood

A local favorite famous for its fish and chips. Other menu options include breaded shrimp, baked fish and hush puppies. 1216 W. Fifth Ave., Fifth by Northwest, 614-481-8428. LD $

Windward Passage Restaurant

This hoot of a retro restaurant has porthole windows and nautical decor, as well as some of the best fried fish in town. 4739 Reed Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-451-2497. D $$$

SOUL FOOD

Betty’s Kitchen

Self-described as “soul food on wheels,” Betty’s serves chicken, fish and delectable sides. Food Truck, Citywide, 614-218-7902. LD $

CJ’s Soul Food

Live music pairs with soulful cooking at this Black-owned business. Try the fried okra, deviled eggs and smoked collards dip (a take on artichoke dip) to start, followed by barbecued rib tips, fried chicken and blackened catfish. Don’t skip Gia’s Banana Pudding. 1262 E. Powell Rd., Lewis Center, 614-396-8047. BRLD $$

La Glory’s Soulfood Café

At La Glory’s, the staff works to make food that reminds you of Southern home hospitality, including various fish and chicken entrées, as well as classic sides like collard greens and cornbread. 3350 Allegheny Ave., East Side, 614-237-5844. BLD $$

Madison Soul Food Kitchen

As part of the United House of Prayer for All People, this volunteer-run restaurant is set up cafeteria-style with a menu that changes daily. Go for the home-cooked fried chicken, yams, mac ’n’ cheese, sweet tea and more. 1731 Greenway Ave., East Side, 614-252-1657. LD $

SOUTHERN

The Crispy Coop

Fans of bygone Uncle Nick’s Greek Fried Chicken need not despair. The same owner runs this spot specializing in delicious fried chicken and chicken sandwiches, offered in traditional, Tennessee Mild or Nashville Hot. 1717 Northwest Blvd., Grandview, 614-4814040. LD $

The Eagle

This Southern-style restaurant from the Cincinnati-based owners of Bakersfield features Amish fried chicken, spoonbread, craft beers and a large patio along High

Street. 790 N. High St., Short North, 614-7453397. LD $

Eddy’s Chicken and Waffles

The classic Southern meal gets revamped at Eddy’s Chicken and Waffles, where chicken is on the menu for all three meals of the day. 3252 Noe Bixby Rd., East Side, 614-8297770. BLD $

Lawshea’s Southern Fish & Ribs

Serving hearty, Southern fried food, including catfish, corned beef sandwiches, ribs and sweet potato pie. 1488 Morse Rd., North Side, 614-252-3474. LD $$

Modern Southern Table

Budd Dairy visitors can order fried chicken, catfish and low country shrimp and grits at this outstanding food hall eatery from owner Daisy Lewis. 1086 N. Fourth St., Italian Village, 614-505-2637. LD $$

Subourbon Southern Kitchen & Spirits

At this Linworth spot, the owners of Alqueria Farmhouse Kitchen serve up Southern-style cuisine such as cast-iron cornbread, chickenfried chicken and blackened redfish. As its name suggests, the restaurant offers an extensive whiskey list. 2234 W. DublinGranville Rd., Worthington, 614-505-0773. D $$$

STEAKHOUSE

Butcher & Rose

Cameron Mitchell gives the traditional steakhouse a bit of feminine balance with bright pink chairs and floral chandeliers in the Downtown restaurant located in the Preston Centre. The classic menu complements the modern decor, with steaks and chops taking center stage alongside lighter fare including seafood. 155 E. Broad St., Downtown, 614-918-9819. LD $$$$

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Prime beef and an extensive wine list are the highlights at this high-end restaurant. Choose from filet mignon, New York strip, seafood or surf-and-turf combinations. 6360 Frantz Rd., Dublin, 614-717-2828; 569 N. High St., Short North, 614-2242204; 1615 Old Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington, 614-442-3310. D $$$$

The Top Steak House

For 70 years, this Bexley palace of beef has offered award-winning, high-end cuisine (filet mignon, pork and lamb chops, and seafood) in a dimly lit, vintage, 1960s-looking haunt. 2891 E. Main St., Bexley, 614-231-8238. D $$$$

York Steak House

Head back in time at the last remaining location of this wonderfully retro (and affordable) steakhouse with a popular salad bar and homemade desserts. 4220 W. Broad St., West Side, 614-272-6485. LD $$

Modern Southern Table

Creative Space

Andrea Myers

By Peter Tonguette

When Columbus artist Andrea Myers needed a space to create her distinctively vibrant and memorably patterned works in fabric and paper, she looked no further than her backyard.

In 2021, Myers and her husband, Sven, hired a contractor to build a dedicated art studio behind the home they share with their 15-year-old daughter in the Brookside Estates neighborhood in Northwest Columbus.

“I’m right at my house, and yet if I come out here, it’s like I’m not at my house anymore,” Myers says. “I generally get left alone.”

Until the construction of the new studio, Myers had worked in a spare bed-

room in her house, where she has lived with her family since 2018. It wasn’t ideal, and a commission for a work measuring 9-by-26 feet led her to explore the possibility of building a space to fit her large-scale pieces. “I was just maxing out that space,” Myers says of her former bedroom workspace.

Light streams through the front windows of the backyard studio, where she works about 40 hours a week. Inside, Myers has the tools of her trade, including a large table with flat files housing fabric and other materials used for her art. For her fabric pieces, the work begins there.

“This is kind of the crazy station,”

she says. “I just work in piles, and then I’ll iron and cut [fabric] into strips and sometimes be organized and sometimes just pull randomly.”

On the other side of the room, two sewing machines sit side by side. Tacked to the large back wall is a current work in progress, parts of which have to be accessed by ladders kept nearby. “Oftentimes I feel like there’s a bit of a fight with the material,” says Myers, who is represented by Brandt Gallery and recently completed a fellowship in Japan.

But Myers’ on-site studio is a clear win for the artist. “I’ve had an era of basement studio time, and that’s just not great,” she says. “This is ideal.” ◆

The multidisciplinary artist set up a home studio in her backyard in Brookside Estates.

PHOTO BY TIM JOHNSON

Andrea Myers in her studio

EverydayKindness Heroes

Sometimes the beneficiary is a stranger. Sometimes it’s a friend, acquaintance or colleague. We look to honor those who perform extraordinary selfless acts to improve, heal and unite our community.

Consider lifting up the volunteer quietly aiding their neighbors or the community member tirelessly advocating for change. We need your help to recognize the kind, selfless heroes among us.

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