May 11, 2012

“Mom: You’re the Bomb” (and Other Ways to say Happy Mother’s Day!)

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Of course, we SHOULD be telling Mom how special and valued she is all year round. But since most of us are procrastinators, we just get around to it on Mother’s Day. Fear not, we have some great tips on local brunches and other specials in the Dublin and Central Ohio area that will remind her you haven’t forgotten. Note: Many of these restaurants require reservations, so be sure to call ahead.

Dublin, Ohio Mother’s Day Specials & Brunches:

Bogey Inn: Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with Roasted Turkey, Beef, baked fish, grilled chicken, side dishes, desserts, omelet station, bacon, sausage, pancakes and kids food favorites. $23.99 Adults, $9.99 children 12 and under. 6013 Glick Road. 614/766-1900. www.bogeyinn.com

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Free admission for Mom on Sunday with a paid child admission. 9990 Riverside Drive.614/ 645-3400. www.columbuszoo.org

J. Liu Restaurant: Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. with Prime Rib and Ham carving station, shrimp cocktail, eggs benedict, French toast, Jason’s spicy chicken, spring rolls, desserts and more. $27.99 Adults, $25.99 Seniors, Children 4-11 $14.99. 50 West Bridge Street. 614/718-1818. www.jliurestaurant.com

Matt the Miller’s Tavern: Special Mother’s Day Brunch menu from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., regular menu service in the evening. $24.95 Adults. 6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive. 614/799-9100. www.mtmtavern.com

Mezzo Italian Dublin: Opening early on Sunday at 1 pm. Full menu available with chef’s specials. 12 West Bridge Street. 614/889-6100. www.mezzoitalian.com

Salvi’s: Grand Buffet from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Roasted Beef, Pork, baked ham, shrimp cocktail, salmon, tortellini, chicken marsala, pasta salvi, side dishes, desserts and breakfast favorites from 10 a.m.-3p.m.. $25.99 Adults, $12.99 children 5-11, under 4 are free. 5000 Upper Metro Place. 614/874-0466. www.salvisbistro.com

Tucci’s: Mother’s Day Brunch available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regular menu service in the evening. $32.95 Adults. 35 North High Street. 614/792-3466. www.tuccisbistro.com

Whole Foods: Special Mother’s Day Brunch available from 10 a.m.-2p.m. $25 Adults, $12 Children. 3670 West Dublin-Granville Road. 614/760-5556. www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Woodhouse Spa: Purchase $100 in Gift Cards, receive a $20 Gift Card to Tucci’s and an extra $20 Gift Card at Woodhouse. 19 North High Street. 614/790-8822. www.woodhousecolumbus.com

For more ideas, visit the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.IrishisanAttitude.com

 

July 15, 2011

I-Scream in Dublin

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In honor of National Ice Cream month, we took our staff meeting to the local Jeni’s Ice Cream. To be honest, it was more about finding a cooler location to meet since our A/C was down–but it was a good excuse for us to savor some new flavors!

There is something about eating ice cream that makes you feel like a happy kid again. According to one study by scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, one taste of the frozen sweet treat sends a brain into its happy zone. Nothing like a good brain freeze, huh? 

If you’re among those who savor the sweet stuff, you have Ronald Reagan to thank for naming July National Ice Cream month (and the third Sunday in July “National Ice Cream Day”) in 1984. You can go HERE to read the actual proclamation that states that “ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food that is enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States.”

Is your mouth is watering for ice cream about now? Good. We rolled up our sleeves, dug into the trenches and did our due diligence to sniff (and taste) the best ice cream flavors in and around Dublin, Ohio. It was tough work, but someone had to do it. Here are a few notables:

• Graeters. Savor Graeter’s seasonal favs like peach, watermelon sorbet and coconut and you’ll understand why the French Pot process makes all the difference. Pay just $1.41/scoop on 7.17.11 when Graeter’s celebrates its 141st birthday. Plus, it’s the kick off of their SweetStakes where one lucky person will win a year’s worth of ice cream!

• Menchies. If frozen yogurt is more your thing, Menchie’s offers a do-it-yourself smorgasbord of flavors and combinations. Try the new Chocochella–a combo of two Italian favorites, creamy hazelnut and decadent chocolate. Yummissimo.

• MJs Candy Bar. Surprised to learn that the #1 candy store in Columbus serves ice cream? It all makes sense when you discover that it’s Hershey’s Premium Ice Cream that goes into MJs specialty milkshakes like Buckeye Blast, Shirley Temple and Shamrock Chip.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. We love our Jeni’s in Central Ohio … but she keeps surprising us with her out-of-the-box creations made using local ingredients. Recent favs: Backyard Mint, Peach Buttermilk, Coriander Raspberry and Askinosie Dark Milk Chocolate.

• TehKu Tea Company. Dublinites love this local oasis for its ambiance and selection of nearly 200 teas, including a signature green called “Matcha.” Now you can get your green tea health benefits in the form of ice cream with TehKu’s own Matcha Ice Cream, as well as the new Chai flavor. (Available 7.22.11)

~Post by Mary

 

May 11, 2011

Sláinte! (Cheers) From Historic Dublin Ohio

Posted by irishattitude under Dublin Ohio Dining, Events, Family Fun, Golf, Historic Dublin, Insider tips, Irish, Ohio travel, Shopping, Special Events | Tags: , , , , , , |
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This post comes from guest writer Gretchen Friend, Coordinator for the Historic Dublin Business Association.

Sláinte (pronounced SLON-CHA) is the Gaelic or Celtic equivalent of  the friendly toast, “Cheers” or “To your health!”  Just saying it out loud makes you wish you were Irish, huh?  In fact, many of the residents of Dublin,Ohio have embraced this vibrant culture from across the Atlantic by partaking in many of the traditions which makes Dublin,Ireland so interesting.

Next Thursday, May 19 marks the first Sláinte Thursday of 2011–a fun evening of cheer  in the the City’s Historic District. These exciting third Thursday celebrations are held throughout the summer months in Dublin, Ohio.  Beginning at 4 p.m., restaurants are buzzing with live music while shops and businesses ready for a steady stream of visitors to the area. Specials, open houses, children’s activities and food sampling create a swirl of activities for all ages.

Created for locals and visitors alike, a Sláinte Thursday celebration is just right for those warm summer nights. Live musical melodies at several locations throughout Historic Dublin lead people from place to place as they visit the district. My favorite is part of the evening is walking along the brick sidewalks under the canopy of shade trees. It’s so quaint, yet hip!  No one is pushing me to a deadline (unless it’s getting the last taste of a special in one of the many great restaurants).

The May 19th  Sláinte Thursday will feature a golf theme–a nod to the world-class PGA Memorial Tournament that Dublin, Ohio will host May 30-June 5.  During Sláinte Thursday folks can try their putting skills on nine greens placed around the Historic District. Knocking all the balls in the holes will give you a chance to win tickets to the Memorial Tournament or many other great gift certificates and prizes from Historic Dublin businesses. Live music by Rockbridge Crossing will play from the Frog Park, next to the Visitors Center (9 S. High St.)

Catch the Trolley as it passes by each hole, if the walk is too much for you. From 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. the Trolley loop will follow South High Street up to the library and back. Or just meander up and down the sidewalks, enjoying an ice cream or iced tea, a little patio dining, some great shopping and plenty o’ fun!   See you Thursday, May 19!    Sláinte!     

For more information about Sláinte Thursday, visit www.HistoricDublin.org or the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

~Gretchen Friend, Historic Dublin Business Assocation Coordinator

 

November 22, 2010

Turkey Day … the Easy Way (or Dining Out in Dublin)

Posted by irishattitude under Dublin Ohio Dining, Events, family dining deals, Restaurants | Tags: , , , |
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“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coincidence.”  ~Erma Bombeck

Looking for a way OUT of cooking this Thanksgiving? We can help. Whatever your reason (your kitchen is too small, you have no time to shop, your kids have the flu, your favorite football team is playing), you still want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner–right? Or not. There are many restaurants in Dublin and Columbus offering options ranging from a full Thanksgiving buffet with all the trimmings to limited menus of signature favorites. So, the only thing you’ll need to make with this list is a reservation.  Below is a list of local eateries that are ready and willing to do all the cooking for you this Thursday.  Call ahead for reservations, hours and pricing.  (Note: All phone numbers are area code 614.) Bon appetit!

  • Salvi’s Italian Bistro ( 5000 Upper Metro Place) 874-0466 Dublin’s newest eatery is open and featuring all the traditional Thanksgiving fare plus Salvi’s signature dish: Pasta Salvi. Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Adults $23.95; Children $11.95 ; Under 4 – free
  • Kilpatrick’s Restaurant/Embassy Suites Dublin (5100 Upper Metro Pl)  Casual Thanksgiving Day Buffet Dinner – served from 5-8pm. Adults/$16.95 and Children/$8.95. In the evening, made-to-order pizzas from 5-10:30 p.m., $9-$13. 790-9000
  • Marriott Columbus Northwest ( 5605 Blazer Pkwy.) 791-1000 This hotel restaurant is famous (locally) for its outstanding Thanksgiving brunch buffet. Reservations required (and they go quickly)!
  • Hoggy’s Dublin (7509 Sawmill Rd.) 791.8661  While not open ON Thanksgiving Day, Hoggy’s offers some early pick-up deals including a 12-14 lb. smoked turkey (that feeds up to eight) for $35; or the Thanksgiving package ($100)  that includes the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, whipped sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and a homemade pumpkin log for dessert.
  • J Liu Restaurant (6880 North High St.) The Worthington location of this locally owned restaurant will offer traditional buffet items along with some favorite house Asian dishes. 888-1818

Other Columbus area options:

  • Ruth’s Cris Steak House (7550 High Cross Blvd.) Full menu plus traditional Thanksgiving meal.
  • J. Gilbert’s (One E. Campus View Blvd.) 840-9090  11 a.m.-7 p.m. 
  •  Buca di Beppo (60 East Wilson Bridge Rd.) 848-8466 Featuring family style Thanksgiving dinner plus regular menu.
  • Ted’s Montana Grill (6195 Sawmill Rd.) 760-7753

For more information about Dublin, Ohio area restaurants, visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com

-Post by Andrea

 

October 20, 2010

Fall Food Favorites In and Around Dublin Ohio

Posted by irishattitude under Dublin Ohio Dining, family dining deals, Family Fun, Insider tips, Restaurants, Romantic | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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This post comes from guest blogger Dawn Scheurle, creator of www.KidsEatOut.com – a great resource for finding kid friendly restaurants in Central Ohio.

Although Spring signals the beginning of my all-time favorite Patio Dining Season, Fall brings me home.  I don’t mean inside my home (although it does that, too), I mean thoughts of home … being comfy and cozy with family, friends–and of course, food!  Fall food is the stuff that makes you warm inside, brings back memories and makes you want to take a nap in front of the fireplace afterward.

Here are a few of the places and foods that confirm to me that Summer is indeed over and Fall has arrived:

  • There’s a little gem we have frequented for years, but we just recently discovered their donuts.  Jacquemin Farms offers warm (if you time it right) sugar coated pumpkin donuts – grab one before you hop on the hay wagon to go out to the fields to pick your pumpkins.
  • La Chatelaine’s Cream of Tomato Basil Soup. (Don’t skip the croutons and cheese!)  The bakery atmosphere and warm cozy dining room with the stone fireplace make it the perfect place to be on a Fall day. I have to admit to eating this in the Spring on their patio, too. 
  • They say appetizer, I say entrée.  To each his own.  Matt the Millers Shrimp and Grits are absolutely crave-able.  Just writing about them makes me want to jump in my car and go.
  • An age old way to warm up: Bravo Cucina Italiana offers hot Apple Cider with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum–and a new trendier way–their Apple Cider Martini.  They also offer a seasonal Pumpkin Crème brûlée.  It’s hard to improve on the traditional kind, but it is Fall after all.
  • Sunny Street Cafe’s Pumpkin Pancakes.  Think sweet cream sauce and butter with walnuts and cinnamon to top it off.  Breakfast and dessert have always been interchangeable in my mind anyway!
  • A Featured Dish for the chilly months at Kogen’s is called Beef Pho. (This is pronounced Beef Fuh–as in … “Uh, let me think about that.”) Traditional Vietnamese Pho (Beef Noodle Soup) is a hearty soup of Beef simmered for more than 8 hours with onions and spices. It is served with a side of vegetables and sauces that can be combined to create a custom flavor.  
  • The Morgan House serves warm Kendra’s Creamy Chicken Pot Pie.  It’s topped with puff pastry and served in a fun terra-cotta pot.  The hot mulled cider is very nice, too.
  • Something fancy?  Although you can get it year-round, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse will warm you up with their Steak Kosar.  It is a 7 oz. or 10 oz. filet mignon over bordelaise crowned with lobster and bearnaise; asparagus and mushroom caps.
  • What is Fall without Mac-n-Cheese?  And NOT the boxed kind.  Homemade style Mac-n-Cheese.  Hoggy’s Mac-n-Cheese is made-from-scratch and finished under the broiler so the top is slightly browned and crispy, but the inside is smooth and creamy. In my picky family, the kids don’t like ‘the brown stuff’.  Lucky for me, I do!  Yum!
  • Did Scotland invent comfort food?  It seems like everything on Digger & Finch’s menu says “come on in and get comfy.”  The two standouts for me are the Guinness Stout and Cheddar Soup and Scotland Yard’s Shepherd’s Pie.  The pie is made with ground chuck, lamb and pork simmered in cabernet, with carrots, onions and peas baked in a cheddar potato crust. You can start your diet tomorrow!
  • Just in time for Fall, Rusty Bucket has added some new menu items including three new wing sauces–mild with teriyaki, spicy with sriracha sauce and chipotle in the middle.  They also have added some new comfort foods including Short Ribs, Sloppy-Joes, Pork Wing Tacos and Shrimp Grilled Cheese. 
  • Traditional Fall comfort food, maybe not, but Gooseneck Tavern has added a few new ‘spicy’ dishes to their menu that are sure to warm you up. Boom Boom Shrimp, Willow Noodles, and Grilled Andouille Sausage and Shrimp all have a bit of a kick!

I haven’t found my favorite place to get chili–which is almost the very definition of comfort food.  Well, I have, but my mom doesn’t own a restaurant. 

There are so many great restaurants in and around Dublin that I could go on for a while here.  And surely I haven’t been to them all.  Do you have a favorite Fall restaurant dish? For more ideas, visit the extensive list of Dublin Ohio restaurant listings here.

 ~Post by Dawn Scheurle, creator of www.KidsEatOut.com

 

October 10, 2010

Dublin’s Sunny Side

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Breakfast is my favorite meal. At times I can be pretty boring, but it’s hard to be boring at Sunny Street Café. Omelettes, Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos, eggs benedicts and stuffed biscuits are just some of the items you’ll find on their menu to jump-start your day. So what’s better than breakfast?

Sunny Street (Hospital Dr. location) owner Kate welcomes guests

Well, if it’s a long day then going out to lunch can make everything better (especially when the copy machine decides to put up a fight).  Guess what? Sunny Street Café serves lunch. Skip the eggs and get a Half-Pound Black Angus Burger, a Turkey Philly Sandwich, Grilled Veggie Wrap or my new favorite—a huge Chef’s Salad (emphasis on huge).  Best of all, Sunny Street has TWO Dublin, Ohio locations (both just five-minutes away from our offices).

If you love your eggs–no worries. Breakfast is served all day.  And when I say “all-day” I really mean all day. Restaurant hours are 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m, but Sunny Street Café will open up their dining room in the evenings for a private group dining event. You can network while dining on flaky croissants filled with fresh Albacore tuna salad or have some fun and serve your group “Brinner” — Breakfast for Dinner!  When you’re trying to feed a big group, use their extensive catering menu. Check out their “build a box lunch” that you can customize to suit individual tastes. 

There are a few more surprises on Sunny Street. Dublin is home to 3,000 businesses so Sunny Street Café provides a discount for the “Company of the Month.” Just show your company ID badge and get a deal (This month it’s Verizon). You can also show your child (under 12 years) and they will get to eat for $1.99. Sunny Street is a family-friendly restaurant that provides lots of options to enjoy delicious food for breakfast, lunch or brinner.

Dublin’s Sunny Street Café restaurants are located at  7042 Hospital Drive off Avery Dr. ( 614/389-3640  ) and at 7573 Sawmill Rd. in the Kroger Marketplace Center ( 614/932-7008).

 ~Post by Allison

 

September 2, 2010

Best Patio Dining: In and Around Dublin Ohio (Part 2)

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In the interest of helping Dublin, Ohio visitors learn more about popular local family friendly eateries (and good deals), we periodically feature guest posts by Dawn Scheurle, creator of the popular site: www.kidseatout.com. This is part two of a post on great local patio dining.

I love patio dining. Fortunately, the Dublin area offers plenty of pleasant patios for those of us who prefer outdoor restaurant dining. Here are some of the best (in my opinion) …

  • Max & Erma’s (Frantz Rd. location) ~ This patio is tucked behind the restaurant and is surrounded by a split-rail fence separating it from the pond. The kids will be entertained watching the geese and little birds that come to snatch any food that happens to fall on the ground.
  • La Chatelaine ~ This great street-side patio with it’s flower boxes along the wrought iron fencing is a perfect compliment to this French inspired cafe, bistro, bakery. Bonus: great location for people-watching in Historic Dublin.
  • Brazenhead ~ Great casual bar/restaurant patio in Historic Dublin alongside North High St. (Dublin Rd.). It always seems to be buzzing with a lively bunch of patrons. Bonus: Wednesday night is $3 burger night! (Get there early. It fills up quickly!)
  • Bravo ~ Another favorite. It’s on the parking lot but raised up with pretty landscaping and trees to separate it so you don’t really notice. It is on the west side of the building so you get the afternoon sun which can be good or bad depending on the temperature!
  • Las Margaritas ~ We love to eat our chips and salsa outside! (Not to mention sip our margaritas!) The stone half-wall separates this patio from most street noise so you can sit back and enjoy.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings ~ Nice large patio with trees for shade rather than umbrellas. The casual atmosphere makes this a great place to take the kids too!
  • Cheeseburger in Paradise (Hilliard) ~ We like this patio because it makes us feel like we are on vacation! It is connected to the restaurant which has open walls, music, palm trees and a Jimmy Buffet casual island feel. The kiddos enjoy it as much as the grown-ups!
  • Sunny Street Cafe (Hospital Drive location) ~ New! They have just added a little patio out front of the restaurant on the walkway. It’s on the parking lot so you do get traffic going by but it’s kind of a fun place to sit and enjoy your coffee and breakfast!
  • Hoggy’s (Sawmill Rd) ~ Covered patio along the sidewalk of the strip mall. A nice place to enjoy your BBQ al fresco!
  • Joe’s Original and American Pub ~ Right around the corner from Hoggy’s but on the sunny west side of the building. Nothing fancy, but who needs fancy all the time?  :)
  • Joe’s Crab Shack ~ You are in the middle of a strip mall parking lot but it doesn’t really feel that way. They have a  playground for the kids to keep them busy while you wait for your food! Very casual and relaxed.

There are a few places that offer outside seating for you once you have picked up your food. These include: Potbelly Sandwich Works, Noodles & Company, Bruegger’s Bagels, Panera, Einstein’s Bagels, Chipotle (Sawmill Rd) and Tuula’s European Cafe.

If there’s a great patio out there that I missed, please share! There’s a whole lot of patio season left to go!

-Post by Dawn Scheurle

 

May 11, 2010

Part 4: KidsEatOut.com’s 12 Best Restaurants to Take the Kids

Posted by irishattitude under Family Fun, Insider tips, Restaurants, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , |
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(In the interest of helping Dublin, Ohio visitors find deals on kids meals and family friendly eateries, we are featuring a series of guest posts by Dawn Scheurle, creator of the popular site: www.kidseatout.com – “restaurant reviews from a mom’s point of view.”   This is part 4 in a 4 part series.)

We have almost finished our list of the best local eateries for families. As you’ve probably figured out (if you’ve been reading the previous posts on this subject), it isn’t an easy task for a restaurant to make this list.  Not only does a restaurant have to be kid friendly and affordable, but it has to offer good nutritious food. That, in itself, is no easy feat.  Here are our final three …

Max & Erma’s. Max & Erma’s has what it takes to make a family dinner out fun for everyone. They serve just about anything you want, welcome the kids, are very reasonably priced and have great hamburgers!  The atmosphere is fun and family friendly, but also grown-up, with a bar area, dark wood and brass tables and Tiffany type fixtures. The Dublin location has a nice patio overlooking the pond with ducks and geese to entertain the little ones eyes.  Did we mention the sundae bar?  What a fun way to end the meal!  (Although I personally prefer the warm chocolate chip cookies!) 

Chili’s Grill & Bar. Everyone is welcome here.  It’s casual, it’s festive, colorful and fun and welcomes all ages.  The food is Tex-Mex and the bar is full of people watching sports on the TVs.  Three sides on the kids menu (corn, mandarin oranges and pineapple) have been added recently to the seven options it already had. We will warn you though–aside from the grilled chicken, the sides are the healthiest things you will find on the kids menu.   But, hey, we don’t go to Chili’s for their ‘light’ menu options so if we splurge once in a while, we think the kids can too!   They do offer nutritional information on all the kids meals on their web site. 

Uno Chicago Grill.  Uno’s has a “Chicago warehouse” look that is warm, busy and energetic.  Although a lot of people still only associate it with pizza, Uno’s may surprise you with all the things on their menu.  Recently the restaurant chain began offering lighter, flatbread pizzas and a kids’ menu that features grilled chicken, whole-grain penne and health-minded sides like broccoli, apples and mandarin oranges. Kids can even put on an apron and make their own pie using flatbread dough, sauce, cheese and toppings, which are brought to your table. Then the pizza is baked and returned with the rest of the family’s order.  The atmosphere lends itself to energetic little munchkins.

So there it is.  I’m sure there is at least one thing you disagree with–or that I’ve missed one of your family’s favorite places.  To that I say GREAT!  Please leave a comment, idea, agreement or disagreement.  We would love to hear about more great places around Dublin, Ohio!

 -Guest post by Dawn Scheurle, creator of www.kidseatout.com

 

April 28, 2010

Part 3: KidsEatOut.com’s 12 Best Restaurants to Take the Kids

Posted by irishattitude under Dublin Ohio Dining, Family Fun, Insider tips, Restaurants | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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(In the interest of helping Dublin, Ohio visitors find deals on kids meals and family friendly eateries, we are featuring a series of guest posts by Dawn Scheurle, creator of the popular site: www.kidseatout.com – “restaurant reviews from a mom’s point of view.”   This is part 3 in a 4 part series.  

If you are like me, you are always on the search for family friendly restaurants that deliver on that magic combination of great value, nutritious choices, good food, convenience and ability to cater to kids. Here are a few more of my top choices (approved by my kids) …

Bravo.  Bravo is one of my favorite places to go with or without the kids!  It is a little more on the upscale side compared to some of the others on the list–so if you have particularly rambunctious children, it may not be for you.  The kids menu is huge, with chicken fingers (if you must), to all kinds of pasta and pizza. The servings are quite large, so for little appetites–you may want to share. They offer “Grande Kids, Meals for Small Adults” for more mature tastes (think Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Salmon). They even have a “Sides and Salads” section on the kids menu! Bravo has one of the most impressive kid’s menus out there.  The kids menu does come with crayons and activities, but you might have to ask for the raw dough to play with, as sometimes the wait staff forgets to bring it out!

Bob Evans.  Bob Evans is known for its family friendly atmosphere. You’ve probably eaten there at one time or another for breakfast.  Try it with your kids for dinner.  The kids menu is varied, with a complete Breakfast menu anytime, but lots of other options too–many very healthy. Their sides include low-fat strawberry yogurt, mashed potatoes and gravy, cottage cheese, broccoli, salad, fruit dish, baked potato, plus seven more. I love that they have grilled chicken strips (in addition to the usual fried), turkey, pancakes, etc. Everyone should be able to find something they like here. (Bonus deal: Bob Evans is a partner in the Dublin Ohio Convention & Visitors Bureau’s “Kids Eat FREE Columbus Zoo/Zoombezi Bay Getaway” package program. Book your online getaway and get FREE kids meal coupons to Bob Evans and up to five other restaurants!)

Noodles & Company. Noodles & Company is a great option when you are looking for something faster than a traditional sit-down restaurant but don’t want to do fast-food.  It’s in the fast-food category of restaurants, but that is where the connection ends.   For not quite two times what you would pay for a combo meal at another establishment, you can get a nice meal.  The restaurant recently added a selection of sandwiches too.

Instead of having a separate kids’ menu, all of the noodle bowls, soups and salads come in two sizes–small and large.  Small is great for older kids, and big enough to split between two smaller children.  Since every noodle dish is prepared to order, diners can customize–swapping or adding veggies and a protein like chicken or tofu. Mac ‘n’ cheese, buttered noodles and pasta with marinara sauce will appeal to picky eaters.  And be sure to ask for no spices or spices on the side for them too.  Food is served on real dishes and kids will love the colorful chopsticks holders.

Next….  The final 3.  Will your favorite be there?  :)  

 -Guest post by Dawn Scheurle, creator of www.kidseatout.com

 

 

April 21, 2010

Part 2: KidsEatOut.com’s 12 Best Restaurants to Take the Kids

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Dublin Ohio Dining, Family Fun, Insider tips, Restaurants | Tags: , , , , , , |
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(In the interest of helping Dublin, Ohio visitors find deals on kids meals and family friendly eateries, we are featuring a series of guest posts by Dawn Scheurle, creator of the popular site: www.kidseatout.com – “restaurant reviews from a mom’s point of view.”   This is part 2 in a 4 part series.  

As I mentioned before, there are so many things to consider when you are going out to eat with the kids. These include cost, nutritious options, convenience, value and ages of the kids (to name just a few).  I’ve compiled a list 12 of the best places to take your kids out to eat in the Dublin area. (I was going to do a top 10, but cutting the list down to 12 was hard enough!)  So, here are options #4-6, offering a little Italian flavor…

Bucca de Beppo. Buca di Beppo is a great choice for eating out with the family.  They treat the kids well, even taking them on a tour of the kitchen if they like!   The atmosphere is warm and busy enough to not worry about the kids being too loud.  They serve food family style in two sizes: Small feeds 2 – 3 people, Large feeds 4 – 6.  So if the kids like what you like, there is no need to order from the kids menu.  That being said, they do offer a kid’s menu with Italian choices (no chicken fingers, fries or hot dogs) that are very generous in size and a drink is included.  It’s also an ideal place to go if you have a large family or are celebrating a birthday or anniversary with extended family.  They take reservations and have lots of big tables. And, when you are passing the big food platters around, you can share multiple courses (including dessert). It’s a party! 

Olive Garden. Olive Garden is a family favorite. It seems to be a lot of people’s favorite given the lines we usually encounter!  The laid-back atmosphere and generous portions, the unlimited yummy salad and breadsticks, the killer lasagna, and the fact that mommy and daddy can have a glass of wine or Limoncello lemonade, make it worth the wait.  The kids menu is what you would expect at an Italian restaurant. Pizza, pasta, macaroni and cheese, plus chicken fingers with the option of broccoli instead of fries. Each meal comes with a drink in a take-home cup with a lid, and little diners are encouraged to share the grown-up’s salad and breadsticks.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill. They seriously love your kids.  Just the way they word their kids menu with things like ‘Filet of fish lightly crusted in-house’ and ‘Juicy, grilled chicken breast’ and ‘crisp salad’ lets you know kids aren’t an after-thought.  ‘Grilled Certified Angus Beef Kabobs with fresh broccoli’?  We’re impressed.  And it doesn’t stop there.  Along with an activity filled kids menu, the table are covered in paper so you can play tic-tac-toe with crayons, and they give the kids raw dough to play with to keep them occupied while they wait for their meals.  So sit back, relax, and enjoy the warm peasant bread and your glass of wine. There won’t be any arguing about choosing fries as a side over salad or broccoli either…. they don’t offer fries!   So you can feel okay about them finishing their meal with vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for $.99!  All Kid’s items include a drink.

 So if you’re in the mood for a some Italian this week, give these places a try with your family.  Share with us what you think!  And stay tuned. We’re half way through with our list.  Six more of our favorite kid friendly restaurants more to go……… :)  

 -Guest post by Dawn Scheurle, creator of www.kidseatout.com

 

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