Chefs In The City
Food
About
Join Ann Fisher, Rich Terapak, and Steve Stover as they explore the vibrant food scene of Columbus, Ohio! Each episode, the trio dives into the city's best bites, hottest new restaurants, hidden gems, and everything in between. Whether you're a foodie, a local, or just someone who loves to eat, Chefs in the City is your go-to podcast for all things culinary in Columbus. From behind-the-scenes stories with chefs to insider tips on where to eat next, we’ve got your taste buds covered. Grab a seat at the table and tune in for the best food talk in the heart of Ohio.
Episodes
- Orale Guey and the Rise of Mexican Brunch in Columbus
This episode of Chefs In The City explores the rising popularity of Mexican brunch in Columbus, highlighting Orale Guey Café, Bar & Grill. The discussion covers the restaurant's journey, maintaining authenticity, and introducing new dining…
- Preserving the Past, Plating the Future: Bob Szuter Brings New Life to the Worthington Inn
On this episode of Chefs in the City, Bob Szuter shares insights into the revival of the Worthington Inn, an 1831 landmark. He discusses plans to maintain the building's legacy while updating dining spaces, the bar program, and introducing…
- 50 Years at the Top: Kamal Boulos and the Legacy of The Refectory
Kamal Boulos, owner of The Refectory Restaurant, shares the story of the restaurant's 50-year history. He discusses the challenges faced, the evolution of the establishment, and the philosophy behind its success as a prominent dining desti…
- Lauren Culley on Building Fox in the Snow: Risk, Restraint & 11 Years of Growth
Lauren Culley, co-founder of Fox in the Snow, shares her experiences building the beloved bakery brand. She discusses the challenges of scaling a business, maintaining quality, and their approach to growth and community in Columbus.
- Finding Our Way to the Table: Erin Edwards on Food Media, The Food Letter & How Columbus Eats Now
Erin Edwards joins the crew to discuss food media, the Columbus food scene, and the role of local voices in guiding people through new culinary experiences. The conversation covers independent food journalism, the impact of international c…
- The Year in Food: Columbus Restaurants, Comebacks, Closures, and What’s Cooking for 2026
This episode of Chefs In The City discusses the 2025 culinary landscape in Central Ohio, including restaurant openings, comebacks, and closures. The hosts also look ahead to developments anticipated for 2026 within the Columbus dining scen…
- Tricia Wheeler on Teaching, Travel, and the Joy of Cooking Well
Tricia Wheeler, founder of The Seasoned Farmhouse, joins Chefs in the City to discuss her culinary journey, emphasizing the importance of cooking technique over recipes and sharing experiences from her food-focused travels. She also shares…
- Chef Josh Dalton on Rosalita, Downtown Dining & the Future of Columbus Food
Chef Josh Dalton joins "Chefs In The City" to discuss his culinary ventures in Columbus, Ohio. He talks about closing and reopening restaurants, developing new concepts, and the future of downtown dining, offering insights into his experie…
- What Wine Tariffs Mean for Columbus? Patrick Allen's Back to Break It Down
Patrick Allen returns to discuss the impact of new 15% and potential 25% wine tariffs on the international wine market, particularly affecting French wine producers and importers. The conversation covers sales, vineyard changes, global con…
- The Art of Pastry in Columbus - Spencer Budros of Pistacia Vera
Spencer Budros, co-founder of Pistacia Vera, shares his creative journey from art student to pastry chef. He discusses building Pistacia Vera and its 20+ years of thriving on "affordable luxury."
- Keeping It Local: Weiland's Market and the Heart of Clintonville
Daniel Phillips, co-owner of Weiland's Market, discusses the market's history, its focus on Ohio-grown products, and the challenges of maintaining an independent grocery store. The conversation covers Weiland's commitment to its neighborho…
- A Tour of Columbus Dining: Gene’s, Metsi’s, and Isla
This episode of Chefs In The City features a culinary tour of three Columbus dining destinations: Gene’s in Old Dublin, Metsi’s in the Short North, and Isla in Merion Village. The hosts discuss the unique offerings, from French to Italian…
- Graydon Webb on Reviving Ritzy’s and Columbus’ Burger Culture
Graydon Webb, founder of Ritzy's, discusses his journey from Wendy's to reviving the Columbus diner. He talks about timeless burgers, fresh ice cream, and traditional food preparation methods with hosts Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich T…
- Rick Lopez on Family, Flavor & Building Columbus Dining Icons: La Tavola & Lupo
Rick Lopez, owner of La Tavola and Lupo, talks about his 25+ years in the restaurant business. He discusses his Italian inspirations, the importance of family and community in his cooking, and the challenges of running restaurants post-pan…
- Authentic French Dining in Columbus: Chef Jacques Sorci & Chouette
This episode of Chefs in the City features Chef Jacques Sorci of Chouette, a French bistro in Columbus. He discusses how Chouette became certified by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs, its authentic French details, and its men…
- Al Fresco in Columbus: The Best Outdoor Dining Spots
This episode of Chefs In The City explores various outdoor dining locations across Central Ohio. The discussion covers different types of outdoor dining experiences, including patios, rooftops, and beer gardens.
- From Backyard BBQ to 75 Restaurants - Jim Budros of City Barbeque
Jim Budros, co-founder of City Barbeque, joins Chefs in the City to discuss the restaurant's growth from a single donut shop to 75 locations across 10 states. He shares the story of City Barbeque's origins, focusing on its culture, recipes…
- How Columbus Built One of America’s Best Food Truck Festivals — with Chas Kaplan
Chas Kaplan, founder of the Columbus Food Truck Festival, joins Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak to discuss the festival's evolution. He shares the story behind the event, lessons learned, and new trends for the upcoming 14th ann…
- BJ Lieberman on Wood-Fired Flavor, Hospitality Culture & Launching Metzi’s
Chef BJ Lieberman returns to Chefs In The City to discuss his new Italian wood-fired restaurant, Metzi's. He shares his approach to hospitality, focusing on approachable food and creating an emotionally intelligent kitchen culture.
- Garden to Table with Deb Knapke: Sourdough, Herbs & Heirlooms
In this episode, Deb Knapke, known as Ohio's Garden Sage, joins the hosts to discuss gardening, cooking, sourdough, and heirloom tomatoes. She shares insights on homemade meals, the science of sourdough, and growing herbs.
- Columbus Food Scene 2025: What’s New, What’s Back, and What’s on the Horizon
This episode of Chefs In The City explores the Columbus food scene for 2025. It covers new restaurants, reopenings, and various culinary updates in Central Ohio.
- The Stories Behind Columbus’ Food Scene with Bob Vitale of the Dispatch
Bob Vitale, food and dining writer for The Columbus Dispatch, discusses the evolving culinary landscape of Columbus. The episode covers local food trends, historical restaurants, and the city's global cuisines.
- The Best Italian Restaurants in Columbus: A Saucy Conversation
This episode of Chefs In The City discusses the best Italian restaurants in Central Ohio. The crew shares their picks for various dishes and talks about local culinary traditions.
- Rob Littleton on Building Littleton’s: A Foodie Haven in Upper Arlington
Rob Littleton, co-owner of Littleton's Market, joins Chefs in the City to discuss how the market developed into a specialty food destination. The episode explores the market's team, its combination of grocery, café, and culinary education,…
- Donnie Austin of Aardvark Wine & Beer: Building a Community-Focused Wine Bar in Columbus
Donnie Austin, co-owner of Aardvark Wine & Beer, discusses the creation of his Columbus wine bar, including its unique setup and philosophy on affordable wines. He also shares insights on adapting to changing consumer tastes, the rise of T…
- Chef Andrew Smith on Isla, Supper Clubs & Reinventing the Restaurant Experience in Columbus
Chef Andrew Smith, a key figure in the Columbus culinary scene, discusses his journey from traditional restaurants to private supper clubs, and now to his new restaurant, Isla. He shares his vision for Isla, focusing on community, creativi…
- Exploring Columbus with Bethia Woolf: The Story Behind Columbus Food Adventures
Bethia Woolf, co-founder of Columbus Food Adventures, discusses how her passion for food and culture led to launching immersive food tours in Columbus. She shares insights into the origins of tours like Alt Eats and Taco Truck tours, and t…
- Patrick Allen on Wine, Tariffs & Tastings: Bringing Southern France to Columbus
Patrick Allen discusses importing small-production wines from Southern France, the potential impact of proposed tariffs on his business and the industry, and new partnerships with Columbus State’s Culinary Program. He also mentions upcomin…
- Shaping Columbus’ Culinary Future: Inside Columbus State’s Hospitality Program with Joshua Wickham
Joshua Wickham, Senior Director and Chairperson of the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Columbus State Community College, discusses the program's impact, Mitchell Hall, and training the next generation of culinary prof…
- James Beard Semifinalist Lawbird: Crafting Cocktails & Community with Annie Pierce
Annie Pierce, co-owner of Lawbird, a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Bar in the Nation, discusses the bar's atmosphere, non-alcoholic program, and art-inspired cocktail menu. She also talks about the Columbus bar scene and the impo…
- James Beard Semifinalist Dan the Baker: The Art & Science of Sourdough
This episode features James Beard semifinalist Dan Riesenberger, also known as Dan the Baker, discussing his journey in mastering artisan bread. He shares insights into the science of sourdough, the process of fermentation, and the evoluti…
- James Beard Semifinalist Avishar Barua: Crafting Culinary Experiences at Agni & Joya’s
This episode features James Beard Award semifinalist Avishar Barua, discussing his culinary journey and philosophy behind Agni and Joya’s. He shares insights into blending heritage, modern techniques, empowering staff, and embracing mistak…
- Episode #4: Looking Ahead to 2025
This episode of Chefs In The City features Steve Stover discussing the future of the Columbus food scene in 2025, including restaurant trends and cozy dining options. The conversation also covers what's next for the podcast.
- Episode #3: The 2024 Central Ohio Food Scene
This episode of Chefs In The City covers the 2024 Central Ohio food scene, with a look back at 2023. It discusses new restaurants, closures, trends, and chefs in the Columbus culinary landscape.
- Episode #2: Columbus Uncovered: From Meat-and-Potatoes to Culinary Hotspot
This episode of Chefs In The City explores Columbus, Ohio, and its culinary transformation. The discussion covers the city's evolution into an eclectic food hub, including diverse restaurants, food shopping, and rising stars in the food sc…
- Episode #1: A Flavorful Introduction to Chefs in the City
In this debut episode, hosts Ann Fisher, Rich Terapak Sr., and Steve Stover introduce themselves and their approaches to food, restaurants, and travel. They explore their passion for chefs and the culinary world.
- Welcome to Chefs In the City!
This is the introductory episode of the podcast "Chefs In The City" and is titled "Welcome to Chefs In The City!"