Lost Restaurants of Columbus

Do you find yourself longing for a hot salt roll slathered with Jai Lai herb butter? Do you wish you could site once again in a booth at The Clermont and listen to the political intrigue being hatched all around you by the power-lunch crowd? Were you ever lucky enough to order elegantly presented entrees at The Maramor topped off by a box of handmade chocolates from its gift shop, the New Library? Do your memories include waiting in line for a table at Presutti’s Villa Ristorante after an afternoon of Ohio State football? What about those Cruise-Ins on a summer evening under the big red, electric arrow at Jerry’s at the corner of Morse and High? If these memories have whetted your appetite, let Christine Hayes present you with a hearty helping of Columbus’ most memorable restaurants.

Last month two more iconic neighborhood restaurants—The Florentine in Franklinton (1945-2016) and Rigsby’s Kitchen in the Short North (1986-2016) passed off the stage. Join Christine Hayes, daughter of Ben Hayes―long-time popular columnist for the Columbus Citizen and the Columbus Citizen-Journal―as she delves into her memories and research about the fabulous old restaurants of Columbus. Inheriting her father’s love of literature, Columbus history, and the telling of a good story, Christine is well-equipped to craft her own erudite and entertaining tales. Christine works for the Acorn Bookshop at 1464 W. Fifth Avenue in Grandview and writes a reflective column for The Short North Gazette.

Mount Carmel Community Health Resources Center, 77 W State Street, Medical Office Building 2. Free parking in P1 Garage – enter off W Town at Davis, turn right into garage. Take elevator to 1st floor, exit lobby, turn left, and building on the left. Enter at 2nd door.