While the weather’s still right, nothing beats a meal under the open sky. In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak dig into the best patios, rooftops, and hidden gems for outdoor dining across Central Ohio. From classics like Lindey’s and Barcelona to rooftop views at Astra and Stories on High, the crew shares their favorite spots for every vibe—romantic twinkle-light dinners, people-watching cafes, riverfront patios, and lively beer gardens. They also spotlight exciting new concepts, updates in the dining scene, and a few surprises you might not have heard of. Whether you’re planning a date night, a happy hour, or just a sunny lunch, this episode is your guide to dining al fresco in Columbus.

Since 1999, City Barbeque has grown from a single converted donut shop in Upper Arlington to 75 restaurants across 10 states. In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with co-founder Jim Budros—one of the original “Barbecue Boys”—to talk brisket, burnt ends, and the story behind City BBQ’s rise.
Jim shares how backyard competitions, a love of Texas-style brisket, and some “barbecue pilgrimages” led to a thriving restaurant group known for smoked meats and legendary sides. From teaching BBQ classes in Bexley to catering for 5,000+ people, Jim reflects on the culture, recipes, and lessons that keep City BBQ true to its roots while continuing to grow. If you love food, family recipes, and barbecue culture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

What started as a wild idea in 2011 has grown into one of the top-ranked food festivals in the U.S. — and it all began with 20 trucks, no budget, and a whole lot of hustle. In this episode, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak. sit down with Chas Kaplan, the founder of the Columbus Food Truck Festival, to hear the story behind the scenes: the chaos, the community, and the creativity that made this event a national standout.
From his early days in the Columbus restaurant and music scene to managing food trucks at OSU, Chas shares the lessons learned, the trends shaping mobile food in Central Ohio, and what’s new for the 14th Annual Food Truck Festival this year.

Chef BJ Lieberman is back on Chefs in the City with a brand new restaurant—and a fresh perspective on hospitality. The James Beard semifinalist and owner of Chapman’s Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit Cocktail Lounge shares the story behind Metzi’s, his new Italian wood-fired concept in Italian Village. We talk about the power of approachable food, creating emotionally intelligent kitchens, the myth of house-made pasta, and why he refuses to put TVs in his restaurants. It’s a conversation about building a better food scene—one ember-charred Caesar salad at a time.

In this earthy and delicious episode of Chefs in the City, Anne Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Tarapak sit down with Deb Knappke—aka Ohio’s Garden Sage—to talk gardening, cooking, and the sacred bond between dirt and dinner. From the history of her epic dinner club (running since 1982!) to the science of sourdough and her obsession with tomatoes, Deb shares what makes a homegrown, homemade meal truly magical. You'll hear:

• Why heirloom tomatoes might save your marriage (yes, really)
• How sourdough starters become family members (RIP Olivia…long live Perry)
• The real reason your basil keeps dying (hint: it’s not your fault)
• Her method for making fragrant, vibrant herb salts (and why botulism is a buzzkill)

Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a curious cook, or just here for the tomato chat, this episode is full of flavor, laughs, and dirt-under-the-nails wisdom.

In this catch-up episode of Chefs in the City, Anne Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Tarapack dive into everything sizzling on the Columbus food scene for 2025. From buzzy new restaurants like Mezzi and ILA to long-awaited reopenings like the iconic Blue Danube and Hunan Lion, the team breaks down what’s exciting locals and food lovers alike. Plus, updates on upcoming rooftop bars, James Beard semifinalists, major closures (goodbye NADA), and the evolving culinary hub at Gay & High. It’s your guide to what’s hot—and what’s cooking—in Central Ohio.

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the gang sits down with Bob Vitale, food and dining writer for The Columbus Dispatch, to talk about the evolving culinary landscape of Columbus. From sushi spots and smash burgers to legacy Italian joints and the enduring love for Schmidt’s, Bob shares what he’s learned on the local food beat—without the critic’s hat. They discuss:

• Why “Before the Buzz” is his favorite series
• Which old-school Columbus restaurants still deserve your attention
• How the city became a hotspot for global cuisines
• Why listicles still matter (and why we all click them)
• What trends are bubbling up in the Columbus dining scene

Whether you’re a longtime local or just hungry for the story behind your favorite spots, this episode is a warm, witty look at the culture, characters, and community shaping the way Columbus eats.

What makes a great Italian restaurant? In this mouthwatering episode of Chefs in the City, the crew dives fork-first into Central Ohio’s incredible Italian food scene—from handmade pastas and house sauces to iconic family-run favorites and new culinary gems. They share their picks for the best bolognese, carbonara, happy hour bites, and stories about legendary chefs and long-standing local traditions. Whether you love red-sauce classics or high-end trattoria experiences, this episode will leave you craving carbs.

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the crew sits down with Rob Littleton, co-owner of Littleton’s Market in Upper Arlington, to discuss how a pandemic daydream turned into one of Columbus’ most exciting specialty food destinations. They dig into the story behind the market’s all-star team—including a James Beard-nominated pastry chef, the synergy between grocery, café, and culinary education, and how Littleton’s is redefining what it means to be a neighborhood gathering spot. From Ohio-sourced meats to French macarons, and from sip-and-stroll wine events to masterclasses on cheese and charcuterie, it’s clear this place is more than just a store—it’s an experience.

In this episode of Chefs in the City, we sit down with Donnie Austin, co-owner of Aardvark Wine & Beer, to talk about how he turned a love of wine—and a background in engineering—into one of Central Ohio’s most welcoming neighborhood wine destinations.

Donnie shares the story behind Aardvark's unique setup (including the "Dive Bar" built over an old swimming pool), his philosophy on affordable, family-owned wines, and how his shop is adapting to changing consumer tastes and looming import tariffs.We also dig into the rise of THC drinks, the evolving wine bar culture in Columbus, and why casual, family-friendly spaces matter. 

Plus, a look at how Aardvark is teaming up with local favorites like Ray Ray’s Hog Pit and Suburban Natural Foods to bring even more to the table. Whether you're a wine nerd, a casual sipper, or just love discovering cool local businesses, this is a conversation you’ll want to pour a glass and enjoy!