Iguanas features made-from-scratch Mexican dishes
Iguanas Fresh Mexican Grill is rocking the guac — among other southof-the-border fare — in Lewis Center.
The independent restaurant, with an emphasis on quick, made-to-order meals, takes over the former Koohinar Indian Cuisine storefront at 76 W. Powell Road, just east of Route 23.
Owned by Omar Garcia, his wife, Abigail Ramirez, and Joel Aguirre, Iguanas is festive but low-key, seating 92 in a building in an area largely dominated by chain restaurants.
The signature dish is fish tacos — pieces of beer-marinated tilapia that are fried but not breaded, topped with red cabbage, pico de gallo and drizzled with a creamy “secret sauce.” It is served with chips, salsa, rice and beans, as are all entrées.
The 11 salsas, ranging from mild to extra spicy, are made in-house.
“We have a salsa for everybody,” Garcia said. “We worked a lot on this menu, each dish, each salsa. We did a lot, matching the right salsa with the right dish.”
There are no microwaves and only a small freezer, he said.
All meals are made to order, including the chunky guacamole, Garcia said. A mango option also is available.
One of the house favorites is the elote, fresh steamed corn that is rolled in cojita cheese.
The menu will have a familiar ring to fans of Mexican cuisine: quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and chimichangas. There are three tortas made with fresh, local bread — carne asada or chicken, machaca (beef and eggs) and seafood (fish or shrimp).
While most of the food is mild, there are a few spicy choices, such as the tacos diablo, where the meat or seafood is sautéed with habanero peppers.
Most individual items are priced $11 and less, and all are available at a drive-thru window.
Garcia said he’s pleased with the storefront, which has seen a number of operators come and go over the last decade.
“I think we’re in a good location,” he said. “People just need to know we’re here. We’re up for the challenge. We’re bringing in different kind of food to the people.”
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 614-987-7351.
Downtown diner
The Woodbury, billed as an urban diner serving breakfast all day, is planning a spring opening at the 223 E. Town St. development.
In addition to homespun fare, the Woodbury will serve wine, cocktails and craft beer.
The Woodbury, owned by real estate investment company Bluestone Brothers, will be operated by Olde Towne Partners, whose portfolio of restaurants includes Olde Towne Tavern, the Walrus Kitchen & Public House, Corner Stone Craft Beer & Wine and Pecan Penny’s, a barbecue joint located in the old Ray Johnson Seafood Market, 111 E. Main St.
Howdy neighbor
Siblings Atlas Tavern and Wings Over Columbus are planning a spring opening at the Pointe at Polaris.
Patrick Daly, owner of the two concepts, said Atlas will specialize in hand-crafted sandwiches, burgers and salads. Among the preliminary lineup: pot roast, prime rib and schnitzel sandwiches, a chicken Parmesan roll and burgers made from hand-ground beef.
Wings Over Columbus, meanwhile, will occupy the space next door. With another location on Lane Avenue, the restaurant offers 30 flavors of traditional and boneless wings.
Daly and Dave Ruhl also own the Carvery sandwich shop Downtown.
For the obit file
MCL Restaurant & Bakery, 76 E. Schrock Road.