Small plates specialty of new Downtown Veritas
The long-awaited relocation of Veritas is complete.
The restaurant, known for its upscale fare and handcrafted cocktails, has opened Downtown at 11 W. Gay St.
Josh Dalton, chef and founder of the original Veritas Tavern in Delaware, snatched up the opportunity to move operations to the heart of Columbus, said his assistant, Meghan McNeil.
“As we did our research on the development of Downtown, we knew it was something we wanted to be part of,” McNeil said.
“There are some key people making the expansion of Downtown a reality, and it’s clear that as it continues to grow and become more populated, this will absolutely be the place to be,” she said. “And what better place to grow than the heart of Downtown?”
Dalton, known for his artful presentations and new-age cooking, serves a menu of small plates and appetizers, priced between $6 and $18.
Among the choices: hush puppies with sour-corn aioli; gnocchi with deep-sea crab, spinach and truffles; and bacon risotto with a soft poached egg, white cheddar and a biscuit. Desserts also are served. Be aware, though: The menu changes frequently.
Dalton opened Veritas Tavern five years ago on 15 E. Winter St. in Delaware. The last dinner service was on Nov. 4. “Tavern” was dropped from the name as part of the move.
Dinner hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The upstairs lounge is open 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
For more information, call 614-745-3864.
Swarm of shawarma
Mr. Hummus Grill is slated to replace Shish Kebab Mediterranean Café in the Bethel Centre.
Mr. Hummus, which is slated to open in mid-February, promises a true Lebanese experience with some modern touches, owner Tarek Albast said.
Among the menu items: fattoush salad, spit-roasted shawarma, mujadara (rice and lentils) and grilled meats.
Albast said he also will offer falafel both in taco and burger form, both popular from his food-truck days.
Both hot and cold appetizers, or mezze, will return to the spot, with plenty of vegetarian options.
The restaurant will feature a fresh-juice bar and several coffee drinks.
Albast is a partner of Midnight Hookah in Italian Village.
Fox on the run
Cinnamon rolls, fresh coffee and the popular egg soufflé sandwich all are part of the lineup at the new Fox in the Snow Café in German Village.
The cafe, a follow-up to the original store in Italian Village, opened Saturday at 210 Thurman Ave.
Fox on the Run, named after an alt-rock song from the 1990s, is known for its homebaked goods, freshly brewed coffee drinks and laidback atmosphere.
One conspicuously missing amenity: free Wi-Fi.
Double bubble
Central Ohio has two more bubble tea options — one that’s in operation in the Brewery District and another that’s poised to open on Bethel Road.
Vivi Bubble Tea, part of a national chain with a strong presence on the East Coast, is located at 2408 N. High St.
It has dozens of choices: milk, ice jelly, flavored, slushes, oolong and yakult, a dairy-based product.
Brewed Leaf, which will sell bubble and loose-leaf teas, is slated to open in a month or so at 809 Bethel Road.
Piada expands
Piada Italian Street Food is expanding to Grove City.
The store will be located at 4139 Buckeye Parkway. It is slated to open Jan. 16.
It will be central Ohio’s ninth Piada store.