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PrintBackstage crostinis
A selection of crostini items at Backstage Bistro.
Michael A. Foley/MAF Photography
Backstage crostinis
When Shadowbox Live! moved to its new home in the Brewery District last fall, new stages weren’t the only projects planned for the space.
Backstage Bistro, located in the theater group’s complex at 503 S. Front St., is a full-service restaurant open not just to theatergoers, says Stephanie Shull, director of food services for Shadowbox.
Shull says she and Shadowbox CEO and executive producer Stev Guyer discovered a trend in New York City restaurants while watching Food Network shows: crostinis, an Italian appetizer of grilled bread and various toppings. “It sparked an idea,” she says.
So if you’re craving crostinis, Backstage Bistro’s menu has eight variations, including an artichoke soufflé and sausage with red pepper purée. And Shull says preserves made by Sweet Thing Gourmet in Bexley make each crostini unique.
“They’re satisfying, but obviously not a huge meal.”
Openings
SideBar 122 opened at 122 E. Main St. in mid November, says spokeswoman Maria Long, adding this is the second location for the owners, who also operate a similar concept in Dayton. The menu has a “Mediterranean influence with French vibes,” she says. Cocktails are handcrafted and recipe-based. (Most juices for drinks are housemade.) The space has a main dining area as well as two upper floors with a piano bar, lounge, art gallery and private dining space that can be rented for special events. Long says the owners were looking for a downtown area with residential options so they could provide a “nice, upscale neighborhood bar where people can hang out with live music and deejays.” SideBar 122 is open daily for dinner and brunch on Sunday.
Avvio Italian-American Grill, 13 W. Williams St., opened in Delaware in early December, says co-owner Ray Smith, a former marketing director for Hoggy’s. Avvio, a fast-casual restaurant, offers pastas, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, appetizers and desserts. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.
A Texas-based Brazilian steakhouse is filling a void left at Easton Town Center by Martini Park, which closed in 2010. Texas de Brazil will open at 4040 Easton Station in April or May, says Candyce Hedlund, director of public relations and events, adding that the Columbus location will be the 25th for the restaurant group. Menu items include appetizers, gourmet veggies, soups and salads, as well as various flame-grilled, seasoned meats, which are prepared tableside.
Cheap eats
It’s an all-you-can-eat brunch every Sunday morning at Union Cafe, 782 N. High St., for just $9.95, says chief marketing and promotions officer Sam Schisler. Menu items include made-to-order omelets, vegetarian pasta, biscuits and gravy and chocolate chip and pecan pancakes. You can wash down your breakfast with $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Brunch is served from 10:30 am to 2 pm every Sunday.
