I've been lazy and slack...for that I apologise. I truly have just been so busy enjoying some incredible food. In the next few days I will be posting frequently. My girlfriend and I have made it a priority of ours to taste the best and share it with you.
Lomonico's, a traditional Italian-American eatery with 2 spots, a Pickerington (suburb) and Downtown location which has just opened last week. I will be a regular. One thing I love is that when a restaurant opens and you see it in it's infancy you develop an appreciation for all those in the food and beverage industry. It's like a baby or dog, you watch it grow, mature, find what works (and doesn't). This will be my first restaurant I think ever in which I can "watch it grow into it's own".
The staff was so incredibly friendly. I'm simple, sit at the bar, talk with the staff, enjoy my food and drink and leave. They made it a priority to converse and engage with me in a way that felt sincere. Always appreciate this. I also loved how passionate they were about their quality. It was a Friday night around 7pm, jam-packed. I must've watched the quality assurance manager send back 3-4 dishes back to the chefs because they weren't to his standard. I love that he cared so deeply for his brand and craft.
I started with asking what their specialties, favorites on the menu and recommendations as I always do. Meatballs, Rice Balls, Salads and Pizza were their instant suggestions. I got everything but the rice balls out of pure stuffed-ness. Meatballs were the way they should be, simple, good meat, a little parmesan and a little marinara. Fantastic way to start with a little something to get things started.
What happened next blew my mind. I've recently got into a salad binge and their House Salad takes the cake. Corn, Hard-Boiled Egg, Shredded Cheddar, Leafy Romaine, Tomatoes and an amazing vinagriette. Something of a sweet tangy Italian that lended itself closer to the sweet side. The flavor combinations were off the charts and the barteneders were laughing in congruence with me as I raved.
The pizza...woodfired, watching the chef toss the dough, spread the sauce and topping and then checking the flame to ensure it was perfect is a sight. I love that it's not a cookie cutter pizza. Cooking is an art form. Pizza shouldn't be a perfect circle, there shouldn't be a fixed amount of cheese, there shouldn't be a set amount of pepperoni for each pizza. You can tell they care, they do it the right way. It was a chewy, soft dough with equal parts cheese, sauce and topping that created a perfect balance. Columbus has a lot of great food and a lot of great pizza. Theirs definitely meets the standard.
I conclude you will not be disappointed one bit if you frequent this hotspot. Very happy with my visit and thrilled Lomonico's is a part of the neighborhood. I so very much look forward to trip #2. Can't beat their Moscow Mule neither!!
Thanks for reading,
Cameron
