Episodios

  • Rick Lopez on Family, Flavor & Building Columbus Dining Icons: La Tavola & Lupo

    Rick Lopez on Family, Flavor & Building Columbus Dining Icons: La Tavola & Lupo
    Oct 9 2025
    Chef Rick Lopez, the force behind La Tavola in Grandview and Lupo in Upper Arlington, joins Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak to talk about the power of family, community, and authenticity in the kitchen. From humble beginnings as a busboy to owning two of Columbus’ most beloved restaurants, Rick shares stories from his 25+ years in the business — including his Italian inspirations, his love for slow, handmade cooking, and how both restaurants became true neighborhood gathering spots. He also discusses the challenges of running restaurants post-pandemic, the importance of mental health in the kitchen, and why sharing a great meal will always matter most.

    Highlights include:
    • The evolution of La Tavola & Lupo
    • The new bar room and menu innovations
    • How family and community shape Rick’s cooking philosophy
    • Thoughts on staffing, dining trends, and slow food in a fast world
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    32 m
  • Authentic French Dining in Columbus: Chef Jacques Sorci & Chouette

    Authentic French Dining in Columbus: Chef Jacques Sorci & Chouette
    Sep 18 2025
    What does it take to create a truly authentic French bistro in the heart of Columbus?

    In this episode of Chefs in the City, Ann Fisher, Steve Stover, and Rich Terapak sit down with Chef Jacques Sorci, Director of Culinary for MakeReady at Chouette, a French bistro celebrating its first year downtown.

    Chef Sorci shares how Chouette became the only U.S. restaurant certified by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs, what authenticity really means (down to the fries and bouillabaisse), and why every detail—from mosaic floors to mustard-yellow accents—was chosen to capture the spirit of France. The group also dives into menu favorites, seasonal changes, and what makes dining at Chouette approachable yet elegant. If you’ve ever wondered how French tradition translates to the Midwest—or just where to find the best tarte Tatin in town—this episode will make you say chouette!
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    27 m
  • Al Fresco in Columbus: The Best Outdoor Dining Spots

    Al Fresco in Columbus: The Best Outdoor Dining Spots
    Sep 4 2025
    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.
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    30 m
  • From Backyard BBQ to 75 Restaurants - Jim Budros of City Barbeque

    From Backyard BBQ to 75 Restaurants - Jim Budros of City Barbeque
    Aug 21 2025
    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!
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    34 m
  • How Columbus Built One of America’s Best Food Truck Festivals — with Chas Kaplan

    How Columbus Built One of America’s Best Food Truck Festivals — with Chas Kaplan
    Aug 7 2025
    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.
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    32 m
  • BJ Lieberman on Wood-Fired Flavor, Hospitality Culture & Launching Metzi’s

    BJ Lieberman on Wood-Fired Flavor, Hospitality Culture & Launching Metzi’s
    Jul 24 2025
    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.
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    26 m
  • Garden to Table with Deb Knapke: Sourdough, Herbs & Heirlooms

    Garden to Table with Deb Knapke: Sourdough, Herbs & Heirlooms
    Jul 10 2025
    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.
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    28 m
  • Columbus Food Scene 2025: What’s New, What’s Back, and What’s on the Horizon

    Columbus Food Scene 2025: What’s New, What’s Back, and What’s on the Horizon
    Jun 26 2025
    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.
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    25 m