Review: 2016 TASTE OF DINE ORIGINALS - Showcasing Columbus's Finest in an Exquisite Space

The 2016 Taste of Dine Originals was held at the gorgeous Franklin Park Conservatory for the first time this year, offering an exquisite backdrop for some of Columbus's finest locally owned, independent restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more. Also a first was a sold-out crowd, who filled the entirety of the facility without feeling overcrowded.

Upon entering, we were offered "real" wine glasses with disposable plates and utensils to sample the various foods and beverages. Featuring over 40 restaurants, chefs personally dished out an array of their signature items, which were elegantly presented and stationed throughout the Conservatory. Every single vendor offered a unique and tasty sampling of their menu.

Some standout featured dishes included:

G. MICHAEL'S BISTRO & BAR: Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits

NICOLA RESTAURANT AND BAR: Tuscan Porchetta with Fennel Oil Fentuta

THE REFECTORY RESTAURANT & BISTRO: Scallop Pomponette

LOCAL ROOTS: Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Spicy Arrabiatta Sauce and Peanut Butter Mousse

THE TOP STEAKHOUSE: Shrimp Cocktail and Braised Lamp and Potato Gratin

TRATTORIA ROMA: Cured Eggplant with Pickled Golden Beets, Couscous and Balsamic-peanut Sauce, House-made Duck Sausage with Fig Mustard and Crispy Crepe, and their Irish Car Bomb: North High Brewery Pot de Creme with Jameson-soaked Dried Cherries and Baileys Whipped Cream

THE INN & SPA AT CEDAR FALLS: Tapenade with Beer Grain Flatbread Crackers and Strawberry Shortcake Shooters

In a last minute decision, the event was moved indoors and under tents to avoid any possibility of rain; however, guests still had full use of the indoor/outdoor facility to wine and dine on the patio, terrace, and outside gardens - A good call considering the unpredictable Ohio weather.

In addition to the food, wine, and beer displays, guests were invited to participate in a mystery wine grab for $25, where you blindly picked a bagged bottle of red, white, or rose wine valued between $15-100. The event also included a silent auction and raffles to win gift certificates to various Dine Originals restaurants, all benefiting The Buckeye Ranch and Dine Originals Columbus.

The Palm House of the Conservatory featured live music by the all-female band, The Salty Caramels, who has been voted Top 3 'Best Local Band' by (614) Magazine. Their smooth harmonies blended together perfectly and paired nicely with the food, wine, and beer tastings. Here's a sampling of one of their original songs, "Button Pusher", below:

An incredible event, the 2016 Taste of Dine Originals successfully showcased Columbus's finest foods, drinks and music in a lovely atmosphere, all to benefit a great cause.

About Taste Of Dine Originals:

Taste Of Dine Originals is a non-profit organization that celebrates, supports, and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of Columbus. They are committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through charitable partnerships, such as the one they share with The Buckeye Ranch.

About The Buckeye Ranch:

The Buckeye Ranch is a non-profit, social services agency, that provides a continuum of care for children and families who deal with mental, emotional, behavioral, and familial issues. On any given day, The Buckeye Ranch touches the lives of 2,200 children from seven locations throughout Ohio.

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