Month: November 2022

Garcia’s Mexican – Chillicothe, OH

A good third wave Mexican restaurant in Chillicothe, bringing more traditional Mexican options to the area. 

OH FOOD GUY

Chillicothe is a historic town which deserves more recognition.  It has ancient Indian earthworks, it has served as both the first and third capitol of Ohio, and it is home to  Adena, an excellent example of early 1800s Anglo-American country estate architecture.  However, the city is more of a town now and focused on industry, limited tourism, and service due to it’s crossroads location.  

For years, this location was home to Bangkok Palace, a first wave Chinese (and Thai) restaurant which opened in 1988.  Although the OH Food Guy had only been to Bangkok a few times, care showed and first wave classics (including pupu platters) were to be had.  Sadly, the pandemic pushed Bangkok to close. 

Rather than a forgettable chain or more boring option, luckily in its place opened Garcia’s, a good third wave Mexican restaurant.  Garcia’s is part of what we call the third wave of Mexican: more traditional options and higher quality, less focus on smothering food with cheese. Gradually the third wave of Mexican is making its way out of the cities as evident by Garcia’s opening up in the small crossroads town of Chillicothe. The owner of Garcia’s learned his trade through working at Toro Loco, the large southern Ohio Mexican restaurant group.  However, Garcia’s offers more traditional fare than most.  

For starters, the tortilla chips and salsa are very good and very fresh.  Both obviously made in the restaurant.   There are even two types of tortilla chips, both excellent.   Spicier sauce options are available, at request.  A small flavorful cup of pico also came with our chips, it wasn’t spicy but was excellent and full of flavor.

Excellent chilaquiles at Garcia’s. Tortillas are both crunchy and full of sauce.  Sauce has some spice.  Rice has some flavor.  

Birria Soup, similar to posole with a very tender slow roasted meat and excellent broth

The pictures and decorations have the vibe, but are typical and generic Mexican restaurant style.

 

UNORDERED LIST

  • Good third wave Mexican
  • Best Mexican we’ve had in Chillicothe
  • Prices reasonable, but a little higher than other Mexican places

Primary Link

Garcia’s Mexican Grill in Chillicothe

 

Chillicothe is full of dining options, but the quality and traditional dishes makes Garcia’s an excellent option and likely the best Mexican option in Chillicothe.  Recently opened, Garcia’s has the quality to really change the Mexican food scene in Chillicothe.  

  1. Try traditional options, such as chilaquiles
  2. Focus on high quality meat options: al pastor, birria and chorizo
  3. Explore greater Chillicothe: Adena mounds, Adena mansion, and Tecumseh 

Return

Details

Before you go

Become familiar with other Mexican cuisine options.    

Address

Garcia’s Mexican Grill

870 N Bridge St

Chillicothe, OH 45601

(740) 851-6110

 

Date of Last visit:  October 2022

About Ratings

1

Times Visited 

12

Rating

$$

Cost

12

Décor

Faculty Club (OSU)

Members only dining at Ohio State University in a classical environment

OH FOOD GUY

A stairwell that transports you to lounging areas that fit in with the 1930s when it was founded

The Faculty Club, one of the secrets of OSU is located right in the middle of campus.  Since they don’t have classes here, many students know nothing of it despite walking past it every days.  However, for those in the know, the faculty club offers an excellent dining experience and atmosphere. 

Members only clubs have been declining in popularity for some time in the Midwest.  Despite this, the OSU Faculty Club survives due to its connection to the university and availability for special events.  For members who take advantage of it, it is an affordable luxury.  The dining options are diverse and reasonable in price and the environment encourages you to lounge and relax both before and after the meal.  

The formal dining room which does double duty for receptions.

Salad bar is a good option at lunch

Seasonal soups and entrees can be expected at the lunch buffet.  This fall it was a squash soup and a chili.  

Menu has many options in both variety and price

 

UNORDERED LIST

  • Excellent traditional American and fusion fare
  • Great lunch buffets
  • Prices reasonable, but you need to be a member.

Primary Link

The Faculty Club

 

This is a hidden gem in Columbus and even at OSU where, despite it being in the center of campus, many students have not heard of it.  This is a traditional posh experience where you could see the OSU president, emeritus professors, or wealthy alumni hanging out.  This is a traditional spot many universities no longer have.   

  1. Walk around and check out the art and lounges
  2. Ask if the ground floor bar is open.
  3. Visit and relax in the reading room.

Return

Details

Before you go

To dine or hang out, you need to be a member, be associated with The Ohio State University, or be with  a member.  

Address

The Faculty Club

181 S Oval Mall

Columbus, OH 43210

(614) 292-2262

 

Date of Last visit:  October 2022

About Ratings

10+

Times Visited 

12

Rating

$$

Cost

15

Décor

China Cottage

An excellent first wave Chinese restaurant in Dayton Ohio that maintains a commitment to quality in all aspects of the dining experience. 

OH FOOD GUY

“Zombie” a Tiki style mixed drink in a fun cup. Excellent

Bookended Dayton from the north and south are two excellent Chinese fine dining options:  Shen’s (which used to be Mr. Lee’s) in the north and then China Cottage in the south in Centerville.  

China Cottage has been in the Dayton area since the 1980s, which is what I call the first wave of Chinese restaurants.  These were usually sit down, sometimes formal, and heavily Americanized Cantonese in style. Sadly, many of these have closed and been replaced by banal buffets.  But, China Cottage still provides for this phenomenal dining experience which blends Tiki style with top first wave Chinese dining.  

Get Started

A traditional piña colada in a Dynasty Wholesale mug, peak Tiki.

 Eight Treasures & Bean Curd (Tofu) in Clay Pot

Every order is plated well and full of flavor

Tiki and Chinese decorations abound at China Cottage to make an excellent environment for dinner with friends, family, or dates.
Beef noodle soup, each bite is flavorful and the beef is juicy

Five Spicy Bean Curd with Shredded Pork – a great traditional dish

Great ambience and decorations surround you

 

 

UNORDERED LIST

  • Traditional menu option is available, but you have to ask
  • Traditional Tiki style decor, drinks and appetizers
  • Excellent first wave Chinese cuisine
  • All food is high quality and the focus shows

Primary Link

China Cottage

 

Chinese restaurants have certainly changed since they emerged in the midwest in the 1980s.  China Cottage is one that has been there since the first wave and they have updated while maintaining their tradition.  This is a hidden gem in the Dayton area and always impresses.

  1. Ask for the traditional menu
  2. The traditional menu is not clear in what is what
  3. Try new things

Return

Details

Before you go

There are multiple China Cottages in the Dayton area.  They seem to differ some.  To us, the Centerville location provides the best quality. 

Address

China Cottage – Centerville

6290 Far Hills Ave

Dayton, OH 45459

(937)434-2622

Date of Last visit:  March 2022

About Ratings

10+

Times Visited 

12

Rating

$$

Cost

15

Décor