The Refectory Restaurant is one of Columbus’s most iconic fine-dining destinations, known for French-inspired cuisine, an exceptional wine program and a setting featuring a restored 19th-century church building. Inside, you'll see soaring wooden beams, candlelit dining rooms and stained-glass accents that create an old-world atmosphere. I enjoyed the chef's four-course Alsace tasting menu, which first included a gift from the chef. The terrine was a surprise because my first course was also a terrine. Two terrines in one meal is possibly two too many. But then, I received the bread basket, which was one type of bread, but at least it was warm. Now, onto our official tasting menu. Sockeye Salmon and Smoked Salmon Terrine horseradish vinaigrette, caviar blend blinis. It included creme fraiche, salmon roe, caviar, tomato fricasse and microgreens. Wild Mushroom Lasagna brandy sauce, tomato fondue Prime Pork Loin and Duck Sausage Duet mustard velvet sauce Alsatian Cheese Cake blueberry coulis, almond joconde, griottines A jelly, a chocolate and a creme brulee finished the meal. Grade: A

Rebel SmokeHouse is the premier (and only?) BBQ joint in Mullens. PLUS burgers, pasta, steaks, sandwiches and wings. Now that's a mouthful, literally. Here's what I went with: 1/4 rack St Louis Style Ribs with beer bread, pasta salad & mac & cheese. St. Louis-style ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs. They’re trimmed from spare ribs to create a more rectangular, uniform shape, with the rib tips and cartilage removed. Compared to baby back ribs, St. Louis ribs are typically meatier, have more fat and connective tissue, and often deliver a richer pork flavor. They’re a barbecue favorite because they cook evenly and hold up well to smoking, grilling and saucing. The ribs delivered on a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying bite. Less tender than I'd prefer. The beer bread added a slightly sweet, malty note. The pasta salad provided a cool contrast. The mac & cheese added some creaminess. So it's like we hit all the food groups.

Grade: B

Belle's Bread is one of my most favorite roadtrip discoveries of all time. Thanks to a head's up from my nail tech (and friend!) Christina, I stopped at the Columbus bakery and entered into a new world. The Japanese bakery & cafe is located in Kenny Centre Mall and draws on inspiration from France for its take on breads and pastries. It is family-owned and -operated. Takashi Takenaka opened the business after emigrating from Japan in 1972. There's the red bean roll, frank roll, and curry and boiled egg doughnuts. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. The bear-shaped strawberry butter cream pastry was as adorable as it is delicious. I wasn't going anywhere without a ham & onion roll, which also had mayonnaise. All familiar flavors, but combined in the best way. My favorite of the trip may be the curry & boiled egg donut. Think sweet, fluffy exterior with an explosion of flavor inside. It is sweet and has some depth of flavor from the curry and also creaminess from the egg. Delicious. Their signature Caramel Almond Roll features a light, fluffy sponge cake with rich caramel and crunchy sliced almonds. There were a number of other unique options that I'll save for next time: tuna cheese, bacon corn roll, spicy tuna and more. If you've been, let me know your favorites in the comments below. Happy eating! Grade: A

Tensuke Market is the largest Japanese grocery store in Ohio. "Growing up in a tiny village in Japan, Takashi Takenaka loved fishing in nearby streams, often immersed waist-deep. As he grew older, he dreamed of sharing his knowledge and love of seafood and Japanese cuisine," reads the website. "After leaving his homeland and settling in America, he established one of Central Ohio's first Japanese restaurants in 1987, now called Akai Hana. Shortly after that, he opened a Japanese seafood and grocery store - Tensuke Market." "Over 30 years, the company has grown to include the 6 shops of Japan Marketplace, each providing a unique piece of Japanese tradition and culture. Takashi notes that when we prepare Japanese food for our customers, they experience a sense of well-being – similar to what he felt while enjoying the delicious meals from his mother growing up." "Tensuke Market is committed to offering the finest of Japanese food, products and culture to nourish our great community of Columbus. We hope that you can enjoy a taste of Japan's beautiful cuisine and renowned traditions." I picked up a teriyaki chicken & mayo onigiri. The first task is figuring out how to open it. It is designed to keep the seaweed crispy. Pull the center tab down (1), pull the right corner out (2), and pull the left corner out (3). I also got some gummy grape candy for dessert. Both were tasty. What an awesome place with so many offerings. I'd love to go back when I have a cooler in tow. Grade: A

"Some of the city’s best Chinese food can be found in a Kenny Centre strip mall at Xi Xia. The restaurant’s specialty is its chewy noodles that are painstakingly made by hand. You’ll find them in their excellent signature dish: stirred noodles with supple pieces of beef shank, bok choy, and a kick of chili oil. The springy strands also show up in soup dishes of rich, slow-cooked bone broth that’s a solid hangover cure. Don’t miss the wonderfully gelatinous spicy chicken feet, the excellent lamb rice pilaf, or the salt-and-pepper chicken that’s an excellent takeout order for the family," reads The Infatuation. With a description like that, how can I not order that signature dish. The silky noodles were my favorite - so delicate. And the egg - I would love a soy egg with every meal. The meat was my least favorite; the beef shank flavor was a bit on the earthy side for me. Grade: B