Friday Food Bites: Nocterra Audubon, Teas Your Spirits Eatery open; Willowbeez leaves North Market

There’s always a lot happening in the Columbus restaurant world! Here’s the latest:

• This Sunday, June 30, Nocterra Brewing opens its second location at 516 Maier Pl. next to the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. This new spot from the Powell brewery features a taproom and full restaurant, coffee service in the mornings using Jennings Java roasts, access to the Bloc Garten climbing gym next door, a front patio, and mezzanine level with secondary bar. This location is very fitting for Nocterra’s outdoorsy theme, since it’s next to the gym, across from the metro park, and is connected to the bike trails.
• Teas Your Spirits Eatery celebrated its grand opening yesterday at 5286 Center St. in Hilliard. It replaces Off Center Patio & Pub, which transitioned to a dining pop-up instead. Teas Your Spirits has been appearing at local farmers markets selling tea, juices, and other items. In addition to tea service, the new Hilliard eatery will feature a Caribbean-inspired menu.
• Willowbeez Soulveg announced that it has exited the North Market downtown earlier this week. The vegan soul food spot had been open for about three years; the owner said they’ll transition to pop-up events instead.
• A new matcha-focused cafe called Matcha Me Cafe opens today, June 28, at 2348 N. High St. in the University District.
• Mikey’s Late Night Slice closed its Olde Towne East location at 892 Oak St. this week. It’ll be replaced by a new concept from the owners of the Olde Towne Tavern across the street (although the Attic comedy club upstairs will remain unchanged). Mikey’s is getting ready to open three new locations: one in the University District and two that will replace the shuttered Weenie Wonders.
• The owners of Eastern Palace Fine Asian Cuisine at 6078 E. Livingston Ave. in Reynoldsburg announced that they’ll be closing on Monday, July 1 after 30+ years in business.
• The owner of Biscuits By Daddy O, the gluten free production shop and cafe in King-Lincoln, said their storefront is temporarily closed after a small fire there this past weekend.
• Annie Dickson, owner of Bite This By Annie, announced that she’ll open her Clintonville storefront on Saturday, July 13. She’s taking over the former Tudie’s/Pattycake shop at 3009 N. High St.
• Tickets for the Columbus Coffee Festival went on sale recently. This year the festival will be held Oct. 5-6 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
• The ninth volume of the Columbus Ale Trail kicks off on Monday, July 1! This year it features 33 breweries around Franklin County. Guests can earn rewards for visiting 10 or hitting up all 33.
• The Westerville Ice Cream Trail also launches on Monday, July 1 and runs through Sept. 30. It features eight shops that guests can visit and earn prizes.

This week I’m also writing:

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