Friday Food Bites: Gene’s, Paris Baguette, Zundo Ramen, and Two Rivers debut

Gene’s in Dublin; credit Natalie Folchi, FOLCHI Creative

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

• This week Coast Wine House in Historic Dublin debuted a new companion restaurant called Gene’s. Located steps away from the wine bar at 91 S. High St., Gene’s features a “seasonal New American” menu paired with a robust wine program.
• Who’s up for more pastries? The South Korea-based chain Paris Baguette opened its first Columbus location at 3969 Merchants Row at Easton. It takes over the former LemonShark Poke & Makai Grill space (which closed in early 2022). Paris Baguette features pastries, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and tea. A second Columbus location is planned near Ohio State’s campus.
• Cincinnati-based Zundo Ramen & Donburi opened its first Columbus location this week. It’s located at 2500 N. High St. in Old North. (You can read a little more about them in our 2022 itinerary, A Little Star Wars in Cincinnati.)
• A new eatery from a former 101 Beer Kitchen chef, Two Rivers Restaurant and Bar, opened this week at 4046 Powell Rd. in Powell. Chef and owner Michael Frame created the eatery after 11 years at 101 Beer Kitchen, plus stints at Bon Vie and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.
• Last week Hadley’s Bar + Kitchen downtown quietly closed after seven years in business. It opened at 260 S. Fourth St. in late 2017, serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
• Creole Kitchen in King-Lincoln Bronzeville is temporarily closed while it moves from its long-time home on Mount Vernon Avenue! It’s making the move to 795 E. Long St., a new build next to the Lincoln Theatre.
• Monster Baby Donuts announced on social media that its East Market stall will close on Saturday, July 20 after about a year in business. The gluten free and vegan donut maker will still pop-up around town and as a mobile business.
• A location of the Panda Pancakes chain has opened in the food court at Polaris Fashion Place.
• A new sports bar called Homefield has replaced Round II at 1312 Grandview Ave. Round II closed earlier this year, after replacing Balboa.
• In a bit of history repeating itself, Harvest Bar + Kitchen is Clintonville closed again due to fire on July 12. A timeline for re-opening hasn’t been established. Harvest closed for several months in July of 2022 after a fire damaged the building extensively.
• (614) Magazine‘s Restaurant Week returns next week, July 22-27, featuring prix-fixe menus from a variety of local restaurants.
• Finally, a second edition of Bao Down, a bao bun-focused pop-up, arrives Monday evening, July 22, at Seventh Son Brewing. The event is ticketed, and features bao from five different Columbus purveyors. The theme for this edition is “steamed and smoked.” Get your tickets here!

Also, I’m speaking virtually through the Columbus Library next week Wednesday, July 24 from 7-8 p.m.! The theme for the night is An Ohio Food Road Trip. You can sign up for free right here!

This week I’m also writing:

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