With weather warm and sunny, the Grange Insurance Audubon Center was the picture perfect place to toast Dine Originals Columbus. Chefs were fashionably focused on presenting incredible dishes that were inspired and delighted guests with fabulous flavors to savor!  I was a smitten kitten for Tony’s Italian Ristorante creamy polenta with pesto.  It was perfectly paired with the crisp champagne poured generously by Heidelberg Wines.  The Rigsby family was spotted in the crowd – such a stylish tribe and their table of epicurean delights from Rigsby’s Kitchen (where we ended up later last night) and Tasi Cafe looked amazing – even if I didn’t have the opportunity to taste.  Other restaurants I saw but didn’t snarl and totally adore included The Refectory, The Top Steakhouse, The Worthington Inn, Basi Italia, Press Grill, Due Amici and Barrio. A German Village restaurant that I worship is G. Michael’s Bistro and executive chef and co-owner David Tetzloff was there preparing their signature shrimp and grits that I enjoyed paired with an artisan OYO whiskey side car cocktail.  I snarled a pickle from Katzinger’s along with a delicate piece of sushi from Shoku.  To satisfy my sweet tooth I went straight to dessert boutique Pistacia Vera.  My friend Spencer Budros, who along with his sister Anne own Pistacia, was looking very much the handsome harry in his very chic 100% Egyptian cotton Bragard chef coat.  I guarantee the other chefs were envious of the tailored short sleeves and oh so soft feel of his jacket.  His beautiful display of colorful macarons were so delicious! I may have slipped an additional one or two into my purse that complimented my coffee this morning.  Spencer is pictured with Gretchen Schneider, my date for the night and author of the very popular denim blog That’s One Dope Canadian Tuxedo and social media maven of BuzzRocket, visiting us from LA.  The evening was glorious and I was gluttonous.

BRAVO to Katharine Moore and the Dine Originals restaurants on a stylish, successful and delicious evening everyone loved loved loved!  Be sure you check out my gallery to see who else was seen at the Taste of Dine Originals event and make your reservations for 2012!