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

• The Little Big Market is celebrating its grand opening tonight – Friday, August. 4 – 6 p.m. Built as part of Thrive Companies’ Grandview Crossing development, the market features 10 local vendors, a full bar and indoor/outdoor spaces. Also included in the facilities is a third location of Thrive’s cafe/cocktail bar concept, Bada Bean Bada Booze. Hit the link above for a full preview of it!
• This week, new French restaurant Chouette opened at 66 N. High St. downtown, on the northeast corner of Gay and High streets. Deriving its name from the French word for “owl,” the establishment is owned by Makeready, which operates Hank’s Low Country Seafood across the street and The Junto Hotel. Chouette features a full bar, a menu of French classics, a second-floor mezzanine and a large covered patio along Gay Street.
• High Bank Distillery opens its third restaurant next week, Tuesday, August. 20, at 28 S. State St. in Uptown Westerville. The full restaurant and bar is taking over the old post office building in Westerville.
• A new restaurant called The Rivington is coming soon to 584 N. High St., in the former Bar 23 space at 670 cap in the Short North. It’s a new cocktail, food and live music concept from restaurateurs Corey and Kyle Jenkins and Matthew Silva. It is scheduled to open in early 2025.
• Soul 2 Go, a soul food restaurant that doubles as a ghost kitchen, is close to opening its first brick and mortar location at 72 E. Lynn St. the center of the city.
• The Columbus Dispatch announced this week that El Vaquero will take over the former Short North Local Cantina at 700 N. High St.
• Next Tuesday, Aug. 20, Panda Express is opening another new store with its updated design, this one at 492 Colemans Crossing Blvd. in Marysville.
• Just a reminder that this Sunday, Aug. 18 is last call for Little Rock Bar in Italian Village. It will then close and new owners will take over operations and become a second Thirsty’s Pub location.

There are also several fun events this weekend including:

• The next edition of the Columbus Food Truck Festival is this Saturday, August. 17 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard.
• The Columbus Metropolitan Library hosts Beats & Brews on Saturdays from 1-5pm in the plaza behind the main library. It will feature a food truck, live music, panel discussions and beers from Nocterra Brewing.
• The Northern Market Wine Festival is this Friday and Saturday at the Bridge Park venue.
• The seventh edition of Prints & Pints ​​is this Saturday, August. 17 at The Daily Growler in the brewery area. It features prints from 12 different local artists and beers from 12 different local breweries.

This week I also write:

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