TAT Ristorante di Famiglia: This ain't The Olive Garden

http://www.tatitalian.com/

And in regard to the title of this entry, if The Olive Garden ranks as one of your favorite Italian dining spots, you have my sympathy. But, go ahead and skip this entry and check back tomorrow. There's nothing here for you. However, if you appreciate authentic Sicilian cuisine in a very Italian family atmosphere, read on.

TAT Ristorante di Famiglia (TAT for short) is located at James and Livingston on the east side of Columbus. Advance warning: This place is not located in the best neighborhood. In between courses (I had 10, see below) I stepped out for a smoke. I was promptly approached by two unsavory characters demanding money. Of course, I laughed at them and they went away. But that is another story.

So, if you frequent this spot be careful, and don't go outside alone, Just settle in for some amazing food. I ordered my usual, The Sicilian Delight. It is not quite a Man v Food challenge, but it's close. As mentioned. 10 courses! You start with a glass of Chablis. This is followed by Sicilian Bread (garlic bread on steroids), wedding soup, and a house salad. I then stepped out for the previously mentioned smoke, and returned with the rest of the courses waiting.

Before me now sits a huge plate full of every Italian favorite imaginable on it. Homemade pasta noodles covered in a delicious garlic-heavy marinara, a huge meatball, sausage that is VERY spicy, manicotti, and some cheese ravioli. I dug in and put a good dent in it. Didn't finish as I had 4 times in my younger days, but hey, that just means great leftovers. And to top it all off, you get spumoni for dessert. As if you need it!

I went with several family members. Yes, we WERE that loud Italian family enjoying their meal. But that just meant we fit in. TAT is the real deal, definitely the best authentic Italian cuisine in Columbus. Check it out. But be careful :)

Steak in a Time Machine

http://www.thetopsteakhouse.com/

As you walk into The Top, located in Bexley, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus), you suddenly feel the presence of Frank, Dean, and Sammy. The darkness of the place, the narrow hallway entrance, the stained glass, the 1950s feel. As you enter the restaurant itself, you are greeted by a piano player wailing a song by one of the aforementioned artists. Wow, you think, this joint is cool. It gets better.

This place has been here since 1955. It hasn't changed. You are led to your table by a waitress who could very well be the original owners daughter. You look at the menu and think, hmm...kinda pricey. But you order anyway. You won't be sorry.

The Top has one of the coolest atmospheres to dine in that I have ever experienced. The only thing cooler than the atmosphere, though, is the food. Succelent steaks, great sides, incredible seafood, and great cocktails. My personal favorite is the porterhouse (usually 22-24 oz.) covered in roasted garlic butter. Seafood fan? The shrimp is fantastic. Also tried the French Onion Soup. Not to my liking, as it was a bit sweet. But if you like a sweeter, grenadine-infused FOS, this is for you. All plates are also garnished with 2 delicious onion rings.

As the piano man crooned "Piano Man", I came to the realization that this was the best steak I had ever eaten. I savored the experience, and didn't even think about the bill. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth every penny. I can't give a place any higher rating than The Top Steak House. An unreal experience....