Dining around downtown Columbus

When my husband and I get a chance to have a date night, we don’t need to drive up to Indianapolis for a great meal. Tre Bicchieri in Columbus, Indiana (where we live) is a charming Italian restaurant nestled among many other local shops along Washington Street.

The food is fantastic—I’ve had the pleasure of dining there many times and I have yet to have a bad experience. I recommend starting your meal with the fried goat cheese on their homemade bread. Or try the crisp and light calamari.  On my most recent meal there, I chose the sea scallops as my entrée, and they arrived perfectly seared, sitting on top of a generous serving of risotto. My husband had the lamb, and he ate every bite.  But it’s also hard to turn down the pasta dishes, many of which come with their house-made mozzarella.

Tre Bicchieri is not the only delicious local dining option in downtown Columbus, though.  On November 10, there’s a chance to sample several of my favorite places all in one evening. The Progressive Dinner Series allows diners to have an appetizer at one restaurant, saunter down the street for their entrée at another restaurant, and take another short walk for dessert at a third restaurant.  The schedule and selections for the November 10 dinner is:

• Appetizer: Parmesan Steak Tacos at Fork at 532 (532 Washington Street)
• Entrée: Braised Short Ribs, Maple Soy Glaze, Butternut Squash Risotto at Bistro 310 (310 Fourth Street)
• Dessert: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake at Tre Bicchieri (425 Washington Street)

Reservations are limited and there are specific seating times, so be sure to call 812-418-8212 in advance.