I have been a long-time fan of the Cameron Mitchell concept restaurants. Honestly, I have not found more consistency and quality than his fine fleet of dining establishments. I often use his restaurants as a benchmark to rate restaurants I review. So, kudos to you Mr. Cam!
A little background:
“While remaining independent and privately held, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has grown to 20 units and nine different concepts with locations in nine states. In addition to Cameron’s, the concepts are: Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink, M, Martini Modern Italian, Marcella’s, Ocean Prime, and Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro and The Pearl, Restaurant, Tavern & Oyster Room. In addition to these restaurant ventures Cameron Mitchell Premier Events continues to thrive as the premier caterer in Columbus, Ohio. After the sale of two of its most popular concepts – Mitchell’s/Columbus Fish Market and Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse – to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. in early 2008, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is focusing on developing new restaurant concepts as well as expanding concepts currently in the company’s portfolio. The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, a sister company of CMR, currently operates 16 locations in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Florida.”
While I am sad that the Fish Market concept is now under the roof of Ruth Chris, the standards and quality of Cameron Mitchell have not faltered. I started this blog as a review of M at Miranova, but find that I need to create a separate blog later. I still have much I’d like to say about CMR as I have dined often! I do not always review everything I eat because some are just “regulars” to me now. However, I feel that some of theses need some discussion and appreciation at this time. Let’s talk about the CMR restaurants I have tried:
- Cap City: While I do not love everything on the menu, there are things on the menu I could not do without! I can’t imagine a world without their Chocolate cake. I particularly enjoy this to-go, I put in my fridge to chill, and enjoy cold. The recent-to-me pretzel sticks and beer cheese… I am a bit of a soft pretzel connoisseur… Ranks highest above all restaurant sticks out there. The benchmark for me is Bretzel in the North Market, I have found none better. The Balsamic Chicken is my go to dish with the Salmon as a close second. Salad there have never been quite on mark, so please don’t go if you’re on a diet!
- Marcella’s: There is a distinct difference between the Polaris location and Short North. While neither is negative, the Polaris location is more appealing to me. There are some additional menu items, like my favorite Build Your Own Pasta. There is a parking lot… If you frequent the ShoNo, you understand the value of parking. Lastly, for me, there is a lot more seating and I can get in easily. My favorite pizza in the city use to be their 4 Cheese Pizza. While still great, my tastes have migrated away from a white sauce pizza. On a side note, I love the dried soap in the bathrooms. Quite authentic.
- The Ocean Club: I was just mentioning it has been 3-4 years since I’ve been here. My only reason is because I’ve moved from the Eastside. This restaurant is part of the Ocean Prime concept. This has been the best example of “fine dining” in his arsenal. I base this on the serving staff, aesthetics of the restaurant, and presentation. I have never consumed anything here that I did not like. Ocean Clubs gets my highest nod.
- Molly Woos: I went once 6 years ago. The only reason I went was because a CMR employee and I were aquatinted and it was a freebee. I also never went back. I recall not being fond of the food or the ambiance. I am willing to give it another go but really, I prefer to leave my Asian food cravings to those more skilled. I would gladly accept an invitation back to review it.
- Cameron’s: The flagship gem of 1993. I love Cameron’s but rarely get there. If you weren’t looking for it you would miss it nestled in a shopping plaza next to a Wendy’s and Chinese takeout. The goat cheese salad is to die for!
- Martini: I also under-visit this amazing place. I often forget about it quite frankly. It’s in a bit of a good/bad spot. Close to the downtown convention center, the Arena District, the ShoNo, Park Street, and the North Market. While I love these areas of the city, I also avoid them based on what is going on. The Arnold? Forget about it. There’s no way I’d go near Martini. I can not remember the specifics of what I have had. I just remember everything was top quality.
- The Pearl: Not my favorite. This could be because I do not eat oysters – and it’s an oyster bar. I went once last year and now looking over their menu, think they need a second chance. They caught my eye at “Cinnamon Sticky Bun.”
- M at Miranova: Check back for the review! Just dined last night for an anniversary dinner.
If I were to assign a number rating it would follow as such:
- Ocean Club
- M at Miranova
- Cap City
- Martini
- Marcella’s
- Cameron’s
- The Pearl
- Molly Woo’s
Thank you Cam for all the wonderful quality and standards you have infused into Columbus! I would be honored to meet you!
Columbus Food Chick 