Ask any seasoned veteran to describe the essence of the Congress, and they will most likely mention one of the many food vendors. From the Sweet Shop cinnamon rolls to the famous bourbon chicken, Congress food is a huge fan favorite for participants and spectators alike. There is also a great foodie scene off the grounds in Columbus.
So, whether you are an exhibitor, trainer, or just attending to shop and sight-see, find time to experience these wonderful tastes. Here are some of the industry’s top exhibitors’ and trainers’ favorite Congress eats. Some also mentioned their favorite comfort food recipes perfect for late nights at Congress. Bon Appetit!
Vanessa Froman – I love food and Congress is full of so many options, during the day. With both of us showing/practicing, it can get tough to make food but Team Pogue Lounge is usually packed with so many snacks, fruit, and crockpot meals. One of my favorites is made by Joni Frame, it’s chicken and Ramen Egg noodles served over mashed potatoes. On certain days of Congress, you just want to crash on the couch and drown yourself in the comfort that meal gives you. It’s also a team tradition for us to eat at least once from Buca Di Beppo, usually via takeout. We also try to go to Polaris Grill or Eddie Merlot’s for a nice meal before the storm of Congress starts.
Then, for eating on the grounds, right when we get there, we just start our Sweet Shop tab. Love our Sweet Shop friends, who always take great care of us, especially Collin since he was little. His favorite food of Congress is the famous Sweet Shop cinnamon roll. My favorite Sweet Shop food is not usually available at Congress, it’s their Italian Sub. THE BEST! But they are open all the time and a heaven-sent some nights when walking back from the Celeste, and I can grab some chicken and dumplings. But one of the best meals is from the OQHA Amateurs Pancake Breakfast which raises funds to donate to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. They can even pack you a to-go box, which we sometimes have to do since it is on showmanship day.
Sarah Lebsock – I get asked for dinner recommendations all the time. There are so many good options, this list could have gone on forever. These recommendations are for sure closer to the show grounds. The Columbus food scene is so great, it’s hard to narrow it down.
Some of my recommendations include: RH (Restoration Hardware) Rooftop – the best ambiance in town; Sōw Plated – my personal favorite restaurant, locally sourced food, healthier option; Lefty’s pop-up located at Harrison’s on Third – the chicken sandwich is to die for, it’s in a bar, so more casual, but so worth it. Extensive vegan options. Delmar – super great seafood spot; Martini’s – the most underrated Italian in the city; The Pearl – personal fave brunch spot, but love all meals there, home of the best espresso martini; Firebird – great steakhouse with a bomb lemon martini; Hudson 29 – something for everyone, not over priced and could be good for kids, but on the nicer side; El Vaquero – low key best classic Mexican food you’ll find; Cooper’s Hawk – something for everyone, it’s a winery, so the wine selection is great, but they have other beverages too. You can’t go wrong here. Goodale Station – a great view of the city and ambiance, they offer fancier food options, but also have a great burger. The menu changes regularly, so be sure to check it out.
Grant Mastin – When I am on the grounds at the Congress, I obviously love going to the Sweet Shop. Off the grounds, there are a lot of great options in Columbus. Some of my favorites include Jeff Ruby’s, Hyde Park, Guild House, The Pearl, Columbus Fish Market, Cap City Diner, Katzinger’s Deli, and Third & Hollywood. All of these restaurants are great and must-visits, especially if you’re not from the area.
Bella D’Onofrio – Congress has so many of the best places to eat. I enjoy eating at either the wood-fired pizza or the Philly Cheesesteak tent. Then, to top off the perfect meal, a giant cream puff from Schmitz. Lastly, the chili my mom makes for the stalls and the homemade lasagna my dad makes always hit the spot.
Alexis Potts – My favorite place to eat in Columbus is Cap City Diner. We go every year for my mom’s birthday, and the meal is not complete without their AMAZING carrot cake.
Tali Terlizzi – My favorite place is the Greek place for their Greek salad and Greek fries. I used to love going to the VIP restaurant for the salad bar and wings and a place to get warm. But, unfortunately, it hasn’t been back in a few years. A close second is when Allison McDonald makes her chili at the stalls, and I will say a lot of friends request my famous meatballs and sauce, which is great for a cold, rainy day.
Kristy Starnes – My mom makes an amazing Texas Mac and Cheese in the crock pot. Better get to the stalls early on that day as it is always gone fast. We do crockpots every day since no one has time to leave the grounds, and it’s so much healthier and less expensive than eating on food row.
Scott Reinartz – My favorite go-to places are Bourbon Chicken and the Chinese place in Congress Food Alley. Off the grounds, I just go to whatever is open late.
Hillary Timchak – Off the grounds, you can’t beat Jeff Ruby’s, Arch City Tavern, or Trattoria Roma. If you’re eating at the show, you have to get a Stromboli at least once. Other than that, Mai Li’s Chinese is great and a bit healthier than your standard Congress fare. Lastly, I’m still in mourning over Cuppy’s Coffee. They’ve not been coming to the show for a few years now and that was my favorite vendor. Come back, Beth!
Carey Nowacek – I always look forward to eating at Schmidt’s! Bourbon chicken and Chinese are my other go-to’s at The Congress. Wherever we are in the country, we love to try new places off the grounds. One of our favorite restaurants in Columbus is Hyde Park. Great food and even better drinks. Cap City Diner is also a must-go for our group.
Amanda Moore-McFadden – Every year at Congress, I look forward to getting a Bahama Mama and pumpkin cream puff from Schmidt’s. The sweet shop is a go-to for cold nitro brew coffee and their world-famous cinnamon buns. The Greek stand has delicious, healthier options. Of course, a crowd favorite is the world-famous pancake breakfast served on October 14th by the Ohio Amateur Club, which I am a director of. We also are very fortunate that we have a wonderful barn family and take turns providing meals throughout the year at horse shows. One of the barn favorites that I make is pulled pork sandwiches and dill potato salad, which everyone really seems to enjoy. I will share the recipe. It is simple to make and fairly healthy too.
Dill Potato Salad Recipe
- 1.5 lbs Red Potatoes ( I just bought a 3lb bag and used half)
- 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Dill
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Chives
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 Cup White Wine Vinegar or Champagne Vinegar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Directions: Chop potatoes into bite-size pieces (no need to remove skin) and place in a saucepan with water covering potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10 min. While potatoes are cooking, mix mayonnaise, dill, chives, and mustard in a small mixing bowl and refrigerate. Drain potatoes after they are done cooking and place in a large mixing bowl. Add vinegar, pepper, and salt to potatoes, and toss to coat. Allow potatoes to cool and then add refrigerated mayonnaise mixture to potatoes. Mix gently and refrigerate until ready to serve. Feel free to add celery or onions if you like a little crunch in your potato salad.
What’s your favorite place to eat at Congress? Did we miss one? Any recipes you’d like to share? Please share in the comments on our social media.
