Comfort Food at Columbus, Ohio's Skillet

The tagline of Skillet, a tiny German Village restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, is simple: Rustic. Urban. Food. But those three little words hardly do justice to the ingenuity of chef-owner Kevin Caskey’s menu. Take, for example, his macaroni and cheese, elevated from everyday to extraordinary with a topping of pulled pork and arugula. The sauce is a rich, smooth béchamel; the cheese is a farmstead organic cheddar from an Ohio creamery; and the meat is lean, Ohio-raised Tamworth pork, smoked on the patio behind the restaurant and then braised in apple cider. The price for this fantastic indulgence? Just $13.

A dedicated locavore, Kevin shops at Columbus’ famed North Market and changes his menu often to reflect the availability of meat and produce. You might find a grass-fed beef burger topped with green chilies or a brioche grilled cheese oozing cheddar and boursin. No matter the season, the freshness of the ingredients, and the creativity they inspire, shines on every plate. (614) 443-2266; skilletruf.com