Well... On Tuesday at 4:00 pm EDT, the first location of Giordano's will open in the Polaris area of Columbus. They will be bringing their A-Game to introduce Central Ohio to deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, pasta, and even Italian beef sandwiches. They do have thin crust pizza too, but what would be the point of ordering that??? Really??? When I say they are bringing their A-Game, I mean it. I have seen their staff in action and thoroughly sampled their wares. I will take this moment to extend special thanks to my lovely wife for scoring an invite to the Giordano's training event this weekend so we could enjoy the preview with some good long-time friends. (BIG SMILE)
What Giordano's may or may not know is that a long-time local establishment has been cooking up Chicago-style favorites only a couple of miles west of where they will open their doors. Wholly Joe's Chicago Eatery has been playng their A-game for maybe even longer than your Dining Scout has lived in the Columbus area. In addition to deep-dish Chicago-style pizza and Italian beef, they offer Chicago-style hot dogs to round out the Windy City experience. Although thankfully, they don't get bent out of shape if they see you put ketchup on your hot dog. -sheepish grin-
Since I happened to visit both establishments within the last week, I know they are both in top form and ready to go head to head. It is shaping up to be a battle royale. The local versus the out-of-towner. The long-time favorite versus the dedicated late comer. Mom-and-Pop versus the big chain. To say I am conflicted would be a monumental understatement. I am not going to tell you who is my odds-on favorite. I like them both... A LOT... So I would encourage you to visit them both - many, many times. Let me know if you have a favorite. Maybe you will end up on the fence right alongside me? Either way, I think we can agree we all have one less reason to travel to Chicago. Go just a few miles north of of I-270, get your Chicago-style on... For dessert, swing over to Shirley's popcorn in Westerville and have a big bag of her Windy City Style. You'll be glad you did.
I am still debating whether to camp out like all the IKEA fans did before their opening in Columbus last week. I have repeatedly joked with close friends that I might pitch a tent only once this summer and it would be outside the Giordano's in anticipation of their opening. If you decide to throw yourself into the fray with the throngs of other Central Ohioans on Tuesday, you may see me there. If not, it may be because I decided to let all the other folks have their chance and I will be a little ways down the street at Wholly Joe's munching on some perfectly crispy, pleasantly salty crinkle-cut french fries... Patiently waiting for the pizza to come out of the oven. I am sure it will be worth the wait. -sigh of contentment-
Your Dining Scout and Shade Tree Chef,
Michael Hurd, aka Big Mike
Giordano's
2137 Polaris Parkway
Wholly Joe's Chicago Eatery
1182 East Powell Road (Lewis Center)
Shirley's Popcorn
15 N. State Street (Westerville)
