Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, recently named the Official Restaurant of the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, hosted a promotional dinner at The Guild House last week.  With a busy schedule and two little ones, I don’t usually attend blogging events, but this one just fit.  My love of running.  My love of delicious, runner-friendly food.  Bonus that it was fancy food. 🙂  I excitedly said YES and anticipated the event for several weeks.

I arrived at The Guild House downtown just after 5:30PM – plan for rush hour traffic and parking, although there is the option to valet.  As the hostess seated our party, the food bloggers were positioning themselves at the end of the table near the window light… as a photographer, why didn’t I think of that?  It worked out, however, as I was fortunate enough to snag a seat right next to the Cap City race director himself, David Babner. We were immediately served delicious fresh “adult” juices and a variety of freshly made appetizers.

This was my first time at The Guild House and it was a top-notch experience.  The American cuisine is marketed as “farm to table” – utilizing locally grown ingredients whenever possible and supporting local businesses down to the fresh cut flowers on the table.  Each dish was “made with love” and as the chef explained, compliments a runner’s desire to be filled up, but not weighed down. The seasonal offerings they chose for us were all healthy yet amazingly delicious and included hummus, kale, quinoa, roasted brussel sprouts, pork, salmon & scallops.  I wasn’t taking notes as well as the food bloggers, so I may be forgetting a few. 🙂  They were all visually pleasing and super yummy!  My iPhone pics don’t do them justice…

As I mentioned, I got a spot right next to David Babner.  Mr Babner is the founder of M3S Sports, the race management company that hosts the Cap City Half events, along with several other great races throughout the year.  Throughout many courses of delicious plates, I got to chat with David about the origin of his company, some of his favorite races and the curiosity from my running group…. “With all these Columbus-based events… why the race in Arizona?!”  We also learned more about the partnership between M3S and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, which seems to be a perfect pair.

As far as the partnership goes, both companies (M3S Sports and CMR) recognize their shared vision of offering an excellent experience.  Some race-specific promotions include…

• Friday, April 28 // book your pre-race dinner and enjoy a special menu that will help you prepare for race day!  Locations include its four Short North restaurants; The Guild House,  The Pearl, Marcella’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Wine Bar and Martini Modern Italian.
• Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30 // “Show Your Medal” promotion earns you 10% off your food bill and a $1 donation to the OhioHealth Foundation.  Just bring your bling to one of the following; The Guild House, The Pearl, Marcella’s Ristorante Pizzaeria & Wine Bar, Martini Modern Italian, M at Miranova, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar or The Avenue Steak House.

All locations accept reservations & offer a wide variety of meal options, whether you want to carbo-load or go for something lighter.  Most Friday and Saturday nights offer live music as well so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

The other bloggers were food bloggers and I really enjoyed gabbing with them and obsessing over their blogs and Instagram accounts over the last week. 🙂  Meet them…

Alicia of Wander & Whine //  This blog is amazing!  When you have some time to sit down with a yummy beverage, check it out.  Although Alicia does enjoy blogging, her jam is Instagram.  Follow her @alicia.wanders for visual inspiration on local food, drinks & travel!

Erin of The Spiffy Cookie // Erin’s blog focuses mostly on food, but she does enjoy working out so of course, we discussed running and all things sweaty around Columbus!  From her site: “I also love to work out… You will find me regularly at the gym doing cardio, weight lifting, or a group fitness class such as spin, core, pilates, or yoga.” Follow her on IG @thespiffycookie for all her food blogging highlights.

Overall it was an awesome night and I felt super pampered trying all those scrumptious foods, all the while getting to chat it up with some of Columbus’ best in the food & fitness arenas.  We took one last group photo upon leaving… although a few attendees had already scattered off.

 

Cheers to all those running Cap City, we will see you at the starting line and the after party!  And don’t forget to bring your “bling” to a Mitchell’s restaurant near you to celebrate on Saturday night.  Gotta replace those calories burned, am I right?