New downtown Columbus bistro Chouette opens Tuesday

As usual, there’s plenty happening in the Central Ohio food scene, from openings, closings and favorite events returning.

Chouette opens at Gay and High Downtown

Chouette French restaurant debuts Tuesday at 66 N. High St. Downtown. The French eatery occupies the northeast corner of Gay and High streets, previously the home of Brioso Coffee (which moved catty corner back in 2020). Chouette features a dinner menu that hits on French staples such as escargot, foie gras, salade Lyonnaise, bouillabaisse and steak frites. It’s operated by Makeready, an offshoot of Columbus-based hotel developer Rockbridge and the company behind Hank’s Low Country Seafood across the street and the eateries at The Junto hotel.

Little Rock Bar ends its run

After more than 11 years as a beloved neighborhood hangout, Italian Village’s Little Rock Bar will make its final bow this Sunday. Owner Quinn Fallon shared in a post on social media that he is ready to get out from behind the bar. He also shared that he’s sold the bar to new owners, who will make some small changes but otherwise keep it running.

What's happening to Little Rock Bar Italian Village bar changing hands, new owners plan 'tweaks and upgrades'

Thai food and Smashburgers in the Brewery District

A pair of local businesses – one new and one returning – opened last week at 460 S. Front St. in the Brewery District. First up is Basil Thai, a long-running Thai restaurant that once spanned three locations before closing up. Basil returned as a delivery-only shop available on DoorDash.

Taking up residence at the same address is Smash Buddies , a food truck that’s been roaming Ohio since last summer, serving up smashburgers, patty melts, tater tots, ice cream and beverages.

Sour brewery closes

Over the weekend, Pretentious Barrel House made its final bow. The sour-focused brewery first opened in 2017 at 745 Taylor Ave., and made a name for itself as one of two Columbus breweries dedicated to sour beers. The other, Random Precision Brewing Co., closed earlier this year.

Columbus brewery closing Pretentious is shutting its doors

Return of Weiland’s parking lot party

Weiland’s Market in Clintonville announced the return of its Party in the Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 24. The shindig hasn’t been held since before the pandemic. It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include a grill-out, local beers, kid’s activities, an art and vendor market, live music and more.

This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: New downtown Columbus bistro Chouette opens Tuesday