Introducing our newest column: Shining a light on Portage County local food

I love the relationship between a locally owned restaurant and its town. The purpose they serve is deeper than just feeding their customers, but meeting them where they are, remembering their name, having the drink poured before they walk through the doors. 

I grew up in Portage County’s restaurant kitchens. My parents owned a few places here, and I spent more evenings than I can count bussing tables, running food, cleaning bathrooms and eventually cooking on the line. I watched firsthand the work that goes into feeding a community. The experience made me fall in love not just with food, but with the people behind it. This column is dedicated to sharing those two loves: exploring the food I love to eat and highlighting the local chefs who love to make it.