Good morning, Powell. After 44 years of serving up comfort and community alongside their signature meatballs, Monte Carlo Italian Kitchen has dished out its final meals. The beloved family institution closed its West Olentangy Street location on May 23, marking the end of a culinary legacy that began in 1979 on Cleveland Avenue before finding its forever home in Powell. The restaurant's farewell announcement expressed heartfelt gratitude to the generations of loyal customers who made it a local tradition.
While one chapter closes, another hidden gem continues to flourish in Victorian Village, where Basi Italia's magical garden patio transforms dining into an experience. For over two decades, the husband-wife team behind this Italian-inspired sanctuary has perfected dishes like Zucchini Pronto in their cozy 1,000-square-foot space. Meanwhile, the Powell community remembers the life of Philip Hostetler, a dedicated Mennonite farmer whose 81 years were marked by faith, generosity, and the kind of witty humor that leaves lasting impressions.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🍝 A beloved Italian institution in Powell closes its doors forever. Monte Carlo Italian Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant established in 1979, served its final meals on May 23 at its West Olentangy Street location. The restaurant announced the difficult decision on social media, expressing gratitude to loyal customers and dedicated employees. Originally called Monte Carlo Ristorante, the establishment began on Cleveland Avenue before expanding to Westerville and eventually settling solely in Powell. Despite ownership changes over the years, the restaurant maintained its traditional Italian favorites including Chicken Parmigiana, sausage, and their signature meatballs.
🕊️ A devoted Mennonite farmer's life of faith ends at 81. Philip E. Hostetler passed away on May 23, 2025, at his assisted living home in Urbana, Ohio, surrounded by family. Known for his commitment to faith, generosity, and witty humor, Phil worked as a dairy farmer in Plain City after marrying his wife Leona, with whom he shared over 50 years and raised three children. He is survived by two children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and eight siblings, with services scheduled at Shiloh Mennonite Church and Sharon Mennonite Church on May 27.
🍝 Basi Italia's hidden patio creates magical dining experiences in Columbus. This Victorian Village gem, run by husband-wife team Trish Gentile and chef John Dornback for over 20 years, offers Italian-inspired comfort food that's anything but basic. Signature dishes like Zucchini Pronto and pistachio flatbread showcase their philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine through sophisticated techniques. The cozy 1,000-square-foot interior feels like dining at a friend's home, but it's the expansive garden patio—tripling the restaurant's footprint—where the restaurant truly comes alive.
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