Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I agree that LaRosa's is terribly disappointing. I went to the one in Norwood where I was staying at a nearby hotel for a conference after reading rave reviews. But I found it bland. Columbus, where I live, does have better pizza. Check out Joseppi's on the Westside if you want thin crust.

Definitely pliant. You need to savor the fat!

Protocolo is a great South American red with a little spice to it. Usually I see it for around $8.

Columbus, OH. I mostly shop at Whole Foods or the Wild Oats (probably soon to be closed when bought by Whole Foods) or Sunflower Marketplace, but the more conveniently located Krogers and Giant Eagles still fit the bill when I just need some staples. We also have The North Market, a conglomeration of local shops, farmers, artisans, which is great for specialty foods.

Pancakes. Seems the temperature is never quite right for me and they just don't come out round.

There is an Indonesian restaurant in Columbus, OH called A Taste of Bali. http://www.tasteofbali.com/

1. Poor service!
2. Food not cooked to order
3. Inconsistency
4. Sloppy marketing (a local wine bar/bistro sends out a newsletter that consistently promotes events and forgets to tell you the day and/or time--and occasionally lists the wrong time--they've lost a lot of potential business from me because of this)
5. Noise (I agree with the TV comment for all eating establishments except sports bars where the eating is really secondary.)

Overall, the best restaurants seem to know their market, stick to what will make that market happy, and are clear in their advertising what kind of restaurant atmosphere they offer. Different people want different things out of a restaurant, and I appreciate it when a restaurant gives me realistic expectations and delivers on those expectations.