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🍴The Classic Columbus Casserole You Probably Haven’t Had In Years

Plus: 🌮 Columbus Taco Fest Returns With A New Location And 21+ Format

Author

Chelsea Wiley
April 28, 2026

Sponsored by the Dublin Irish Festival ☘️
Experience one of the largest Irish festivals in the world right here in central Ohio. From live music and traditional dance to authentic food, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities, the Dublin Irish Festival brings a full weekend of Irish heritage (and fun) to Dublin. Learn more and plan your visit at dublinirishfestival.org.

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea, here.

There was a time when Johnny Marzetti was everywhere in Columbus. School lunches, family dinners, potlucks, my Grandma’s kitchen, you name it. This no-frills casserole somehow became one of the city’s most iconic comfort foods, even if its origin story is a little murky. These days, though, it’s not quite as easy to find. So what happened? We’re digging into the history, the nostalgia, and why this classic dish still deserves a spot on your table.

🍦 You Can Make Ice Cream And Sip Espresso Martinis At This New Pop-Up
Ice cream and espresso martinis? Say less. This new Columbus pop-up lets you churn, taste, and sip your way through a seriously sweet night out.

🌮 Columbus Taco Fest Returns With A New Location And 21+ Format
Columbus Taco Fest is back for its 10th year with a new location and a 21+ format. Expect tacos, margaritas, and live music all weekend long.

Headlines 📰 

💧 New filtration systems in northwest Ohio are doing big work, catching phosphorus before it reaches Lake Erie. Early results look promising, and there’s real hope this approach could scale up across the region to help curb harmful algal blooms. (WOSU)

💵 Columbus has a new city auditor. Jacquelin Lewis, a three-time Ohio State grad and public finance attorney, says she’s ready to build on the city’s financial work while keeping things moving forward. (NBC4)

🪲 Yes, Columbus has a colony of flesh-eating beetles, and they actually work for a living. At the Ohio History Connection, these tiny cleaners help prepare skeletons for research, doing the job no one else wants, 24/7, without complaint. (Ohio History)

🌥️ Weather: 76 and cloudy, with a chance of rain, gradually getting sunny

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. From Columbus Symphony performances and Opera Columbus productions to concerts by nationally touring artists and local musicians playing intimate venues across the city, there’s always something happening. Discover the events that bring our community together through music, live performance, and more. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

🦬 A small herd of bison now roams the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, offering visitors a rare glimpse of a species once native to Ohio. Seen from the new observation deck, the herd serves as a living symbol of the region’s ongoing conservation efforts.

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- Chelsea