CUISINE
The Rolls Royce of New Restaurants New Polaris eatery has delicious food and celebrity approval By Mallory Arnold
Carpenter has been in 2021 BEST OF the ‘Bus Best New the restaurant industry Restaurant, The Royce, opened for 30 years, working at July 3, 2020. the New Albany CounIn contrast try Club for six years to the classic and Cameron Mitchell saying “If you Restaurants for about 20. can’t take the Though he was part of heat, get out of developing awesome new the kitchen,” Cameron Mitchell conowner Walter Carpenter cepts, he always wanted withstood stress, a pandemic, to own his own place. doubt and pressure when Walter Carpenter Thus, the Royce, named opening the new restaurant, after Carpenter's wife – so in the kitchen he stays. “We opened up at an interesting time, program director of the Interpreter when 99 percent of people told me, ‘Wal- Education Program at Columbus ter, don’t do it. Why would you do this State Community College – was born. right now?’” Carpenter says. “But I knew “She’s very excited and happy in my heart it was the right time and the about it,” Carpenter says. “I thought right place.” it would be wonderful to name my first restaurant after her because she’s done a wonderful job in her career and is an amazing wife.” Table of food options, including Nola Baked He adds that many people advise Oysters, House Fries, Creole Seafood Rigatoni, against naming a restaurant after Mushroom Risotto and Blueberry Gin Sour anyone but yourself, as you want people to know it’s your place. But to Car- collection. The selection is a combination penter, the name felt right. of fun throwback dishes along with unique tastes. One of Carpenter’s favorites is the Meals That Move You cornbread served with pepper jelly in lieu When putting together The Royce's of plain butter. menu, Carpenter and his team thought “It makes us dance and sing,” he says, of all the foods they loved over the years laughing. “I want to serve food people and brought them together in a cohesive crave and want to come back for.” 10
cityscenecolumbus.com | July/August 2021
