I needed a minute.
As the scents and sights of praline sauce, powdered sugar, Ohio maple syrup, bourbon maple whipped cream, braised beef, house hash, cheddar, Outward Farms eggs, and fresh, I-can-smell-the-grounds coffee invaded my table and my senses, I needed a minute. What started as my first referral consideration for the POSITIVELY DELICIOUS food blog journey quickly morphed into discovering what is now one of my top favorite restaurants, THE SYNDICATE.
For those who believe the culinary gods peaked when they created the experience known as brunch, this place deserves your consideration. From the HUEVOS RANCHEROS to their CHICKEN & SWEET POTATO WAFFLES to their BEEF HASH to their PRALINE PECAN FRENCH TOAST to their cleverly named cocktails (MIMOSA MARGARITA, WAKE UP CALL, & THE BOURBON BRUNCH, to name a few) and bottle and draft beers (JACKIE O’S MYSTIC MAMA, MOTHER STEWART’S WITBIER, & ROTATING TAP, to name a few), this is not your typical brunch. This menu is a full-scale, red alarm, I-thank-God-for-who-created-this-food kind of eating experience.
And I haven’t even mentioned their impressive dinner menu! From a GOAT CHEESE RAVIOLI starter to LOBSTER BISQUE soup to the “dressings made in-house daily” topped SALADS to the MAHI MAHI EN PAPILLOTE to the BACON CHEESEBURGER to the FILET MIGNON to the TRUFFLE MASHED side and the LAVA CAKE, the menu aims to please the most diverse tastebuds any group brings through their doors. And yes, their kid’s menu is on point too!
But guess what? It’s not enough to merely describe The Syndicate as culinary masterminds gifting tastebuds with deliciousness that summons someone’s eyes to close. To stop now would not do justice to what The Syndicate represents and their incredible potential to be long-term stand-outs in the culinary scene.
Located in what was once the spot of Jackson’s News Stand, a newsstand serving the Bellefontaine community from 1946-1993, The Syndicate pays homage to the site’s historical roots. Everything from New York-style newsstand doors opening to a front patio to historic newspapers displayed and protected on their walls to the original Jackson’s News Stand sign on their back patio reminds you that the location means something and has for decades. But my history-loving heart was most captivated by the top of their bar, which is where they use and highlight actual pieces from the historic newsstand. Beautiful squares of lavender and an intricate crystal-looking design cast a sultry purple hue on the chairs lining the bar, creating a mood and a vibe that feels unique and memorable.
You may be thinking, well, it sounds like they’ve spent a lot of time perfecting their craft and brand. As crazy as it is to hear, my phenomenal server, Kiara, informed me that The Syndicate just opened its doors on August 27th of 2020. That’s right, folks. This mouth-watering establishment opened its doors in a coronavirus-fied world, and they’ve put the pedal to the medal, making sure to step forward with the best atmosphere, food, and service imaginable.
The Syndicate is a come-on-your-own place. A bring-your-kids place. A first-date-and-I’m-nervous place. An I-think-I-love-her place. Relaxed or dressy. Short visit or long. This restaurant is truly a place where everyone belongs.
And speaking of making you feel welcome, Kiara, my server, let me know that at The Syndicate, you can request your favorite server when you walk through the doors. She also took her time to answer all my questions, even though she had no idea my mind was writing a food blog while we spoke. I knew there was something special about the food passing by my lips. The food wasn’t just good; it was insanely impressive. So I asked her about the ingredients and discovered that their blue cheese, syrup, and eggs are all from Ohio. I also learned of The Syndicate’s devotion to supporting their community. From buying local ingredients to the fact that $1 from every pint of their NORTH HIGH BREWFONTAINE LCFM COMMUNITY LAGER goes toward the Logan County Farmer’s Market, The Syndicate ‘pays it forward.’
The Syndicate is more than a gift from the culinary world, elevating Ohio’s food landscape to one of tremendous pride for buckeyes and all who find their way to its tables. The Syndicate is proof that when people use their gifts and passions in a way that lifts their community, they become representative of more than just their talents; they become an inspiration.
My trip to The Syndicate started as a referral-check for my food blog. But after experiencing the restaurant’s stunning atmosphere, salivating-worthy food, and incredible hospitality, I left with an unquenchable desire to champion The Syndicate. Here is a restaurant that not only makes me close my eyes after the first bite, but they’re also honoring their historic location in a modern way and supporting their local community while their stunning people’s palates. The Syndicate is a restaurant that I not only can whole-heartedly include in my Positively Delicious food blog journey; it’s also one that I’m incredibly proud to put my name beside.
I can’t wait to be a repeat customer, and here’s a parting tip: You receive more than you pay for, so prepare to share.
The following photos are courtesy of The Syndicate’s Facebook page:
