There is new life for the space that once housed The Nook at 223 W. Van Buren St. in downtown Columbia City. 

Cibo Ristorante will take over the space to bring made-from-scratch authentic favorites from across Italy thanks to owner Wes B. Davison.

In a Facebook post, Davison commented that over the course of 30 years, he has been “learning hands on from nationally renowned Italian chefs, gathering and creating delectable recipes.”

With hopes to open by the end of the year, the menu will offer a wide variety of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, entrees, and desserts. They also plan to serve boxed lunches and carry-out meals alongside dine-in options. 

Until it closed in July, The Nook served Coney dogs and other comfort food at the location since 1974. 

Zing closes in Village of Coventry

Zing Asian Fusion, 5735 Falls Dr., in the Village of Coventry closed their doors on Sept. 18.

In a Facebook post, Zing said the eatery was planning to reinvent itself. “This isn’t goodbye, but rather, ‘see you later,’ as we hope to potentially serve you again in the future,” the post said.

Sharing a space with Salsa Grille, the Mexican eatery says they  will honor gift cards and rewards. 

Sol De Mexico opens on Challenger Parkway

Sol De Mexico Bar & Grill, 5830 Challenger Parkway, celebrated their grand opening Saturday, Sept. 21. 

Their menu features fajitas, quesadillas, birria tacos and quesabirria, burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, with many of those available in steak, beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and veggie varieties. They mix it with shrimp, chicken, fajitas, and beef salad bowls. 

  Then there are treats such as cheese chimichanga, churros, Mexico City-style flan, and fried ice cream nieve frita. 

The restaurant is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Zesto locations winding down 2024 season

Here’s another sign that cold weather is around the corner: City Zesto seasons are coming to a close

While the original spot on Broadway has already closed for the season, the days for the rest of the Zesto Ice Cream shops are counting down. 

The St. Joe location, 6218 St. Joe Center Road, will close Sunday, Sept. 29 with a party. 

Zesto Coventry, 5740 Falls Dr., will also close Sunday, Sept 29, and Zesto Coldwater Crossing, 210 E. Washington Center Road, closes Sunday, Oct 6. 

Uniq BBQ & Shabu has new ownership

Uniq BBQ & Shabu, 6045 Stellhorn Road, has reopened with new ownership, an expanded menu, and expanded hours. 

The all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spot features built-in grills at each table for guests to cook meat and vegetables to their liking. It also offers Japanese Shabu, a thin-sliced meat and vegetables boiled in a pot. 

Uniq BBQ is open noon-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday.

Downtown Warsaw gets candy shop

Downtown Candy and Soda Shoppe has opened at 112 W. Market St.  in downtown Warsaw. 

They have more than 150 types of candy, 12 flavors of ice cream, and serve Blondie’s cookies. 

The store is open 2-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday.

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.