Finding Our Way to the Table: Erin Edwards on Food Media, The Food Letter & How Columbus Eats Now

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the crew sits down with Erin Edwards—former food editor at Columbus Monthly and co-founder of The Columbus Food Letter—for a thoughtful conversation about how people in Central Ohio discover food in a changing media landscape. Erin shares what inspired the launch of The Food Letter with Bethia Wolf and Andy Dehass, and why there’s still a real need for local voices guiding people through Columbus’s ever-expanding food scene. The group talks about the growing role of independent food journalism, how international cuisines have reshaped the city’s dining culture, and why helping diners feel more comfortable exploring unfamiliar food is just as important as reviewing restaurants. They also dig into the behind-the-scenes realities of running a food publication today, the challenges facing restaurants and workers post-pandemic, and how community, storytelling, and accessibility continue to shape the way Columbus eats. It’s a wide-ranging, honest conversation about food, culture, and the people helping connect the city to what’s on the table.