According to recent reporting, chef Andrew Smith will open a tasting menu restaurant in Merion Village, called Isla, at the former Bake Me Happy prep kitchen located at 116 E. Moler St. Isla has a projected opening date of September, but that date is subject to change depending on permitting and construction progress.
Smith founded Roys Ave Supper Club, along his wife Devoney Mills, which is a private monthly tasting held in their home. Over the past few years, the “underground” supper club has grown through word of mouth and the help of an Instagram account, @roys_ave_supperclub.
The social media profile has a healthy following and is the perfect medium for showcasing Smith’s colorful plates and innovative, farm-to-table and foraged menu. According to the supper club’s Instagram account, some of Smith’s past tastings include potato mochi stuffed with sweet n sour pork belly and puffed rice served with assorted varieties of roasted mushrooms and fresh herb garnish.
The success of the invitation-only tasting concept inspired the couple to branch out further and create Isla. Similar to the supper club, the couple’s newest venture will offer a tasting menu format, with a small seating of 12 diners, but Isla will serve guests two nights a week, rather than the monthly format of Roys Ave.
In addition to Roys Ave, Smith’s culinary resume includes working at the Rossi beginning in 2009 when he moved from the Pacific Northwest to Columbus. Smith worked his way up to executive chef at the Rossi, before moving on to Philco, Salt & Pine and Rockmill Tavern.
