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Tapatio's Bruce Hildreth Dies
December 2005

Courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch

Last month, Columbus lost a great and original chef who helped make the Short North/downtown area what it is today. Bruce Reynolds Hildreth was a pioneer in creative cuisine in Columbus.

Bruce and partner, Hartley Coursen opened Tapatio Restaurant on Park Street in 1992. Serving Caribbean and South American inspired food, outstanding margaritas and mojitos, Tapatio was “the cool new place in town” for many years. Reservations were absolutely required to dine there on Gallery Hop Saturdays.

Patrons of Tapatio were disappointed to see it close last year at the end of September due to Bruce’s declining health. Suffering from cancer, he desired to spend his remaining time with his beloved wife Anne and their teenage sons, Alec and Casey. Hildreth was 52 when he died November 7.

It was not only his inspired dishes that warmed people to Bruce. His humor, quick wit and gentle spirit conspired with his amazing hospitality and culinary skill to win him many friends and patrons.

“We feel so honored and blessed for Bruce to have been a part of our lives. His food, humor, margaritas and friendship will always be a part of us and will continue to inspire others. We are proud that Tapatio was our ‘home,’” said Todd Wallace and his wife Celeste.

Todd, an executive chef at Due Amici, managed Tapatio for its last three and half years.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Bruce shared his expertise and enthusiasm for his art at every opportunity. He taught cooking classes, gave demonstrations at the restaurant and volunteered to train new chefs through Columbus State Community College’s culinary apprentice program. In 2003, he was one of 100 chefs selected to contribute to Michael Rosen’s book “Cooking from the Heart: 100 Great American Chefs Share Recipes They Cherish.”

A native of Bexley, Bruce Hildreth contributed much to Columbus. He will be greatly missed.