It’s amazing what a little sunshine can do to the attitude. It’s time to crawl out of the dark cave, rub winter away and find some fun.

We’ve even had a few rain-free days sprinkled here and there to make us believe that we can sit out on a patio and soak in some fresh air. Happy Hour seems like a good a place to start, and you’ll be able to fill your dance card downtown pretty quickly.

OK, we won’t pretend to have an all-encompassing list, but a few places around downtown gave us the scoop of what’s on tap and what’s coming out of the kitchen for the after-work crowd. You might even want to knock off a little early to take full advantage.

Start by sampling a handcrafted pint from The Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus Monday – Friday for just 2.50 from 3-7 p.m., but if a frosty one isn’t your cup of tea, sip on 2.50 well cocktails and house wines and don’t forget to saddle up to the bar for 5.00 appetizers.

The Flat Iron is sporting a newly remodeled patio with 5.00 martinis and 2.00 well drinks and domestic beers from 4-7 p.m.

Special drink pricing and buy-one-get-one-free appetizers give you a lot of leeway at Latitude 41, Monday – Thursday, 5-6:30 p.m. It’s a perfect place to cool off on the shady patio in the toasty summer temps.

When you head out to our little oasis of Gay Street, check out Plantain Café for their 2.00 tacos from 3-6 p.m. And while you’re strolling around, make sure to hit Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails, Due Amici and J. Gumbo’s as you kick back and enjoy some time with friends after work. 

Lexi’s on Third has a happy hour menu that includes drinks and eats that will keep you coming back for more. You might just find a new home on their spacious patio. Go ahead… Eat, Drink and Be Social.

And don’t forget to stop in and say hi to the other new kid on the block at Quarthouse. Fill your gut with 25 cent jumbo wings and wash them down with a cool one. You’ll find 2.00 domestics, 3.00 imports and 3.00 well drinks. Or try out Quarthouse’s sister location; Ringside Cafe will mix it up a bit with the same drink specials.

That’s a lot of places to hit. Probably makes you hot and tired just thinking about it. You might even need to cool off with a drink. So, here are a few more places you might want to check out…

Barrio
Darby’s Outdoor Café
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
Fleur
The Jury Room
Little Palace

In addition to thanking the SID property owners, Jeffrey Wolf, Chairman of the CCSID Board of Trustees, recognized the voluntary contributions by four exempt owners whose contributions represent 18 percent of the SID’s operating revenue: the City of Columbus, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, Franklin County and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Wolfe reminded attendees that reauthorization of the SID is in process.  Marc Conte, Research Director, is meeting with property owners; owners representing 60 percent of the property in the SID must sign the petition to reauthorize in order to continue operations beyond 2011.  The reauthorization efforts should be completed in January. 

Executive Director Cleve Ricksecker then discussed SID financials, outlining the balance of administrative and overhead costs with programming expenses.  This year, CCSID staff was able to supplement budgeted monies with $132,000 in grants from a variety of federal, state and local sources, as well as through generous sponsorships such as those from WCBE FM and the Hyatt on Capitol Square for Pearl Market and Downtown LIVE. 

“We are very conscious of the assessments you provide, and everyone on staff works hard to deliver the best possible value,” explained Ricksecker.  “We try to spend as little on administration as possible so that your money goes into programming on the streets.”  

Clean and Safe Services 

Ricksecker then reported on the SID’s clean and safe services, noting that Downtown Columbus is the cleanest downtown in the U.S.  CCSID ambassadors work daily to remove litter, wash sidewalks, control graffiti, remove weeds, and wash newspaper racks, High Street bus shelters and other fixtures.  Seasonal services are also performed such as leaf removal, snow and ice removal and planting and maintenance of flowers during the summer months. 

In addition to maintaining a clean environment, CCSID strives to keep downtown one of the safest precincts in Columbus.  Though crime is up throughout the city during these tough economic times, the increase within the SID has been kept to a minimum. 

“Downtown is safe because of an effective program, combining communication, strict enforcement, compassion and coordination,” said Ricksecker.  “Safety does not happen by accident.” 

Communication is vital between CCSID safety ambassadors, the Columbus Division of Police, security forces within buildings and people on the street.  Lisa Defendiefer, Downtown Safety Coordinator, was commended for completing a comprehensive security network, which included linking security operations with one another, the SID and the Division of Police through regular meetings, a secure Web site and a radio network.  And Outreach Coordinator Alyson Poirier was recognized for her work providing outreach and advocacy services to people in need of help.

Marketing and Promotions 

In addition to the very important safety and cleaning services, CCSID also is charged with marketing and promoting downtown.  Ricksecker noted that the SID markets to key audiences including downtown employees, downtown and in-town residents and young professionals.  The message revolves around the idea that downtown is the place to be, is at the center of culture, arts and entertainment, and is a charming, urban location.  The message is shared through the DowntownColumbus.com Web site; companion newsletters such as Right Now Downtown and Downtown News Network; special events such as Pearl Market, the Capitol Square Kickball League and Downtown LIVE; sponsorships of events such as Independents; Day, Bike-to-Work Week and City Hop; and programming such as a the recycling program.

CCSID also works to make coming downtown a positive experience for residents, workers and visitors.  The SID offers visitor services like the mobile iCart kiosk, welcome baskets for new tenants and property owners, and a hospitality network during special events such as the Arnold Sports and Fitness Expo and the 2010 Gay Softball World Series.

 The Future of Retail

While Ricksecker noted that overall Downtown Columbus is doing well, the area most in need of improvement is retail.  While the demand for retail services is strong, there is insufficient retail supply, particularly after the demise of City Center. 

With support from the City of Columbus, CCSID hired Kacey Brankamp as a Retail Recruiter, to help draw independent operators from throughout Central Ohio to downtown.  Interest in downtown continues to grow as does the demand for retail downtown.  And CCSID will continue to help suppliers find the right space downtown to meet the demand. 

“We lost those retail chains,” added Ricksecker, “and they are not coming back.  But independent retailers will be the source of retail in the coming years.  And thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurial folks like Mark Ballard and Tom Finney of Sugardaddy’s, Don Steele of Plantain Café and Brett Ruland of Spoonful, the future of retail is looking brighter.”

Speaking of Gay Street, the cast and crew of WICKED are staying at the Residence Inn.  Chandra Lee Schwartz, who plays Glinda in WICKED, says that she is enjoying her stay in Columbus and has flattering things to say about the “town.”

The Gay Softball World Series clearly added energy, with 2,500 athletes staying in downtown hotels.  As Lilly and I walked to the Ohio Theatre from Gay Street, we passed a rooftop party at the Renaissance Hotel and a surprising number of other pedestrians.

After the show, we encountered gridlock on High Street as we approached the Short North.  We turned on Vine Street to head west toward Neil Avenue and encountered more traffic as we passed Park Street at 11:30 p.m.  Vine and Park streets had hundreds of people walking from club to club.

As I sat in traffic, all I could do was smile.

LEAVE THE LUGGAGE AT HOME

Close your eyes, lean back and imagine yourself at an outdoor cafe’ along the side streets of Paris.  Can you hear the French accordion music waft out the doors of the restaurant along with the smell of freshly baked bread?

No need to cash in your greenbacks for Euros just yet.  Alfresco dining is offered all around Downtown Columbus, and Gay Street is a great place to kick off an international expedition.

Leave the passport at home and head to Due Amici.  The European feel of this outdoor dining experience may leave you wanting to study Italian.  Sit down and relax with a superb glass of wine, and you don’t even need to worry about the exchange rate.

Is Cuban fare your thing?  Check out Plantain Cafe’, but make sure to save room for the plantain chips.  You will never look at another bag of Lay’s the same way again.

The coffee is roasting at Cafe’ Brioso, and you’ll have a hard time choosing among all the freshly prepared sandwiches and salads.  Those crunchy little handmade croutons are about as close to heaven as you need to be.

Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails celebrated their three-year anniversary last week.  Honor the milestone with a cold one and big plate of sweet potato fries.  Go ahead, throw in a pot roast sandwich if you dare.

Is your stomach growling yet?  We haven’t even hit J. Gumbo’s for jambalaya, and Latitude 41 builds delicious meals around fresh ingredients purchased right here from local merchants to create a meal that you won’t soon forget.  Rendezvous Cafe’ is nestled across the street and offers a wide assortment of delicious stews, sandwiches and salads.

If that’s not enough, just around the corner Pearl Alley plays host to burgers at Ringside, pizza at Cafe’ Napolitana and Latin cuisine at El Arepazo.  Wrap it all up with a Drunken Chunky Blondie at Sugardaddy’s or loosen your belt and head on down High Street for even more options.  Let us know your favorites.

Congratulations to the 2010 Show Your Love Contest Winner (drum roll please…)

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace!!!

Thanks to all of you who voted for your flav-o-favs!  With hundreds of votes cast, J. Gumbo’s fell short of the winner’s spot by a mere three votes, with Jack’s Diner, last year’s Show Your Love winner, and Burgers Dogs and Fries in hot pursuit.

Now the love showing worked both ways.  By voting for their favorite lunch spot, food fans were entered to win free lunches from our featured downtown restaurants: Barrio, Burgers Dogs and Fries, Caffe Daniela, Dirty Frank’s, J. Gumbo’s, and Plantain Cafe.  Congratulations to our winners who now know that there is such thing as a free lunch:

Erika Haske
Trish Mester
Alyson Miles
Angela Butler
Kristine Kring
Jen Town
Christina Ringley
Mary Groves
Jeremy
Chris Powers
Joshua Young
Rhonda Ries
Sandy Auckerman
Chris Carpenter
Mark Siple
Kris Davis
Charlie Letson

(to cast your vote immediately, click here.  if you want to learn more about the campaign, read on…)

Time flies: it’s been a full year since DowntownColumbus.com’s Show Your Love project launched.  Back in 2009, six local eateries joined in a good natured contest to become Downtown’s Official Sweetheart.

The competition was brutal.  The love was intense.  Ultimately, Jack’s Diner emerged as number one.

But it can be number one for only one year.  Jack’s reign has ended.  Although we still love the joint, it’s time to find 2010’s Official Sweetheart.

Just like last year, we’ve sweetened the deal for the voting public.  Cast a ballot for your favorite eatery and you’re automatically registered for a set of gift certificates from all the competitors: Barrio Tapas Lounge; Burgers Dogs and Fries; Caffe Daniela; Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace; J. Gumbo’s; and Plantain Cafe.  Vote early and vote often.

(Sigh)… and it seemed like just yesterday when Jack’s claimed its award.

EDITOR’S NOTE: It was yesterday.  SOMEBODY kept hoarding Jack’s award plaque in our office.  Oops.

If you want to re-watch anyone’s video, to really take in the message, just click on the link: Barrio Tapas Lounge; Burgers Dogs and Fries; Caffe Daniela; Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace; J. Gumbo’s; and Plantain Cafe

Show Us Some Love 2010 from Downtown Columbus on Vimeo.

You know what happens next week?  That’s right; the New Year’s Diet starts.  Given the fact that celery-city is right around the corner, it’s time to eat all the downtown goodies before the calendar turns and the calorie cops come calling…

1.  Try Fried Plantains.  Plantain Cafe (77 E. Gay Street) offers the starchy banana in three different forms.  The most decadent would be the Mariquitas, which are thinly sliced, fried up and teamed with a snappy mojo.

2.  Speaking of fried things, head to Jack’s for a good fix of classic crinkle cut French Fries.  Remember, ketchup counts as a vegetable!

3.  And for those who have not yet experienced the joy of crunchy fried pepperoni chips, it’s time to try The Jury Room (22 E. Mound Street).

4.  Alfredo Alfredo Alfredo: it’s been on the no-no list for ten years.  Get your fix at Caffe Daniela (17 S. High Street) with pasta and a generous dose of the creamy stuff.

5.  Put a little south in your mouth with Flatiron’s Fried Oyster Po-Boy (129 E. Nationwide Blvd.).  Not only are those velvety bits fried, they’re teamed with remoulade (that’s Cajun Mayo)!

6.  And for dessert?  Baklava at Dirty Frank’s (248 S. Fourth Street) – you wouldn’t think a hot dog joint would sell the best baklava in town, but it’s true.  Delicate, buttery and oh-so-sweet… as for the hot dogs, you’ll find a virtuous veggie version that will work just fine next month with the New Year’s Diet.

Still hungry for more?  Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties opens its doors on Gay Street later in January.  It’s a delicious way to end the New Year’s Diet!