Right Now Downtown

WALKABOUT MAY YIELD LUNCH

It’s cold and rainy and spitting snow. Never mind we rarely see the sun peek from a blanket of clouds. Yea, January and February (and sometimes even March) aren’t prime weather in Central Ohio, but it doesn’t mean that you should hibernate. We have 10 reasons you should take a stroll downtown, and the number one reason might just land you some good eats at some local restaurants on someone else’s dime.

Top 10 Reasons to Take a Walk Around Downtown in the Middle of Winter

10. Your boss smells like mothballs and you need to escape for fresh air.

9. Downtown is home to fantastic freshly brewed coffee, which will give you the charge you need to get through the mountain of paperwork on your desk.

8. Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square fills the air with chime compositions that are part of the Finding Time: Columbus Public Art 2012, and lots of other cool things are planned for 200Columbus, so check it out.

7. Take a skip through Columbus Commons reminiscing about all the fun you had there last summer. While you’re at it, tell us what kind of music you’d like to hear for Downtown Live on Thursday nights at the Commons this year.

6. The Peanut Shoppe (46 N. High Street) always has fresh (and oftentimes warm) nuts and treats ready for your late afternoon snack. Grab some for the rest of your office to win brownie points.

5. Speaking of brownies, right around the corner from The Peanut Shoppe, Sugardaddy’s (11 E. Gay Street) will help squelch even the strongest sweet tooth.

4. Feeling like no one takes your side on anything? Find justice bigger than life at the gavel in front of the Supreme Court building (65 S. Front Street).

3. Walk off the extra holiday flab and find cool outdoor art when you get moving on the Columbus Art Walks around Capitol Square.

2. Stand at the corner of Broad and High Streets basking in the glow of our very own downtown marquee – just like in Tokyo or Times Square.

And the number one reason to take a walk around downtown on a cold wintery day:

1. With all the restaurant offerings within walking distance, you’ll think that you’ve transported to an exotic vacation right here in the center of Cbus. And, if you forward our Right Now Downtown email to a friend, you’ll be entered to win lunch on us. Yum, now that’s even worth a walk in the rain.

SATURDAY ALL WEEK LONG

On November 10, Capital Crossroads SID held its annual meeting to report on the work the SID has conducted through the year and to recognize the contributions made to the fabric of downtown by individuals and businesses.  This year’s meeting was held at the Westin Great Southern, thanks to in-kind donation from the hotel.  Additional sponsors included Ohio Support Services and Ohio Custodial Management, which provides the SID with the Clean and Safe Ambassador team.  Spinelli’s Deli tempted attendees with freshly baked cookies in celebration of the grand opening of their new location at 50 North High Street.  Musical entertainment was provided by students from The Wellington School. 

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.”

TAKE A TOUR AND ENJOY A COCKTAIL

It’s hot and humid, and while Columbus may not offer up salty ocean breezes to lower the mercury on the thermometer, downtown antes up plenty of ways to cool off with frosty mugs and chilled cocktails all over town, all times of day.  Besides, it’s gotta be 5 p.m. somewhere in the world, right?  So, take a tour via one of these local hang outs.  But it’s not all-inclusive so let us know your favorite get-away.

Bartenders at Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails get the party started within minutes of arrival, and if you have any doubts, try one of their signature drinks like Commit to be Lit.  After a little bit of this concoction made with orange, vanilla and raspberry vodkas mixed with cranberry juice and a splash of 7-Up, you may never need to sit seaside again.

Sans the Manolo Blahnik’s and the four sassy chicks of Sex in the City, the Caucus Cosmo at the Double Tree Caucus Room provides a perfect way to relax after a long day at the office.

Travel on down to Barrio and pitchers of house-made white and red sangria, half off during happy hour from 4 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Grab a few tapas to share and you have created a vacation celebration without leaving the city.

Take the Elevator to kick the party into full swing with their $2.50 handcrafted pints from 3 – 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday, but don’t watch your clock in this historical building – their menu of beer and cocktails will make you forget the time, which is the point of resting seaside.

If you are still in need of a history lesson while you toss back a cold one, visit the Jury Room.  This neighborhood tavern has been serving up food and spirits since 1831.  You don’t even need to crack open a book to take advantage of the free appetizer buffet on Wednesdays and Fridays during happy hour, but you might want to grab a napkin.

Get Uncorked with half-price bottles and champagne at Due Amici on Monday nights and be-bop to live jazz beginning at 6 p.m.

Michael O’Toole’s continues the family tradition of the first O’Toole immigrant who settled in Southeastern Ohio serving up frothy cold ones to the miners who labored long days in the foothills of the Appalachians.  But you just need to head down to Nationwide Boulevard to take advantage of this Irish-style pub, or walk on ever to The Flatiron for a Chocolate Martini.  Heck, the night is young so check ‘em all out.

Wrap up your summer cocktail tour with the high-spirited Drunken Chunky Blonde from Sugardaddy’s, but don’t worry – you can even drive home after munching on this one.  The dense, chewy blonde is like a chocolate chip cookie on steroids with its premium chocolate chunks and toasted pecans.  A splash of bourbon essence mixed into the batter will have you jonesing for more.

Let us know your favorite place to kick back, take a break and cool off.  Cheers!

I love special sample days at the Market!  Love, love, love them!  Regular Market days are already festive, with all of the people, food and cheer.  But on sample day, there is definitely some magic in the air.  Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties sponsored Strawberry Day on Tuesday and it was heavenly.  Sugardaddy’s had samples of their strawberry blondies; and if you’ve ever had Sugardaddy’s, then you know that they are legendary.  The strawberry blondies were delicious.

There were other notable samples; one in particular turned my eye.  Now, normally I’m a “safe” eater.  I don’t try many new things (aside from those purple green beans a few weeks ago).  I stick to the staples like cheese and… chocolate.  On Tuesday, however, I felt it was my duty to try strawberry salsa.  And you know what?  I could totally sit and eat a bowl of that with some chips.

Also, this week at the Market, I finally stopped by Poppin’ Time Kettle Corn.  I never knew I liked kettle corn until last year at the Market when they reeled me in with their free samples.  Theirs is one of the most enticing smells wafting lazily down the alley.  My last favorite stop this week was at Salaam’s Caravan Fragrances.  I love exotic fragrances and this is the place to get them.  There are so many options and ways to use the oils, once you narrow down your choices.  I put a few drops of oil into the water beads I bought last week and now they are an amazing looking air freshener.

Come see us next week at the Market and find some treasures for yourself!

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.

DANIELA’S DOWNTOWN HOMECOMING

Caffe Daniela’s spelling makes more sense than it looks.  It is still tempting to point out that spell check really prefers “Cafe” to Caffe.”  And the newest eatery at Broad and High is a cafe… but it’s a cafe with caffe.

As it turns out, caffe is Italian for “coffee”, a most necessary part of any productive person’s diet.  Caffe Daniela serves the drink in its most loveable forms.

The cafe’s most loveable items, though, might not be the java.  The coffee has serious competition from an array of fresh Italian fare – including divine pasta dishes like Alfredo and lasagna.  Run by the Milano family, they are now in the second generation of Italian eateries in Columbus.  And downtown’s is the second location of Caffe Daniela itself.  The first was born in Worthington.

While there’s nothing wrong with downtown Worthington (it’s provincial with lots of nice people and businesses)… it’s not like the real downtown.  It’s not the very center of the city, with skyscrapers and art and people of all sorts and sizes.  Daniela’s owner, Joe Milano, understands the magic, “I am overjoyed in being downtown and seeing what it has come from – and where it may go.”

Maybe that’s why more businesses that start in the outlying areas are coming home to the city’s core.  Polaris’ Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties is setting up shop downtown too.  We’ve still got room for more… Who’s next?

Capital Crossroads Summer Programming: Pearl Market

The crown jewel of Capital Crossroads’ summer programming is the Pearl Market, which has graced Pearl Alley since 1991.  Capital Crossroads became involved with the Market in 2003, adding a merchant element to the already established farmers’ market.  The Market runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10:30 am – 2 pm, May through October.

Last year, Capital Crossroads hired a full-time Market Manager, Adam Schroeder, to focus on expanding the Market’s offerings and to help spur downtown retail by incubating small businesses as they start up.

“This year, we have nearly 90 vendors enrolled and a long waiting list, which is a good – and new – problem to have,” said Kacey Campbell, Promotions Coordinator for Capital Crossroads.

What sets Pearl Market apart from other farmers’ markets around the city is that all farmers are local Ohio farmers and required to sell only what they grow themselves.  This means that the produce is really farm fresh and in-season.  Capital Crossroads has been able to use this as a promotional tool, holding special Market Days for particular in-season items, including Strawberry Day in June, Sweet Corn Day in July,  Tomato Day in August and upcoming Apple Day.  On each of these special days, visitors can enjoy samples prepared by Market staff and a guest restaurant.  In addition, there was a special Kid’s Day held in early July, with face painting, art projects and other fun aimed at kids, and there will be a Buckeye Day held later this summer.

The merchant side of the Market continues to grow, with a wide range of offerings including arts, crafts, jewelry, toys, home goods and more.  Expansion in both produce vendors and merchants has necessitated expanding the booth spaces to Broad Street and Gay Street, giving the Market a presence on two main thoroughfares.  And there is talk of further expansion.

Pearl Market has also become a popular lunch destination, with several new food vendors providing the draw.  Si Senor’s Sandwiches and More and Nellie’s Samosas are two popular spots, and Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties - a favorite of Ellen DeGeneres – offers a delightful dessert option.  Nearby restaurants, such as El Arepazo and Ringside Cafe, also enjoy increased traffic on Market days – a Capital Crossroads’ goal.

Cleve Ricksecker, executive director of Capital Crossroads states the importance of the Market.  “There are three main reasons Capital Crossroads produces the Pearl Market.  It’s a downtown amenity for employees; it supports local businesses; and it’s a retail/business incubator for the participating vendors who want to grow their business.”

A second year Market vendor, Kyla Touris of Sweet Thing Gourmet, praises the Market and Capital Crossroads.  “What I love about Pearl Market – it combines my country side with my urban edge.  And I love the people who run the Market – Adam, Kacey, Tiffany and the rest of the crew are incredibly helpful and positive.  Really, it feels like a party!”

And well it should, so far this year staff estimates that 4,500 – 5,000 people walk through the Market each Tuesday and Friday.

A Special Thanks to our Friends of the Market for help make the Pearl Market possible:

Wolfe Associates

Bricker and Eckler

Kegler Brown Hill and Ritter

Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease

Chester Wilcox and Saxbe

John Gerlach and Company