Monday, July 13, 2009

J. Gumbo's Opens Tomorrow at 31 East Gay Street Downtown

On Tuesday at 11am, J. Gumbo’s will open their doors at 31 E. Gay Street (corner of Gay & Pearl in the former Skambo space) and start serving up a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes. The revamped space has preserved the seating areas both upstairs and downstairs, and will also have patio seating available out front. Their walk-up window in Pearl Alley will be utilized for phone orders to-go, and an outdoor tent will be set up outside on Tuesdays and Fridays during the Pearl Market for sampling.
The management team stated earlier today that their hours should run from 11am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, and that a liquor license is currently being obtained. Happy hour specials will be offered, and live music will accompany specials on certain evenings.
Wallspace in the downstairs area will be dedicated to featuring local artists and will be rotated on a monthly basis. A wall mural is being commissioned for the upstairs dining area.
More information can be found online at JGumbos.com.
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Goodale Park Music Series Returns This Weekend

Click on the link to view the entire interview.
The Short North Sunday Jazz series has become a well known outdoor summer music event in Goodale Park. But funding was cut from the Columbus Department of Parks & Recreation who hosted the event, and it was forced to be cancelled for 2009.
Thankfully, community leader Alexandra Kelley decided that she would volunteer her time, energy, and connections to keep the festival alive. The name has changed to the Goodale Park Music Series, but the enjoyment should remain the same. We conducted a quick Q&A with Alex to find out more about the event, which starts up on Sunday.
Q) What prompted you to step up to save this music event series?
A) Goodale Park is one of my favorite places in the world. I loved those lazy Sunday afternoons lying on a blanket with friends listening to live music.
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First tenants at Grandview Yard unveiled

Columbus News, Business First, Columbus Newspaper
Plans for the first phase of the Grandview Heights mixed-use development include a 126-room hotel, a fitness center and a 90,000-square-foot office building.
The city’s planning commission will consider the Hyatt Place hotel, Urban Active fitness center and a planned Jason’s Deli in the office building as conditional uses. The preliminary and final development plan must go through the commission as well as Grandview Heights City Council.
Construction on the three buildings and the first phase of road and utility projects could begin as early as late August. The office, hotel and fitness center should open in fall 2010, said Nationwide Realty President Brian Ellis.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Oktoberfest Cancelled by GVS for 2009

Update: The rumor has been confirmed. Oktoberfest has been cancelled.
The rumor mill is buzzing this morning with unconfirmed news that Oktoberfest has been cancelled for 2009. If it turns out to be true, it should come as no surprise, as the changes to the event location and structure have caused a lot of turmoil between German Village residents, the German Village Society, and new GVS Executive Director Erin O’Donnell.
According to this news story published in This Week News yesterday, Director O’Donnell has resigned yesterday after serving less than seven months in the position. She mentions that the budget of the GVS is not in good shape, and new fundraising is needed. Oktoberfest serves as one of the main annual fundraisers for the organization, and if it were cancelled it would probably mean a pretty large blow to GVS operations.
Update #2: Apparently, an anonymous $20,000 bribe donation was was given to GVS to keep Oktoberfest from happening this year
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Monday, July 6, 2009

How to Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

Summer vacations can be the perfect time to kick back and relax. And you don’t want you have to worry about the safety of your home while you’re away. To ensure that your home is well protected and cared for, pre-vacation prep is a must.

Nobody likes returning home from a relaxing vacation to find, dead plants, over-stuffed mail boxes or even worse, burglary. Here are some things that can help ensure your peace of mind when you’re away on vacation.


Security Is Top Priority

Security is probably the first issue people think about when going on vacation. Purchasing light timers is a cheap, fast and easy way to create a home security system. Be sure the timing is staggered so that your lights don’t come on at the same time each day. If you do have a home security system, it may still be necessary to use light timers. Also, alert your security company of your absence. If you are leaving cars behind while vacationing, park them in the driveway to give the illusion that somebody is home. And of course tell your neighbors. They will keep an extra watchful eye on your home while you’re away.


Maintaining Your Property


A yard will stay well maintained for about seven days before it begins to look overgrown. If you’re on vacation longer than that, make sure you hire someone to care for your lawn, flower and vegetable garden—even if it’s just the neighbor boy looking to make some extra summer money.

Managing the mail and newspapers is also important. If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, you may want to request that the post office halt the delivery of your mail altogether. Otherwise, have a friend or trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.


Vital Odds and Ends


Make it a point to turn off the stove and unplug the dishwasher, coffee pot and other small appliances before you leave. Also, make sure to unplug larger appliances like your television and computer so that a potential storm doesn’t cause your electronics to power surge and start a fire.

If you have pets at home, make sure you have secured a spot at the vet for them or friend who is willing to play with them and let them out daily.

And of course, close and lock all windows.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Weekend Brunch Options in Columbus

Nice article from Walker...click on the link for the entire article.

It’s the weekend. You’ve slept in. You’re in the mood for breakfast, but it’s also just about time for lunch. Guess that means it’s time to head out for some weekend brunch! There are loads of brunch options all over Columbus, but we’ve narrowed down a quick list of 10 choices to help you decide where to go. Read on for menus, prices, and dish descriptions that will make your stomach growl.

Banana Bean Cafe - German Village / Greenlawn - Menu (PDF) - Prices $10-15
Barrio - Downtown - Menu - Prices $7-17
Bodega - Short North - Menu (image) - Prices $5-8
Due Amici - Downtown - Menu - Prices $8-15
Lindey’s - German Village - Menu (PDF) - Prices $9-16
Northstar Cafe - Short North / Beechwold - Menu (PDF) - Prices $7-12
Sage American Bistro - North Campus - Menu - Prices $6-10
Tasi Cafe - Short North - Menu - Prices $6-10
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails - Downtown - Menu (PDF) - Prices $7-9
ZenCha Tea Salon - Short North - Menu (image) - Prices $9-10
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace Is Now Open! 248 S 4th St (Downtown)

I missed the Opening!!! I was out of town at the White House
After over a year of delays and setbacks, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace is scheduled to officially open on Wednesday, July 1st at 4pm. Hot dog fans will be treated to a variety of menu choices with toppings ranging from Sriracha Slaw to Beef Brisket to Kim Chee to Indian Mango Chutney.
Drinks include Frostop Root Beer, Cherry and Lime Slushies, a variety of specialty draught beers and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
The interior of the restaurant has been completely revamped, and includes a bright red-and-yellow color palette. In the photos below, you can see that the walls are adorned with paintings by artist Thom Lessner.
We have PDF files of the menus posted up here: drink menu / food menu. Dirty Frank’s is located at 248 South Fourth Street and will be open every day of the week from 11am to 2am. More info will be online soon at DirtyFranksColumbus.com.
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