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Market Days in Downtown Columbus

May 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Market Days Downtown Columbus The first time I went to Market Days on Broadway there were only about 3 or 4 vendors and I thought there is not much to this..  Well that has changed dramatically!!  Now there are 3 blocks of vendors on Broadway every Saturday Morning.

Everything from organic foods like the table pictured to flowers to backed goods to jewelry and crafts.   Wow!  Impressive display of food and crafts.

Additionally, there is an impressive amount of people downtown with their dogs and children just milling about and buying food and crafts and just generally enjoying the outdoors.  Live music was playing and just a great energy.  The Downtown area or as it is commonly called the uptown area is becoming the place to be.

The other thing I noticed is that the uptown area is becoming dog friendly and outdoor friendly.    The Big Dog Running store has runs in the downtown area and in a couple of weeks the whitewater rafting opening day is May 25th.  So we are becoming a city for people who enjoy the outdoors!    Fun!  I have never really thought of Columbus Ga that way before.  Really exciting!

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Nights in the Valley: April 9-15

April 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Some local nightlife to enjoy this week:

Monday, April 9 – Service Industry Night and Karaoke at Soho, Spades Night at The Suite Bar and Grill

Tuesday, April 10 – DJ AI at The Suite Bar and Grill, Open Mic Night at Soho with host Tripp Wrigley

Wednesday, April 11 – Wine Tasting at Ben’s Chophouse with live music from Nick Johnston; Piper’s Down at The Suite Bar and Grill

Thursday, April 12 – Charles “Big Saxy” Robinson at Ben’s Chophouse, Open Mic Night at The Suite Bar and Grill with host Nick Johnston, Open Mic Night at Fountain City Coffee, “I Tweet On My iPad (And I Liked It)” opening night at The Springer Opera House, Comedy Night at The Loft

Friday, April 13 – Downtown Concert Series on Broadway with Big Woody and the splinters!! DJ Teknek at The Suite Bar and Grill, Ben Sutton and Josh McKenzie at Ben’s Chophouse, Friday Night Jazz and Peggy Jenkins at The Loft

Saturday, April 14 – Latin Extreme Night at The Suite Bar and Grill, Ben Sutton and Josh McKenzie at Ben’s Chophouse, Leigh Nash at The Loft

Sunday, April 15 – Jazz Night at The Suite Bar and Grill

Filed Under: Restaurants and Nightlife

Weekend Getaway: Atlanta Food and Wine Festival

April 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a novel and invigorating out-of-town experience, you should check out the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.

This 4-day celebration of culinary excellence and superb beverages will take place from May 10 thru 13 in Midtown Atlanta. Food and drink enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy the fine cuisine of the premier chefs of our capital city and from around the Southeast.

According to their website, the festival is “a culinary experience like no other, unites leaders of their craft— barbecue pit masters, award-winning chefs and mixologists, sommeliers, fry cooks and local growers—in the spirit of celebrating the rich food and beverage traditions of the South.”

Tickets for the event are available in three packages: Connoisseur, 3-day passes, and day passes. Tickets to individual al a carte dinners and events are also available. Check out their website for pricing and availability.

This will give you and yours the perfect opportunity to experience some of the best food and beverage that the South has to off. So make the trek and make sure you bring your appetite!

 

Filed Under: Restaurants and Nightlife

Drew Konze at Crepe Myrtle in the Landings

March 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Crepe Myrtle in the Landings - RestaurantI recently had a chance to interview Drew Konze,the owner of an awesome new restaurant in Columbus, the Crepe Myrtle. So here are some of the questions and responses Drew gave me.

Q: Drew, you told me that you and your mom started the Crepe Myrtle. Could you tell me a little about that and how ya’ll came up with the concept??

A: The Crepe Myrtle in The Landings was started in Columbus, Ga in December 2011. I will be graduating from Auburn in May, looking for a job. I have always been interested in cooking and the restaurant industry. My mom was in Atlanta, and fell in love with the concept she stumbled upon while at The Atlanta Market. We were consulted by the company in Atlanta. My mom and I worked hard, researched everything we could think of and started the company from the ground up. We learn everyday new ways to better cater to our guests.

My family has been involved in family businesses my entire life. My dad owns Xpress Printing for 35 years, and my mom has started an arts and craft lesson business, as well as a Bible Verse Pillow case Business, Tadah is the name. Therefore, I have always wanted to start my own business and grow it large enough to provide for my family. With the help of my parents, we were able to invest the money needed to start the restaurant that is unique to Columbus GA.

Q: What makes the Crepe Myrtle different from other restaurants in Columbus?

A: Crepe Myrtle focuses on fresh ingredients. Everyday the vegetables and meats (steak and white meat chicken) are cut and cooked in order to create meals with the best possible ingredients. Each meal is prepared for the individual customer, not held warm all day. We are unique to Columbus being the only crepe restaurant in town. Our focus as a company is the customer and providing them with the best customer service will be a huge advantage of Crepe Myrtle. Our mission as a company is to provide our customers with a relaxing, delicious meal by providing the best customer service. Our employees take pride in the company we are creating together and share their love for life through the interactions with our guests.

Q: What are your future plans for the Restaurant?

A: The future of Crepe Myrtle is to eventually grow to become a regionally know restaurant that could have other locations. The other locations would be in towns similar to Columbus within Georgia or Alabama. Trying to keep the small, personal feel and great food will be the main goal for future restaurants.
The absolute ultimate goal would be to franchise hundreds of stores, but for now that is too far down the road.

Q: What else do we need to know about your business?

A: Crepe Myrtle in The Landings is a family owned and operated restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. Crepe Myrtle sells crepes that are created for the individual guest for lunch and dinner. Our location is in a central shopping center located in a great part of town. Our goal is to offer our customers a “get away from the everyday hustle and bustle” feel, by giving great, personal service and great food.

Thank you for sharing with me Drew! I have sampled the restaurant and was very impressed. You should have also let them know that they can have a glass of wine with their dinner. I for one will be back!!

Filed Under: People in the Spotlight, Restaurants and Nightlife

Party Like an Irishmen: St. Patty’s in Columbus

March 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

St. Patrick’s Day is Saturday night, and Columbus has a whole host of options for how to celebrate this year. Just be sure to sport some green clothing, and of course have some green beer, if you plan on partaking in any of the festivities!

Soho
Local favorite Stereomonster will be performing. Also drink specials and Irish Stew. $5 Cover.

Ben’s Chophouse
Scott Taccati, the Piano Man, will be rocking the bar. A ton of drink specials including 2 for $10 Irish Car Bombs and $2.50 Guinness. No Cover.

The Loft
Comedy from 8-9:30, Music by Big City Ramblers starting at 9:45. Drink specials including Irish Flag Margaritas. $10 cover for comedy, $5 for music.

Belloo’s
The Relics will be performing. Drink and cigar specials. $5 cover.

Scruffy Murphy’s
Irish food and drink’s throughout the day (starting at 11:30 A.M.). Na Buachaillí, an Irish band, will be performing. $7-10 cover.

Bootleggers
Music from the Chris Collins Band, along with acoustic music during the day. $8 cover for Chris Collins Band.

Max’s
Corbin Knowles performing.

 

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Taste of the Valley: Lunchtime

March 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to your lunch hour, don’t get stuck in a rut with the same old cuisine and waste this most sacred time of the work day. Why not try out some of these new hot spots to satisfy your midday appetite?

Crepe Myrtle
This little gem in the Landings offers a twist on classic sandwich options in the form of, yep, you guessed it: crepes. Crepe Myrtle in the Landings brings to Columbus the taste of the original Crepe Myrtle Cafe, a popular eatery in Auburn. With tasty selections ranging from Pesto Steak to Roasted Veggie, or my personal favorite Caesar Chicken, this fresh take on the sandwich hits the spot. And yes, they have the panini option if you’re not feeling particularly adventurous (but seriously, get the crepe!).

The Grill
Wanting a great place to have that splurge meal for the week? Try a tasty burger or melt at our town’s newest diner, The Grill. They have some great dishes that might not be so good for you diet, but will certainly please your tastebuds. The Grill provides that small town diner feel with some really flavorful food to boot. This place is likely to become a Columbus staple, as their slogan says it all: “Where the local people meet and eat!”

Your Pie
This place is a topping lover’s dream! Your Pie gives everyone the opportunity to be a pizza artist, as you get to put together a delectable personal piece with over 30 different toppings, 10 cheeses, and 8 sauces to choose from. With 20 of those toppings at no additional charge, there’s no need to compromise on what you want on your pizza ever again! They also offer specialty pizzas, along with calzones, paninis, and bread-bowl salads. And once you’ve polished off your personal brick-oven masterpiece, don’t skip out on the decadent tiramisu gelato. You won’t be sorry.

Filed Under: Restaurants, Restaurants and Nightlife

Taste of the Valley: Wine Tastings at Ben’s Chophouse

March 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Looking for a fun way to get over the hump of the work week? You should check out the wine tastings at Ben’s.

Ben’s offers a night of fine wine, greet food, and live entertainment two Wednesdays out of every month. The tastings are hosted by various representatives from local distributers, giving attendees the chance to sample new and exciting wines that you may have missed on your last trip down the vino aisle. With different selections each time, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your wine-loving horizons. Light appetizers are also provided to compliment the three reds and three whites that you get to try. Live acoustic music adds a sense of fun to the occasion, with Nick Johnston (yours truly) playing all of your favorite songs.

For only $20 per person, you’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend your Wednesday night.

The next two tastings will take place on March 14 and 28. Call today to make your reservation and get ready to have a wonderful and tasty experience.

Also to check out more food and wine try the Columbus Ga Toast of the Town

Filed Under: Restaurants and Nightlife

Finer Things: The Toast of the Town

March 1, 2012 By 4 Comments

Calling all wine enthusiasts and food lovers! The Toast of the Town is just around the corner!

On March 23, from 7-11pm, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra will hold its third annual Toast of the Town fundraising event in support of music projects in the Columbus area. This lavish occasion offers attendees the unique opportunity to try fine wines from over 200 vintners from around the globe, as well as to experience some gourmet cuisine from top area chefs and restaurants. Some notable participants this year will include Ben’s Chophouse, Meritage, The Market, and Cafe Le Rue, just to name a few. And for the first time, The Toast will be offering hand-crafted beer from regional breweries, adding to the already vast selection of beverage options. There will also be a silent auction which will give Toasters the chance to score some great bottles of wine and exciting trip packages to places such as Colorado and Paris.

Tickets to The Toast are $85 through March 16 ($95 after that), with the proceeds sponsoring the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in their music and educational endeavors throughout the year, ensuring the excellence we’ve come to expect from the CSO. So get ready to have a ball at The Toast of the Town while supporting a wonderful cause!

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Your 15 Minutes: Max’s Open Mic Night

March 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Your 15 Minutes: Max’s Open Mic Thursdays

 

Are you a local musician looking for that perfect venue to showcase your talents? Or perhaps you’re an aspiring poet or comedian hoping to have your work heard? Whatever your niche or passion, a stage awaits you just across the Hooch.

 

Every Thursday is Open Mic Night at Max’s in Phenix City. From bluegrass pickers to indie rockers, acoustic folk singers to the next local funny man, country cover artists to alternative singer/songwriters, Max’s offers an eclectic mix of talented amateur acts for you to enjoy, and perhaps, be a part of. From 9 until midnight, the stage is open to all musicians, poets, and comedians who want a little taste of the limelight. Hosted by yours truly, we’re looking for anyone who’s eager to put their skills on display in a casual, friendly, and, of course, fun atmosphere.

 

Trust me, you’re going to have a great time!

 

Whether you’re participating as an up-and-coming artist or just there to see the show, Max’s is a great place to get a glimpse of all the under-the-radar talent the Chattahoochee Valley has to offer. And with a full bar and an excellent menu, Max’s Thursdays make for the perfect ready-for-the-weekend night out. So come as you are, and show us what you got at Max’s Open Mic!

Filed Under: Restaurants and Nightlife

Top 5 Restaurants in Columbus GA

February 28, 2012 By 2 Comments

Loft in Columbus GATaste of the Valley

Looking to ditch the kitchen for a night out on the town? Check out these local spots to experience some of Columbus’s top-notch cuisine options.

1. Downstairs at the Loft

Whether you’re craving a juicy ribeye, a hearty salad, or an unforgettable burger, it’s hard to go wrong with Downstairs at the Loft. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this hip little joint has made quite the name for itself over the past few years. Owner Tom Jones has put together a menu that’ll please all palettes, as well as all budgets. With its lively atmosphere and its superb service, Downstairs at the Loft tops the list of options for this discerning eater. A word of advice: if you happen to get the unstuffed chicken, you may forever find all other poultry dishes insufficient.

2. The Thai House

While there seems to be a stark divide between those who love this little gem and those who fancy another local Thai place, I’m here to make a case for the former camp. The Thai House offers a quaint and cozy atmosphere with authentic Thai dishes that will invigorate your tastebuds. With a wide selection of always-fresh and always-tasty plates, The Thai House will undoubtedly have you craving more. Try the Gai Pad Peht: you may not pronounce it correctly but you’ll certainly enjoy eating it. And when they ask you if you’d like your entree mild, medium or hot, keep in mind that hot means Hot! You’ve been warned.

3. Ben’s Chophouse

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring business associates, old friends, or that special someone, look no further than Ben’s Chophouse. This classy yet relaxed steakhouse is the prime spot for any occasion. While it may seem a bit pricey, the quality of their food, drinks, and service are hard to match. And with live music Wednesday through Saturday, and wine-tastings twice a month, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

4. Sushiko

Wanting something a bit more exotic; say, Japanese? Try Sushiko. With it’s vast sushi menu and hibachi options, you’re sure to find something to your liking. The service is friendly, fast, and efficient, and the cuisine matches any of the big city/big price alternatives. The just gotta have: Tuna Tataki.

5. Mark’s City Grill

The Jones brothers are obviously doing something right in satisfying the Columbusite’s appetite. Mark Jones, sibling of Tom from the Loft, has taken his recipe for success from the well-known Hunter’s Pub and implanted it into our fair city. At Mark’s City Grill you’ll find a well-rounded menu that has a little bit for everyone. Mark’s offers a collection of southern-themed dishes, each with a unique culinary twist. Whether it’s steak, seafood, poultry, or pork, you’re sure to find something to suit your preference. And whatever you choose, be sure compliment it with the Ritz cracker macaroni and cheese. Believe me, it’ll put your grandma’s to shame.

Come try some of these at and help raise money for the Columbus Symphony at the Toast of the Town

Author: Nicholas Johnston

Filed Under: Restaurants and Nightlife