Last night we went to dinner at the Rossi last night and noticed that they are nearing completion of their expansion into next door. According to the waitress the new side is relatively complete, they just need to frame up the wall in the front which they knocked through to connect the two units. The planned opening date is April 1. The most amazing thing is that despite them almost doubling their floor space they are maintaining their existing kitchen to servic the whole restaurant. Admittedly I love the restaurant but the service is not uber fast so I hope they can make do with this tiny space.
On a food note - my partner loved his burger but I was pretty disappointed in the pizza and our friend scoffed at the pasta. Normally we love this place - especially the entrees - so I am not going to acknowledge that this dinner ever took place and of course go back to see the bigger and better Rossi.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
CCAD DORM APPROVED
I really have to give CCAD credit for beginning to distinguish itself in a city which is OSU obsessed. I like their plan to replace a purely functional and non-aesthetically pleasing structure with a dorm to house more students but transfer the functions of the classroom building to their newly acquired and more visibile space on Broad Street. I think the blend of office and government workers with college students will add a new energy along that corridor and get people to notice the campus more since students will be going in and out of the Broad St location after 5 p.m. when that stretch is typically deserted.
Art college to finish off quad with dorm that's in demand
Monday, March 3, 2008 6:17 AM
By Mike Pramik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The glass facade of the new dorm at Columbus College of Art & Design will face the quad.
College students typically can't wait to ditch the dorms.
But when a 1,300-student school has residential space for only 250 students, suddenly young people might well come knocking on its door, looking for a place to stay.
That's the case at Columbus College of Art & Design, where plans for a new dorm received approval last week from the Columbus Downtown Commission.
The college's planned $11 million dorm will provide an additional 208 beds, as well as another landmark framing the campus quadrangle. College President Denny Griffith said work should begin in mid-May.
"We have heard a clarion cry from families who would very much like to see additional on-campus housing for upperclassmen," Griffith said. "At some later stage, we might want to add more."
For the full article:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/03/ZONE0303.ART_ART_03-03-08_C8_GJ9G2KT.html?sid=101
Art college to finish off quad with dorm that's in demand
Monday, March 3, 2008 6:17 AM
By Mike Pramik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The glass facade of the new dorm at Columbus College of Art & Design will face the quad.
College students typically can't wait to ditch the dorms.
But when a 1,300-student school has residential space for only 250 students, suddenly young people might well come knocking on its door, looking for a place to stay.
That's the case at Columbus College of Art & Design, where plans for a new dorm received approval last week from the Columbus Downtown Commission.
The college's planned $11 million dorm will provide an additional 208 beds, as well as another landmark framing the campus quadrangle. College President Denny Griffith said work should begin in mid-May.
"We have heard a clarion cry from families who would very much like to see additional on-campus housing for upperclassmen," Griffith said. "At some later stage, we might want to add more."
For the full article:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/03/03/ZONE0303.ART_ART_03-03-08_C8_GJ9G2KT.html?sid=101
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
DO MORE THAN JUST VOTE
Once again I'll be getting up at 5:00 a.m. this coming Tuesday to help out Franklin County. The work is extremely rewarding and helpes provide legitimacy to the election process. Consider volunteering your time. Contact informatin is below.
338 sought to work polls on March 4
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 5:47 AM
Franklin County is looking for 338 poll workers for Tuesday's primary election.
The Board of Elections will keep telephones open until 8 p.m. weeknights and until 5 p.m. during the weekend to sign up workers. Training courses run through Monday. Register online at vote.
franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-462-5393.
Workers are paid at least $110 for the day, depending on their assignment. They must attend a two-hour course, be able to work from 5:30 a.m. until at least 8 p.m. on election day and have transportation.
The board expects to hire about 5,000 poll workers for this election. It still needs 200 Republicans and 138 Democrats, including 30 as presiding judges.
Areas short on Republican poll workers include Bexley, Gahanna, Dublin, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, and central and northeastern Columbus. Democrats are primarily needed in suburban precincts outside I-270.
-- Barbara Carmen
338 sought to work polls on March 4
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 5:47 AM
Franklin County is looking for 338 poll workers for Tuesday's primary election.
The Board of Elections will keep telephones open until 8 p.m. weeknights and until 5 p.m. during the weekend to sign up workers. Training courses run through Monday. Register online at vote.
franklincountyohio.gov or call 614-462-5393.
Workers are paid at least $110 for the day, depending on their assignment. They must attend a two-hour course, be able to work from 5:30 a.m. until at least 8 p.m. on election day and have transportation.
The board expects to hire about 5,000 poll workers for this election. It still needs 200 Republicans and 138 Democrats, including 30 as presiding judges.
Areas short on Republican poll workers include Bexley, Gahanna, Dublin, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, and central and northeastern Columbus. Democrats are primarily needed in suburban precincts outside I-270.
-- Barbara Carmen
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
DOWNTOWN FOOD OPTIONS GROW
The Dispatch reported on a few new restaurant openings in the SN and downtown area. Most of these have been reported on elsewhere but this article clears up opening dates, etc.
VegiTerranean- Chrissie Hynde creation. Locations currently being scouted.
Cafe Lola- focuses on grab and go lunch crowd. Broad St and N High.
Original Soupman- you guessed it...soup. Next door to Lola and will open next week.
Cinco- Mexican fare. Huntington Building. Open in five months.
Read the article at:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/26/rest_0226.ART_ART_02-26-08_C10_VA9FB20.html?sid=101
VegiTerranean- Chrissie Hynde creation. Locations currently being scouted.
Cafe Lola- focuses on grab and go lunch crowd. Broad St and N High.
Original Soupman- you guessed it...soup. Next door to Lola and will open next week.
Cinco- Mexican fare. Huntington Building. Open in five months.
Read the article at:
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/02/26/rest_0226.ART_ART_02-26-08_C10_VA9FB20.html?sid=101
Sunday, February 24, 2008
EXILE REOPENS
Camera is still crapped out so you are just going to have to trust me on this.
Exile on 4th Street reopened this past Friday evening and I have to admit the remodeled bar is pretty great. No longer do you enter through a side door and the boarded up street windows have been replaced with actual windows. The interior has been freshened up and feels more opened. The remodel continues with a larger dance, stage and patio being added. Fourth Street seediness just got a little less.
Welcome back Exile.
Exile on 4th Street reopened this past Friday evening and I have to admit the remodeled bar is pretty great. No longer do you enter through a side door and the boarded up street windows have been replaced with actual windows. The interior has been freshened up and feels more opened. The remodel continues with a larger dance, stage and patio being added. Fourth Street seediness just got a little less.
Welcome back Exile.
Friday, February 22, 2008
GAHANNA RECONSIDERS OHIO HUB PLAN
This Monday, February 25, 2008, the City of Gahanna's City Council will once again consider passing a resolution in support of the Ohio Hub Freight and Passenger Rail development. In October 2007, the Council rejected the proposition 4-3 but due to a few new faces on the board and additional time to learn more about the hub plan the resolution stands a favorable chance at passage.
If you are in support of the Ohio Hub plan, consider attending the Gahanna City Council meeting Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Gahanna City Hall is located at 200 S. Hamilton Road and offers plenty of free parking since you can't ride the rails there just yet.
If you are in support of the Ohio Hub plan, consider attending the Gahanna City Council meeting Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Gahanna City Hall is located at 200 S. Hamilton Road and offers plenty of free parking since you can't ride the rails there just yet.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
BROS BOW OUT FOR THE GALS
I rarely ever do more than just glance through The Other Paper because I never find any substantive journalism in it. I have come to accept that it really is just a big events calendar that lets me know just what is happening at Ugly Tuna every night of the week. I admit, I have been there once and I did consume a fish bowl of liquor while there. I digress.
However, in this week's issue of the OP, Kitty McConnell brings to light more information regarding the old Little Brother's Location. Apparently the new business, Liquid, is going to be debuting this spring as a bar/restaurant geared toward gay professional women. In my head I am imagining Jennifer Beals, Pam Grier and all the other L Word ladies hanging out on High Street and I am loving it.
The design of the new space is about half-way done and how it is described in the article sounds nice. I am anxious to get a sneak peek of the place and maybe convince the owners to name it something other than Liquid which just makes me think of it as a place where the clap is swapped back and forth.
Check out the article only available in print on page 15.
However, in this week's issue of the OP, Kitty McConnell brings to light more information regarding the old Little Brother's Location. Apparently the new business, Liquid, is going to be debuting this spring as a bar/restaurant geared toward gay professional women. In my head I am imagining Jennifer Beals, Pam Grier and all the other L Word ladies hanging out on High Street and I am loving it.
The design of the new space is about half-way done and how it is described in the article sounds nice. I am anxious to get a sneak peek of the place and maybe convince the owners to name it something other than Liquid which just makes me think of it as a place where the clap is swapped back and forth.
Check out the article only available in print on page 15.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
UNDERWHELMED
I am all for placemaking and I agree that universities should make a greater effort to make sure residents, students and visitors know its defined boundaries. However, I think there are a couple things a little off with plan proposed by OSU students.
First, the coined name "Unidentity" is atrocious. I get where it came from and good for them for trying to be clever but using a prefix that means "opposite of" and "not" when trying to create identity isn't the smartest move.
Second, the arch is already taken by the Short North. Creating a unique identity means using symbols that are not already adopted by other entities. Sure, the SN does not have exclusive rights to the arch but when the areas are so close to one another they may want to try something more distinctive.
I give the students props for trying to create a more clearly defined campus. The banners are a great start but there are many other options to consider. I would suggest these good folks look to other colleges located in urban environments to see what they have done. George Washington University right smack dab in the middle of DC has done a great job.
Unidentity gives face to University District
By: Cara Shirley
Posted: 2/19/08
Block O banners suspended from lamp posts and archways curving over streets might adorn the University District by 2009.
This is part of a new plan developed by a group of Ohio State students. They call it the "Unidentity Project," an effort to define the boundaries of the University District and to make people feel more welcome when they enter it.
"I believe building the arches will identify and consolidate the community, instill pride and strengthen the community," said Nick Uhas, project director.
Uhas said the University District consists of OSU's campus and the residential and business areas that surround it. The north border is Arcadia Avenue, the south border is fifth avenue, the East border is the railroad tracks and the west border is the Olentangy River.
The group said its motives for creating the project are evident in the name it selected. "Unidentity" is a combination of the words "university" and "identity."
The arches were initially Uhas' idea and the banners were Taylor Meadows.' Because they are both members of the Undergraduate Student Government, they combined their goals into one project and gathered support from additional USG members along the way.
The project outline, which they began in the fall, designates that banners run along the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue, while the arches will be constructed in four different locations on the north, south, east and west borders of the district, said Brennan Duty, USG member and co-project director.
Uhas thinks branding the edges of the University District with arches will help students and residents better understand the boundary locations.
After talking with fellow OSU students, Uhas said he realized, "there was confusion about where the University District stops and starts."
To gather more precise data on what students know and do not know about the district, Uhas created a survey. Jerry Dunleavy, a USG member helping with the project, sent out the survey to 10,000 students through Webmail last week.
The results are still coming in, but out of the 250 students who have responded so far, 61 percent do not know where the district starts and stops. The survey revealed that 75 percent of students would like a welcoming structure.
Once they finish gathering the survey data, Duty said those involved in the project will develop "a business plan" and present it to OSU's Campus Partners and Columbus City Council.
Because the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue are owned by OSU, the university has the power to approve the banners. The arches, though, must be approved and funded by the city of Columbus, Duty said.
Duty said constructing arches around the University District has been proposed in the past by city officials, "but no one spearheaded it." However, the funds set aside for the arches still exist and are waiting to be spent, he said.
Uhas said he is so adamant about the project that he will make it happen this time around.
He said since the student population is contributing $250,000 a day to the part of the University District surrounding campus, the city should support the project.
"Look what Ohio State does for Columbus. We want Columbus to do something for Ohio State," Uhas said.
First, the coined name "Unidentity" is atrocious. I get where it came from and good for them for trying to be clever but using a prefix that means "opposite of" and "not" when trying to create identity isn't the smartest move.
Second, the arch is already taken by the Short North. Creating a unique identity means using symbols that are not already adopted by other entities. Sure, the SN does not have exclusive rights to the arch but when the areas are so close to one another they may want to try something more distinctive.
I give the students props for trying to create a more clearly defined campus. The banners are a great start but there are many other options to consider. I would suggest these good folks look to other colleges located in urban environments to see what they have done. George Washington University right smack dab in the middle of DC has done a great job.
Unidentity gives face to University District
By: Cara Shirley
Posted: 2/19/08
Block O banners suspended from lamp posts and archways curving over streets might adorn the University District by 2009.
This is part of a new plan developed by a group of Ohio State students. They call it the "Unidentity Project," an effort to define the boundaries of the University District and to make people feel more welcome when they enter it.
"I believe building the arches will identify and consolidate the community, instill pride and strengthen the community," said Nick Uhas, project director.
Uhas said the University District consists of OSU's campus and the residential and business areas that surround it. The north border is Arcadia Avenue, the south border is fifth avenue, the East border is the railroad tracks and the west border is the Olentangy River.
The group said its motives for creating the project are evident in the name it selected. "Unidentity" is a combination of the words "university" and "identity."
The arches were initially Uhas' idea and the banners were Taylor Meadows.' Because they are both members of the Undergraduate Student Government, they combined their goals into one project and gathered support from additional USG members along the way.
The project outline, which they began in the fall, designates that banners run along the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue, while the arches will be constructed in four different locations on the north, south, east and west borders of the district, said Brennan Duty, USG member and co-project director.
Uhas thinks branding the edges of the University District with arches will help students and residents better understand the boundary locations.
After talking with fellow OSU students, Uhas said he realized, "there was confusion about where the University District stops and starts."
To gather more precise data on what students know and do not know about the district, Uhas created a survey. Jerry Dunleavy, a USG member helping with the project, sent out the survey to 10,000 students through Webmail last week.
The results are still coming in, but out of the 250 students who have responded so far, 61 percent do not know where the district starts and stops. The survey revealed that 75 percent of students would like a welcoming structure.
Once they finish gathering the survey data, Duty said those involved in the project will develop "a business plan" and present it to OSU's Campus Partners and Columbus City Council.
Because the lamp posts on High Street and Lane Avenue are owned by OSU, the university has the power to approve the banners. The arches, though, must be approved and funded by the city of Columbus, Duty said.
Duty said constructing arches around the University District has been proposed in the past by city officials, "but no one spearheaded it." However, the funds set aside for the arches still exist and are waiting to be spent, he said.
Uhas said he is so adamant about the project that he will make it happen this time around.
He said since the student population is contributing $250,000 a day to the part of the University District surrounding campus, the city should support the project.
"Look what Ohio State does for Columbus. We want Columbus to do something for Ohio State," Uhas said.
OHIO SUPERS
Curious about who the 19 Democratic superdelegates are for the state of Ohio? These folks may have the power to decide the upcoming presidential election. If you want them to know who you think should lead the country in 2008, call their offices. Also know that superdelegates can switch their support up to the election.
Distinguished Party Leader
David Wilhelm- supports Obama
US House
Marcy Kaptur
Dennis Kucinich
Tim Ryan
Zack Space
Betty Sutton
Charles Wilson
US Senate
Sherrod Brown
DNC
Joyce Beatty
William Burga
Enid Goubeaux
Mark Mallory
Ronald Malone
Rhine McLin
Patricia Moss
Sonny Nardi
Chris Redfern
Stephanie Tubbs Jones- supports Clinton
Distinguished Party Leader
David Wilhelm- supports Obama
US House
Marcy Kaptur
Dennis Kucinich
Tim Ryan
Zack Space
Betty Sutton
Charles Wilson
US Senate
Sherrod Brown
DNC
Joyce Beatty
William Burga
Enid Goubeaux
Mark Mallory
Ronald Malone
Rhine McLin
Patricia Moss
Sonny Nardi
Chris Redfern
Stephanie Tubbs Jones- supports Clinton
Monday, February 18, 2008
HAPPY GREEK NOT ALL SMILES
Two more storefronts may be opening soon along High.
Restaurant owner accused of mortgage scam
Monday, February 18, 2008 12:23 PM
The Columbus Dispatch
DELAWARE, Ohio -- The co-owner of the Happy Greek restaurants was arrested Friday as part of a lengthy investigation into a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud ring that authoriies say operated in Franklin and Delaware counties.
Authorities on Friday arrested Gihan “Gigi” Zalat, 40, of Columbus, and charged her with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. She is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Delaware Municipal Court.
The Dispatch reported last year that law-enforcement officials suspected that Zalat and her husband, Mohamed Hassan, ran a fraud ring that involved foreigners buying houses in elite central Ohio neighborhoods.
Police have said real-estate deals were hatched at meetings in the basement office of the Short North restaurant location.
Real estate agents and mortgage brokers became suspicious when buyers began to offer sellers thousands more than the asking price for some homes.
Restaurant owner accused of mortgage scam
Monday, February 18, 2008 12:23 PM
The Columbus Dispatch
DELAWARE, Ohio -- The co-owner of the Happy Greek restaurants was arrested Friday as part of a lengthy investigation into a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud ring that authoriies say operated in Franklin and Delaware counties.
Authorities on Friday arrested Gihan “Gigi” Zalat, 40, of Columbus, and charged her with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. She is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Delaware Municipal Court.
The Dispatch reported last year that law-enforcement officials suspected that Zalat and her husband, Mohamed Hassan, ran a fraud ring that involved foreigners buying houses in elite central Ohio neighborhoods.
Police have said real-estate deals were hatched at meetings in the basement office of the Short North restaurant location.
Real estate agents and mortgage brokers became suspicious when buyers began to offer sellers thousands more than the asking price for some homes.
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