downtownsnob

Where should they live in Columbus?

I was walking to Barcelona to meet a friend for a cocktail on Sunday when I heard a car slowing behind me. Nice couple, late 20s, kid in the back seat. Their windows were rolled down and the daddy/driver was leaning toward me ready to ask a question.

I almost started giving directions to Schmidts before their wheels even stopped rolling (since THAT is the usual question), but this was something a little stickier:

Where should we live in Columbus?

Ok, here's the situation:

• Husband is college bound (deciding between Columbus and Ann Arbor)
• They have a young child (you'll have to forgive me for not noting the gender or age - this is still ME, remember?)
• They want to be near to campus and feel safe
• And, they have an urban/neighborhoody ethic

Off the cuff, I recommended Short North and its surrounding neighbors or Grandview. But, I also gave them my number to follow up. So, what do you think, Columbus? What's the ideal neighborhood for this growing, brainy family?

German Village's couples and dogs resurface

Another curious winter is passing. A chilly time when German Village appears to be peopled with ... well, people. One by one - seemingly capable of moving about on their own - they spend the winter months jogging, carrying recycled shopping bags, darting from shop to shop - a chunk of cheese or a fresh-baked bread in hand.

Leaving many to question: What happened to the canines that we thought ran this place?

And, what the heck happened to all the couples who romance the heck out of it?

Well, alas, spring is upon us. Today was a balmy 60-degrees and crowded. Schiller Park was overrun with couples so optimistic - with their brunch-filled bellies and cupcake-stocked bags - that they actually sat on the grass! (The toilet of at least half of GV's population).

And the dogs! Back from wherever they are sent in the winter. Giant poodles leaping into the air. Weimaraners galloping to and fro. Mutts careening toward deflated tennis balls.

It's downtown as it was meant to be. Pasty Midwesterners emerging from the dark winter. Heck, it's nearly time for sandals, shorts and sweaters.  Who could deny us this glorious day?

A few categories missing from CU's Best of Columbus

I am a sucker for "best of" lists. Crowdsourced reviews of the year gone by. A city-wide I [heart] list of events and places.

But, always, I want to add my own categories - the extra things in need of applause or judgment. Here are a few of my 2008 favorites:

• Best microbrew: Columbus Brewing Company's Apricot Ale


• Best server: Toss up- Derrick at Easy Street or Dan at Due Amici


• Best holiday event: Village Lights in German Village


• Best yard sale: Victorian Village


• Best brunch: Due Amici


• Best brunch cocktail: Sage American Bistro (nearly any from lengthy mimosa menu)


• Best chocolatier:  Daniel at Pure Imagination


• Best Flickr event: March snowstorm


• Best community response: Race for the Cure


• Best make-good of a would-be disaster: Mud slides and mud body paint at rainy Comfest


• Best response to the wicked hot summer: Mist fans at Park Street


• Best pre-movie advertisement: Easy Street (Yay, George!)


• Best grilled cheese sandwich: (I know you're thinking Bodega, but I swear:) Blackcreek Bistro


• Best comfort food update: Deep fried cheese curds at Brothers


• Best carb: Raisin-walnut bread at Katzingers


• Best dairy: Jeni's Crème Fraîche with Amarena Cherries (come on, get over the salty carmel already)
  


• Best produce: Honey Crisp apples from the Greener Grocer


• Best commercial art: Toss up: PBR consumer-generated campaign or Wegman's glorious weimaraners draped all over downtown


• Best shocking local news photo: Cars washed up onto the sidewalks of German Village after that first brutal rainstorm this summer


• Best store concept: Wine, pet food and dog clothes at The Dog Works


• Best cupcake flavor: Buckeye at Bakery Gingham