Columbus, Ohio USA
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Dis 'n' Data
By Margaret Marten, Editor
email margaret@shortnorth.com
June 2010
Visitors to the Short North can now “drink in” Milk Bar, a Short North fashion boutique, at a new location, 765 N. High St. No one could argue that the move from 1203 N. High (near Fifth) into the heart of the district further south was a wise decision on the part of owners Eric Hayes and Kareem Jackson. The bustling strip just north of Buttles not only will see greater pedestrian traffic but also provide the priceless benefit of camaraderie from neighboring apparel stores clustered nearby. The National Jean Company opened next door at 761 N. High in April, and Substance for Fashion Conscious People is just a short stroll away. Voodoo Denim Lounge at 780 N. High (another April addition) and neighboring Torso and Undone, provide a positive view of fun fashion directly across the street. Milk Bar owners say more foot traffic means more fashion. After all, more business brings in more revenue for extra style selections – which is what they love. Maren Roth, another fashion loyalist intent upon expanding her clothing empire, doubled the size of her shop, Rowe Boutique, by knocking out a wall and taking on the former space of Luxe de Vie at 720 N. High, thereby increasing her line of fashion twofold. Meanwhile Segway, in the business of selling personal transporters, has transported itself to 1189 N. High (after vacating the space taken by Milk Bar). Owner Jared Cavalier broaden his sales interests and is now in the business of selling a full line of bicycles in addition to the Segways. Revolution Cycles will share the showroom, and a basement is available for bicycle service. Cavalier said he’s still in love with Segways, and the personal transporters will remain his primary focus, but more modest inventory was needed to stimulate sales in the current economy. “We’re going to focus on well-built but lesser cost bicycles,” he said. “We’ll top off where most other bike stores start.” However, high-end accessory parts, such as Brooks Saddles out of England, will be available. “We’re welcoming the bicycle enthusiast – we’re providing full accessories and service – but from a sales perspective, our aim is going to be for the commuter.” In other words, cyclists focused on the practicalities of transportation. The new location for Segway and Revolution Cycles is across the street from What the Rock?!. Their number is 614-299-1100.
Food venues continue to crop up along High. In the old Planet Smoothie space (beside Milk Bar), Da Levee opened in March (think “duh levee” like New Orleans or the Led Zeppelin song) offering Cajun/Creole cuisine in a cafe-style atmosphere with inexpensive, inviting selections that change daily. The most popular to date is Chili Cheese Etouffee with crawfish, and the B&B, a combination of black beans, sweet corn and spices. The eatery has garnered persistent praise from patrons since its opening. Owner Justin Boehme, 27, hails from Indianapolis where he worked for eight years and eventually managed Yat’s, a popular Cajun restaurant, whose success inspired him to strike out on his own. Da Levee is located at 765-C N. High. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 to 9, Saturday noon to 9, and Sunday noon to 7. Closed Mondays. The contact number is 317-250-8847.
The Short North Tavern has taken Bono Pizza under its wing this month, providing Bill Yerkes with an oven and a lot of lovin’ from pizza fans in the tavern at 674 N. High. Yerkes will be stationed there on Monday and Tuesday from 5 to 11 p.m. for dine-in and take-out service. However, the pizza business remains open in Grandview as well, at 1717 Northwest Blvd. The Short North Tavern number is 614-221-2432.
The long-awaited opening of Mouton, Usef Riazi’s new restaurant operating at 954 N. High in the former Ohio Art League space, is good news. The place offers a beautiful balance of sophistication and simplicity. Basic European fare of cheese, meats and wine are served in a lovely atmosphere designed by architect Steve Hurtt of urbanorder architecture and owner Riazi. Much thought and care were put into the project. Over the past eight months, Hurtt, Riazi, and helpers have worked hard reconstructing and redesigning the entire space seating 32. Riazi‘s passion is primarily French wine, so that specialty should be a major attraction for wine connoisseurs – the restaurant’s name is atrributed to the Chateau Mouton Rothschild winery in France. For morning spirits, coffee and handmade baked goods are available when the doors open bright and early at 8 a.m. Gourmet cured meats, artisan cheeses, breads and wines can be purchased for carryout or for in-house dining, day or night. Cocktail loungers and insomniacs will have the added attraction of late nights – until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Rigsby Kitchen recently acquired the space at 17 Brickel St. where the Art Exchange ran a gallery for a couple years. The restaurant will offer off-site catering at the location and use the adjoining space for food preparation. No word yet on what became of Kristin Meyer and her art consulting operation, Art Exchange.
Concrete Jungle, the gardening center at 940 N. High, will close on June 20. Owners Chris and Nancy Baker were well-grounded in the plant business when they opened the store in the Short North two years ago, and their nursery in Alexandria, Baker’s Acres Greenhouse, remains in business after almost 30 years, but Concrete Jungle was not profitable, according to Nancy. “I love the store and the customers and the neighborhood and the employees, but I have to make a profit,” she said. “We’ll be out of there by the end of July, please spread the word that the space is available. I wish we weren’t leaving. Good luck to all of you.” If you’re interested in leasing the space, call Nancy at 614-561-9647 and she will put you in touch with the landlord. We’ll miss Concrete Jungle, the plants, and the Bakers’ warm humor and earthy expertise.
Our condolences to Short North resident Greg Zanetos who lost his mother last month. Agnes Zanetos, age 89, is the wife of Tom Zanetos who founded the Anthony-Thomas Candy Company with his father in 1952. Agnes was active in the candy business from the start, eventually serving as an officer, secretary-treasurer, before retiring at the age of 80. She is survived by her husband, four sons, four grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.News about upcoming events in the neighborhood can be found in Community Events and the Bulletin Board.
Email the Editor margaret@shortnorth.com
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