BIG PICTURE Cleaning the shop is all in a hard day’s work at Urbn Timber. Read more on page 110. PHOTO BY BRIAN KAISER
CONTENTS COV E R STO RY
68 41 56
DO MORE GOOD IN REAL LIFE 68
GALLERY SPACE: CRAIG CARLISLE 32 NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTS ABOUT AMPERSAND 41 GEMUT BIERGARTEN GROWS ROOTS 56 WHAT’S ON TAP AT CBC 66 ART MOVES FORWARD IN FRANKLINTON 96 CABIN FEVER: WINTER GETAWAYS 100 MAKING WOOD WORK FOR YOU 110 (614) HOME: HOLIDAY HOME DECOR 116
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ON THE COVER: Madison Mikhail Bush of Point app
Photo by Brian Kaiser Hair by Sarah Whittaker Makeup by Angie Warren Photo retouching by Imana Onipe Lettering by Sarah Moore
O P E N I N G VO L L E Y
W
riting this Opening Volley is something like combining a Saturday Night Live monologue with a best man’s speech. Half the room isn’t paying attention, the ones that are paying attention are just hoping I don’t screw this up, and I’m noticeably sweating. I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t he a little too young to be running a magazine?” And to that I say, probably. I’ve never given a best man’s speech—hell I’ve never even been a best man—and SNL still hasn’t responded to my emails (yo, SNL, you up?). My name is Mitch Hooper. I’ve been writing for this magazine for a little more than two years, and I’ve spent the last year serving as assistant editor. This month I continued my tale of tripping upwards and I’m your interim editor-in-chief. If you’re shocked, imagine my mom’s reaction. When I started as an intern for (614), I always thought it would be such an honor to write one of these. As a Marion, Ohio native, this is kind of a surreal moment. Before I started at the magazine, Columbus had always seemed like a playground to me. I’d make trips in high school to Polaris for the mall and movie theater, and in college, I quickly became fond of the nightlife—that’s the polite way to put it. But it wasn’t until I started writing for this magazine that I ventured out into the Columbus I know now. As a writer in the city, I could tell my friends where to go to get a cheap beer and watch a game. If you were looking for a vegetarian friendly option, I have a top 10 list ready to go at a moment’s notice. But if you were looking to get involved in the community and do good around you, I was helpless. And that’s something I recognized I needed to change, and something I think many of you can relate to as well. In October, I finally put my words to action by participating in a three-on-three basketball tournament to support We Amplify Voices (WAV). This local group is connecting professional musicians in the city with middle
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PUBLISHER Wayne T. Lewis INTERIM EDITOR IN CHIEF Mitch Hooper CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Avery
PHOTO EDITOR Brian Kaiser CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rebecca Tien, Zane Osler, Olivia James, Diamoni Davis-Ferguson Kyle Asperger 614NOW EDITOR Regina Fox STAFF WRITER Mike Thomas
P H OTO BY B R I A N KA I S E R
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS J.R. McMillan, Jeni Ruisch
school students who have an interest in the music scene— this includes singing, song writing, producing, and much more. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am an absolute music nerd. If you get me talking about Father John Misty or Mac Miller, I may never shut up. So when I found a way to bridge my half-assed basketball skills with my annoying affinity for music, I jumped immediately. Did we win the tournament? No. In fact, I’m still losing sleep from the overtime loss (damn you, Team Falter’s Fine Meats). But what this did was open my eyes to how I could get involved with the community, and it didn’t have to be the traditional way. It was just me—winded as hell—with my broken jump shot helping support an organization with a great cause. While the jury is still out on whether or not I was helping or hurting my team on the court, WAV was able to raise almost $4,000 in one day. This experience is the one we are hoping to channel this month with the magazine. The stories here highlight the side of the city that is working dayin and day-out to create some social change in their own unique ways. From century-
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old establishments with locations across the country, to grassroots with humble beginnings in a garage, and tech start-ups hoping to bridge the gap between volunteers and organizations; these people aren’t doing what has to be done, they are doing what should be done. Maybe one of these stories grabs your attention and energy to get involved. Perhaps these efforts inspire you to help out elsewhere— that’s great, too. While this month we wanted to cover as many charities and nonprofits as we could, there are numerous other incredible causes in the city that we just couldn’t get to. I’m sure they would love your help in any way, shape, or form. So, I think this is where I wrap up the speech—my drink is getting warm after all. I’m honored I was trusted with presenting this month’s magazine to you all, and I hope I lived up to the standards set before me. Thanks for reading, and thanks for caring.
Jaelani Turner-Williams, Linda Lee Baird
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John McLaughlin, David Lewis, Melinda Green, Kerry Francis
COPY EDITOR Dan Sponseller
LEAD DESIGNER Sarah Moore CREATIVE DESIGNERS Jess Wallace, Justin Remotap Imana Onipe, Hugo “Huggs” Albornoz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Derek Landers ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Nikki Harris, Adam Swing, Mindy Wilhite DIGITAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lori Brittanham EVENTS & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Taylor Staus VIDEO PRODUCER John Thorne OPERATIONS MANAGER Megan Sheedy VP OF SALES AND MARKETING Lindsay Press
Cheers, Mitch Hooper
(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 | Fax: (614) 488-4402 Email submissions to: editor@614columbus.com www.614now.com
( INSIDE the PARENTHESES ) BY MI TC H H O O P E R
Review Booth: The Game As soon as Thanksgiving finishes up and the long lines of Black Friday clear out, the Buckeyes will be taking the field in Ann Arbor for the annual showdown against Michigan. This historic rivalry has led to nail biting finishes as well as big blowouts with the Bucks winning 16 out of the last 17 games. As this game marks the final face off between the two this decade, we wanted to take a moment to look back on the iconic moments in the last 10 years. Here are our favorite moments, and here’s to another 10 years of kicking Michigan’s ass. 01.) 02.) 03.) 04.) 05.) 06.) 07.) 08.) 09.) 10.)
2016: Ohio State comes back to beat Michigan 30-27 in OT. 2012-2018: Head coach Urban Meyer leads the Buckeyes to seven straight wins over Michigan. 2013: Ohio State intercepts Michigan’s two-point conversion to win 42-41. 2015: Ezekiel Elliott rushes for 214 yards and two touchdowns to win 42-13. 2014: Cardale Jones steps in for injured JT Barrett for the Buckeyes to win 42-28. 2012: OSU linebacker Zach Boren puts Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner to rest. 2013: OSU right guard Marcus Hall flips off The Big House and gets ejected from the game. 2018: Ohio State routs Michigan 62-39 in Meyer’s final showdown against the Wolverines. 2013: Tensions flair outside the locker rooms before the game almost resulting in a brawl. 2010: Jim Tressel gets his final win against Michigan 37-7, however the win has since been vacadated.
ICYMI
Are you following 614now? It’s our online publication dedicated to being the users’ guide to Columbus. Here are the top stories from last month, and you can find these and more at 614now.com.
614Now’s Quality Control Street Team
Every month, we post tons of content on 614now.com. And with the high volume of posts we do, our audience of dedicated readers are never ones to shy away from voicing up in our comment section. We see you, comment section warriors, and we applaud your efforts. Here’s our favorite from last month.
(1): Dear I-670 drivers, your lives are going to change tomorrow When operationa,
these signs will display information about the first ever Ohio SmartLane. The I-670 “SmartLane” is the left shoulder that will be opened when traffic slows to a crawl. It will begin just east of I-71 in downtown Columbus and extend to I-270 on the East Side.
Inaugural Columbus Dessert Fest will be the sweetest event of fall Our Favorite Comment
“Just when we thought we might lose ranking on our obesity epidemic.” — Erin Hill
We appreciate Erin Hill’s concern, but also, just let us have one slice of cake and not feel guilty, ya know?
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(2): Zoo’s new “Adventure Cove” gets exciting underwater user experience:
The tunnel will offer a 360° underwater viewing experience that is unlike anything seen before. Once completed, patrons will be able to view wildlife in all directions from within the clear tube, offering unparalleled access to sea lions, seals and more.
Thanksgiving Conversation Starters We all know Thanksgiving is just around the corner and for most of us, that means gathering around the dinner table for a meal to share with our loved ones. Ironically, this annual meeting has also become somewhat of a political debate stage. Are you provaping, or anti-vaping? How do you feel about Greta Thunberg? What did Mark Zuckerberg do this time? Let’s avoid these topics this season. There’s no need to go full WWE Smackdown in the living room with Uncle Ned when there are so many other things to argue about. Here are five, non-political, conversation starters you can add to your repertoire.
“Harry Potter or Star Wars? Truthfully, I think both suck.” Critique the host’s interior decorations like you’re Bobby Berk in an episode of Queer Eye. “The new cast of SNL might be its best yet!” “I don’t think Jim Harbaugh is that bad once you get past the antics.” “We should do a vegan Thanksgiving one year.”
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WELCOME TO THE INSIDER!
There’s so many amazing events happening in the 614 that we needed to give them a little more room to stretch out. Not only will you get more events each month coming from the magazine staff, but a few will be recommended by your fellow readers. Have an event you want to shout-out? Send an email to events@614columbus.com.
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THROUGH 11.11
(614)’s Cutest Little Monster Contest presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Is your little one the cutest monster in Columbus? There’s only one way to find out! Enter the cutest photo of your child in their costume and you’re entered in to win a chance to have the photo featured in the December issue of (614)!
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Slice Of Clintonville The Clintonville Woman’s Club
In a search for the best ‘za in Clintonville, the Slice of Clintonville will play host to a friendly competition where everyone eating wins. Sample your way through all the options from the neighborhood, cast your vote on your favorite, and head back for seconds! Two winners will be crowned: best pizza according to the people’s choice, and best pizza according to the local celebrities. Proceeds will benefit the ClintonvilleBeechwold Community Resources Center and the Clintonville Chamber of Commerce.
11.7
• USWNT v. Sweden Mapfre Stadium
The best damn soccer team in the world is coming to Columbus! Check out the U.S. Women’s National Team take on Sweden at Mapfre Stadium in early November. The last time the two squads faced off, the US team took home the victory by a score of 2-0. Let’s pull for another win, and most importantly, give Sweden a warm Columbus welcome.
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• Disney’s Frozen Jr. Columbus Children’s Theater
Do you wanna build a snowman? Anna, Elsa, Olaf and the rest of the Frozen crew are taking their talents to the stage. Parents in Columbus, if you want to treat your little one to a fun night out, look no further!
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Bert Kreischer: Body Shots World Tour
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• National Veterans Memorial And Museum 5 Mile Run/Walk
The Palace Theater
Bert Kreischer—the infamous party boy who has turned his lifestyle into a storytelling career. Catch the shirtless comedian on stage in early November as he brings his hilarious jokes to Columbus. And if you have a few minutes, take to YouTube and search “Bert Kreischer dancing video”. You’re welcome (or we’re sorry) in advance.
National Veterans Memorial And Museum
With Veterans Day happening this month, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is hosting a five mile run and walk in remembrance of heroes from the combat field. This five mile course will feature a division of the armed forces each mile and a portion of each entry fee and event proceeds will benefit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
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A$AP Ferg Express Live
A$AP Ferg has found success in the rap game with consistent hits such as “Plain Jane,” “Work,” and “New Level” with his exciting and electrifying flows. This show should be full of energy and we expect Ferg to come out in full force.
11.12
• ZooDog: An Evening With Animals DogTap Columbus
BrewDog beers and animals from the Columbus Zoo? Name a better duo, we’ll wait! Sip back your favorite BrewDog beers, meet all the cute critters from the Zoo, and enjoy a nice evening at the expansive taproom and hotel.
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THROUGH 11.15
Columbus Funk’N’Beer Fest The Bluestone
Here, you’ll experience three days of funk and beer with headliners including Lettuce, GhostNote, The Motet, and many more. Throw on your boogie shoes, kick back some cold ones, and groove your weekend away.
THROUGH 11.16
Ohio Made Holiday Market Hollywood Casino Columbus
Hollywood Casino is going local this month! Stop out at the casino and make your way through more than 80 different local vendors all setting up shop for three days. Your ticket purchase grants you access to the event and there are options for VIP passes for exclusive discounts on items offered.
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TEDxColumbus: Spark Jo Ann Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center
TEDx is all about spreading ideas worth sharing and the next installment, Spark, is focused on the things that generate ideas and build into something great. These conversations are always informational and entertaining, and perhaps you’ll leave the discussion with a newfound perspective on life and work.
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• Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
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21st Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
McFerson Commons Park
Chocolate and walking? You had us at chocolate. The annual Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is back in the city and ready for racers. Your completion of the trial earns you a special edition chocolate trophy as well as plenty of real chocolate afterwards. And remember: calories don’t count when you’re working out.
• Goo Goo Dolls: Miracle Pill Tour The Palace Theater
Famous for hits such as “Iris” and “Slide,” The Goo Goo Dolls have found their fame in the music industry for their catchy and fun songs. And with more than 20 years of experience under the duo’s belt, it’s safe to say the formula they’ve found is working. They will be taking over the Palace Theater stage fresh off the release of their latest album, Miracle Pill.
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Easton Town Center
If you’ve ever had the luxury to stroll through Easton Town Center during the winter months, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful light fixtures set up all around the shopping plaza. Those days are quickly approaching and you can watch the entire mall light up in late November as the 21st annual light ceremony will be taking place. Someone get these lights a beer—they’re finally old enough!
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UPCOMING SHOWS!
THROUGH 11.24
MagicFest
SPECIAL
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Calling all tabletop card gamers in the city— it’s your time to shine this month! Magic The Gathering will be hosting a Grand Prix themed weekend at the Greater Columbus Convention Center where players can connect, collect, and discuss all things Magic The Gathering. Break out your rare cards, or save a few bucks to pick up that highly-elusive card you’ve been dreaming of.
Ohio State v. Penn State The Ohio Stadium
Ryan Day has the Buckeyes in prime position this season and we’ll have a big time showdown at the Shoe with Penn State coming to town late November. We’re hoping Justin Fields, JK Dobbins, and the rest of the stellar squad will take care of business on the field while us fans in the stands create a chaotic atmosphere for the Nittany Lions. OH-!
NOV 1-2 DAN CUMMINS:
ENGAGEMENT
THE HAPPY MURDER
NOV 3 LEWBERGER SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 5
MEDIUMS CINDY KAZA & LISA WILLIAMS SPECIAL NOV 8-9 ENGAGEMENT JOHN WITHERSPOON SPECIAL
NOV 13 WATCH JAZZY & TOYA TURNUP
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 15-17 CHRISTOPHER TITUS SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 19 MICK FOLEY SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT NOV 20 NITRO COMEDY TOUR
SPECIAL
NOV 21 EXTREME HYPNOSIS WITH RICH GUZZI
ENGAGEMENT
SPECIAL
NOV 22-24 KOUNTRY WAYNE
ENGAGEMENT
SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 27 TK KIRKLAND SPECIAL
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 29 - DEC 1 GUY TORRY ALL ACTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
VISIT US ON THE WEB www.columbus.funnybone.com
TEXT FUNNYBONE TO 31279 TO JOIN THE VIP FUNNY BONE TEXT PROGRAM (msg & data rates may apply)
VISIT US ON
145 Easton Town Center Columbus, OH 43219
RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!
614-471-(JOKE)
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Thurber House Presents: Mo Rocca Kings Arts Complex
Mo Rocca, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and writer, is stopping by the Thurber House in late November on the heels of his book release, Mobituaries. This book takes a dive into folks who changed the course of history, but didn’t receive a proper spotlight for doing so. Rocca’s book ensures these trailblazers and tastemakers get the representation they deserve, and you can find out more at the Thurber House conversation with the author.
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market Schiller Park
Started by Carrie and Chelsey, Not Your Mama’s Market is a celebration of local crafts and arts. This installment of the market will take place under the lights at Schiller Park for Village Lights Market. Bundle up and enjoy the iconic sights of the German Village and what the market has to offer as you prepare for the winter holidays.
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12.6
• Winter Wonder Jam Ohio Expo Center and State Fair
It’s an invasion of country music to start off December. WCOL will be bringing headliner Brantley Gilbert to the Ohio Expo Center in addition to Dylan Scott and up-and-comer Abby Anderson. Throw on your blue jeans and get ready to get back to your Midwestern roots!
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Gallery Space
CRAIG CARLISLE BY JA E L A N I TURNER-WI LLI AM S
W
hen approaching the canvas, the first thing that expressionist painters attempt to draw from their audience is emotion. Whether it stems from Disappointed Love by Francis Darby, where a forlorn lover is cast off into a forest to wallow in grief, or anxiety-riddled painting The Scream by Edvard Munch, painter Craig Carlisle has challenged his work for years to portray similar elements. After 30 years of creating thousands of paintings through the study of expressionism, Carlisle’s focus is generally based upon meditative habits as observed through his signature Big Head series. “Evoking emotions from the viewer is one of the more important components of what I feel is an effective work of art. Is the artwork immediately drawing me closer or pushing me away and why? Possibly, [when] the colors chosen by the artist stir up my emotions, even in a minimalist painting, I feel that is possible,” says Carlisle, noting Agnes Martin as a ‘master colorist’ with a subtle tug at his viewers’ emotions. “Upon signing the painting and releasing it into the world, I truly believe [that] whatever emotional message the painting is meant to serve will be captured by those who need it. However, as the artist, I deserve to express what I am feeling without limitation. Every painting has its soulmate and eventually it will rest in the perfect hands.” In his prime, Carlisle was deliberately fixated on creating optimistic paintings, with subjects depicting happiness, but later found that his audience gravitated towards honest interpretations. This also broke Carlisle out of the routine of being bound to artistic recurrence, having the ability to grow beyond his previous limitations. Intentionally leaving his Big Head subjects as genderless, as his subjects usually have oval-shaped heads and doe-like expressions, Carlisle uses the background of the painting to construct where the subject’s real emotion may be analyzed. These paintings often have neutral expressions, but the framework for each one is ever-changing. C a n' t Touch Me 1 8x 24 oil on canvas 201 9
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“Everyone deserves a stage to express their freedom—mine happens to be a canvas. "
The Art Collector 1 2. 25 x 1 7.75 oil on canva s 2 01 9
Soft Goodbye 34x 46 Oil Linen 201 9
P rote c ti ng 2 2 "x1 5 ", latex , oi l on pa pe r, 2 01 9
C ra i g C arlis le, Carters C reek, TN stud io, by Sarah Gilliam
“My personal relationship to removing gender in my artwork today is the same as it was with my first Big Head painting in 1992. If I choose to show gender, then the viewer immediately begins down the road of judgement,” Carlisle says. “Everyone deserves a stage to express their freedom, mine happens to be a canvas. For those defining their gender today, I hope they say let me choose, let me learn, let me grow, let me fall, for then I will succeed.” Raised in Oklahoma in his formative years, Carlisle repetitively drew superheroes and made red clay sculptings, as his mother, also a painter, ensured that her son was always creating. Carlisle also observed his grandfather building furniture and even creating artwork with stones and gems. Building an aptitude for art, especially painting, Carlisle relocated to Columbus at 12 to further his art studies. After 34
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graduating from CCAD in 1989, his original Big Head paintings in 1992 to 1995 were painted above subliminal messages on the canvas, regularly created at the former Buggyworks Studio warehouse. Steadily transitioning to different studios in New York, San Francisco and later, Los Angeles in the early 2000s, where he painted the Pink Monsters series as a response to the 9/11 attacks, Carlisle’s work became redefined as he adapted to each environment. With Nashville, Tennessee as the home for his 19th century farm and studio in the countryside, this month, Carlisle will be returning to Columbus for his first city-based solo exhibition in five years, this time, at the Sarah Gormley Gallery. “I not only wanted a chance to reconnect with my many collectors in the city, but I knew Sarah’s gallery would give the opportunity for me to showcase my new larger paintings.
These works include hands overlapping the faces of the Big Heads,” Carlisle says. “In the early 2000s, I did a series of red gloves and began to understand more in depth that for me they symbolized protection. The hands, or gloves, were always placed in my paintings during times when I personally needed to feel a stronger sense of protection, especially from God. The paintings in this exhibition are not documented as “the hand of God” but it’s what I tell people when they ask. Think of it also as a guardian angel; maybe it’s there to stop something negative from entering, or it’s protecting me from myself.” Choosing bright reds and oranges in a majority of paintings showcased at Sarah Gormley Gallery, Carlisle is challenging himself to push the extremes, considering all his work to be self-portraits. As a portrait technician, Carlisle also assumes responsibility as a provision for Columbus art, celebrating the city’s constant growth in tandem with an understanding of his own work. “I was part of the art scene in Columbus in the 80s and early 90s, so I have seen many changes. One thing that has never changed is the incredible support the city provides for the arts community. Having lived all over the country I can easily say that Columbus is one of the most supportive cities in the country for artists, especially young artists,” Carlisle says. “For people who are just witnessing my work for the first time I wish for them to be able to experience emotions. I don’t need them to analyze what they think I was feeling at the time I created the artwork; rather I ask the viewer to listen to their own reactions or feelings and know that is why I made the painting.” • The Sarah Gormley Gallery is located on 988 N High St. Carlisle’s exhibit opens Nov. 1.
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Maker’s Space
Kato Mitchell 36
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BY JA E L A NI T URNER-WI LLI AM S P H OTOS BY B RI AN KAI SER
On and off the field, former Ohio State wide receiver, Kato Mitchell, has scored in his love of the game along with customizing athletic gear Following an initial disastrous experience with attempting to refurbish a personal pair of sneakers with acrylic paint years ago, a friend noticed Mitchell’s persistence, aiding him to perfect his craft. Though he began with primarily focusing on restoring his friends’ worn-down sneakers, Mitchell’s business, Work The Custom, has expanded to designing apparel in any range. Just months after being highlighted as cleat designer for Braxton Miller’s Charg1ng summer football camp in Dayton, Mitchell’s clientele has accrued some big names in the sports world, and he has no intention of stopping. (614) caught up with Mitchell to learn more about Work The Custom, and his hope for reconstructing apparel in Columbus and beyond. •
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(614): When did you decide to transition from football to design?
What life changes do you feel have propelled your work? How have your customizations evolved?
What was your leap from “this thing I do” to the thing to do? How do you promote your work?
Do you have a specific audience that you want to appeal to?
KM: I’ve always had a passion for drawing and art, [but] I just lost my vision when I took actual art classes and didn’t like what we were doing. After college, I didn’t get any NFL calls, [and] I was trying to figure out what else I would love to do every day, and fell back in love with art.
After I realized how many people wanted to show who they really are with art, and I was someone who could help do that, that was my ironing point. I promote my work through Instagram and Facebook for the most part, but I do go to sneaker events from time-to-time to pass out business cards.
Is this your primary gig, side gig or hobby? How did it come to be? It’s my side gig for the moment, but trying to grow and learn to make it my full-time career. I had a pair of shoes that were beat up and didn’t want to buy more so I painted them, but one of my friends taught me the game and how to prosper from it.
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Playing football for a place like Ohio State and doing work for Buckeyes in the NFL and for the OSU football team has helped grow my work faster and further. My customs have evolved just by me growing up and seeing different things, learning different things, practicing everyday, and being able to adapt.
I want my work to be for everyone. My work can range from baby shoes to youth high school players of all sports, to walls of homeowners and businesses, to shoes for pro athletes.
What ingredients come together to make Columbus a fertile ground for makers, designers and creatives?
Columbus is a growing market and very friendly. It has new businesses starting every week and everyone is trying to help everyone else.
What’s your six-word creative story? Work The Custom is coming fast! •
To get in contact with Mitchell, or to see more designs, follow him on Instagram at @katowork19. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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BY MIKE THOMAS | P HOTOS BY BR I A N KA I S E R
Everybody Loves Ramen There are no ifs, ands, or buts about Megan Ada’s new concept Ampersand Asian Supper Club
T
o say that restaurateur Megan Ada’s accomplishments are impressive for her age is an understatement. The feats she has achieved throughout a decade in the restaurant business would be remarkable for a person of any age. Her latest venture, Ampersand Asian Supper Club, is the latest effort in a meteoric career that shows no signs of slowing down. “I didn’t want to settle for anything less than being really good at something,” Ada explains of her passion for food service, which started with her first job at a McDonalds in Marietta, Ohio. “I loved everything about it. I loved the process of it—the serving of food, taking orders, making the food.” Years later, a stint at med school would come and go. Ada could not escape the call of her first love—the field in which she knew she could perform at the highest level. By age 24, she was eyeing an opportunity to own her own restaurant: a Sunny Street Cafe franchise in the suburb of Westerville. After a year of research and a loan from her father, that vision became a reality. “The first year was really hard, even though I knew how to do everything in the restaurant,” says Ada of her first experience as an owner/operator. “Being 25 and being questioned all the time...most of my employees were older than me. [I had to] prove to everybody that I could do it and that I’m serious about this, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make this place successful.” Her passion tempered by experience, Ada’s dedication to quality food service was stronger than ever. Soon, she was ready to open her own concept, launching Asterisk Supper Club in uptown Westerville. With its eclectic atmosphere, stylish cocktails, and a menu combining comfort food favorites with the sophistication of an afternoon teatime, Ada’s
establishment was an instant hit. After just a year in business with her first original concept, another major career opportunity presented itself. Short North developers Wood Companies, impressed with Ada’s work with Asterisk, approached her with an offer to develop a dining concept for a then-unbuilt structure on High Street. “Living in Westerville and having my businesses in Westerville, coming down to the Short North was exciting and fun,” says Ada. “This is where the big dogs are. I never thought I’d be good enough to be down here, let alone be asked to come down here.” With a relatively young restaurant to run, Ada was reluctant to expand her operations. After seeing the potential space while it was still under construction and considering the implications of having her own place in the Short North, she eventually agreed to take on another new restaurant concept—but at the time, had no idea what that concept would be. Tackling her third restaurant in a decade, Ada employed the patient and thoughtful approach that had previously served her well. Another dream, another year of thorough research—this time with the help of Chef Joshua Cook, an industry veteran and Ada’s general manager at Asterisk. Together, the pair drew from the cultural influences of her father’s native country Guam, where a sizable Japanese population has made ramen a common staple. Their course decided, Ada and Cook set out to experience the best ramen they could find to fuel their creativity in this new venture: Ampersand Asian Supper Club. Their journey to discover new flavors and techniques took the pair across the rapidly expanding Central Ohio ramen scene and beyond. • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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“I just want it to be a ramen place where you want to keep coming back, where you crave it when you’re at home.” “My passion started at Momofuku in New York city, David Chang’s Restaurant,” says Cook on the influence of the boisterous celebrity chef and ramen connoisseur whose career and restaurant have greatly impacted his own. “I’ve followed him my whole career. To finally get there and see this humble, beautiful restaurant where they’re just throwing noodles out like there’s no tomorrow—I was blown away.” Since Ampersand’s opening in June of 2019, it’s reasonable to expect that the restaurant’s craft-made, highly-inventive takes on ramen would win the approval of Cook’s culinary hero. Its opening also represents another incredible leap forward in Ada’s already impressive list of accomplishments as a restaurateur and business owner. Like Asterisk, Ampersand’s interior combines Ada’s eclectic design sensibilities with an atmosphere that is at once welcoming and sophisticated. Meanwhile, a hodgepodge of antique artwork—much of which is ostensibly Asian in theme—consumes an entire wall within the space. This playful mingling of the old and new, the traditional and the wildly original, is the perfect metaphor for Ampersand’s menu. “I love the traditional, but to me, I look at it like, how can I do this better? How can there be a more high-end ramen, where you’re still trying trying to stick to tradition, but also pushing the envelope and putting your own twist on it?” says Cook of his work at Ampersand. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in Ampersand’s Shio ramen. With almost-black squid ink noodles swimming in a fish and chicken-based broth, the Shio comes topped with—among other things— Ohio-grown bok choy and corn, katsuobushi, and a number of tender, char-grilled baby octopus. 42
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For diners who prefer their meal free of succulently-cooked encephalopods, Ampersand features a number of vegetarian and vegan options that exhibit the same thoughtfulness and originality as their carnist counterparts. The playfully-titled vegetarian ramen bowl “Fungus Among Us” swaps out meat-based broths for earthy, locallygrown shrooms, and packs a mean punch of umami. To fully veg out, the Vegan Donbury Rice Bowl with marinated tofu, edamame, avocado, and other Asian-inspired garden favorites is a must-try. Like sister establishment Asterisk, Ampersand’s first-rate cocktails are creative and expertly crafted. With names like “The Shogun”—a concoction of shochu, pickled plums, and a melon habanero shrub—or “The Last Samurai,” which combines lapsang-infused Cazadores blanco, dill, and an agave gastrique, these drinks offer surprising takes on the familiar flavors of Asia. With Ampersand, Ada hopes she’s created an establishment that will become an object of obsession. For a young entrepreneur whose rise has been nothing less than meteoric, contagious passion is a key part of the recipe for success. “I just want it to be a ramen place where you want to keep coming back, where you crave it when you’re at home,” she says of her creation, the latest piece in what seems to be a small but steadily-growing restaurant empire. •
Ampersand Asian Supper Club is located on 940 N High St.
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BY ME L I N DA G R E E N P H OTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R
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Suite Life O f
Poindexter Coffee This coffeeshop pours lattes in the morning and cocktails at night
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bright, neon coffee cup sign on a Short North corner summons hotel guests, students, and passersby to a unique new coffee shop-and-restaurant concept. Whether it’s daytime, or night, Poindexter Coffee is ready to serve. While a majority of the 20+ Graduate Hotels have a Poindexter Coffee inside, the Columbus location has a unique spin on the concept. The café has a storefront location and two faces: a trendy coffee shop by day, a hip pizza and cocktail restaurant by night. Though the menu transitions into the evening, the coffee never stops flowing. “Not everyone drinks, so someone might want to come in and grab a cup of coffee while their friends get cocktails,” Price said. “So we cater to multiple niches during the same time frame, which is hard in a market like this.” The Columbus hotel has a prime location in the bustling Short North Arts District, just a short walk from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and close to downtown. It’s a quick drive or bus ride up High Street to the Ohio State University. The proximity to OSU’s campus is key for Poindexter Café as it’s affiliated with the Graduate Hotel collection, which focuses on university-dynamic towns, usually located next to—or on the campus of—the local university. The coffee shop is fundamental to that culture. But with all the opportunities available in the Short North, the traditional “hotel coffee shop” model wasn’t going to be enough for this opportunity. “Our property’s a little different because it’s in the Short North, such a safe, walkable area surrounded by restaurants and bars,” explained Christin Price, the Columbus hotel’s Director of Sales. “Where the other Poindexters have only coffee, here in the Short North, we want to make sure we cater to our guests who ask for a glass of wine, as well as the next morning when they want a cup of coffee.”• 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Poindexter’s coffee is bold and roasty, served in adorably branded ceramic cups. Although it, and the food, are sourced nationally, the Columbus café is able to leverage local- and Ohio-based ties through weekend deliveries from Tupelo Doughnuts as well as cleverly crafted alcoholic beverages that give a nod to local culture.
"We want our guests to engage with the people who actually live in the city" The full bar includes wine, beer, and local spirits from Watershed, High Bank, and OYO distilleries as well as common brands. One of the best sellers is the Golden Bear, a sort of spiked Palmer, with tea-infused vodka, lemon, and honey bitters. Another favorite is the Buckeye Bullet; whiskey fat-washed with peanut butter, combined with chocolate bitters and vermouth. It’s like the candy—only savory, not sweet. The menu is unique to the Columbus market. “Where the other Poindexters do the standard breakfast sandwiches, we have Lox [the Lox Bagel Shop] right next door, and that’s what they specialize in,” Price explained. So the Columbus café serves 7-inch breakfast pizzas, along with all-you-can-eat cereal and other items. The evening pizzas are 10inch, with a thin crust. “This is the only one that’s going to have the storefront that we do,” Lofton said. “The other Poindexters are actually in the hotel, catering to hotel guests. We have this beautiful storefront, and our neighbors come in. We’re actually part of the community, and it’s really nice.” The cafe’s storefront is inviting; the interior is bright and clean, simultaneously retro and modern. A console table stocked with board games sits beneath the letter-board menu. Once the nighttime hits, the atmosphere changes to fit the mood.
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“We turn the lights down at night, turn the music up, but it’s still a very chill vibe. People come in and play the [board] games, have a pizza, maybe a cocktail, and also coffee,” said Ashley Lofton, the café’s Food & Beverage Supervisor. Maybe the most recognizable design feature of any Poindexter is its accent wall covered floor-to-ceiling with assorted pencils, each perfectly sharpened, a nod to the surrounding academic environment. The café complements this with details drawing in not only its university community, but also local culture. The focal point is the ceiling, covered with bold and whimsical line drawings in the style of James Thurber’s cartoons, paying tribute not only to the university, but also to Columbus as the state capital. Vintage Ohio State-themed glassware on the bar and other decorative items are sourced from local antique shops. “The whole concept of Graduate, including Poindexter, is to be part of the local community,” Price noted. “We want our guests to engage with the people who actually live in the city. And you’ll see the usuals making friends online, talking with hotel guests, giving recommendations on where to go.” That commitment to the local culture spills over into free public wi-fi and a community-friendly lobby, where guests and neighbors can gather to study, visit, plan, and work. “Early morning is definitely mostly hotel guests, checking-in, checkingout, but the rest of the day? It’s our neighbors, coming in to hang out, have some coffee, work, or just check out the place,” Lofton said. The area is ripe with competition as well as opportunity. One Line Coffee is directly across the street. But the competition is friendly. “They’ve been a great neighbor for us,” Price noted. Columbus is currently the furthest Graduate Hotel from any other in the collection. “We’re kind of a test market,” Price explained. “We’re trying something a little different, and it seems to be working.” •
Poindexter Coffee is located at Graduate Hotels in the Short North at 750 N High St. For hours and operations, visit graduatehotels.com/ columbus/restaurant/poindexter. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Let The Good Times
Jony’s brings sushi to German Village BY MI K E TH O M AS P H OTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R I L LU STR ATI O N S BY JU STI N R E MOTAP
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n the tried-and-true narrative of all once-foreign foodstuffs, sushi has gradually made the move from exotic curiosity to mainstream staple in the U.S. From fast casual joints to swank sit-down restaurants and even the cooler section at your local supermarket, the signature dish of Japan is all but inescapable. Rightly or not, sushi is sometimes treated as a yardstick of civilization—a locale having no place to grab a roll is the mark of a backwater burg. Food deserts and one-horse towns aside, the absence of sushi in a bustling neighborhood almost feels like a glaring omission. Luckily for diners in German Village, there are people out there who make it their business to spot these deficits—and correct them. “I realized that there was a void for sushi in the neighborhood,” says George Tanchevski, serial restaurateur and owner of such establishments as Local Cantina. “I feel that I can basically create any type of restaurant concept. In fact, that’s how a lot of the stuff that I’ve done has come to fruition: I realize that there’s a void for that particular item in the market, and I just kind of create it. That’s always been my m.o.” Tanchevski’s latest endeavor, Jony’s Sushi, brings a taste of the fareast to a neighborhood best known for burgers and beer halls. Situated on a bustling block of Thurman Avenue, Jony’s shares a wall with South Village Grill—one of Tanchevski’s other properties—where the sushi is also available for purchase. For those who prefer their sushi on-the-go, Jony’s primary means of transmission comes via carry out orders from a walkup sushi bar. Here, tantalizing cuts of whole fish are laid out in orderly rows within a delistyle case. While viewing the sushi chefs at Jony’s in action is a spectacle in its own right—the cozy environs of the shop itself have been decorated with care to set the sushi eating vibes just right. Various Asian-themed knickknacks adorn one wall, while a series of pieces from local artist Paul Giovus form a mural of anime characters, pagodas, and a sushi-dragon hybrid on another. Tying all of this together are the ultra-modern flat screen displays that feature the restaurant’s menu, as well as a rotating gallery of mouthwatering shots of the food therein. • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Speaking of the menu, the dozen-or-so specialty rolls at Jony’s sport an impressive array of imaginative ingredients. Sushi purists will surely balk at the inclusion of items such as sliced lemons, strawberries, or cilantro finding their way into many of these rolls. For the rest, Jony’s offers new sensations that push the conceptual boundaries of the familiar dish into delicious new territory. For a jumping-off point into this formidable offering of flavors new and old, try the Hot Jony Roll—named, like the restaurant itself, for head chef Jony Ventura. A veteran of the South-Florida dining scene, Ventura points to the influence of his grandmother, who was of Japanese descent, in helping to form his passion for sushi. That love is on full display in the roll that bears his name, which features spicy tuna, cream cheese, asparagus, and daikon, topped with seared tuna and a decadent combination of garlic butter, wasabi aioli and a spicy kimchi sauce. Thanks to a separate menu of classic rolls in its repertoire, Jony’s is prepared to accommodate purists and less adventurous eaters alike. With familiar favorites such as the spicy tuna or California rolls on hand to soothe the less daring palate, diners can further take charge of their experience with a-la-carte pieces of nigiri and sashimi. It’s not as though the perpetually hip and cultured German Village was in any danger of appearing “uncool” for lack of sushi. Still, Jony’s arrival on the scene is a welcome addition to the fabric of the neighborhood, filling a void for this culinary mainstay in the area—and in our stomachs. •
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Jony’s Sushi is located on 195 Thurman Ave. in German Village. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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one if by land, two if by Seesaw
New eatery and bar brings wood-fired dishes and shareables to the Short North BY M EL I SSA B R A I TH WA I TE | P H OTOS BY R E B E CC A TI E N 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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aving grown up in Cleveland, I have long been following James Beard Award winner Chef Johnathon Sawyer. Clevelanders root for the underdogs always (thanks, Browns) and we beam with hometown pride when a fellow Clevelander makes it. When given an opportunity to share their Cleveland pride, a true Clevelander does not shy away. (If you’ve seen celebrity chef and Clevelander Michael Symon on his former show ABC’s The Chew, you know what I’m talking about.) My father grew up with Chef Sawyer’s father in a Cleveland suburb, so of course, as natives of The Land do, our family has been rooting for Sawyer since he was a chef in New York, working with “our own” Micahael Symon. And when Sawyer came back to Cleveland in 2007, we couldn’t wait to see how he would elevate the culinary landscape of his hometown. And that he did. His concepts The Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat and Trentina helped put Cleveland on the map as a culinary destination. And now, he’s taken his talents to Columbus with his new concept, SeeSaw. SeeSaw is billed as a live-fire restaurant and nightlife venue at 906 N High St. in the former Ram Restaurant & Brewery space. Sawyer has teamed up with Cleveland Indians slugger Jason Kipnis and Forward Hospitality Group, who own Flipside Burger at Easton Town Center as well and several nightclubs and restaurants in Cleveland, to bring “woodfired modern American shareables” to the Short North. I am a big fan of the shareables concept, especially when the menu is the brainchild of a culinary mastermind. I wanted to try as much as I could, so I stuck to the “for the table” section of the menu for my first visit. The restaurant’s vibe is hip, but not pretentious. Its bright, open dining room was flooded with natural light and boasts tall windows and living wall behind the bar. I couldn’t help but find myself singing along to TLC’s “Waterfalls” and other 90s hits R&B blaring from the speakers. It’s not a quiet place, but it’s not supposed to be. The patrons were lively and the signature cocktails were too. I started with the Bluebell, a delightful concoction of vodka, triple sec, blackberry, lemon and rhubarb bitters and aquafaba. I learned that aquafaba is a vegan legume-based replacement for egg whites that can be used to make meringues and marshmallows. It was sweet and tart and downright enjoyable, like lemonade on a warm day. When I asked the server what he would recommend as a starter, he suggested the pita with the world-famous edible candle. “Chef would love to see one on every table,” he said very seriously. The way he said it, it felt like an order that I should oblige. The candle came to the table lit and melted down into a pool of mild-flavored beef fat for dipping the pita. Although I found the whole thing a bit gimmicky, it tasted good and added to the ambiance of the table. Other patrons stared in wonder and several asked what it was, generating its own sort of buzz.
Next up was the padron peppers. Although I was taken aback by the cost for a plate of wood-fired peppers, in retrospect, I would have paid double. The peppers, while simply prepared, were amazingly earthy, smokey and the perfect amount of spicy. Sawyer’s live-fire concept is unique to Columbus and unveils complex flavors in simple vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and peppers. I am a sucker for seafood, particularly scallops, so when I saw the sea scallops crudo with tiger milk, mezcal and cilantro on the menu, I knew I had to try it. It arrived at the table almost too beautiful to eat, in a shellshaped dish with a shot of mezcal with lime. The stunning presentation was no match for the flavor of the thinly sliced raw scallops topped with greens in a milky bath of fresh citrus essence and olive oil. Finally, the bang bang bang tempura with rock shrimp and yuzu sauce arrived. It is undoubtedly a different breed of the bang bang shrimp popularized by several chain restaurants. The shrimp was fresh and moist inside and crunchy and flavorful on the outside. Likely the most conventional shareable I tried, it was still a fine and delicious choice. In an appeal to the brunching sports enthusiasts out there, SeeSaw also boasts a game day brunch menu, which includes some of the shareables from the dinner menu along with some breakfast favorites like the SeeSaw breakfast sandwich and a s’mores style donut. PROTIP: I enjoyed trying many different shareables instead of a single entree, but I had heard from several diners that the Ohio grass-fed burger deluxe is one of the best burgers out there. After dinner, I ventured up the stunning painted stairs to the nightclub area, which was not yet open when I visited. The space was open and beautiful, transitioning seamlessly from bar to dance club to a hang-out space filled with couches to a rooftop patio. I could picture it alive and buzzing with nightclub goers, but it seems to be a separate experience from the restaurant space downstairs. All in all, SeeSaw offers a unique, although relatable and affordable dining experience in the Short North. The dishes are eclectic enough to intrigue and excite, but also pleasant to the Midwestern palates that yearn for more elevated dining experiences in Columbus. •
SeeSaw is located on 906 N High St. For hours and operations, visit seesawcolumbus.com. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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“Gemüt is short for ‘gemütlichkeit’, which is the feeling you get in a biergarten. It’s about community and acceptance.”
In The Garten Of Gemüt Olde Towne East’s Old World Biergarten BY J.R. MCMILLA N PHOTOS BY KY LE ASP ER G ER
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t takes more than glass mugs and an umlaut to make an authentic German biergarten. Columbus has no shortage of beer or brats, and our undeniable ethnic heritage puts the bar pretty high for anyone tempted to tap into the old country without seeming opportunistic or insincere. That’s why Gemüt Biergarten was so long in coming, and well worth the wait. Inspired by their travels and smitten with the sense of community found among the biergarten scene in Germany, Chelsea Rennie and Kyle Hofmeister knew they wanted to build something together that balanced business and ambition with family and friends. Even their pending wedding didn’t diminish or defer their dream. They were in it together— for better or “wurst.” But they soon found themselves sharing that vision. Rob Camstra and Nick Guyton, already acquainted and formerly of Four String, pitched the couple on brewing their own beer on-site instead of simply offering imports and an authentic atmosphere. The idea made financial sense and the fit was fortuitous, as the four found their talents and experience so complementary. A new partnership was obvious and inevitable. Finding the right place proved more challenging. “We always wanted to be in Olde Towne East; we all live here. But after a year of site selection, we just kept hitting walls,” recalled Rennie, Creative Director for Gemüt Biergarten. Her husband Hofmeister serves as CEO, with Camstra as Director of Brewing Operations and Guyton as
Head Brewer. All are co-owners. “We knew wherever the brewery would be, it had to be on solid ground. Everywhere we looked was heavily critiqued. We had to know how much weight the floors could hold, or if we could add onto the building.” The search slowly expanded, at one point including an old firehouse off South Parsons. But ultimately the building that was once the Columbus Music Hall, also a former firehouse, offered the old bones, ample parking, poured slab, and an enormous outdoor courtyard to complete the allocation of essential spaces. However, firehouses can be complicated retrofits, often as immutable as they are beautiful. Intricate stained glass and warm wooden features now soften the stark utility. The interior isn’t simply transformed; it transports you to another continent. Astute patrons can still spot where the old truck doors used to be, and aside from some subtle architectural cues, Gemüt looks and feels like it was transplanted intact straight from Germany in a giant crate labeled, “Biergarten: Just add Water, Hops, Malt, and Yeast.” But biergartens aren’t built overnight, and long-awaited is also a polite euphemism for long-delayed. Unforeseen factors contributed to an opening that led into Oktoberfest more by accident than intent. The federal government shutdown earlier this year pushed Gemüt’s brewing operation back months, followed by a liquor permit fiasco that forced a last-minute cancellation of their soft open. Neither scenario is unique, or even uncommon, but the team’s collective experience in both the brewing and restaurant industry helped adjust expectations, avert disaster, and push forward. “The building was empty for 10 years, so there were some changes in zoning that popped. We were actually ahead of schedule, and then it became a waiting game,” she revealed. “We submitted the paperwork for our brewer’s license in December, but because of backlog from • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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the government shutdown, we didn’t get it approved until July. There were months when we had no idea when we would start brewing or finally open.” Beer is essentially bread you can drink, but it takes more than an hour in the oven, and time is the only commodity you can’t buy at any price. However, delays sometimes offer a silver lining, getting to revise, refine, and set the stage for a well-oiled opening instead of a hurried or haphazard one. Executive Chef Adam Yoho’s menu continued to evolve just as Jeni Van Hemert’s expertise as Operations Director helped keep the entire project on track without letting the focus on customer experience suffer, despite bureaucratic interruptions that were unavoidably out of their hands. “It seemed like we were constantly waiting. It was a curse, and a blessing,” Rennie conceded. “We had more time to organize, as uncertain as it was. We just made it work, and when we finally opened, we could enjoy it with family and friends without the stress we expected.” The menu still isn’t static, but it certainly isn’t your typical bar food, with seasonal offerings complementing traditional standards and a credible beer selection. Rennie’s Macedonian family recipes make an appearance among a variety of chef exclusive wursts from The Butcher & Grocer, signature schnitzel, even a double-boned 20-ounce pork chop and a confit Cornish hen. Gluten-free and vegan options from Pierogi Mountain round out a menu with something for everyone. A wide wine choice, clever cocktails, and unexpected punches are served alongside their authentic German-style beers. The “Woden’s Hunt Dunkel” proved so popular, they actually blew through 30 barrels in just three weeks. Brunch specials on the weekends have already made it the breakfast brewery of choice among those seeking something hearty and heady.
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“We may consider a larger commercial kitchen or additional brewing space elsewhere. There will only be one Gemüt, but we’re already considering future concepts,” she revealed. “Because we had such support from our investors, it allowed us to get everything we needed upfront. We never planned on a second phase, with construction interrupting operations after we opened. But this was always meant to be the stepping off point for the next project.” Even among the owners, there’s an exceptional egalitarianism rare among restaurants and taprooms, the absence of which tends to undermine operations before the first plate or pint is served. The room for individual expression and unnamed passion projects already brewing is a fitting metaphor for the name that emerged late in the planning process, but on time and on brand. “We knew we got it right when we opened and people instinctively started sharing tables, meeting neighbors they didn’t know. Gemüt is short for ‘gemütlichkeit’, which is the feeling you get in a biergarten. It’s about community and acceptance,” Rennie revealed. “In Germany, at a biergarten, everyone’s equal regardless of social status, income, occupation—you let all of that go. It’s about coming to drink and eat and celebrate together.” •
Gemüt Biergarten is located at 734 Oak Street. For hours and operations, visit gemutbiergarten.com. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Former OSU head coach and Corso Ventures have teamed up to create Urban Meyer’s Pint House BY JOHN MCLAUGHL I N | P HOTOS BY OL I V I A JA ME S
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“It’s the best-selling item there,” said Kintz. While the eatery serves lunch and dinner currently, they will soon be rolling out a brunch menu of their own as well. Additionally, each Wednesday the restaurant will feature a special of beer-broiled chicken, fries, and beer for $10, with drinks coming from a rotating series of breweries that is scheduled to change bi-weekly. Take one look at the restaurant’s name though, and you should know that it isn’t just known for its eats. In fact, it’s in the establishment’s libations that patrons will find the most direct nod to the former Buckeyes football coach. In a collaboration with the Columbusbased Land-Grant Brewing Company, the pint house worked to create its very own beer in tribute to Meyer. 7-0 Ale is a 5% ABV Kolschstyle Ale that’s light-bodied, crisp, and easy drinking. The beer is available both in cans and on tap. Its name, 7-0 Ale, is a figure that appears frequently throughout the taphouse, one that diehard Buckeyes fan will likely catch. It references Meyer’s perfect 7-0 record in tilts with the rival Michigan Wolverines during his seven seasons in Columbus. Additionally, the pint house features over 20 $7 craft pours alongside a list of canned and bottled beers and ciders for $4.50 and $5. And beer isn’t the only thing on the drink menu either. In addition to a litany of champagne and wines with both glass and bottle prices, a menu of fun cocktails are available. According to Lintz, the Frosé cocktail at Forno (made up of frozen rosé wine, Absolut Grapefruit, fresh strawberries, and lemon) has become a favorite of Meyer’s wife, Shelley Mather Meyer, so much so that it’s been given space on the menu at Urban Meyer’s Pint House, referred to as Shelley’s Frosé. Beside a list of signature and custom cocktails, the restaurant offers the Monster Mule, a 96-ounce Moscow Mule; a jumbo martini that serves four; and Shelley’s Punch Bowl, a mixture of Belvedere, Lustau rose vermouth, lemon, hibiscus tea, Peychaud’s, raspberry, and cava, served out of a giant flamingo vessel. n
The restaurant, located at 6632 Longshore Dr. in Dublin, is open Monday through Thursday from 3 pm until closing and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.
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Neighborhood Nostalgia: Ringside Cafe BY R E G I N A FOX P H OTOS BY R E B E CC A TI E N
T H I S M O R E T H A N 1 0 0 - Y E A R - O L D E S TA B L I S H M E N T S TA N D S A S O N E O F T H E O L D E S T R E S TA U R A N T S I N T H E C I T Y
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n 1897, the Ohio State Buckeyes were in their seventh year of existence, the Lazarus department store in Downtown was entering its heyday, Samuel Luccock Black was the newly-minted mayor of the city, and the establishment at 19 North Pearl Street served its first glass of hooch. Today, the Buckeyes are powering through their 129th season, shopping is reserved mostly for suburban malls, Mayor Ginther is at the top of Columbus’ political masthead, and the establishment at 19 North Pearl Street continues to sling spirits. Recognized as one of the oldest eating and drinking joints in the city, Ringside Cafe is a steadfast pillar of history in a city where development and progress often rise to the top of the agenda. The burgers are juicy, the beers are cold, the lights are low, and the nostalgia runs deep. It all started in 1897 as the hangout for Columbus’ political powerhouses or, as Doreen Uhas Sauer, Education Outreach Coordinator of Columbus Landmarks and coauthor of Historic Columbus Taverns: The Capital City’s Most Storied Saloons describes it, a boys club. With it being located in such close proximity to the Statehouse, the watering hole attracted Democrats and Republicans alike, looking to talk shop over a pint or two. Whether it was the heated discussions that took place inside, faulty wiring, or another cause, the original building caught fire and burned beyond salvage. At the time—around the turn of the century—property values along High Street were skyrocketing, squashing any hopes of the
owner relocating. And so, it was decided to rebuild on the same site and this time, with a bit more intention. Two famed local architects, Carl Howell and J. William Thomas, took on the task of developing 19 North Pearl Street. At the time, the pair was also building the annex for the Trinity Episcopal Church at the corner of Third and Broad Streets, East High School, residences in Bexley, and several projects in Cleveland’s Shaker Heights. “It’s unusual to see a bar designed by architects, much less ones that had such a varied career,” said Uhas Sauer. Howell and Thomas adhered to the then-popular Arts and Crafts style during the rebuild—a trend out of England that celebrated the handmade aesthetic rather than machine-built. Several relicts of this design era can still be found today in Ringside including the dark wood features and carvings, the storybook-style Belgian stained glass windows, and intricate floor tiling. For several years thereafter, 19 North Pearl Street was known as the Board of Trade Saloon and the Chamber of Commerce Cafe. The upstairs bar and downstairs Rathskeller remained the unofficial after-work clubhouse for local lobbyists and legislators. But, with the temperance movement beginning to take shape, the Chamber of Commerce starkly objected to having their brand associated with a pub. Instead of calling it quits, the decision was made to rebrand to The Jolly Gargoyle and remain open as a tea house and antique shop during Prohibition. According to Uhas Sauer, Columbus didn’t take the ban on alcohol • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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very seriously with many of the city’s residence relying on the industry to make a living. Adrian Rosu, current owner of Ringside, even heard that the “tea” served at The Jolly Gargoyle “smelled a little funny.” But, if you were a lush living in the city during the 1920s and 1930s, there were options. “If you wanted to get a swig of a cheap alcoholic beverage, all you had to go was do down Front Street where there were theatres and pick it up from some wino who left it under a bush,” Uhas Sauer said. “If you wanted the expensive stuff, you’d go over to the Statehouse bushes where legislators ditched their bottles.” The Jolly Gargoyle had a successful run through Prohibition, but the 1960s called for change. Clem Ambrose took ownership of 19 North Pearl Street and put a lasting stamp on the establishment. Being the “jovial, genial host” he was, Ambrose was attracted to the bar’s atmosphere because it reminded him of a bustling little New York deli. Also a New York City enthusiast, famed Columbus artist George Bellows had an affinity for painting scenes from NYC’s gritty boxing matches. Ambrose acquired a recreation of one of these scenes, specifically one that Bellows had painted himself into as if he was watching the contest of strength and toughness unfold—a ringside view, if you will. Naturally, Ambrose deemed the space Ringside Cafe. Fast forward to 2019 and you can still find the very namesake painting hanging above the entrance of the quaint bar. And sometimes, you can still find Ambrose, too. 64
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“If you wanted the expensive stuff, you’d go over to the Statehouse bushes where legislators ditched their bottles.”
“Clem is supposed to be at the end of the bar,” said Uhas Sauer. “It’s the seat he always sat in. That’s the kind of thing he liked to do; he liked to be part of it all.” While Rosu can’t corroborate Uhas Sauer’s paranormal tale exactly, he admits he believes his bar is haunted. From being in the basement and hearing commotion upstairs when the place is empty, to security footage capturing strange lights moving through walls, to restroom doors opening at will, Rosu and several members of his staff have had experiences they can’t explain. But after calling Ringside his own for 11 years, Rosu doesn’t get too shook up about such oddities anymore. What Rosu feels more strongly about is holding the key, literally, to an important piece of Columbus’ history. “Columbus is definitely an up-and-coming city, but they’re really good about keeping a lot of the architecture intact. It’s good to see.” •
Ringside Cafe is located on 19 North Pearl St. For more information on the restaurant, or for hours and operations, visit ringsidecolumbus.com. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Home Is Where The Hops Are Columbus Brewing Company sets up shop with its first taproom BY J OHN MC L AU G H L I N | P H OTO BY Z A N E OS L E R
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or Columbus beer nerds such as myself, it feels like Christmas. Columbus Brewing Company, the city’s oldest and most decorated brewery—boasting six medals over the past nine years at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup—has given us the gift we’ve all been waiting for: a taproom. The long awaited pourhouse has finally come to the city after the 31 year-old company relocated to a larger warehouse with room to expand three years ago. “We started brewing in a small space in the brewery district, so for a long time there simply wasn’t space for a taproom,” says CBC Operations Manager Tony Corder. “So once we moved into our new location [at 2555 Harrison Rd] several years ago, we were finally able to expand.” The taproom, which is physically connected to the brewing space, feels sleek and modern with polished wood chairs and exposed ceiling rafters. A nice interior touch comes in the form of a wrap-around mural bedecking the interior, depicting what serious CBC fans will recall as the different mythical beasts featured on each of the brewery’s Insane Wanderer IPA series. 66
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The new space features 24 taps that combine tried-and-true favorites, such as Columbus IPA and my all-time favorite red ale, Uncle Rusty. With a slate of ambitious, exciting brews not available anywhere else, there’s sure to be an ale or lager available for every taste. Currently featured on the menu are a pair of sour ales from the brewery’s sour program, an initiative many likely aren’t yet aware of. “We’re a few years into our sour program, and we’re doing things authentically,” says Corder. While kettle-souring techniques allow for a quickly produced beer, the quality of sour ales aged on wood over longer periods of time simply offer better results. Corder also notes that while the brewery does have plans to bottle and distribute a select number of these sour beers, the CBC taproom is currently the only place they’re commercially available. One of these beers on tap now is Crocodile Tongue, an oak-aged blonde sour ale with brettanomyces yeast that is aged on peaches. While this beer has never been distributed by the brewery, it did take home a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup in 2018.
“We aged it in scotch barrels instead of bourbon barrels, which are normally used. I think it’s unique, and it’s really exceptional.”
Also available is Somethin’ Tequila, a tequila barrel-aged sour with lime and grapefruit peel that took a year and a half of careful aging to peak. And if sour beer isn’t your thing but you’re still feeling adventurous, worry not, as the brewery also offers a rotating selection of beers from its barrel-aging program. One of these, Baggared, represents an underappreciated style perfect for cooler: the scotch ale. Rich with a malty sweetness with a touch of peat to boot, Baggared sets itself apart from many big barrel-aged beers for one main reason. “We aged it in scotch barrels instead of bourbon barrels, which are normally used. I think it’s unique, and it’s really exceptional,” says Corder. Other big, barrel-aged beers perfect for the encroaching winter weather include Steel Dawn, an imperial stout featuring vanilla bean and coffee adjuncts, and Derailed Meeting, a hefty imperial brown ale aged on Weller Bourbon barrels. Another interesting seasonal highlight at the CBC taproom is its voluminous slate of wet-hopped IPAs. These brews (another seasonal favorite of yours truly), can only be made once a year, as newly-harvested hops are overnighted from as far away as Washington state to create an impressive series of IPAs featuring single hop varietals. Different ales showcase fresh Cashmere, Citra, Simcoe, and Idaho 7 hops; there are a remarkable number of beers done in this style considering the costs of brewing them. The newly picked hops lend a bright, earthy flavor to the IPAs that is simply not achievable without a fresh harvest. While no hot food is served from the space, the taproom hosts a rotating variety of food trucks each week. For the month of November, visitors can expect to see local favorites like Dos Hermanos on Nov. 9 and Nov. 23. Other food trucks include Paddy Wagon, Por’Ketta, and Blu Olive. The taproom, which opened its doors on September 18, lets patrons select their pour size, with options for different beers ranging from 0.1 L to 0.4 L. A variety of perennial favorites and taproom exclusives can be purchased to go, in 32 oz. crowlers (large-volume cans sealed to order) or 64 oz. growlers. And while you still have some time before the winter holidays roll around, why not treat yourself to an early present with a stop at the new Columbus Brewing Taproom? Chances are you’ve been waiting a while for this one. • The new Columbus Brewing Company is located on 2555 Harrison Rd. For hours and operations, visit columbusbrewing.com.
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Do More Good As November rolls into the city and we prepare for Thanksgiving traditions, we at (614) are highlighting the helpers in Columbus. These groups of people have found ways to break the mold of volunteering, giving back, and making an impact in the world around them. Whether that’s large organizations who have histories that date back to a century ago, or Columbus’ very own Madison Mikhail Bush creating an app to ease the process of volunteering, these efforts are creating a societal change for good. Caring is cool, and these folks are the epitome of that.
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The Costume Crusade Create Happy Moments collects Halloween costumes for children in the Dominican Republic BY MITCH HOOP ER PH OTOS BY REBE CC A T I EN
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doesn’t take long to clean up all the festivities following Halloween each year. As soon as the calendar hits November, all the shine and focus is on the upcoming holidays. The carved pumpkins to scare away the spirits are swapped out for an assortment of colorful gourds and the occasional pumpkin still lingers. Eventually, it’s the same old dance of grabbing a box from storage, stuffing away all your Halloween belongings, and waiting for another season of spooky. And while that twerking skeleton you purchased on a whim at CVS this season will be forever a hit around the house, costumes have a much shorter lifespan. There’s a reason Halloweenthemed costume stores pop-up in strip malls every September through October—being a costume repeater is a Halloween fashion faux pas. Though adults might sit out on the celebration some years, children are not missing out on the action, and they most certainly aren’t committing a fashion crime either. From ballerina tutus to Batman suits, every year is a chance for these little ones to take on a new persona, and it’s also another year that the storage box gets a little fuller, or the landfill gets a new outfit. It’s this realization of a costume’s life after Halloween that caught the attention of Nayra Betances. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Betances said costumes were an integral part of how she and her family celebrated Carnival and Independence Day. While her family was fortunate enough to be able to DIY costumes each year, many children and families around her couldn’t afford to do so.
“It was sort of like Christmas for us because there were towns and neighborhoods that planned year round for Carnival Month. Every Sunday of the month of February, towns, villages, and neighborhoods come together and parade in costumes.” “When I was growing up, a huge part of my childhood was Carnival and the Independence Day festivities on February 27,” Betances recalled. “It was sort of like Christmas for us because there were towns and neighborhoods that planned year round for Carnival Month. Every Sunday of the month of February, towns, villages, and neighborhoods come together and parade in costumes.” In 2009 at a Halloween parade in New Jersey with her three children, she recognized how often she was purchasing costumes each year, and wondered what other families were doing once the holiday ended. To no surprise, many of these costumes were being stuffed away, or thrown away. That’s when Betance devised a plan: she reached out to the principal of the school and asked if she could send flyers home with children to collect their costumes. Her purpose? Send these leftover costumes to families in need back in the DR. It was then that Create Happy Moments was born. • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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“Imagine if I would’ve had costumes like that when I was growing up in the yard? And right there, I said, ‘What if I start asking these parents?’ ” “I literally had an ‘aha’ moment and said to myself, ‘Oh my god, what happens to all these costumes once Halloween is over?’ I’m not rich but I have the means to buy three new costumes every year for my children— god forbid someone wants two,” Betances said with a laugh. “Imagine if I would’ve had costumes like that when I was growing up in the yard? And right there, I said, ‘What if I start asking these parents?’ ” Her efforts proved to be successful that first year as she was able to collect more than 80 costumes to send back to her home country. Through assistance from her family still living there, they were able to distribute costumes to foster homes and low income areas in the Dominican Republic. Each year, that number of families helped and children costumed grows. Create Happy Moments now helps roughly 500 children each year. “To this day, I think, ‘Why didn’t I think of this before?’, ” Betances said. For Betance, it’s truly a family affair from November until Carnival 72
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and Independence Day in February. First the process begins on Nayra’s end with raising awareness, hosting fundraising parties, and collecting as many costumes as she can box up. It takes about a month for the team to deliver the costumes, so this gives Betance about two months to collect. Once December hits, it’s her and her team carefully cleaning the costumes; separating them by size, design, and gender; boxing everything up; and a race to ship everything off. Once in the Dominican Republic, her cousins and other family members go door-to-door, dropping off costumes just in time for the holidays. Just last Carnival, Betance was able to return to the DR, help drop off the costumes, and see her impact firsthand for the first time. “There’s never going to be enough money so I took money from my paycheck and went,” Betance. “I covered my expenses, I went, and I promised myself I was never going to miss another one.” While she vows to never miss another Carnival, she does want to continue to grow Create Happy Moments to a financially stable place where the program can afford to send her back each year. Though Create Happy Moments isn’t attacking larger issues like hunger or poverty, what Betance sees this program doing is enhancing culture and a sense of community. Betance said Independence Day is a chance for many different subcultures of the DR to showcase their flavors of life and costume designs vary from city-to-city. The adult costumes range from political satire to customs and traditions that date
back to the origins of Carnival. The children, however, are just eager to get dressed up and get in the action. Create Happy Moments originated in New Jersey, but has become Betance’s full-time project now that she’s moved to Columbus. For her, the city gave her the boost she needed to devote her energy to the program. “Columbus is such a niche for philanthropy and nonprofits and social enterprise and giving back,” Betance explained. “When I came back, I said, ‘This is a calling.’ ” •
For more information or to donate your used costume, visit createhappymoments.org. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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EXTRA! EXTRA! A century-old Columbus organization, Charity Newsies, helps kids in need get outfitted for school BY DAVID LEW IS
I L LU STR ATI O N BY SARAH M O O RE
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ave you seen the white lab-coated people hanging out at the intersection of Main Street and Drexel Avenue in Bexley? They’re there the second Saturday in December with buckets for drivers to drop in their extra change and dollar bills. Even if you haven’t noticed them in Bexley, they can be found all around Columbus on that Saturday. They call themselves Newsies and they have been around a long time—112 years— helping raise money so no child will be kept out of school for lack of adequate clothing. A Columbus original, Charity Newsies is doing work. They provide approximately 12,000 children with brand new clothing every year. A package an applicant will receive includes: six pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks, three shirts, three pairs of pants, a winter coat, winter hat and gloves. There’s an annual kick-off auction, the sale of Hearts and other fundraising activities, along with the drive total, that brought in a jaw-dropping total of $1,438,391 last year. How did the organization get started and what’s with the “Newsies” angle? It all started on a chilly day on Broad and High more than 100 years ago. “Three businessmen were hanging out at Billy’s Chop House at Broad and High and noticed a boy selling papers,” says Mike Miller, the organization’s Headquarters Manager. “The businessmen took the papers from the young man and started selling and yelling out that it was for charity. From that night [in 1907], the idea of creating a charitable organization by selling papers was born, and in around 1960 is when the focus turned to clothing for school kids.” Today, the Columbus Dispatch creates a special edition to be given out during the Drive Day. The dollars raised are impressive, but it’s the emotional impact that is so rewarding to the over 500 volunteer members. Take Betsy Eckel, a volunteer for Charity Newsies, for example. When she first got involved, it didn’t take long for her to feel the benefits of helping out, and she fell in love instantly. “I vividly remember the first time I volunteered in the clothing room and one kid came in and looked at the winter coats,” Eckel recalled. “He tried on the coat and looked at me and asked if he could keep the coat. The joy in his face when I told him he could keep the coat blew me away. He told me he had never had a coat with new tags on it.” Eckel and her best friend, and fellow volunteer, Shelby Nathans, grew up together in Bexley and were introduced to Charity Newsies at an early age. For Nathan, her father has been a member for 20 years, keeping her close to the organization as she grew up. “I would see him on Drive Day with his buddies having so much fun and doing great things,” Nathans said. “Plus, Bexley schools are closely tied to Charity Newsies, so I was involved back then.” Both women cite the rise in self-esteem when a child has the right clothes to wear to school. And then there’s the practical side: when kids don’t have the proper clothes, they just don’t get themselves to school.
Eckel said she knows this from first-hand experience. “When I was a teacher I saw kids not having coats and socks in the winter,” says Eckel. “Some kids would be put on the bus without proper clothes. They would have to wait at the bus stop freezing. Some parents would choose to keep the kids home. Attendance really suffered.” The Newsies tend to trend older—a point both Nathans and Eckel make and would like to see change. For Eckel, it’s simple: she wants young volunteers to experience what she has experienced. “When people stop to donate during that second Saturday in December one of the most rewarding things to hear is, ‘You helped me when I was a kid. I will never forget it. I have the ability to do something and I want to give back.’ ”
To get involved with the Charity Newsies, visit charitynewsies.org.
“He tried on the coat and looked at me and asked if he could keep the coat. The joy in his face when I told him he could keep the coat blew me away. He told me he had never had a coat with new tags on it.�
CHARITY NEWSIES FACTS: IN 2018, CHARITY NEWSIES:
Had 5,537 family applicants
Served 421 schools in 19 districts in Franklin County
Clothed 12,081 kids
Since its inception, Charity Newsies has clothed half a million school children
The average cost to clothe a child is $150
There are nearly 600 Charity Newsies. Newsies range in age from 30 to nearly 90 years old, and many have been members for decades.
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Meals On
Two Wheels
Cranksgiving cyclists collect Thanksgiving food to donate to in-need community members
BY MELIN DA GREEN | P HOTOS BY BR I A N KA IS E R
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h his November while families huddle around the Thanksgiving dinner table, Eric Tippett and dozens of other local cyclists will gather to take on “a food drive on two wheels”—Cranksgiving—to ensure that many Columbus families and individuals can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, despite challenging financial circumstances. Cranksgiving originated among bike messengers in New York City 20 years ago and has grown into a sort of grassroots, national movement. The name is derived from the crank arms that connect pedals to a bicycle. From organizing the annual ride to collecting the items to give, Tippett has a lot on his plate each Cranksgiving. “I’m pretty much a one-man show,” Tippett says of his organizational role in Columbus. Since Tippett lives in Clintonville, he named the beneficiary as the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC)’s Choice Food Pantry. The pantry helps thousands of community members in Clintonville and its surrounding areas, serving around half a million meals to individuals and families each year. Last year in Columbus about 90 riders participated in Cranksgiving on a frigid November day, collecting and donating more than 1,500
pounds of food. This donation helped serve 1,432 individuals and helped provide 32,000 meals during the month of November, according to Katie Palmer, CRC’s Development Director. The event has come a long way since Tippet first heard about the event on a college friend’s social media page. “I cycle for transport; I cycle to work, and last year I said, ‘I’m gonna do it,’ ” he recounts. The donations are purchased from Hills Market, Fresh Thyme, Weiland’s Market, and Lucky’s Market. This year, the Clintonville Farmers’ Market joins the roster of providers. Some Cranksgivings have set routes, but in Columbus, it’s more of a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure,’ Tippett said. Lineage Brewing hosts the event with raffle items from local businesses and other fun activities for participants. Riders “buy” a free ticket to participate, travel by bicycle from Lineage to one or more of the participating groceries, purchase as much or as little as they want to donate (often at a discount for the event), then bring the food back to Lineage. There, CRC has a scale to weigh the donations and a truck to transport them. There’s no set route; there’s no set financial commitment, and there’s no set menu.
CRC does provide guidelines on what to buy, though. Turkeys would be challenging, so they request dry goods for Thanksgiving meals—like stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, mashed potato mix, and applesauce—as well as dry staples for the pantry’s year-round stock. All ages are welcome to participate. The event is family- and kid-friendly, and a large percentage of the riders are female. There’s even a competition to see who can haul the heaviest load of food back to the meeting point. Last year, the winner rode back with a donation weighing 70 pounds. Because of capacity limitations at Lineage, the event may be capped at around 100 participants this year, but if interest continues to grow, Tippett says, they may look for a larger venue for the event in 2020. This year’s ride will be November 1-6. Due to government benefit cuts, Powell said there is definitely an increase in need. “Our clients are already knocking at the door regarding Thanksgiving assistance this year,” she explained. “Our community is having to make hard choices between providing a Thanksgiving meal and daily living expenses.” But, Powell remains hopeful with Cranksgiving impact. “Cranksgiving will help make this decision easier for our neighbors.”
If you’re interested in participating in Cranksgiving this year or expressing interest in 2020’s ride, follow “CranksgivingColumbus” on Facebook. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Nancy’s From Now On
Rick Hanh of Nancy’s Home Cooking offers meals to those in need on Thanksgiving BY AA R O N W E TL I | P H OTOS BY DI A M O NI DAVI S-FERGUSO N
Rick Hahn is passionate; passionate about his restaurant, passionate about his community, and most especially passionate about the assistance he offers to those in need.
Serving hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches (get the chicken and noodles), Nancy’s Home Cooking has been a Clintonville staple since it was opened by Nancy Kammerling in 1968. In 1970, Kammerling sold the business to Cindy King who ran the restaurant for nearly 40 years before niece Shelia Hahn took the reins. Flash forward three years and both King and Hahn, neither of whom would turn away a customer in need, had passed away, leaving the future of the restaurant in doubt. This is where Shelia’s husband Rick stepped in. “I married into the King family but still didn’t know anything about cooking,” Rick said. “I learned from watching a lot of cooking shows on television. I just felt that I had to keep Nancy’s going and to continue Cindy and Shelia’s commitment to serving the community.” On his watch, Hahn has implemented a Pay It Forward program that serves between 10 and 20 customers a day. In short, for $5, you can purchase a future meal for someone in need; the only caveat is that the buyer has to write a message on a post it note that is delivered with the lunch. “People can write whatever they would like,” Rick explained. “Some messages are funny and some are inspirational. Some are even movie quotes or jokes. The important thing is that the notes brighten the day of the person who receives it.”
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It should be noted that these Pay It Forward meals are not just a box with a turkey sandwich, potato chips and an apple. Those who receive the meal can choose from chicken and noodles; biscuits and gravy; a breakfast platter; Southwest chili; grilled cheese; and bean soup and cornbread. The menu is seasonal and changes for appropriate outdoor weather conditions. At the suggestion of girlfriend Richelle, Hahn also offers personal hygiene kits to those who ask. These kits, which come in drawstring backpacks, aren’t cheap to assemble (about $10 each) and contain a 30 day supply of soap, toothpaste, wipes, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and other assorted toiletries. Women’s kits also contain feminine hygiene products. “As for the kits, no one is turned away. You don’t even have to eat here to get one,” said Rick. The real Belle of the Ball, though, is Rick’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Last year Rick, with help from his staff, family and neighborhood volunteers (different shifts of 50 each), served over 500 dinners to the community. Canopies, tables, and different stations line High St., the attitude is festive, and again, no one is turned away. “On Thanksgiving, we are probably in violation of a few zoning laws, but I don’t think anyone really cares. All of the other businesses are closed that day and we have High Street to ourselves,” Rick said while laughing. And what a Thanksgiving dinner it is. Last year’s menu contained the regular Thanksgiving staples—turkey, ham, rolls, green beans and mashed potatoes as well as pizza, shrimp cocktail, brisket, ribs, and lobster. Not too shabby. “Not everyone who comes to the meal is homeless or even necessarily in need. Some of the attendees are elderly, have no family, or have no other place to go. I’m happy to give them a place to go,” said Rick through a smile. It is safe to say that Rick has honored the legacy of the King Family. •
Nancy’s Home Cooking is located at 3133 N High St. If you would like to donate money towards the Pay it Forward meals or Thanksgiving Dinner, you can do so in person or use PayPal.Me/ nancyshomecooking. You can also drop off new/unused toiletries at Nancy’s from 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
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2019
HOLIDAY GiftGU IDE
2019
COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART
THE TOP STEAKHOUSE
480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 614-221-6801 www.columbusmuseum.org
2891 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 614-231-8238 www.thetopsteakhouse.com
Make someone's holiday merry with design classics from Marimekko at the Museum Store. All of our products are carefully chosen to capture the essence of creativity and excellent design -- handmade locally or well-made from around the world.
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Household and personal items pictured here are priced from $19.95 to $115.00.
est. 1876
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NORTH MARKET
4605 Morse Rd #200 Gahanna, OH 614-934-5000 www.BBAesthetic.com
59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 614-463-9664 www.northmarket.com
It’s beginning to look a lot like BOTOX. For the holidays that is... Can you believe it’s THAT time of year already? Give them what they REALLY want! BB E-gift cards delivered right to your loved ones inbox
Visit your North Market this holiday season. Shop for unique gifts and pick up the freshest selection of best-in-class ingredients for your holiday meal - all under one roof. Purchase $50 in Gift Certificates and receive a free North Market Cookbook while supplies last. This season support local, fresh, and authentic independent businesses at your North Market.
Holida spirts w On the spo Decem 23r
Finding Your Helping Hand A look at charitable organizations working in the community this season and how you can get involved BY K E R RY F R A N C I S | P H OTOS P R OV I D E D
As the saying goes: ‘tis better to give than receive. During the holidays, more people are looking to give back to the community, but it can be hard to find the right opportunity that lets you focus on a cause that’s close to your heart—and that works with your schedule. Whether you’re looking to donate items, make a financial contribution or roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, we’ve got you covered. Here are just a few ways you can do good this holiday season.
Food Insecurity Many holidays include big meals, often with those special dishes you only get once a year—Grandma’s stuffing, Uncle Joe’s pies. Yet for many, having a hot meal is a struggle each year. Franklin County residents miss 69 million meals, according to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. The Foodbank connects families with needed food via 650 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs and senior housing sites, and connecting people with community services to help them become economically sufficient. Volunteers are always needed to help sort and pack food, donate food or donate funds.
Homelessness Each year, more than 10,000 people in Franklin County experience homelessness, according to Lutheran Social Services (LSS). The organization provides shelter to those experiencing homelessness through its Faith Mission program. You can volunteer to serve meals, connect clients with resources, provide medical care and assist in the donation center. The YWCA Family Center provides emergency shelter to families while they find permanent housing. You can volunteer to provide and serve dinner at the center, or babysit for parents while they attend training. You can also donate needed items or make a financial contribution.
Domestic Violence Domestic violence affects women—and men—from all walks of life. According to LSS, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Lutheran Social Services’ CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence provides shelter and other services to those who have experienced domestic violence. You can volunteer to provide and serve meals in the kitchen or sort donations in the donation center. 82
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Animal Welfare There’s nothing like the unconditional love of our fourlegged friends. Last year, the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center cared for more than 9,200 dogs in its shelter. The organization provides care for impounded animals, and adoption and lost dog services. It also educates the community about safe and responsible dog ownership. You can volunteer to provide care, training, exercise and enrichment for dogs. You can also donate funds or needed items.
Find Your Niche Not sure what you want to do? Besa connects individuals and organizations with a variety of local charities including food pantries, arts and educational organizations, and animal shelters. To date, individuals and organizations have contributed more than $1.9 million in goods and services and nearly 62,000 volunteer hours to nonprofits through a connection from Besa. Not only is this a service available for volunteers, but also organizations looking to get the word out about adding helping hands to upcoming projects and events. Similarly, LoveCbus was started by a local ministry after it received a networking database that was built out but unused. The team realized that with a little polishing, the database could connect those who want to show Columbus a little love with volunteer opportunities and connect people in need with local services. Once you complete a profile, you’re connected to volunteer opportunities matched to your interests and schedule. • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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SOUP
FOR YOU A retrospective look at how Columbus SOUP has influenced social change over the last six years
BY JR MC MI L L I A N I L LU STR ATI O N S BY JU STI N R E MOTAP
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Big things have small beginnings, sometimes just a spoonful.
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olumbus SOUP started as a simple concept, borrowed as great ideas often are. Audiences come together to share bowls of soup from local restaurants, listen to pitches from a collection of community advocates, everyone votes with their signature green spoons for the project they want to fund, and the ones with the most votes receive a small grant. Imagine Kickstarter with a supper club spin meets Shark Tank for social change. “It really struck a chord with me, as something we could pull off, and that would really resonate with the Columbus community,” explained Liz Martin, executive director of Columbus SOUP. “Our city is really receptive to people with a passion for new ideas.” Introduced through a friend to earlier efforts in Illinois and Michigan, Martin connected a cadre of folks involved in various local community-building efforts over tea on a cold winter’s day to see whether there were enough combined skills and bandwidth to launch a similar SOUP in Central Ohio. Six months later, on June 9, 2013, Columbus SOUP hosted its first event, amid more than a little uncertainty. “We thought if 35 people showed up, it would be a success. We reached out to people we thought might be interested and received six applications,” she recalled. “All of them were invited to pitch, and we packed the house with more than 100 people at Brothers Drake.” The idea undeniably resonated and grew to nearly two dozen events in the years that followed—and nearly $60k in grants so far. But it also offered the invaluable experience of distilling an idea down to its essence, then selling it to an audience of strangers with a succinct and inspiring pitch.
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“The heart of SOUP nationwide is to fund projects that may not be eligible for traditional funding. These microgrants give people exactly what they need to achieve something small, yet impactful, in their communities,” Martin explained. “Most of us grew up in an age of giant checks where it seemed like only the wealthy could be philanthropic. SOUP brings philanthropy down to a level where anyone can make a difference.” Themes quickly became a concept unique to Columbus SOUP. Chicago’s version was created to support arts and culture, while Detroit’s was adapted to serve social justice. Columbus SOUP is both, yet neither, providing access and an audience to a variety of community-led projects that don’t always fit easily into obvious boxes. Also there since the start is Bryant Miller, director of Columbus SOUP, and among the first folks Martin recruited to the cause. His infectious enthusiasm and knack for putting everyone at ease was also the perfect match as event host, welcoming new and familiar faces, ensuring presentations run smoothly, and sharing the results of voting in a way that recognizes everyone’s efforts—not just those who receive funding at the end of the evening. “The magic of Columbus SOUP is that it’s very different than any similar organization because we allowed it to morph into what Columbus needs. We just tend to say yes to a lot of things,” Miller revealed. “When we were at the Idea Foundry a couple of years ago, there were some folks who
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had never been to one before who asked us afterward if we could help them host an event for teenagers, and we said, ‘YES!’ It was an event that reached an audience we hadn’t before. SOUP is about saying yes, giving people a chance, and not trying to put everything in the same box.” Crowdfunding and collective philanthropy only seem like a novel idea inspired by the internet. But the notion of ordinary folks doing extraordinary things with a humble investment is hardly new. Back in 1938, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was still a small and obscure organization that needed a boost, even in the midst of a polio epidemic. That’s when radio and film comedian Eddie Cantor asked Americans from all walks to send 10 cents to the organization’s founder, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The response was unprecedented, with tens of thousands of letters pouring into the White House the week of FDR’s birthday—just as Cantor requested when he coined the phrase, the “March of Dimes”. The indelible idea stuck, eventually becoming the name of the organization now focused on providing a healthy start for new mothers and their infants. That sounds like a tall order, but so too was curing polio with pocket change. Without hyperbole, Columbus SOUP is not so different, offering a solid start to ambitious initiatives with a donation many of us have in our wallets, pooled together to achieve something no one could do alone. SOUP has likewise accomplished its original goal to inspire grassroots ideas and small-scale investment, which is why the next Columbus SOUP will be the last, putting a proverbial lid on the concept and making room for what’s next. “It’s easy to get hung up on the idea, and many do, that organizations need to go on forever to be significant, and I just don’t believe it. I tend to think of it like a story. What story did we set out to tell? We wanted to share philanthropy in a completely different way,” Miller explained. “We loved the concept behind micro-grants, because they create the opportunity to be the very first group of people to believe in an idea. We feel really good about what we’ve achieved and have accomplished everything we wanted to do. That’s our story.” Everyone has watched a television series or film franchise that effectively ended long before it was over. Columbus SOUP didn’t want to make that mistake by presuming everything worthwhile extends indefinitely. But they’re really only half right. If every event was like a pebble thrown into a pond, the ripples continue to make waves that grow, intersect, and change shape long after the stones were cast. Quantifying the lasting impact six years of SOUPs have had on Columbus is impossible, because the ripples just keep going. “I think about how distraught everyone was when Independents’ Day ended. All of that energy didn’t go away,
“We feel really good about what we’ve achieved and have accomplished everything we wanted to do. That’s our story.”
now it just goes somewhere else,” he noted. “When you look at all of the new events and festivals inspired by Independents Day that only started after it ended, you can still see the impact.” The final event, billed as “SOUP’s Last Hurrah” was originally set for November. But an accidental scheduling snafu afforded the opportunity to extend the application deadline, ensuring everyone from presenters to donors won’t miss their chance to celebrate, say goodbye, and raise their spoons one last time. “We decided the final Columbus SOUP should end how it started, without a theme. We’ve had projects reach out to us that never quite fit into one of our recurring events or common categories,“ Martin explained. “It’s a chance for all of those ideas to finally be heard. This will be the last Columbus SOUP, but it’s still the beginning of something new.”
For details on Columbus SOUP’s final event, or to apply to pitch your idea, visit columbussoup.org 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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A Point In The Right Direction Columbus-based Point app provides helping hands to charities and nonprofits
BY MI TC H H O O P E R | P H OTO BY B RI AN KAI SER
“I
want to help, I just don’t know where to start.” These words are spoken all too often by folks in the community looking to get involved. It’s not the lack of time or energy; it’s simply the absence of awareness. And regardless of how the lapse happened, both sides lose—those with ambition are left searching, and nonprofits and charities are left in a pinch. It’s kind of funny how this conundrum occurred in this age of connectedness. With Facebook alone, getting the word out about a charity or nonprofit in need of volunteers seems like it would be easier than ever. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While most national nonprofits can supply resources for social media and recruitment, those resources aren’t widely available on a smaller scale. And thanks to social media algorithms, those who are getting the word out are being buried underneath those with the budget to promote posts. In other words, nonprofits and charities could use some help beyond just volunteers at events, and Madison Mikhail Bush’s app, Point, aims to be that assistance. Started in 2014, Point is an app that connects volunteers with nonprofits and charities in Columbus. But, it’s also so much more than that. It features an interactive menu where users flag the issues they care most about, ranging from poverty to the environment. Once users have identified the causes they are invested in, the app shows charities operating in those categories and the times, dates, and what they are in need of.
“We want to create a cultural structure within communities. It’s not something we’re going to one organization and saying, ‘Just use this!’ and then we’re done. We need to capture communities to create a difference that we’re looking for.” “No one is ever shocked when they pull up [Point]; no one ever says, ‘This is brilliant!’ The biggest thing they say is, ‘How has this never existed before?’ It just makes sense,” Mikhail Bush said. Not only is this a simple and effective tool for volunteers to find the organizations, it’s great for the organizations on the backend. Instead of email chains, text messages, and phone calls, Point provides push notifications to remind volunteers of start times as well as confirming their participation in the event. While Point can’t solve every headache, it can certainly make a handful of them easier. “Point is community based; it’s a community tool,” Mikhail Bush said. “We want to create a cultural structure within communities. It’s not something we’re going to one organization and saying, ‘Just use this!’ and then we’re done. We need to capture communities to create a difference that we’re looking for. If you have a tool and it’s the central point and it’s the best thing ever, it doesn’t mean anything unless everyone knows about it.” • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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The idea is similar to how Uber and other start-ups have gone about business. Instead of setting up a brick-and-mortar location in their areas of operation, these companies have utilized technology like apps to connect already existing people in the community. There has always been a need for improvement in these areas, but between a lack of awareness and a lack of understanding of the issue, it can become difficult to address and assess. The stark difference between Point and those start-ups is the approach. Businesses like Uber and Bird have taken the shock value approach: just show up, let everyone deal with it, and figure out the kinks in the system later. Point, however, wants to make sure the program and systems they build are sustainable, effective, and most importantly, created by and for the community at large. The app all started as most success stories do: lying in bed, ordering some takeout. Mikhail Bush said she realized it was easier for her to do things such as order ramen or book a hotel from her cell phone than it was to get connected with organizations doing good in her neighborhood. As someone who helped pave her way into college at Capital University via volunteering, she said she quickly saw a problem in the market. “So I thought, ‘We need to make a costless tool that is that connection so that whenever I want to do something good, I can go to one place and do a lot of good things,’ “ Mikhail Bush recalled. “When we first started we thought it was going to be really hard to get nonprofits on board so we said we’d try to get 100 nonprofits by the end of the year. Turns out we hit over 100 in about a month. People want a connective tool, and we just never had it before.” And as most tech start-ups go, there were plenty of changes—or pivoting as the professionals call it. Mikhail Bush’s first app attempt in 2010 wasn’t 90
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exactly fruitful; she created a giving website with her five friends which was able to raise roughly $20,000 for charities, but it ultimately failed. With programs like GoFundMe and Facebook’s donate feature, perhaps a giving website was just a little ahead of its time. Nonetheless, the lessons learned in that process have helped her get to where Point is now with more than 5,000 users. “Normally when you tell people, ‘I graduated in 2014 and started fundraising in 2016,’ people go, ‘What have you been doing?’ But it has been hard to build,” Mikhail Bush explained. “When I first started, I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t have any connections; it wasn’t my world.… It’s definitely been a long time coming since we just launched last year and I feel like this year now that we have roots and people using it and events are starting to get filled—that’s when I think people are like, ‘Wait a minute, there’s that girl who was screaming off rooftops four years ago.’ “ While Mikhail Bush said they are committed to building and scaling Point in the Midwest, the ultimate goal is to spread this app across the country. Whether it be resources that the coast can offer, or newer solutions to problems, Columbus is only the beginning for Point. “We’re like, ‘This is what people want in their lives and we are just giving you the tools to do it.’ Our generation understands that. We’re not looking for a pat on the back; we just want to go do it. It’s a part of our lives, it’s a part of our lifestyles.” Point app is available on the Apple Store and Google Play. For more information or to get involved, visit pointapp.org. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Titan Trucks makes restaurant dreams a reality through manufacturing food trucks
BY O L I V I A B A LC E R Z A K | P H OTOS BY B R I AN KAI SER
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"People want to go out and make their own way and go build their dreams. I guess that’s the American dream.” he food industry has historically been a tough field—but while hitting the road used to mean quitting, for others it is just the beginning. “I think people figured out they can go create their own business, create their own job, create their own life and do what they really like to do,” Mike Gallicchio, co-owner of Titan Trucks said. “That’s why the food truck thing really took off.” Gallicchio, a veteran in the food truck industry got his start in the field in 2011 when he created the Columbus Food Truck Festival. After seeing the industry soar thereafter, Gallicchio said he and his business partner Neil Hertenstein decided to be a part of the boom from its beginning—the creation of the truck. “[Building trucks] is another extension of what I’ve already been doing,” Gallicchio said. “It’s fun to take someone’s vision and help them build it.” Since its inception 3 years ago, Titan Trucks has made several custom trucks for hopeful business owners including ones like the Ohio Incredible Egg and Barroluco. With help from their great guys on staff, Gallicchio said, Titan Trucks is able to make a truck from scratch with the design, layout and look that the client is looking for in roughly 12 weeks. “We custom build the trucks—it’s not like we own a car lot that has a bunch of food trucks on it—that is a big misconception about us,” Gallicchio said. “We build a spec, what size you want, what kind of equipment you want, we lay it out for you so you can best make money.” •
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Their newest project is a 32-foot mobile bus that will replace the cargoshipping container of Mikey’s Late Night Slice stationed on the outdoor patio of Oddfellows, a bar in the Short North. “Mikey’s is a big one for us. I think that will be really cool,” Gallicchio said. “I am really excited to build that for him—he’s kind of in the food truck hall of fame.” The design of Mikey’s will be almost identical to the design of the container now with the only major difference being a slightly smaller shell and, of course, the added mobility that a bus offers. “I think he just wanted to update their look over there,” Gallicchio said. “And it will be brand new, stainless steel LED lighting, so it’s going to be really nice.” While Gallicchio admits that Mikey’s is one of the larger projects, tipping a hat to Mikey’s prominence in the Columbus food scene, Gallicchio said he admires the sense of diversity in the food truck industry. “Other than [Mikey] there’s really no other pizza food trucks, there’s no hamburger food trucks, which is strange, right?” Gallicchio said. “We got some great food trucks here and they’re not just like meat and potatoes.” 94
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Among those, Gallicchio mentions Aloha and Ajumama, two local food trucks that contribute to the incredible food scene in Columbus. These food trucks are bringing diverse cultures and menus to the community, he added, and that diversity, growth and uniqueness in the food truck industry is something he only sees growing in the future. “Columbus has got a very vibrant foodie culture and food truck culture. I don’t see it going anywhere, really,” Gallicchio said. “I think it’s only going to get bigger.” Meanwhile Gallicchio and Titan Trucks will continue to help small business owners fulfill their dreams of owning their own business and making a profit in the industry. “We’re not just building a truck for people, you know. I know people personally; I want to see them win,” Gallicchio said. “People want to go out and make their own way and go build their dreams. I guess that’s the American dream.” •
The Columbus Food Truck Festival takes place in mid to late August. Gallicchio said the new Mikey’s Late Night Slice truck is expected to be fully complete by Nov. 8.
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BY L I NDA LEE B AI RD P H OTOS BY B RI AN KAI SER
Wild Goose Creative and ROY G BIV Gallery create community in the city’s new arts district
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ild Goose Creative and ROY G BIV Gallery have quite a few things in common: both are non-profit organizations, both are committed to fostering the talents of emerging artists, and soon, both will be neighbors in Franklinton. As these longstanding arts institutions settle into the neighborhood, its reputation as the city’s new arts capital further solidifies. After closing its longtime location in the Short North in 2017, ROY’s leadership team felt Franklinton was the right spot for its next iteration. “We recognized that Franklinton was an emerging arts district, and so to be an organization that supported emerging artists, it just seemed like such a natural fit,” said J.D. Beiting, ROY’s Board President. Ultimately, the gallery became the first tenant in the new River and Rich development. In addition to doubling its capacity, building a new gallery allowed ROY to customize the space with modular walls, built-in speakers and ceiling hooks to display three-dimensional pieces. These enhancements allow for additional media, such as film, to be included in ROY’s shows. It also provides visitors with new ways to experience the art. “Sometimes in our receptions, we’ll play music that the artists were listening to when they were creating the art that’s being shown,” said Lynette Santoro-Au, ROY’s Gallery Director. Beyond larger square footage, Franklinton offered something that can be hard to come by when moving to a new area: a sense of genuine community. Beiting credits the organizations that set up shop early in Franklinton—including the studios at 400 West Rich Street, the Vanderelli Room, the Idea Foundry, Glass Axis, and Jim Sweeney, the former Director of the Franklinton Development Association— for bringing an arts-focused, inclusive approach to theneighborhood’s development. •
ART GOES WEST
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We have artists at the table in all the planning that we do, as opposed to artists coming in at the end and not being a part of the conversation.
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“Everyone just sort of swaps assets and resources,” Beiting said. “Being collaborative and partnering is what’s making it really attractive, which is bringing in more arts groups.” One such arts group is Wild Goose Creative; a gallery, creative, and literary arts space operating in the University District since 2006. Wild Goose plans to open a second space in Franklinton—Wild Goose West—in late 2020. Executive Director Patrick Roehrenbeck said that the second space will allow the organization to increase its capacity. “We felt to truly fulfill our mission, in creating this strong creative community, we needed to be able to give access to all those creatives and artists that we were having to say no to, just because there wasn’t the time or the space for it.” At the same time, Roehrenbeck feels that the artists at Wild Goose will bring new creative offerings to Franklinton. “If you really look at Franklinton now, 90 percent of it is visual art,” he said, explaining that there wasn’t a venue focused on literary arts, music, spoken word, and fashion. As they plan for the opening, Roehrenbeck and his team are engaging the community in the process. They’ve surveyed over 100 Franklinton residents to learn what would benefit them. The goal, in Roehrenbeck’s words, is to, “ask them what they want, not let them know what we’re bringing.” With Route 315 dividing Franklinton’s arts and residential districts, Wild Goose plans to partner with existing institutions in order to meaningfully connect with the community. Lydia Simon, Wild Goose’s Operations Manager, said their goal is to be intentional with the programming that they bring to Franklinton by, “building off of what’s already happening down there.” Working with schools and community-based organizations to start an artist mentoring program is one way Wild Goose is planning to serve as a bridge between artists and residents. “We’re all about building community through art,” Simon said. “We want to continue that mission in Franklinton because there is absolutely a need for it.”
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Partnering with established organizations is also a key way to break down what Beiting called “mental barriers” to experiencing and enjoying art. “I think there might be some perception barriers. Someone might walk by, and look in, and say, ‘Oh wow, this looks like, you know, hoity art,’” he said. But learning about it from a trusted individual or at a longstanding institution can make it less intimidating. Operating as non-profit organizations also allows both spaces to worry less about costs and more about experiences, which translates to affordability. “It gives people the opportunity to experience something new without there being that financial burden,” Roehrenbeck said. Santoro-Au echoed this idea. “We can take chances, we can be a little more nimble, a little more inclusive.” All of this is in line with what made Franklinton so attractive as an arts district in the first place: artists themselves have always been at the center. “We have artists at the table in all the planning that we do, as opposed to artists coming in at the end and not being a part of the conversation,” Santoro-Au said. I look forward to seeing what the artists have in store for us. •
ROY G BIV Gallery is located at 435 W Rich St. Wild Goose Creative is located at 2491 Summit St. Visit roygbivgallery.com or wildgoosecreative.com for more information. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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Cabin Fever: Scarlet Oak Retreats Choose-your-own-scenicadventure with these three getaways in Hocking Hills BY MACON OVERCAST | P HOTOS P R OV I D ED
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carlet Oak Retreats marginate some of the most beautiful scenery in Hocking Hills. A business birthed early this decade, all three cabins–La Vigne Ridge, Water’s Edge, and Meant to Bee–of this privately-owned business are within a short distance of pure forested bliss. Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and short, less populated trails can give anyone craving outdoor rejuvenation an escape, right near their lodging as well. What’s even more special: the attention to detail considered by Jason Tate and Amy Brettel Tate amongst their properties. Their passion for hospitality feels like gravity. Our conversation will help you understand why I just might be paying them a visit soon. (614): While some of the hikes in Hocking Hills are popularly known, beauty isn’t spared anywhere in the park. What are some property features that visitors should know about?
JT: La Vigne Ridge sits in the middle of 10 private acres and is landscaped to resemble an English Garden. Water’s Edge sits in the middle of 15 acres and has a stocked pond. The front and back porch of both cabins have not only gorgeous views, but many woodland creatures (deer, turkey, butterflies, hummingbirds, etc.) that call both properties home. Meant to Bee is located in an upscale wooded area with other rental cabins. Although it sits on almost two completely wooded acres, it too has an abundance of wildlife. How does the story of Jason, Amy, and Scarlet Oak Retreats begin? AT: Jason and I met while both teaching for Columbus City Schools. He taught special education and I taught (and still teach) gifted math. After a whirlwind romance, in 10 months we were married on Black Friday in 2003. We honeymooned in Hocking Hills and spent our honeymoon in a rustic cabin near Old Man’s Cave. We hiked and went horseback riding— despite the cold temperature. At some point during our honeymoon we talked and dreamed about our future. A seed had been planted... We were going to buy a cabin, rent it out, and eventually retire there. When in your life did all three coalesce to allow for you to start your business? AT: As life would have it, we became very busy after our honeymoon. Although we always continued to talk about our dream, we put starting a family ahead of pursuing it. Due to infertility issues, we had a difficult time conceiving until 2007 when I became pregnant with twin girls. Our girls, Elizabeth and Victoria were born 24 weeks premature. Elizabeth weighed 1 pound and 11 ounces. Victoria weighed 1 pound 8 ounces and was with us for only 3 days. The next several years were spent focusing on Elizabeth—who ended up spending 89 days in the NICU. After leaving the hospital, Elizabeth underwent multiple surgeries and therapies. Because we wanted her to have the best possible care, I took a two year leave of absence from CCS. Needless to say, money was tight. I didn’t return to work full time until the 2010-2011 school year. Although we always looked at properties and visited Hocking Hills, it wasn’t until 2013 that our dream “talks” became a “plan.”
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It is obvious—family comes first for you. It is ingrained in your history, inside the business and out. Even now, after being successful and established, how do you stay connected with your guests? JT: La Vigne Ridge was not a rental cabin when we bought it in 2014. I spent what was left of my summer vacation getting it rental safe. Because we were teaching and living in Columbus, Amy worked on decorating the cabin and hiring a property manager. The night before school started in 2014, I handed over the keys to a property manager. Immediately, I regretted it. I knew I should have managed the property myself. For two years we used more than one PM company to rent out La Vigne Ridge. With both companies we experienced calls going unanswered. We also noticed that as the management companies grew, the attention to detail and cleanliness fell off. In 2017 we decided to take on full management of La Vigne Ridge. Amy and I knew we wanted to put communication, customer service and cleanliness as top priorities. We want this to show to our guests. Now—we manage the property and answer our clients’ calls. We want to let them know that we are always going to be there for them.
For more information on Scarlet Oak Retreats, or to schedule your getaway, visit scarletoakretreats.com.
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Cabin Fever:
Getaway Cabins Enjoy a big getaway in a tiny cabin in Lisbon BY TJ N E E R | P H OTOS BY B R I A N KA I S E R
What exactly is getting away in 2019? It could be a few days off work, or an hour spent buried in a good book or a video game, or any number of things. The key to it all is simple: finding some time between the chaos of everyday life to disconnect, relax and recharge. The execution, however, is complicated. Getaway Cabins has a different idea of ‘getting away’ they want you to consider, and it’s an idea abound with coziness, seclusion and nature. Add equal parts minimalism and essentialism, a healthy dose of wildlife and seclusion, and take away all the wifi, and you’ll start to get an idea of what Getaway has to offer. As a big fan of anything with some comfortable isolation, I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I learned about Getaway’s foray into the Northeastern Ohio village of Lisbon. Lisbon is about halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and this venture is actually branded as a getaway from those two cities, but if you’re up for a drive (two and a half hours, if you drive fast), Getaway can provide you with an experience unlike any other. “We offer our guests a mindful way to escape to nature,” said Amy Jacobowitz, Getaway Cabins’ head of content. “None of the cabins have wifi and never will, to reinforce the intention of taking a break— 102 (614) MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 614NOW.COM
not just from the city but from devices and all of the ways in which we are always on.” The cabins Getaway offers are built like small storage units—perfect for living out your miniature home dreams for a weekend, and one of the walls features a window big enough to make you feel like you’re waking up among the trees each morning. Getaway goes through the hassle of providing guests with some basic items—like shampoo, seasoning for food, a picnic table—specifically so you can pack light and live like a true mountain man (who also likes wearing cozy socks). “We think about it less as minimalism and more as essentialism,” Jacobowitz said. “What do we really need to give our guests in order for them to unlock their best experiences?” And the things they give to provide the best experiences are essential for the experience. You get your basic necessities—a bed, a bathroom, a hot shower—but you also get a firepit with a grate for grilling (I might also suggest bringing a cast-iron skillet!) and a giant window so every time you wake up you can take in the beauty of nature around you again. While Jacobowitz said they’ve never gotten a request for a “spooky, cozy getaway,” Getaway provides great tips and resources for guests to get the most out of the experience, like nearby farms to go apple picking and
a journal full of thematic recipes to get you in the right mindset to be away from everything for awhile. The entire experience is curated to let you connect to nature and fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. One of the biggest selling points for this place is that you get enough seclusion from the hustling city but not so much that you can’t reasonably find human contact. You can see your neighbors’ cabins from your door and you’ll probably bump into them occasionally while you’re out hiking the trail, but there’s no shortage of personal space around here. Getaway Cabins might not be everyone’s ideal version of a getaway—and certainly not all the time. Sometimes, a video game and six hours of watching videos on YouTube gives me the release I need. But if you’re looking to get further away, and to redefine what getting away can mean for you, Getaway Cabins is a great place to start. •
To book your next vacation with Getaway Cabins, vist getaway.house/pittsburgh-cleveland. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE 103
Cabin Fever: Mohican Treehouses Bask in a bird’s-eye view at this cabin getaway BY OL I V I A BAC ER ZA K | PH OTO BY B R I A N KA I S E R
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In 2011, Kevin Mooney created Mohican Treehouses, a small village of upscale treehouses in the middle of the woods in Glenmont, Ohio. Since then, Mooney has created a large barn and hired staff to make the nine houses (and one soon-to-be tent) both a getaway spot for families and a barn-wedding venue for couples and space for their families to stay. (614) had the chance to chat with Mooney to see what’s going on in his treehouse cabins, and what you can expect when you visit. • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE 105
(614): How did Mohican Tree Houses get its start and where have you seen it go from there? KM: I studied Hocking Hills’ business plan and their lodging and determined that this area here is going to have a lot of lodging down the road, so I started off building these rental cabins. And then a friend of mine talked to me about treehouses and then I bumped into someone that took a class on how to build a treehouse. When I first built treehouses, I couldn’t give it away to friends and family. When [my friend] called me the second time and said, ‘I want to build a treehouse with you on a TV show (Animal Planet, Treehouse Masters) and it will be the second treehouse,’ I jumped at the chance. We built the treehouse not knowing if the show was going to work. And then once the show worked, it just took off. When people arrive at the Tree Houses and the venue itself what should they expect to see? You can expect, if it’s a treehouse, to be left alone. You’re on 77 acres; you do a self check-in. You’re going to hear a lot of Mother Nature. You’re going to feel really out in the middle of nowhere. This one I’m looking at right now I have a 25-foot spiral staircase that is 4 feet wide and goes up 25 feet to a suspension bridge. The suspension bridge is 100 feet long and when you go into this treehouse, you step in and on the other side of it is a glass garage door. You open up the glass garage door and it feels like you’re out in Mother Nature. What would be the appeal of staying here as opposed to other winter or summer getaway places? The tree is the experience because you’re 25 feet off the ground and you can feel that general movement of the tree. I remember someone wrote in one of my books. The mom said, ‘You know, when my kids got here, they weren’t happy. Their cell phones didn’t work, their internet didn’t work,” and she said thank you. “It’s the first time we’ve reconnected with nature in years.” She said by the end of the trip, the kids were loving it. They put their IPads away, they put their cell phones away and reconnected with the family.
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One of the biggest pieces of business for the Mohican Treehouses you said was weddings, can you tell me a little more about the process of booking your wedding there? Most people just find us by the internet and they arrange a tour and we’ll give them a tour and if they book us, we’ll give them a tasting. And we’ve hired an executive chef. Our chef here was invited to be on Chopped and is rated one of the top chefs in Ohio. Out of the last 50 tastings, we’ve only had one couple not book us. The game has changed where the millennials are demanding better quality food, a better experience, and that’s where I think we really shine because we go above and beyond any other place. My people realize if you’re getting married and we’re a part of your wedding, we’re really lucky to be a part of your wedding. How is the setup of the wedding? Is the venue decorated already? I have this room where they can take all of these decorations out like lanterns—you see a lot of lanterns at barn weddings, things like that. A lot of high-end decorations, I bought them and for less than $200 the couples can take whatever they want and decorate it themselves. And if they don’t want to do that— we’re full service. We’ll do the photography, the photobooth, the flowers, and we’ll do the DJ. How many people this year would you say are coming? We’ll do 90-some weddings this year. And if you want to stay at a treehouse, you better be getting married here or you better be invited to a wedding, because a lot of my Friday brides and grooms will come in on Wednesday and a lot of my Sunday weddings will stay until Tuesday—so really if you want to rent a treehouse, it’s really hard. What else would you like to say to prospective customers? My son said it best one time. He said, ‘When we do this, we’re going to get people to feel the dirt, we’re going to get them out of the city and they are going to feel what Mother Nature is like. They’re going to get their hands dirty and make a fire, sit around the treehouse and just relax. Enjoy not having a cell phone service and internet.” •
To plan your next adventure to the Mohican Treehouses, visit themohicans.net/treehouses.html. 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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WOOD YOU LOOK AT THAT Spruce up your living space with wooden furnishings BY MITCH HOOP ER PHOTOS BY BRIAN KA ISE R
Living in Ohio, we don’t have the city skylines like other states do. Instead of tall buildings filling the air above, we have trees and wildlife. Whether you’re in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati, our Midwestern state has maintained and stayed in touch with Mother Nature. And this connection to nature has found its way inside our homes as well. Places like Urbn Timber, Pathway Tables, and Edgework Creative have found ways to preserve the natural beauty of wood plus add touches to enhance the final product. From large scale dining room tables to a stand for your office space, these products are just as much a work of art as they are a functional piece for your day-to-day lives. (614) had the chance to catch up with these three Columbus designers to get a better understanding of the trend of trees and how to go about getting these in your homes.
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URBN TIMBER (614): What are some of your favorite designs you’ve made recently? We are always trying to innovate with new designs and concepts for our live edge furniture. A recent favorite of ours is a vanity completed for a couple in German Village. It features a live edge cherry counter and backsplash with a clear glass sink atop, and a stainless-steel base with a lower cherry shelf. Creating furniture that is both aesthetically appealing and functional is most important to us. Another favorite is a thirty-foot black walnut bar we built and installed for Nocterra Brewing in Powell, OH that showcases two waterfall miters and looks like it is growing up the wall! The site also includes different pigment sets, glitters, and oils. How can someone who owns a wooden furnishing use these to elevate what they already have? Along with providing fully finished furniture to consumers, we also sell raw live edge slabs, epoxy, pigments, wood finish, and steel bases separately so individuals and other local businesses can create their own furnishings. Sustainably salvaging trees from the Columbus region and offering them back to our community as usable products is the core of Urbn Timber’s mission. What are some mistakes you see people make when it comes to decorating their wooden furnishings? When it comes to fine hardwood furniture, it is important to remember it is a natural product and needs to be built and maintained for longevity. Purchase your live edge furniture from a reputable company with professionally trained craftsmen. Make sure the wood has been properly kiln-dried and your furniture is built to allow the wood to expand and contract through the seasons. Your furniture maker should provide a proper cleaning kit based on the finish they used to help maintain the wood overtime. What are some ways people could use your furnishings in their homes or offices? Being a fully custom woodshop has provided us and our clients the opportunity to design and create some truly unique furnishings. Kitchen tables, islands, coffee tables, bar tops, sofa tables, counter tops, desks, vanities, and shelves are among the most common designs we create. More creative pieces we’ve made are a vertical ash wine rack and a maple bookshelf that featured three steel and glass shelves. The possibilities are nearly endless! • 614NOW.COM NOVEMBER 2019 (614) MAGAZINE
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PATHWAY TABLES Can you also talk about the transformation the wood goes from from starting as a log and into a finished table? The transformation from log to a finished table, we try to find the oldest, ugliest, most twisted and knotted trees we can that no one else wants. Those trees have the most character and unique grain patterns inside of them. Once we have the trees in our yard, we decide which way we want to mill it into table top slabs, really that’s just looking at the tree to decide how it’s going to yield the best character slabs. Once we have it sawed, we photograph each slab, sticker and band it together to be put away for one to two years of air-drying time. Once its air dried, we bring it into our kiln to finish the drying process. Finally, we’re able to get our creative minds working and start finding the pieces we want to use to make tables, from there it’s a multiple step process from flattening and sanding, filing any cracks or voids with resin or glass, to finally applying the finish to the wood. What about the natural wood grain do you guys love? Each and every piece is different, the way we slab the wood ensures that we don’t ever have two pieces that are the same. The natural wood grain allows you to be creative and utilize the flaws and characteristics that each slab has to showcase its natural beauty. What are some ways your tables could be used in a home? Or in an office? Our pieces are functional in their purpose, they can be used as formal dining tables, conference tables, coworking desks, coffee tables for the living room. Can you talk about the different approaches you take to making a table? (i.e. the walnut river table compared to the maple dining room table) The different approach to making a table really depends on the wood being used, if we have slabs that have a lot of character such as holes, knots, wild edges that’ll lend itself to a river style table. Where as slabs that don’t have those voids and character are still great and can be used to create a more traditional dining table that is made using two solid pieces of wood. In the end depends on how creative you want to get, the river table is more functional art and the standard dining table is more traditional.
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EDGEWORK CREATIVE What are some trends you are noticing with wood furnishings? We’ve been seeing a big trend towards wood countertops and kitchen islands. It’s a nice way to incorporate a natural material into a sometimes cold and sterile space. We have also been doing a lot of whitewashed finishes on dining tables and desks. It provides a crisp and clean look but you can still see the wood grain. How can someone get wood furnishings into their decor scheme that doesn’t have much wood? Mirrors, mantles, beams and shelving! These are simple and small ways to incorporate natural materials into your home. What are most of your clients using your wood furnishings for? We build lots of dining and kitchen tables. There’s an intimacy that you share around a table. It’s where you spend quality time—it’s the hub of the home. Your table is where you share in life’s small moments and create new memories. Hearing about the memories being made at our tables is the highlight of what we do. What is a big mistake you see people make when purchasing something wooden? Staining walnut. It’s the most incredible wood species- the movement, color and richness can’t be touched. Our preference is to let the material shine and not stain it. •
To find your wooden furnishing, visit edgeworkcreative.co, pathwaytables.com, or urbntimber.com. 114
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YOUR Home FOR THE HOLIDAYS Tips and tricks on how to decorate your home for Thanksgiving BY M I TC H H O O P E R | P H OTOS P R OV I DE D
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here’s not quite a holiday season like the one that occurs from November to January. By and large, nobody's decorating their house in all green for St. Paddy’s Day, and have you ever seen a pine tree decked out in lights for Fourth of July? Not a chance. When it comes to creating a festive home, the winter holidays reign supreme. It’s one of the few times in the year where your home becomes a hosting hub for your extended family, friends, and the occasional work party. But where does one even begin when diving into decor? Anyone who has tried to take on a DIY project from Pinterest has learned one thing: it’s harder than it looks. And that’s why (614) reached out to Nicole McCollugh (@littlehouseinthecity614) for some advice and tips on the fall decor trends. She’s the queen of her own space and her Instagram page is full of crafty designs, earth tone color palettes, and a litany of good ideas. While she can’t help you not ruin the turkey this year, she can at least make sure your home looks IG-ready while the bird burns. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, let’s jump in before the in-laws arrive. HONING IN ON YOUR HOLIDAY HOME
(614): What are some trends you are noticing with decorating your home in fall?
NM: I feel like this year the trend is a more simple and natural look. Real pumpkins and mums and very realistic faux pumpkins, floral arrangements and garlands are things I’m continually seeing more of this year. Where are some of your favorite spots to get decor for your home?
Do you have any tips for when house guests visit for Thanksgiving?
I just try to have a tidy house when we have guests over and I always have fresh towels and fresh sheets. To make them feel a little more special putting some fresh flowers in their bedroom or bathroom is a nice little touch. Do you have any tips or tricks for first time Thanksgiving hosts?
I hate cooking so I say just keep it simple and pick of few of everyone’s favorites and stick with that. Also if people offer to help or bring a dish, let them!! What are some cliche decorations that people should avoid? And when is cliche okay?
I mean I say if it’s a decoration you like then do it! It doesn’t matter if it’s cliche or not. When it comes to decorating I say do what makes you happy. What’s a good starting budget for someone looking to decorate this season?
You just need to realize it takes a few years to build up your collection for the seasons. I say start with $100 and get some pieces you like and then keep adding to it each year. SETTING THE TABLE
I tend to just go to the stores that are convenient to me and where we are located in Grove City. I go to Hobby Lobby, Target, and Michaels a lot because they are very close by. I also love to go to local vendor markets. I just went to the Country Living Magazine Fair and the Vintage Market Days event. Local markets are great for finding more unique decor.
What are some ways people can change up the typical centerpiece for their Thanksgiving dinner table?
What are some affordable ways to spice up your living room?
What are some relatively easy DIY designs people could use this season?
For a quick and cheap little living room makeover try switching out some accessories with other ones you may have in storage, add bits of greenery, get some new throw pillows and blankets, and try to repurpose furniture or go thrifting for furniture to repurpose for a fun DIY.
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Don’t just focus on the centerpiece—focus on the whole table. From the table runner to the napkins, focus on adding textures and dimensions to the whole thing!
You can find a lot of cheap DIY fall projects on Pinterest. You can spray paint faux pumpkins from Dollar Tree or make pretty floral arrangements from Dollar Tree.
Is it better to go with fresh options, or fake plants and such for a centerpiece?
I like to use faux plants because I set the dining room table up early. I do like to throw fresh flowers around the house though to spruce things up, especially sunflowers! What are some other ways to decorate the table beyond just a centerpiece?
Some smaller things to focus on that make it more professional looking are place cards for the individual table settings, napkins, and tableware. How are you decorating your table for Thanksgiving?
This is actually my first year really going all out and setting the table up for Thanksgiving. I got a table runner, new dishes, two types of garland, some candles, and a pumpkin I already had to complete the final look! What are some fun ways to decorate the kid’s table this year?
My husband and I have an only child in the family on both sides and she is only two so she sits at the table with all of us. But one day when there are more kids I think it would be fun to do a paper table cloth that they can color on or write what they are thankful for and put small pumpkins at each place setting with stickers for them to decorate it with. Basically just keep them entertained for as long as possible so the adults can enjoy some conversation! • Nicole McCollugh can be found on Instagram at @littlehouseinthecity614. Follow her for more ideas and DIY projects.
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#ASSEENINCOLUMBUS It’s difficult for us here at (614) to catch it all. That’s where you come in: while you’re out there capturing the city, you might as well slide some of your best shots our way. We’ll throw a few of ours in the mix, too. There’s plenty to see in Columbus, so there’s no reason not to share.
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