Monday, January 23, 2006

Hanna & Maxine Birthday Celebration

Hanna and Maxine Mendelson's yearly birthday bash at Monkeys Retreat happened last weekend in the ArtForceOne performing space, accessible to the rear of Monkeys Retreat. Music was provided by their dad Ro-z and uncle Darryl's group, the Mendelsonics, as well as several other special guests and surprises.

The pictures included here came from
Ukele Man. (see Pictures at an Exhibition in December archives)










Z Cucina reviewed by Ralph Rosenfield

This review appears in the current issue of innnerat.com webzine, under Food Reviews


Z Cucina


Or simply “Z”. At last, a restaurant with a name that is easy to pronounce and remember. “Z” is a great example of creatively using space that a previous restaurant occupied, in a way that lets you know it’s a new place but doesn’t waste a lot of money replacing things that were perfectly good. “Z” is the creation of Rick Ziliak, owner (you know him already as the owner of the North Market’s “Pastaria”), Executive Chef Michael Jones, and Brian Pawlak, the Chef de Cuisine. These guys have created a place that is all about the food. Much like The Rossi, Basi Italia, or Rigsby’s. Sure, it’s hip and stylish, but the story is THE FOOD.

Jan and I went early Saturday evening just after scouting out stables for Jan to re-start her horseback riding interest and get in shape for a planned trip to Costa Rica. Since we were eating early and by ourselves, we didn’t sample a full range of menu items. Nevertheless, I think that what we did experience might be enough to encourage you to give “Z” a try.

We started our meal with a starter order of sweetbreads with butternut squash risotto. Unlike most sweetbread offerings, which tend to be sautéed in butter or olive oil, these were delicately and perfectly deep fried, leaving them light, plump, and full of the distinctive flavor and texture that sweetbreads are known for. The butternut squash risotto was a colorful and flavorful complement.

Our next treat was the Red Pepper and Parsnip Soup. This was done with a vegetable stock and was thick with a wonderful aroma. I think there may have been some onion and garlic added as well. We added some fresh ground pepper and were thrilled.

Next, Jan ordered the Classico Salade. This was made with field greens, pickled red onions, fresh asiago cheese, toasted hazelnuts with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I had the Riserva Salade, with field greens, green beans, oven roasted tomatoes, and toasted pinenuts, with a ricotta salata cheese and pinenut dressing. Both were very good, fresh and delicious, but I think we liked the Classico better, maybe because the hazelnuts and very lively dressing made it just different enough to really set it apart.

We shared the main course - the special that evening - a braised Lamb shank done in its own juice and served with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. This was a huge and tender shank, with all the savory flavor one would expect. At this point I should mention that Rick recommended the evening’s special wine, an Oregon Pinot Noir Kings Ridge and it was indeed a perfect match for our meal. The wine was good enough that I’ll be looking to add it to my at-home stock.

We were too full to sample any of the wonderful sounding desserts, but I have to tell you about a couple of other menu items that captured our interest – and will draw us back for another visit. The Bolognese Lasagna looked very hearty and rich as it passed by our table. I didn’t see the Cioppino but it sounded wonderful and we intend to try it next time. An impressive range of pasta, beef, veal and pork dishes also populate the menu, as did a Duck Breast Piedmontese that looked, well… good enough to eat!

For me, “Z” represents all that is great about fine restaurants - people coming together to share their passion, food, flavor, and friendship. I encourage everyone to support our city’s many chef/owner-operated establishments, such as “Z”, where you find well-trained, passionate people who make dining in Columbus such a great experience.

Z Cucina; 1368 Grandview Ave. Columbus, Ohio 614 486 9200 (reservations are recommended)

Friday, January 20, 2006

Pics from Mark Berger



Mark Berger sent us this on-line photo portfolio (Click on dotPhoto slide show)

Thursday, January 19, 2006

ACME January/February 2006 Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
18 January 2006
ACME ART COMPANY
1230 Courtland Avenue Columbus Ohio 43201-2829 USA
Phone: 614-299.0296 Fax: 614-268-4396 E-mail: office@acmeartco.org
*Courtland Avenue is located one street east of High Street off of 5th Avenue
CONTACT: Melesa Klosek 614.2990296 mel@acmeartco.org

January/February 2006 Schedule
Acme Art Company is pleased to announce the following performances for the months of January and February. More details may be obtained on the website at www.acmeartco.org or email: office@acmeartco.org or dial at 614.299.0296

WED, 1/25 (9 PM): ACME ART COMPANY is hosting POOMA every Wednesday! The group, specializing in avant jazz, features the following talented Columbus artists: Jason Branscum (Trombone), Derek DiCenzo (Guitar), Rob Smeets (Guitar), Steve Purcell (Drums)

FRI, 1/27 (8 PM): Mystic Syntax, Plagued On Earth, Caje, Pain Awaiting ∞ METAL $5 over 21 and $7 for under 21

SUN, 1/29 (9 PM): Mazinga Phaser II (Dallas) ∞ EXPERIMENTAL

THURS, 2/2 (6 PM—8 PM) Avalon Nine Features Columbus area musicians Linda Blaine and Dave Clutter with acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies, and an eclectic song list that draws from American and Canadian alternative folk and soft-rock songwriters.
AND (At 9 PM) Dave Nelson’s Vibe Quartet (FROM BEBOP TO HIP HOP FROM LATIN TO TRANS) featuring Dave Nelson on guitar, Steve Percell (drums), Brian Olsheski (sax) and Nate Smith (bass) $5 over 21 and $7 for under 21

FRI, 2/3 (9 PM) MC Vagina Tour, The Hardees, KeepHonkingImReloading ∞ EXPERIMENTAL

Acme Art Company is currently booking rehearsal space for performers and musicians at its space.
Acme Art Company is seeking installation artists/filmmakers/spoken word/poets/workshops/lectures to create environments in its 9000 square feet space.
Acme Art Company’s gallery space is currently under construction.
Office Hours: Monday – Saturday from 6 PM – 9 PM

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Quilt National 05 at Riffe Gallery Jan 26- April 16, 06

Quilt National '05

Produced and circulated by the
Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center


January 26 - April 16, 2006

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery will present an exhibition showcasing some the most exciting and innovative trends in art quilts. Quilt National ‘05 will be on view January 26 through April 16, 2006. The exhibition is produced and circulated by the Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center in Athens, Ohio.

Quilt National '05 is the 14th in the series of international juried competitions dedicated to promoting the contemporary quilt as an art form. The jurors selected work that represented unique approaches to the art quilt medium and that demonstrated the breadth and diversity of contemporary expressions. The jury panel consisted of internationally recognized artists M. Joan Lintault and Miriam Nathan-Roberts, and Mark Richard Leach, deputy director of The Mint Museums in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Click here to view images of quilts on display and more information about Quilt National '05 and Dreams and Hopes.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Roy G Biv Presents ImageOHIO


a showcase for contemporary Ohio photographers. Juried by Justin Kronewetter,
Director of Ross Art Museum at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Image OHIO 6
January 9 - February 9, 2006
Opening: January 13, 6-8pm
Fort Hayes Shot Tower Gallery
546 Jack Gibbs Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215

Info: ROY G BIV: 614.297.7694 or email: roygbivgallery@sbcglobal.net
Fort Hayes Shot Tower Gallery: 614.365.6681

4 Singer Songwriters at Little Brothers

received by email:

Undercurrents presents
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Little Brothers Nightclub
1100 North High Street

Singer / Songwriters:
Zach
Donna Mogavero
Victoria Parks
Trailing Grayson
Alan Downing
$5.00


Info:
music@undercurrents.com
http://www.undercurrents.com


Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Alice in Wonderland World Premiere



balletmet Columbus
presents a world premiere , featuring actors from
Phoenix Theatre Circle
February 9 - 19, 2006, Capitol Theatre

Choreography: Gerard Charles
Music: Edward Elgar
Script: Steven Anderson

info: call 614 229 4848
www.balletmet.org

Christine Federighi at Sherrie Gallerie

Sherrie Gallerie

937 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201
614 298 8580

presents

Christine Federighi
"Journey"

January 22 - February 28, 2006

"Botanicals" at Lindsay Gallery


Robert Falcone - Botanicals
January 22 - February 25, 2006
A collection of trompe l'oeil paintings inspired by the turn of the century botanical prints.

Brunch reception: Sunday, January 22, 2006, 12-3 pm
Lindsay Gallery
986 N. High St. Columbus, Ohio 43201 614.291.1973
Info? Send e mail to: Duff Lindsay - lindsaygallery@hotmail.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

ACME Art Co, January 06 calendar

January 2006 Schedule
POOMA every Wednesday! features Columbus artists: Jason Branscum (Trombone), Derek DiCenzo (Guitar), Rob Smeets (Guitar), Steve Purcell (Drums)
January Performances
TUES, 1/17 (9 PM): The Receiver, Boatzz (Cleveland), YourHighnessElectric (Louisville), The Slide Machine ∞ EXPERIMENTAL
FRI, 1/27 (8 PM): Mystic Syntax, Plagued On Earth, Caje, Pain Awaiting ∞ METAL
SUN, 1/29 (9 PM): Mazinga Phaser II (Dallas) ∞ EXPERIMENTAL

From: Melesa Klosek, 1230 Courtland Avenue ,Columbus Ohio 43201-2829 USA, 614.299.0296, mel@acmeartco.org

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Larned-Marlow in Mexico

My good friends and neighbors, Eric Marlow and Gail Larned just returned from a (waaaay too short!) vacation in Tulum, Mexico. Eric, who is better known as a jeweler and metal sculptor, happens to also be a wonderful water colorist. Whereas most peolpe go on vacation with a camera to record photos of their favorite views, Eric prefers to take his easel and watercolors. I always look forward to seeing his images. He paints accurate impressions of his subjects and captures the mood and feeling as well. As a result, his "vacation pics" are always so rich. He brought back about one dozen images, just enough for a possible calendar. Can't wait to see that!
Gail, a talented fiber artist, and Eric live in Olde Towne East in a renovated old house and make their art in a neat garage/studio that Eric built in their yard. Be sure and visit Eric and Gail's website.

Friday, January 06, 2006

JAZZ at Columbus Music Hall - January 06 Calendar

www.columbusmusichall.com
734 Oak Street 464-0044
One block southeast of Broad & I-71
...an intimate jazz venue featuring local, regional, and national musicians...

Monday, January 9, 7:30, $6, Vaughn Wiester Famous Jazz Orchestra featuring visiting tenor saxohonist, Loren Shoneberg, executive director of the Jazz Museum of Harlem, author, former music director for Bobby Short, and a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear the REAL DEAL at Columbus Music Hall!
Tuesday, January 17, 8:30, $7, Yumbambé Latin Salsa, dance lesson at 7:30
Monday, January 16, 7:30, $6, Vaughn Wiester Famous Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, January 17, 8:30, $7, Yumbambé Latin Salsa, dance lesson at 7:30
Wednesday, January 18, 8:00, $10, $5 students, Gabriel Alegria Future Music Tour 2006.
An evening of Afro-Peruvian Jazz Music. The sounds of black coastal Peru are the foundations for Gabriel's music. The powerful rhythmic elements found in Afro-Peruvian music energize jazz in a compelling way. The "fusion" of these two art forms occurs most naturally resulting in music unlike any other jazz inflicted sound in the world. The 6 piece ensemble from Peru includes trumpet, saxophone, guitar, bass, percussion & zapateo dancing and drums.
Monday, January 23, 7:30, $6, Vaughn Wiester Famous Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, January 24, 8:30, $7, Yumbambé Latin Salsa, dance lesson at 7:30
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00, $5, Teen Jazz with Thomas Worthington H.S. Jazz Band
Thursday, January 26, 8:00, $7, $5 students, Chad Eby, Jim Powell, Bobby Floyd, Cedric Easton
Sunday, January 29, Capital University jazz Orchestra
Monday, January 30, 7:30, $6, Vaughn Wiester Famous Jazz Orchestra
Tuesday, January 31, 8:30, $7, Yumbambé Latin Salsa, dance lesson at 7:30

Coming Saturday late mornings in February, March & April - PBJ & Jazz for kids and families!

Bellydance Superstars Coming to Columbus on March 12

This came as an email message forwarded by my friend and faulous drummer Barbara "Wahru" Cleveland:

Ohio and Midwest Bellydancers and Bellydance Fans:
The Bellydance Superstars are coming to Columbus on March 12.
Do NOT miss this beautiful, awe-inspiring dance experience.
Go to: www.bellydancesuperstars.com or call 800-594-TIXX to purchase your tickets today!

Columbus performers include: Jillina, Sonia, Sharon, Adore, Bozenka, Stevie, Colleen, Jayna, Georgianne, Zoe Jakes, Kami Liddle, Moria Chappell, and Petite Jamilla!

In conjunction with the BDSS' Columbus performance, there will also be an "Ohio All-Star Bellydance Showcase" dance event on Saturday evening, March 11, featuring past BDSS star Rania. The concert highlights the incredible talents of Ohio artists including: Anaya Gypsy, Chandara Gamal, Deniz, Habeeba's Danse Oriental Troupe, Jenn, Kira, Laylia, Leanna, Mariah, Nataj, Niran Al-Ubaidi, Raqs Jahanni, Sacred Shimmy, and more to be announced!

Rania will lead a workshop in Columbus on Saturday March 11 - teaching Egyptian choreography, veil choreography, and dance combinations. Then, on Sunday March 12, SONIA AND ISSAM of the BDSS will teach a drum workshop in the afternoon.

Registration and more info? Send email to: habeebascolumbus@yahoo.com.

Tony Ellis performs a benefit for Animal Rescue New Orleans at Absolute Asylum (ARNO) in Circleville

The Absolute Asylum
(Behind Absolute Dance Sport)
122 N. Court Street
Downtown Circleville, Ohio

Presents a benefit for animal rescue efforts for victims of Katrina featuring live acoustic music by acclaimed banjo/fiddle player Tony Ellis, accompanied by his wife Louise Adkins and various special musical guests. Tony has performed at venues throughout the world, and recently appeared with actor/comedian/banjo player Steve Martin on the David Letterman show.

This benefit will be held the next two Sunday afternoons, January 8 & 15
From 2:00-5:00 pm (music starts at 2:30 pm)
Free Admission, but donations for ARNO (Animal Rescue New Orleans) appreciated

The Absolute Asylum will offer gourmet coffees, teas, juices, fresh Italian and other pastries, and the New York Times. Entrance is through the front door of Absolute Dance Sport, or the alley entrance by JR Hooks Café.

The Absolute Asylum will be open every Sunday in January and February from 2:00-5:00 pm, and offers seating at their handcrafted bar, comfy couches, or at tables set café-style.

Louise Adkins, who is involved with the animal rescue effort, will show pictures and answer questions about the relief effort. For more information about this worthy cause, email Louise at braeburn@bright.net, or visit www.bestfriends.org on the web.

For information about the Absolute Asylum, call (740) 474-7304, or visit the Absolute Dance Sport website at www.absolutedancesport.com.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Playwriting Workshop

Here's a note that was sent by Katherine Burkman - Women at Play

Dear Friend of WOMEN AT PLAY,
The group are offering a playwriting workshop on Feb. 5, ACTWRITE, at 2990 Shadywood Rd. from 10 a.m to 1 p.m, cost $25 or $20 for students/seniors. The workshop will be led by Katherine Burkman, Artistic Director, and other women at play members. Process drama and acting exercises will be used to stimulate playwriting. No acting experience needed and all is non-threatening! Limited to 15 participants.
Call (614) 451-9906 for reservation.
Happy new year.

Julian Barnes kicks off Evening with Authors at Thurber House

This came from Thurber House
Columbus, Ohio - Best-selling author Julian Barnes will read from his latest novel at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 25 at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., as part of the Thurber House Evenings with Authors season.

As one of England's most celebrated authors, Barnes is known for his striking prose and groundbreaking style. He is the author of several novels, including Flaubert's Parrot and The History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters, and has received numerous awards, including two Man Booker Prize nominations. Barnes will read from his latest novel, Arthur & George, which The New York Observer calls,"his most engrossing novel ever." In Arthur & George, a pair of unlikely friends show us that what we believe, what we know, and what we can prove are not always the same.

A book signing will follow the reading. Tickets are $15 purchased ahead, $18 at the door, with discounts for students and seniors. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 614-464-1032 or go to www.thurberhouse.org.

Thurber House is a literary center and museum located in the former home of author and New Yorker humorist James Thurber. We offer fall and winter readings series with nationally known authors, outdoor summer picnics with Ohio-connected authors, writing classes for children, and special literary events year-round. In addition, we award the annual Thurber Prize for American Humor, the nation's highest honor for the art of humor writing.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Happy New Year!

My good friend Becky Ogden runs the Columbus Music Hall, a quaint live music venture in an old, renovated historic fire house. When she asked Lynn and I to help out with a special New Years Eve event, we agreed. Sounded better than staying home with pizza and TV!
What a delightful, fun evening this turned out to be! The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra, led by Todd Stoll, provided 4 hours of solid, big band jazz, complete with a boy and girl crooner. Featured guest, Wes "Warm Daddy" Anderson, soared and dazzled us with beautiful solos. Several other Local Jazz luminaries dropped in for impromptu jamming, including the very hip Vaugh Wiester on trombone and Terry Waldo, the world's most knowledgeable ragtime adept. Champagne flowed, goodies were served, everyone toasted in the new year. At 1 am, tables were cleared and breakfast was served to any musician getting off their gig. Many came.
Becky is well recognized for her dedicaion to teaching love of music, especially jazz, to numerous kids in the area. She has turned the Columbus Music Hall into a jazz club and hopes all jazz lovers will come and enjoy live jazz music at its best!

Thanks for a swell time, Becky.
Below are some pictures taken on New Years Eve:Terry Waldo rags a tune

Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra student on sax
Wes "Warm Daddy" blows us all away!
Tod Stoll, CYJO leader
Becky runs the Music Hall
Lynn
Mizz Mindy sings jazz
Slap dat bass!
Lynn with painting of Gene Walker