Sunday, August 03, 2008

Black Olive Restaurant, Reviewed by Ralph Rosenfield



Rlaph and Jan Rosenfield are two old friends of mine who enjoy eating out and occasionally tell us what they think about it. Here's their comments on a new eating adventure in Columbus. - charlie

I guess Jan and I belong to the "You never have enough
good restaurants" school. We always seem to enjoy trying new places and
having new experiences. Then of course we get to share these experiences
with you, our friends. The Black Olive is a place that you will want to try,
and you too will want to share that experience with your friends.

Our experience started when our friends here at the
Buggyworks, Rick & Merry, asked us if we would like to have dinner with
them. Duh! We agreed to meet at the Black Olive which had been open for
about a week. I had heard good things... but you never know.

Rick had arrived ahead of us and already had a table and a
drink. Jan and I started with water but quickly moved to a chilled white
wine. We discussed the menu, and ended up with Hummus & Tapenade Plate,
which I would never would have ordered on my own. But this dish was enough
for the four of us to share and get a sampling of house made Hummus which
was very tasty and the also house made olive tapenade which I could have
made a meal of if there were enough there.

We also ordered the Shrimp & Grits - an unusual marriage,
it would seem, but one that works perfectly. The grits, which have been made
with parmesan cheese, have just enough of that sort of nutty flavor that,
combined with the red pepper coulis, marries quite well with the lightly
grilled shrimp. You should try this for sure.

Our final appetizer was the Caprese Salad; the thickly
sliced tomatoes are layered with fresh Mozzarella, basil, and balsamic
vinaigrette. A home run. The only way it could even think about being better
would be with heirloom tomatoes. But that is a personal thing for me.

For our dinners, Merry and Rick had the Pan Seared
Peppered Scallops ($18). The scallops are peppered and heavily seared, but
not over done, in a brown butter sauce. Then they were served over a carrot,
corn, onion, and potato hash. They say it has a hint of provolone cheese but
I didn't get the hint. All in all, this is a great dish if you like scallops
(which I normally don't).

Jan and I shared the Crusted Red Snapper ($19). The potato
crust is light and flavorful and the dish is served with sautéed asparagus
and red skin potatoes. There is a hint of tarragon (and I got the hint this
time). The crust wasn't too thick and seemed more like a light breading, -
just right for the fish which was very flavorful and flakey.

We did not stay for desert; Jeni's is across the street.
So give this a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Black Olive p.298 8750 a. 731 N. High Street


Ralph Rosenfield Jr.

Short North Launches Art al Fresco District Hosts Artists for Day of Public Exhibition

John Angelo, Executive Director, Short North Business Association, provided us this announcement:

Short North, Columbus, Ohio—Saturday, August 16
, the Short North Arts District will launch Art al Fresco presented by The Wood Companies. The daylong event will celebrate Columbus' artistic spirit. "We've invited visual and performing artists from all across the city to share their talents," explains John Angelo, Executive Director of the Short North Business Association. "The entire Short North will serve as their stage and their gallery for a day. We want to inspire, engage and amuse visitors while spotlighting the power of public art."

Art al Fresco will consist of four unique components:
• The Usual Suspects,
• Unexpected Guests,
• PeeP Show, and
• Summer Games

The Usual Suspects:
A sampling of the broad range of artwork on display in the many galleries and non-gallery venues (boutiques, restaurants, personal service salons, etc…) throughout the district. Over 40 destinations will be featured.

Unexpected Guests:
Over two dozen artists will create temporary public art installations in surprising outdoor spaces: parks, courtyards, rooftops, even the sides of buildings. Look for an artist's vision brought to life on an oversized lite brite filled with 1,000 glowing pegs. Stumble across a life-like human figure melting into a brick wall. Rest under trees dressed in brightly colored, tailored knitwear. Surprises wait around every corner. Most of the installations can only be experienced on the 16th, but a few will be on display longer, depending upon the durability of the materials used. Many of the artworks will be visible all day, but several projection and light-based installations will only be visible after the sun sets.

Though this year's event will consist strictly of temporary public art installations, organizers anticipate future events to generate one or more permanent installations each year.

PeeP Show: From Anna and the Annadroids to the Ohio Roller Girls, from sculptors and painters to models and mimes, artists and performing artists will pepper the strip by taking over merchants' display windows. Under the arches, street performers will settle into the many alcoves of the District to entertain passersby as they explore the plethora of happenings. (right: Anna and the Annadroids performing in the display windows at G & Co. during Gallery Hop)

Summer Games:
Sure the Olympics can be mesmerizing and thrilling, but what about the games that touch the child in each of us? Freeze tag. Twister. Think of it as adult recess on an extreme scale. You and 100 of your closest friends spontaneously converging for a quick game of dodge ball. That is the concept of Summer Games. Throughout the day, visitors will gather at designated sites to participate in a variety of group activities designed to bring a smile and a break from the drudgery of all-work-and-no-play.

Full details of art exhibitions, performances and games will be posted the week of August 11 on shortnorth.org. The day of the event, merchants throughout the district will have posted schedules and maps to help visitors navigate the many options.

What: Short North's Art al Fresco presented by The Wood Companies

When: Saturday, August 16, 3PM - Midnight

Where: Short North Arts District
In public areas and merchants' shops primarily along High Street from Vine Street to Fifth Ave.

Who: The Short North Arts District, the Ohio Art League, the Art Exchange, Kathryn Gallery and artists from across Columbus

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--
John Angelo
Executive Director
Short North Business Association
1126 1/2 A N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201
614.299.8050
johnangelo@shortnorth.org
www.shortnorth.org