Time Warner Cable is airing a new Local On Demand program, Play. Dine. Shop. , all about unearthing Columbus gems and showing them off. If you’re a local Time Warner subscriber, you’ll find the shows on channel 1111.

The post below was written by Amy Weirick of Weirick Communications , who shares a peek into the first episode that features her girls’ day out in the Short North Arts District.

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Girls’ day out in the Short North Arts District
by Amy Weirick, Weirick Communications

Partnering with Experience Columbus to help promote our city to visitors means I’m always on the prowl for unforgettable experiences that make Columbus special. I’ve gotten to know memorable restaurants tucked away in charming neighborhoods, funky shops jammed with goodies you won’t find anywhere else and places that put you at the center of the artistic process, letting you design something to take home.

Play. Dine. Shop. , a new show on Time Warner Cable’s Local on Demand, is all about these experiences. In the first episode, three of my most intrepid girlfriends join me to check out some cool spots in the Short North .

We kicked off the day with a fantastic breakfast of turkey and sweet potato hash, ricotta pancakes, fresh juices and amazing scones at Northstar Café . Then we had a blast shopping at Flower Child . Room after room is packed with fun retro furniture, clothes and accessories from the 1950s-80s. We tried on crazy 1970s sunglasses and hung out in what my friend swears was her mom’s living room in 1962.

Substance For Fashion Conscious People

After shopping, it was on to Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits for an awesome lunch where I enjoyed the warm mushroom and goat cheese salad. We hit some more great Short North shops, including Substance , where we designed and made our own t-shirts. That was unforgettable - and so much fun.

What better way to wrap up a day with friends than with Jeni’s ice cream ? We sampled dozens of flavors and settled on ordering our faves, including goat cheese with sour cherries. Amazing.

The show featuring our day in the Short North will be available to view on May 15, and new shows about special Columbus spots will be loaded on Time Warner channel 1111 every few weeks. Tune in and you might discover a new Columbus treasure!

Sometimes, it’s hard to explain to someone unfamiliar with your city what the vibe is. It’s something that is better seen or . . . well, experienced.

One of the great things about Columbus is that we have a collection of unique districts that are drastically different from one another. Each with its own flavor and essence.

Through a video company called Turn Here , we discovered a dynamic way to tell the world about Columbus’ districts. We produced the Short North video a few years ago, and recently created brand new videos for additional districts.

What’s cool about these is that each neighborhood is introduced by local residents, who describe the scene in their own words and stories. Check them out on our YouTube channel :

Arena District

Downtown Columbus

Easton Town Center

German Village

The Ohio State University

Short North Arts District

A big thanks goes out to all of the folks who helped us out with this project. It was fun to hear your stories and to tap into the passion that you feel for your slice of Columbus. It’s contagious.

This year, I’ve decided to make it easy on myself. No cooking, no cleaning. Just reservations for my family for Easter. It’s coming up quickly on Sunday, April 12.

But where to go? I need to find something to please everyone from my 4 and 6-year-old children to my (can’t mention their age) parents.

Here are some of the possibilities we’re considering:

Cameron’s American Bistro

Cameron’s American Bistro in Worthington - a small, quaint restaurant that’s part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurant line. They’re offering a brunch buffet to include French toast, shrimp cocktail and leg of lamb. Plenty of fruit and dessert for the kids, too. Sounds pretty good and they’re open 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., so we could get in early.

Another of Cameron’s restaurants, Mitchell’s Ocean Club , located at Easton Town Center , has added some special items just for Easter in addition to their regular menu: blueberry stuffed French toast, crab benedict (low-cal, no doubt) and short rib hash. Hmmm . . . maybe lunch, then walk it off with some shopping?

A classic, long-time favorite in Columbus, The Bexley Monk , will host a brunch buffet with stations for Belgian waffles and roast beef, plus a pastry display - that means it’s OK to take more than one, right?

It’d also be fun to take the group - we’ll probably have 12 - to the Short North Arts District . I noticed Surly Girl Saloon has an Easter lunch special: $8 for a grilled ham and cheese with tomato soup and rosemary deviled eggs. The kids would eat that (and maybe my dad, too). For the rest of us, in addition to the regular menu, the featured brunch item is Western breakfast pizza with eggs, ham, peppers, onions and cheddar cheese. And they’re serving chocolate Easter basket cupcakes all day. How cute!

Of course, these are just a few of many great places that have Easter specials and brunches. I still haven’t made a decision, but I sure am hungry now.

What are your plans? Do you have other ideas to toss in the hopper?

During the holidays, I mentioned that I bought tickets for a friend and I to attend a Chef Series Cooking Class at the North Market . These classes, which are limited to only 26 participants, allow you to get up close and personal with some of Columbus’ best chefs while they prepare a special meal for you.

Our tickets were for last Wednesday’s class, taught by Paul Yow of Barcelona Restaurant & Bar and held in the Dispatch Kitchen (top floor of the market). I liked that the intimate class size allowed everyone attending to feel comfortable asking questions throughout the class. We could also walk up to the kitchen area and observe Chef Yow’s techniques at any point during the presentation - or we could simply remain seated, savor some wine and enjoy the rotation of smells filling the room.

Our captivated class

Our meal included a starter of cheese, chutney, bread and a spicy salad. The main courses included a side of fideo (a pasta dish) and sautéed sea scallops. The finale was a wonderful caramel chocolate almond sauce served on Jeni’s ice cream .

Throughout the evening I never saw the bottom of my wine glass, as it was continuously filled with a nice variety of red and white wines from the Rioja region of Spain.

Chef Yow’s sense of humor and affectionate approach to food kept the class captivated throughout the entire two-hour period. He created an enjoyable, open environment and a true learning experience for us.

And even if you couldn’t care less about learning to cook, you’re sure to enjoy the eating. A Chef Series class offers an evening that all types of food and wine lovers can enjoy together.

A schedule of upcoming Chef Series classes and other North Market events is available here .

Gallery hopping in the Short North
Photo: John Angelo

This past Saturday I attended my first Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District. I have been meaning to go since I moved here, and when the Columbus Blue Jackets game we originally planned to attend sold out, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. With unseasonably warm weather and new ice cream flavors to sample at Jeni’s, what excuse did we have not to?

With no real purpose or agenda, my boyfriend and I made our way up and down High Street, stopping in various galleries and shops that caught our eye. There were a number of stores I had never visited, and a lot to explore.

My personal favorite was Flower Child, a truly unexpected surprise. The experience in the store reminded me of a scavenger hunt. You could spend hours sorting through all things vintage, from snow globe salt-n-pepper shakers to cowboy boot lamps. The best part was discovering items I remember from my own childhood — items that might very well be sitting in my closet still.

Not so surprising was the line for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. People were spilling out the door and down the sidewalk all night long. Luckily we had filled up on so many free treats along the way that we almost didn’t miss the ice cream. The shops throughout Gallery Hop offered everything from slices of fresh bread and hot cider to Pistacia Vera pastries and coffee. I even snagged a coupon for Details, the new minibar & lounge brought to us by Chef Rosendale.

Gallery Hop happens the first Saturday of every month. See you at the next one?

Schiller Park in German Village
Photo by Larry Hamill

As extreme cold grips much of the country, I started to wonder how I might want to spend this upcoming weekend in Columbus.

So I turned to two groups who know and love this place - the Experience Columbus staff and our Twitter pals. I received no shortage of suggestions.

Here’s what some of the Experience Columbus crew had to say when asked their favorite things to do during a (really) cold weekend in Columbus:

Ben Walters : I like to head to a favorite watering hole like Tip-Top , Betty’s , or Bodega to get a nip and some good food with some good friends. It’s social and warming. Another favorite option is to find a indoor concert, preferably at small venues like Ruby Tuesday, Carabar or Rumba Cafe.

Nicole Massenelli : When it is cold I love to meet friends for a hot drink at Cup O’ Joe or grab a bite at Panera because both places have fireplaces. I love to sit by the fire in comfy clothes and enjoy great food and drinks with friends.

Scott Peacock : When it gets really cold outside I like to go to grab some good comfort food at Tasi , get a coffee to go and then head to the Wexner Center for the Arts or the Columbus Museum of Art to see the latest exhibits inside.

Claudia Plumley : Like Nicole, I head to Cup O’ Joe . We get a big latte and sit around the fire. Then we head to the movies to see an Oscar contender.

Kelly Brooks : This may seem counter intuitive, but when it’s cold outside I like to go to a Blue Jackets game. Not only does winter weather set the mood for hockey, but at tonight’s game I will be almost comforted to know that it is actually warmer inside Nationwide Arena than it is outside!

Amy Gatto Klein : Vino Vino in Grandview. The coziness of the space, a bottle of Pinot Noir (before I was pregnant, anyway) and small plates of yummy food warm me right up.

Cathe Moog : When it’s cold outside, our family likes to go to the North Market for lunch. We select entrees with a spicy kick to warm us up.

And what did the Twitter pals have to say? I was surprised to find three in particular who laugh in the face of the cold. They reminded me that being outside during this time of year has its advantages:

Betty B : Hiking at a Metro Park . It postpones the winter blues.

Jeff Johnson : Being in any city park because I have it all to myself when it’s this cold.

Andrew Miller : I’ll be the third person to say that this is the perfect time for a stroll. Plenty of alone time plus beautiful snowy scenes.

I’d say this is proof positive that there are more than enough reasons not to camp out at home during the winter.

What gets you out and about when it’s cold in Columbus?

Café Corner

Once in a while you find a place that just feels right. The food is always delicious, the service friendly and the atmosphere inviting. When you find one of these places you feel like it’s your little secret.

Well, I’m going to let you in on one of my favorite dining "secrets" in Columbus…Café Corner .

Café Corner is a small, unassuming spot in Victorian Village , just west of the heart of the Short North . It is reminiscent of sidewalk cafes in Europe, where people seem to be perpetually happy and relaxed.

Over the past few months, my boyfriend and I have become Café Corner junkies. With generous portions, a diverse menu, and unique ingredients like avocado, goat cheese and truffle oil, what’s not to love?

While I have yet to try something I did not like, my personal favorite is the Tomato & Mozzarella sandwich. This is any bruschetta lover’s dream: thick crusty bread, perfectly seasoned tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and homemade pesto. Looking for something a little heartier? My boyfriend is a fan of the Puebla BLT for the extra kick in the spicy espresso chili sauce, and the Turkey & Goat Cheese wrap for the raspberry vinaigrette’s perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Before you try Café Corner for yourself, let me warn you about a phenomenon known as food envy . Food envy occurs when you find yourself spending so much time staring at your dining partner’s meal that it is difficult to enjoy your own. Since everything on Café Corner’s menu looks incredibly delicious, this can be a common occurrence. My solution – order two meals, share, and love them both.

Are you willing to let us in on one of your favorite dining "secrets" in Columbus?

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, who features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

With all of the talk about the economy, I tried to make a conscious effort to shop locally for Christmas this year. I wanted to support our Columbus merchants - those who would feel the effects of the economy first, those we can not afford to lose, and those who make Columbus what it is.

I’m typically a last-minute shopper like Amy, but this year I planned ahead and gave myself time to hit a few Columbus neighborhoods to find gifts.

• I started with Collier West in the Short North , a gorgeous store with a variety of wares including tabletop items by Michael Aram and decoupage pieces by John Derian . I received personal assistance, didn’t have to deal with a stressed-out sales person out to make a commission, and my purchase was packaged uniquely and ready to give.

• I still send good old-fashioned greeting cards (and actually, not just at Christmas but year round). For unique cards, I headed to my usual stop, Peabody Papers in Grandview. I love walking into a place that carries a variety of styles created by artists or companies with a specific style. You’re warmly greeted at Peabody Papers and given personalized individual attention - whether you’re there for a single card or a set of customized invitations.

• Since I work for Experience Columbus, it might seem cheesy to say I like to give a local "experience" as a gift. Well pass the Gouda, because the truth is that’s exactly what I like to do. I purchased tickets for a friend and me to take a Chef Series Cooking Class at the North Market . You can’t get more local then taking a cooking class from a Columbus area chef; ours will be taught by Paul Yow from Barcelona Restaurant & Bar . What I really love about this gift is that my friend would have never bought it for herself.

• I have nine nieces and nephews, so for their gifts I headed to Larson’s Toys and Games in Upper Arlington, a great alternative to big box toy stores. Larson’s carries a variety of classic wooden toys along with lines of toys from around the world. I never worry that I’ve bought the little ones in my life something they already have. Larson’s also offers free gift wrapping, all year round. Enough said.

• Finally, for my friend that has everything, I turned to food. Weiland’s Gourmet Market in Clintonville has a wide variety of seafood, meat, cheese and specialty international items. I chose an assortment of goodies specific to my friend’s tastes, and was able to do it all during one stop at this busy but friendly market.  Weiland’s also offers a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right drink to go with whatever you might be serving (and for some of you out there, they can help figure out which libation will get you through holiday get-togethers with the relatives).

My husband and I recently entertained our friends, Jimmy and Stacy, who visited here from Richmond, VA. As a Columbus native, I wanted to be sure they left town knowing Columbus is a cool place. Since they were staying at the DoubleTree downtown, I chose the Short North and went about figuring what might fit their style.

Short North Arts District
Photo by Randall Lee Schieber

I landed on The Burgundy Room - good wine selection , interesting tapas and plenty of nearby watering holes to pop into when we wanted a change of scenery. My husband and I got there early and scored a parking spot in the lot right across the street (tip: meters are free after 6 p.m.). We chose an intimate table in the back, near the gas fireplace, and ordered a bottle of Oregon pinot noir.

When Jimmy and Stacy arrived hungry, we ordered the beef carpaccio (high-grade raw beef - sorry, vegetarian friends), calamari, and pancetta (think crumbled bacon) on crostini with a white bean spread. The carpaccio, sprinkled with romano cheese and sea salt and drizzled with horseradish aioli, melted in my mouth.

We finished and decided to head down High Street to Eleven , next to Hyde Park on The Cap at Union Station . At 10 p.m. on a Friday night, Eleven was packed full of trendy 30- and 40-somethings. We found a spot to stand between the bar and the expansive wine safe, a great location to people watch and check out current fashions. Plus my husband could keep an eye on the TVs showing the Blue Jackets game.

I was pleased with myself, having found the perfect chance to show off The Cap and explain how it actually sits on top of the freeway. Jimmy and Stacy were duly impressed with the architecture and (to my glee) exclaimed, "I’d kill to have this in Richmond." Mission accomplished!

ZenCha Tea Salon

ZenCha Tea Salon in the Short North Arts District has been on my radar for a while now. The name alone is enough to pique one’s curiosity, and my curiosity finally got the best of me last weekend. I treated my boyfriend to their weekend brunch in what turned out to be the perfect start to a lazy Sunday.

We were welcomed with a sample of the tea of the day and a menu containing over 100 tea varieties—a list that would take months to drink your way through. Don’t know much about tea? No problem. The powers that be at ZenCha Tea Salon (translation: experts on all things tea) provide recommended pairings with each menu item. We opted for a pot of mango green chai tea—a tasty twist on original chai—that we sipped from porcelain cups playfully labeled “tea.”

Next task: tackle the food menu. While the food menu is limited, it is also incredibly unique. After selecting two pancake dishes to try during subsequent visits (we were already anticipating our return), we decided to split the Chocolate Delight. A chocolate Belgian waffle, topped with white and dark chocolate sauces and whipped cream, proved to be the perfect way to satisfy both my sweet tooth and my stomach.

This is one place that deserves a spot on everyone’s must-try list (or in my case, the "must try again" list).