Friday, August 19, 2011
Hiding In Columbus
Hey, everyone! Sorry for such a long drought on the posts! It's been a crazy few weeks for me, and the next couple are going to be even crazier. I just accepted a position to teach a couple nights a week at Ivy Tech in Lafayette. I am super excited, but at the same time, really nervous. It is going to be an awesome opportunity. I will try to get back out in the town soon and get some more information up about the wonderful places, people, and events here in Columbus. As always, if you have any suggestions, pass them along. I do have a few that I need to follow up with still, so I will be sure to get those on my to-do list. I'll post as soon as I can! Thanks for not giving up on me!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Columbus Bar / Powerhouse Brewing Co
You may think that the only way to see the history of Columbus is to tour the churches, houses, and other buildings that have made the city architecturally famous. While I am not telling you not to do these things, I want to give you another, perhaps more relaxing, way to truly experience some of Columbus' best history. The Columbus Bar was originally opened in the 1930's (and the building itself has a great story dating back to 1890), which has made it one of the oldest continually operating bars in the state.
As the new owners, their goal was to make CB the "corner bar", or what Jon likes to call a "community for the community"; a place where you go hang out, see people you know, and just enjoy everything they have to offer. What's great is that CB is (as of right now) the only casual family restaurant downtown. Yes, you can bring your entire family, and even better, it's 100% smoke free. I was able to sit and chat with customer Walter Palmer III and when I asked what he liked about CB, he responded by telling me how it is a great neighborhood spot with a nice atmosphere. He likes that the people that work there are just good people and welcome everyone.
Don't think that CB only provides a nice place to hang out. It also has a great selection of menu items, and don't forget the beer. Jon and Doug chose to use their own selection of recipes when taking over the business, and try to buy local ingredients as much as possible. The best selling food item is the tenderloin sandwich, and the most popular beer is their own brew, Diesel Oil Stout. If you ask my husband, the two items together is the ultimate meal selection.
Currently, you will find the Powerhouse Brewing Co. inside the CB, and if you are like me, you will wonder how they do it all in such a little area. This is what Jon wants his next project to be; moving the microbrewery off site to a larger location where they can have larger equipment. But don't worry, you will still be able to get the same great selection at CB. Actually, it is Jon's hope that they will be able to provide you with even more selections once the new location is up and running.
Jon and Doug could have opened their brewery anywhere, so why Columbus? Besides being "home", Jon said it is because it is a small town with a lot of small business, yet it is still a progressive city. He also likes the diversity here, which makes it feel less "backward" than some other small towns.
Jon had some failures with some of the beers they tried, but he didn't give up. Beer is his passion, and he was going to keep trying until he found the right combination of ingredients to make the best brew he could for you. Jon, Doug, and all of the Columbus Bar and the Powerhouse Brewing Co. employees are waiting for you to come experience the rich history and join the community you will find there.
For more information, including menu items and full history, visit the website http://www.powerhousebrewingco.com/
You can also find them on Facebook under Powerhouse Brewing Co
Location: 322 Fourth Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: 812-375-8800
Hours: Mon-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm
Throughout the years, CB has seen many different owners, a few changes of the interior, and a variety of menu options. There were times when CB served good food and good brew in a lively bar setting, and times when, well, it didn't have it all together. Today, thanks to owners Jon Myers and Doug Memering, you will find a tasty selection of food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the home of the Powerhouse Brewing Co.
While attending college at Ball State University, Jon worked at a restaurant and bar for someone that had a passion for beer. It is then that he, too, became intrigued by the varieties and differences to each brew. After moving back home to Columbus, he worked for another local bar, where he met Doug, a regular customer. They discussed many times the lack of microbreweries in the Columbus area, and soon decided to start their own. Shortly after, Powerhouse Brewing Co was developed. Because they started at a home location, Jon and Doug looked for a location to better serve the public and become an official brewery. When CB came up for sale in 2006, they knew it would be the perfect location and combination. After all, it was the first bar that Jon visited after turning 21. They took on the challenge and brought the slightly run down bar back to life, restoring it to it's glory days.
As the new owners, their goal was to make CB the "corner bar", or what Jon likes to call a "community for the community"; a place where you go hang out, see people you know, and just enjoy everything they have to offer. What's great is that CB is (as of right now) the only casual family restaurant downtown. Yes, you can bring your entire family, and even better, it's 100% smoke free. I was able to sit and chat with customer Walter Palmer III and when I asked what he liked about CB, he responded by telling me how it is a great neighborhood spot with a nice atmosphere. He likes that the people that work there are just good people and welcome everyone. |
| Walter Parmer III enjoys a White River Brown Ale while visiting the Columbus Bar |
 |
| Powerhouse brews are available to take home in 1/2 gallon growlers |
For those that aren't so adventurous when it comes to trying new beers, you can, of course, find a wide choice of beers from around the globe when visiting CB. However, you are definitely missing out if you don't try one of the Powerhouse brews. They try to keep six brews on tap; four that remain the same (Diesel Oil Stout, White River Brown Ale, Jack the Bum Pale Ale, and Two Dave's I.P.A), one seasonal, and one that pays homage to the traditional British beers. (Jon tried to explain the process of making the British beer to me, and while I was paying attention, I think it would be best if you ask him yourself exactly how they do it. In fact, if you have any interest in knowing about beer, Jon is the guy to talk to. He loves educating people on beer and helping you determine exactly which beer you might enjoy the most.)
Currently, you will find the Powerhouse Brewing Co. inside the CB, and if you are like me, you will wonder how they do it all in such a little area. This is what Jon wants his next project to be; moving the microbrewery off site to a larger location where they can have larger equipment. But don't worry, you will still be able to get the same great selection at CB. Actually, it is Jon's hope that they will be able to provide you with even more selections once the new location is up and running.Jon and Doug could have opened their brewery anywhere, so why Columbus? Besides being "home", Jon said it is because it is a small town with a lot of small business, yet it is still a progressive city. He also likes the diversity here, which makes it feel less "backward" than some other small towns.
Jon had some failures with some of the beers they tried, but he didn't give up. Beer is his passion, and he was going to keep trying until he found the right combination of ingredients to make the best brew he could for you. Jon, Doug, and all of the Columbus Bar and the Powerhouse Brewing Co. employees are waiting for you to come experience the rich history and join the community you will find there.
For more information, including menu items and full history, visit the website http://www.powerhousebrewingco.com/
You can also find them on Facebook under Powerhouse Brewing Co
Location: 322 Fourth Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: 812-375-8800
Hours: Mon-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Cakes for All Occasions
Cake? Did someone say "cake"? If you don't know, I am a sucker for cake, so when I saw a sign saying "cake", you know I was going. To be honest, I initially went in for a doughnut (which for me is almost as bad of a temptation as cake), but that was enough to spur my interest in the rest of the business.
Lana has been baking and decorating for 12 years, but started Cakes for All Occasions 3 years ago. You could originally find her business on 16th Street, but moved to her current location June 2009. She explained that the amount of time she needs for an order depends on the size and complexity of the order, as well as availability of ingredients. There are times when you would be able to walk in the store, place your order, and have it the same day. However, to assure you will get exactly what you want, it is best to place an order in advance. Wedding cakes are currently booked out until January 2012, but she said that is no reason to not come in and see what she can do for you.
To find more information about Lana and Cakes for All Occasions, you can visit her website or find her business page on Facebook.
Cakes for All Occasions, owned by Lana Powell, is a custom order bakery located on Washington Street, downtown Columbus. At this bakery you can certainly get more than just cake. Lana also creates brownies, cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies. Doughnuts are brought in fresh daily from Madison. Birthday and special event cakes are her most popular sellers, but she also does a large number of wedding cakes. In fact, she is happy to work with you on almost any order or variety you can think of.
Lana has been baking and decorating for 12 years, but started Cakes for All Occasions 3 years ago. You could originally find her business on 16th Street, but moved to her current location June 2009. She explained that the amount of time she needs for an order depends on the size and complexity of the order, as well as availability of ingredients. There are times when you would be able to walk in the store, place your order, and have it the same day. However, to assure you will get exactly what you want, it is best to place an order in advance. Wedding cakes are currently booked out until January 2012, but she said that is no reason to not come in and see what she can do for you.
Lana loves being involved in the community and sharing her baking talents as much as possible. She has been able to provide baked goods for many local companies and events, such as Cummins, QMIX radio, political parties, and many more. The people and businesses are what make Columbus so special to her. She told me that she doesn't have a lot of family in town, but has made a lot of friends. These special people in the town are just as important and now considers them as her family.
To find more information about Lana and Cakes for All Occasions, you can visit her website or find her business page on Facebook.
Cakes for All Occasions, 901Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201
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