Uptown Westerville is a Place to Honor, Remember, and Thank

In 2009, America is observing Memorial Day on May 25th.

Memorial Day weekend welcomes summer and pays tribute to those who have sacrificed, and who do sacrifice, to insure that we have weekends to enjoy with friends and family year round.

As tennis great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe said: True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

Westerville's Memorial Day parade begins on May 25th at 9:45 a.m. at College and State.

The parade route proceeds south on State past the armory and Veterans' Memorial, up Bishop, to the cemetary on Knox. Our Memorial Day parade isn't all brass bands and floats and celebrations and big crowds like July 4th, it is a heartfelt, dignified march to honor and we encourage you to come out to State Street Monday morning to take beat to appreciate and honor or find a small moment to keep a thought for those who serve sometime during the day.

This year, Rotary Club of Westerville Sunshine is creating the Field of Heroes at Cleveland and County Line West. The Field of Heroes begins May 23rd and runs through May 25th.

The members of the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association wish you a wonderful, safe Memorial Day Weekend and Summer.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for May 20th Farm Fresh

Visit new Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market vendor, Sara Yates of Batter and Bowl! Batter and Bowl features delicious cakes, cookies, scones, brownies, and bar-style cookies. Sara has a different decorated "cookie cutter" cookie each week -- Week 1 was a butterfly, Week 2 was a flower basket... what's next?!

After two weeks of rainy weather, the market is looking forward to a great day today!

It's early in the season, so produce will include lettuces, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, swiss chard, and rhubarb.

Bird's Haven Farms will be bringing strawberries!

Come visit market vendors...

Arjay Gourmet Foods - delicious chutneys and baked goods
Batter and Bowl - cakes, cookies, and baked goods
Bildsten Landscape - hanging baskets, pots, herbs
Bird’s Haven Farms - fresh produce, strawberries, flowers
Blue Jacket Dairy - fresh from the dairy cheese
Carousel Watergardens - flower and veggie bed plants
Doran's Family Farm - asparagus, rhubarb
Flying J Farm - grass-fed beef, fresh-milled flour, produce
Honey Health Farm - raw honey and honey products
Landrum Cottage Designs - specialty baked goods
Nature's Honey - goat's milk and herbal soaps
Northridge Organic Farm - lamb, organic produce
Osage Lane Creamery - goat's milk feta cheese
Pleiades Maple Products -- maple syrup, marinades, spreads, candy, sugar
Sue’s Kitchen - pies!, cinnamon rolls, cookies, quick breads
Sweet Thing Gourmet - biscotti, jams, jellies
Varley Valley Baked Goods - table breads, jams, jellies

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday through October 28th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home in Uptown Westerville.

See you at the market!

Remember, Uptown Westerville is a great place to work, live, shop, eat, meet & play! Come Uptown for lunch, browse, visit & shop Uptown Westerville, and then come to the market for some farm fresh!


Photo image: Baked goods selections from Batter and Bowl provided by Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Taste

Meza, 48 N. State, invites you to a wine tasting....

Farmers' Market Wednesdays: $1 Wine Tastings

Fourth Fridays: $1 Wine Tastings

May 21st, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Tour De Cure Benefit Wine Tasting, $15

June 5th, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., Ohio Wine Tasting, $10

Click here to check Meza's Wine Tasting schedule.

Click here to visit the Meza blog.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Memorial Day Good Eats... and Drinks

Tatjana and Jason Brown share the current Meza Minute!

BBQ Doesn't Just Call for Beer Anymore.....

Memorial Day weekend is just a few days away! Planning a special family cookout? Getting together with friends? Well burgers on the grill don't just call for beers.

Here are our suggestions for wines that will make the perfect accompaniment to your next backyard bbq!

Big, Juicy Beef Burgers: Pair a thick, savory beef burger with a classic red such as a California Zinfandel or a peppery red blend. Looking for the perfect white wine to pair? Try a full bodied Chardonnay.

Our recomendations: Screw Kappa Napa Zinfandel - $16.99, St. Francis 'RED' ( Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) - $12.99, J. Lohr Chardonnay - $13.99

Going a big lighter in fare? Tasty Turkey Burgers? Pair a healthy option like a turkey burger with a lighter, classic red such as a Pinot Noir or a refreshing Pinot Gris! Our recomendations: Row Eleven 'Vinas' Pinot Noir - $18.99, Eola Hills Pinot Gris - $12.99

Looking for an impressive cocktail to serve at your cookout or brunch? Try using a dry Spanish sparkler like a Cava, mixed with pomegranate juice for a light sparkling cocktail that is an unexpected substitute to your typical mimosas. Cava is a less expensive option to cocktails traditionally made with Champagne and is beautiful when enjoyed alone. 2 Bottles Cava or a dry sparkling wine 1/4 cup Pomogranate Juice12 champagne flutesadd 1 tablespoon of the pomegranate juice to each flute. Fill rest of the way with Cava. Garnish with pomegranate seeds if desired. Serve!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Meet Greyhounds

Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue will be visiting DJ's Feed Store at 41 N. State during May 22nd's Fourth Friday.

Stop by DJ's and head through the back of the store to talk with Greyhound Rescue volunteers and meet some greyhounds.

Photo of Liz, Angel, and Julie courtesy of Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Get... Back to Nature!

This Friday, May 22nd, is the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau's Fourth Friday. May's them is Back to Nature!

Fourth Fridays are in Uptown Westerville from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. every fourth Friday September 25th.

Special exhibits, extended merchant hours, surprises, and big fun!


Fourth Friday image courtesy of Westeville Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Good Coffee, Good Music, and Good Company

Ralph Denick of Java Central, 20 S. State, shares...

Java Central fans,

Last week was traditional jazz night at Java Central with Jeff and Emma (aka Micro Swing) from the big band, In Full Swing - and they were great. They will be back later this summer, but in the meantime, don't miss them at the E. College Gazebo during May 4th Friday (5/22).

Also, In Full Swing Big Band will be the featured band at the June 4th Friday. (All courtesy of the Arts Council of Westerville!)

This week Java Central will feature the great guitar and vocal talents of Clay Justice and Friends on Saturday from 7 - 10 PM. Clay will first perform solo and show off his guitar and electronic wizardry (great looping skills!). Later he will also perform with his jazz band. He, and they, will be a treat if you haven't seen him yet.

Don't forget Friday is Open Mic night at Java Central (again, from 7-10 PM) with our cast of regulars and always some new talents - they have been great and won't disappoint you. We have a lot of talent around Westerville and Java Central is glad to give them a venue!

Come support them.

Thanks - and hope to see you this weekend!

Click here to view Java Central's May flyer.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Farm Fresh!

It's 2009's first Market Wednesday! The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market opens for business today at 3 p.m. at N. State and E. Home Streets in Uptown Westerville.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market convenes each Wednesday from May 6th through October 28th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home Streets.

Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio.

Artisan Foods. Certified Organic, Chemical-free & Conventionally Grown Produce.

When you visit the market, take a few steps south and stop by Meza at 48 N. State St., for Meza's Market Wednesday features throughout the season. Meza features a wine rack, pantry & kitchen selection. Today Meza features... A Special Farmers' Market Wine Tasting for $1., Serving Suggestions, and the May 6th Feature Market Vendor: Bellefontaine's Blue Jacket Dairy

www.vinomeza.com ▪ 614.259.3101 ▪ vinomeza@gmail.com

Gift idea: Mother's Day is May 10th and Bildsten Landscape is expected at the market with beautiful hanging baskets and planters.

Even though it's early in the growing season, look for rhubarb, asparagus, and lettuce at today's market.

Click here for today's NOAA weather report. The market meets rain or shine. Market veterans pack umbrellas just in case and almost all market vendors have canopies -- so even though you might be dodging raindrops, visit with market patrons, meet market vendors, shop, and taste!

Add Market Wednesdays to your calendar! Come Uptown for lunch, visit, browse & shop Uptown Westerville, and come to the market to take home a little farm fresh! Click here for the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Member Directory.

See you at the market!

Photo of delicious pie from Sue's Kitchen. Photo courtesty of Linda Foor. ©2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Serve Our Seniors

2009's Serving Our Seniors (SOS) Day is coming up on Saturday, May 9th.

This popular event will feature about 60 exhibitors and focuses on senior citizens and caregivers and provides resources, advice, and safety information.

2009 SOS Day is at Westerville North High School (950 County Line Rd. East) and is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there are 2 special training sessions on identity theft and personal safety.

Admission is FREE!

And, there's free lunch and door prizes! For more info, contact Carrie Ryan with WPD at 614.901.6490 or email: carrie.ryan@westerville.org.

Click here to learn more.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Say "Thanks, Mom!"

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10th.

Uptown Westerville is a place to find imaginative ways to say "Thanks, Mom."

Shop Uptown Westerville and you'll find personable gift ideas that speak to Mom's interests, passions, and tastes.

Jewelry, antiques, accents, spa items, pottery, garden accents, cards, candles, wines, clothing, art, personal care & fitness, coffees, accessories, and music.

Click here to visit the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association Member Directory.

Give Mom an Uptown memory or keepsake -- give the Uptown Gift Card. Welcomed and sold at 16 fine Uptown Westerville merchants.

By the way, we encourage you to Shop Uptown Westerville, but hugs for Mom are free, easy to wrap, and make the perfect Mother's Day gift!

Uptown Westerville is a Place Where It's Fashionable to Be Kind

Sunday, May 3rd's A Gal Named Cinda Lou (20 N. State) and Westerville Antiques fashion show at The Old Bag of Nails Pub (24 N. State) was a great success and proceeds from the event totaled $500 for the W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program.

Big thanks to A Gal Named Cinda Lou and Westerville Antiques for helping everyone in Westerville buy fresh, healthy produce at the Uptown Westerville Farmers Market.

Thanks to The Old Bag of Nails Pub for donating the space for the event on its 3rd floor banquet level.

To check out a photo gallery from the fashion show by photographer Gary Gardiner, check out Westerville Life.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Opening of 2009's Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market

The Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, opens the 2009 season at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 with a special market blessing from Reverend Stan Ling of Church of the Messiah, United Methodist and Father Charlie Klinger of St. Paul Catholic Church.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday May 6, 2009 through October 28, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of N. State and E. Home Streets, in the Church of the Messiah parking lot.

Home-grown, home-made, and all Ohio, the market provides an ever-changing fare including farm-fresh certified organic, chemical-free, and conventional, seasonal fruits and vegetables, heirloom produce, baked goods, breads, bed plants, herbs, flowers, chutneys, spreads, sauces and rubs, honey, pet treats, maple products, natural personal care products, meats and poultry to-order, and fresh eggs.

Early seasonal fresh produce selections include asparagus, lettuces, and rhubarb.

18 market vendors will be open for business on May 6th, including:

Arjay Gourmet Foods, Bildsten Landscape, Bird’s Haven Farms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Bridgman Farm, Carousel Water Gardens & Cathy’s Tasty Treats, Doran's Family Farm, Flying J Farm, Frijolito Farm, Honey Health Farm, Landrum Cottage Designs, Northridge Organic Farm, Osage Lane Creamery, Pleiades Maple Products, Sue’s Kitchen, and Varley Valley Baked Goods.

The market welcomes new vendors: Batter and Bowl featuring cakes, cookies, and baked goods, and Nature's Honey, featuring natural soaps. Later in the growing season, the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market will welcome Amherst Greenhouse and Malabar Acres.

A trip to the market is a great way to enjoy a Wednesday afternoon in Uptown Westerville -- come Uptown for lunch, browse, visit, and shop Uptown Westerville, and pick up dinner ingredients at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. A fun weekly experience for kids, and a dog-walk and bike-friendly destination! Parking is free in Uptown Westerville, both on-street and in parking lots.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market and Westerville Area Resource Ministry are teaming up, for the second year, for the WARM Fresh Green Program so farm fresh, healthy foods can be available to everyone in the Westerville area.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is Ohio Proud.

Special market thanks go out to Amish Originals Furniture Co., Benchmark Bank, Brickstreet Communications, Church of the Messiah, UM, Dairy Queen, Edward Jones Investments, Meza, NorthStar Pet Services, Pasquale's Pasta and Pizza House, and the City of Westerville.

For more information on the Uptown Westerville Farmers’ Market email: farmersmarket@shopuptownwesterville.com or check out the WUMA Uptown Farmers' Market web page http://www.uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.com/ and the Farmers' Market blog: http://uptownwestervillefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Mother's Day Gift Ideas at Amish Originals

Amish Originals Furniture Co., 8 & 38 N. State, is an imaginative resource for gifts. And, with Mother's Day right around the corner, here are some great ideas...

Stop by Amish Originals "north store" at 38 N. State and you'll not only find beautiful bedroom and entertainment furniture, you'll find a selection of accents and gifts, like Amish Originals collection of beautiful wood jewelry boxes and armoires. Who says organization and storage can't be beautiful?

Stop by Amish Originals, 8 N. State location (in the old State Theatre), and you'll find even more gift ideas... like Bottlabras -- in bronze and pewter finishes, bottlabras fit into wine bottles like a bottle stopper to make unique "candlesticks" for both tapers and tealights or votives. Bottlabras are a perfect way to give a keepsake wine bottle even more of a warm glow.

Perfect for a grown-up "happy meal!" Dovetailed Amish-made solid wood serving trays are a great way to serve Mom breakfast in bed.

Delicate, beautiful flower lights are a great gift and decorating accent. Surprise Mom with this uncommon touch of nature. Lights look like blossoming tree branches that glow.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. features beautiful artisan furniture crafted here in Ohio by skilled Amish carpenters, and an amazing collection of accents, accessories, decor, serveware, candles, art, and personal touches. Come in to visit, browse, and shop.

Still not sure? Think about an Amish Originals Furniture Co. gift certificate or an Uptown Gift Card.

Sign up for emails from Amish Originals Furniture Co. send an email: customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Uptown Westerville is the Place for May's Meza Minute

Meza, 48 N. State, presents the Meza Minute. If you'd like to get the Meza Minute directly, email Tatjana and Jason Brown at Meza at vinomeza@gmail.com

Dear Friends of Meza,

Fourth Friday was a fun time for those of you who were able to come out! Great food, bands and Meza was doing $1 pours of three great value wines! If you weren't able to make it we hope to see you at next months "Fourth Friday" event!

We have had a great week hosting some private wine tasting events! We hosted a bachelorette party with Lola Belle Boutique as well as a meet up group for Women of the World Travelers! Both were a great time! If you are interested in hosting your own private tasting contact us via e mail at vinomeza@gmail.com or call us at 614.259.3101 to book an evening. Private tasting events are great for birthdays, bachelorette parties, networking events and more!

We are hoping to see lots of you next Friday May 8th at our "Hot Spanish Wines" tasting! Chris Preest will be here from Wine Trends introducing us to some exciting Spanish varietals!

June Sneak Preview

We have listed below our May events but we wanted to give you a "sneak preview" of what is in store for summer! We have another great fundraiser/tasting coming up in June to help raise money for the Pelotonia Bike Tour happening in August. 100% of the contributions from the tour go directly to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. We will be tasting Organic and Biodynamic wines that evening in support of this cause and in the name of living a clean, healthy lifestyle!

Also for all you ladies that came out for our first Girls Night Out tasting back in March, get ready for another night that is just for you! "Girls Night Out - Relax and Rejuvenate:" Take time out to relax and pamper yourselves..... join us for a tasting featuring some yummy Rieslings, Sparkling Moscatos, and other great wines that are meant to help you relax and rejuvenate your spirit. Katy Tombaugh, owner of Fusion Fitness in Uptown will be here with product and information about her amazing yoga sessions and Katesha Freeman, owner of The Candle Lab will be here highlighting some of her best scents and providing you with the opportunity to make your own custom candle! You will soon be able to purchase The Candle Lab candles right here at Meza! Candles and wine make for a beautiful gift for any occasion!

Meza will also be partnering with Columbus Parent Magazine for a great midweek tasting event that will help you not only find affordable wines to enjoy during the week, but we will also feature recipe suggestions that coincide with the Westerville Farmers’ Market product! The market opens in May and occurs every Wednesday, and this will be a great event that will help you get tips and recipes you can make with all your market fresh goodies and we will show you what wines to pair with your meals! This event will take place after the farmers’ market on June 17!

Details on our June events coming soon!!

Looking to inquire about wine that you can't find anywhere? Let us find it for you!

We do our best to search for and find any of your favorite wines.

We could recommend something similar if we don't carry it - as many places do

But for us, a wine is not just a wine.... it is a memory, a celebration, or a special occasion.

Send all inquiries to vinomeza@gmail.com (please note this email address is updated)

New Featured Wines

These new additions to our assortment are not only unique and highly acclaimed, but they are a great value! Try one today!

Contero Moscato D'Asti 2008 Lovers of sweet sparkling wines - we have found true love for you. Looking for a wine that is as decadent as the dessert you will enjoy it with? The Contero Moscato d'Asti is straw yellow in color with light grapey perfumes. The fine, gentle sparkle lifts the sweet and grapey flavours and leads into a clean and dry finish. Enjoy this wine as an apperitif or as a dessert wine. Perfect for a brunch, bridal shower, or just to enjoy along with the beautiful spring weather. In fact this is a wine I will be bringing to a bridal brunch on Sunday! Perfect for such an occasion! $14.99

Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 - California Hailing from Mendocino County, this unoaked Chardonnay is 100% stainless steel fermented - no oak. We love this crisp, easy drinking Chardonnay for summer time. You will taste lots of crisp green apple and some minerality. This is a winner in terms of taste and price....and the little critter on the wine bottle makes it a fun gift. $12.99

Curious Beagle Cabernet 2006 - Jim produced this single vineyard Cab from Paso Robles - a great California Cab at a reasonable price. This wine is all about high extract concentrated blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors balanced by an excellent total acidity. You get a rich fruit finish enhanced by subtle vanilla oak extract flavors. $14.99

Here at meza we believe that you can still enjoy small pleasures in life, like great wine, while saving a few bucks. We offer 10 percent off of mix and match cases, and for those of you that live in the Westerville area, we will deliver your case orders to your house! Simply stop in and place and order or call it in and we will get it to you that week. How could it get any easier than that!

Upcoming Wine Tasting Events

**Note Changes**

Hot Spanish Wines: Friday, May 8th, 2009 (6-8:30 pm)
Join us in turning up the heat with some exciting Spanish wines at great values! Cost of the tasting is $10 for 5 wines!

Meza Features: Via Vecchia Winery - Powell, Ohio: Saturday May 16, 2009 (4-6 pm) Meza is proud to carry two of the four Via Vecchia wines from this dynamic winery in Powell, Ohio! Meet the winemakers, learn about their wine making process and taste all four wines in their portfolio! These four winemakers focus on producing untreated wines "the old way." "We believe that 'a well treated wine is an untreated wine.' Our wines receive no added chemicals, no added lab-created yeasts or sugars, no added colorings, enzymes or preservatives, and only minimal added sulfites. For filtration of wine, we rely on sedimentation and the Moon." Meza will provide light tapas in conjunction with this tasting. Cost of the tasting is TBD. Stay tune for details!

Meza and Tour de Cure Charity Tasting!: Thursday May 21, 2009 (7-9:30 pm)
This event is one that is not to be missed!! Join us in supporting a truly important cause. Tour de Cure is a bike event that will take place right here in Westerville on June 6. Tour de Cure is a series of fund-raising cycling events held in 40 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Meza is sponsoring "Team Awesome" in the Westerville Tour de Cure bike event, and together we are working to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause! Joins us in tasting some great red wines with some added health benefits! Check out this link for information on the health benefits of red wine from the American Diabetes Association! http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-cholesterol/faqs-redwine.jsp Cost of the event is $15 per person. This includes 5 wines and light tapas! $5 from each tasting fee goes to support Team Awesome and the American Diabetes Association!

Stay tuned for information on our summer tasting schedule!

Featured Wine of the Month

2007 Veramonte Pinot Noir Reserva: This is a personal recommendation. This was a wine that we recently re-tasted. Well, to be honest, we drank it. We taste all the wines that we carry and of course, we revisit ones that we love! This Pinot Noir has become a love. It is 100% Pinot Noir from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. The balance of the ripe berries and slight acidity make this a very enjoyable wine. The price is also right for a good Pinot. Tasting Notes: It evokes aromas of red summer berries and vanilla. Bright cherry, grape and strawberry fruit flavors with touches of spicy oak; medium-to-full body and rich texture. Try this wine with mild or creamy cheeses or slow roasted meat dishes. We enjoyed the Veramonte last week with a dish or whole wheat penne with a mushroom pan sauce.....excellent combo! Veramonte Pinot Noir Reserva - $16.99 Stock up and receive 10% off of a case!

Looking for a unique space to host your next event?

We offer a unique and fun alternative to hosting a party or networking event! Whether you are looking to host an event to thank your current clients, build better relationships or to network and make new contacts, Meza provides a great option for doing just that!

Perfect for:
▪ Bachelorette Parties
▪ Social Clubs
▪ Networking Events
▪ Birthdays
▪ Girls Nights
▪ Anniversary Parties

Call us at 614.259.3101 or send an email to for details and set up your own private wine tasting event today!

Featured Product of the Month

Meza is proud to support yet another Columbus based entrepreneur. Pam Loch started this company based on her experiences of making this beautiful Asian dressing and marinade along side her mother growing up. She keeps it simple....an Asian and a Spicy Asian Vinaigrette that can be used as a marinade or that can be tossed with some baby spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes to make a delicious salad. These vinaigrettes make a beautiful accompaniment to a bottle of Riesling as a gift or to enjoy at home!

Follow Us on Facebook! Want to receive updates on our wine tasting events and specials and keep up with what's going on at Meza? Become a fan of 'Meza Specialty and Gourmet Foods' on facebook today! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Westerville-OH/Meza-Specialty-Gourmet Food/43160127688?ref=ts

Visit our site at http://www.vinomeza.com/ for more information on our shop, or get recipes, tips and wine suggestions on our blog! http://vinomezachat.blogspot/

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Switchables at Amish Originals

See ordinary nightlights in a new light at Amish Originals, 8 & 38 N. State, with Switchables.

Switchables are a new twist on nightlights -- purchase a nightlight base (it has a little shepherd's hook) and then choose from any number of stained-glass light catchers to hang on the hook.

You can set a mood, celebrate the changing seasons and holidays, add comfort to a nursery, and atmosphere to the kitchen.

Switchables light catchers also make great suncatchers and ornaments.

A fun indulgence, decorating detail, or an imaginative gift! Switchables bases are $5.99 and Switchables light catchers start at $12.99.

Not sure which light catcher to choose for a gift? Wrap the Switchables base and add an Uptown Gift Card, and your favorite loved-one can pick out their own light catcher!

Stop by Amish Originals at 8 & 38 N. State in Uptown Westerville. 614.891.6257 ▪ customerservice@amishoriginals.com

Photo images provided by Amish Originals Furniture Co. ©2009 Amish Originals Furniture Co. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Small Indulgences at The Dog Joint

At The Dog Joint, 59 S. State, the hot dog rules!

Check out The Dog Joint's weekly specials:

Mondays are Kids' Day! Buy a Combo and get a Puppy Meal for 1/2 Price!

Next, stop at The Dog Joint for Turkey Dog Tuesdays! Get a plain Turkey Dog for just $2.00!

And, don't forget each Wednesday is Weenie Wednesday! Buy a Combo and get a Corn Dog for just $1.85!

Save the Date! The Dog Joint is getting ready to celebrate its first anniversary on May 9th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check back with the blog for further details including the skinny on The Dog Joint's hot dog eating contest!

Contact The Dog Joint (including your orders to go) at 614.818.DOGG(3644).

The Dog Joint features curb-side pick-up with payahead by credit card. To check out The Dog Joint menu, click here.

Dog Joint Hours:

Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Logo image provided by The Dog Joint. ©2009 The Dog Joint. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Music, Art, and Good Coffee

Save the Date for these cool music and art events at Serendipity, 33 E. College:

▪ Art Exhibit now through the end of April - Serendipity feature artist is Otterbein student and Serendipity barista Nicholas Warndorf.

▪ Live music: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 4th Friday celebration on April 24th by a couple of Westerville North High School teachers. The group is called Three Months Off.

▪ Live music continues: in the later evening time 10:30 p.m. to midnight on April 24th provided by The Tweeners.

▪ Live music: Tuesday, May 19th from a band called Flower Pot TV and The Illalogical Spoon.

▪ Art exhibit: during the month of May by local artist and CCAD student Heather Beaver.

▪ Art exhibit: during the Month of July by Otterbein student and Serendipity barista William Fry.

Serendipity's creative environment includes food & drink! Coffee (a cup at a time), tea, delicious food, great service, and dessert treats! A great place to meet friends, meet for business, or take some alone time. There is a meeting room available (just call or stop by to schedule your meeting) and wifi.

Click here to read Serendipity's online menu.

Click here for coupon savings!

Uptown Westerville is a Place to "Recycle" Your Bling

Outside Envy, 15 North State Street, is hosting a gold and silver buy-back event this Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Owner Kriss Rogers says, "This is a great opportunity to turn your gold into green." Stop by Outside Envy Saturday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and sell your old jewelry on the spot for cash!

For more information contact Outside Envy at 614.895.3689 or outside.envy@sbcglobal.net.

Logo provided by Outside Envy ©2009 Outside Envy. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for News from Meza

Tatjana and Jason Brown from Meza, 48 N. State, shares the Meza Minute.

To sign up for the Meza Minute, contact Tatjana at mezagiftorders@gmail.com....

Dear Friends of meza,

We hope everyone who made it out to the Wines of Napa Valley - Part 1, enjoyed themselves!

We had a great crowd and tried some great wines! A big favorite was the Joseph Carr Napa Cabernet - $21.99. Fabulous! Looking for a great spring wine? The Beringer Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing wine with a citrus finish. What could be better to enjoy on a warm day? At our special low price of $9.99, it's a winner!

We look forward to seeing you all again on Friday May 8th for the "Hot Spanish Wines" tasting (this date has changed from our last newsletter). Popularity of wines from Spain has been on the rise in the past 10 years and we at Meza are loving what we are tasting! Join us in turning up the heat and trying some exciting Spanish wines at even more exciting prices!

Fourth Friday and $1 Wine Tastings! We are welcoming back the Fourth Fridays in Uptown Westerville starting this Friday! Street vendors, great food, live music.....and Meza will be doing informal wine tasting! Cost is $1 per tasting and you can buy tickets to taste at the cash wrap. Candle Lab and meza! Love The Candle Lab's candles? We do too! The Candle Lab owner Katesha Freeman will be featuring some exciting scents from her line at Meza on Fourth Friday! They carry hand-poured natural soy candles in 120+ fragrances! Currently, The Candle Lab has stores in Worthington, Grandview and Gahanna!

New Featured Wines: These new additions to our assortment are not only unique and highly acclaimed, but they are a great value! Try one today! Montes Cherub Rose 2008: Drink Pink!The 2008 Montes Cherub Rose is a hot pink wine (literally, thanks to the Syrah grape) that brings a fresh look and flavor to today's Rose. A vibrant, flavor-filled Rose from Chile's coastal region. The flavor profile offers rich red fruit, mainly strawberry and cherry with a touch of orange and spice. A fantastic wine for summer gatherings. Consider pairing with shrimp, fish or prosciutto appetizers. Recently featured on the Today Show! $15.99

Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2007: To create this Chardonnay, grapes are sourced from the banks of the Rhone in the east to Carcassonne in the west, and from the foothills of the Massif Central in the north to the Mediterranean coast in the south. Round in the mouth with white flower aromas and a long, toasty finish - this is a great weeknight wine, perfect with poultry or a cream based sauce over pasta. $9.99

Merum Monastrell 2005 - Jumilla, Spain: This Spanish blend is made up of 85% Monastrell grapes, along with some Syrah and Temperanillo. This is a medium to full bodied wine, with black fruit notes on the nose that carried through on the palate, well balanced, long and layered finish. A great example of Spain's hot value wines at a fantastic price! $9.99

Here at meza we believe that you can still enjoy small pleasures in life, like great wine, while saving a few bucks. We offer 10 percent off of mix and match cases, and for those of you that live in the Westerville area, we will deliver your case orders to your house! Simply stop in and place and order or call it in and we will get it to you that week. How could it get any easier than that!

Upcoming Wine Tasting Events (Note Changes):

Hot Spanish Wines
Friday, May 8th, 2009 (6 p.m. -8:30 p.m.)
Join us in turning up the heat with some exciting Spanish wines at great values!
Cost of the tasting is $10 for 5 wines!

Meza Features: Via Vecchia Winery - Powell, Ohio
Saturday, May 16, 2009 (time - TBA)
Meza is proud to carry two of the four Via Vecchia wines from this dynamic winery in Powell, Ohio! Meet the winemakers, learn about their wine making process and taste all four wines in their portfolio! These four winemakers focus on producing untreated wines "the old way." "We believe that "a well treated wine is an untreated wine." Our wines receive no added chemicals, no added lab-created yeasts or sugars, no added colorings, enzymes or preservatives, and only minimal added sulfites. For filtration of wine, we rely on sedimentation and the Moon." Meza will provide light tapas in conjunction with this tasting. Cost of the tasting is TBD. Stay tune for details!

Meza and Tour de Cure Charity Tasting!
Thursday May 21, 2009 (7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)
This event is one that is not to be missed!! Join us in supporting a truly important cause. Tour de Cure is a bike event that will take place right here in Westerville on June 6. Tour de Cure is a series of fund-raising cycling events held in 40 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Meza is sponsoring "Team Awesome" in the Westerville Tour de Cure bike event, and together we are working to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause! Join us in tasting some great red wines with some added health benefits! Check out this link for information on the health benefits of red wine from the American Diabetes Association! Cost of the event is $15 per person. This includes 5 wines and light tapas! $5 from each tasting fee goes to support Team Awesome and the American Diabetes Association!

Stay tuned for information on our summer tasting schedule!

Featured Wine of the Month: "Attention fans of Orin Swift's "The Prisoner" and "Papillon" - owner/winemaker Dave Phinney is pleased to introduce the inaugural release of "Saldo," a California Zinfandel. The name, which can sometimes be used to mean "from here and there" in Spanish, speaks to Phinney's choice to break free of the chains of a single AVA to make a wine that includes grapes from some of the best vineyards in Sonoma, Napa, Amador, Mendocino and Contra Costa Counties. There's a dash of Syrah and half as much Petite Sirah (totaling 15% of the blend) in this nearly-opaque, ruby-colored wine." - KL Wines. Tasting Notes: Raspberry, rhubarb, wood smoke and sweet vanilla on the nose. These tones carry over to the palate where they are joined by sweet spring strawberry and root beer. Broad and long on the palate, this is a wine you'll want to enjoy often over the next five years.This a big, full, juicy wine that has layers of depth and flavor. Try 'Saldo' with smoked ribs, or bbq chicken or steak for a combination to be savored!'Saldo' Zinfandel $29.99 (Stock up and receive 10% off of a case!)

Looking for a unique space to host your next event?
We offer a unique and fun alternative to hosting a party or networking event! Whether you are looking to host an event to thank your current clients, build better relationships or to network and make new contacts, meza provides a great option for doing just that! Call us at 614.259.3101 or send an email to tatjanabrown@vinomeza.com for details and set up your own private wine tasting event today!
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Featured Product of the Month
meza is proud to carry Sweet Thing Gourmet jams! This little family-owned and operated business is a real local find! Owner Kyla Touris is a true "mompereneur." Mother of three and business owner; she and her husband handcraft these fabulous jams in their Bexley kitchen! They offer some truly unique flavors including Hot Chili Cherry, Lavender Peach Jam and Apricot Chai Jam! Makes a beautiful gift along with a bottle of wine! Stop in and ask us about Sweet Thing Gourmet!

Looking for an Easy Way to Entertain at Home?
Let meza do the work, so you can enjoy your guests! We offer three different "entertaining trays" for you to enjoy, along with your favorite wines! Meza "tapas" style entertaining trays are perfect for any event - bridal showers, parties, office gatherings, social club get togethers, game nights and more! We offer two sizes of each tray - small (serves 10-15) and large (serves 20-30). Chose from three different trays: The Tuscan, The Parisian, and The Californian! Call us for details on our tray offerings and to place an order for your next gathering!

Follow Us on Facebook! Want to receive updates on our wine tasting events and specials and keep up with what's going on at Meza? Become a fan of 'Meza Specialty and Gourmet Foods' on facebook today! Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Westerville-OH/Meza-Specialty-Gourmet-Food/43160127688?ref=ts

Meza blog: http://vinomezachat.blogspot.com/

Logo provided by Meza. ©2009 Meza. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Uptown Cigar Company

Roy Lawson and Mike Daffin proprietors of Uptown Cigar Company (33 N. State, 614.392.2302) share their latest news:

First, Uptown Cigar's CAO Event on April 29th, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mike and Roy invite customers to purchase cigars at a discount and meet Miguel Schoedel, CAO International Representative. Everyone will receive a ticket for an opportunity to win a beautiful humidor. As always, beverages and snacks provided.

Additionally, Roy & Marcia Lawson will be among the "celebrity bartenders" at the annual Relay for Life event to raise money for Earlene Wandrey's Fighting Team, May 1st on the third floor of The Old Bag of Nails Pub, 24 N. State.


Logo provided by Uptown Cigar Company. ©2009 Uptown Cigar Company. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for High Seas Mystery

Avast! The Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau invites you to the 2009 annual fundraiser at Little Turtle Golf Club for a special evening on May 1st including dinner, auction, and interactive theatrical performance.

A pirate plot to pillage turns to murder! Join the WVCB to solve the Murder at Crossbones Cove.

Tickets are $45. per person with senior and group discounts available.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar and seating for dinner is at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

For more information or to buy tickets, check out the VCB online , call 614.794.0401, or stop by 20 W. Main during VCB hours.

Uptown Westerville is a Place To Step Into Outside Envy

Kriss Rogers at Outside Envy, Art of the Garden, Deck and Patio, 15 N. State St., is now featuring a special Westerville commemorative stepping stone. Kriss shares:

Outside Envy is pleased to announce the arrival of our commemorative Westerville stepping stone and sun catcher. The unique tree design for these pieces was created by a local artist.

The 12” stone is manufactured here in the USA and is a resin and granite powder combination in four great colors.

The sun catcher also has the tree design and is made for us by a well known North American art glass studio, pressed from recycled glass in three beautiful colors.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

For additional information, call 614.895.3689 or email outside.envy@sbcglobal.net.

Photo image provided by Kriss Rogers of Outside Envy. ©2009 Kriss Rogers. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place Where Fashion Backward is Fashion Forward

WUMA member, A Gal Named Cinda Lou and Westerville Antiques are teaming up for a fun vintage clothing fashion event that also benefits the community!

Spring 2009's Dress Up fashion show hits the runway May 3rd at 2 p.m. on the third floor of The Old Bag of Nails Pub at 24 N. State and admission is just $7.

The event features a vintage clothing fashion show full of lots of fine fashion "serving suggestions" and refreshments including a cash bar, complimentary tea & coffee, and a $1 a ticket raffle with proceeds going to the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market/W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program.

In its second season, Fresh Green makes farm-fresh, healthy farmers' market produce available to all Westerville residents.

Want to know more? Great! Contact Debbie Bennati or Juli Bennati at A Gal Named Cinda Lou - cindlougal@aol.com or 614.776.1409.


Image provided by A Gal Named Cinda Lou. ©2009 A Gal Named Cinda Lou. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Fourth Fridays!

This Friday, April 24, 2009 kicks off the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau Fourth Friday Season with Uptown Alive!

Great family fun! Fourth Fridays run through September!

To read more about April's Fourth Friday, click here.

To visit the WVCB online, visit http://www.visitwesterville.org/.

Image provided by Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau. ©2009 Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Silhouette Profiles

The art of silhouette (think of the famous images of film director Alfred Hitchock) has been around since the late 1750s and started in France. This art of detailed paper cutting in-profile is named for a French finance minister named Etienne de Silhouette. Before the advent of photographs, silhouette portraits were a popular, affordable way to reflect someone's appearance.

This weekend, stop by A Gal Named Cinda Lou, 20 N. State and meet Silhouette Artist Anne B. Wildman. Anne will be creating silhouettes for just $10 -- 2 silhouettes for the same person -- while you sit.

At just $10 a sitting, silhouettes are a wonderful small indulgence and will make a thoughtful Mother's Day gift.

Stop by A Gal Named Cinda Lou this Saturday, April 25th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 26th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.


Source: wikipedia.com

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Gift Inspiration

Looking for creative, new ideas for gifts? Think birthstones. A birthstone-inspired gift can be an actual gemstone or gemstone-inspired -- think about colors, symbolism, cultures, labels, family heritage, art, and legends:

Modern Gemstones
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Bloodstone, Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Sardonyx, Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal, Tourmaline
November: Yellow Topaz, Citrine
December: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite

Traditional Gemstones
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Bloodstone
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Sardonyx
September: Sapphire
October: Tourmaline
November: Citrine
December: Zircon, Lapis Lazuli

Mystical Gemstones
These gemstones date back thousands of years
January: Emerald
February: Bloodstone
March: Jade
April: Opal
May: Sapphire
June: Moonstone
July: Ruby
August: Diamond
September: Agate
October: Jasper
November: Pearl
December: Onyx

And, your gift inspiration, could be written in the stars. Birthstones can also be associated with astrological signs and planets:

Aquarius (1.21 - 2.18): Garnet
Pisces (2.19 - 3.20): Amethyst
Aries (3.21 - 4.20): Bloodstone
Taurus (4.21 - 5.21): Sapphire
Gemini (5.22 - 6.21): Agate
Cancer (6.22 - 7.22): Emerald
Leo (7.23 - 8.23): Onyx
Virgo (8.24 - 9.22): Carnelian
Libra (9.23 - 10.23): Chrysolite (Peridot), Aventurine
Scorpio (10.24 - 11.22): Beryl (Apache Tear)
Sagittarius (11.23 - 12.24): Topaz
Capricorn (12.24 - 1.20): Ruby

Sun/Leo: Rock Crystal
Mercury/Gemini: Tiger Eye
Mercury/Virgo: Citrine
Venus/Taurus: Adventurine, Emerald
Venus/Libra: Sapphire
Mars/Aries: Jasper
Saturn/Capricorn: Lapis Lazuli
Jupiter/Sagittarius: Topaz
Uranus/Aquarius: Turquoise
Neptune/Picses: Aquamarine
Pluto/Scorpio: Garnet

No matter the stars, stone, or the season, The Uptown Gift Card is the perfect gift anytime. The Uptown Gift Card symbolizes a thoughtful, imaginative, uncommon gift welcomed and sold at 16 fine Uptown Westerville merchants.

▪ A Gal Named Cinda Lou
▪ Amish Originals Furniture Co.
▪ Captivating Canines
▪ Deja Vu
▪ The Dog Joint
▪ Hey Diddle Diddle
▪ It's All In The Name
▪ Java Central
▪ Joe's Service Automobile Repair
▪ Lola Belle Boutique
▪ Meza
▪ Morgan's Treasure
▪ Outside Envy
▪ Ruth Reed Antiques
▪ Serendipity Ice Cream & Coffee House
▪ Westerville Bike Shop


▪ Online source on gemstone meanings: bernadine.com
▪ Note: Peridot can be pronounced: pare-ah-doh or pare-ah-dot.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for Spring Blooms

Walk, drive, run, bike, scooter, or skate around Uptown Westerville to enjoy the absolutely beautiful spring blooms in the nooks and crannies of Uptown Westerville's streets, walkways, parks & residences.

Photos courtesy of Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place to Celebrate April is Art Month

In Uptown Westerville, April is Art Month and Renee Kropat and Gallery 202, 38 N. State, celebrate art and community with 60 lamppost banners all created and contributed by Westerville residents and businesses.

Professional artists, Hanby Arts Magnet Elementary School, Westerville City Schools and Otterbein College students, talented residents, galleries, museums... Westerville is a creative community 365 days a year.

To check out Gallery 202's Banner Gallery, click here.

And, better yet, Shop Uptown Westerville, take a walk around, and look at these creative, bright banners in person.

True to the theme -- truly a celebration of art! Thanks much to Renee for creating this fabulous community project.

Make Gallery 202 and the Gallery 202 gift shop a regular stop on your Uptown Westerville visits.

By the way, Gallery 202's classic urban loft space is also available for small venue events like meetings, showers, and family get togethers and shared studio space. To learn more about fees and details, contact Renee Kropat at renee@gallery202online.com.

How do you find Gallery 202? It's easy... look for the bubbles Uptown!

Photos courtesy of Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place for the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 2009 Season

Well, it's less than a month away!

The 2009 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market season opens May 6th. The market runs through October 28th and is open each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at N. State and E. Home Streets.

All Ohio.

Home-grown.

Home-made.

Market vendors are signing up daily, and so far your market shopping experience will include...

▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods
▪ Bildsten Landscape
▪ Bird's Haven Farms
▪ Blue Jacket Dairy
▪ Bridgman Farm
▪ Carousel Watergardens Farm &
Cathy's Tasty Treats
▪ Flying J Farm
▪ Honey Health Farms
▪ Landrum Cottage Designs
▪ Malabar Acres
▪ Nature's Honey
▪ Northridge Organic Farm
▪ Osage Lane Creamery
▪ Pleiades Maple Products

While you're in Uptown Westerville to visit the market this summer, make it a complete Uptown Westerville experience and Shop Uptown Westerville!

What's up with the market? Visit the market blog regularly! (Just click here.)

Pictured: Certified organic peppers from Northridge Organic Farm. Photo courtesy of Linda Foor. ©2008 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.

Uptown Westerville is a Place 4 Your Garden at Outside Envy

Kriss Rogers, owner of Outside Envy, 15 N. State, recently hosted WCMH/Channel 4's living, breathing garden encyclopedia, Tom McNutt for video segments that will run this weekend (April 11th) on the morning news.


Look for Tom's Outside Envy 4 Your Garden segments this Saturday morning, April 11th, between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. and possibly again on Sunday around 6:45 a.m.

Next time you're in Uptown Westerville, stop by Outside Envy and meet Kriss Rogers.

Outside Envy is a welcoming garden environment with a selection of garden and home accents and accessories perfect for home, deck, patio, and garden.

A wonderful place for imaginative gift ideas, including the Uptown Gift Card.

Outside Envy is a Place for Small Indulgences, to read more click here.


Pictured: Kriss Rogers and Tom McNutt at Outside Envy. Photo courtesy of Kriss Rogers. ©2009 Kriss Rogers. All rights reserved. Outside Envy exterior photos courtesy of Linda Foor. ©2009 Brickstreet Communications. All rights reserved.