A Sanctuary Amongst Skyscrapers

Venues are a personal choice. Some prefer a calm and conversational atmosphere. Some prefer a chaotic and crushed energy. Some prefer a vibrant dance environment. Some prefer a visually scrumptious panorama.

Upon my arrival for Cinco de Mayo, Park Street Patio was stirring. The only negative aspect was the venue itself. Only the patio was accessible. Despite the pre-summer chill in the air and the threat of rain, the indoor setting remained dark and vacant. Who thought that was a brilliant idea?

As for the crowd, they were communal and relaxed. From the tables to the outdoor grill to DJ Samurai spinning in open air, the entire evening possessed a backyard barbecue ambiance. Then again, how many backyard barbecues occur above the I-670 overpass with a major city as their backdrop?

The eclectic and mutual expression shared by friends consuming beer buckets and random acquaintances discussing and watching basketball, painted an essentially familial portrait. What Park Street Patio offered on Tuesday is mirrored at thousands of parties in hundreds of cities across this nation. The scene was not unique. It was comfortably enjoyable.

Uncomfortable, is this city’s expanding obsession with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was again obvious this evening. Sugar Bar and Park Street Patio Co-Owner Brian Swanson epitomized this obsession. He hyped the franchise, labeled the season “the Cavs year,” and even offered a wager to me based upon the team’s finals results (I will politely decline)… Columbus, seriously, you are not a basketball city… You’re not even a college basketball city. Stop seeking a champion and enjoy your three-month Ohio State-USC vacation.

As I exited the cozy air of the venue’s tiki torches and entered the pre-summer chill I mentioned previously, my eyes redirected toward the imposing city skyline that was close enough to grasp and yet several blocks away. For only a moment, the minor attitude of this major city was welcome. It was hometown.