Drink & Dine in The District
Whether you’re a devoted fan, fellow philosopher, adult beverage enthusiast, celebrity culture vulture, wanderlusterer, skeptic, believer, or a foodie-before-foodies-were-cool, Anthony Bourdain has a place in your June. Here’s why, admire or disdain Bourdain, the celebrity author, tv star, chef asks these prickling questions:
“What are our expectations? Which of the things we desire are within reach? If not now, when? And will there be some left for me?"
Whoppers ain’t they? Great for summer pondering.
Potenal pondering made more enjoyable over freshly roasted coffee, a glass of wine, a plate of food, at a table with someone special. Can you dig it?
Make the month of June a month of summer thoughts and pleasures; participate in “Drink & Dine in The District” event throughout the month of June.
Columbia residents might recognize parts of this event as familiar, but this year, “Restaurant Week & Drinks in The District” has expanded through the entire month of June. Nikki Reese is The District’s new Events & Business Coordinator. She had this to say about Drink & Dine, “It is an opportunity to showcase new items from each of our participating restaurants and bars for a longer period. We love to support our local businesses, including all the culinary craftsmanship and skillful bartending we have right here in The District. Expanding the event will allow for larger time frame to do just that!”
You’ve heard the phrase, “Be a tourist in your own city.” Have you ever done it? Seems like the Bourdainian thing to do. And Anthony aside, why wouldn’t we? Tons of benefits in doing so. Personal benefits. Community benefits. More knowledge, more fun, benefits. Still need convincing?
Alrighty. Try these on for size:
- Walk around downtown (like one does on vacation), it’s a great way to get some steps in and get reacquainted with your city in a fresh way. Grab a friend and go touring on foot. Good for the body, good for the appetite, good for the environment, just plain ol’ good.
- Meet some new folks. Try talking to someone in the ice cream line at Sparky’s or sit at the bar and enjoy some banter with a fellow diner. Listen to a buskers tune and drop a few dollars in their hat. You may be surprised how engaging with strangers will enhance your touring experience.
- Art! Check out some of downtown Columbia’s outdoor art installations or pop in one of The District’s local galleries. There’s beauty to be witnessed y’all. And, if you get inspired, take an original piece home with you to admire every day.
- Touring your own city supports local shop owners and creates a healthier ecosystem of businesses in our city. This feels like a given - because it’s so true!
Are you ready already? Well get on out there – go!
Circling back to the questions from Bourdain, what are our expectations anyway? For today. This month. For next year. Next ten years. What do we expect out of the city we live in, our local neighborhoods and businesses? What do we expect of the food we put into our bodies? The clothes we put against our skin? The items we include in our households?
And, more importantly, what do we expect out of ourselves? What kind of neighbor, patron, citizen do we endeavor to be?
Does that feel like a guilt trip to come spend monies in The District? Banish the thought dear reader! Meer questions to ask oneself from time to time. I find them wildly implicating and bursting with possibility. So, I have a proposition for us this June: Let’s talk a walk. Let’s sit on an outdoor patio. Let’s get a plate to share. Let’s see what our city looks like when we approach it as a place we’ve chosen; a place we can experience with openness and exploration.
Extinguishing the illusion of disconnection, let’s Drink & Dine this June, making space for new relationships, new discoveries. These things are within our reach! And if not now, when? There’s plenty left for us all to enjoy.
Wondering how you can participate? Here’s a note from Reese on how:
Pick up a passport anytime in the month of June from a participating business. These passports are also available at coffee shops in The District and at City Hall! Simply take the passport to a participating business and try out their specials or discounts. Gather three or more stickers on your passport, just make sure your server signs off on the passports! At the end of the month, turn in your passports to The District (visit us at 11 S. 10th Street) or at one of the participating restaurants or bars. We will pick them up and draw six participants to win $100.00 in gift cards to The District businesses!
It’s good to be here!