Date Night Picks: CJO at the Southern Theatre
Nothing says singalong like tunes from three of the most rocking pianists of all time. Columbus Jazz Orchestra will put on "Piano Men," featuring songs from Billy Joel, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, in April at the Southern Theatre.
Here are some ideas on how to stretch an evening with the orchestra into the perfect Downtown date night.
Grab a drink
Start the evening with a cocktail at Curio. Adjacent to German Village's Harvest Pizzeria, this cozy speakeasy has quickly become one of the city's hottest places to drink-and bartender Travis Owens has concocted some new sips for 2013.
The Violet Fizz ($11) is based on the classic purple-hued Aviation cocktail, and it's made with gin, violet liqueur, lemon juice and egg whites. For something stronger, try Old Money ($11). It's made with Laphroaig, creme de cassis, Cocchi Americano and orange bitters. If you're going to the Thursday or Friday shows, swing by between 5 to 7 p.m. for happy hour, when featured classic cocktails are $5.
Dinner on High
Before the show, stop into De-Novo Bistro & Bar, a couple blocks north of the Southern on High Street. The inventive American menu has options at every price range, from a spicy Kobe Chorizo Burger ($11) with truffle parmesan fries to a popular Chilean Sea Bass ($36) with roasted fingerlings. Definitely order an appetizer to start-the Spicy Ahi Tuna Cups ($12) small plate is perfectly portioned.
Late-night treat
After the show, walk down the block to MoJoe Lounge for a late-night coffee and dessert. Grab a classic latte ($2.75)-decaf, of course-or an Espresso Martini ($8). Or delve into the seasonal cocktail menu, showing off made-in-Ohio liquors from Watershed and Middle West Spirits. And leave room for dessert: the coffee shop serves an extensive selection of cheesecakes ($4.25-$4.50), including New York-style and Oreo.
SouthernTheatre
21 E. Main St., Downtown
"Piano Men: The Music of Billy Joel, Elton John & Stevie Wonder"
When: April 11-13
Tickets: $30-$49
Curio
495 S. Fourth St., German Village
De-Novo Bistro and Bar
201 S. High St., Downtown
MoJoe Lounge
149 S. High St., Downtown