Much interest, of course, here about Bistro New Albany. Last evening I and other habitues of NAC were next door spreading the word about bNA's imminent (and eminent) opening (May 1 for lunch, May ?? for dinner). In fact, each attendee at the soiree had a short flyer announcing the opening.
But I see a problem vis a vis the cherished courtyard. Various and sundry politicos of the nicotine-addicted variety decamped from time to time through the French doors to the East of the Grand's ballroom and out into the bNA courtyard. That could become a problem if the Bistro catches on as I suspect it will. If patrons of The Grand take it for granted that they can traipse into the courtyard dining area at will, especially to smoke and kibitz, it won't be a pretty sight.
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As promised, here are a few observations from the Jefferson-Jackson Day Democratic Party celebration.
I experienced a moment of cognitive dissonance when I discovered ink-stained wretch Amany Ali all scrubbed up, seated with the grownups, and sans steno pad. In fact, Amany was a guest of honor and the recipient of an encomium of appreciation for her stalwart work as a reporter over past years.
But habits die hard, and I have it on good authority that the raven-haired Ali continues to dig for the story and made it a point to gather intelligence at the event. A reporter's instincts don't float away simply because the paycheck is signed by a different employer, even if the weekly take is higher.
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After a less-than-perfect dining scrum at last fall's Roosevelt Day dinner, the Floyd County Democratic Party Central Committee organized a much more effective solution to feeding hundreds of folks. Logistics prevented the preferred family-style service, but expanded buffet lines solved most of the problems.
It fell to party Vice-Chairwoman Marcey Wisman to herd the cats, and on paper the litany of "table 1 and 2 go to buffet line 3, table 40 and 39 go to buffet line 2, table 3 and 4...." must have seemed brilliant. It was, in fact, confusing, but it worked.
I have to admit to having stolen credit for one of the funnier lines of the night, and must credit Township Board candidate Rick Carmickle for the bon mot. I quickly passed it on to Ms. Wisman, but attendees thought it was my line: "Please remember that you will not be able to go through the buffet line without presenting a photo ID."
A little inside, but understood by a room full of political types on the virtual eve of an election day. HAVA, ostensibly the Helping Americans Vote Act, stimulated this new requirement at the polls; be sure to have a government-issued photo identification that includes an expiration date when you go to vote. Should you not be able to produce one, you may still vote on a provisional ballot, but you'll have to go to the County Clerk's office by noon on May 12 to prove you are who you are.
You are not required to present photo ID, ironically, if you vote "absentee" in person at the Voter Registrar's office (2nd floor north, City County Building). That "poll" is open today until 4, Saturday from 8 to 3 p.m., and Monday from 8 to noon.
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James Garner was at his best last evening. He spoke off the cuff in praising various dignitaries and made an eloquent case for a Democratic recapture of the statehouse and Congress. I've never heard him do better. He did not read from prepared remarks, but spoke from the heart about the critical problems faced by minority Democrats in the Indiana General Assembly, and by the towns and cities faced with unfunded state mandates.
I made it a point to keep my back turned and just listen while he spoke. I watched my tablemates and the crowd, who listened attentively. Cherie Smith Baumgartle, whom I escorted to the event, and who is also seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Township Board, assured me the mayor was not reading from the page, but was making eye contact with his fellow Democrats. All in all, it was an inspiring performance, especially his tribute to retiring County Commissioner John Reisert.
Nice job, too, in presenting the Roosevelt Award to former county Democratic Party chairman John Garry, Jr.
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Be sure to check out New Albany Today for a light-hearted look at last evening's J-J dinner, coming soon.
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Sadly, it appeared that the idea of a rancor-free primary campaign couldn't survive actual contact, and some of the factions obviously snubbed those from other factions. The most pointed was one incumbent's refusal to shake hands with a primary opponent.
In 2006, it appears the GOP can only count on turmoil within the Democratic Party to prevail in November. Unfortunately for the Dems, that is often something that can be counted on. Democratic Party Chairman Randy Stumler needs to watch for bitterness arising from the primary while waging his own campaign to become a county commissioner. It's a tough job, but if anybody can bring the party together, Stumler's the one.
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Baron Hill was unable to reach Louisville from Washington, so was forced to fly into Indianapolis and drive down, making him a couple of hours late for the dinner. He did make it in time, and I exchanged a few words with him on his way in. Let's just say it was a memorable encounter and leave it at that.
Congressional candidates John "Cosmo" Hockersmith (Washington County), Gretchen Clearwater (Bloomington), and Hill (Seymour) alternately amused and inspired the throng with an indictment of Republican corruption and dishonesty, and pleaded for the chance to take on incumbent Mike Sodrel.
Hockersmith comes off as a bit of a non-linear thinker, and has promised to donate his Congressional pay to charity. Clearwater is cogent and an attractive candidate, and offers a fairly progressive plan of action, based mostly on dissatisfaction with Bush handling of the economy, foreign policy, and national security. Hill seems self-assured, as usual, but obviously feels he must play this campaign toward the center. I'm still waiting for anyone who thinks Hill won't be the nominee Tuesday night.
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Once again, the gracious Becky Gardenour put in an appearance. Some will remember that the school board member created a bit of a stir at last fall's event. Although she serves on a "non-partisan" body, Gardenour is a pillar in a local party organization that includes not the "D" that most attendees proudly wore.
I introduced Becky to our friend the Highwayman, and the three of us discussed one particular local lawsuit for a few moments.
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Constituency for Progress members have pretty much agreed that endorsements aren't a CFP objective. On the other hand, most CFP'ers will be happy to share with you their views about the candidates. If you desire to know whom any of us might be supporting this election season, feel free to contact us individually.
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7 comments:
Would it be a safe assumption that you and Erik have not compared notes on the candidates?
The courtyard is not owned by bNA, it is owned by the New Albany Inn. The guests at The Grand pay for the privilege of using this courtyard when they rent the facility--they do not "traipse into the courtyard at will".
The owners of The Grand have done a great thing for downtown New Albany by renovating a building that for years, no one wanted to touch. I think you owe them an apology, and a retraction, for disseminating inaccurate info regarding their operations.
Geez, this town is so touchy about virtually everything ... small wonder nothing gets done here. Our skins are three sizes too small, or something like that.
If the courtyard is owned by the New Albany Inn, then it isn't owned by the Grand, anyway, and John (NA Inn owner) has some sort of deal with the Grand for use -- as you mention, Annie.
bNA leases from John, and I'm sure they have a deal, too.
In fact, it seems likely that everyone already understands that they have some sort of deal, and it's probably been the topic of specific discussions. After all, bNA can do catering for the Grand, just like House of Bread did.
What's the apology count? Let's just all apologize to each other, and be done with it.
It's enough to make you scream. Surely, Annie, you can't possibly be that upset over the use of the word "traipsing?"
(Banging my head against a tree, not unlike Charlie Brown)
It's not the use of the word "traipsing" that bothers me. It's the misrepresentation of the situation that bothers—and the passing off as that as fact.
Why diss a New Albany business and make its patrons seem to be ill-mannered trespassers?
The simple fact is this: if the renters of an event pay for the usage of the Courtyard, they are guaranteed usage of same. They are not infringing upon bNA's property and coming in to blow smoke in the faces of unwitting bNA patrons.
No offense, Annie, but I didn't interpret the post to suggest any trespass or dis at all- just that Grand patrons have gotten used to using the courtyard for smoking and that will need to be addressed if bNA starts to consistently fill the space. And I've been one of the "traipsers" on more than one occasion. As Roger said, I'm sure the business owners will figure it out. No biggie.
Points taken, but I stand by my comment. Perhaps it isn't that New Albanians have skins three sizes too small, but that years of frustration has made us collectively uncomfortable in our skins.
It might be interesting to know (and I don't, at least as yet) what bNA's smoking policy will be, both inside and out.
If patrons of The Grand take it for granted that they can traipse into the courtyard dining area at will, especially to smoke and kibitz, it won't be a pretty sight.
Is someone asserting that the patrons of The Grand are permitted to pop into the courtyard at their own discretion? No. That has been verified. Is someone asserting that the FCDP paid for access Thursday night? I doubt it, although it is possible. And a renascent dining establishment might just welcome the bar business.
So, if the party meeting were held NEXT Thursday and bNA were in the middle of evening courtyard hours, would Bluegill and his guests be surprised to discover a half-dozen people pop out of the building beside them? Yes, they would.
How on Earth you can take the remark as a diss is beyond me? I made an observation that, frankly, has nothing to do with The Grand or how well or poorly they operate their business.
Indeed, the courtyard is owned by The New Albany Inn. How does that change the fact that a)the guests at bNA will be startled or b)that patrons of The Grand may take it for granted that the courtyard is a smoking or kibitzing area?
I'm happy to correct any misimpression, but I said what I said. Nothing more. What makes you think I'd have any disrespect for the Scharlows or The Grand? They do a bang-up job for thousands of visitors a year in a lovingly maintained space. Third Century and the Calumet Club aspire to become peers of The Grand. All three companies have renovated and upgraded prime spaces. All are valuable.
Unlike some people in this town, I'm happy to spread my business among the venues. I've attended events at The Grand, The Parthenon, Culbertson West, and the Calumet Club in the past seven months. Who else here can say the same? Who boycotts and who refuses to boycott? Who disses other businesses and who doesn't?
I do think a lot of the personal vendettas in this town have gone quite far enough. Just because you have your knives out for me and mine doesn't mean the reverse is true. Play your little propaganda games if you must, but don't try to put words in my mouth. Thank you very much.
And I think it is telling that three days before an important election, this is what you choose to take from a fairly lengthy posting.
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