Studio's makes the Scene.

A patio lunch at Studio's Grille & Pub on Saturday was indeed a study of contrasts. To one side of us was a table of long-time political regulars, including Mayor England and just-elected Floyd County Democratic Chair John Wilcox. On the other was a near constant procession of Louisvillians, most visiting for the first time. Owner Trish Meyer had to put up more green canvas along the fence to accommodate new autographs.

C-J restaurant critic Marty Rosen wasn't there but he's obviously been spending the time and catching the vibe, so much so that downtown New Albany and the Y got plugged almost as much as Studio's stuffed burger in his latest review.

Strolling through New Albany after dark is a wonderful study in contrast. One night, the downtown grid was a hushed reminder of the river city's prosperous past. We walked past an old bank building constructed in the style of a Greek temple, a movie theater that dates back to the epoch of Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin, a glorious old hotel reminiscent of the gilded age.

And in the fullness of time, we came to the New Albany branch of the YMCA of Southern Indiana. That building shone like a jewel in the darkness. It's a collection of sharp angles and bright glass windows, through which we could see throngs — really, throngs — of people swimming, jogging, lifting weights, shooting baskets, having fun and burning calories.

We probably should have joined up that very night — after all, we'd just consumed more than our fair share of calories a few blocks away at Studio's Grille & Pub, a down-to-earth home-style restaurant that prides itself on scratch-made classics straight from the canon of Midwestern cookery.

Studio's serves up the classics by Marty Rosen, Special to the C-J