A Blinding Romance

The second edition of Dining in the Darke has held on Feb. 13 at Montage Cafe in downtown Greenville.  This experience was a little different than the first at The Bistro Off Broadway.

When the guests arrived we took each party individually to their own table as we introduced them to their surroundings.  Observing this with my own eyes, this interaction allowed for a more private, romantic encounter that was still full of curiosity and amazement.

The menu created by Chef and Owner Aaron Cox and wife Michele consisted of a romaine lettuce salad with strawberries, red onion, walnuts, parmesan cheese tossed with a strawberry vinaigrette.  The next course was a flavorful grilled chicken breast (everyone thought it was beef or pork!) on a bed of spinach fettuccine, topped with sun-dried tomato cream sauce & feta cheese. And for dessert Michele created a chocolate mousse with a "M" made out of chocolate fudge for garnish.  The consistency  of the fudge made everyone think it was carmel.

We at Main Street Greenville had a blast bringing this experience again to Darke County. We were thrilled to see people coming from one hour to two hours away to take in the experience as well.  Stay tuned for a possible Dining in the Darke III!

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A Diverse Experience

Dining in the Darke

Friday, February 13, 2009

Montage Café at 7pm

$40 per person

Advance ticket sales only

Spoil your sweetie the day before Valentine's Day with an experience of sensitivity never experienced before, taking a journey of taste, sound and touch all while in the dark.  In this age of information overload, visual stimulation has reached an all time high. But imagine that you cannot see, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, more stimulating dining experience - this is "Dining in the Darke."

Guests are welcome to arrive at Montage Cafe in dowtown Greenville at 7 pm on Friday, February 13. They will be seated and given a uniquely constructed blindfold called a "Mindfold." Once everyone is in total "darkeness" they will be offered a drink from a select list of wine and beer.  When the 3-course gourmet meal, a menu specially designed by Montage chef/owner Aaron Cox, is brought into the dining room, guests will enjoy an experience of taste, smell, touch and sound they will never forget. So that participants will truly need to use all senses other than sight to determine what it is they are eating, the menu will be revealed at the end of the dinner.

"The board members of Main Street Greenville are excited for the opportunity to bring such an out of the ordinary event to Darke County," says Amber Schmerge, Executive Director. "While doing research on dark dining, we found that it happens in major cities for up to three times the cost we're offering here in Greenville. We're looking forward to an interesting evening," she concluded. The ticket price of $40 a person includes two alcoholic beverages, dinner and dessert.

To reserve your seat, please call Main Street Greenville at 937.548.4998 or purchase tickets at Montage Cafe, 527 S. Broadway, Greenville Mon-Sat. 8 am-4 pm. 

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Snow, Snow, and More Snow!

Well here in western Ohio we have been hit with a gift from Mother Nature.  Whether we see it as a gift or not is up to us.  Kids see it as a gift for the fact that snow days are no school days. Others see it as a pain in the rear.  But the shear beauty of snow really is something everyone should stop and enjoy. 

In downtown Greenville, I am sure numerous downtown businesses are praying for the melting of 12" of powder to speed up. Eight foot mounds occupy every corner of downtown. The above picture however says it all.  As long as a welcoming path hits your destination what does it matter how many feet of snow we have? Take the beauty of it in and have the attitude of sunny skies.  

What's great about a downtown is that it is walkable.  In the winter, if I don't have to drive I am happy.  So downtown allows one to do that.  Get things you need, take in the mounds of snow, help a neighbor and visit with others with the simple task of walking.  Take winter as the time to mingle and uplift one another.  

Soon the 8' mounds will melt away and sunny skies will be all we see, for everyone gets wrapped up in vacations, convertibles, and fairs that there is no time for simple conversation and mingling. What a gift snow is.

The sidewalk is always clear for those who wish to visit downtown.

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a hometown Holiday

a hometown Holiday was a vision of Main Street Greenville to have local talent performing during the whole holiday season downtown.  We set out for auditions and were delighted with the response of great talent we have in Darke County. 

As Christmas favorites are broadcasted on the sound system downtown, this cd of local talent is within the mix.  Main Street Greenville is making this cd available to the public to enjoy.  You can get your "a hometown Holiday" at Readmore's Hallmark, Montage Cafe, Main Street Greenville, or by calling Main Street Greenville at 937.548.4998 with your request.  

The cd sell for $12 with all proceeds going toward downtown Greenville events and activities.

Thank you for your interest in the great local talent in Darke County.

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Well the Weather Out Side Is Frightful

But unfortunately it isn't snow that we are frightful of... it's the rain!

The Hometown Holiday Parade scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 7pm.  

Look for a great parade featuring horse drawn carriages next Saturday in downtown Greenville. 

If you still would like to plan your evening for downtown Greenville tonight the shops and eateries are open late for their Holiday Open House.  Enjoy the Hometown hospitality all in downtown Greenville.   

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Historic Downtown Calendars

An 18-month calendar has been created by Main Street Greenville to showcase the historic integrity of downtown Greenville from 1890’s to the 1930’s. The calendar contains twenty historic photographs taken throughout the downtown district. 

The calendar runs from January 2009 until June 2010 and can be purchased for $10 each at Readmore’s Hallmark, KitchenAid Experience, Granny’s Corner, Bread of Life, Bear’s Mill, Wayne Hospital Gift Shop, and the Brethren Retirement Gift Shop. 

The proceeds from the sale of the calendar benefit Main Street Greenville’s Design Committee to further downtown improvements. 

To have a calendar sent to you, please contact the Main Street Greenville office at 937.548.4998..

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A Candlelight Stroll

Oh, Autumn is here! But soon all the fall decor will be replaced with the magical sights of Christmas. On November 13, 14, 15 downtown Greenville will host their annual Holiday Open House. So far the schedule of events are as follows:

November 13

Holiday shopping with stores open until 8pm

Downtown Church tour with luminaries lighting the way from 5-8pm

Carriage Rides compliments of Greenville National Bank from 5-8pm

November 14

Holiday shopping with stores open until 8pm

Hometown Holiday Music Showcase 6-8pm at Montage

Hear local musical talent perform Christmas classics and modern hits

November 15

Holiday shopping

Performance by East Echos, Greenville Elementary School music group, at 5:30pm on Broadway
Performance by Greenville Municipal Band in Annie Oakley Park at 6:30pm

5th Annual Hometown Holiday Parade featuring horse drawn carriages at 7pm

We hope you can mark this special weekend on your calendar for a visit to downtown Greenville.

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