Dining Under the Stars Finishes with Great Success

Mother Nature didn’t cooperate for Media’s final , but not all is lost. Overall, the season is still ending with stellar success.

Every Wednesday from the beginning of May throughout the summer, thousands of people came out for, which seems to gain more popularity by the year. During the dinner hours, State Street was closed to traffic from Jackson to Orange Streets, and restaurants offered outdoor seating in the street. Diners enjoyed meals and treats from their favorite spots, from fresh sushi to pasta dishes, from a cocktail at to an ice cream cone from

It was the first time around for on Olive Street, which just opened this past spring. Co-owner Greg Quintiliano says for the first year, they were thrilled.

"We were ecstatic about the response, and for us to be as busy as we were. It was a great help to kick start the business, like a grand opening," says Quintiliano. "It says a lot about the town itself, and how people support the businesses, including the Media Business Authority. It really proves to be a complete success. It’s a genius idea."

Shops and galleries stayed open later, so diners could browse or buy. The free, family-friendly events featured live music by local bands, and art demonstrations.

Drew Arata, owner of , provided colorful chalk each week so the little ones could use their imagination and draw in the street. Arata, who has been instrumental with Media Arts Council, has brought in various unique, local artists and exhibits centered around Dining.

He says despite a couple of inevitable rain cancellations, was a tremendous success. 

"This year was greatly improved from last year, and of course there is always room for improvement. Overall, everyone enjoyed themselves. It was so hot this year, but once the sun went down and it cooled off, people embraced that. Despite the heat, the street still filled up," says Arata.

He adds that while diners supported their usual favorites, there were certainly some new notables.

"The addition of Olive Street with Dos Gringos and was a definite standout for this year, and they did a good job," says Arata.

Heidi Wiest, who enjoyed the open-air dining on Wednesdays at Dos Gringos and , says it’s always a good time.

"I think this season went really well. It’s such a great idea, and brings a lot of people to the town. It’s great food, and being with friends on a nice night in the summer, well, you can’t beat it," says Wiest.