It was quite the sight in Belleville's Downtown Core yesterday!
The streets of downtown buzzed with excitement as people bustled from one participating restaurant location to the next during the much anticipated Savour The Chill Soup Contest.
It was very encouraging to see so many on the streets on Saturday. What was especially encouraging were the appreciative comments I overheard while standing in lines.
Many had not visited some of these locations before, whether they be restaurants or other shops of interest. Either the existence of these stores were unknown or they hadn't made time to drop in yet.
As of last count, soup ballots for the contest sat at approximately 650, and that's from those who took the time to vote. This is very encouraging indeed!
The question from many out on Saturday is what else can be done to keep this momentum going. What other types of events can be created so participation, as witnessed this weekend can continue?
The After Party at Earl & Angelo's also brought many downtown during the evening to witness a beautiful display of fireworks while indulging in Beavertails, gourmet hot chocolate and hot dogs!
Saturday was a testament to what can be created downtown. As stated previously, it was a sight to behold all day long!
Congratulations to all that participated to make this happen; the BDIA, Bren's Bakery, Earl & Angelo's and all the participating restaurants who willing set up to receive the many that came in out of the cold!
Love Has Arrived In Downtown Belleville!
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Owner, Jane (left)/Manager, Julie (right) |
Jane cited that she wanted to open her own place and because of her love of jewellery purchased and re-opened Miss Priss! Miss Priss devotees will be thrilled!
This store is a destination place. The accessory line has always been a major draw for this store, but now the new venue has turned the items into eye candy! The incredible lightening, warm atmosphere and funky appeal attribute to the popularity of this place. The store was experiencing brisk traffic at the time of this interview.
The venue allows customers to immediately view a wide variety of offerings at a glance. From Italian leather purses, wallets and briefcases, to intricately designed one-of-a-kind neck pieces, to bangles, to scarves and rings! The selection is gorgeous! The prices are surprisingly affordable.
A popular new item to Miss Priss is the 'Pyrrha' line of necklaces. These necklaces are seals that carry images such as 'Carp Diem' and other such symbolic messages. They have been made popular by such celebrities as Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry.
Jane and Julie, thank you for giving Belleville yet another reason to walk and rediscover Downtown!
Miss Priss is open Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 5pm.
A Place To Express Yourself
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The Studio - 318 Front St. |
The Studio, was one such find! A nice find!
Patricia Mitchell, owner/operator, of this calming space, which opened its doors October 2010, envisioned a place where members of the community, artists and muscians alike can come, relax, feel welcome and comfortably exist in one space. The space definitely had a 'vibe' in the atmosphere!
The Studio is a cornucopia of activities, not in a busy or hectic way, but definitely a place where one can find a way to express oneself.
Patricia welcomes muscians to participate in open jams held twice each month. If your group requires a practice space, The Studio can more than accommodate you. Or just drop in and practice on your own, either way, The Studio welcomes you!
Patricia was proud to announce that The Studio just hosted a wedding for the first time. The venue is capable of accommodating up to 60 guests and catering is available upon request for private functions. The venue is also able to provide an officiant and florist for the special day!
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Drumming at The Studio |
The space boasts an onsite coffee shop serving coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries for sale.
Also onsite are in-house artisans. Lisa Morris (pictured left), jewellery maker extraordinaire showed a few of her signature pieces! Original and one of kind! Also, I watched a carver bring beauty to a piece of wood, amazing!
What else can one experience at The Studio:
Open Jams - 1st & 3rd Thursdays
Drumming Circle - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Art Instruction - call for schedule
Photography lessons - coming soon!
If all you need is a place to be while you have coffee, or someplace to bring your laptop and plug in (free WiFi available) or a place to chat with friends, The Studio is definitely the place for you!
Patricia herself is an avid photographer. Her shots of Downtown Belleville are amazing. Stop by and check them out.
Congrats to Patricia and her husband for the creation of such a space downtown!
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri: 10am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: 10am - 3pm
Join them on Facebook - 'The Studio at 318' for ongoing updates.
It's Sexy. It's Intimate. It's Cache....
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First-On Site Restoration building bar at Bellevegas Boardroom |
Owner, Mike Botterill, was obviously excited as we spoke of his project, the re-development and re-construction of the Bellevegas Boardroom Lounge. Earlier in 2010, the Lounge experienced smoke damage resulting in the closure of this venue for months. As I stood and watched, a seeming miracle was taking place. A busy crew from First-On Site Restoration was beautifully creating a space that the public will immensely enjoy! The crew not only cleared away debris caused by the smoke damage, they went about reconstructing the space and painting. A gorgeous bar was being built, the wood construction and expert craftsmanship quite obvious. I had no idea this crew was so creative and their abilities so vast! Wonderful job First-On Site Restoration! Kudoos go out to Horwood Electric and Dave Lowrie Plumbing for their work in bringing this venue back to life!
Mike's vision is to create a space that is warm, friendly, intimate and provides excellent service. The hope is that the Lounge will appeal to the 30+ professional crowd who have discerning tastes. A place where this group can network and/or engage in great music, signature drinks, popular bands and dance to the sound of House, Dance, Top 40 or Modern Rock.
The venue will also host theme evenings such as 50s & 60s Nights and special occasion parties. The venue is available for private party rentals upon request. The capacity is approx. 100.
Bellevegas Boardroom Lounge will be holding a huge bash February 11 in conjunction with Mix 97 (Single Mingle). February 12 they will be open for dancing with a great DJ in control of the atmosphere. The venue will be closed Feb. 26 - March 5 to the public due to private parties.
Mike is also excited about summer hours as the Lounge will have its back patio open where one can take in the sights and sounds of the river while listening to music! Sweet!
The Downtown Gal is excited and happy to have such a great and warm space coming to Downtown. A space for adults to network and enjoy themselves! Great job Mike!
Hours of Operation: Thurs, Friday & Saturday 9pm - 2am.
Visit and join the Bellevegas Boardroom Lounge on Facebook for ongoing updates!
A Great Neighborhood...?....It Can Be!

What transforms a dingy, inhospitable area into a dynamic gathering place? How do individuals take back their neighborhood?
Neighborhoods decline when the people who live and work there lose their connection and no longer feel part of their community. Recapturing that sense of belonging and pride of place can be as simple as planting a garden or painting a weather-worn door or prettying up sidewalks and windows.
Any community can be improved and enlivened, not just by vast infusions of cash, not just by government, but by the people who live and work there. Ideas addressing such challenges as traffic control, crime, comfort and safety, and developing economic vitality are some of the issues at hand when discussing Downtown Belleville. There are wonderful conversations taking place as we speak to revitalize the core and I for one am quite pleased by this.
The evidence is apparent that change is beginning to take hold down here. As you stroll through the downtown core you will notice facades have been updated and improved, new businesses have taken up residence, landlords are re-designing upper level living spaces and improvements for safety are on the way in. These are just some of the improvements I've noticed. What have you noticed?
As wonderful as all the changes have been the magic towards transformation lies in the people! People in their community enhancing their own neighborhoods through the process of transforming public space — it's about the magic that happens when individuals take small steps, and motivate others to make change.
What Downtown magic can we create as a community? Please share!
We Are Having An Affair...

This event is in support of the The Sexual Assault Centre's effort to raise funds for its Residential Healing Centre in the Quinte District.
The event brings together the luxurious taste of chocolate and smooth taste of your favourite wines! The event is proud to be supported by Huffs Estate Winery and Donini Chocolate. Both are well-renowned for their excellent product both here and abroad!
The evening will consist of wine and chocolate pairings that both the sommelier and chocolate expert will create to ensure your evening is magical and delicious!
Not to forget the silent auction where you will have the ability to bid on items that will both delight and enchant!
This event is a very nice way to end your week and help chase away the winter blahs while supporting a worthwhile cause in the Quinte area!
For more details or to RSVP to the event click here!
Caring About Customer Service Screw Ups!
Yesterday a story was posted about a downtown business that went the extra mile for a customer! Well done L'Auberge de France!

In today's post I want to draw attention to the idea that what customers mostly want from service providers is validation!
Many of us have experienced great service when out and about shopping. However, sometimes things go wrong. When this happens owners/managers usually would attempt to solve the issue by either giving discounts or freebies for the mistake. Most customers don't want freebies for mistakes made (not usually anyway). What they want is acknowledgement that something had gone wrong. Most businesses operate with the intention to provide the best service possible. Some days this is not always possible. However, when something does go awry, nothing wrong with giving the customer that special touch by letting them know this is not how the business delivers its service or product and to allow them the opportunity to try again! Simple and to the point! People just want to be heard!
If you provide a service or product, deliver the best you've got and the day this doesn't happen, acknowledge and validate...your customers will love you!
There are many hardworking business owners that reach out and provide the best to their customers everyday! Share your stories and experiences about your encounter with the shop owners downtown! If there was an award, the first one would go to L'Auberge!
Looking forward to your feedback!

In today's post I want to draw attention to the idea that what customers mostly want from service providers is validation!
Many of us have experienced great service when out and about shopping. However, sometimes things go wrong. When this happens owners/managers usually would attempt to solve the issue by either giving discounts or freebies for the mistake. Most customers don't want freebies for mistakes made (not usually anyway). What they want is acknowledgement that something had gone wrong. Most businesses operate with the intention to provide the best service possible. Some days this is not always possible. However, when something does go awry, nothing wrong with giving the customer that special touch by letting them know this is not how the business delivers its service or product and to allow them the opportunity to try again! Simple and to the point! People just want to be heard!
If you provide a service or product, deliver the best you've got and the day this doesn't happen, acknowledge and validate...your customers will love you!
There are many hardworking business owners that reach out and provide the best to their customers everyday! Share your stories and experiences about your encounter with the shop owners downtown! If there was an award, the first one would go to L'Auberge!
Looking forward to your feedback!
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