Lori and Kevin Ames have opened restaurants before — 35, as a matter of fact — so even as they stood a few weeks ago amid unfinished walls, wrapped-up kitchen equipment and stacked chairs and tables, they insisted their latest spot would be open for business within weeks. And it is. Cafe on 5th, which the Ameses say will be their last restaurant venture (they've said that before, though), started welcoming customers April 17. Its location should be easy to remember: the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifth Street in...

Stand-up comedian and skilled impressionist Aries Spears will make his way to Columbus for a three-night special.

Better known for his role on Fox's "Mad TV" series, Spears will offer exclusive shows at Columbus Funny Bone, 145 Easton Town Center, from April 18-20.

Tickets are available at columbus.funnybone.com for $37. The shows are for guests 21 and older.

Spears will deliver his quick wit, relatable comedy and masterful impressions at five shows in Columbus this weekend:

For this taste test, Columbus Monthly's editors sought out the finest, flakiest croissants in town. We visited seven area bakeries and sampled their butter croissants, noting our impressions and the price points. Here's where we ate and what we learned. Belle's Bread, a French-inspired Japanese bakery in Kenny Centre Mall, serves its croissants as grab-and-go items wrapped in plastic. While efficient, the packaging made the croissant feel mass-produced, and its density did little to dispel that impression. However, it was well-baked with a good flake and a nice buttery flavor—an...

Rain may put a damper on some Easter egg hunts this weekend, the National Weather Service in Wilmington reports. But before the showers, things are going to get a little bit frosty early April 17 in central Ohio and beyond. The weather service has issued a frost advisory for Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties Fairfield counties from midnight until 9 a.m. April 17. More than three dozen other Ohio counties have also been placed under the advisory, which means anyone with blooming spring ground flowers may...

Visitors browse one of the skull booths at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Provided By Big Event Media One Man Riet offers vintage horror-pop posters, cards, art and novelties at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Provided By Big Event Media Sideshow entertainment is featured throughout the day at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Provided Big Event Media A customer shows off an interesting find at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Provided By Big Event Media Funeral-related items are to die for at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Provided By Big...

Need to chill out on Tax Day? Kona Ice has just the thing. Kona Ice will celebrate National Chill Out Day on April 15 by offering free cups of shaved ice to help give some relief to people after filing tax returns. Kona Ice trucks will be parked at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., Groveport, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Forget "no taxation without representation," Kona Ice is introducing "no taxation without relaxation" to help taxpayers celebrate with a sweet treat after filing their returns. “This time of year...

Workers began demolishing the United Way headquarters on South 3rd Street Downtown Monday, in anticipation of replacing the building with a five-story mixed-income housing complex. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority plans to replace the three-story, 55-year-old building at 360 S. 3rd St. with the $29-million housing complex, called AspireColumbus. The complex will include 82 apartments — 17 studios, 33 one bedrooms, 23 two bedrooms and nine three-bedrooms units — most of them aimed at middle- and low-wage families as well as people with disabilities, according to CMHA.

• The World Ballet Company's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" will premiere in Columbus on Tuesday. • The production aims to stay true to the source while using movement to convey the story. In one slim, 200-page volume, F. Scott Fitzgerald succinctly but effectively captured the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ‘20s. Widely accepted as the author’s magnum opus, “The Great Gatsby” transports the reader to the era of flirtatious flappers, jumpin’ jazz, lavish lifestyles and posh parties. Readers experience the decade’s excess and exuberance in a way usually...

LeVeque Tower's 69 apartments will be converted into condos in Downtown Columbus | Photos The 69 apartments in the LeVeque Tower are being converted into condominiums to be sold as the apartment leases expire. Provided By Matchbox Creative The 69 apartments in the LeVeque Tower are being converted into condominiums to be sold as the apartment leases expire. Provided By Matchbox Creative The 69 apartments in the LeVeque Tower are being converted into condominiums to be sold as the apartment leases expire. Provided By Matchbox Creative The 69 apartments in...