Downtown Fort Wayne is poised to allow alcohol outside of restaurants and bars. The city council has introduced an ordinance that would allow patrons to take drinks outside to roam about areas known as Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA). The ordinance still needs to be approved and get the thumbs up from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

Last spring, Indiana lawmakers gave cities and towns authority to allow public consumption during specific times and in specific zones, called a DORA. Fort Wayne’s zone would stretch as far south as Douglas Avenue and north to Promenade Park, approximately two blocks wide. This would include The Landing and most downtown eateries. 

Within the proposed area, people will be allowed to carry open alcohol containers only sold by vendors or designated permittees approved by the mayor’s office. Patrons will be limited to two designated cups and must consume or dispose of the drinks within the designated area at authorized times. The area will be clearly defined with signage.

Businesses in those areas would be granted permits by the city if they already had the required alcohol permits and licenses. 

In some cases, catering permits would also be a requirement.

Learn to make sushi at Saisaki

There’s still time to sign up for a sushi-making class at Saisaki, 200 E. Main St. The class is designed for couples, but that can be a friend, a family member, or, of course, a significant other. 

The last classes of 2023 are Dec. 30 and 31 from noon-2 p.m. 

Call Saisaki at (260) 739-5286 to get registered or learn more. 

Cosmos moving into Chestnut Plaza

There’s another delicious option for southwest Fort Wayne. Cosmos House of Pancakes is heading to Chestnut Plaza, near Scott and Illinois roads. 

The popular breakfast spot will move into space the space formerly occupied by Hotel Tango. 

Cosmos also operates at 9807 Lima Road.

Polar Plunge at Howie’s on Hamilton

Even if you aren’t dipping your toe into the cool water of Hamilton Lake, you can still enjoy the Polar Bear Plunge Watch Party on Dec. 31 at Howie’s on Hamilton, 3950 E. Bellefontaine Road in downtown Hamilton. 

Festivities get going at 11 a.m. with the big splash at 2 p.m. There will be drink specials and chili to keep you warm. 

Bell Mansion hosts Gatsby party

The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Wayne St., will ring in the new year with a Great Gatsby party on Sunday, Dec. 31. 

Set in the 130-year-old mansion, this themed-event features a full dinner, live DJ, appetizers, finger foods, and desserts from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 

To purchase tickets, go to thebellmansion.com

Christmas Day dining options

Here’s a quick list of local eateries that say they will be open on Christmas. 

  • Asakusa, 6224 Lima Road, noon-8:30 p.m.
  • Chung King Express, 3101 N. Anthony Blvd., 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Double Dragon, 117 W. Wayne St., noon-9 p.m.
  • Eddie Merlot’s, 1502 S. Illinois Rd., noon-8 p.m.
  • Haru Sushi Izakaya, 40356 Coldwater Road, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • IHOP, 4403 Coldwater Road; 1535 W. Washington Center Road; 6839 W. Jefferson Blvd.
  • Koto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi, 301 Washington Center Road, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
  • Nori Asian Cuisine, 2882 E. Dupont Road, 4-9 p.m.
  • The Han Dynasty, 6401 W. Jefferson Blvd., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Paradise Buffet, 1411 Shook Dr., Auburn, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Passion Fin Asian Bistro, 918 Woodland Plaza Run, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Sapporo Steakhouse, 6150 Lima Road, noon-8 p.m.
  • Storming Crab Cajun Seafood, 520 Coliseum Blvd. East, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
  • Q House, 1125 E. Dupont Road, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Red Lobster, 4825 Coldwater Road, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 224 W. Wayne St., 3–8 p.m.

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.