I've been noticing the strangest thing on the city sidewalks when I take my daily lunchtime stroll -- tables and chairs (and people sitting in them).

It's something I have seen in other big cities and always envied. Erie's summers are so short-lived that we really should make the most of every single nice day. I always figured that Erie business owners didn't want to make the investment and bother with sidewalk dining for the few weeks we can actually eat outdoors.

Well, thank God for the DID (Downtown Improvement District) -- a group of downtown retailers who've banded together to collectively market downtown Erie. Not only has DID brought some kick-ass fun downtown and improved the reputation of downtown Erie, but they've encouraged downtown businesses to offer outdoor seating -- making it cool to be seen having a good time.

In some of the other cities I've been to -- including Atlanta, Chicago and New Orleans (before the flood, of course) -- all the coolest restaurants have outdoor seating. Many in Atlanta and New Orleans have means to open the entire front of their establishment. Those are the restaurants that we always wanted to (and did) eat in. There is just something wildly cool about eating outside and enjoying the summer sun and fresh air.

Well, lo and behold, both The Cellblock (State Street, next to papermoon) and Peccadilo's (on 10th across from the Baldwin Building), have both recently installed giant garage-like doors that allow them to expose the entire front of the restaurant/bar. I don't know why, but now I really want to go sit there. It's inviting, I guess.

Here are -- to my knowledge -- the best places to enjoy an outdoor lunch in the city (or, at least, those places that offer outdoor seating):
1. Calamari's
2. Bertrands
3. The Plymouth Courtyard
4. Pufferbelly
5. Peccadillos
6. Smuggler's Wharf
7. Dobbins Landing (obviously, this is hot dogs and popcorn fare, but...it still counts).
8. Jrs on the Bay
9. Rose Garden Cafe

So, take some friends and go enjoy a meal outdoors -- sit on the sidewalk where you can see and be seen. If you really try, you may even think you're in a big, happening city.

But, then again....maybe you already are.