College Corner has a new destination location for folks who want an all new dining and drinking experience. The Twenty-One has opened officially, as co-owners Jimmy Johnson and Jim and Rhonda Jackson of College Corner hosted a two-day opening to a crowded house that included bites, blues and brews (as well as a full range of beers, wines, and mixed drinks.) Located in the center of town at 21 Park Place, the bar and restaurant calls itself both upscale and old school, and delivers on both promises. The menu must be mentioned, as it makes this Southern writer’s heart sing, and includes some of the best shrimp and grits I’ve had, as well as other southern fare such as cajun chicken and bread pudding with bourbon glaze for dessert, along with burgers, wings, beautiful salads, and both vegan and vegetarian options. With a location as unique as its food and decor, stepping into the 21 is truly an event; one feels they could be in any city, with its bright ambience and fresh flowers at the tables. Yet its home in College Corner is what makes this place so special. If you’re familiar with the area, this is the building that once housed Choo Choo’s and Jim’s before that. A massive renovation has made it unrecognizable though inviting, with a stage, a bar, a lounge area and both low top and high top seating. This was Jim Jackson’s vision for the place, and it comes through clearly in his attention to both the architectural and artistic detail. The walls are filled with memorabilia from Jackson’s years as a bar owner and musician, with original art done by Joe Prescher of Oxford, Ohio. Blues legend Snapper Mitchum walked the floor Saturday night, as he has done for four decades, opening the place officially in the style of a true Chicago Bluesman. Mingling with the crowd, Snapper played his heart out for his fans-turned-friends. Behind the main stage hangs a Prescher portrait of Snapper, with a quote from 1985: “Don’t send for me because I just might show up, and if I do it’ll be a mess up in here!!” And show up is exactly what Snapper has done ever since, even coming into town to play for local benefits and festivals, bringing an energy that must be witnessed to be understood. Jackson and Mitchum have been a meaningful part of each other's lives, and the ease with which the musicians play together is testament to that. The weekend’s opening saw several good old-fashioned blues jams, as a matter of fact, with some of the area's best musicians taking the stage together. While there won’t be live music every night, an old school jukebox keeps the blues vibe right. Stop in and see for yourself: The Twenty-One will be open Tuesday - Thursday from 11 am until 9pm, and Friday/Saturday from 11 am until 12 am. For more info, call 765-732-1068.