make your reservation

because next week is Cleveland Restaurant Week!





Get yourself a group of friends or ask your best friend to dinner, pick your place and then get out and support our local independent restaurants.

Never been to Mr. Symon's Lola's? This is such a great opportunity to take in the gorgeous atmosphere and the tasty food for only $30 for your entire meal. Looking for something more intimate for two, D'Vine wine bar is offering a $30 deal for two people, wine additional.

Reserve now, times are filling up fast!

Trot Home Grand Opening (12/05)

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

There is a new kid in town...a new home decor destination that is celebrating their Grand Opening this Saturday. What could be more fun than an afternoon trip to downtown Peninsula to explore the new store, Trot Home, while you are there, visit Winking Lizard for a Christmas Ale or Cranberry-tini to kick off your holiday festivities!

I won't give you all the details because my friends over at Orange Beautiful posted the complete story and some great photos of the store, so make sure to read the entire article there.



I plan on visiting the store at some point from now until Christmas..a new lamp, a throw pillow, perhaps a reupholstered stool...you can never have too many! PLUS, if you visit THIS Saturday during the open house, Trot Home is offering a 10% discount, every penny counts!

Tour. Hockey. Skate. (11/20)

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Create a memorable city night with the entire family...This sounds like so much fun! Sharpen your skates for a night at the Q. Get an exclusive tour of the Q, a ticket to watch the Lake Erie Monsters play, open skate after the game AND it's dollar dog night.



I may have to see if I can rearrange my plans for this one. It's not Rockefeller Square Ice Rink, but it I bet it would be quite the rush.

The ticket cost is $17 meet at 5:30 at Will Call (located by the Cavs team shop) for the tour.

Want the hook up? Call Scott Gordon to pay for your tickets by NOON on Thursday, November 19th. 216.420.2126. This event is brought to us by the CLeveland 20/30 Club.

Food deals!

This past weekend I was able to carve out some quiet time and sit down with my latest Cleveland Magazine. The November Issue features the BEST Cheap Eats around town. So, with a big cup of coffee in hand, I was ready to sink my teeth the deals and steals!

I was pleasantly surprised and reminded by some of the findings from the editorial staff of the pub. Take a look for yourself...also, let me know if you think they have missed any fantastic cheap eats!



Thursday
Reddstone | 10-cent tacos, plus $2 Coronas and $3 margaritas.
1261 W. 76th St., Cleveland, (216) 651-6969

Friday
Touch Supper Club | Free sushi from 5 to 8 p.m.
2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, (216) 631-5200

Saturday
Bar Cento | Specials include pomme frites for $4 and burgers for $6 from noon to 7 p.m.
1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland, (216) 274-1010

Monday
Angelo’s Pizza | All pizzas are half off.
13715 Madison Ave., Lakewood, (216) 221-0440 (being that they are up the street from my house, this might be the best deal EVER!)

Tuesday
La Dolce Vita | Ladies’ night — order a drink and get a free entree.
12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, (216) 721-8155

These are just a few of those listed in the article. For the complete list pick up your copy today!

Jump Back Pre-Sale (11/19)

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

So, I've always wanted to go to the infamous "Jump Back Ball." It's one of those parties I always mean to check out, but then it overlaps with something else, someone's birthday, a long weekend away or something and I've always missed it. This year I am making it a priority to get my tickets early and begin planning my attire for the big party.

The 19th annual Jump Back Ball, themed “Celebrate: Carnaval,” is set for Saturday, February 27, 201o...so will you wear feathers or something more black tie? Hmm...



The Carnival Ball kickoff party will take place at A.J. Rocco’s (816 Huron Rd) from 6-8 pm. Join me and enjoy appetizers, drink specials and mini manicures by The Studio Salon plus buy your Jump Back Ball tickets first and SAVE!

Ticket prices increase THE DAY after (no exceptions) the kickoff by $15 +handling fees, so be sure to get to the party and bring your friends. Each person in attendance can purchase two tickets at the kickoff rate with no handling fees. New this year- you can set up a payment plan too!

Kickoff party pricing: $100-$120

I will be there waiting in line to save some cash on my tickets...will you?

Eat. Deal. Drink?

If you didn't get the memo...

IT"S CLEVELAND RESTAURANT WEEK!!! So get excited, go on out there and support your local foodie entrepreneurs. Whether it's a sweet little standby thats up the street from your house, or something a bit more swanky that you've always wanted to try.

From now until November 14th, enjoy a three course meal for only 30. Check out the list of the many participating establishments at clevelandindependents.com.

Personally, I am very excited to catch up with some of my dear gal pals this week at Crop Bistro. I don't go there often, but the Caprese Martini (Heirloom Tomato Infused Vodka, Basil, Balsamic Tomato, Mozzarella) is calling my name.



Restaurant week = a great excuse to try new places + support local businesses + catch up with your friends + drink a martini!

Shooting Stars

Buy the book...

Tasty Tacos

Although it’s Friday...put this in your calendar for next Tuesday...

Did you know that on Tuesdays from 4-10pm at Johnny Mangoes beef & bean tacos are only $1? While you are enjoying a dozen or more of the yummy “roll ups, how about a drink to wash it all down with? From 4-7pm "Mangoes" also offers half price beer & wine, $2 off Margaritas, Mojitos and other spirits!



Taco tuesdays Rule! Don’t miss out. www.jmango.com

BIG Yard Sale (8/08-09)

Saturday, August 8th & Sunday, August 9th 2009

Looking for the perfect papazahn or a set of pots to pans to take back to school? Look no further than the ginormous city-wide yard sale in Ohio City this weekend. Looks like there will be something for everyone. They are über organized, as the detailed map of all participating sale locations will show.



Happening throughout the West Side neighborhood, the event runs from 9-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.

A “Glad” deal.

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Want to know what I am “glad” for today?

The 2 bunches for $5 of white Gladiolas I picked up at Heinen's this morning. What a summer steal.



The flower trucks delivered the colorful assortment of pink, purple, salmon and lemon lime “glads” to all area stores last night, so slip away on your lunch break and get some.

On this rainy hump day, two bunches will instantly make you work space or kitchen table very glad! :)

For a location near you visit www.heinens.com

Free "food"

Not that I am a big junk food junkie...but what the heck? Thought some of you might enjoy a little free* bar-b-q roast beef and cheese!



For the coupon and locations visit Arbys.

Happy weekend!

(*with any soft drink purchase)

Beauty deal!

Economy got your “beauty-budget” down? Had to cut out the fancy highlights in exchange for a bottle of “sun-in?” Your nails are looking chippy and could use a little TLC? Well, have got a few specials for you?

Stylist Barbara Fazio has extended her summer special offers to all “I heart cleveland” readers and I think your bank account will be happy too!

Located inside the Winton Place, you will find the sleek and sassy new space, perfect for a relaxing $40 Manicure AND Pedicure combo. Yes, that’s right, you heard me right, $40 for BOTH!!! That’s a steal, at most places isn’t it like $60 & up? Call today as this offer is sure to fill up fast! (216.529.6050)

And other one of B’s specials is what she calls the “makeubetter” this fun girly offering includes a consultation discussing your personal needs for a desired look. A haircut and styling lesson on the proper use of product and tools will follow. Also included in the session is a makeup "application" and eyebrow design (pluck, pluck, pluck!!!). You will leave b·fazio salon with before and after photos and the knowledge to help you re-create your new look. This service usually would cost you around $160, but for you...there currently is a $40 discount and you can spend the afternoon with Miss B for all of $120. It’s not pennies, but it sure is a deal.

So clean out your attic, have you garage sale on Thursday and go see B next Friday with your earnings! For more information give her a shout! THANKS B, I am scheduling soon!

b.fazio salon winton place, 12700 lake ave. lakewood, ohio 44107
www.bfazio.com

BOGO, Qdoba!

Buy one entrée get (quesadilla?) one free coupon. Print as many as you want until June 30th. Pass it along.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/qdoba.html



For a location closest to you, visit www.qdoba.com

(thanks Michelle & friends)

Burton Antique Fair (6/06)

For more show details visit www.geaugaantiquesmarket.com

Martini & Mani

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Hello ladies (& gentleman)! Big plans for the weekend? Need a manicure but don’t know when you will be able to squeeze it in before Friday night? Have I got an idea for you!

Back by popular demand, your favorite ladies night out returns at The Mercury Lounge...Martinis and manicures.

Order that $4 dirty martini or cosmo to kick off the “almost weekend.” Sit back and relax while the stylists from Studio Palmeri work their magic and with files and pretty polishes for a FREE Manicure; to leave your digits weekend-worthy! Enjoy the Electro-pop tunes of DJ Good Life Mike and Still Life while the CAVS shine on the bar screens.



Anyone interested? I desperately need a mani and a martini to put this week to bed. 6-11pm

Iced Coffee Day (4/21)

For a store location near you visit www.dunkindonuts.com

Free Grand Slam (4/08)

Maybe because it's week one of Major League Baseball? Or maybe it's because life is too short not to share breakfast with your best friend?



Anybody up for breakfast this week?

breakfast for a buck (3/22-27)

Tuesday, March 22nd through Thursday the 26th, 2009

Stopped into the "Big Egg" lately? I did. A few Saturdays ago I grabbed a tasty egg sandwich (2 eggs & cheddar cheese on a toasted english muffin, yumm) and though very messy to eat, it was completely worth it!

I have heard many stories of this Cleveland landmark-most of them before I moved to this city. Cleveland, it's time to make some new stories and this week the Big Egg is helping you do so, BREAKFAST for 1 PENNY. You can get two eggs, hash browns, and toast for a penny after the purchase of a drink.



The new owners said they want to bring the family feel back to the restaurant and this week they are giving back. So stop in this week from SIX to EIGHT AM (the early bird catches the worm!) and enjoy a cheap treat. :)

p.s. Sorry party-people, "the egg" is no longer open 24 hours a day.

Living the LUXE life

Did you know that (during happy hour) at Luxe they offer 2 for 1 martinis & drafts? Did you know also know that their scrumptious pizzas are also half off during happy hour? WOW, What a steal! Drink early = 5-7pm happy hour, eat late = 12-2am happy hour, or vice versa! :)

Maybe this would be a great place to stop in after this Saturdays Adele concert, a late night Film Festival flick or next weeks Cavs Game? For a late night snack..or two? Sounds fun, and affordable!



Luxe Kitchen & Lounge is now open 7 days a week from 5pm to 2am. Check it out at www.luxecleveland.com

Free art and the family (04/08)

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Shih Chieh Huang created the imaginative creatures and interactive environment at the entrance of Superlight.



At Sundays activities table, the creative team at MOCA will use Huangs artwork "Twilight Zone, 2008," to inspire us as we experiment with kinetic objects, color, and sound. Family tours, refreshments and activity guides complete this seasonal FREE Family Fun Day.

1-4 pm : FREE & open to the public : For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Dining Deals!

Monday, February 23rd - Sunday, March 1st, 2009

Looking to explore a new menu, a new cuisine, a new local restaurant? Than look no more... Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week starts TODAY!

Some of Cleveland's finest eateries are offering a $30, 3-course menu (appetizer, entree, dessert) for you to indulge during these "trying" economic times. Some of my favorite participating local businesses are Blue Point Grille, Crop Bistro, The Nauti Mermaid & One Walnut Restaurant. For the entire list of restaurants visit www.cleveland.com/restaurantweek/



Parking is just $2, but make sure to grab your voucher from the restaurant. Don’t miss this delicious opportunity to experience dining downtown for a great price!

Bistro Happy Hour

Before I head off to the Ben Taylor show I am going to happy hour at the Bistro On Lincoln Park (old Sage location) in Tremont.

Their $5 specials, including Lamb Sliders, Croque Monsieur, Country Sausage Ragout, Pizzelle and Tuscan Beef Stew all sound super yummy. Along with great food deals the Bistro offers $5 wine pours, Orange Cosmos, Raz Martini and Margarita Martinis, also with $3 draft beers.

If you can't make it to happy hour, the Bistro offers these specials in the later hours. Early: Monday - Friday from 4:30-6:30, Late: Monday - Thursday 9:30-Close, Friday 10:30-Close

www.bistroonlincolnpark.com

a Light happy hour!

Looking for that perfect cozy place to meet up and celebrate the holidays with friends, look no further than Light Bistro. Though I haven't visited for happy hour myself...word on the street has spread and everyone is in love with Light Bistro.

Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7pm all food on the bar menu is offered for a yummy $5 each. They also offer many drink specials including specialty cocktails for $3, bottles of wine for $10 and many beer offerings from $2-$7.50.

Need to meet up after work with your secret santa? This sounds like the perfect affordable evening out.



For menus and directions visit www.lightbistro.com

Sunday Supper

Craving the best guacamole around? Visit Momoco in Tremont this Sunday night for their new Sunday night supper deals!

Chips & Salsa, Chicken & Yam Enchiladas and Chile Verde - or - Spinach & Swiss Enchilada, Chile Verde & Vanilla Bean Flan....

$30 for you and your sweetie...$60 for you and your closest 3 friends! (4:30-9pm)



For directions and more informationon this local watering hole visit www.momocho.com

"FREE" Pizza! (10/09)

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Who couldn't use a midweek escape? Here's your chance. Thursday from 4:30pm to 2am, Bar Cento is giving away one of its "traditional" pizzas - "free" - with the purchase of a bottle of house wine or a carafe of beer. It's chef Jonathon Sawyer's way of telling customers "thanks" for their restaurant's first year in business.

I have to say, it is my ultimate favorite place to spend the evening with good friends, nestled up at the bar...a traditional pizza, sometimes an order of warm olives and a bottle of their house red, nothing could be more perfect!



For directions and their full menu visit www.barcento.com

b.a. Sweetie

Ever wondered where to find the best vintage taffy, candy necklaces and every flavor of blow pops imaginable? Look no further than b.a. Sweetie.

b. a. Sweetie started back in 1950 as Bag-A-Sweet Candy located on Brookpark Road in Parma, Ohio. Started by Albert Tokar and his brother-in-law Frank Stasny, the store was primarily a re-bagger of bulk candy which was sold to local grocery, convenient, and drug stores. The bagged candy which sold for 19¢ to 59¢ each were delivered to the stores by a network of 8 independent distributors....and the rest is history!

The sweet store continues to service a few locally owned grocery stores and other retailers but now also sells to the world! They operate one of the largest web businesses in the United States.



The other day I decided to take step into this massive candy explosion and for those of you who know me...if it is made from sugar, I crave it. After spending almost $30 on taffy, gum, unique Pez dispensers (and cola & chocolate refills), sugar ice cream cones, wafer filled flying saucers and more, I was on a complete sugar rush.

If you are looking for a place to score on this years Halloween candy, definitely take a trip to b.a. Sweetie for fun, variety and every type of candy imaginable. you won't be disappointed! :)



For directions and more visit www.sweetiescandy.com

BOGO Ice Cream

Stop into Malley's Ice Cream Parlor on Madison Ave (near 117th) in Lakewood and with every ice cream purchase you will get one free! It's a Buy One Get One for ice cream! Grab a friend or two and sit and enjoy the quaint space, the illustrations of Alice and Wonderland and crew are worth the trip alone...but the homemade hot fudge is pretty good too!



I don't have the details on this promo, but for more information give them a shout at 216.529.6262. Enjoy!

A Steal of a Deal.

This morning I had an early morning meeting out near Brook park and 130th. As I was driving out there I passed many old manufacturing businesses, run down neighborhood bars and closed up retail stores. If I had some extra time I would have pulled over a few different times to capture old signage, hand drawn lettering and lots of yard “décor.” A visual delight.

Besides old metal letters and burnt out neon, I wanted to pass along a real deal...gas for $3.53 a gallon. Head over to the corner of 130th and Snow Rd and fill up today! If you have the time grab your camera and enjoy a feast for your eyes too.