Thanksgiving fun!

Not cooking? Need something to do while you wait for the bird to cook? Better than talking to your in-laws! How about something to keep you busy during the commercials while watching the parade? Well, grab your big box of Crayolas and let the fun begin!

Enjoy a little color by numbers, Turkey style!



light gray = 1, dark gray = 2, black = 3, light brown = 4, dark brown = 5, blue-gray = 6, red = 7, green = 8, black and gray = 9, light blue = 10, pink = 11, yellow = 12

a Table Feast! (11/27)

Thursday, November 26th, 2008

Not going home for the holiday? Not feeling like plowing through the grocery store and cooking for hours on end? head over to the Intercontinentals best kept restaurant secret, Table 45. The restaurant will offer their regular menu from 11am-11pm but more importantly they will be hosting Thanksgiving for only $26! Check out the tasty menu below.

1st Course
Mixed Green Salad with Poached Pears, Candied Walnuts, Dried Sour Cherries and Cranberry Vinaigrette Or Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts

2nd Course
6oz of Roasted Turkey Served with Sage and Roasted Chestnut Stuffing, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauce and Turkey Gravy

3rd Course
Traditional Apple Pie with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Or Pumpkin Pie

sounds great...leave the cooking (and the dishes) to them! For reservations and directions visit www.tbl45.com

Let the cheer begin!

So I don’t know about everyone else...but it’s this time of year where my mailbox fills up with catalogs and invites to holiday party’s and most importantly...open houses. This year I decided try to do a post once a week that lists all of the holiday open houses and sales at local businesses around town. Check out what was in my inbox this week!

Join duoHOME TONIGHT (11/20) at LUXE for their "1 Sies Wine Event." It will be a VERY fun evening, a chance to enjoy the deliciousness (is that a word?) of LUXE and peruse some fun holiday merchandise from duoHOME. Bottle openers, wine bags, bottle jewelry and champagne buckets are just a few of the items duoHOME will be offering in the chic and comfortable setting of LUXE for this special event. Stock Up For Thanksgiving Or Gifts For The Holidays! 4- 8pm $8pp (a steal of a deal!) Thanksgiving Inspired Small Bites. rsvp today for tonight by calling 216.920.0600!

The Spa at Yellow Creek, in Bath OH, invites you to their “HIP Holiday Event,” Thursday December 11th, 6:30pm. Complimentary mini spa treatments, cocktails & hors D’oeuvres. 15% off all products, gifts and services booked. To rsvp email mvaccaro@yellowcreekspa.com

Steve Barry Buick in Lakewood. Visit this local dealership for their 6th annual customer appreciation party. Bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to the Lakewood Food bank. Thursday, December 11th, 2-8p,. While you’re there check out the new Enclave..maybe if you’ve been REALLY good this year santa will bring you one? No rsvp necessary.

Girl Next Door in Rocky River OH, Holiday Happy Hour Shopping Spree, Thursday December 20th, 5-8pm. Join the sisters of style as they bring to you the latest trends in jewelry (one of my favorite local places for a unique piece) and fashion imported from the West Coast. The store is both charming and glamorous, the perfect place to find your holiday party dress. Don’t miss out!

Eclectic Home in Lakewood (next to Borderline Café) invites you to their 2008 Holiday Celebration, Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd. While you shop enjoy Mimosa & muffins (8-noon), Punch & cookies (noon-4) and Wine & Cheese (4-9). Purchase $50 or more and recive a 25% off discount coupon to apply to your entire purchase during the week of 12/16-21!

Aveda Crocker Park, Westlake, OH December 1st, 2006, 6-9pm Enjoy sips and snacks while experiencing complimentary exclusive Aveda signature treatments for hair, skin & nails. I hear this is a fun gathering and is one NOT to miss! Thanks for the heads up Karen! :)

Rachel Sings (11/22)

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

I know I have mentioned her before...but singer-songwriter Rachel Roberts will be performing this Saturday night at Prosperity Social Club in Tremont. Her tunes are mellow, musky and passionate. Her stage presence engaging. Just add perogies from the kitchen and I can't imagine a better evening!

9:00pm, Prosperity Social Club. For more information about Rachel visit www.myspace.com/rachelrobertsmusic

Tremont faves (11/14)

Friday, November 14th 2008

Don't miss the monthly Tremont Art Walk this evening. Visit Asterisk Gallery for the latest and greatest show-All Things Cleveland. The exhibition will be a nostalgic trip down Cleveland memory lane. Swing by the new cupcake boutique; A Cookie & A Cupcake and don't miss the sweet treats and new exhibit (works by Sarah Doughtery) at Lilly's Chocolates of Tremont.

For additional information on these local finds visit www.asteriskgallery.com, www.acookieandacupcake.com and www.lillytremont.com

Breakfast with Tiffany (11/11 & 13)

Tuesday and Thursday November 11th and 13th, 2008

Feeling like "calling in sick?" This event would be worthy of a sick call to your boss. Enjoy a plated breakfast and a ticket to CMA's fall exhibition, Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique. Breakfast includes fresh fruit, yogurt, scones, pastries, mimosas and other breakfast beverages.



Tickets are $8 for CMA members ($25 for non-members). Tickets are available by calling Katie Tricarichi at 216.707.6873. 10 to 11 am in the CMA cafe. For more infromation on the exhibit or directions visit www.clemusart.com

Restaurant Week (11/2-7, 9-14)

After you are done VOTING...you will be hungry!

Grab your "favorite" friend and head out to Cleveland Restaurant Week (Nov. 2-7 & 9-14, no Saturdays), presented by Cleveland Independents.

I would love to go to Sergios in University Circle, the tiny quaint space fills with sounds of good friends and even better food, think clinking of forks and glasses! Or feast at fire in Shaker Square, haven't been there in quite some time, perhaps take the rapid over there and make it an adventure? :)



Cleveland Independents, an organization of 70+ independent, locally-owned and operated restaurants throughout Cleveland, features its largest promotion to-date with three-course, prix fixe menus at select Cleveland Independents restaurants. More than 40 restaurants are participating in the promotion.

For a listing of all the participating restaurants visit www.clevelandindependents.com

Tuesday FREEBIES (11/4)

Tuesday promises to be fruitful no matter your political persuasion. Here's a little roundup of the free swag you'll get just for voting:

Starbucks! Free tall coffee just for sayin' "I voted."

Ben & Jerry's! Free scoop of ice cream from 5-8 p.m.

Krispy Kreme! Free star-shaped doughnut with red, white and blue sprinkles to each customer wearing an "I Voted" sticker.

Here's how you've gotta work it. Starbucks first, because you only need to say you voted. Then Ben & Jerry's because everyone's getting free ice cream. Then save Krispy Kreme for last because they may nab your "I Voted" sticker, thereby removing any physical vestiges of your voting (just in case any other freebies, like booze, pop up).

Halloween with Nature (10/31)

No plans this Halloween Friday? Interested in the outdoors and in nature? Love to look up at the stars at night?

If you answered "yes" to both, get your ticket to this years Bones, Bugs & Dead Animals Halloween Party at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a costume contest, live music by Abby Normal & the Detroit Lean, plenty of food, and $2 cash bar.

Tickets are $25 Nature League members, $30 nonmembers, $35 at the door. For more information visit www.cmnh.org or call the Box Office at (216) 231-1177

Dia de Los muertos (11/1)

Saturday November 1st, 2008

Celebrate Cleveland's fourth annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, coordinated by Artistas Latinos Unidos (United Latino Artists) and spearheaded by artist Hector Castellanos.

The first day of the celebration includes a procession that's symbolic of spirits traveling home for the celebration. At 2:15 p.m., it heads west on Detroit Avenue to La Sagrada Familia Church, where parishioner Leticia Raigoza will have prepared an outdoor altar. The focus of the celebration is the altar dedicated to the deceased. There will be nine in the La Sa´grada Familia Church and parish hall designed by a flock of Cleveland artists, including Nina Hurin and Merlida Mercado.



Since no celebration is complete without food, Raoul and Roberto Rodriguez will be selling pan de muerto, decorated with little bones or skeletons made from dough, come hungry!

Festivities begin at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (West 70th St. & Detroit Ave.)

Some of the celebration highlights are as follows
2:15 pm.: Procession departs for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
3:30 pm : Joya de Mexico mariachi band.
5:15 pm : Day of the Dead history talk by Hector Castellanos.
6:45 pm : Mexclatina music group.

If it's a nice day, ride your bike along the procession route. Bring the entire family and swing by at Mi Pueblo Taqueria (12207 Lorain Ave) for dinner after. Yumm!

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

Pollan Speaks on Food (10/28)

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008.

Even though this event is scheduled for next week, I couldn't resist posting early, I think it will be an evening of insight and inspiration.

For the past 20 years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: food, agriculture, gardens, drugs, and architecture. Pollan is the author of, most recently, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. His previous book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, was named one of the 10 best books of 2006 by the New York Times and the Washington Post.

A contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine since 1987, his writing has received numerous awards, including the James Beard Award for best magazine series in 2003. He often lectures widely on food, agriculture, and gardening.

8pm, Finney Chapel at Oberlin. Free, no ticket required! For directions visit www.oberlin.edu

87 West Deals!

Feeling like a little time at Crocker Park this weekend but not really into the whole shopping scene? Instead, find yourself a little nook inside Crocker's infamous wine bar; 87 West and kick back with a few friends to catch up from the week.

On Saturdays, they offer any seasonal Great Lakes Brewery on draft for $3.5 while Sundays you can cure your hangover with a $5 “Sunday Bloody Sunday” Bloody Mary.

If you can’t make it over the weekend, perhaps you can swing it some evening next week? On Tuesdays Margaritas & Sangria are only $6 a glass....while on Wednesday you can get a bottle of their house wine and a pot of cheese fondue to split for $25. A fun night out.

For more 87 West promos, visit www.87west2.com

Bristol Palin’s Baby Shower? (10/19)

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

From BUST Magazine | This is a pretty hilarious and bright idea. Bristol, daughter of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is as you probably already know getting married to the father of her unborn son. What better way to celebrate the miracle of life (and possibly the loss of choice) than with a baby shower? Swing state Cleveland, OH is where this event is taking place, THIS SUNDAY head over to the Prosperity Social Club in Tremont at 3:30pm to make it for all the festivities. This event is not just a big joke mind you, instead of bringing gifts, bring your checkbook and all donations will be given to Planned Parenthood of Alaska in Sarah Palin’s NAME!



The party will also involve discussions regarding the status of the Ohio Prevention First Act as well as learn how to take action on the legislation. This act ‘will reduce unintended pregnancies through: realistic sexuality education and teen pregnancy prevention programs, funding for family planning programs, guaranteed access to birth control prescriptions, contraceptive equity, and emergency contraception access and education.’ Sounds like a fun event for a great cause for women’s rights, which is a great combination regardless of the Palin’s attempts at taking them away…

There will also be ‘Choice Cupcakes’, a performance by Lounge Kitty (an AWESOME cabaret act) and Rachel Catherine from Cupcake + Cuddlebunny, who will be on hand selling original ‘Bad Buttons’ from New York artist, Kate Black.

Thanks for the heads up “Karl & William!” sounds like a fun afternoon...pre-bar to the Browns game perhaps? :)

If you need any more info, feel free to email the events organizer, Maria Miranda at mariammiranda@sbcglobal.net.

Fashion for the Cure (10/15)

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

This Wednesday if you are feeling charitable AND looking for a fashion fix purchase a ticket to the Key to the Cure Kickoff Party at Saks Fifth Avenue.



Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres from 12 of Cleveland's Finest Restaurants, Balloon Raffle, and Silent Auction. Also, the limited edition t-shirt designed by Karl Lagerfeld will make it's debuts this evening.

6-9pm. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please call Jaclyn Chapple at 216.445.3358 or email chapplj@ccf.org Proceeds to benefit Women's Cancer Research at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.

"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

An apple a day!

This weekend, if you are thinking of taking a drive to see the beautiful foliage of Geauga County then I would like to recommend a pit stop at Pattersons Fruit Farm. At Pattersons you can pick your own apples, Hop on the haywagon and ride out to the orchards for your favorite variety and pick as many as you like – just a few to eat or bushels to store for winter.

Make time to take in the wonderful aroma of freshly picked apples and the just made apple cider. As well as the yummy bakery and the vibrant eye popping colors of a myriad of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn.

Patterson's Farm Market, 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026 for more information including what apples are ripe call 440-729-1964 or visit www.pattersonfarm.com

Gourmet recognition!

Every once and a while our dear city gets some great national recognition. With yesterdays Dow plummeting, I thought it was a great time to share this article from Gourmet Magazine written by Anne Trubek. (thanks Michelle!)

EIGHT GREAT RECESSION BUSTERS IN CLEVELAND. Our economy may be stagnant, but our stomachs are growing. Cleveland is in the midst of a decade-long foodie boom that has convinced some coastal folk to make a stop on their flyover. Our town is littered with affordable dining options; here are a few of the best.



1. PRIX-FIXE DINNER AT LIGHT BISTRO
2. SCONE AND COFFEE AT ON THE RISE
3. KOBE BEEF BURGER AT LOLITA’S HAPPY HOUR
4. LUNCH AT NATE’S DELI AND RESTAURANT
5. DINNER AT BAR CENTO (my personal FAVORITE!)
6. BRISKET PLATTER FROM MR. BRISKET
7. BREAKFAST AT BIG AL’S
8. LOCAL PRODUCE AT NORTH UNION FARMERS MARKET

For the entire article visit www.gourmet.com/restaurants/2008/09/eight-great-recession-busters-in-cleveland

Berry Picking!

As the cool evenings approach and the afternoon sun warms the earth, now is the best time to get outdoors and pick your fall harvest of ripe red raspberries. At Rosbury Farms, the season lasts until Halloween so plan a time and get out and pick! You can go some evening after work or a Saturday morning, make time for those fresh plump earthy candies. (Open Monday - Friday 9am–Dusk, Saturday & Sunday 9am-3pm).

If you aren’t quite sure what to do with the berries, spread them out as a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once individually frozen you can place them in a freezer bags for long lasting freshness. Believe me, you will love them in the deep freeze of winter when you are craving a raspberry daiquiri or around Valentines Day when you want to make that dark chocolate raspberry tart for your loved one.



Not only are they good for you, fun to pick and super yummy, they are also a very affordable fruit...$3.69 a pint or $6.69 a quart (Save 10% on 3 or more quarts!) No charge for baskets. Sounds like fun, right? :)

Rosby Garden Center, 42 E. Schaaf Road. For directions and day to day “berry reports” visit www.rosbycompanies.com

'Bucks vs. 'Bou

If you are like me, you have your favorites when it comes to the big chains of coffee shops.

I tend to gravitate to Starbucks for the fun seasonal treats like the ultra-popular "grande" Pumpkin Spice / Gingerbread Latte but when it comes to the everyday coffee I can't pass up a "medium" from Caribou Coffee.

Starbucks is dark and super strong, Caribou is a bit smoother and less acidic. At Caribou you are welcomed by the warm glow of the rustic interiors, including complimentary fireplace while at Starbucks you can be wowed by the gorgeous promotional signage. Caribou sells the best dark-chocolate covered Graham crackers (in case you forgot to grab breakfast) while Starbucks offers adorable flaky petite vanilla scones (sold in 3's, one for you and two to share).



Unlike some of the independent coffee "peers" consistency is key; buy a double shot- skim- extra hot - americano with a shot of almond in Cleveland and in theory, it will taste the same in Boston, Chicago, LA and Paris! Like it or not, it's a formula, a small addition, a drug.

Both mega caffeine-pushers open early, stay open late and even have some morning holiday hours. They have local events, special tastings and more. Although I truly adore the Northeast Ohio Coffee Entrepreneurs, a cup of coffee from Starbucks and Caribou fits the bill any day with me.

Great Beans

About a year ago I discovered a local coffee shop that reminded me of a little hang out from my college years. Lots of solid oak tables paired with matching wooden chairs fill the high-ceiling room. Sounds of familiar indie and world tunes stream from the radio. The large windows allow the daylight to fill the room making it a lovely place to read or work (bring your laptop there is free wi-fi access for all!)

Yes, for those of you who already have guessed my new coffee infatuation is the lovely Gypsy Bean Bakery. This darling traditionally styled European coffee house and bistro is located on the Southeast corner of West 65th and Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District in the Detroit Shore way Neighborhood.

The monstrous chalkboard that hangs above the case of oatmeal raisin cookies features the special Gypsy Coffee selections. If I could take this opportunity to recommend the "Skinny Londoner." I don't know all of the ingredients, but I do know that each barista hand-grates fresh nutmeg on the top of the steamed milk making for every drop of this luscious coffee drink pure perfection.

Next time you are looking for a sweet sip of Cleveland coffee spend a minute or two, stop by Gypsy Bean and enjoy! For directions and more visit www.gypsybeans.com

Coffee in the City

If you are looking for a simple (but complex) morning cup of coffee, a pound or two of beans, some cheese and bread...and more...then get your morning java at City Roast coffee. The scent of fresh ground coffee fills the corner of the Westside Market nestled in the city...just close your eyes and follow your nose to the richest coffee scent around.

The team of coffee gurus can assist you in selecting a match of fresh beans to fit your palette. But move quick this retailer is open during normal market hours (Mon. Wed. Fri. & Sat) and you don't want to miss an opportunity to catch a cup of this special stuff.

For more information on City Roast coffee visit them at www.cityroastcoffee.com.

America Runs on Dunkin!

The week of coffee reports continues...

This morning I was in a hurry to get to a meeting and decided to take the "drive-through" approach...Dunkin Doughnuts here I come.

A medium hazelnut coffee, 1 splenda & milk + 2 chocolate doughnut holes. Not only was the coffee very hot with the perfect amount of milk (I wonder how the coffee fairies know how much I like?) it was a brief reminder of my days living in New England. If you have ever visited ME, MA or CT you'll find that New England runs on Dunkin though they must sprinting to the midwest because I see new locations popping up everywhere.



More affordable than the other national chains (my total bill was $1.75...a quarter back!) the bright pink, orange and chocolate brown branding makes this coffee house super-chic and even a bit sassy. Next time you are driving to a meeting and want a good cup of Hazelnut Coffee, drive through your local Dunkin Doughnuts...but good luck leaving without a doughnut! :)

For locations, drinks and specials visit www.dunkindonuts.com

Fall Coffee Week!

As the first week of fall rolls into place, I would like to take this week to explore many of the yummy coffee brews in the Cleveland area. From independents hangouts (Arabica, Pheonix, Gypsy Bean, etc.) to the mega monsters (Starbucks, Caribou & Einsteins) each coffee supplier has something special to offer this fall so take a peak and enjoy the week.

This morning I was up early and after an evening of making my Mom's recipe of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, I was craving a "grande" fall inspired cup of joe to kick off my week. Einstein Bros. usually has a great fail blend and I wondered if it was out yet...it HAD to be, it is the first official day of fall afterall.



YES! the Autumn Blend had arrived. A slight taste of chestnut intertwined with smooth cinnamon undertones made for a lovely morning coffee fix. There are many Einstein Bros. locations in the Cleveland area, track one down and try it out. (The pumpkin bagels are pretty scrumptious too!) www.einsteinbros.com (very cute website)

Come to "Your Senses" (9/28)

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Nothing to do on a Sunday evening? Look no more! After an afternoon of Sunday football (Browns play Cincinnati @ 1:00pm) come down to Wooltex Gallery as Angrychick productions presents “An Evening of the Senses!"

Live bands stir up your eardrums, local artists amaze your eyes and Lilly Handmade Chocolates of tremont will tantalize your taste buds and have you sniffing out the chocolate goodness!! Lilly will be serving her newest concoction, Hotte Chocolate (available at this event ONLY-for the time being anyway!) Come experience bliss!

Tickets are $10 in advance and are currently available through the artists & performers. If you’d like tickets, swing by Lilly Handmade Chocolates (www.lillytremont.com) or track down one of these lovely people-Steven Carriker, Corissa Briggs, Rachel Shortt, Julie Stanley, Shawn Kranes, Krisztina Lazar or Henry F. Elliot V.

Doors open at 5:00pm. Music and Chocolate, this could be the best Sunday night ever! :) For directions to the gallery visit www.thewooltexgallery.com

National Butterscotch Pudding Day!

Friday, September 19th 2008


Today is National Butterscotch Pudding Day. Anyone know if there are any places in Cleveland where butterscotch pudding is served on the dessert menu? If not, I think I will swing by the new Giant Eagle on 117th in Cleveland tonight and pick up a box of instant. Yummy! Happy Friday! :)

FREE Subs (9/10)

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Come to Lakewood this Wednesday for the "Grand Opening Celebration" of Dave's Cosmic Subs. Choose from either the Original Dave's Cosmic, the Veg-Out or the Turkey Dave! Free subs will be rewarded between 6:00 - 8:00pm.

The new Dave's is located at 14813 Detroit Ave in Lakewood OH, (next to Marc's Plaza.) Enjoy!

Morning at the Market

What could be better than a morning spent exploring at the Westside Market? (www.westsidemarket.org) This past Saturday morning a friend of mine and I enjoyed breakfast at the Market Café before heading into the hustle and bustle of the market crowd. Mimosas and Eggs Benedict (with French fries!) was a delicious treat, but did you know the café also has a large wine menu and may be a nice place to catch happy hour some evening?



After breakfast we hit the cheese stand (Mackenzie Creamery, saffron goat cheese is out of this world), the market coffee bar, the bread stand and some of the various produce vendors (for fresh cherries!) Not only is the market a place to practice your “haggling” skills it is filled with some really great graphics. As a designer I find my eye drawn to the simple, unique and visually bold works of art, who knew watermelon cartons, strawberry crates and boxes filled with cabbage and apples could be works of art unto themselves. Check it out.



So next time you wakes up early on a Saturday morning and are looking to explore a food fantasy and a untapped art gallery, take a spin down to West 25th and Lorain Ave. It is a delight for the senses. :)

an Absinthe affair (8/28)

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Since 1912 the green elixir of darkness has been illegal to our country, but guess what? Not any more! Why? You might ask…the government never banned absinthe itself but rather thujone, the wormwood-derived compound that supposedly gives the stuff its trippy edge. However, modern chemical analysis shows that thujone survives distilling in quantities so small they are actually legal. God I LOVE science.



Don’t miss Pier W’s Absinthe tasting, where you can sample an array of once forbidden liquor...experience the "green fairy." If you aren’t in the mood to taste numerous samples of the green delight, a tall glass of bubbly with a shot of absinthe is a perfect nightcap for you. I have drank it once, in a tall champagne flute and I felt like I was right out of a 1940’s French film, super glamorous. I am definitely not going to miss this event, a glamorously-trippy evening perhaps? :)

7:00 pm $20.00 per person. For reservations call 216.228.2250 or visit www.selectrestaurants.com/pier/index.html
Remember "Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder"

Wine & Ballet in Tremont (8/23)

This Saturday evening you will find me, with a picnic and a blanket nestled in Lincoln Park, the central hub of Tremont for the annual complimentary dance show by Verb Ballet (www.verbballets.org).

Verb Ballets' mission is to promote and develop interest in and appreciation for contemporary dance through performance, programs that promote learning and nurture wellness, audience and community dialogue and advocacy efforts to support the art form. Verb Ballets has a steadfast mission to promote and foster emerging talent, present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and revive and honor Modern Dance classics.

Actually, if I plan my day right, I may even be able to swing by the new wine bar at Visible Voice (www.visiblevoicebooks.com) prior to the show. This independent bookstore is inviting and relaxing and would be a great place to explore while in the neighborhood.

8:00pm. Bring the Family, your Friends... Enjoy the Magic of the Arts in Tremont's Lincoln Park!

Did you know? (08/08)

Today is National Frozen Custard Day.

It is the kick off to this years Olympics, (08/08/08 @ 8:00, on NBC).

and

Tickets to the November 10th, Girl Talk concert at the Beachland went on sale this morning? (I bought mine!)



Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. :)

Fair time. (8/05-10)

Can you believe it’s August? I can’t. I still have lots of things I need to “get in” to call it an official summer. A game of put put golf at Memphis Kiddie Park. A few more trips out on the Kayaks. Ice cream at Honey Hut and perhaps even an evening of firefly collecting (just kidding...sorta). But most of all summer in Cleveland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the fair!

The Cuyahoga County Fair runs now until Sunday at the Berea Fairgrounds. Pack your Purell and go to oogle the baby pigs and cows, the best tasting blueberry pies, the gorgeous gladiolas grown-locally and more. General admission is $5.95 (children 3-12 yrs old $4.95) or after 9:30 pm, $3.00. If you want to take a spin on the Ferris wheel or bumper cars (my favorite) ride tickets are $.50 each (2 tickets per ride) or purchase an all-day ride band for just $12.



What could be more summer than a evening at the fair? Cotton Candy (love the sweet smell and baby pink hue) and corn on the cob. Live music and motor sports. Activities for you (flea market) the kids (bubble gum blowing contest) and your strange “uncle Eric” (the great bear show). Add it to this weekend’s list.

For fair schedule, directions and more information visit www.cuyfair.com

A New Burger In Town

It’s summertime so I am obliged to dive into my lunch of salad and fresh fruit. But what I am really craving is one of those greasy hamburgers from Five Guy Burgers.

A few weeks ago we went there for an office lunch outing and although I must say I was thinking about how I could try and order something healthy the entire drive there, once inside the newest Ohio location at Westgate Plaza I was overcome by the scent of flame grilled (right?) goodness. I don’t know if they fry up the burgers in butter, but they were so good, so good that I am recommending them as must-go-to this summer. With each burger you choose the toppings...mushrooms, onions, mustard & cheese...and your burger is made to perfection...the fries are not so bad either! :)

I will say that although this salad is a 9 on a scale of 10 being the best...it just isn’t the same as that burger....dreaming of Five Guys! :)

For additional locations and menu visit www.fiveguys.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!

Summer Soup

It’s summer so the first thing I want to eat is soup? ABSOLUTELY if it is one of the fabulous chilled soups from SouperMarket.

Voted BEST SOUP IN THE CITY six years in a row by Scene Magazine. With over 12 fresh soups daily, everything is handcrafted from their blade to our bowls. All natural, no additives or preservatives in any of their food.

Along with the amazing Spicy Shrimp Gazpacho (my lunch yesterday!), this week chilled specials are as follows...
Ohio City Location : 7/28-8/01 : Chilled Chipotle-Mango
Lakewood Location : 7/28-8/01 : Chilled Curried Summer Squash

I can’t wait to see next weeks chilled specials! For direction, the weekly specials, as well as their everyday scrumptious menu (I love the asparagus salad too) visit www.thesoupermarket.com

Home Grown Film (7/27)

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Lakewood Earth & Food Community presents the film...Real Low Calorie Diet. This movie captures a movement across Northeast Ohio to change the way that we eat. As the film reveals through interviews, animation, and beautiful footage of the city and the countryside, the simple act of eating locally honors our land, our communities, and our rich natural heritage. From climate change to nutritional issues in the inner-city, this film demonstrates that many innovations to our social problems are already taking place at the grassroots level, where the real hope for our democracy lies.

Eat right, preserve the environment, and safeguard democracy. 2:00 p.m. in the new Lakewood Main Library Auditorium.

Exquisite Chocolates

As we strolled the streets of Tremont we discovered a new city gem that I can't resist sharing!

First off...who couldn't fall in love with a store who's tagline is..."Specializing in making your mouth dance?"

Lilly Handmade Chocolates designs unique chocolates from only the freshest ingredients, no preservatives, no artificial flavors. Just the good stuff! They are made on premise with French & Belgian covertures, locally roasted nuts and much love, of course!

Some of the flavors I can't wait to treat myself too would be The Heather (cayenne pepper & dark chocolate), The Southern Gentleman (Makers Mark Bourbon, buttered pecans & milk chocolate) and The Intense Orange (blood orange juice & dark chocolate).



Stop by Lilly on the 2nd Friday of each month for the Tremont Art Walk as they stay open until 10pm! For directions, hours and other flavors visit www.lillytremont.com

Tremont Tastes Good! (7/20)

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

Put down the top of your little blue convertible, grab those dark aviator sunglasses, round up the gang and head down to the 6th Annual Taste of Tremont street festival from 1:00to 8:00pm. The street fair will be held in the heart of Tremont’s “restaurant district” and showcase the best of Tremont’s food, art and entertainment. Professor Street will be blocked off, inclusive of commercial areas of Literary, College and Jefferson. The best part is that admission is free!

For more information including the official map, visit www.restoretremont.com

Hamburger Weekend (7/19-20)

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Did you know, burgers account for 40% of all sandwiches sold in the US every year? per

Although I don't often post about Akron, I found something totally worth the 25 minute drive that I couldn't resist sharing....if you are a vegetarian...please disregard this post, but for those meat lovers...it's a MUST.



This year’s National Hamburger Festival takes place July 19-20 in downtown Akron. You won’t regret getting your "buns" in gear for a trip this weekend. They have everything a hamburger enthusiast would want and need from pickles, onion and ketchup toppings to events like, bobbing for hamburgers, lots of live music and a Miss Hamburger Pageant!

For schedule of events, times an location visit www.hamburgerfestival.com

Community Lunch (7/12)

Saturday, July 12th 2008

To celebrate summer and a sense of community, join the residents of Rocky River at the annual "River Days, Taste of River Fest." The event will be a fun and enjoyable way for visitors to taste samples from area restaurants. Some of the food vendors that will be participating range from the new Sweet Melissa's to Linden Tavern, from Camille's Sidewalk Cafe to Chick-Fil-A. For dessert don't miss the second annual apple pie baking contest.

Tickets will be on hand to purchase for the various food vendors, a great destination for lunch! The event will take place at the Don Umerley Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd. Rocky River) From noon until 3:00pm. For additional information call the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce call 440.331.1140.