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! :)

made in the 216 (11/7-8)

Friday, November 7th, 2008

By now most of you are probablly aware that THIS Friday (& Saturday) marks the second "Made in the 216" event presented by Room Service and the ever-so-creative; Danielle! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend THIS is the event for you. Not only will there be shopping, but I bet you bump into a few friends you haven't seen in awhile, plus there will be a few yummy munchies on the scene too, don't miss it.



For two days only, Room Service will be showcasing 18 different Cleveland-based designers offering a wide range of items from menswear to women's jewelry & handbags to household and children's goods and more (think early holiday shopping). Along with many new designers participating in this 216 event, local favorites that Room Service carries year-round will be introducing new designs for the show as well.

For more information visit www.roomservicecleveland.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

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

"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

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

Fall Yard Sale (9/18)

Thursday, September 18th 2008

Calling all discount divas...Don't miss the sale of the season!



As we cleaned out our closets (to make space for fall finds) we discovered true treasures to share with you. The sale includes sassy clothes and accessories as well as home decor, kitchenware, small furniture and more! This will be one sale you will want to grab your best pals and come explore.

8:00am-2:00pm. 1669 Marlowe Ave. Lakewood OH

Larchmere Festival (6/28)

Saturday, June 28th 2008

This Saturday if you can dodge the predicted rain and thunderstorms make your way over to Larchmere Blvd in Shaker Heights for an old-time street festival. This fest comes complete with an antique & flea sale, unique food from area vendors, local music and the famed Euclid Beach Rocket Car PLUS special sales by the Larchmere merchants.

From junk to jewels and kitsch to collectible! A distinguished sale of sundry and varietal goods ranging from the old, ordinary and useful to the sublime, cool and collectible. Don't miss out..perhaps I could get more buttons to add to my collection...or teapots...or white pottery...I bet they will have great stuff!

Larchmere Boulevard will not be closed to traffic, so you'll be able to park on the boulevard itself, as well as various parking lots and sidestreets. In particular, three local parking lots will be available: the lot at LifeSkills on Larchmere and E. 121st St, the lot at Our Lady of Peace Church on Shaker Blvd at E. 126th St., and the parking lot at Fairhill Center at Fairhill and E. 119th St. All are in walking distance to the festivities on Larchmere, and the Euclid Beach Rocket Car can help with transportation between 1:00-4:00pm.

For a detailed Map, directions, and download the official event PDF at www.loganberrybooks.com/LMA-fleamarket.html

A Dinner Date

Fridays through August

"Date Night In the District" is the special promotion that's running in Cleveland's historic Warehouse District every Friday night through August. Restaurants - including Blue Point Grille, Brasa Grill, Cleveland Chophouse & Brewery, Crop Bistro & Bar (fresh & yummy!), D'Vine Wine Bar, Johnny's Downtown (fun & fancy!), John Q's Steakhouse, Mallorca, Nauti Mermaid (when you are feeling like a sailor), Sushi Rock, Waterstreet Grill and XO Prime Steaks -are each offering prix-fixe dinner-for-two promos.



Participating restaurants will offer at least one three-course prix-fixe menu throughout the promotion. Prices will range between $39 and $99 per couple. Number of courses and other details may differ, and prices typically will not include tax and tip. Find most of the menus and complete details on www.datenightinthedistrict.org

Made in the 216 (6/20)

Friday, June 20 2008

We as Clevelanders have a lot to be proud of. We just may not always realize it. A chic boutique in the Detroit Shoreway District called Room Service is hosting their inaugural bi-annual event highlighting a few of the reasons we have to be proud of ‘the 216’! I will definitely be skipping out of work early for this happening, I don't want to miss any great finds!

MADE IN THE 216 is not a traditional art opening. The genesis of this event was the idea that Cleveland shopping is lacking the clever and unique items found only in the hip neighborhoods of New York and Chicago. While Cleveland may still be lacking the shopping districts of those towns, that is only temporary. Five years ago when owner, Danielle DeBoe moved back from a four year hiatus in Los Angeles she says she “…had a really hard time shopping here”; well that has changed DRAMATICALLY over the past few years with the opening of several unique and interesting home, accessory and apparel boutiques throughout the near west and east sides of Cleveland and she has become very confident that the Detroit Shoreway will become the diverse Cleveland boutique shopping district that we all yearn for.

For this 2 day event Room Service Home will break down the traditional store merchandising scheme and create little ‘sub-shops’ dedicated to the aesthetic of CLEVELAND-BASED artists & designers whose products are just as unique, clever and well made as the items we travel to New York to find, but made right here in our hometown.



MADE IN THE 216 will be held on Friday June 20 from 4-9pm with a wine and cheese reception with the artists/designers and Saturday June 21 from 12-5pm. The artists/designers featured are: Small Screen Designs, BCTZ Cleveland, Little Korboose, Amy Derethik, Finley Handmade, [base] line, Sarah Jane Reidel, Buzz Buzz Designs, Satomi Jin, Hannah Verbeuren Photography, and Marian Made. Collectively, they make a wide weft of products from wall art and jewelry to baby onesies and hand-dyed vintage linens and quite a few things in between!

See you Friday at Room Service : 6505 Detroit Avenue ; Cleveland, OH 44102
216.281.4221 www.roomservicecleveland.com

art FUR animals (5/23)

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

The Friends of the City of Cleveland Kennel is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing the necessary medical & general care for the animals at the Cleveland Kennel in the hopes of giving them a second chance at a good life. Their mission is to provide the necessary medical & general care to the dogs & cats who need it; no animal should be denied that chance because of a lack of funds or help. As well as to raise awareness in the community by providing affordable training & other education to Cleveland residents.

Join them at The Galleria at Erieview (located at 1301 E 9‏th St # 3333, downtown) for an evening art auction and gala to celebrate Cleveland's pets! Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Limited edition custom designed ceramic dogs will also be for sale designed by over 20 talented Cleveland artists. Dozens of gallery quality art work up for bid in silent and live auctions. Delicious food & drinks. Music performances from Martini 5-0 & DJ Neil Chastain!



www.friendsofclevelandkennel.com

Brecksville Estate Sale (5/15)

Thursday May 15-17th, 2008

Yearning for the "big find" of the summer sale season? Don't miss what looks to be a great big estate sale in Brecksville. Grab you like-minded friends, call in sick and don't forget a pick up truck (to fill!) this house looks loaded with stuff. Everything from vintage shoes, hats, clothing, sewing, books, furntiture, lamps, kitchen gadets and more.

To view photos of the sale, for directions or for more upcoming sales visit www.anthemauction.com.

P.S it's not a sure thing, but usually on the last day of a sale (in this case the 17th) things go 1/2 price!

Apology PIzza (5/08)

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

In case you haven't heard by now....Papa John’s Pizza issued an apology to Cleveland and the Cavaliers for making T-shirts with LeBron James’ number and the word “crybaby” under it.

To apologize, Papa John’s will sell Cleveland residents a large, one-topping pizza for 23 cents TODAY. The 23 is an homage to James’ jersey number. The company also will donate $10,000 to the Cavaliers Youth Fund. The pizza chain’s T-shirts were featured during the Cavs’ games against the Wizards on Friday in Washington. Wizards fans taunted the Cavs, who won the payoff series that night in Game 6.



If you are still steamed by the t-shirt controversy...make sure to pay for that pie in all pennies! :)

A Day on the Farm (5/03)

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

Join Slow Food Northern Ohio (http://slowfoodnorthernohio.blogspot.com) at Morgan Farm as they celebrate spring and enjoy the season’s first farm-fresh foods. Located 67 miles southwest of Cleveland near Ashland, Ohio, Morgan Farm features ten acres of unspoiled Ohio farmland where you can enjoy a historic, art-filled 1866 farmhouse; mingle with goats, horses, pigs and heritage turkeys; and experience Ohio farm life. Spend an afternoon biking the countryside; browse local antique shops; and pick out spring flowers for mom at local greenhouses.



Saturday afternoon from 2-6 will include a barbeque, including locally made bratwurst & grass-fed burgers, spring slaw, local cheeses, crackers & snacks, and Amish sweets. Suggested Donation: Adults $10 ~ Kids $3 Reservations required. Local farmers will have pork, certified-organic beef, eggs, and fresh baked goods available for sale. From 5-8pm there will also be a large sunset campfire...Don't miss it!

To reserve your spot, please contact Kari at Slow Food Northern Ohio, 216.225.6311 or email: CAFECINQ@roadrunner.com.
Also, Morgan Farm is now booking 2008 farmstays, for more information call 917.586.5477 or visit www.morganfarmstudios.com

31 Cent Scoop (4/30)

Wednesday April 30th, 2008

Get your spring ice cream craving cured and bring your friends...Baskin-Robbins® is hosting 31 Cent Scoop Night in honor of America’s firefighters. Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities.



For more information and to find your closest location, visit www.baskinrobbins.com

Fancy Fish (3/14 & 21)

Friday March 14th & 21st, 2008

If you have always wanted to go, now is the time to make your reservation at Little Italy's Baricelli Inn. In celebration of Lent, the Inn offers a special "Go Fish" $22 pixe fixe menu featuring three delectable courses with your choice of starters, fresh fish entrees and dessert.

Make your reservation today! www.baricelli.com

A Margarita Deal

Every Tuesday Night

On this chilly, snowy Cleveland day, one can only think of fun ways to stay warm and embrace the winter weather outdoors! So, what better way to enjoy a day of snow than with a Margarita on the rocks with salt? Today's special...buy one Margarita, get one at half off at El Jalapenos on 117th (in the old Kluck's location) in Cleveland.

The restaurants large menu filled with many made-from-scratch mexican choices is sure to please all. As are the numerous refills of chips and homemade salsa from the excited wait staff. Tuesday's are always buzzing due to the popular drink specials so be ready for a fun crowd.



1313 W. 117th St Cleveland 216.226.9765

Tulip Lover (2/25)

I love tulips almost as much as I love Cleveland. To me they symbolize the freshness of spring and the beauty and grace of mother nature. This weekend I was in Heinens and purchased the most gorgeous, elegant bouquet of long-stemmed, french, yellow tulips to brighten my dinner party table.

Now I bet you are wondering why I am telling you this? Well, after a few weekend phone calls to friends (living out of state), the topic of "tulip season" came up. Do you know I purchased a dozen flowers for a whopping $5.99 while my friend in Manhattan paid $9.99 and my sister in Seattle paid $11.00? Now I understand the concept of "price is relevant"...but to all other North East Ohio tulip lovers it seems to me we have it made!



With this steal of a deal I plan to have fresh tulips around until mine actually pop out of the currently frozen Cleveland ground. Off to Heinens I go, won't you join me? :)

Make Your Reservation Now! (2/24-3/1)

On Sunday, February 24th through Saturday, March 1st, come downtown for the first ever Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week! Starting at 5:00pm every night until close, enjoy unique Cleveland dining for a great price at over 30 participating downtown restaurants. During this week only, you will enjoy a delicious three course meal (for $20 or $40 depending on location) and be able to park for just $2. Some of the participating restaurants are Crop Bistro, Johnny's Downtown, the Nauti Mermaid and Blue Point Grille, to name a few!

Following the meal you’ll have an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win dinner for a year in Downtown Cleveland! Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience dining downtown for a great price. You are encouraged to call early for reservations and identify yourself as a Restaurant Week diner -- tables will fill up fast!

http://www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/restaurant_week.asp

Home & Garden Show (2/09-10)

Saturday-Sunday, February 9th & 10th, 2008

If the cold weather is driving you a little batty head indoors this weekend for the 2008 Home & Garden Show. This years theme is "Bella Italia" and although I am not sure a trip to the IX Center can really replicate the streets of Rome and rolling hillsides of Tuscany, they really have given it their best shot. As a visitor to the show you will be transported to Europe's famous "boot" via vibrant flowers, stone statues, majestic fountains, cobblestone piazzas and Tuscan gardens.

Some of the weekends highlights include:
Saturday
~ Noon : An Eco-Fashion Show for Kids
~ 2:00 : Cooking a romantic Valentines dinner with Loretta Paganini
~ 4:00 : A Book Reading/Signing with Cleveland food writer, Laura Taxel

Sunday
~ 2:30 : Vegetable Gardening the Easy Way with the Cleveland Botanical Gardens
~ 7:00-8:00pm : Closing night plant SALE !

For show details (hours, ticket prices, schedules, etc.) visit www.homeandflower.com

Cheap Eats, Great Deals! (1/22)

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008

It´s Gift Certificate Sale Time Again! The Cleveland Independents discount gift certificate sale begins tomorrow morning. Log on early as the certificates sell out early. Choose from your favorite local independents (ex : 3 Birds, Flying Fig, Paladar) where $50 dollar gift certificates sell for $25, HALF PRICE!

Cleveland Independents exists to promote dining in independently owned restaurants and to serve the interests of the independent restaurateur. The purpose of the Cleveland Independents is to protect, nurture and promote independent restaurants in northeast Ohio.

Get psyched and be hungry!
www.clevelandindependents.com

Annual Fabric Sale (1/19-31st)

January 19th through the 31st

Thinking of recovering that old chair this winter? Save 15-70% off all sorts of plaids, paisleys and springtime fabrics at the Schindlers Fabric Annual Sale. 1000's of yards of fabric have just arrived in time to celebrate the stores 70th birthday. Don't miss the room upstairs filled with all sorts of discontinued quirky prints, it's my favorite!

Schindler's Fabrics, 9933 Lorain Ave. Cleveland OH 44102 216.281.8255 www.schindlersfabrics.cokm