A "Random" Thursday

In case you haven't been to Random...it's right off Mayfield Road in Little Italy.
I couldn't resist!

another BEST Sandwich

In this months Esquire Magazine they reported another "BEST Sandwich in America" resides in Lakewood, OH.

A grilled cheddar-cheese sandwich with potato-and-cheese pierogies, napa-vodka sauerkraut and onion.....called the Parmageddon is a masterpiece of Melt Bar & Grill.

As summer rears it's little head get to "The Melt" early for a seat on their patio, but more importantly for one of the many grilled cheese masterpieces! To see the entire menu visit www.meltbarandgrilled.com

Did You Know?

Case Western Reserve University researchers are studying a strain of "super mice" to understand the effects of extreme exercise on human disease and aging. Amped up on 100 times the normal amount of blood-sugar enzyme, these rodents ran 3.7 miles (.13 is typical) and females gave birth until age 2.5 – that’s the equivalent of age 70 for us human women folk! Go extreme exercise. :)

Who knows what is going on over at Case...but that is one crazy stat...

- found in the April Issue of Glamour Magazine

"Free" Hermes

Good morning Cleveland!

After a a long weekend of milling around Northeast Ohio I have to tell you I love this place (like you didn't know already). Coffee frozen yogurt from Mitchell's, dancing at the annual Greek Festival, good wine with good tunes at Brother Lounge, running down to the new boardwalk at Lakewood Park (to work off the ice cream & wine), Gallucci's, and more.

However, as I was going through piles of "must -read" magazine subscriptions, I realized what we are lacking in is high end shopping opportunities. Why don't we have a cute little Kate Spade boutique for the latest in bright hued totes, shoes & paper? How about a MOMA Design Store to pick up the best in designer posters, note cards or calenders? Or even better; I think we need a Hermès store to go and drool over the infamous patterned scarves complete with bright orange box! Not that I am going to run right out and buy one of each, but it always nice to window shop and dream, right? I digress...



While I can't whip up the retail market in Cleveland, I can let you in on a little secret...you too can get a FREE Hermès Kelly Bag (watch out Katie Holmes) right here in Cleveland. Visit http://lesailes.hermes.com/na/en/ Print out the pattern, fold along the lines, decorate, and voila: your own iconic Kelly bag....right here in Cleveland.

Who needs a store....when you can have a PDF? :)

Volunteer for Cleveland

Applications for the 2008-2009 Junior League of Cleveland are being accepted until June 1st; ladies..get yours in today!

The Junior League of Cleveland, Inc. is a group of women volunteers dedicated to community change. The group is composed of diverse, creative, compassionate, and action oriented women who are committed to promoting the League's mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Our members have varying backgrounds and interests and share a commitment to volunteering.

The JLC's main projects include: Done in a Day, Girls Make Great Leaders, Kids & Seniors, and Touch a Life. The Sustainer Members of The JLC also have a project they're involved in called Reading is Fun.

If you are interested in becoming part of this strong Cleveland organization, visit www.jlcleveland.org or contact Lindsay Pollock, next year's provisional coordinator, at advisor@jlcleveland.org.

Rachel Roberts (5/24)

Saturday, May 24th 2008

A little bit of rock and roll...a little bit of funk, all rolled into one chic package. That's what you get when you hear Rachel Roberts sing her heart out this weekend at Brother's Lounge on the mainstage.

Rachel has a full summer schedule including performing at the Lakewood Arts Festival (Aug. 2nd); she is a deffinate "one-to-watch." Plus if you have not had a chance to visit "brothers," this would be a great opportunity!

Show kicks off around 10pm on the Musica Hall Main Stage; $5

Quote.

"A city is like a person; to succeed it must maintain it's identity."

- The City of Boston Architect; name unknown

Although not from Cleveland, I think this quote stands true to our fair city.
Enjoy!

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

Blueberry Nights Opens (5/23)

Friday May 23rd, 2008

The vibrant colors, rich soundtrack and inspiring scenery make My Blueberry Nights a total Memorial Day Weekend MUST SEE.



My Blueberry Nights is a 2007 film directed by Wong Kar Wai, starring Norah Jones and Jude Law. It also features Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman, David Strathairn and Cat Power. The director describes it as "a story of a woman who takes the long route instead of the short one to meet up with the man she loves." It is Wong's first film in English and was the opening film for the 2007 Cannes Film Festival last May.

Being a fan of all three actors; Portman, Jones and the oh so beautiful Jude Law this film will be a delight to the senses. Add it to your holiday weekend plans. It's playing at Cedar Lee theatre. For times and tickets visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

Direct to Paris (5/22)

Pack your bags...this week Cleveland is about to launch internationally!

Cleveland is getting a non-stop flight to Paris France courtesy of Continental Airlines. Continental's daily flight from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Charles de Gaulle International Airport last approximately 7 hours, but will be so well worth it.

Just think, you could hop on the Saturday flight, grab some good Parisian wine, cheese and macaroons and be back just in time for an Indians game Sunday afternoon. Hey, I can keep dreaming. :)

For schedules & ticket pricing visit www.continental.com

Tour Ohio City (5/18)

Sunday May 18th, 2008

Spend the day exploring the historic area know to us as Ohio City. This years lucky "tourgoers" will find an amazing array of over eight diverse housing options-including new and renovated apartments/townhouses, stunning new single-family homes, and meticulously restored historic homes.

The Home Tour starts at the ticket booth, which is located at Market Square Park at the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue, just across the street from the West Side Market. 10:00am-4:00pm. Guests can take advantage of ample free parking in the lot behind the Market off Lorain Avenue and ride Lolly the Trolley from stop to stop. Tickets are $18 day of the event.



For more information visit www.ohiocity.com/hometour/hometour0.html

Asian Market

On a recent lunch excursion to #1 Pho (3120 Superior Ave), I couldn’t help but notice the large “Grand Opening” signs plastered along East 30th for the opening of “Park and Shop” a new Asian Market in Downtown Cleveland. As we sat and ate I couldn’t stop thinking of the new grocery store, so we had to stop in on our way back to the office and explore the vibrant, oh so delicate packaging designs.

As we pulled into the parking lot a few things automatically made this new find a complete “gem”...I mean what other grocery store would welcome your arrival with concrete Foo Dogs (Imperial Dragons) at the front door?



The store was brightly lit and clean with the faint sounds of eighties American pop music in the air. The staff was excited to have visitors and we were even more thrilled to explore.

With no intentions of shopping (I should know better), I discovered an assortment of ginger candies, lemon wafer cookies, pastel hard candies, and salted pumpkin seeds, all wrapped individually and with layers upon layers of design details. As we explored the entire store, including the boundless rows of noodles, rice papers and teas, we discovered more and more things we "needed." This was just a quick pit stop on our way back to the office...but I MUST go back soon for a big grocery shopping trip.



Take time out from the usual stores such as Heinens and Giant Eagle and go out of your way to explore this new market, it will most definite excite your senses! :)

Park & Shop. 1580 East 30th. Cleveland

Burning Girls! (5/17)

Saturday May 17th, 2008

Get your tickets today for the second HOT match-up of Burning River Roller Girls!

The Roller Girls are Cleveland’s first all-female, skater-owned, flat-track derby league. The women follow the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) rules and regulations, including how bouts are run, the size of the track, the equipment, and so forth.



Doors open @ 5pm. Racing begins @ 6pm. Bout 1: Cleveland Steamers V Hard Knockers Bout 2 : Hellbombers V Rolling Pin Ups $10 Advance, $15 Day of (A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.) Children under 6 years old free. For more information visit www.burningriverrollergirls.com Good luck ladies!

Silver Spoons (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Don't miss one of Cleveland’s most premier and highly anticipated events, the 14th Annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party, featuring over 20 of Northeast Ohio's Silver Spoon award-winning restaurants. Proceeds will benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Northeast Ohio.

> Sample cuisine from over 20 Silver Spoon award-winning restaurants, as featured in the May issue of Cleveland Magazine.
> International vintners pour several of the most delicious wines in the world.
> Spectacular silent auction items, including a hot air ballon ride for two and a stay in a 10,000 sq/ft tropical Mexican Villa that sleeps 12 and includes a pool and full servant service.
> The Private VIP Martini Lounge will be separate from the main event with a unique “see and be seen” vibe. The swanky space will feature signature Ketel One pomegranate and espresso martinis, live jazz entertainment and exclusive cuisine, all of which can be experienced only in this area of the party.

6-9 p.m. InterContinental Hotel 9801 Carnegie Ave., Downtown Cleveland.
For more information visit www.clevelandmagazine.com/ME2/Sites/Default.asp

Free ICED coffee! (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th 2008

Tomorrow is free iced coffee day at Dunkin Donuts, although it may be a bit chilly for "iced," (hi of 60 this weekend) wear your sweater and don't miss out!

Between 10-10. Enjoy! www.dunkindonuts.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!

UK Tunes (5/15)

Wednesday May 15th, 2008

“When I started making records,” David Ford grins, “I said I wanted them to be emotionally fraught processes, like I’d survived a war. Now I can safely say, I want to make a really easy one!” And he grins again. Or was that a grimace?

Nobody said it was going to be easy but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Songs For The Road (released in March 2008 on Original Signal Recordings), Ford’s successor to his 2006 debut I Sincerely Apologise For All The Trouble I’ve Caused (Columbia), is so good it’s worth all the pain. It’s another deftly contained nine-song package, short in time (running at 37 minutes) but epic in content. All human emotions are here – fear and loathing, love and loneliness, anxiety and release – creating a record radiating resilience and hope even if it ends with “probably the saddest song I’ve ever written.”



If you can squeeze in the concert amidst the Cavs madness...do so! 8pm at the House of Blues. For more information on David visit www.originalsignalrecordings.com or for tickets visit www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland

a "Lab" Opening (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

The Vanity Lab - Salon & Spa welcomes you (and your chic friends) to their grand opening affair. Stop by and check out the new place...complete with wine and beer provided by JW Dover (the winery & brewery downstairs). From what I hear it has a very unique pedicure bench area, can't wait!

7-9pm 24945 Detroit Road (between Clague & Columbia on the south side of the street) Westlake OH
call 440.835.4490 or visit www.vanitylab.com for more information

Sushi in the Garden (5/14)

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

“Zensai” means “entry garden.” In this spirit of welcoming, we invite you to bask in the sophistication and pristine beauty of Japanese horticulture when Cleveland Botanical Garden presents Zensai: The Horticulture of Japan through June 29.

In no way is Japan's rich heritage more evident than its horticulture, and no time is better than spring to admire the Japanese horticultural tradition in all its splendor. Among the beautiful and serene expressions of Japanese horticulture on display will be the Garden’s own permanent Japanese Garden, a Cleveland treasure since 1975 (as old as I am!).

This week, visit the gardens as the Marchetti Company will offer tastings of sake and plum wine from Japan and California along with an assortment of Sushi to choose from.



Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle : 11030 East Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 44106 For more information about this event call 216.721.1600 or visit www.cbgarden.org

Bicycle Week (5/10-18)

“I thought of that while riding my bike.” - Albert Einstein, on the theory of relativity

Numerous Cleveland organizations are coming together to shine the spotlight on bicycles! There will be tons of activities like Bike Imitates Art Gallery Show, Bike to RiverSweep, Every Saturday Social Ride, Bike To Work, Discover Mtn Biking in The City, Bike Slavic Village, Bicycle Movies Night, Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, a full-day conference and more!

30 riders who bike to work during Cleveland Bicycle Week will receive a different bicycle accessory each morning courtesy of NOACA! At the end of the week, a person could potentially accumulate a free headlight, taillight, mirror, pump, lock and seatpack with a total value of $110.

For day to day details, visit www.clevelandbicycleweek.org

Sweets on the Hill

A trip to Presti's Bakery in Little Italy was such a great way to kick off the weekend. From the artichoke pizza to the Italian cheesecake, the evening was filled with great sweets and even better cappuccino.

In 1903 Rose and Charles Presti Sr. opened Presti’s Bakery. As the business grew so did their family. In 1918, Charles Presti Jr. was born. He worked at the bakery from a young age, learning the trade from his parents. The bakery moved location a number of times before settling into the heart of Cleveland’s Little Italy on Mayfield Rd. in 1943.

At this time, Presti’s Bakery remains an integral part of Cleveland’s Little Italy. Michael, is the pastry chef and the fourth generation working at the bakery. They still use only the freshest ingredients with no preservatives to produce fine quality baked goods. Still made by hand with the same recipes and techniques originally created by Rose Presti.




Next time you feel like a cannoli or gelato...head east to Presti's (www.prestisbakery.com). 12101 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland, OH 216.421.3060

Rock Party (5/10)

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

Patty Smyth (Scandal), Rob Parissi (Wild Cherry), the Sugarhill Gang, Lou Gramm (Foreigner) and others are gonna rock Public Hall with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum's 7th Annual "It's Only Rock and Roll" Benefit, and you can get special $15 balcony tix. It's all for a great cause -- proceeds benefit the Museum's educational programs and ticket buyers have a shot at winning 2009 Induction tix and an Inductee Summer Concert Package. Sweet!

The night kicks off at 6pm. For more tickets and additional information visit www.rockhall.com/support/gala.

Sock Be Gone (5/08)

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

Every year on May 8th No Socks Day is a day to free your toes of the confines of socks and stocking. Give those toes of yours a breath of fresh air. The creators of this day also profess that No Socks Day will reduce your laundry load, and therefore, is healthy for the environment.



It's easy to participate in No Socks Day. Just leave your socks and stocking off, and let your toes enjoy a moment in the sun! Note: While washing your feet prior to participating in No Socks Day is a requirement, painting your toe nails is completely optional. :)

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! :)

Oh Karl... (5/09)

Friday, May 9th, 2008

Rodolphe Marconi’s new documentary on Karl Lagerfeld, “Lagerfeld Confidential,” has generated a lot of interest for his candor in interviewing Mr. Lagerfeld about his sexuality and his reputation for being cruelly unsentimental in ending relationships of which he has tired.

“Usually when people are 70 years old with a lot of money, a career and celebrity, they stay at home with a bodyguard in a beautiful house with a swimming pool,” Mr. Marconi said. “But Karl is always in danger. He is all the time alive, curious. For me, curiosity is intelligence.”



The documentary also features, Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, and Baz Luhrmann. Celebrate Fashion Week Cleveland with this new documentary about the legendary fashion designer, “the haughty high priest of haute couture” according to the BBC. The film takes a revealing peek under the white ponytail and behind the thick shades to reveal an imperious jet-setter who loves books, cinema, and the visual arts as much as his creations for Chanel. (France, 2007, color, subtitles, 35mm, 89 min.)

Be there! 7 pm. For tickets and additional information visit www.clevelandart.org

Rise Up! (5/06)

Tuesday May 6th, 2008

Tonight is the time to support your Cleveland Cavaliers as they play the Boston Celtics, at Boston. Enjoy these shots from the other nights home game.



For upcoming schedules, stats and player information visit www.nba.com/cavaliers/index_main.html

Celebrate Cinco (5/05)

Monday, May 5th, 2008

Olé! Happy Cinco de Mayo! (Spanish for "5th of May") The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

Although today is THE day to celebrate...there are so many great Mexican food choices around town, you should take the week and celebrate.



Nuevo Acapulco (www.nuevoacapulco.com)
Winner of the 2003 Best Margaritas by Citysearch of Cleveland, this local watering hole will be open late tonight to handle the festivities. With specials on drinks, including the Mango Scarlet Orange Margarita, it is sure to be a wild fiesta. Personally, I love the classic Mexican breakfast, Huevos Rancheros! Get there early, happy hour is from 4-7pm.

Villa y Zapata (www.villayzapata.com)
Looking to explore the heart of the city, visit this authentic family-owned eatery. The margaritas are bright green and the salsa is hot! Scene Magazine has voted them Best Chiles Rellenos in town, so go and try. There might be a line, but the parking lot is always buzzing with folks, great for people watching!

Luchitas (www.luchita.com)
In 1981, Luchita Galindo decided to follow her dream of opening her own business. After years of hard work and perseverance, she and her son Jorge Galindo opened the doors to a small Mexican restaurant on the Westside of Cleveland; their restaurant is Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant. Now with multiple locations around Northeast Ohio, this Mexican favorite will be hopping all week.

El Tango Taqueria
Hungry people, looking to celebrate take note- the food here is tasty, affordable and authentic. Large flour-tortilla burritos are stuffed with choice of meat, chicken, pork, fish or veggies. There's delicious tamale pie con pollo, a daily soup and specials. The wholesome chicken-lime-veggie soup is a meal in itself. BYOB! Located next door to Lakewood High School Field on Madison Ave.

Paladar Kitchen (www.paladarlatinkitchen.com)
The happy hour is offered from 4-7pm in the bar area. Choose from $5 Mojitos & Margaritas, $3 Latin Beer Specials and happy hour portions for under $5. Viva Paladar!

Chipoltle (www.chipotle.com)
For those of us on the run, pull up to your local Chipotle for chips, guac and a corona, or two!

If you have a favorite that I have missed, please feel free to post and spread the word.

Allison Moore (5/07)

Wednesday May 7th, 2008

When Allison Moorer (www.allisonmoorer.com) decided to make a record of other people's songs, you know she wasn't just going to grab a handful of whatever and set her slow burning alto to them like a low flame to dry twigs. No, the woman whose very first single was nominated for an Academy Award, whose albums have been marked by an artistic restlessness and passion and whose willingness to expose her deepest truths has yielded some of pop music's subtlest, but most enduring treasures wanted to do something special - and in looking around the vastness of American music, she realized how much of the glory of women songwriters was overlooked and oversimplified.



Allison Moorer (recently live on Jay Leno) will open for Steve Earle, one of the most influential country-rock stars of the 1980s and 90s. Show starts at 8pm. For tickets call the Playhouse Square box office at 216.241.6000 or visit www.playhousesquare.com

Cleveland Speaks

Have you noticed the new "words on the street"? The other night in the parking lot I was captivated by one and had to know more...



“The Mind of Cleveland” is a public conversation in billboard/poster form, a conceptual town meeting where everyone has the opportunity to be heard publicly. The project employs modes of communication common in urban spaces, such as billboards, letterpress posters and the Internet. With the use of public signage, the thoughts, feelings and wishes of Cleveland residents are displayed.

Next time you see one of these bold, dynamic statement on the street, stop and think, how cool is it that we live in a region, in a country for that matter where people thoughts and opinions are not only heard but made public for all to read.

For more about this project, visit www.themindofcleveland.com

Sweet Rain (5/03)

Saturday May 3rd, 2008

Rain, sweet rain. On day three of this Cleveland downpour, take a moment and embrace the drenching outdoors and venture into the city. It's the perfect excuse to grab that favorite umbrella and those wellies you had to buy for those big spring puddles.

This morning after swimming, I needed to go downtown to pick up some things for work, so I decided instead of taking the highway to slowly venture down Detroit and investigate what new and exciting things were happening in that part of town....minus my wellies.

With a quick pit stop at Gypsy Bean Bakery (the skinny Londoner latte rocks!) I was ready to explore. The rain really does make the city look like a set from a movie. The clouds hovering over Terminal Tower and the monumental "BP" Building looking as if they are here to stay forever. As I crept through the sleepy quiet city, I wanted to make sure I reminded everyone what a great place we live in, sunny AND rainy. The bridges, the architecture, the sports (GO CAVS!) the small businesses cropping up around us is what makes Cleveland a force to be reckoned with.



Today, as most of you will be tempted to stay under the covers, all dry and warm, I challenge you to get outside and discover an area of town you may not travel to daily. I look forward to some great stories from everyone. Try and stay dry, although a little water has never killed anyone. :)

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

Happy May Day (5/01)

Thursday May 1st, 2008

May Day is celebrated in many places around the world. The traditions and stories surrounding May Day vary from place to place. There is, however, one thing that is similar in most celebrations - the use of Flowers!

One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of spring flowers and/or other small gifts on a neighbor's doorknob. The trick is you don't want the neighbor to see you BUT, if you get caught you are supposed to get a kiss. :)

Although this image isn't of flowers or springtime charm, it reminded me of May first and the excitement of summerTIME. Hope you have a happy May Day and enjoy this funky photo.