Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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

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Monday, September 29, 2008

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

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Sharp Opening (10/03)

Friday, OCtober 3rd, 2008

Get ready for the most exciting exhibition that Artchitecture Gallery has ever had! Chicago based artist (and vandal) Matthew Ryan Sharp will exhibit this Friday.

With 85 works of art on display for your viewing pleasure, this is one exhibition that should not be missed. The show is titled, The Approachable Darkness; An assemblage of the last year’s work by Matthew Ryan Sharp. Opening reception 7-10 pm Friday. Exhibition on view through November.



AG is committed to exposing the raw talent of artists hidden within the urban sprawl. Showcasing contemporary works commonly reserved for underpasses and railways, storage spaces and hideaways, we present today and tomorrow's brightest stars. AG hopes to bridge the gap between the underground and fine art communities by bringing these choice artists into a gallery setting to be viewed and admired by all. These talents bring to the public a forbidden fruit; buried treasure ripe for the picking. They aspire to arouse our city's senses and feed it's appetence.

Artchitecture Gallery is located at the corner of East 40th Street and Payne Avenue, in Cleveland's Midtown arts district. For more information on the opening night (and after-party at Lava Lounge!) visit www.artchitecturegallery.com

Saturday, September 27, 2008

'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.

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Friday, September 26, 2008

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

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Thursday, September 25, 2008

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.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Early at Arabica

Since I have declared the first week of fall, as my week of coffee exploration I was up and out early this morning.

With plans to meet a girlfriend for brainstorming and coffee, we chose a place that was half way between both of our homes and met at Arabica on Detroit and 116th.

As I crept into the store, the windows gave off a welcoming glow. Not yet light out, the pastry case gleamed with excitement for a new day. I ordered a skim vanilla latte which came to me in a tall glass mug (fancy!) and a white chocolate cranberry scone. The latte was very hot, the steam warmed my face as I insisted on burning my tongue for the first few sips. The scone was fresh, unlike any of the bakery sweets from the national coffee house names, it was rich with butter and tasted just-made.
I would have shared some scone with you, but it was gone in a heartbeat!

I would deffinatley recommend this Arabica location (look at last weeks posts for a review of the University Heights location) as a place to bring your laptop, your magazine and order breakfast before strolling into the office. My morning there was pleasant a wonderful way to kick off a Tuesday.

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Monday, September 22, 2008

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)

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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

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Friday, September 19, 2008

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! :)

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Tremont Arts (9/20-21)

Saturday, September 20th-21st, 2008

This weekend marks the 10th Annual Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival in Lincoln Park. The festival is such a great end of summer event. Stop by on Saturday from 11-6 or Sunday from 12-5. There are over 120 participants this year, including, artists, community groups, fabulous food and entertainment. Sponsored by Target...you know it MUST be great. If it is a cool fall weekend afternoon, this would be a great festival to grab you bike and ride around at! :)

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Chalk Festival (9/20-21)

Saturday & Sunday, September 20th & 21st, 2008

In 16th-century Italy, beggars, using chalk on the plazas outside cathedrals, copied paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries. With these street painters, called I Madonnari (painters of the Madonna), an artistic tradition was born. Today I Madonnari festivals are held annually in Europe, Africa, and the United States. Our festival brings this Renaissance tradition to Cleveland. Enjoy chalk artists and entertainment at no charge at the Cleveland Museum of Art.



Featured Chalk Artists are Story Lee Cadiz, Mark Jenks, George Kozmon, Wendy Mahon, Debra Sue Solecki, Rafael Valdivieso, Robin VanLear

You too can chalk your own pictures large square and 24-color box of chalk: $16 each, small square and 12-color box of chalk: $8 each Children under 15 must be accompanied by supervising adults.

For more information visit www.clemusart.com

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Speaking Art (9/18)

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Come Join the AIGA Cleveland and Pop Up City as the present an evening with Arthouse Denver's, Marty Gregg.

As an influential member of the Denver design community since 1983, ArtHouse brings its imaginative, practical brand of design to all their clients. The ArtHouse portfolio is best experienced as a trip through Denver and the West, from a world-renowned art museum, to your favorite coffee shop, to an aerospace visitors center. The higher goal, however, is to make cities a better place to eat, shop, work, and live. ArtHouse has worked with the Denver Art Museum, The Denver Parks and Recreation, and Vail Cascade Resort and Spa.

One of the presenting sponsors-Pop Up City; supports temporary events and installations that occupy vacant buildings and activate vacant land around the city. They are thrilled to help each of us discover the Near West Lofts located at 6710 Detroit Ave. Cleveland OH 44102.

This should be an inspiring collection of stories, experiences and ideas. Designers, artists or those of us interested in how we can shake up Cleveland's art presence, please attend. I can't wait to hear Mr. Gregg speak. See you there.

6-9pm. For more information visit www.aigacleveland.org

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Hip Hop Awards (9/20)


Saturday, September 20th, 2008

This years show date is set! Join the best hip hop music artists from across the state at the Convention Center Music Hall. The red carpet entrance begins at 5pm while the show will kick off at 7pm. Performances currently include Billfold ENT, CJ, Copywrite, Lennon John, Pandemik Records and many special celebrity guest appearances. If you can't get a ticket, ride your bike or your board around and check out the attendees fashions, you are in for a treat.

To vote for you favorite Ohio artist, or just to check out the nominations visit www.ohiohiphopawards.com

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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

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Monday, September 15, 2008

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

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Back to Coffee

It's back to school season and what better time to hit the local java joint then a late night group project or exam paper caffeine boost?

When I head East I try and make it a point to swing by the Arabica. Tucked into a tree-lined street, this University Circle location is housed in an old mansion and offers patio seating, live music, a fireplace and the kind of cozy nooks that all coffee conversationalists crave. The java falls somewhere between the sting of Starbucks and the caress of Denny's--offering a slightly bitter but consistent cup of coffee. The staff is friendly and fun but remember to bring cash, no cc's welcome. Also noteworthy is the selection and quality of teas and the chocolaty hot chocolates, available in white and dark.



Next time you feel like sneaking away to higher learning, grab your laptop and surround yourself with the students of Case, CIA, CIM and more! It is a wonderful place to meet a client or an old friend. A little tip? Their iced cappuccino's are delish.

Arabica Coffee House University Circle 11300 Juniper Rd. Cleveland, OH 44106 (216) 791-0300

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In Search of....

....A Midnight Kiss.

Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a twenty-nine-year old guy who has just had the worst year of his life, is new to Los Angeles, has no date, no concrete plans and every intention of locking the doors and forgetting the last year ever happened. That is until his best friend, Jacob (Brian McGuire), browbeats him into posting a personal ad on Craig’s List.

When Vivian (Sara Simmonds), a strong-willed woman hell bent on being with the right guy at the stroke of midnight responds, a chaotic, sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching journey through the black and white streets of L.A. begins. In the waning hours of the year, emotional vulnerability and bitterly honest humor seem to be waiting around every corner.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss is directed by award-winning comic filmmaker, Alex Holdridge, whose last film, SEXLESS, is the only movie to have won both the Jury and Audience Award for best feature film at the SXSW film festival (2003). The veteran art house producer, Anne Walker, (Before Sunrise, Dazed and Confused) is Executive Producer.



For movie trailers visit www.midnightkissmovie.com for local showtimes visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

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Friday, September 12, 2008

Go Browns! (9/14)

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

All I can say is GO BROWNS!*



Kick off begins at 8:15pm. www.clevelandbrowns.com

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MOCA Fall Kick Off (9/12)

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Come experience the sculpture work of artist Jorge Pardo. His work is bright, bold and playful, it is simply a joy to experience.

Along with the gallery exhibit opening, Jorge Pardo and Bonnie Clearwater will reflect upon Pardos' work. This talk will begin at 6pm. As the night temps drop, and the lecture comes to a close, DJ Neil Chastain will be mixing up the dance beat with a touch of live Conga drums. Super hot! So put your dancing shoes on and plan to drop a move or two. The evening will be topped off with stilt walkers and other fun surprises. Plus…MOCA Family Art Studio returns after a successful summer debut. The festivities will wrap at around 10pm



FREE and open to the public. For more information about the artists visit www.jorgepardosculpture.com for directions and more info about MOCA Cleveland visit www.mocacleveland.org

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Thursday, September 11, 2008

Apple Opening (9/13)

Saturday, September 13th, 2008

Come to the new Apple Store, Crocker Park, and bring your curiosity. It's the place to test-drive any Mac or iPod, experience iPhone, and catch free workshops to learn all the latest tips and tricks. When you get there, find the Concierge in the orange shirt. The Concierge is your guide to everything from checking in for an appointment to instant checkout. And if you're one of the first 1000 visitors, you'll get a free Apple T-shirt.*



The party gets started at 10:00am. For directions and additional information on the exciting Grand Opening Celebration visit www.crockerpark.com

(*Lines will form beginning at 5pm on Friday September 12 at 267 Crocker Park Blvd in front of the new location.)

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Race to the CURE (9/13)

Saturday, September 13th, 2008.

Put your pink on and lace up those shoe strings...it's time to race for a cure. The 15th Annual Race is this weekend at Malls B and C in downtown Cleveland. Join in for the Survivor Ceremony at 8 am and the competitive Race at 9:15 am.

There is still time to register, Friday afternoon (12-6pm) take a ride over to Tower City where the Komen foundation will have registration availble to all.

I look forward to seeing everyone for the annual 5K race and lots of fun.

For more information on the race or the foundation visit www.komenneohio.org

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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Labor & Industry (9/12)

Friday, September 12th, 2008

The Second Annual Labor and Industry Show Opens at the Asterisk Gallery this Friday. The show is supported by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. Labor & Industry returns for Tremont's Art Walk and will showcase works of local artists based on the themes of Labor & Industry through a variety of mediums, photography, painting, sculpture and film.

For 2008, Ohio Canal Corridor looks to enhance "Labor & Industry" by expanding the offerings in a larger venue in Tremont - the Asterisk Gallery. The idea is to continue to associate the exhibit with Labor Day and use Tremont's current position as a destination Art District for promotion.

Contributors: PHOTOGRAPHY * Munroe Copper, Roger Mastroianni, Dan Morgan, Western Reserve Fire Museum, Lou Muenz, Pedro Dell, Cleveland Memories POLITICAL INDUSTRIAL POP ART * Derek Hess JEWELRY * Brandon Holschuh BOOK SIGNING * "Steel Remembered" by Chris Dawson INDUSTRIAL DESIGN * Tribute to Viktor Schreckengost FILM + VIDEO * Historic footage of industry in Cleveland CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE * Stephen Yusko represented by William Busta Gallery TRADITIONAL BLACKSMITHING DEMO * Larry Chiverton SCULPTURE * Sam Mazzolla CONTEMPORARY PAINTING * Anthony Van Rooy MIXED MEDIA / MARITIME ARTIFACTS * Dana Depew INDUSTRIAL BEATS * DJ Adrian Bertolone

For more information visit www.ohiocanal.org or www.asteriskgallery.com

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Monday, September 8, 2008

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!

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Friday, September 5, 2008

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

A perfect way to spend a rainy friday night. Dinner at Lemon Grass for Thai and then off to Cedar Lee Theatre!

My pick for the evening...Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Two young American women, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) come to Barcelona for a summer holiday. Vicky is sensible and engaged to be married; Cristina is emotionally and sexually adventurous. In Barcelona, they're drawn into a series of unconventional romantic entanglements with Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), a charismatic painter, who is still involved with his tempestuous ex-wife Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz).

Set against the luscious Mediterranean sensuality of Barcelona, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is Woody Allen's funny and open-minded celebration of love in all its configurations.



Rated PG-13, 96 minutes For more movie info visit www.vickycristina-movie.com. For times and ticket information visit www.clevelandcinemas.com

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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Lakewood Home Tour (9/07)

September 7th, 2008

You can visit eight beautiful homes and historic buildings in Lakewood.

This year’s tour features eight beautiful and historic Lakewood structures, nominated by the community, including…
- A grand Georgian Revival with Victorian elements
- A charming Craftsman-style bungalow
- An eclectic Arts & Crafts bungalow
- A Clifton Park Italian Renaissance home
-The self-designed home of Joseph Marquard, of the locally-renowned Marquard Building Company
- A Waterford lakefront aerie with expansive vistas
- The lobby of the long-shuttered Hilliard Theater
- The Nicholson House, Lakewood’s oldest home


1-6pm. Tickets are just $15 and can be purchased at www.lakewoodhistorymuseumstore.com or one of our many retail outlets (Beck Center, First Federal, Geiger’s, Local Girl Gallery, Rozi’s, Geiger’s Store for Women, Mitchell Sotka, V Regalo/The Desk Set and Borders at the Promenade of Westlake.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Free Backstage Pass (9/06)

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Ever wanted to see where the magic happens? Where the lights come down on the house? Where the drama divas hang? Visit Playhouse Square for a free backstage tour!



Beginning at 10:00am, tours will depart every fifteen minutes from the State Theatre Lobby. Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include a 12-minute video before the walking portion of the tour begins. Plan to dress casually and with comfy shoes for walking. This tour is NOT handicapped or stroller accessible as it encompasses many of the historic backstage staircases, hallways and teeny dressing rooms.

If you can’t make it on the 6th, the tours are being offered on October 4th and November 1st. For more information on this behind-the-scenes event, visit www,playhousesquare.org

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Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Fall Must-Haves

It's September...have you started making your fall fashion "must-have" shopping list? After hours and hours of flipping through the monster issues of Vogue, Bazaar, the latest J.Crew fall catalog and scrolling through blog after blog, I have a small list of a few "would-love-to-have's." The list goes something like, a new white button down, a pair of gray knee-high boots, a soft cashmere crewneck sweater, turquoise patent leather pumps, a striped scarf to accessorize all my vintage coats and possibly a few funky "just-for-Saturday" sweaters.

So, a few years ago while strolling though Brooklyn I came across a great little store called Ohio Knitting Mills, funny...this store was the showroom to what was once a sweater factory located right here in Cleveland. Founded by Harry Stone in 1928, the Ohio Knitting Mills grew to become one of the country’s largest knitwear producers. It was at the center of Clevelands thriving garment industry producing knitwear for iconic department stores from Sears to Saks. After World War II, the Mill plucked samples of each style they produced and put them into storage.



Five decades later, the archive had grown into a vast collection of design artifacts, representing mainstream fashion from the classic 40’s, fab 50’s, swinging 60’s, and funky 70’s. The little store had opened this time capsule to sell the collection of perfectly preserved fashions and I had stumbled upon it. Over the last few years the knits were taken online so that everyone worldwide can own a piece of Cleveland history.

If I was to indulge myself this fall I would buy the Natural Wave Jacket made with 100% wool, the 3/4 sleeves and half-dome plastic buttons are delightful. AND the MMMM Scarf Sewn from an early 1970's knit fabric is super fun as well.

Take a peak and let me know if anything gets added to you "list." ...www.ohioknittingmills.com

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